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Hump day recommendations 11/08/2022

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Watch: “Fail Safe.” Imagine a film with a story eerily similar to Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove” … that is definitely not a comedy. “Fail Safe,” starring Henry Fonda and a resolutely unfunny Walter Matthau, directed by the great Sidney Lumet, had the bad luck of hitting the big screen in the same year (1964) as the iconic Strangelove. It’s still worth a look in this new era of nuclear paranoia and hotly contested presidential leadership. — Willis

Watch: The Stranger. When I was studying journalism in Melbourne, Australia, I interviewed a generous couple whose grandson, Daniel Morcombe, was tragically abducted and murdered in 2002 in Queensland. We pored over old letters and family albums, which gave me a sense for all that they’d lost. The story of the undercover police investigation to pin down Daniel’s killer has been turned into The Stranger, a new film streaming on Netflix. The film’s understated Aussie flair makes it that much more impactful. – Gabrielle

Listen: Foreign Desk’s Historical Series. For three weeks, Monocle’s podcast team is exploring big historical events, reporting them as if they were happening today. Rather than seeing with hindsight the significance of the USSR’s launch of Sputnik 1, reporters share only the information that was available at the time. Episode 2 takes us to the streets of Dublin for the 1916 Easter Rising, and this coming weekend Episode 3 heads all the way back to the Sack of Troy, wooden horse and all. — Tracy

Watch: "Becoming Champions." Did you know only eight countries — all from Europe and South America — have won the men's soccer World Cup? Check out this Netflix docu-series to learn more about the players and teams that made history while you count the days to kickoff in Qatar. — Carlos

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China puts Taiwan on an island
When US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in Beijing on Thursday, Taiwan will be top of Xi’s mind.But it’s not an invasion that he seeks, according to Ian Bremmer, at least not yet. What Xi wants, Ian explained in a recent episode of “ask ian,” is “for the Americans to change the status quo.” In other words, the Chinese [...]
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer giving a speech at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in Waterloo, London, on May 11, 2026.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer giving a speech at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in Waterloo, London, as he sets out the next steps he is taking in his plan to build a stronger, fairer Britain, on May 11, 2026.

PA via Reuters
UK’s Starmer tries to save his baconAfter the Labour Party’s disastrous performance in the local elections last Thursday, one that was fully expected, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is clinging onto his position by a thread. In a bid to shore up support, the PM delivered a “relaunch speech” in London on Monday morning, acknowledging voters’ desire [...]
Hard Number: US eyes Cuba, literally
Natalie Johnson
The US military is reportedly increasing surveillance missions over Cuba, mostly around the country’s two biggest cities, Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Flights of this ilk were previously rare in this area. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is reportedly growing impatient that the Cuban regime hasn’t fallen, despite a de facto US oil blockade on [...]
US-Iran ceasefire in doubt, Venezuelans adjust to a new normal, EU blocks funding for Chinese solar tech

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026.

REUTERS
Burst of violence tests Iran ceasefireBoth the United States and Iran accused the other of violating the truce on Thursday. The US said it thwarted attacks on three Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran accused the US of firing on an oil tanker attempting to pass a US blockade. But US President Donald Trump dismissed the exchanges as a [...]