Yochi, Zack, and special guest Alexia Underwood talk about the evolution of Syria’s civil war and how a conflict that once pitted Syrian against Syrian has now drawn in at least six outside countries. Just this past week, Israel carried out waves of airstrikes inside Syria, US troops battled Russian mercenaries, and Iranian operatives in Syria sent a drone into Israeli airspace — all signs of how this deadly war could continue to escalate. On Elsewhere, they discuss a high-level conference in the Middle East that highlighted America’s growing isolation and irrelevance under President Trump. Yochi gives a shout-out to Epcot Center, Zack boasts about the luxurious hotel where he spent the past week, and Alexia shows off her Arabic skills. ReferencesUN official says more than 1,000 civilians died in Syria in first week of FebruaryIran sends a drone on a mission in Isreali airspaceRussian contractors reportedly killed in attack on military base in Syria Further ReadingThe Economist explains gender budgetingIsrael’s Deepening Involvement with Syria’s RebelsA very helpful map explaining tension in Syria and the surrounding region  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices