Editor’s picks: September 5th 2019

<p>A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2019/09/05/syria-will-poison-the-region-for-years-to-come" target="_blank">President Assad</a> clings to power in Syria. (10:40) The <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2019/09/05/how-britains-staid-conservative-party-became-a-radical-insurgency" target="_blank">Conservatives</a> tightening embrace of populism has set up Britain for a dangerously polarised election. (15:20) And, Americans are paying more for their <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2019/09/07/why-americans-pay-more-for-lunch-than-britons-do" target="_blank">lobster</a> sandwiches</p> &#10;&nbsp;<br /><hr><p style='color: grey; font - size: 0.75em; '>See <a style='color: grey; ' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.</p>