ISIS and Kurdish forces fighting continues in Syria

After ISIS attacked a prison in Syria, freeing almost a hundred inmates, Kurdish forces and the Islamic State fighters battle for a third day. Also on the programme, Germany has remained surprisingly reticent in their approach to Russian aggression on the Ukraine border, refusing to send assistance to Ukraine and even barring some countries from sending German-made weapons. And, as Silvio Berlusconi drops out, the Italian presidential election gets under way on Monday. Will Mario Draghi succeed in his bid for a promotion?

To discuss these issues and more, Rebecca Kesby is joined by Cecile Alduy, professor of French literature and culture at Stanford University, and Oliver Bullough a British journalist and former correspondent in Russia.

(Photo: Syrian Kurdish people, who just fled their houses due the clashes with Islamic state group fighters (IS), arrive at Syria democratic forces (SDF) checkpoint at Ghweran district in Hasaka, northeastern Syria, 21 January 2022. EPA/AHMED MARDNLI)