{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/d556eb54-6160-4c85-95f4-47d9f5216c49/65096e1a268564001103cfbd?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Argo the sequel: America and Iran’s hostage deal","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/62e286a934d4d93d6587424a/1695116682110-385ee2fa155b695d76fba6c1b5d5993a.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>This is not the first time the Islamic Republic has taken foreigners <a href=\"https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/09/18/irans-6bn-hostage-deal-is-part-of-a-broader-diplomatic-strategy?utm_campaign=a.io&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&amp;utm_source=theintelligence&amp;utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&amp;utm_term=sa.listeners\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">hostage</a>. It’s proven an effective bargaining chip for decades and this time around, it has earned the state billions of dollars in unfrozen assets. Also, should you go for a <a href=\"https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2023/09/07/should-you-fix-your-mortgage-for-ever?utm_campaign=a.io&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&amp;utm_source=theintelligence&amp;utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&amp;utm_term=sa.listeners\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">forever-fixed mortgage</a> if you can (09:36)? And what an American chain restaurant says about the importance of <a href=\"https://www.economist.com/united-states/2023/09/07/where-do-americans-mingle?utm_campaign=a.io&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&amp;utm_source=theintelligence&amp;utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&amp;utm_term=sa.listeners\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">cross-class mixing</a> (15:15).</p><p><br></p><p><a href=\"http://www.economist.com/podcastsplus-intelligence\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ now</a> and get 50% off your subscription with our limited time offer. You will not be charged until Economist Podcasts+ launches.</p><p><br></p><p>Visit <a href=\"http://www.economist.com/podcastsplus-intelligence\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.economist.com/podcastsplus-intelligence</a> to join.</p><p><br></p><p>If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription.</p><p><br></p><p>For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our <a href=\"https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">FAQs page</a>.</p>","author_name":"The Economist"}