The view from Beirut on Israel’s deadly strikes. And: Hungary’s pivotal elections

The Briefing delivers a gripping global roundup on April 10, 2026, opening with the devastating Israeli strikes on Lebanon, where 100 attacks in under 10 minutes killed over 300 people—many civilians and children—in what Beirut correspondent Nada Makourant Atala describes as one of the deadliest days in Lebanon’s recent history. The strikes shattered hopes for a ceasefire, deepening trauma among 1.2 million displaced people and raising fears of a failed diplomatic path. Meanwhile, Hungary prepares for a pivotal election amid a tense political climate, with Paul Waldy reporting from Budapest on a fractured opposition movement, Viktor Orban’s increasingly authoritarian grip on media and institutions, and a campaign fueled by anti-Ukraine rhetoric. Despite polls suggesting a TISA victory, electoral manipulation and gerrymandering cast doubt on the outcome. In New York, Mayor Zoran Mamdani celebrates 100 days in office with high marks for crisis response during a historic blizzard, public embrace of his Muslim faith, and a surprising rapport with President Trump—achieving tangible wins on affordable housing and immigration. His focus on small, visible improvements like pothole repairs has energized public trust. The episode closes with Tom Webb previewing Monocle Radio’s live coverage from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, highlighting diplomacy, culture, and urban innovation across the UAE.