How a Syrian War Criminal and Double Agent Disappeared in Europe

Ben Taub’s latest investigative report for the magazine. Plus: what Rod Dreher sees in Viktor Orbán; and productivity culture. View in browser | Update your preferences Monday, September 13, 2021 A Reporter at Large How a Syrian War Criminal and Double Agent Disappeared in Europe In the bloody civil war, Khaled al-Halabi switched sides. But what country does he really serve? By Ben Taub Annals of Inquiry What Rod Dreher Sees in Viktor Orbán For Dreher and other conservatives, Hungary has become a dark mirror for the American culture wars. By Benjamin Wallace-Wells Office Space The Frustration with Productivity Culture Why we’re so tired of optimizing our work lives, and what we should do about it. By Cal Newport The Sporting Scene Djokovic Finally Won the Crowd, but Daniil Medvedev Won the U.S. Open Medvedev’s victory felt like tennis thrusting itself toward a future of fresh champions. It’s time. By Gerald Marzorati Culture and More Pop Music Saint Etienne’s Nineties Nostalgia The band’s new album, “I’ve Been Trying to Tell You,” conjures the complexity of an era often romanticized as one of hope and optimism. By Hua Hsu The Front Row Ernst Lubitsch’s Most Underrated Sex Comedy Filmed in 1940, under the censorious Hays Code, “That Uncertain Feeling” nonetheless gets away with flagrantly inventive erotic allusions. By Richard Brody Books Briefly Noted “Matrix,” “Damnation Spring,” “Love Lockdown,” and “Freedomville.” Cover Story Barry Blitt’s “Learning Curve” The artist discusses his worst school memories and remote learning. By Françoise Mouly Humor and Games Name Drop Play Today’s Quiz The fewer clues you need, the more points you receive. By Liz Maynes-Aminzade Daily Shouts The Only Things Facebook Is Still Good for in 2021 Discovering which childhood friend unequivocally supports cops, and more. By Pia Mileaf-Patel and Spencer Roth-Rose Crossword A Challenging Puzzle Southern city with an onion museum: seven letters. By Elizabeth C. Gorski Daily Cartoon Monday, September 13th By Amy Hwang You’re receiving this e-mail because you signed up for The Daily from The New Yorker. Was this e-mail forwarded to you? Sign up. Unsubscribe | Manage your e-mail preferences | Send newsletter feedback | View our Privacy Policy Copyright © Condé Nast 2021. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.