Erstellt am: 7. 8. 2012 - 13:22 Uhr

With friends like Iran...

Reality Check: Syria's chaotic decline, and the new big brains that are likely to change the world

The Syrian government is playing down the significance of the defection of the Prime Minister, and is denying that other officials are also about to resign.

However, the words of the Syrian information minister have a hollow ring. With support for the rebels now pouring in, and coming from sources as diverse as the CIA and Al Qaeda, the writing must surely be on the wall for President Assad.

In fact, Assad's only friend at the moment seems to by Iran. Tehran says it's planning a conference aimed at solving the Syrian crisis - but, as the saying goes, with friends like Iran, you probably don't need enemies. It's hard to see how any involvement from Iran could possibly make things better.

As the regime crumbles, brick by brick, the concern on all sides is "what happens next". That in itself might be slowing down the process. Syrians who are no supporters of Assad in principle are reluctant to join the rebels for fear of what his fall might bring. With over a thousand highly trained and skilled jihadis among the rebels, and many other islamic extremists joining in, it seems likely they will want a slice of the pie when Assad is finally toppled.

Our security analyst, Paul Rogers, explains the forces and influences that are driving Syria's path.

Who's going to change the world?

Being smart is one thing, but what does it take to become a world mover and shaker? Well, contacts, for one thing! Riem Higazi reports on the list of 50 next generation brains that are likely to change the world.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.