Gaza's health ministry is refusing to receive 88 unidentified bodies, sent by Israel. Authorities want to know who they are-- and how they died. So, is this another violation under international law? In this episode: Muhammad Shehada, Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor. Ahmed Al Naouq, Co-founder We Are Not Numbers. Mustafa Barghouti, Secretar…

World leaders meet at the United Nations as tensions in the Middle East are running high. There's consensus on the need to restore calm. But with no sign of the conflict abating, who is able to enforce a peaceful settlement? And can diplomacy really succeed? In this episode: Bassam Haddad, Founding Director, Middle East and Islamic Studies Program,…

Are Israel and Hezbollah on the verge of all-out war? The Israeli military assault in Lebanon is the most intense in decades. Benjamin Netanyahu wants to change the balance of power in the north. But can Israel achieve this by bombarding its neighbour? In this episode: Ayman Mhanna, Executive Director, Samir Kassir Foundation. Karim Makdisi, Associ…

It boasts about being the only democracy in the Middle East. Yet, Israel has relentlessly cracked down on press freedom, with Al Jazeera Network being a main target. Even Israeli media outlets are complaining about constant censorship. So what is Israel trying to hide? In this episode: Fatima Abdulkarim, Veteran Palestinian Journalist, Christian Sc…

Almost a year into its war on Gaza, Israel is fighting on multiple fronts. So far, it doesn't seem to have achieved any of its stated war goals. Does the military have a clear plan? Or is it solely intent on degrading its enemies' capabilities? In this episode: Daniel Levy, President, U.S./ Middle East Project. Meron Rapoport, Award-winning Israeli…

No refuge for enemies in Hezbollah strongholds. That's Israel's warning after bombing a residential suburb of Beirut. Dozens of people have been killed, including top commanders of the group. So what does this mean for Hezbollah and the region? In this episode: Nicholas Noe, Editor-in-chief, Mideastwire.com. Sami Nader, Director, Levant Institute f…

Donald Trump says he'll deport millions of undocumented immigrants if he's elected U.S. president in November. Kamala Harris argues reforms and tightened security are the solution. So, how will immigration shape the upcoming elections? In this episode: Arshad Hasan, Democratic Political Strategist and founder of Convey Communications. Alexandra Mil…

Hezbollah is weighing its options after two days of remote attacks targeted its members and civilians. Israel has not commented on the explosions - but says it's opening a new phase in its war on Gaza. But can it fight on two fronts? And is there any hope of a diplomatic solution? In this episode: Najat Aoun Saliba, Lebanese Member of Parliament wi…

A simultaneous, mass attack targets Hezbollah members in Lebanon. Devices used for communication explode injuring thousands and killing several people. Hezbollah is blaming Israel. So, is there a risk of a bigger conflict? In this episode: Ayman Mhanna, Executive Director, Samir Kassir Foundation. Firas Maksad, Senior Director, Middle East Institut…

Hamas is able to keep fighting the Israeli army despite its losses, so say senior leaders after Israel announced the group no longer existed as a military force in Gaza. Hamas says it's recruiting a new generation. So, can Israel destroy Hamas? In this episode: Azzam Tamimi, Political Activist. Mouin Rabbani, Non-resident Fellow, Center for Conflic…

Europe's migration dilemma. The deaths of people risking the dangerous Channel crossing from France to the UK puts more pressure on governments. Tough border controls are in place. So, how should countries tackle undocumented migration? In this episode: Nando Sigona, Professor, International Migration and Forced Displacement, University of Birmingh…

Why does Israel get away with killing foreign activists in Palestine? American-Turkish dual citizen Aysenur Ezgi Eygi is the latest example. Investigations into these killings rarely lead to prosecutions. So, who will hold Israel to account? In this episode: Miko Peled, Founder and President, Palestine House of Freedom. Daniel Santiago, Peace Activ…

No green light for Ukraine to use long-range Western-made missiles in Russian territory. Vladimir Putin says such a move would mean all-out war with NATO members. But how serious is this warning? And what difference could those weapons make on the battlefield? In this episode: Pavel Felgenhauer, Independent Russian Defence Analyst. Marina Miron, Po…

Donald Trump says no to another debate with Kamala Harris in the US presidential election. He claims he won their head-to-head on Tuesday. But fundraisers tell a different story - with a deluge of donations for Harris the next day. So what's next for both campaigns? In this episode: John Malcolm, Vice President of the Institute for Constitutional G…

An Israeli air strike on a school in Gaza kills six people working for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. UNRWA has been repeatedly attacked by Israel during its war. So why is the agency so important to Palestinians - and why does Israel want to destroy it? In this episode: Riham Jafari, Communication and Advocacy Coordinator at ActionAid Pal…

Frequent clashes in a fiery US presidential election debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Both camps say they won after 90 minutes of sharp exchanges. So what impact will it have on undecided voters and on November's election? In this episode: Eric Ham, US Political Analyst. Jennifer Victor, Associate Professor, Political Science, George …

Israel has targeted education in its war on Gaza. It's destroying schools and universities and has killed thousands of students and teachers. Yet, learning and teaching still goes on in tents and makeshift classrooms. How and why does Gaza's educational spirit remain so strong? In this episode: Omar Salah, English Teacher, University College of App…

Sudan says NO to the deployment of an impartial force in the country. United Nations experts say serious human rights violations have been committed by both sides in the ongoing war. So who will protect the millions of civilians trapped in the conflict? In this episode: Alaaeldin Nugud, Sudanese Activist. Abdelkhalig Shaib, Sudanese International A…

The largest anti-government protest yet in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is refusing to accept the Gaza ceasefire deal, which includes the release of captives. What could force his hand? Or force him out of office? In this episode: Dan Perry, Author, 'Ask Questions Later', Substack. Ilan Baruch, Chairman, Policy Working Group. Yossi Mek…

He's known as Monsieur Brexit and now he's France's new Prime Minister. Michel Barnier faces the challenge of fixing the country's polarised political landscape. But is that something he can achieve? And why is his appointment causing so much controversy in France? In this episode: Jacques Reland, Senior Research Fellow, Global Policy Institute. Ra…

Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have pledged strong economic policies if elected in November. But as the country struggles with a huge deficit and high consumer prices, what can either of them offer? In this episode: Eric Ham, Political analyst. Robert Scott, Independent economist. Dimitris Valatsas, Chief economist and founding partner at Auro…

China promises African nations $50 billion in loans and funding at a summit of leaders in Beijing. It underlines the country's position as the continent's number one investor. What does this investment mean for Africa, China and its western rivals? In this episode: Hannah Ryder, former diplomat and economist. Sanusha Naidu, Senior Research Associat…

Both Moscow and NATO have so-called 'red lines' that could trigger outright war between them if crossed. The conflict in Ukraine now involves many countries with western weapons being used inside Russia. So are these red lines shifting? And is there a greater risk of a wider war? In this episode: Dmitry Babich, Deputy Foreign Editor, Komsomolskaya …

The UK government says it will stop some of its arms exports to Israel fearing the use of certain weapons could violate international law. Israel's prime minister calls the move 'shameful' and says it will help Hamas. But what are the implications of this decision? In this episode: Jeremy Corbyn, Independent UK Member of Parliament. Francesca Alban…

Huge demonstrations in Israel against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - after the bodies of six Israeli captives were found in southern Gaza. The deaths have intensified public anger and political pressure on the Israeli leader. So, what will this mean for the war on Gaza? In this episode: Yossi Beilin, Former Israeli Cabinet Minister. Akiva Elda…

Social media platform X goes dark in Brazil. It failed to comply with a court order to block accounts linked to disinformation. Owner Elon Musk says it's a crackdown on free speech. How much politics is involved? And could other countries follow suit? In this episode: Flora Rebello Arduini, Senior Adviser, Technology and Human rights. Chris Stokel-…

A feud over the leadership of Libya's central bank has led to the suspension of oil production. The two rival governments are trading blame for the standoff. Which has the upper hand? And what does it mean for Libya's economy and security? In this episode: Faraj Najem, Historian and Political Researcher. Claudia Gazzini, Senior Libya Analyst, Inter…

Israeli forces have conducted their largest assault in decades in the West Bank, killing and injuring dozens of Palestinians. The escalation is coupled with increasing settler violence. So, what are the consequences? In this episode: Menachem Klein, Professor of Political Science at Bar-Ilan University Tahani Mustafa, Senior Palestine Analyst at th…

In India angry protesters are demanding better safety measures and more protection for women after the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor. It has raised questions about what can be done to stop further sex crimes. In this episode: Ranjana Kumari, Director for the Centre for Social Research, Jhuma Sen, Advocate at Kolkata High Court. Amrita …

The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog warns military action is posing serious risks to the Kursk nuclear power plant. Moscow says the facility in Russia has been attacked by Ukrainian forces. Kyiv hasn't commented. So how dangerous is the situation? In this episode: Rafael Grossi, Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency. Robert Kelley,…

Israel again orders Palestinians to move in Gaza. That's forcing the UN to relocate its base for aid operations causing huge disruption. Palestinians are already facing malnutrition and disease while trying to survive Israel's attacks. So how can this situation go on? In this episode: Mads Gilbert, Doctor and Activist. Dave Harden, Former USAID Mis…

The CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov, is being held by French police. The detention of the Russian-born billionaire has been condemned by Moscow and Elon Musk. So why is he being detained? And does the case have wider implications? In this episode: Ben Aris, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, bne IntelliNews. Chris Stokel-Walker, Technology & Digital Culture…

Hezbollah launches hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel - after it targeted the group in southern Lebanon. Both sides say more will follow. How significant are these cross-border attacks? And is there a risk of a wider regional conflict? In this episode: Hala Jaber, Author, 'Hezbollah: Born with a Vengeance'. Nicholas Noe, Political Adviser. Mo…

Afghanistan's Taliban government has formally adopted a set of morality laws. Among other rules, it requires women to cover their faces and men to grow their beards. But many argue it's a violation of personal freedoms. So, what are the long term implications of this law? In this episode: Mariam Solaimankhil, Member, Afghanistan's Parliament in Exi…

Kamala Harris has pledged her full support for Israel as she accepted the Democratic Party nomination. A prominent Muslim group withdrew its support. She has promised a new way forward. But what are her chances of becoming America's first female president? In this episode: Mark Pfeifle, Former adviser to President George W. Bush. John Zogby, Americ…

Ukraine's drone attack on Moscow was one of the largest since the start of the war. The Kyiv government controls more than 1,000 square kilometres of Kursk - How will Russia respond? In this episode: Hanna Shelest, Programme Director of Security Studies at Ukrainian Prism. Theresa Fallon, Founder and director of the Centre for Russia Europe Asia St…

Will turmoil in Libya spill over into the region? A military mobilisation by warlord Khalifa Haftar to the southwest is raising alarm in neighbouring countries. What's behind this move in a deeply volatile region? And what does it mean for war-torn Libya? In this episode: Anas El Gomati, Founder and Director, Sadeq Institute. Lahcen Haddad, Strateg…

Israel bombs a school in Gaza killing more Palestinians as the top US diplomat Antony Blinken visits the region. He says talks in Egypt may be the last chance for a ceasefire in Gaza. But Hamas accuses the US and Israel of delay and adding new conditions. So can there be a breakthrough? In this episode: Professor Yezid Sayigh, Senior Fellow, Malcol…

More than half of the top 500 companies in the United States now see Artificial Intelligence as posing a potential risk. That's a five-fold increase in just two years, according to a new survey. And some believe the technology could become a threat to their businesses. So what's driving these fears? In this episode: Adrian Monck, Senior Adviser, AI…

The mpox virus triggers the World Health Organization's highest state of alert. Democratic Republic of Congo has reported the majority of cases, but infections have been recorded in Sweden and Pakistan. So, who's at risk? And is the world prepared for another global health emergency? In this episode: Margaret Harris, Spokesperson, World Health Orga…

While Israel continues its relentless war on Gaza, Palestinians pin their hopes on talks which have paused in Doha before resuming in Cairo on Thursday. Israel and Hamas are studying proposals from mediators Qatar, Egypt and the US, but what are the chances of peace this time? In this episode: Alon Pinkas, Former Israeli ambassador and Previous Gov…

Talks to end the 16-month conflict are taking place in Geneva without the army delegation participating. With the violence taking a heavy toll on civilians, does diplomacy stand a chance? In this episode: Alaaeldin Nugud, Surgeon and human rights defender. Hala Al-Karib, Regional Director of SIHA Network (Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn …

Thailand's Constitutional Court removed the prime minister for breaching ethical standards. This comes a week after it dissolved the main opposition party. How big a role does politics play in these decisions? And could they lead to renewed turmoil in Thailand? In this episode: Kasit Piromya, Former Thai foreign minister of Thailand. Verapat Pariya…

The US approves a major weapons sale to Israel while also calling for an end to its war in Gaza. With another round of ceasefire talks in the works and tensions running high in the Middle East, is peace possible? And can diplomacy work? In this episode: Akbar Shahid Ahmed, Senior Diplomatic Correspondent, HuffPost. Mouin Rabbani, Non-resident fello…

How can X help Donald Trump get back into the White House? The former president and Republican nominee returns to the platform in a talk with Elon Musk. As he faces real challenge from Kamala Harris, will it boost his chances? In this episode: Brian Stelter, Special Correspondent, Vanity Fair. Steve Herman, Chief National Correspondent, Voice Of Am…

An expanding Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory forces Moscow to evacuate civilians. It's an embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin, and a morale-booster for Ukrainians. But why has Kyiv launched this operation now? In this episode: Olesia HoriaInova, Co-founder, Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center. Pavel Felgenhauer, Independent …

Despite killing nearly forty-thousand Palestinians, Israel justifies its war on Gaza as self-defence. It describes critics, including the International Criminal Court, as anti-semitic. So what drives these narratives? And do they help sustain a continuous cycle of violence against the Palestinian people? In this episode: Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss, …

As Israeli warplanes kill more than hundred Palestinians in a school in Gaza, Israel says it will attend talks brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt next week. Hamas has a new leader since the assassination of the more moderate Ismail Haniyeh. So what are the chances this time of a ceasefire? In this episode: Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary General, Pal…

Thousands of people join demonstrations in the UK, in support of migrants and against racism. It follows days of rioting stoked by far-right groups and misinformation online. What's the public mood? And has the unrest been contained? In this episode: Jeremy Corbyn, Independent member of parliament. Idil Osman, Lecturer at the University of Leiceste…

Kenya’s President William Ruto gave in to protesters' demands, withdrew a controversial bill and reshuffled his cabinet after protests in the capital Nairobi. Tens of thousands of people have been calling for an end to what they say is corruption and mismanagement. So, is real change possible in Kenya? In this episode: Nanjala Nyabola, Political an…