The Explanation

BBC World Service•www.bbc.co.uk

Where the world is explained. Making sense of the big stories - looking behind the spin. Exploring the important questions about long-running stories and the latest global news. An honest, unvarnished, explanation of the world.

Featuring new episodes of The President's Path, Unspun World with John Simpson, and The Media Show.

Last refreshed: July 2nd, 2026 at 5:27 AM

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Episodes

Understanding the Islamic State group

Anu Anand talks to Quentin Sommerville about the rise, fall and potential re-emergence of the Islamic State group.

Dec 25, 2021•19 min

Understanding how Russia has changed under Putin

Anu Anand talks to Sarah Rainsford about how everyday life in Russia has changed under Vladimir Putin.

Dec 18, 2021•19 min

Afghanistan: Women, girls and their rights

Anu Anand talks to Yogita Limaye about the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. They reveal how a turbulent history dictates the ever-shifting attitudes towards women and girls in the country. Presented by Anu Anand

Dec 11, 2021•19 min

Understanding Iran: Reconciling religion and democracy

Anu Anand talks to Rana Rahimpour about how decades of turbulence have shaped Iran, and why religion, democracy and ideals all combine to explain Iran today.

Dec 04, 2021•19 min

Israeli-Palestinian relations

How did the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians reach its current point? Jeremy Bowen talked to Anu Anand in 2021 about the backstory behind the headlines.

Nov 27, 2021•18 min

Understanding democracy in Hong Kong

Why are there democracy protests in Hong Kong? Anu Anand talks to Stephen McDonell. The Explanation is a snackable audio guide giving you the backstory behind the headlines. In each episode, presenter Anu Anand meets a BBC News correspondent who has lived and breathed these stories. She’ll hear clear analysis along with powerful archive. The Explanation will go back in time to unpack complex chains of events and will make the stories in question much easier to understand.

Nov 20, 2021•18 min

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