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The Take

Al Jazeerawww.aljazeera.com

The Take is a daily interview-driven international news podcast hosted by award-winning journalist Malika Bilal. Each episode focuses on conversations with journalists and people directly impacted by the news of the day, offering our listeners the context necessary to understand what's in the headlines.

With millions of global listens, it's clear the conversations we're having on The Take are worth hearing. And critics think so too. The show has won the Online Journalism Awards, the Signal Awards, Lovie Awards, and Anthem Awards, among others.

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Episodes

Another Take: In ‘inaccessible cities,’ the experience of those with disabilities

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on July 22, 2022. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. One in six people around the world live with some form of disability and many of them face daily challenges that include just getting around. Al Jazeera’s innovation studio, AJ Contrast, tells the story of three women with different disabilities, in Mumbai, Lagos, and New York City In this episode, we speak with AJ Contrast...

Dec 07, 202421 minEp. 1080

As France’s Notre Dame reopens, whose heritage is worth $1bn?

Notre Dame of Paris is reopening with great fanfare after a $1bn rebuilding effort following a devastating fire nearly six years ago. But why do some architectural treasures receive attention and resources, while others are overlooked? Who decides what history to preserve? In this episode: Léopold Lambert @TheFunambulist_ , Architect and Editor-in-Chief of The Funambulist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Tamara Khandaker and Cole van Miltenburg with P...

Dec 06, 202419 minEp. 1079

Why South Korea's president suddenly declared martial law

A wild six hours ensued in South Korea after President Yoon Suk-yeol suddenly declared martial law. Parliament swiftly countered, ending the brief crisis, but Yoon’s political future now hangs in the balance. How did South Korea get here? And how will its brief brush with martial law reshape its political future? In this episode: Se-Woong Koo, Managing Editor of Korea Exposé Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Ashish Malhotra, Tamara Khadaker, and Sonia Bhagat with Phillip...

Dec 05, 202423 minEp. 1078

Why is Joe Biden in Angola?

Angola rolls out the red carpet for US President Joe Biden’s last-ditch trip to Africa. With just over a month left in office, what does Biden’s trip reveal about the US scramble to reassert itself in the continent? In this episode: Cláudio Silva ( @CaipLounge ), Political Analyst Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker and Sonia Bhagat with Sarí el-Khalili, Hagir Saleh, Duha Mosaad, Cole van Miltenberg, and our host, Natasha Del Toro, in for Malika Bilal. Our sound design...

Dec 04, 202420 minEp. 1077

What is happening in Syria?

Over the past week, Syrian opposition fighters have seized control of Aleppo and advanced further south towards Hama. This unexpected move has reignited what was largely a frozen conflict. In response, the Syrian Army, with support from Russia and reportedly, Iraqi militias, has intensified bombing campaigns on opposition-held areas. So, what’s next for Syria’s war? In this episode: Qutaiba Idlbi ( @Qidlbi ), Director of Syria Initiative at The Atlantic Council Episode credits: This episode was ...

Dec 03, 202420 minEp. 1076

Surviving Gaza’s wounds: A young amputee’s fight for healing

At just 13, Leyan, an amputee from Gaza, travels to the United States for medical treatment. Her journey reflects the immense challenges faced by thousands of children who have lost limbs in the war, underscoring their ongoing struggles and the urgent need for the world’s attention. Our guest, filmmaker Rhana Natour, tells Leyan’s story in All That Remains, a Fault Lines documentary, on Al Jazeera. In this episode: Rhana Natour ( @RNatourious ), Filmmaker Episode credits: This episode was produc...

Dec 02, 202423 minEp. 1075

Brief: Memorial held for Nasrallah, Syrian rebels make swift advances

As Israel’s war on Gaza and Lebanon continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Palestinians in Gaza are preparing for a winter with little aid. Lebanon begins cleaning up as a ceasefire takes effect. Rebels fighting the Syrian government have begun a surprise offensive. It is day 422 of the war in Gaza, where at least 44,382 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hind Al Khoudary, Al Jazeera Correspondent Zein Basravi, ( @virtualzein ) Al Jazeera Corresp...

Dec 01, 20245 minEp. 1074

Another Take: Is Silicon Valley going MAGA?

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on August 2, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Big names in Big Tech are in for a second Trump presidency, from Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick, JD Vance, to millions of dollars in monthly campaign donations. What’s behind some tech billionaires’ embrace of the right, and how does their vision align with Trump's vision for America? In this episode: Paris Marx ( @...

Nov 30, 202422 min

Eating our way out of climate collapse

A third of greenhouse gas emissions come from the food industry, largely from meat, dairy and eggs. The international Plant Based Treaty aims to combat this by advocating for a vegan diet as a key solution to climate change. Backed by cities, universities, Nobel laureates and thousands of individuals, it seeks to align global efforts with the Paris Agreement. In this episode: Juan Pablo Casadiego ( @casadiego_juan ), Plant Based Treaty Coordinator Anita Krajnc ( @animalrightsyay ), Plant Based T...

Nov 29, 202417 minEp. 1072

Will the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire hold in Lebanon?

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has taken effect, aiming to end more than a year of war in Lebanon. As displaced families return home and celebrations erupt in Lebanon’s streets, uncertainty looms over how long the fragile peace will last. In this episode: Justin Salhani ( @JustinSalhani ), Al Jazeera Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li, with Sarí el-Khalili, Ashish Malhotra, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, ...

Nov 28, 202418 minEp. 1071

Why are men jailed at US prison setting themselves alight?

Imprisoned people are setting themselves on fire at a US jail. At Red Onion State Prison in Virginia, we examine the racism and abuse that leave them feeling they have no other way to protest. Are these issues isolated to Red Onion, or do they reflect a deeper, systemic problem within US prisons? UPDATE: On Wednesday, November 27th, the Virginia Department of Corrections shared a statement with The Take outlining their account of what happened to the prisoners: “In recent months, six inmates at ...

Nov 27, 202419 minEp. 1070

Trapped for gold: The dangers facing illegal miners in South Africa

Hundreds of illegal gold miners known as “Zama Zamas” are in an underground standoff against police in South Africa. Authorities are cutting off food and supplies to lure the miners out. As the standoff intensifies, their lives are threatened, thousands of feet below ground. In this episode: Kimon de Greef ( @kimon_de_greef ), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li with Sarí el-Khalili, Ashish Malhotra, Manny Panaretos, Duha Mosaad, Hagir Saleh, an...

Nov 26, 202420 minEp. 1069

What’s behind the Sahel’s wave of coups?

What does the wave of coups in the Sahel mean for its people? Since 2020, Central and West Africa have faced more than 10 coup attempts. Meanwhile, global powers are shifting, as Russia eclipses France and the United States in the region’s geopolitics. In a region where people are demanding security and dignity, what could lie ahead for the rest of the decade? In this episode: Nicolas Haque ( @nicolashaque ), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé...

Nov 25, 202423 minEp. 1068

Brief: Hamas announces death of captive, US vetoes UN resolution

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran continues, we’re coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Hamas announced the death of an Israeli captive. Wide scale Israeli strikes continued in Gaza and Lebanon. Palestinian fears of the annexation of the West Bank are increasing. It is day 415 of the war in Gaza, where more than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Tareq Abu Azzoum, ( @tareqazzom ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Hind Al Khoudary, Al Jazeera Corre...

Nov 24, 20247 minEp. 1067

Another Take: A radical antidote for climate despair

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on November 14, 2022. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Fossil fuels are a time bomb, and humans are entitled to stop them. That’s the argument of “How to Blow Up a Pipeline,” a book by Andreas Malm calling for activist groups like Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion to adopt radical tactics against the fossil fuel industry, including property damage. As COP27 enters its ...

Nov 23, 202422 minEp. 1066

ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. What’s next?

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif. These arrest warrants will now be sent to all 124 member states of the ICC. What does it mean for the men who have been charged – and the future of the ICC? In this episode: Mark Kersten ( @MarkKersten ), Assistant Professor of Criminology & Criminal Law, University of the Fraser Valley Episode credits: Th...

Nov 22, 202422 minEp. 1065

Is the Russia-Ukraine war entering uncharted territory?

A new phase in the Russia-Ukraine war is continuing to escalate. Ukraine sent US and UK-made missiles into Russia this week, while the Kremlin has loosened its policy for using nuclear weapons. Where does the war go from here? In this episode: Yulia Shapovalova, Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Cole Van Miltenburg, Duha Mosaad, Hagir Saleh and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edi...

Nov 21, 202421 minEp. 1064

The faces behind Trump’s Cabinet picks

President-elect Donald Trump is quickly naming his Cabinet, set to shape his agenda for the next four years. While some Americans are eager for change, others are dismayed by his picks. So how will Trump’s cabinet carry out his vision and navigate the challenges ahead? In this episode: Matthew Bartlett ( @MRBartlettNH ), Republican Strategist and Former US State Department Appointee Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili with Cole Van Miltenb...

Nov 20, 202423 minEp. 1063

What's next for the war in Lebanon?

Israel renewed and intensified its bombardment of Beirut’s suburbs this week, assassinating Mohamed Afif, Hezbollah’s chief spokesman, on Sunday. As ceasefire negotiations continue, is this an escalation in violence that might precede a diplomatic breakthrough – or just an escalation? In this episode: Maya Gebeilly ( @GebeilyM ), Reuters Bureau Chief for Lebanon, Syria & Jordan Episode credits: This episode was produced by David Enders and Chloe K. Li, with Duha Mosaad, Hagir Saleh, Cole van...

Nov 18, 202420 minEp. 1062

Why is Australia trying to ban social media for children?

The Australian government is set to implement the world’s strictest ban on social media for children. The law would prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing sites like TikTok, X, and Facebook. It will be introduced to parliament in the coming weeks, but wouldn’t be implemented until next year. What’s behind it – and how could it work? In this episode: Tama Leaver, ( @tamaleaver ) Professor of Internet Studies, Curtin University Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Kha...

Nov 18, 202422 minEp. 1061

Brief: Netanyahu corruption trial looms, Israel bombs Beirut

As Israel’s war on Gaza and Lebanon continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israeli attacks on displaced Palestinians continued. A U. S. deadline for Israel to allow more aid to Gaza passed. Israel struck Beirut every day this week. It is day 408 of the war in Gaza, where at least 43,665 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hind Al Khoudary, Al Jazeera Correspondent Zeina Khodr, ( @ZeinakhodrAljaz ) Al Jazeera Correspondent This episode was produced...

Nov 17, 20246 minEp. 1060

Another Take: The threat of annexation in the West Bank

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on April 17, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. While Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank watched Iranian missiles flying overhead en route to Israeli targets, they also had to contend with another fire on the ground. Armed Israeli settlers stormed Palestinian villages. The attacks are part of a wider escalation of violence Palestinians in the West Bank have faced si...

Nov 16, 202420 minEp. 1059

As Sudan’s civil war rages on, what price do women pay?

Widespread sexual violence is becoming a tragic hallmark of Sudan’s ongoing civil war. Women and children also make up the majority of the 14 million displaced. Our guest visits Sudanese refugees in Chad and shares the stories of the women there. In this episode: Dominique Isabelle Hyde ( @DominiqueHyde ), UNHCR Director of External Relations Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters, with Phillip Lanos, Cole Van Miltenburg, Doha Mosaad, Hagir S...

Nov 15, 202421 minEp. 1058

After deadly floods, Spain faces a political storm

The deadly floods in Spain have revealed a deeper crisis, as public outrage grows over government mismanagement in Valencia. With mud-slinging at the king and queen, protesters demanding the resignation of regional leader Carlos Mazon, and now thousands evacuated in Malaga, how will authorities respond to mounting anger and prepare for future climate disasters? In this episode: Marcos Bartolomé ( @bartoleiros ), Producer, The Take Episode credits: This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, So...

Nov 14, 202418 minEp. 1057

‘We’ve tried everybody else’: what’s next for Sri Lanka’s turn to the left?

Sri Lanka has seen it all: from the 2022 economic collapse, the mass protests that followed, and the legacy of a 26-year civil war. As the newly elected president Anura Kumara Dissanayake vows to steer the island back on track, can he repay IMF debt without jeopardizing citizens' livelihoods? In this episode: Minelle Fernandez, Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé with Chloe K. Li, Duha Mosaad, Cole van Miltenburg, and our host Kevin Hirten, in ...

Nov 13, 202424 minEp. 1056

What a match in Amsterdam says about Israel’s future in football

Israeli football fans took to the streets of Amsterdam, chanting slogans like “no children left in Gaza” and tearing down Palestinian flags before a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax. After the game, when more violence broke out, many called it an act of anti-Semitism, while others saw impunity for Israelis. In this episode: Tony Karon ( @TonyKaron ), Managing Editor, AJ+ Episode credits: This episode was produced by David Enders and Chloe K. Li with Tamara Khandaker, Hagir Sale...

Nov 12, 202420 minEp. 1055

What Trump 2.0 means for the rest of the world

From Buenos Aires to Pyongyang, the world is reacting to the return of Donald Trump. We speak to Al Jazeera journalists across the globe about how a second Trump presidency might affect the regions they cover and how citizens are preparing for his return. In this episode: Niko Vorobyov ( @Narco_Polo420 ), Freelance Journalist Tony Cheng ( @TLCBkk ), Al Jazeera Correspondent Lucia Newman ( @lucianewman ), Al Jazeera Latin America Editor Dorsa Jabbari ( @DorsaJabbari ), Al Jazeera Correspondent Ni...

Nov 11, 202423 minEp. 1054

Brief: Qatar suspends mediation, Israel threatens Beirut’s airport

As Israel’s war on Gaza and Lebanon continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel's siege of northern Gaza intensified. Qatar suspended mediation efforts. UN peacekeepers in Lebanon say Israel has attacked them at least half a dozen times. It is day 401 of the war in Gaza, where at least 43,552 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Ibrahim Al Khalil, Al Jazeera Correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum, ( @TareqAzzom ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Marwan Bishara, ...

Nov 10, 20246 minEp. 1053

Another Take: Is there a cure for the loneliness epidemic?

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on December 13, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Loneliness is as harmful to a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The World Health Organization has even declared it a ‘global public health concern,’ echoing a warning by the top US health authority. But despite the alarm, experts say there are ways to cultivate a new culture of connection. In this episode:...

Nov 09, 202422 minEp. 1052

What will be Trump’s plan for Gaza and the Middle East?

Trump has promised peace while vowing continued support for Israel for its ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon. Now that he’s taking back the Oval Office, what can the Middle East expect? In this episode: Daniel Levy, President of the US/Middle East Project Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, Khaled Soltan, and Amy Walters with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Cole Van Miltenburg, Duha Mosaad, Hagir Saleh, and our host, Malika Bilal. Our sound designer is Alex R...

Nov 08, 202423 minEp. 1051
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