USAID, America’s lead aid agency, could also be nearing its end, after US President Donald Trump ordered a halt to foreign aid. Trump said the agency was run by "lunatics", while billionaire Elon Musk called it "criminal".The US provides $72bn to 180 countries – but that aid has come under criticism in the past. So, what would it mean to pull the plug on USAID? In this episode: Anuradha Mittal ( @Mittaloak ), executive director, Oakland Institute Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy...
Feb 05, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1141
Once an al-Qaeda-affiliated fighter, Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa now governs a nation in flux. He claims to be focused on stability, dissolving rebel groups and rebuilding institutions. His visit to Saudi Arabia signals shifting alliances and efforts to ease sanctions. But can he truly redefine Syria’s future – and what will it mean for the region? In this episode: Osama bin Javaid ( @osamabinjavaid ), Al Jazeera English, correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Kha...
Feb 04, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1140
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to the US to meet with President Donald Trump. This is the first White House invitation to a foreign leader after Trump retook office. What does their renewed alliance mean for the world and for Gaza? In this episode: Ali Harb ( @Harbpeace ), Al Jazeera Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Ashish Malhotra, and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, and our guest host, K...
Feb 03, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1139
Every weekend, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on July 19, 2021. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. The world’s richest man, Jeff Bezos, is heading to space on his own spaceship on July 20th – though he’s already been upstaged by another billionaire space tour. Where the global space race was once decided by the wealth of nations, now its future is increasingly determined by ultra-wealthy individuals worth more than many c...
Feb 02, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1138
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 26, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. A US federal court has indicted New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez and his wife Nadine on corruption-related charges. The couple have reportedly accepted gold bars and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash in exchange for providing sensitive information about US foreign policy and other favors for Egyptian officials...
Feb 01, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1137
A new AI rival from China is shaking up Silicon Valley. DeepSeek matches ChatGPT’s power but says it was built faster and for a fraction of the cost. How did they do it, and what comes next? In this episode: Caiwei Chen ( @CaiweiC ), reporter, MIT Technology Review Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh, Hanah Shokeir, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwa...
Jan 31, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1136
Bodies are lining the streets of Goma, and hospitals are overwhelmed after an escalation in the long-simmering conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Rwandan-backed M23 group claims it took control of the city, and the DRC has called it a declaration of war by Rwanda. But why is Rwanda involved and what are its interests? In this episode: Kambale Musavuli ( @kambale ), Analyst, Center for Research on the Congo Episode credits: T his episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, S...
Jan 30, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1135
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro is facing a critical moment. Violence near the Venezuelan border, a state of emergency, and US deportation flights have tested his leadership. Can Petro hold onto power and regain the trust of a divided nation? In this episode: Christina Noriega ( @c_mnoriega ), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, and Hanah Shokeir, and our host, K...
Jan 29, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1134
After a long-awaited ceasefire, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians return to find their homes in ruins. As they face the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives, what happens next? In this episode: Maram Humaid ( @MaramGaza ), Al Jazeera Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Ashish Malhotra with Sonia Bhagat, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and me, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. Our sound designer ...
Jan 28, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1133
‘Drill, baby, drill’ is the new refrain of President Donald Trump’s second term. As Trump pulls out of the Paris Accords – again – The Take speaks with activist Tori Tsui on getting back into the fight and managing climate anxiety. In this episode: Tori Tsui ( @toritsui ), Climate Activist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, Amy Walters, Hanah Shokeir, and our host, Kevin Hi...
Jan 27, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1131
As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: A second exchange of captives and prisoners took place between Hamas and Israel. Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians in Gaza. Israel said it would delay its scheduled withdrawal from south Lebanon. It is day 478 of the war in Gaza, where more than 47,107 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Tareq Abu Azzoum, ( @TareqAzzom ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Zeina Khodr...
Jan 26, 2025•6 min•Ep. 1132
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on August 11, 2021. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. One year after a contested election and many protests, the movement to free Belarus from President Alexander Lukashenko has boiled over into neighboring states. This also means Belarusians around the world might fear the long arm of Lukashenko’s rule. Olympic sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya was quick to escape, but other...
Jan 25, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1129
There is no ceasefire in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the start of a “large-scale military operation” in Jenin targeting a hospital and refugee camp. Meanwhile, a new US administration has endorsed Israel’s “biblical dominion” and lifted sanctions on settlers. What does this new escalation mean for Palestinians, and what might come next? In this episode: Zena Tahhan ( @zenatahhan ), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Kh...
Jan 24, 2025•19 min•Ep. 1128
Mass deportations, trade threats and revived border policies. Trump’s return puts Mexico on edge. How are these plans being felt on the ground, and what’s being done to prepare? In this episode: Julia Galiano ( @juliagaliano ), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Khaled Soltan and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. Our s...
Jan 23, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1127
Expansions of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank are proceeding at a record pace, and in the US town of Teaneck, New Jersey, some residents are organizing to fight real estate sales to American Jews. It’s set off accusations of anti-Semitism and ratcheted up tension in the small community. What’s next for Teaneck? In this episode: Rich Siegel, Teaneck resident Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Duha Mossad, Hagir Saleh, Cole van Miltenburg and our host, Ke...
Jan 22, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1126
From declaring an emergency on the US-Mexico border to announcing that the US will retake the Panama Canal, Donald Trump introduced several bold proposals in his inaugural address. Now, as he enters his second term, what might the Trump world order look like? In this episode: Trita Parsi ( @tparsi ), Executive Vice President, The Quincy Institute Episode credits: This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, Amy Walters, Chloe K. Li and Khaled Soltan with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cli...
Jan 21, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1125
Just hours before President Trump’s second term begins, many immigrants face uncertainty. Trump has pledged to use law enforcement, the military, and federal agencies for mass deportations, along with ending birthright citizenship, and reversing outgoing president Joe Biden’s border policies. What does this mean for immigrants who’ve built a life in the US? In this episode: Maribel Hernandez Rivera, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Border and Immigration at the American Civil Liberties...
Jan 20, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1124
As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: A ceasefire began in Gaza Sunday morning after a brief delay. Palestinians in Gaza responded by celebrating, and in many cases, attempting to return to their homes. It is day 471 of the war in Gaza, where at least 46,899 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Hind Al Khoudary, ( @Hind_Gaza ), Al Jazeera Correspondent Stefanie Dekk...
Jan 19, 2025•7 min•Ep. 1123
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on May 20, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. The Darien Gap is a dangerous stretch of jungle on a strip of land that connects North and South America. In recent years, stricter Central American border policies have driven hundreds of thousands of people to make this treacherous trek. The number of children among them has skyrocketed. We follow one family as they naviga...
Jan 18, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1122
From embracing Zionism as a Holocaust survivor to becoming a vocal critic of Israeli policies, renowned doctor and author Gabor Maté reflects on the evolution in his thinking, on trauma as a driving force behind Zionism and Israel, and on how collective Jewish trauma has been exploited by Israel to justify its war in Gaza. In this episode: Gabor Mate ( @DrGaborMate ), Physician and Author Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker and Sonia Bhagat, with Noor Wazwaz, Phillip L...
Jan 17, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1121
Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire set to start on Sunday. The deal includes humanitarian aid to Gaza, Israel’s gradual withdrawal, the release of Israeli captives, and a Palestinian prisoner release. As Palestinians in Gaza hope to leave 15 months of devastation behind, can this agreement hold or is it another fragile promise? In this episode: Diana Buttu ( @dianabuttu ), Human Rights Lawyer and Analyst Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Chloe...
Jan 16, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1120
Impeachment proceedings against suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol are in full swing. Authorities have made a second attempt to detain him over his brief martial law declaration, but he remains holed up in his fortified residence, backed by supporters waving US flags and “Stop the Steal” banners. So, what lies ahead for South Korea? In this episode: Se-Woong Koo, managing editor of Korea Exposé Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walte...
Jan 14, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1119
Lebanon has elected a president and a new prime minister after two years of deadlock. But who are Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam, and what's next for Lebanon? In this episode: Nader Durgham ( @NaderDurgham ), Journalist, Middle East Eye Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Ashish Malhotra with Marcos Bartolomé, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich and our host, Malika Bilal. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra...
Jan 14, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1118
In a dramatic reversal, Meta has axed its fact-checking program – the latest signalling of Big Tech bowing to incoming president Donald Trump. What does this mean for the spread of misinformation in the US and globally, and for Trump’s control over information in his second term? In this episode: Paris Marx ( @parismarx ) Host, Tech Won’t Save Us Episode credits: This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Ha...
Jan 13, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1117
As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel attacked displaced Palestinians in Gaza. The UN said Israel continues to block aid. Israeli troops were ordered to stop posting on social media. Palestinian filmmakers have been shortlisted for an Oscar nomination. Today is Sunday, January 12. It is day 464 of the war in Gaza, where at least 46,537 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Moath Al Kahlout, ( @kahl...
Jan 12, 2025•6 min•Ep. 1116
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 24, 2021. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. A lot of Canadians are frustrated with the 600-million-dollar pandemic election that took place earlier this week, and resulted in an almost identical parliament. But the five weeks of electioneering did raise a lot of issues and highlight some trends that could define Canada’s future. In this episode: Fatima Syed ( @f...
Jan 11, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1115
The fires burning through Los Angeles now are already the worst in the history of California, a state known for its wildfires. Thousands have lost their homes, and nearly 180,000 have been forced to evacuate. What is it like to be in the city on fire? In this episode: Manuel Rápalo ( @Manuel_Rapalo ), Journalist, Los Angeles Mona Holmes ( @monaeats ), Eater LA reporter Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Chloe K. Li and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Sp...
Jan 10, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1114
At the end of a six-day funeral service, former US President Jimmy Carter will be laid to rest next to his wife in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. The 39th president died at 100 years old on December 29. How did his legacy impact the world? In this episode: Hamid Dabashi ( @DabashiHamid ), Professor of Literature, Columbia University Shawan Jabarin ( @SJabaren ), General Director, Al-Haq Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Miranda Lin with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Ha...
Jan 09, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1113
The Palestinian Authority is intensifying operations in the occupied West Bank, with violent crackdowns in Jenin and efforts to silence dissent, including shutting down Al Jazeera’s bureau. What’s driving this escalation? In this episode: Dalia Hatuqa ( @DaliaHatuqa ), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, and our host, Malika Bilal. Our sound designe...
Jan 08, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1112
Identity politics has become a defining buzzword in US politics, coming under fire for being a type of political representation without real change. But what was the intention of the people who first came up with the term – and what kind of power does that original intention wield today? In this episode: Olufemi Taiwo, Political Philosopher, @olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, with Manny Panaretos, Hagir Saleh, Duha Mosaad, and our host, Kev...
Jan 07, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1111
