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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

Brief: Video shows Israeli killing of medics, Netanyahu to visit Washington

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Video emerged showing Israel killing Palestinian medics, contradicting official Israeli claims about what happened to them. Americans protested at the White House. It is day 548 of the war there, where more than 50,669 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Michael Apple, Al Jazeera Producer Nour Odeh, ( @nour_odeh ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Alan Fisher, ( @AlanFisher ...

Apr 06, 20256 minEp. 1202

Another Take: Muslims in France contend with a shifting center

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on March 29, 2021. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. When France's President Emmanuel Macron announced a controversial bill on “Islamist separatism” in 2020, members of the country’s Muslim population worried about what would happen next. As France's politicians try to outmaneuver each other from the right, what impact will their politicking have on a community that's found ...

Apr 05, 202523 minEp. 1201

Why are Afghan activists facing deportation?

Afghan women’s rights activists are facing deportation from Pakistan, along with hundreds of thousands of Afghans living there. The activists risk imprisonment or death if they return to life under the Taliban in Afghanistan. Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan for years, but the government says they cannot remain there indefinitely. As international resettlement programs shut down and Pakistan accelerates removals, where can Afghans go? In this episode: Liliana Harrington, Senior Campaigner ...

Apr 04, 202523 minEp. 1200

Why Trump’s university crackdown is driving professors off US campuses

With academics leaving the US, funding cuts looming over universities for alleged failures to combat antisemitism, and foreign students facing deportation for pro-Palestinian activism, the Trump administration’s policies are being felt at colleges across the United States. What’s behind the fixation on universities and what will be its long term impact on higher education in the US? In this episode: Marci Shore ( @marci_shore ), Professor of History, Yale University Episode credits: This episode...

Apr 03, 202525 minEp. 1199

Will Myanmar’s trapped survivors be rescued in time?

The powerful earthquake that hit Myanmar has been compounding the crises facing a country in an ongoing civil war. With thousands feared dead and aid in short supply, Myanmar faces a race against time to save survivors and rebuild in the aftermath. In this episode: Bob Kitchen ( @bobkitchen ), Vice President of Emergencies, International Rescue Committee Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich,...

Apr 02, 202523 minEp. 1198

Will Lebanon’s fragile peace hold after Israel’s strike on Beirut?

Shattering months of uneasy calm, Israel bombed Beirut for the first time since November’s truce with Hezbollah. The strike came after rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory — the second such incident in a week. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged the army to arrest those responsible, calling it a threat to national security. With tensions reigniting on both sides, will peace hold in Lebanon? In this episode: Nader Durgham ( @NaderDurgham ), Journalist Episode credits: This...

Apr 01, 202522 minEp. 1197

The Copernic Affair: The professor accused of a Paris bombing

Hassan Diab, a Lebanese-Canadian professor, has spent nearly 20 years defending himself against accusations of involvement in a 1980 bombing of the Copernic Street synagogue in Paris. The twists and turns of his case raise serious questions about justice, accountability, and the possibility of a wrongful accusation. In this episode: Dana Ballout, documentary producer Alex Atack, journalist and audio producer Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé with Phillip Lanos, Spenc...

Mar 31, 202524 minEp. 1196

Brief: Gaza marks Eid al-Fitr as Israel begins new ground operation

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel began a new ground operation in South Gaza. Israel killed more journalists in Gaza. Israel bombed Beirut. It is day 541 of the war there, where more than 50,277 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hind Khoudary, ( @Hind_Gaza ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum, ( @TareqAzzom ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Ali Hashem, ( @alihashem_tv ) Al Jazeera Correspon...

Mar 30, 20256 minEp. 1195

Another Take: What’s behind the rise in anti-trans bills in the US?

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on March 27, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Transgender people in the US say they’re fighting for their rights – and their survival. Already this year, a record number of bills have been introduced by state lawmakers. They include everything from gender-affirming care for youth and access to public spaces to drag performances. Advocates worry that this could lead to...

Mar 29, 202524 minEp. 1194

How is Gaza celebrating Eid al-Fitr?

Palestinians in Gaza are preparing to mark the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr. The holiday is happening during the escalation of Israel's war on Gaza, with aid blocked and families forced to flee again. Even focused on avoiding starvation, people are finding a way to mark the holiday during the war. In this episode: Laila el-Haddad ( @gazamom ), author and journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, K...

Mar 28, 202525 minEp. 1193

‘Signal gate’: How Trump officials’ chat on bombing Yemen hit Washington

When a Signal group chat involving top US officials discussing plans to bomb Yemen included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, it sparked a firestorm in Washington. Now, The Atlantic has published excerpts from the chat, including input from political figures such as JD Vance, Pete Hegseth, and Michael Waltz. We take a look at where the backlash has landed – and where it hasn't. In this episode: Ken Klippenstein ( @kenklippenstein ), Independent journalist Episode credits: This ep...

Mar 26, 202525 minEp. 1192

Will Tigray be caught in another devastating war?

War is looming once again in Tigray, a northern region of Ethiopia near the border with Eritrea. Political disputes are fragmenting the regional government and sparking warnings of a new crisis. Tigray has not yet recovered from a devastating war that ended in 2022. With aid cuts now worsening hunger and uncertainty, is it on the brink of another catastrophic conflict? In this episode: Samuel Getachew ( @GetachewSS ), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Sonia Bh...

Mar 26, 202522 minEp. 1191

How Netanyahu’s political fate is tied to the war on Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to remove senior government officials, including the head of the Shin Bet internal intelligence agency as well as the attorney general. Intense protests have erupted once again in Israel, as critics accuse the prime minister's actions of being politically motivated and of breaking the ceasefire with Hamas to stay in power. What does this increasing political pressure mean for Israel's war on Gaza? In this episode: Daniel Levy, President of the...

Mar 25, 202522 minEp. 1190

Who are Africa’s ‘ghost reporters’ writing pro-Russian propaganda?

Nonexistent writers publishing pro-Russian content in West African media is the subject of a recent Al Jazeera Investigative Unit film, Africa’s Ghost Reporters. So how does it all work, and who’s behind it? In this episode: Justin Yarga ( @y_jus ), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li and Ashish Malhotra with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, and guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. The Take production team is Marcos ...

Mar 24, 202522 minEp. 1189

Brief: New evacuation orders in Gaza, Israel strikes Lebanon

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel struck Gaza for a sixth consecutive day and began issuing new evacuation orders. Israel's cabinet approved a plan to facilitate the removal of Palestinians from Gaza. It is day 534 of the war there, where more than 50,021 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Zeina Khodr, ( @Zeinakhodr_Aljaz ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Nour...

Mar 23, 20256 minEp. 1188

Another Take: Remembering war in Sudan

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on April 16, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. On April 15, 2023, fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and its paramilitary rival the Rapid Support Forces. The war has caused the largest displacement crisis in the world and a looming famine. We hear from previous guests to find out what life has been like, and what they still hold on to. In this episode...

Mar 22, 202521 minEp. 1187

‘Tesla Takedown’: How Elon Musk's Trump alliance is triggering backlash

The backlash to Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s alliance is hitting Tesla hard. From boycotts and protests to attacks on cars, showrooms and charging stations, the company’s stock is plummeting. The US Attorney General and Trump called the attacks “domestic terrorism”. What’s driving the fallout, and what impact will it have? In this episode: Bobby Allyn ( @BobbyAllyn ), NPR tech correspondent Jen Cousins, Tesla Takedown activist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia ...

Mar 21, 202521 minEp. 1186

What Trump’s Alien Enemies Act means for the US today

By invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, United States President Donald Trump launched a constitutional showdown and sent aspiring Americans to El Salvador to some of the worst prisons in the world. After putting the law on pause, a federal judge is questioning the legality of these deportations, leaving many in the US to wonder what’s next. In this episode: Pablo Manríquez ( @MigrantInsider ), editor at Migrant Insider Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, S...

Mar 20, 202518 minEp. 1185

What Israel’s shattered ceasefire means for Gaza

Gaza’s fragile ceasefire is over. Israel launched overnight strikes on Tuesday, which have killed more than 400 people and injured hundreds more. Many were children, and more are still under the rubble. Why did this happen now, and what will the end of Israel’s ceasefire with Hamas mean for Palestinians in Gaza? In this episode: Diana Buttu ( @dianabuttu ), human rights lawyer and analyst Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat and Chloe K. Li with Phillip La...

Mar 18, 202522 minEp. 1184

What’s next after US strikes on Yemen?

US air strikes in Yemen have killed at least 53 people and injured more than 100. The strikes came after United States President Donald Trump warned the Houthis to stop their attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea. What does the future hold for Yemen? In this episode: Alex Gatopoulos ( @AlexGatopoulos ), Al Jazeera Defense Editor Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li with Amy Walters, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, Remas Alhawari, and Natasha Del Tor...

Mar 18, 202524 minEp. 1183

Why was Rodrigo Duterte arrested by the ICC?

Once hailed as the Philippines's strongman and infamous for his so-called "war on drugs", former President Rodrigo Duterte now sits behind bars. He made history this week as the first former Asian head of state to be arrested by the International Criminal Court. What does his arrest mean for the victims, supporters and the global fight against crimes against humanity? In this episode: Carlos Conde, ( @carloshconde ), Senior Researcher, Human Rights Watch Episode credits: This episode was produce...

Mar 17, 202525 minEp. 1182

Brief: US attacks Yemen, Israel blockade of Gaza aid enters third week

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel remained at an impasse. A crackdown on Palestinians in the US intensified. It is day 527 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,453 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Patty Culhane, ( @PattyCulhane ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Hamdah Salhut, ( @hamdahsalhut ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum, ( @TareqAzzom ) Al...

Mar 16, 20255 minEp. 1181

Another Take: Is a ‘new Nakba’ happening in Gaza?

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on May 15, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. May 15th is when Palestinians mark ‘the catastrophe’, or their forced expulsion from the land that became the state of Israel. Those living in Gaza say every day is an ongoing catastrophe. About 70% of Gazans are Palestinian refugees. For the last 16 years, Israel and Egypt have imposed a blockade on Gaza. Travel is heavily ...

Mar 15, 202521 minEp. 1180

Why are students protesting in Serbia?

How did Serbia’s students prompt a national movement for change? They’re leading countrywide protests after a railway station collapse killed 15 people last November. The protests have grown beyond demands for resignations, calling for structural change. Will they pull it off? In this episode: Anđela Milivojević ( @djandjava ), Investigative Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters, with Ashish Malhotra, Chloe K. Li, Hanah Shokeir, M...

Mar 14, 202524 minEp. 1179

Mahmoud Khalil and Trump’s war on pro-Palestinian activism

What led to the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent pro-Palestine activist at Columbia University? Although he is a United States permanent resident, Khalil is facing deportation. The Trump administration says it's part of a broader effort to combat anti-Semitism, but critics see a chilling attack on political speech, with deportation being used as a weapon to silence dissent. US President Donald Trump says Khalil is the first of many to come. What happens next? In this episode: Meghnad Bose (...

Mar 13, 202524 minEp. 1178

With or without tariffs, China’s global rise is under way

Is this China’s renaissance? Despite a trade war with the United States, China seems to be bounding into a high-tech future, making moves diplomatically, militarily and technologically. But some Chinese regions are facing a weakening economy and the effects of rapid urbanisation. Will China keep rising? In this episode: Tony Cheng ( @TLCBkk ), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters and Sarí el-Khalili, with Khaled Soltan, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich,...

Mar 12, 202523 minEp. 1177

What is behind the clashes in Syria?

With hundreds dead after days of fighting between armed supporters of former leader Bashar al-Assad and government forces, the worst violence since al-Assad's fall, Syrians are grappling with how to move forward. Days ahead of the 14th anniversary of Syria's uprising, the country faces an uncertain path forward. In this episode: Osama Bin Javaid ( @osamabinjavaid ), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cl...

Mar 11, 202524 minEp. 1176

Is the world ready for the next pandemic?

The clock is ticking down to the next pandemic, which could be deadlier than the last, as new zoonotic diseases emerge and global vaccine inequity persists. Five years since COVID-19, what lessons have we learned and what needs to change before it’s too late? In this episode: Drew Ambrose (@ drew_ambrose ), Al Jazeera journalist, “Flatten the Curve” Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, and Tamara Khandaker, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Amy Walters, Sa...

Mar 10, 202522 minEp. 1175

Brief: Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha, Israel continues blocking aid

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Negotiations are expected in Doha over the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. Israel continues to block aid. Israeli raids continued in the occupied West Bank. It is day 520 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,453 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hamdah Salhut, ( @hamdahsalhut ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum, ( @TareqAzzom ) Al Jazeera Correspond...

Mar 09, 20256 minEp. 1174

Another Take: What’s Andrew Tate’s appeal?

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 19th, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Andrew Tate is a self-proclaimed sexist and disgraced social media influencer currently facing criminal charges in Romania. He currently has 7.8 million followers on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, and had billions of views on TikTok. Tate and his brother face charges of organized crime, human...

Mar 08, 202524 minEp. 1173
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