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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: Running from murder and abuse in Kenya

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on June 3, 2022. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Kenya is famous for some of the fastest runners in the world, but recently, with the murder of Damaris Muthee Mutua and Agnes Tirop, that reputation’s been tarnished. Their partners are the main suspects in each case. Now, a fellow female athlete is trying to bring attention to gender violence amongst Kenya’s running elite. ...

Sep 07, 202423 minEp. 991

Is the UK’s arms suspension on Israel a meaningful shift?

The UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing a "clear risk" of violating international law. However, campaigners say it’s not enough. With massive protests and resignations over Gaza, does this signal a real shift in UK-Israel relations, or is it just a token gesture? In this episode: Nick Dearden ( @nickdearden75 ), Director of Global Justice Now Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Amy Walters, and Tamara Khandaker, with Shraddha Joshi, Hagir ...

Sep 06, 202417 minEp. 990

What’s behind the massive protests in Israel?

A general strike and massive protests took place in Tel Aviv after the bodies of six Israeli captives were found in a Gaza tunnel by Israeli forces. Huge numbers of protesters are calling for Netanyahu to sign a deal to return the remaining captives. What do these protests signify about the growing calls and pressure for a ceasefire agreement in Israel? In this episode: Oren Ziv ( @OrenZiv_ ), Israeli Journalist, +972 Magazine Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Khaled Sol...

Sep 05, 202419 minEp. 989

Reels of revolution: capturing Algeria’s fight for liberation

Never-before-seen footage. A trove of long-forgotten 35mm reels. An archive of the Algerian Independence War. It’s all the work of Yugoslav cameraman Stevan Labudović, the cameraman of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito. The work was part of a war effort to counter French propaganda, a gesture of solidarity in the fight against colonialism. In this episode: Mila Turajlić, Documentary Filmmaker Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Veronique Eshaya, with Duha Mosaad, ...

Sep 04, 202424 minEp. 988

Venezuela unrest: can Nicolas Maduro hold onto power?

Despite fraud claims and international condemnation, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro remains defiant, a month after a disputed election. He has ramped up repression, arresting thousands, including journalists and activists. Will Maduro withstand the wave of opposition, or will this be a moment of change? In this episode: Anneke Ball ( @annekeball ), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Khaled Soltan, with Duha Mosaad, S...

Sep 03, 202416 minEp. 987

Lessons from the student anti-apartheid movement

A powerful campus protest and boycott movement in the US played a crucial role in helping to bring down apartheid in South Africa. Today, many US student activists are heading back to school, ready to continue the fight to end what they refer to as Israeli apartheid and genocide. What lessons do the veterans of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement see echoing today? In this episode: Erin Lawson, Student Organizer Pearl Robinson, Professor of Political Science at Tufts University Bill Minter, E...

Sep 02, 202427 minEp. 986

Brief: Gaza polio vaccinations begin, Israel expands West Bank raids

As Israel’s war on Gaza continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Polio vaccinations began in Gaza. An Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank entered its fifth day. Israel again attacked aid workers. It is day 331 of the war. At least 40,691 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed. In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Nour Odeh, ( @nour_odeh ), Journalist in Occupied West Bank Gabriel Elizondo, ( @elizondogabriel ) Al Jazeera Corre...

Sep 01, 20247 minEp. 985

Another Take: One prisoner’s fight to end solitary confinement

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on August 3, 2023. None of the references from that time have been changed. In a Texas maximum security prison, Dennis Wayne Hope has served 27 years in solitary confinement – more than half his life. On any given night in the US, more than 120,000 prisoners are isolated just like him. United Nations experts have strongly urged a global ban on solitary confinement that lasts more than 15 days, denouncing it as a form of ...

Aug 31, 202421 minEp. 984

Beyond Gaza: Israel’s military escalation in the West Bank

Israel’s ongoing military operation in the occupied West Bank is the largest of its kind since 2002. It marks a significant escalation from the increased military assaults and settler violence that have already been seen since October 7. Why is this happening now? In this episode: Diana Buttu ( @dianabuttu ), Human Rights Lawyer & Analyst Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sarí el-Khalili, and Sonia Bhagat, with Shraddha Joshi, Duha Mosaad, Hagir Saleh, and our h...

Aug 30, 202420 minEp. 983

Why was Telegram CEO Pavel Durov arrested in France?

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was detained in France for complicity in criminal activity. Some, including the Russian government, have called it an attack on free speech. What’s behind the uproar, and what’s at stake? In this episode: Tristan Redman (@TristanAJE), Al Jazeera Producer Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Amy Walters, and Sonia Bhagat, with Duha Mossad, Shraddha Joshi, Veronique Eshaya, Hagir Saleh, and our host Natasha Del Toro, in for Malika Bilal. It was edited...

Aug 29, 202418 minEp. 982

At Birzeit University, the fight for education under occupation

Palestinian university students in the occupied West Bank live under the constant threat of arrest by the Israeli military, often without trial or charges. At Birzeit University, a center of Palestinian intellectual life, a staff member who documents those arrests explains the challenges that the best and brightest Palestinian students often face and the obstacles they create for their futures. In this episode: Sundos Hammad, Coordinator of the Right to Education Campaign at Birzeit University E...

Aug 28, 202419 minEp. 981

Will Russia's latest attack on Ukraine shift the war's momentum?

As Ukraine pushes into Russian territory, Russia has answered with a large-scale attack targeting key infrastructure across Ukraine. With intense fighting in Belgorod and rapid advances in Donetsk, both sides are raising the stakes. What implications will the surprise offensive ultimately have on the future of the conflict? In this episode: Alex Gatopoulos ( @alexgatopoulos ), Defense Editor, Al Jazeera English Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Tamara Khandaker, wit...

Aug 27, 202420 minEp. 980

The fallacies of Israel’s 'Octopus Doctrine'

The monikers attracted by Iran’s network of allies in the Middle East are snapshots of a geopolitical alliance that shapes the region. As Israel seeks to shore up its own side of the chessboard and tensions rise, we take a deep dive. Who are the groups? And why did Iran back them in the first place? In this episode: Imran Khan ( @ajimran ), Al Jazeera English Senior Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Veronique Eshaya with Shraddha Joshi, Tamara Khand...

Aug 26, 202421 minEp. 979

Brief: Israel and Hezbollah trade heavy fire, more evacuations in Gaza

As Israel’s war on Gaza continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel carried out its most significant strikes in Lebanon since the war began. Peace talks remained at an impasse. Israel continued issuing evacuation orders for people with nowhere to go. It is day 324 of the war. At least 40,223 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed. In this episode: Zeina Khodr, ( @ZeinakhodrAljaz ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Hamdah Salhut, ( @HamdahSalhut ) Al Jazeera Correspon...

Aug 25, 20246 minEp. 978

Another Take: Will Kamala Harris tip the scales with Black women?

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 16, 2020. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Joe Biden kept his promise: The Democratic nominee for US President picked a woman as his running mate. Kamala Harris is a senator and the daughter of South Asian and Black immigrants. Now that we know she's on the ticket, we're revisiting an episode exploring the power of Black women voters — one of the most important...

Aug 24, 202423 minEp. 977

The contrasts of the DNC

Hope and dissent met at the 2024 DNC, from the electric atmosphere inside the Democrats’ convention to the frustration of those fighting to convince the party to change course on unwavering support for Israel. With Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’s supporters, protesters and uncommitted delegates, we’re bringing you voices from the party often referred to as the Big Tent. In this episode: LaToya Greenwood ( @greenwoodrep ), Former Member, Illinois House of Representatives Kathleen ...

Aug 23, 202417 minEp. 976

How the murder of a doctor reignited India's rage against rape

The brutal killing of a Kolkata doctor has sparked nationwide fury, exposing India’s struggle with violence against women. With questions around the handling of the investigation and allegations of a coverup, what has the case revealed about India’s justice system and its ability to protect women in the workplace? In this episode: Pavni Mittal ( @pavnimittal ), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker and Veronique Eshaya, with Shraddha Joshi, Duha Mosaad, Hagir ...

Aug 22, 202418 minEp. 975

Why a Gaza ‘ceasefire’ is not enough at Chicago’s DNC

The US is pushing a ‘decisive moment’ for ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up his latest Middle East trip. As US demands for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza are loud and clear outside the Democratic National Convention. But as the blame game continues over the war dragging closer to its eleventh month, and with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed, will the US exert enough influence on Israel to secure a lasting ceasefire? In...

Aug 21, 202420 minEp. 974

Inside Brazil's abortion culture wars

Abortion could be punished more harshly than rape in Brazil if a proposed bill passes. The bill sparked protests and brought attention to feminists’ ongoing fight to loosen Brazil’s existing abortion legislation, which has remained unchanged for almost a century. In this episode: Luna Borges ( @lunaborgess ), Researcher and Lawyer Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Veronique Eshaya, with Mohammed Zain Shafi Khan and our host, Kevin Hirten, in for Malika Bilal. Our...

Aug 20, 202419 minEp. 973

In Chicago, will the 1968 DNC be a prologue for 2024?

Massive anti-war protests, an assassination attempt, an incumbent US president standing down for re-election – all ahead of a Democratic National Convention set in Chicago. The headlines from the past few months have struck more than a few chords with those who remember the chaos and violence of the Democrats’ 1968 convention. As this year’s DNC begins, what can we learn from one of the most tumultuous political conventions the US has ever seen? In this episode: Garrison Hayes ( @garrison_hayes ...

Aug 19, 202424 minEp. 972

Brief: Ceasefire talks continue, settler attacks more organized

As Israel’s war on Gaza continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel ordered further mass evacuations across Gaza. Peace negotiations continued. Ceasefire negotiations continued. Israel will get more weapons from the US. It is day 317 of the war. At least 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed. In this episode: Akram Al Satarri, journalist in Khan Younis Hamdah Salhut, ( @HamdahSalhut ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Kimberly Halkett, ( @KimberlyHalkett ), A...

Aug 18, 20246 minEp. 971

Another Take: University protests spread across the US

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on May 1st, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Pro-Palestine encampments and protests at universities continue to spread across the US. Students at Columbia University have been threatened with expulsion and arrest. The Take spoke with Mariam Said, an alumna of Columbia, for her advice to student activists. In this episode: Mariam Said, Vice-President of the Barenboim-S...

Aug 17, 202417 minEp. 970

War at the doorstep: Everyday life in southern Lebanon

Farmers forced to leave their fields, children out of school, and white phosphorus devastating lives – all this hangs over life in southern Lebanon, where the ongoing threat of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah has been a constant presence for decades. How do residents continue to cope with these challenges? In this episode: Sara Salman ( @sara_salman ), AJ+ Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Ashish Malhotra, and Sonia Bhagat, with Manahil N...

Aug 16, 202417 minEp. 969

Can a Nobel laureate lead Bangladesh into a new era?

There is cautious optimism as Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of its student-led protests. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now leads a hopeful interim government tasked with securing elections. Will Bangladesh achieve true stability, or will a tumultuous political saga enter a new phase? In this episode: Tanvir Chowdhury ( @tanvirbengal ), Al Jazeera Bangladesh Correspondent/Producer Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Chloe K. Li, and Sonia Bhagat with Amy Walte...

Aug 15, 202419 minEp. 968

Ralph Nader’s take on the US 2024 election

Arguably the most famous third-party candidate in United States election history, Ralph Nader ran for president four times. He tells us why a third-party candidate is so crucial and provides some insight into this year’s race. In this episode: Ralph Nader ( @RalphNader ), Former US Presidential Candidate Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Ashish Malhotra, with Amy Walters, Khaled Soltan, Duha Mosaad, Manahil Naveed, Veronique Eshaya, Shraddha Joshi, and our host Ma...

Aug 14, 202425 minEp. 967

What’s next after Ukraine’s offensive inside Russia?

Ukraine is conducting its largest incursion into Russian territory since Russia first invaded Ukraine. At the same time, the Ukrainian military is outnumbered and under-equipped. Could this switch in strategy change the direction of the war? In this episode: Alex Gatopoulos ( @AlexGatopoulos ), Defence Editor for Al Jazeera English Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, and Chloe K. Li, with Amy Walters, Duha Mosaad, Manahil Naveed, and our host, Kevin Hirten, in for Malika...

Aug 13, 202417 minEp. 966

Who is Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s new political leader?

Is Gaza heading in a new direction? Who is Yahya Sinwar, the newly appointed political leader of Hamas and what could his steadfast commitment to resistance mean for Gaza? In this episode: Mohammad Alsaafin ( @malsaafin ), Senior Producer at AJ+ Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker and Chloe K. Li with Duha Mossad, Veronique Eshaya, Amy Walters, and our host Malika Bilal. The Take production team is Amy Walters, Ashish Malhotra, Catherine Nouhan, Chloe K. Li, Duha Mosaa...

Aug 12, 202419 minEp. 965

Brief: Israel kills more than 100 in one attack, Iran bides its time

As Israel’s war on Gaza continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel killed more than 100 Palestinians in one attack. Residents of Han Yunis are fleeing again. Iran said it will Residents of Han Yunis are fleeing again. Iran said it will respond to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, despite diplomatic pressure. At least 39,790 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed. In this episode: Anas Al Sharif, ( @AnasAlSharif0 ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Akram Al Satarr...

Aug 11, 20246 minEp. 964

Another Take: The Olympic host city hangover

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on August 9, 2021. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Another Olympics has come and gone. And as the athletes and sponsors leave town, Tokyo could be left to deal with the debt, gentrification, and displacement that can come from hosting the games. In this episode, we look at the social cost of hosting sporting events and the activists fighting to keep the Olympics out of the...

Aug 10, 202422 minEp. 963

As the Paris Olympics near the finish, what will we remember?

From polluted waters to gender policing - it’s been an eventful 2024 Olympics. We jog through the highs and lows as the city starts to lower the Olympic flame. In this episode: Shireen Ahmed ( @_shireenahmed_ ), Sports Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, and Sonia Bhagat, with Amy Walters, Veronique Eshaya, Duha Mosaad, and me, Malika Bilal. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s Executive Producer, a...

Aug 09, 202420 minEp. 962
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