Silicon Valley’s “broligarchy” rose to power with the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, putting tech billionaires like Elon Musk in key roles. Ahead of International Women’s Day, we speak with a journalist who investigated Musk’s takeover of Twitter to uncover what the tech elite has in store for women in the US. In this episode: Zoe Schiffer ( @ZoeSchiffer ), Journalist and Author Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters and Sarí el-Khalili, with Marcos Bartolomé, Phil...
Mar 07, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1172
Arab countries have agreed on a plan to rebuild and govern Gaza without displacing its Palestinian population, a direct response to United States President Donald Trump’s vision of transforming Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East". What does Egypt’s plan entail, and what are its chances of success? In this episode: Imad Harb ( @harb3imad ) - Director of research and analysis, Arab Center Washington DC Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker and Chloe K. Li, with Phil...
Mar 06, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1171
AI is being used to save Indigenous languages, but is it the right fix? One new project aims to use tech to help keep these languages alive without replacing human connection. In this episode: Danielle Boyer ( @danielleboyerr ), Robotics Educator Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Marcos Bartolomé, and Tamara Khandaker, with Manny Panaritos, Duha Mosaad, Hagir Saleh, Khaled Soltan, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Noor Wazwaz and our guest host Kevin Hirten. It was edited b...
Mar 05, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1170
After clashing with US President Donald Trump over support, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned to London for European and UK backing. His reception was warmer, but without US help, can Europe step up to defend the country? In this episode: Alex Gatopoulos ( @AlexGatopoulos ), Al Jazeera Defence Editor Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Amy Walters, with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, and our guest host, Kevin...
Mar 04, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1169
Ramadan is peak season for watching Syrian TV dramas, a cherished tradition once stifled by censorship under Bashar al-Assad's regime. Writers, actors and directors were exiled, yet many still shaped popular series. As creatives return home, how will Syria’s TV and film industry evolve in a post-Assad era? In this episode: Christa Salamandra ( @csalamand ), Professor of Anthropology at Lehman College Inas Hakki ( @inas_hakki ), Film Director Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara K...
Mar 03, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1167
As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel adopted a US proposal to continue a ceasefire in Gaza, while Hamas has yet to respond. Israel has released its longest serving Palestinian prisoner. It is day 513 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,388 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hind Khoudary, ( @Hind_Gaza ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Hamdah Salhut, ( @hamdahsalhut ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Hani M...
Mar 02, 2025•7 min•Ep. 1168
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on December 14th, 2022. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. As winter sets in, Russia is targeting Ukraine’s power grid. Homes are without heat and light, while multi-storey apartment buildings no longer have functioning elevators. Families are relying on camping stoves to do their cooking. What does a weaponized winter mean for Ukrainians now, and what will that mean as the c...
Mar 01, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1165
A Brazilian film on forced disappearances under Brazil’s military dictatorship is making waves. 'I’m Still Here' is up for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, fueling national pride and global debates on authoritarianism. Can it claim Hollywood’s top prize? In this episode: Mauricio Savarese ( @MSavarese ), Associated Press Reporter Episode credits: This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolomé, Hanah Sho...
Feb 28, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1164
AI-powered border enforcement, funded by the European Union, could become Europe’s new normal. From the "smart" Greece-Turkey border at Evros to Samos’s high-tech refugee camp, critics warn it’s a crackdown on migration that puts asylum rights at risk. In this episode: Giorgos Christides, Investigative Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Chloe K. Li, with Ashish Malhotra, Tamara Khandaker, Sarí el-Khalili, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited ...
Feb 27, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1163
Detention camps in northeast Syria remain packed with thousands of ISIL-linked detainees, with al-Hol alone holding 40,000—mostly wives and children of suspected fighters. Recent Al Jazeera reporting offers a rare inside look at their reality. As Syria enters a post-Assad era, what will become of them? In this episode: Nils Adler ( @nilsadler1 ), Al Jazeera Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spe...
Feb 26, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1162
More than a million children in Haiti are caught in a nightmare, trapped in gang-controlled areas, recruited as soldiers and spies, and subjected to unthinkable abuse. With no president, no parliament, and no protection, their futures hang in the balance. So, who will step up and fight for Haiti’s children? In this episode: Rawya Rageh ( @RawyaRageh ), Senior Crisis Advisor, Amnesty International Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Chloe K. Li with Sarí el-Khalili,...
Feb 25, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1161
The trial for six-year-old Palestinian-American Wadea al-Fayoume’s murder begins in Chicago. Joseph Czuba faces hate crime charges, but his killing reflects a growing wave of anti-Palestinian hate in the US. As Islamophobia rises post-October 7, will this trial deliver justice? In this episode: Ahmed Rehab (@ahmed.m.rehab ), Executive Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations in Chicago Episode credits: This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Khandaker, with ...
Feb 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1160
As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: A funeral for Hassan Nasrallah is being held in Beirut. Israel delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. It is day 506 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,319 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Assed Baig, ( @AssedBaig ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Nour Odeh, ( @nour_odeh ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum, ( @TareqAzzom ) Al Jazeera Corres...
Feb 23, 2025•6 min•Ep. 1159
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on June 12, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Whenever India and Pakistan meet in cricket, it's one of the world’s most-watched sports events. This past weekend, we headed to a highly anticipated T20 match, played on neutral ground in New York, to capture one of the world’s biggest sporting rivalries. In this episode: Ashish Malhotra ( @amalhotra2 ), Producer at The Ta...
Feb 22, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1158
For the first time since the Nazis, Germany’s far right nears power. With the AfD in second place ahead of a crucial election, the once-fringe party is now centre stage. How did they rise, and what impact will their growing influence have on Germany? In this episode: Ozan Demircan (@ ozmuhabir ), Reporter, The Pioneer Episode credits: This episode was produced by Melanie Marich, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Khandaker with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Amy Walters, and...
Feb 21, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1157
With Syria's new government cracking down on Captagon, where will production shift in the drug trade's supply chain? Under Bashar al-Assad’s rule, Syria became a hub of Captagon production. With demand continuing, where will the drug market turn to next? In this episode: Niko Vorobyov ( @Narco_Polo420 ), Author of Dopeworld Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, with Amy Walters, Sarí el-Khalili, Melanie Marich, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, and our guest host, Kevin Hir...
Feb 20, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1156
United States President Donald Trump’s plan to cut a Ukraine deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with his administration’s shifting approach to transatlantic ties, has left European leaders uneasy. What does this mean for Russia, Ukraine, and the future of the war? In this episode: Tristan Redman, Al Jazeera Senior Producer Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K Li, with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartholomé, ...
Feb 19, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1155
In Madrid, gay men say targeted police raids and humiliating strip searches are on the rise, defying Spain’s image as a leader in LGBTQ rights. Authorities claim it is part of a drug crackdown, but activists insist deep-rooted homophobia is driving the arrests. What is behind these allegations, and what does it mean for queer communities across Europe? In this episode: Christo Casas ( @christocasas ), Journalist and Anthropologist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé an...
Feb 18, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1154
Hamas has survived 500 days of relentless bombardment, defying Israel's repeated vows to destroy it. Despite its losses, including assassinations of prominent leaders, Hamas is intact, manning checkpoints, coordinating aid, and releasing Israeli captives. How does Hamas continue to endure? In this episode: Khaled Al-Hroub, Northwestern University in Qatar Professor and Author of “Hamas: A Beginners Guide” and “Hamas: Political Thought and Practice” Episode credits: This episode was produced by A...
Feb 17, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1153
As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: A sixth exchange of captives and prisoners took place between Hamas and Israel. It is unclear what will happen to the next phase of the ceasefire plan. Israel is expected to extend its occupation of parts of southern Lebanon. It is day 499 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,239 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Tareq Abu Azzoum, ( @TareqAzzom ) Al Jazeera Corr...
Feb 16, 2025•7 min•Ep. 1152
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on April 7th, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Ukraine might not look like a good financial investment after a year at war with no end in sight, but Harvard, Saudi Arabia, a handful of oligarchs, and Vanguard Group see it differently. They are just a few of the investors who have been buying up Ukrainian land – and its rich, fertile soil – en masse, while many Ukraini...
Feb 15, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1151
Mohammed el-Kurd was first known for defending his home against Israeli settlers in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem. Now, he’s known globally for his writing about how the rest of the world perceives Palestinians. In his new book, he breaks down the ‘perfect victim’ myth and how it seeks to control the Palestinian narrative. In this episode: Mohammed el-Kurd ( @m7mdkurd ), Author of ‘Perfect Victims: And the Politics of Appeal’ Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Kh...
Feb 14, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1150
Seizing land of its white citizens without compensation – that’s the claim US President Donald Trump has used to justify cutting off aid to South Africa, pointing to the recently passed Expropriation Act. His South African-born advisor, Elon Musk, has added fuel to the fire, accusing the country of having openly racist laws. But what’s really behind South African land reform? In this episode: Lebohang Pheko ( @Liepollo9 ), Political Economist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara ...
Feb 13, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1149
King Abdullah II of Jordan met United States President Donald Trump at a critical moment. With Jordan hosting more than two million Palestinian refugees, Trump’s plan to “own” Gaza and relocate its population puts the kingdom in a tough spot. Abdullah calls displacement a red line – but how much can he push back? In this episode: Nour Odeh ( @nour_odeh ), Senior Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer ...
Feb 12, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1148
Iran is facing a changed Middle East as it marks the anniversary of the Islamic revolution. With weakened allies and growing tensions with Israel and the United States, how will Iran’s leadership approach the year ahead? In this episode: Dorsa Jabbari ( @DorsaJabbari ), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li, with Amy Walters, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noo...
Feb 11, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1147
Bad Bunny’s new album, Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, became the number-one streamed album worldwide. It mixes different Puerto Rican music genres and touches on themes of gentrification and a loss of cultural identity. How is the album bringing the Puerto Rican fight for survival to the world? In this episode: Jorell Meléndez-Badillo ( @jorellmelendezb ), Author of “ Puerto Rico: A National History ” Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé with Hanah Shokeir, Hagir Saleh, Melanie ...
Feb 10, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1146
As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: An exchange of captives and prisoners took place between Hamas and Israel, but not all Palestinians were allowed to return home. Israeli troops began what is expected to be a full withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor. It is day 492 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,181 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hind Khoudary, ( @Hind_Gaza ), Al Jazeera Correspondent ...
Feb 09, 2025•6 min•Ep. 1145
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on November 6, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. On the coast of the Mediterranean Sea lies Gaza, a land that insists on living. Gaza is currently facing a war like nothing its people have seen before, but its history stretches far longer. Today, a brief history of Gaza and its people, on its worst and best days. In this episode: Jehad Abusalim ( @JehadAbusalim ), The ...
Feb 08, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1144
President Trump has again restated his plans of turning Gaza into a new Riviera. Where did this idea come from – and how feasible is it? In this episode: Sharif Abdel Kouddous ( @sharifkouddous ), Journalist and Editor at Drop Site News Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh, Hanah Shokeir, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. Our sound designer...
Feb 07, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1143
From booing at sports events to boycotting products, Canada is taking a sharp look at its neighbour to the south. United States President Donald Trump placed a 30-day pause on 25 percent tariffs on Canada after speaking with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. But what does the dispute reveal about the US and Canada’s shared future? In this episode: Stephen Marche ( @StephenMarche ), Journalist and Novelist Episode credits: And that’s the Take. This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bha...
Feb 06, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1142
