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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

Why is the Dominican Republic deporting Haitian migrants?

The Dominican Republic has deported nearly 150,000 people it claims are of Haitian descent since October 2024. Many of them are unaccompanied minors or people born in the Dominican Republic but stripped of citizenship in 2013. While officials say they are enforcing immigration laws, a recent Al Jazeera documentary points to a deeper history of anti-Blackness and anti-Haitian sentiment on the island. In this episode: Natasha Del Toro ( @ndeltoro ), Al Jazeera journalist Episode credits: This epis...

Jun 05, 202524 minEp. 1262

Why is Trump cracking down on Chinese students?

The US will begin revoking visas for Chinese students, including those in “critical fields” or with connections to the Chinese Communist Party. The US State Department has said this is to stop the exploitation of US universities and protect national security. Who is losing out in this latest development in US-China tensions? In this episode: Zichen Wang ( @ZichenWanghere ), Research Fellow & Director for International Communications at the Center for China and Globalization Episode credits: ...

Jun 04, 202524 minEp. 1261

How Israel’s military industry profits from war in Gaza

Israel’s war on Gaza has turbocharged its already booming military-tech industry, with weapons and surveillance systems tested on Palestinians continuing to be sold around the world. Israel’s role as a global arms innovator has only deepened since October 7, 2023, and some governments and corporations are profiting. In this episode: Antony Loewenstein ( @antloewenstein ), author, The Palestine Laboratory Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Sonia Bhagat and Ashish Malhotr...

Jun 03, 202524 minEp. 1260

What did Elon Musk get from DOGE – and what’s next?

Elon Musk may have resigned from the Department of Government Efficiency, but few believe he’s stepping away from power. In under a year, DOGE brought Silicon Valley-style disruption to Washington, consolidating federal data and dismantling oversight. Now, Musk is expected to channel what he gained into a private AI venture – with public systems still in reach. In this episode: Matt Binder ( @mattbinder ), Writer of Disruptionist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, So...

Jun 02, 202524 minEp. 1259

Brief: Israel kills Palestinians seeking food, Hamas responds to US

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel continued to attack Palestinians seeking aid. Hamas responded to a US ceasefire proposal. The Israeli government approved new settlements in the Occupied West Bank. It is day 604 of the war in Gaza, where more than 54,381 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hind Khoudary, ( @Hind_Gaza ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Nida Ibrahim, ( @nidajourno ) Al Jazeera Corresp...

Jun 01, 20255 minEp. 1258

Another Take: The children abandoned by South Korea’s adoption policy

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 25, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. The world's largest diaspora of international adoptees comes from South Korea. Among them are mixed-race children who were forcibly sent for adoption due to the country's racist laws. One Black adoptee's search for a home reflects hard truths about the past of hundreds of thousands of international adoptees. In this ep...

May 31, 202523 minEp. 1257

Who could be Poland’s next president?

Will Poland’s next president be a former football hooligan or a Mr Bonjour? With citizens heading to the polls for the second round of voting this weekend, Poland will decide between Karol Nawrocki, the candidate backed by US President Donald Trump, and Warsaw's mayor, the pro-European Union Rafal Trzaskowski. The divided country on Russia’s border has a major decision ahead In this episode: Bartosz Węglarczyk (@ bweglarczyk ), ONet Editor-in-Chief Episode credits: This episode was produced by A...

May 30, 202521 minEp. 1256

How the Afghan village hit by a 10,000kg bomb is coping now

In 2017, the US dropped the “mother of all bombs” in a remote village in Afghanistan’s Achin district. Al Jazeera made the journey to see what’s left: homes destroyed, health problems mounting, and no accountability in sight. In this episode: Osama Bin Javaid ( @osamabinjavaid ), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, Kingwell Ma, Khale...

May 29, 202525 minEp. 1255

Who is behind Tren de Aragua?

Tren de Aragua was a little-known gang in Venezuela – until recently. US President Donald Trump’s focus on the group has thrust it into the spotlight, as hundreds of Venezuelans have been deported from the United States. In this episode: Mike LaSusa ( @mikelasusa ), deputy director of content, InSight Crime Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters and Ashish Malhotra, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Remas Alhawari, Mariana Navarette, Kisaa Zehra, Kingwell Ma, and our guest ho...

May 28, 202523 minEp. 1254

Why the US and Israel are pushing to privatize aid to Gaza

The United States and Israel are backing a new aid initiative in Gaza that critics say sidelines the United Nations and violates humanitarian principles. With biometrics and military ties, is it really about help or control? In this episode: Ali Harb ( @Harbpeace ), Al Jazeera Senior Producer Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, Kingwell Ma, Ashish Malhotra, and our guest ho...

May 27, 202522 minEp. 1253

Inside Project Esther’s plan to silence pro-Palestinian activism

The Trump administration’s crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activism look eerily similar to a conservative proposal to target universities and international students it claims are part of a “terrorist support network”. Who is behind the plan, and what will its impact be? In this episode: Tariq Kenney-Shawa ( @tksshawa ), AJ+ producer and US policy fellow, Al-Shabaka Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, Haleema Shah and Chloe Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cl...

May 26, 202523 minEp. 1252

Brief: Israel kills 9 of doctor's 10 children, shoots at diplomats

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel killed nine of a Palestinian doctor's 10 children. Israel attacked Palestinian police attempting to secure aid distribution. Israeli soldiers shot at diplomats in the occupied West Bank. It is day 597 of the war in Gaza, where more than 53,901 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Mmalegabe Motsepe, Al Jazeera Producer Tareq Abou Azzoum, ( @TareqAzzom ) Al Jaze...

May 25, 20256 minEp. 1251

Another Take: Voices from the George Floyd protests

Protesters across the United States defy curfews and risk arrest to protest against police brutality. The US has seen demonstrations like this before, but this feels different. To understand why, we speak with Hanif Abdurraqib, a cultural critic and editor at GEN magazine. We also speak with Madiha Nawaz, a graduate student and Washington, DC resident who unexpectedly faced the police at her doorstep this week. In this episode: Hanif Abdurraqib ( @NifMuhammad ), cultural critic Madiha Nawaz, ( @...

May 24, 202527 minEp. 1250

Josh Paul resigned over Gaza. What comes next?

Josh Paul, the first US official to resign over Israel's war on Gaza, joins The Take to explain why he stepped down, his new efforts lobbying in Washington, and why he believes that US support for Israel’s war fuels conflict abroad and makes Americans less safe at home. In this episode: Josh Paul, Former US State Department official Episode credits: This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Remas Al Hawari, Kisaa Zehra, and Ma...

May 23, 202524 minEp. 1249

Murdered live on TikTok - Mexico’s femicide crisis

The world was shocked when a gunman shot and killed Mexican influencer Valeria Marquez while she livestreamed herself at a beauty salon. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government says it will investigate the murder as a possible case of femicide. Will it mark a turning point for a nation that has long struggled with staggering levels of gender-based violence? In this episode: Julia Galiano-Rios ( @juliagaliano ), journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhag...

May 22, 202522 minEp. 1248

The US v the ICC: Why is Trump going after the court?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing one of the deepest crises in its history. United States President Donald Trump sanctioned lead prosecutor Karim Khan earlier this year, grinding the court’s work to a crawl. Khan is now on leave as he faces a sexual misconduct investigation. How is the court functioning in his absence, and what does it mean for the future of international accountability? In this episode: Molly Quell ( @MollyQuell ), Associated Press journalist Episode credits: Thi...

May 21, 202522 minEp. 1247

Why is Donald Trump fixated on South Africa?

The administration of US President Donald Trump has granted refugee status to 49 white Afrikaners, echoing a debunked conspiracy theory about “white genocide” in South Africa. The move comes after Trump cut aid to the nation and threatened to boycott meetings with its government. What’s behind Trump’s fixation on South Africa? In this episode: Joseph Dana ( @ibnEzra ), writer Episode credits: This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Khaled Soltan, Spencer Cl...

May 20, 202524 minEp. 1246

What does the end of US sanctions mean for Syrians?

What would the end of US sanctions mean for Syria? The handshake between US President Donald Trump and interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was a dramatic shift, signaling the end of 46 years of US sanctions against Syria. Now, the door is opening to more investment and international aid, and Syrians poured into the streets in celebration. How did the deal come together, and what might it mean for Syria's future? In this episode: Imran Khan ( @ajimran ), Al Jazeera senior correspondent Episo...

May 19, 202524 minEp. 1245

Brief: New Israeli offensive in Gaza kills more than 300 in three days

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 military operation in Gaza, killing more than 300 Palestinians since Thursday. Earlier in the week, Israel bombed two hospitals, killing a journalist it had previously wounded. It is day 590 of the war in Gaza, where more than 53,272 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Moath Al Kahlout, ( @kahlout_moath ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Hamza Mohamed, ( ...

May 18, 20256 minEp. 1244

Another Take: Eurovision 2024 - Divided over Israel

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on May 10, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references have changed. Usually all quirky music and fun, Eurovision has been marked by protests over Israel’s participation during its ongoing war on Gaza. Will it overshadow an event meant to unite? In this episode: Nils Adler ( @nilsadler1 ), Al Jazeera Journalist Episode credits: This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker. The original production team was Ashish...

May 17, 202519 minEp. 1243

Malcolm X at 100: Ibram X. Kendi looks to the future

A hundred years after the birth of Malcolm X, and in the shadow of a second Trump presidency, Ibram X. Kendi – author of the international bestseller How to Be an Antiracist – returns to the meaning of Malcolm’s legacy in his newest book. What does it reveal about where the US is now, and what still needs to be said about race in America? In this episode: Ibram X Kendi ( @ibramxk ), Author of Malcolm Lives! Episode credits: This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walt...

May 16, 202524 minEp. 1242

On Nakba Day, Trump tours the Gulf as Gaza starves

Gaza is starving. As Palestinians mark 77 years since the Nakba, families are still under bombardment, cut off from aid and struggling to survive. With US President Donald Trump touring the Gulf, what will it take to bring relief to Palestinians? In this episode: Youmna ElSayed ( @YoumnaElSayed17 ), Al Jazeera correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Khandaker, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, Mariana Nav...

May 15, 202523 minEp. 1241

How could Pope Leo XIV reshape the Catholic Church?

Recently elected Pope Leo XIV is the first pontiff from the United States, just as the country's president is shaking up the global order. With both the US and the Catholic Church deeply divided, what does Pope Leo’s selection mean for Catholics in the US and worldwide? In this episode: Hoda Abdel-Hamid ( @hodaaje ), Al Jazeera correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Tamara Khandaker, C...

May 14, 202519 minEp. 1240

Will budget cuts cause the end of the UN as we know it?

United Nations agencies are facing an unprecedented financial crisis, with the United States abruptly pulling aid, European contributions shrinking, and global budgets shifting to defence. Deep cuts, mass layoffs and sweeping reforms are under way, jeopardising food, shelter and other aid for millions around the world. How can the UN adapt to survive? In this episode: Gabriel Elizondo ( @elizondogabriel ), Al Jazeera correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé an...

May 13, 202522 minEp. 1239

Is there a cure for the loneliness epidemic?

Feeling lonely? You’re not the only one, and it’s not just in your head. The World Health Organization has called loneliness a global health threat, linked to serious physical and mental harm. But researchers say connection is a skill we can relearn, and rebuilding it might just save our lives. This episode originally aired on December 13, 2023. All dates, titles, and references reflect that time and remain unchanged. In this episode: Niobe Way ( @niobe_way ), New York University Professor of De...

May 12, 202521 minEp. 1238

Brief: Israel approves plan for Gaza displacement, Iran-US talks resume

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel approved a new plan for displacing Palestinians in Gaza. A Turkish student arrested in the US for her views on Gaza was released. Talks between the US and Iran were scheduled to resume. It is day 583 of the war. More than 53,253 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed. In this episode: Hamdah Salhut ( @hamdahsalhut ), Al Jazeera Correspondent Tareq Abou Azzoum (@ @TareqAzz...

May 11, 20256 minEp. 1237

Another Take: Will Diddy’s downfall shift the US music industry?

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on October 25, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. The sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is under way in New York. The music mogul courted controversy since the 1990s and now faces allegations of trafficking and coercing women into drug-fueled sexual performances. The Take looks back at the rise of one of the most powerful men in Hollywood and the significance ...

May 10, 202525 minEp. 1236

Can India and Pakistan avoid a fourth war over Kashmir?

It’s the biggest military escalation between India and Pakistan in decades. Missile strikes, drone attacks, and deadly shelling have struck on both sides of the border in the disputed region of Kashmir. With dozens of civilians dead and both countries trading blame, can the two nuclear powers contain the dispute? In this episode: Charu Kasturi (@ CharuKasturi ), Al Jazeera senior editor and writer Episode credits: This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, Marcos Bartolome, and Tamara Khandaker ...

May 08, 202521 minEp. 1235

What does Israel's escalation with the Houthis mean for Yemen?

Israel bombed Yemen’s Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port within 24 hours, as tensions have been escalating in response to Israel's war on Gaza. On Sunday, the Houthis launched missiles that landed near Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. What does it mean for Yemenis facing this escalation? In this episode: Maysaa Shuja al-Deen ( @maysaashujaa ), Yemeni writer and researcher Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, K...

May 08, 202523 minEp. 1234

25 years of Putin: what can we expect next?

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin celebrates 25 years in power this week, along with a Victory Day parade attended by leaders from around the world. We chart his rise to power, how his worldview has changed, and what we can expect from him next. In this episode: Mikhail Zygar (@ zygaro ), Writer & Author of The Last Pioneer Substack Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Khaled Soltan, Kingwel...

May 07, 202523 minEp. 1233
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