Donald Trump says talks to get a new ceasefire in Gaza are going well. Benjamin Netanyahu has been meeting him in the White House - the third time he has visited this year. They talked openly about a post war future for Gaza. But what is Israel's real plan? Is it trying to forcibly relocate Palestinians in a scheme being described as a crime against humanity? In this episode: Curt Mills, Executive Director, The American Conservative magazine. Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow, Chatham Ho...
Jul 08, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1227
Yet another BRICS summit, this time in Brazil, but with the leaders of two major member-countries staying away. The group has expanded and aims to reform what it calls a western-led global order. But is it still up to that goal? And what difference has it made on the world stage? In this episode: Gustavo Ribeiro, Founder and Editor-in-chief, The Brazilian Report. Sergey Markov, Director, Institute of Political Studies in Moscow. Jayant Menon, Former Lead Economist, Asian Development Bank. Host: ...
Jul 07, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1226
Why has Iran stepped up its deportation of Afghan refugees? Thousands are being forced to go back to Afghanistan as Tehran tightens controls on immigration. But what's really behind this crackdown? And can Taliban government handle this sudden influx of returnees? In this episode: Arafat Jamal, Afghanistan Representative, United Nations Refugee Agency. Orzala Nemat, Director, Development Research Group. Hassan Ahmadian, Professor, West Asian Studies, University of Tehran. Host: James Bays Connec...
Jul 06, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1225
First, Tehran accused the International Atomic Energy Agency of being complicit in Israel's attacks on its nuclear sites. Now, the UN agency's pulled all its inspectors out of Iran. So, who will monitor its nuclear activities? And could this trigger another round of tension? In this episode: Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow, Center, Middle East Strategic Studies. Tariq Rauf, Former Head, Verification and Security Policy, International Atomic Energy Agency. Harlan Ullman, Senior Advisor, Atlan...
Jul 05, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1224
A report by the UN Special Rapporteur says some of the world's largest companies are complicit in and profiting from Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territories. Microsoft, Amazon and Google as just some of the major US tech firms identified. So, could they be held liable under international law? In this episode: Omar Barghouti, Co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement. Vaniya Agrawal, Former Microsoft software engineer. Michael Lynk, Human rights lawyer. Host: Adri...
Jul 04, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1223
Tibet's spiritual leader says the role he embodies will continue after his death, saying the next Dalai Lama will be chosen in line with tradition. But China insists it should have the final say. So, could this become a potential flashpoint in relations between Beijing and India - which is home to a large exiled Tibetan community? In this episode: Robbie Barnett, Writer and researcher on modern Tibetan-Chinese history and politics, Andy Mok, Geopolitical analyst and senior research fellow, Cente...
Jul 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1222
What's bringing China and the EU closer? The two sides are marking fifty years of relations this month ... holding talks and pledging deeper cooperation. But how far will this go? And who stands to gain the most, Beijing or Europe? In this episode: Karel Lannoo, CEO, Centre for European Policy Studies. Victor Gao, Vice President, Center for China and Globalisation. Raffaele Marchetti, Director, Center for International and Strategic Studies, LUISS University in Rome. Host: Adrian Finighan Connec...
Jul 02, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1221
Suspended after a leaked recording of a controversial phone call, Thailand's Prime Minister is now fighting for her political survival. Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been facing growing public anger. So, will she survive this crisis? And what does it mean for democracy in Thailand? In this episode: Sean Boonpracong, Political Analyst. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Political Scientist, Chulalongkorn University. Kasit Piromya, Former Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPo...
Jul 01, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1220
They escaped the horrors of war in their country. But millions of refugees from Sudan now face the risk of hunger. The United Nations World Food Programme is facing a dire shortage of funds. Who is to blame? And who might step in to feed the refugees? In this episode: Carl Skau, UN World Food Programme's Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. Alex de Waal, Executive Director, World Peace Foundation. Kholood Khair, Founding Director, Confluence Advisory. Host: James Bays Connect w...
Jun 30, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1219
Will a deal to end war between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda work this time? They've signed an agreement in Washington to end the long-running conflict in eastern DRC and it has the full support of the US. But how will it work in practice? And what are the chances of success? In this episode: Gatete Nyiringabo, Political Commentator. Zainab Usman, Senior Fellow and Director, Africa Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Vava Tampa, Founder and Chief Campaigner, Save t...
Jun 29, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1218
The US and Israel attacked Iran saying it can't have a nuclear weapon while the Islamic Republic denies trying to build one. The two are among nine countries armed with such weapons. So, who decides who can have nuclear arms? And have the actions of Israel and the US increased the risks that more countries will want them? In this episode: Tariq Rauf, Former Head, Verification and Security Policy Coordination, International Atomic Energy Agency. Laicie Heeley, Nuclear Arms Control and Non-Prolife...
Jun 28, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1217
An EU summit in Brussels calls for a ceasefire in Gaza but not for sanctions against Israel. Germany has led states blocking action throughout the war, while others express anger. So, what's driving the EU's position on Israel and Gaza? In this episode: Claudio Francavilla, Associate EU Director, Human Rights Watch. Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin Member of the European Parliament. Giorgia Gusciglio, Europe Coordinator, Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcas...
Jun 27, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1216
A political earthquake say the headlines. A stunning victory. A wake up call for the US Democratic Party. Zohran Mamdani's win in New York City's Mayoral primary has sent the news media into overdrive. But what's behind his win - and how significant is it for US politics? In this episode: Linda Sarsour, Palestinian American activist and political strategist Joi Chaney, Democratic political strategist Omar Rahman, Political analyst and fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs Host: Adr...
Jun 26, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1215
Israel's war on Gaza raged on during its recent conflict with Iran which ended with a US brokered ceasefire. Meanwhile, Qatar has announced renewed mediation efforts to end the genocide. So, what are the prospects for peace now? In this episode: Xavier Abu Eid, Political Analyst. Mairav Zonszein, Senior Israeli Analyst, International Crisis Group. Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow, American University of Beirut. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter , Instagram, Facebook...
Jun 25, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1214
Donald Trump urges Israel and Iran to stick to the agreed ceasefire. The two sides have traded accusations of violations. It comes after Iran targeted a US military base in Qatar. So, will this ceasefire hold? And what does it mean for the wider Middle East? In this episode: Dania Thafer, Executive Director, Gulf International Forum. Ellie Geranmayeh, Deputy Head, Middle East and North Africa Programme, European Council on Foreign Relations. Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute. Host: Imra...
Jun 24, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1213
The US says it has 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear capabilities. But is that true? Tehran says it removed all nuclear material before the US air strikes. And insists its know-how can't be destroyed. So, is bombing the answer for Iran's nuclear ambitions? In this episode: Laura Rockwood, Senior Fellow, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. Roxane Farmanfarmaian, Director, International Studies and Global Politics, University of Cambridge. Imad Khadduri, Former Nuclear Scientist, Iraqi...
Jun 23, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1212
Donald Trump says the US bombing attacks he ordered have totally obliterated Iran's key nuclear sites. And he's threatening more strikes if Tehran doesn't return to diplomacy. But what if it decides not to? And what are the risks of a regional spillover? In this episode: Zohreh Kharazmi, Assistant Professor, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran. Tariq Rauf, Former Head, Verification and Security Policy Coordination Office, International Atomic Energy Agency. Matthew Bryza, Former Natio...
Jun 22, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1211
What is the cost of the war between Israel and Iran? Continuing strikes from both countries are already draining their economies. And the global economy faces the threat of inflation. So, what could be the outcome of a prolonged conflict? In this episode: Aly-Khan Satchu, GeoEconomic Analyst and Investor. Eyal Winter, Professor, Economics, Hebrew University and Lancaster University. Nader Habibi, Professor, Practice in the Economics of the Middle East, Brandeis University. Host: Neave Barker Con...
Jun 21, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1210
The German leader and EU commission president were quick to back Israel as the conflict began with Iran. The EU has since called for de-escalation, reflecting growing anxiety over what might happen next. So what's the thinking in European capitals? And how much influence does Europe really have? In this episode: Pieter Cleppe, Editor-in-Chief, BrusselsReport.eu. Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in Europe, New York Times. Ellie Geranmayeh, Deputy Director of MENA Programme, Europea...
Jun 20, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1209
Israel says ending Iran's nuclear programme is a key aim of its attacks on the country. Israel is widely believed to have nuclear arms - but has never admitted that. So what are the nuclear capabilities of both sides - and the risks from this conflict? In this episode: Dan Smith, Director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Sahil Shah, Nuclear weapons policy analyst Rebecca Johnson, Director at the Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy Host: Laura Kyle Connect with us: @AJEPo...
Jun 19, 2025•24 min
As Israel attacks Iran, its genocide in Gaza has shown no signs of easing. At least 70 Palestinians were killed in a single day at a food distribution site run by a controversial Israeli-US-backed group in Khan Younis this week. All other aid channels are blocked including medical supplies. So, what's the impact of this latest Israeli strategy? In this episode: Amjad Shawa, Director, Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network in Gaza. Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General, Medecins San...
Jun 18, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1207
The Israel-Iran conflict brings more instability to the Middle East, a region with extensive US interests. They'll be central to shaping president Donald Trump's strategy. So, what's at stake for Washington--and the pros and cons for Trump of further involvement? In this episode: Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. PJ Crowley, Former US Assistant Secretary of State. Niall Stanage, White House Columnist, The Hill newspaper. Host: Nick Clark Connect ...
Jun 17, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1206
As Israel and Iran continue to attack each other, how do their militaries compare? Israel's air force dominates the skies, while Iran relies heavily on its ballistic missiles and drones. But who will have the upper hand as the war rages on? In this episode: Mamoun Abu Nowar, Retired Jordanian Airforce General. Marina Miron, Military Analyst and Researcher, War Studies Department, King's College London. Justin Bronk, Senior Research Fellow, Airpower and Technology, Royal United Services Institute...
Jun 16, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1205
Will Russia, Turkey and China provide support to Iran in its conflict with Israel? The three countries have condemned Israel's actions. But is that enough? And what do they all stand to lose if the conflict spirals out of control? In this episode: Barin Kayaoglu, Chair and Assistant Professor, American Studies, Social Sciences, University of Ankara. Glenn Carle, Career CIA Officer and Deputy National Intelligence Officer, Transnational Threats from the National Intelligence Council. Nikolay Surk...
Jun 15, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1204
With its allies significantly weakened, Iran is left to confront Israel on its own. It's launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliatory strikes without its traditional support. With Tehran apparently exposed, what might be the outcome of this conflict? In this episode: Ronnie Chatah, Political Commentator, Writer and Host, The Beirut Banyan podcast. Setareh Sadeqi, Professor, University of Tehran's Faculty of World Studies. David DesRoches, Professor, National Defense, University and Fo...
Jun 14, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1203
Israel has attacked Iranian military and nuclear sites, claiming Tehran was close to producing a nuclear weapon. Tehran says it's a declaration of war. So, how far will it go with its response? And what does it all this mean for its nuclear ambitions? In this episode: Ellie Geranmayeh, Senior policy fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations. Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project, International Crisis Group. Samuel Ramani, Defense Analyst, Royal United Services Institute. Host: Cyril Vanier ...
Jun 13, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1202
Israel's far-right finance minister says he wants to cut off Palestinian banks from the global financial system. The plan's not yet been approved by the Israeli government. But if it does happen, what could be the consequences? In this episode: Raja Khalidi, Director General at the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute. Shahd Hammouri, Lecturer in International Law at the University of Kent. Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary General at the Palestinian National Initiative. Host: Cyril Vanier Co...
Jun 12, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1201
Renewed violence by armed groups Boko Haram and ISIL has forced thousands of people to leave their homes in Nigeria. Despite repeated government pledges, the military has been unable to end the violence. So why is it continuing and what threats does it pose? In this episode: Kabir Adamu, Managing Director, Beacon Security and Intelligence. David Otto, Deputy Director, Counter Terrorism Training, International Academy for the Fight Against Terrorism. Ovigwe Eguegu, Peace and Security Policy Analy...
Jun 11, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1200
National Guard troops and even the Marines are on the streets of Los Angeles - deployed by President Donald Trump after mass protests against his immigration raids. California's governor is suing him while the protests spread to other US cities. So, could this crisis worsen? In this episode: Peter Eliasberg, Chief Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. Claire Finkelstein, Professor, Law, University of Pennsylvania. Mark Pfeifle, Republican Strategist, Founder and Preside...
Jun 10, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1199
Attacks by both Russia and Ukraine have intensified in recent weeks, with little sign that Europe's largest conflict since World War II is nearing an end. So, what are the strengths and weaknesses of each side and their alliances? And what are the chances of peace? In this episode: Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director, Eurasia Democracy Initiative. Alexander Bratersky, Independent journalist and political analyst. Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in Europe, The New York Times. Host:...
Jun 09, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1198
