The Inside Story Podcast

This year's NATO summit in Turkiye is overshadowed by the Iran war. The U.S. wants allies to help it protect shipping in the vital waterway, but what are the risks? In this episode:  David Des Roches, Professor at Thayer Marshall Institute and former NATO Operations Director  Alam Saleh, Senior Lecturer of Iranian Studies at Australian National University Patrick Bury, Defense and Security Specialist at University of Bath and a former NATO analyst Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Mounting violence in Mali. A coalition of rebels and armed groups has carried out another series of assaults, highlighting the military government's failure to contain the attacks. With the junta under increasing pressure, how will it address this growing security threat? In this episode:  Kabir Adamu, Managing Director, Beacon Security and Intelligence Nadina Ronc, independent geopolitical and security analyst Bram Posthumus, political and economic analyst  Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Promising to crack down on crime and promoting strong ties with President Trump - right-wing populists are winning elections across Latin America. Is this a passing phase coming out of voters' economic and safety concerns or a lasting shift? And will this tie the region more to the United States? In this episode:  Jose Ragas, Historian and Assistant Professor, Catholic University of Chile.  Oliver Stuenkel, Associate Professor, School of International Relations, Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil.  Javier Farje, Journalist and Historian. Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Long lines at petrol stations in one of the world's largest energy producers. Relentless Ukrainian strikes have caused a fuel crisis in Russia. Will economic pressure turn into a political problem for President Vladimir Putin - and move the Kremlin towards talks with Kyiv? In this episode:  Alexander Bratersky - Political Analyst and an Independent Journalist.  Oleksiy Goncharenko - Ukrainian Member of Parliament.  Theresa Fallon - Director of the Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies.  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

China's new ethnic unity law has come into effect. Rights groups and activists overseas say it will further shrink the rights of minorities. Will the law help forge a shared national identity, as Beijing says? Or is it a step towards forced assimilation? In this episode:  Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation Zumretay Arkin, Vice President, World Uyghur Congress William Yang, Senior Analyst for Northeast Asia, International Crisis Group  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Pakistan has said India's suspension of a decades-old treaty could amount to an act of war. And tensions between the two are already high. So, how could they avoid a further escalation? In this episode:  Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of the independent investigative news organisation, The Wire Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council Zeeshan Salahuddin, Advisory Director at Tabadlab, a think-tank and consultancy on geopolitics Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Rapid Support Forces are trying to seize the strategic southern city of el-Obeid from the Sudanese military. Rights groups are warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe. But why is the battle to control the city so important? In this episode:  Ali Mahmoud Ali, Sudan Researcher with the Armed Conflict, Location & Event Data project Kholood Khair, Founding Director of Confluence Advisory, a think tank founded in Khartoum with a focus on Sudan Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health Host: Mohammed Jamjoum Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A June 30th deadline set by anti-migrant groups for undocumented foreigners to leave, has come and gone. Thousands protested across the country, against what they say is a broken immigration system. So, what's driving this debate? And what are the political, economic and diplomatic costs? In this episode:  William Gumede, Associate Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand Nomvula Mokonyane, First Deputy Secretary General of South Africa's governing ANC party Richard Pithouse, Distinguished Research Fellow at The Global Centre for Advanced Studies Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Several senior politicians have been detained in a wave of arrests. The government says it's just the beginning. But is this about graft, or is politics involved? In this episode: Ahmed Rushdi, President of the think-tank, House of Iraqi Expertise Foundation Renad Mansour, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Manuel Pirino, Regional Advisor for Middle East and North Africa at Transparency International Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Democratic Republic of Congo takes Rwanda to the International Court of Justice. Kinshasa seeks to hold Kigali responsible for the war in the eastern DRC. But can international law help end one of Africa's longest running conflicts? In this episode:  Demas Kiprono, Executive Director at the International Commission of Jurists, Kenya. Kambale Musavuli, Analyst at the Center for Research on the Congo-Kinshasa. Phil Clark, Professor of International Politics at SOAS University of London. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Crimea under a state of emergency. The move comes as Ukraine intensifies attacks on the Russian-controlled region. Kyiv says its aim is to press Moscow to end the war. But is that realistic? And why is Crimea so critical to the wider conflict? In this episode:  Leonid Ragozin, independent journalist who focuses on Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Yulia Kazdobina, Senior Fellow in the Security Studies Program at the Ukrainian Prism Foreign Policy Council. Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security at the University of Birmingham. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Death and destruction after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. The disaster comes just months after U.S. forces abducted the former president. So, how may that impact the flow of aid from Washington? And what kind of politics are at play? In this episode:  Jan Eagland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council Chris Gilbert, Professor at the Bolivarian University of Venezuela Michael Shifter, Adjunct Professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University Paul Dobson, political analyst and independent journalist Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has wrapped up his three-day tour of the Gulf. Regional states want a greater say in security--after coming under attack during the Iran war. So, can Washington rebuild trust with its regional allies? And will Gulf states be able to steer the future of the Strait of Hormuz? In this episode:  Abdulla Banndar Al Etaibi, Assistant Professor of International Relations at Qatar University Gordon Gray, Former U.S. Ambassador and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Sina Toossi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy, focusing on U.S.-Iran relations  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Benjamin Netanyahu says he's grateful to the US for its military aid but that it's time for Israel to build its own weapons-production capacity. The Israeli prime minister's announcement comes as tensions grow over the US agreement with Iran. But demand soars for Israel's weapons — its arms exports hit a record $19 billion last year. Supporters say that it strengthens Israel's ability to stand on its own. Can Israel afford to lose its greatest ally? In this episode:  Alexandre Vautravers, Security and defence policy specialist Michael Mulroy, Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Antony Loewenstein, Author of 'The Palestine Laboratory'  Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Keir Starmer is the latest to step down, after nearly two years in office. He'd been expected to put an end to the political chaos. So, what went wrong? And what does it mean for the future of the UK? In this episode:  Jennifer Nadel, Co-Founder of the cross-party think tank Compassion in Politics. Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London. Zaid M Belbagi, Managing Partner at Hardcastle Advisory. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The US and Iran have finished the first round of talks with an agreement on a roadmap to a final deal. But is there enough trust to end the conflict? In this episode:  Mohammad Eslami - Research Fellow at Tehran University.  Kenneth Katzman - Senior Fellow at The Soufan Center.  Zeidon Alkinani - Founding Director at the Arab Perspectives Institute.  Host: Anna Burns-Francis  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iranian armed forces say they've closed the Strait of Hormuz after Israeli attacks on Lebanon, just days after an agreement with the U.S. reopen it. Disruption to the crucial waterway has had a huge economic impact worldwide. So, what happens next?  In this episode:  Ian Ralby - Senior Fellow at the Center for Maritime Strategy and Associate Fellow with the International Law Programme at Chatham House.  Mehran Kamrava - Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar and Head of the Iranian Studies Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies.   Stavros Karamperidis - Associate Professor in Maritime Economics and Head of the Maritime Transport Research Group at the University of Plymouth.  Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A landslide win, only two years ago - yet now UK prime minister Keir Starmer's resisting calls to step down. The return to parliament of Andy Burnham makes a leadership challenge more likely.  What's gone wrong so fast, for Starmer? And why so much turmoil at the top of British politics?  In this episode:  Peter Oborne - UK Political Commentator and Associate Editor of Middle East Eye - a digital news organisation. Jonathan Tonge - Professor of Politics at the University of Liverpool and author of numerous books on British and Northern Irish politics. Peter Geoghegan - Editor of Democracy for Sale - an investigative news site in London   Host: Per Nyberg Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Fury from Israeli ministers over the agreement US President Donald Trump has signed with Iran. And a sharp rebuke in response from his vice president JD Vance. What are the implications for Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu?  In this episode:  Gideon Levy, Columnist at Haaretz newspaper  Mairav Zonszein, Senior Israel Analyst at the International Crisis Group Mitchell Barak, Founder of KEEVOON Research, Strategy and Communications and a former aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Host: Per Nyberg Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

China calls for stronger representation for the Global South. It warns that the international rules-based order is at a critical crossroads. Beijing says it has a solution to a more equitable system. But does it have the leverage and tools to enforce it? In this episode:  Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute Cobus van Staden, Head of Research at the China-Global South Project Allen Carlson, Associate Professor in the Government Department at Cornell University Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Kyiv has just started formal talks to join the bloc. It comes after Moscow declined an offer of direct talks to end the war. So, would membership protect Ukraine? And what would it mean for Europe? In this episode:  Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director at Eurasia Democracy Initiative Theresa Fallon, Director at the Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies Alexander Bratersky, independent journalist and political analyst Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

An agreement between Washington and Tehran has all but ended the Iran war, both claiming victory despite the huge cost. Among that is damage to Iranian relationships with its Gulf neighbours, which it attacked. So, what has Iran won and lost in the region from this war?  In this episode:  Ali Akbar Dareini, Researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies in Tehran.  Roxane Farmanfarmaian, Professor of Modern Middle East Politics at the University of Cambridge. Mehran Kamrava, Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar and Head of the Iranian Studies Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies.  Host: Scott McLean  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The UK says it's banning access to social media for those under 16. Its government argues it's the right choice to protect young people from online harm. But will this policy work? And how will it be enforced? In this episode:  Dr Charlotte Armitage, Psychologist and Psychotherapist and author of Generation Zombie: Why Devices Are Harming Our Children and What We Can Do About It Paolo Gerbaudo, Sociologist and Political Theorist at Complutense University in Madrid Bhargav Srinivasa Desikan, AI and Tech Lead at the Autonomy Institute and a Doctoral Researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The annual G7 summit is set to be held in France. But this time, differences within the group are growing. From tensions in the Middle East to the war in Ukraine, can the G7 help resolve global crises as geopolitical realities shift? In this episode:  Jacques Reland, Senior Research Fellow, Global Policy Institute. Scott Lucas, Professor, US and International Politics, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin. Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation. Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The European Union's new migration pact is now in force,, tightening border controls and overhauling asylum rules. Will it reduce migration to Europe? And what does it reveal about the political forces shaping the bloc? In this episode:  Marta Welander - EU Advocacy Director, International Rescue Committee. Nathalie Tocci - Professor of Practice at Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe. Pieter Cleppe - Editor-in-chief, BrusselsReport.eu. Host: Anna Francis-Burns Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Donald Trump says a new agreement with Iran is within reach. Tehran insists key issues remain unresolved. So is a deal finally close? What would it mean for tensions in the region? And if an agreement is signed, can it survive the political pressures on both sides? In this episode:  Dania Thafer - Executive Director, Gulf International Forum Foad Izadi - Associate Professor at University of Tehran Barbara Slavin - Distinguished Fellow at Stimson Center Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The nine countries believed to hold nuclear weapons have spent a record $119bn on their arsenals. The US budget was more than all the others combined, according to an anti-proliferation group. So why the huge surge? And what does it mean for the future of disarmament? In this episode:  Tariq Rauf, Former Head of Verification and Security Policy Co-ordination, International Atomic Energy Agency.  Susi Snyder, Director, Programmes, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.  Carne Ross, Founder, Independent Diplomat. Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Turmoil in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. A banned group has been protesting against a court ruling that kept in place legislative representation for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. What are the political implications of the demonstrations? In this episode:  Maria Iqbal Tarana, Senior Leader, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz. Sahar Khan, Nonresident Fellow, Institute for Global Affairs. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director, Center for Research and Security Studies. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea. Beijing is Pyongyang's main political and economic backer. Xi has voiced his opposition to what he called hegemonism and power politics. So, how could his visit shape geopolitics in the region? In this episode:  Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation.  Hannah Kim, Associate Professor, International Studies, Sogang University.  Aaron Glasserman, Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for the Study of Contemporary China, University of Pennsylvania. Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Protests in the UK after the release of police video of an 18-year-old stabbing victim handcuffed by officers after his attacker alleged racial abuse. The case has caused outrage with the Prime Minister rejecting claims of police bias against white people. So, why are racial issues so prominent now in the UK?  In this episode:  Tim Bale, Professor, Politics, Queen Mary University of London.  Dal Babu, Former Chief Superintendent, London Metropolitan police.  Andy Preston, Former Mayor, Middlesbrough and a Conservative Party Donor.  Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Armenians are voting in pivotal parliamentary elections. With Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan facing pro-Russia rivals, why is the outcome being watched so closely in Brussels, Moscow and Washington? In this episode:  Richard Giragosian - Director of the Regional Studies Center think-tank Kenneth Roth - Visiting Professor at the Princeton School of Public & International Affairs Chris Weafer - Chief Executive Officer of Macro-Advisory consultancy Host: Anna Burns-Francis  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The US has announced another ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. But Israeli strikes continue and Hezbollah remains engaged. Can the truce hold, and what lies ahead for Lebanon? In this episode:  Heiko Wimmen - Project Director for Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, International Crisis Group Nimrod Novik - Former Special Envoy & Senior Adviser to former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres  Rami Khouri - Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Host: Sami Zeidan  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The head of the World Health Organization seems confident and says there's hope. But with an already volatile security situation in the region, what are the risks of the virus spreading? In this episode:  Dr. Marie Roseline Belizaire, Emergency Director for the World Health Organization Africa Dr. Ekwaro Obuku, physician who served as a policy advisor on Uganda's national task force during the 2022 Ebola outbreak Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Vice Chairman of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A proposal to tighten EU migration policy. Negotiators from the European Parliament and Council have provisionally agreed on a new deal. It includes the deportation to third countries of people whose applications are rejected. But where would that leave the rights of those seeking safe haven in Europe? In this episode:  Marta Welander, EU Advocacy Director at the International Rescue Committee Susan Fratzke, Senior Policy Analyst at the Migration Policy Institute  Demas Kiprono, Executive Director of the International Commission of Jurists in Kenya Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Lebanon under Israeli attack - while diplomatic efforts continue to end the war in Iran. And with Israel escalating attacks on Hezbollah, Tehran wants any peace deal to cover both conflicts. So, why is Iran making Lebanon a central issue in its own war?  In this episode:  Naim Salem, Professor of Political Science at the Lebanese Army Military Academy Marzie Khalilian, Political Analyst and Academic Researcher Nicholas Noe, Editor-in-Chief of Mideastwire.com Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel continues killing Palestinians in Gaza and threatens to seize more of the Strip - all in breach of October's ceasefire deal. Attacks go on everyday, with more than 900 killed since then. So, is the US-backed peace process in serious danger?  In this episode:  Muhammad Shehada, Senior Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations Daniel Levy, President of the U.S. / Middle East Project  Tamer Qarmout, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's at stake in Ethiopia's elections? The governing party is seeking to cement its power, but in a country embroiled in conflicts and deeply fragmented, will this vote solve Ethiopia's many woes? And how are these elections viewed across the Horn of Africa? In this episode:  Samuel Getachew, Journalist and Ethiopian politics and security commentator. Martin Plaut, Senior Research Fellow, King’s College London. Bizuneh Yimenu, Lecturer in Comparative Politics, Queen's University Belfast.  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

NATO says it's ready to defend allied territory against Russian attacks. Ukraine warns Moscow is preparing for a major aerial assault, and appeals for more military support. Both sides seem confident they are advancing on the battlefield. So, is the war entering a new phase? In this episode:  Olesia Horiainova - Co-founder of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre   Donald Jensen - Adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University     Alexey Muraviev - Russian defence and security specialist Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

France has repealed a controversial law called Code Noir, or Black Code. It classified people in its colonies as property. But why now? What does it mean for the millions of victims of French colonialism?  In this episode:  Liliane Umubyeyi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the African Futures Lab Marlene Daut, Professor of French and African Diaspora Studies at Yale University Anne Giudicelli, Global relations specialist and former security analyst for the French Foreign Office Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's behind the recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa? Thousands of foreign workers are under increasing pressure to leave the country. So, what's driving this anti-migrant sentiment that many have called xenophobic? And is politics involved?  In this episode:  William Gumede, Associate Professor, School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand Lindywe Zulu, member of the ANC Committee on International Relations and a former South African Minister of Social Development Ashraf Essop, immigration lawyer Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel intensifies its military action in Lebanon, killing and injuring dozens of people, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Iran insists those attacks must also end as part of any deal with the United States. So, why is Israel ramping up its strikes? In this episode:  Najat Aoun Saliba, Independent Member of the Lebanese Parliament Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Michael Mulroy, Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

In the first keynote policy statement of his papacy, Pope Leo has warned that artificial intelligence must be for the benefit of humanity, not geopolitical or corporate dominance. Will his views have any impact on big tech and governments?  In this episode:  Gerard O’Connell, Senior Vatican correspondent for the Catholic magazine, America Aya Ibrahim, Senior Visiting Fellow at the AI Now Institute Elaine Burke, Science and technology writer and host of the podcast, For Tech's Sake Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A possible US-Iran deal to end the conflict is taking shape. While mediators try to bridge some critical divides, Israeli officials are reportedly worried. What are their concerns? And will they throw a spanner in the works? In this episode:  Mairav Zonszein, Senior Israel Analyst at the International Crisis Group Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Paul Musgrave, Professor of U.S. Government at Georgetown University Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Iran war has caused the worst energy crisis in history, according to the International Energy Agency. It's been politically unpopular in the US too ahead of crucial mid-term elections in November. So, even after it ends, could this war have long-lasting implications?   In this episode:  Foad Izadi, Associate Professor, University of Tehran.  Christopher Hill, Former US diplomat.  Abdullah Al Shayji, Professor, Political Science, Kuwait University.  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The US and India are seeking to mend ties after a year of diplomatic see-saw...tariffs imposed then quickly scrapped because of the war in Iran.  It's one example of how international relations and conflict have become more complex and interlinked in recent years.  So, is pragmatism replacing ideology in today's diplomatic world?  In this episode:  Brahma Chellaney - Professor Emeritus of Strategic Studies at the Centre for Policy Research.  Chris Weafer - Chief Executive Officer at Macro-Advisory strategic consultancy.  Shaun Rein - Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group.  Host: Scott McLean  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube  

Israel keeps up its attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire. The US has sanctioned nine people, including two Lebanese army officers accused of links to Hezbollah. It comes while Washington brokers more talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials. So, why these sanctions now? In this episode:  David Wood, Senior Lebanon Analyst at the International Crisis Group Randa Slim, Middle East Program Director at the U.S.-based Stimson Center  Elijah Magnier, Specialist in Middle East wars and regional military dynamics  Host: Scott McLean  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Detained and ridiculed by a senior Israeli minister. The mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists has sparked global outrage. They were part of the latest attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Most efforts have failed. So, what difference do flotillas make? In this episode:  Ahmed Abo Askar, Engineering student who lobbies for sponsorship for orphans in Gaza Dan Perry, Former Chief Editor of the Associated Press in Europe, the Middle East and Africa Carne Ross, Former British diplomat at the United Nations Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Amplifying an 'unshakeable bond' in a 'turbulent' international situation. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing: their 40th meeting as presidents. What's the significance of the Russian leader's visit, a week after Donald Trump was in the Chinese capital? In this episode:  Andy Mok, Author of ‘The Innovation Machine: How China Creates and Adopts Technology Through Governance’ Pavel Devyatkin, Non-resident Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft  Allen Carlson, Associate Professor in the Department of Government at Cornell University, specialising in Chinese foreign policy Host: Scott McLean  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A huge attack in the Moscow region and unrelenting strikes on its energy facilities — Ukraine is taking the war deeper into Russia. Russian oil refineries are burning, and its ground offensive is stalling. So, does Ukraine have the advantage at the moment?  In this episode:  Peter Zalmayev, Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative Pavel Felgenhauer, Russian Foreign Policy Analyst Mark Episkopos, Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute’s Eurasia Program Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Running out of fuel. Cuba is struggling to keep the lights on as the United States ramps up economic pressure and military threats. Washington is now offering aid - but at a cost. Will the system set up by the Castros break down? In this episode:  Ruaridh Nicoll, The Guardian's Cuba Correspondent Adolfo Franco, Republican strategist Javier Farje, Journalist and historian specialising in Latin American affairs Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube