The Inside Story Podcast

As Israeli attacks in Lebanon continue despite a ceasefire, the United States is hosting the third round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials. Hezbollah opposes the meeting in Washington. But can the process help find a way forward for Lebanon after decades of war?  In this episode:  Ali Rizk, Security and Foreign Affairs Analyst in Beirut Jennifer Gavito, former acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Host: Mohammed Jamjoom  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Five nations boycott Eurovision, citing Israel's participation. Their action is against Israel's war in Gaza and allegations of vote manipulation in the song contest. But why is it so important for Israel to take part? And is the competition's future under threat?  In this episode:  Steve Wall, musician, actor, and member of the Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign Jonathan Hendrickx, Assistant Professor in Media Studies at the University of Copenhagen Ori Goldberg, Political commentator in Tel Aviv  Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A drone attack on Khartoum's international airport. The UN says such strikes have killed nearly 900 people in Sudan this year. And the conflict between the army and a paramilitary group is only intensifying. So, is there hope for an end to the fighting? In this episode:  Caroline Bouvard, Country Director, Sudan Mission of Solidarites International Kholood Khair, Founding Director at Confluence Advisory Cameron Hudson, former Director for African Affairs at the U.S. National Security Council Host: Sasha Andrijevic Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A new wave of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Attacks by two lesser-known armed groups have killed dozens of people. So, who are they? And how serious a threat do they pose? In this episode:  Henry-Pacifique Mayala, Kivu Security Tracker Project Co-ordinator at Ebuteli  Rawya Rageh, Senior Crisis Adviser, Amnesty International Kambale Musavuli, Analyst, Center for Research on the Congo-Kinshasa Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Russia's President Vladimir Putin says the Ukraine war may be over soon. Attacks have been intensifying in recent weeks. Stalemate on the battlefield is increasing political pressure for an end. So could the conflict be entering its final phase? In this episode: Dmitry Polyanskiy, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Russian Federation to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Bob Seely, Former Member, UK Parliament.  Ben Aris, Founder and Editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews.  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The World Health Organization says public health risks from hantavirus are low. Arrangements are being made to repatriate passengers from a cruise ship, after three people who'd been on board, died.  How's the experience from the Covid-19 pandemic being used?  In this episode: Dr. Mukesh Kapila - Professor Emeritus of Global Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the University of Manchester.  Dr. Margaret Harris - Lecturer at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, former W.H.O. spokesperson.  Nicholas Locker - Professor of Virology at the Pirbright Institute, near Guildford, UK.  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

There's been a backlash against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in local and regional elections across England, Scotland, and Wales, despite a huge parliamentary majority. He's rejecting calls to quit, but faces new challenges from both the left and the right. So, why are these elections so significant?  In this episode: Peter Geoghegan, Editor of the investigative news site Democracy for Sale. Lesley Riddoch, Podcaster, journalist and author of 'Blossom: What Scotland Needs to Flourish'.  Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London.  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

China's diplomatic role in the Middle East is under sharp focus, as foreign ministers from Beijing and Tehran meet. It's calling on the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and for a 'comprehensive' ceasefire. So, can China help end the war? In this episode:  Setareh Sadeqi, Assistant Professor, Tehran University's Faculty of World Studies Scott Uehlinger, Former senior CIA officer and U.S. Navy veteran Andy Mok, Senior Research Fellow, Center for China and Globalization  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

India's Hindu nationalist BJP sweeps West Bengal, a state governed by the opposition for decades and historically seen as a symbol of secularism. What does this mean for democracy in India? And for its 200 million Muslims? In this episode:  Shaina NC, National spokesperson for Shiv Sena, a conservative party in India Javed Ansari, Political commentator and senior journalist  Yogendra Yadav, Civil society activist and co-founder of the Swaraj India political party  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Tension escalates rapidly across the Gulf, despite last month's ceasefire. An oil facility hit in the United Arab Emirates, Iranian boats attacked, while the US tries to force open a shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz. So, what does this mean for hopes of an end to the Iran war?  In this episode:  Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy in Washington DC and host of the 'Iran Podcast'  Jason Campbell, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in In Washington DC  Jasmine El Gamal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Averos Strategies, former Pentagon Middle East Adviser between 2008 and 2015  Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israeli forces detained two activists after stopping the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla off the coast of Greece. It happened in international waters nearly a thousand kilometres from the Gaza Strip. So, was this action legal?  In this episode:  Heidi Matthews, Assistant Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto  Dan Perry, former Editor of the Associated Press for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and publisher of 'Ask Questions Later' on Substack Lynn Boylan, Member of the European Parliament for Dublin for the Sinn Fein party and Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Palestine  Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

An unlikely coalition of armed groups and rebels launches an offensive in Mali. Russian forces backing the military government are forced to withdraw from bases in the north. Soldiers are suspected of being involved in the attacks.Is Mali's junta losing control? In this episode:  Oluwole Ojewale, Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa, Institute for Security Studies. Kabir Adamu, Managing Director, Beacon Security and Intelligence. Ulf Laessing, Director, Sahel Programme, Konrad Adenauer Foundation.  Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Commercial vessels under attack.The blockades by the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting global trade.The crisis highlights the danger conflicts and territorial disputes pose to shipping. Why are maritime laws failing to secure the seas? In this episode:  Rockford Weiz - Director of Fletcher Maritime Studies program at Tufts University George Theocharidis - Professor of Maritime Law and Policy at the World Maritime University Stavros Karamperidis - Associate Professor in Maritime Economics at Plymouth University's Business School Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Pakistan opens land trade routes to Iran, allowing the transit of goods. It's a much-needed reprieve for both economies. But does it undercut Washington's pressure campaign on Tehran? And how will it impact the Islamabad-mediated talks to end the war? In this episode:  Mushahid Hussain Syed, Pakistani defence and foreign policy specialist Setareh Sadeqi, Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran, specialising in U.S.-Iran relations Ross Harrison, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Widespread destruction by Israel of houses and civilian facilities in Lebanon, leaving a fifth of the population out of their homes. Israel's defence minister says tactics used in Gaza are being replicated in Lebanon. So, what are the similarities?  In this episode: Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon Researcher at Human Rights Watch. Elijah Magnier, Specialist in Middle East wars and regional military dynamics Nicholas Noe, Editor-in-Chief of Mideastwire.com, a Beirut-based news service Yasmine Chawaf, Global Protection Advocacy Coordinator at Oxfam in Beirut Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The United Arab Emirates quits OPEC. The oil-producing bloc is losing one of its most important members. It comes during the worst global energy crisis of modern times, caused by the Iran war, which has hit the UAE hard. So why now - and what's the impact?  In this episode:  Chris Weafer, Chief Executive Officer at Macro-Advisory strategic consultancy  Cornelia Meyer, CEO of Meyer Resources and an oil and gas Specialist  Torbjorn Soltvedt, Associate Director at the global risk intelligence company, Verisk Maplecroft  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The UN Secretary General has given a dire warning about the waning influence of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It's being reviewed in the shadow of a tense ceasefire between the US and Iran. Will the agreement survive? And is it enough to prevent a nuclear disaster? In this episode:   Tariq Rauf, Former Head of Verification and Security Policy Coordination at the International Atomic Energy Agency  Kelsey Davenport, Director for Nonproliferation Policy at the US Arms Control Association Seyed Hossein Mousavian, former Iranian nuclear negotiator Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Palestinians exercising their democratic right to vote. But the municipal elections alienated most factions. The Palestinian Authority's party, Fatah, and its affiliates claimed victory. Will the elections make a difference to the people under Israeli occupation? In this episode:  Ahmed Fattouh, Fatah spokesperson  Jalal Abukhater, Policy Manager at 7amleh - The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media Xavier Abu Eid, Political analyst and former PLO Communications Director  Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Ukraine reopens a pipeline, enabling the delivery of Russian crude to some EU countries. In return, it gets a multibillion-dollar loan, while Moscow rakes in oil revenue. How will this complex deal play out on the battlefield? In this episode:  Marina Miron, Researcher in Defence Studies at King’s College London Maximilian Hess, Author of 'Economic War: Ukraine and the Global Conflict between Russia and the West' Pieter Cleppe, Editor-in-Chief, BrusselsReport.eu Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Within the EU, a split is growing over how to respond to Israel's actions in the Middle East. Some members want to suspend a trade deal. But its staunchest allies have foiled the move. Can a divided bloc become a voice against Israel's aggression? In this episode:  Bobby McDonagh, a former Irish ambassador to the EU, Italy and the UK Daniel Levy, President of the U.S. / Middle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator Dan Perry, the publisher of 'Ask Questions Later' on Substack and former Editor of the Associated Press for Europe, the Middle East and Africa Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A report by the UN and European Union estimates it will take 71 billion dollars to rebuild Gaza. About a third of that is needed to restore essential services destroyed by Israel's war. So, how will Gaza be rebuilt, and who will pay?  In this episode:  Xavier Abu Eid, political analyst and former Communications Director for the Palestine Liberation Organization Sultan Barakat, Professor of Public Policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and a specialist in post-conflict reconstruction Raja Khalidi, Director General of the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute   Ahmed Muin Abu Amsha, music teacher living in Gaza Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Ukraine attacks oil facilities in Russia, which is benefiting from higher fuel prices and sanctions relief due to the Iran war. It comes after Moscow launches intense aerial attacks on its neighbour. How is the Iran war affecting Russia and Ukraine?  In this episode:  Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory, a strategic consultancy focused on Russia and Eurasia  Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent for Europe at The New York Times  Michael Bociurkiw, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Host: Adrian Finighan  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Defending democracy ... The slogan of left-leaning world leaders in Spain meeting to counter the growing influence of the far right. Meanwhile in Italy, right-wing figures aim to build momentum. So, who will shape the global agenda? In this episode: Ruth Ferrero-Turrion, Professor, Political Science, Complutense University of Madrid. Georgios Samaras, Assistant Professor, Public Policy, King's College London. Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow, Bruegel.  Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

He's accused of links to the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He also failed government security checks. Yet Peter Mandelson was appointed UK ambassador to the US. Now, the prime minister is under pressure to resign. But will he? And how will the fallout impact the UK Labour Party? In this episode: Denis MacShane - Former UK Foreign Office Minister of State and Labour MP   Jennifer Nadel - Co-founder of the cross-party think-tank Compassion in Politics   Giles Kenningham - Founder of Trafalgar Strategy and former communications director for the UK Conservative Party Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Lebanon and Israel are holding their first direct talks in decades. But as Israel considers Hezbollah a threat, is a lasting peace agreement possible? And how much influence does Iran have in Lebanon? In this episode: Joe Macaron, Middle East geopolitical analyst Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow at the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

China tells its ally Iran that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened. International leaders have been visiting Beijing almost daily, underlining its importance in the crisis. So what's the impact of the war on China, and what role is it playing?  Host: James Bays In this episode: Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington DC Shaun Rein, Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group in Shanghai Nader Habibi, Professor of Practice in the Economics of the Middle East at Brandeis University in Boston Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel's alliance with the European Union is under mounting political pressure. Behind the shift are demands to suspend the main agreement underpinning their close relations. But their ties survived Israel's war on Gaza, so why have there been difficulties between them?  Host: James Bays In this episode: Barry Andrews, Member of the European Parliament  Sven Kuhn Von Burgsdorff,  former EU ambassador to the occupied Palestinian territories Eve Geddie, Director of the European Institutions Office at Amnesty International Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Donald Trump in a war of words with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The U.S. president refuses to apologise for criticising Pope Leo's opposition to the Iran conflict. He says the pontiff should stay out of American affairs. So, is this political interference or a moral duty to speak out? And what are the consequences? Host: Folly Bah Thibault In this episode: Cornel West, Professor and Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at the Union Theological Seminary Adolfo Franco, US Republican strategist Christopher White, Vatican journalist and author of a book on Pope Leo   Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Hungary's opposition has defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban by a landslide. He governed for 16 years with a far-right agenda often described as 'authoritarian'. What led to his loss? And what does the outcome mean for the EU, US, and Russia?  In this episode:  Gabor Scheiring, Assistant Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar and a former member of National Assembly of Hungary Carl Bildt, Co-Chair of European Council on Foreign Relations and the Former Swedish Prime Minister Kim Lane Scheppele, Professor at Princeton University Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Iran war has created risks to food security from higher energy costs and shipping restrictions. The world's fertiliser production has been badly hit due to attacks on Gulf chemical plants. Where is food supply most at risk and could there be a lasting impact?  In this episode:  Mourad Wahba, Acting Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.  Avinash Kishore, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute, New Delhi,  Steve Keen, Economist and Honorary Professor, University College London.  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A negative political and public reaction in Israel to the ceasefire with Iran - regardless of the respite it brings. No pause for Israel's army however or its victims - hundreds killed in Lebanon and more dead in Gaza. Has Israeli society become conditioned to permanent war?  In this episode:  Ilan Pappe - a historian and professor at Exeter University  Gideon Levy - a columnist at Haaretz newspaper in Tel Aviv  Haim Bresheeth - professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London  Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Opinion polls in Hungary suggest long-time prime minister Viktor Orban has a battle on his hands in Sunday's election. The outcome will be keenly awaited in Washington, Moscow, Kyiv, and Brussels. So why is this election so important outside of Hungary?  In this episode:  Gabor Scheiring, a former member of the National Assembly of Hungary Istvan Kiss, political scientist, director of the Danube Institute and former political adviser in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's office   Daniel Kelemen, law and politics professor, and McCourt Chair at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University  Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The bombing of Iran has stopped, but the bombing of Lebanon has not. Even as Iran and the US say they'll try to work out their many differences at the negotiating table in Pakistan, Israel is busy ramping up its attacks on what it says are Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The group has been a key player in Iran's axis of resistance for decades. So how far is Tehran willing to go to protect its allies? In this episode:  Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran Rob Geist Pinfold, Lecturer in International Security at King's College London Nadim Houry, Executive Director of the Arab Reform Initiative Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Donald Trump has found his Iran off-ramp — but what has it cost? After apocalyptic threats, Washington and Tehran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire. It's still unclear whether that will mean a lasting peace. What's more certain is that the US and the world stage have been changed by Trump's war. Has the world order been changed by Trump's war on Iran? And can any of it be walked back? Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The US and Israel's war with Iran has put pressure on Tehran's relations with Moscow. They've been allies, but the Kremlin is seeking to maintain ties with the US to reach a deal on the Ukraine conflict. In this episode:  Afshin Shahi, a Middle East political analyst  Leonid Ragozin, independent journalist Maximilian Hess, founder of Enmetena Advisory and a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant has been targeted four times since the US-Israeli war began. Tehran accuses the UN's nuclear watchdog of inaction, which the IAEA rejects, saying the situation is of deep concern. But why are the attacks happening? And what risks do they pose?  In this episode:  Tariq Rauf, Former Head of Verification and Security Policy Co-ordination at the International Atomic Energy Agency Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies Alicia Sanders-Zakre, Head of Policy at  the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The war in Iran is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In violation of the ceasefire, Israel has severely restricted aid and maintained its air strikes. The US-brokered deal is meant to be in Phase 2 but appears to be in limbo. So, who could step in to help Palestinians? In this episode:  Dr Mohammed Tahir, Orthopaedic surgeon, worked in Gaza. Alex de Waal, Executive Director, World Peace Foundation.  Xavier Abu Eid, Former Communications Director, PLO.  Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The war in the Middle East has worsened the economic crisis in Pakistan. Most of its energy supplies are shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has largely blocked for five weeks. In this episode:  Kaiser Bengali - Economist and former head of the Policy Reform Unit for the Balochistan Chief Minister Michael Kugelman - Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council Ali Salman - Founder and CEO of the Policy Research Institute of Market Economy Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Several countries say they will take action against Iran's near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But with no end in sight to the war, what would make Tehran open the waterway? And is using force an option? In this episode:  Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran Rockford Weitz, Maritime Studies Program Director at Tufts University's Fletcher School Craig Murray, Maritime specialist and former Maritime Section head of the UK's Foreign Office Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel and the US continue to bomb Iran. But Israeli opinion polls suggest support for the war is dropping, while Iranian missiles still force millions into shelters there. So, what does Israel now seek from attacking Iran, and what could end its onslaught?  In this episode:  Daniel Levy, President of the U.S. / Middle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator during the Oslo Accords  Gordon Gray, Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs at Georgetown University and a former U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House  Host: James Bays  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

As Israel's parliament approves the death penalty to hang Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks, far-right ministers celebrate with champagne. The UN, Europe, and rights groups have condemned the law, but not the US. What are the implications?  In this episode:  Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative political party  Ofer Cassif, member of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset William Schabas, Professor of International Law at Middlesex University and author of  the book 'The Abolition of the Death Penalty in International Law' Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump is threatening to take over or destroy Iran's main oil export hub at Kharg Island. Trump admits such a move would require boots on the ground. But, given the nature of this conflict, will he take that chance? And why does Kharg Island matter so much? In this episode:  Negar Mortazavi, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for International Policy Matthew Kroenig, Vice President at the Atlantic Council Alexandre Vautravers, Defence Policy Specialist and Editor-in-Chief of Swiss Military Review Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Pakistan says it's ready to host talks on ending the war in Iran. That came after a meeting of regional foreign ministers in Islamabad. But what leverage do these players have to reach a ceasefire? And with fighting escalating, is a peaceful settlement possible? In this episode:  Munir Akram, A former Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group Bozkurt Aran, Director at The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkiye and a former Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan and Iran Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What difference will the Houthis' involvement in the war make? They have launched missiles at Israel in support of Iran and threatened more attacks. What are the consequences of opening a new front? And given the Yemeni group's proximity to the Red Sea, what could it mean for global shipping? In this episode:  Hisham Al-Omeisy, Senior Yemen Advisor, European Institute of Peace. H A Hellyer, Senior Associate Fellow, Defence and Security Studies, Royal United Services Institute. Michael Mulroy, Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Middle East.  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Gulf nations are seeking new defence partnerships.Saudi Arabia and Qatar has signed deals with Ukraine to gain access to its drone expertise.Could other countries follow suit? And would it make a difference on the ground? In this episode:  Dania Thafer - Executive Director of the Gulf International Forum, a think-tank based in Washington DC Oleksiy Melnyk - Co-Director of the Foreign Relations and International Security programmes at the Razumkov Centre Pavel Felgenhauer - Defence and Russian foreign policy analyst Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Iran war is hitting Gulf Arab nations hard, but with a wider impact in today's interlinked world. As well as global oil and gas supplies, Gulf states play a critical role in many economies. So how are they connected — and what could be at risk?  In this episode:  Nikolay Kozjharnov, Research Associate Professor in Energy Security at the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University Cornelia Meyer, Macroeconomist and oil and gas specialist Torbjorn Soltvedt, Associate Director at global risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube  

Iran sets out its conditions for an end to the war — rejecting the US list of 15 demands. Tehran says they don't reflect reality, while Donald Trump threatens to 'unleash hell' if his terms aren't met. What are the red lines for both sides?  In this episode:  Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies Ellie Geranmayeh, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations  Thomas Warrick, Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council Host: Folly Bah Thibault  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iran has kept up attacks on neighbouring Gulf states and Israel, despite intense US and Israeli bombing, with senior Iranian figures assassinated. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, limiting the transit of vital energy supplies. So what's Iran's strategy - and what are its options?  In this episode:  Foad Izadi, Professor at the Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran Mehran Kamrava, Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar Elijah Magnier, military and political analyst Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Millions of Israelis forced to take shelter day and night, from repeated Iranian missile attacks. The economic shockwaves of the war Israel and the US have launched against Iran are being felt across the world. How is it affecting Israel and its future?  In this episode:  Gideon Levy, columnist at Haaretz Newspaper.  Alex Coman, professor at Holon Institute of Technology Dan Perry, political analyst, former editor of the Associated Press in Europe, Middle East and Africa Host: James Bays  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Schools and hospitals bombed. Strikes on apartment buildings. Energy facilities targeted. And attacks on neighbouring states. Have Israel, the US, and Iran broken international law in the war, or what legal justification might they claim?  In this episode:  Geoffrey Nice, Human rights lawyer and former International Criminal Court prosecutor. Brian Finucane, Senior Adviser with the U.S. Program at International Crisis Group Nicholas Tsagourias, Professor of International Law at the University of Sheffield. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube