Battle Lines: Israel-Gaza

This week marked 100 days of Donald Trump's second term. And what a hundred days it's been. From cosying up to Vladimir Putin and closing USAID, to a trade war with China and effectively ending illegal migration into America, he has been busy.Venetia Rainey is joined by co-host and chief foreign analyst Roland Oliphant and US editor Rob Crilly to assess everything Trump has done in terms of foreign policy, and what the consequences might be going forward. They also look at everything Trump hasn't done despite promising to - from ending the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to annexing Canada. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/04/30/we-have-no-proof-kilmar-abrego-garcia-is-a-gangster-el/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wherever you look, we're living in a world of increasing conflict and tensions.That's certainly the conclusion of the highly respected Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which found an unprecedented rise in global military spending, the steepest increase since the end of the cold war.SIPRI senior researcher Diego Lopes da Silva joins Venetia Rainey to look at who the biggest spenders are and what's driving the spike in spending. Plus, South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman looks at the growing tensions between nuclear foes India and Pakistan following a brutal attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed a military response, prompting fears of an all-out war. How likely is it and can anyone stop it from escalating?Germany overtakes Britain to become Europe's largest defence spenderThe most dangerous river in the world: Why the Indus could spark WWIIIContact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphanthttps://linktr.ee/BattleLines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's defence secretary Pete Hegseth shared classified information on an unsecured group chat - not once but twice, according to new details that emerged this week. But the real turbulence shaking the Pentagon isn't just about loose digital lips. It's deeper: a toxic mix of internal rivalries, leadership clashes, and a crumbling sense of morale at the very top of America's defence hierarchy.To unpack the chaos, we speak to Kathleen McInnis, senior fellow in the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, former Pentagon staffer and author of a novel about life inside the defence department. She explains why encrypted apps like Signal are favored in Hegseth's circles — and what life is really like behind the walls of the Pentagon.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the past century, war has been fought in three domains: land, sea, and air. But now, there is a fourth.As America and China rush to establish bases on the Moon and Mars, Ukraine and Russia try to jam one another's satellite signals, and middle sized powers are learning how to protect themselves from enemy space weapons. Many countries now field Space Forces alongside armies, navies and airforces. How close are we to the first space war? And what will it look like? And who would win?Roland Oliphant speaks to Juliana Suess, a space specialist at Germany's Institute for International and Security Affairs and Namrata Goswami, an author, professor and consultant specializing in space policy, about the era of war in the heavens.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord Kim Darroch, former UK ambassador to the US, joins Venetia Rainey to talk Trump 1.0 vs 2.0, trade wars and Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The Telegraph revealed this week that the US could finalise a trade deal with the UK within three weeks. That comes on the back of comments from JD Vance about how much Trump loves the UK and that a deal is highly likely. So what could that deal look like? And what would the potential costs be for the UK?While he was ambassador to the US between 2016 and 2019, Lord Darroch also had direct experience of Trump's first trade war with China. He talks about how this one might go and what it would mean for Britain.Plus, Lord Darroch shares his insights on why we need a new Iran nuclear deal, how Nato can survive the US' shift away from Europe, and why Trump loves Churchill - even if members of his circle increasingly don't.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Troubles was a major period of conflict right here in the UK within living memory that continues to echo today, yet very few people know much about it. There is even less awareness about a clandestine network of spies that the British state was running - right in the heart of terror groups on both sides, including Stakeknife in the IRA.On this bonus episode of Battle Lines, Venetia Rainey sits down with The Telegraph's investigative audio journalist Cara McGoogan to hear all about her new podcast, which digs into the spies, terrorists and collusion that became a hallmark of the conflict. Was it a civil war? What was the UK trying to achieve with its agents? What was the cost of letting them kill to stay undercover? Could the Troubles be reignited if they're not properly addressed? And is the state getting away with murder?You can listen to the full season now on The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/31/bed-of-lies-new-series-conflict/Or search for 'Bed of Lies' wherever you get your podcasts.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has launched fresh talks with Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal, vowing that there will be “all hell to pay” if Tehran does not agree to disarm. As foreign reporter Akhtar Makoii tells Venetia Rainey, it comes amid a major buildup of American military assets in the Middle East. Israel has repeatedly pushed for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, would the US go through with it if Iran refuses to compromise?Meanwhile, China recently completed some surprise live-fire drills around Taiwan. Former diplomat, historian and author Kerry Brown explains how worried we should be and gives his assessment of the landing barges that have recently been revealed.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What began as Donald Trump's sweeping trade war against much of the world has sharpened into a tense standoff between two global giants: the United States and China. While Trump eased or delayed tariffs on many countries, China remained the outlier — and the economic tensions have only intensified. In this episode, we trace how the trade war has evolved, why China is still firmly in the firing line, and what the economic implications could be for both nations.We'll hear from Kelly Ann Shaw, who advised President Trump on global trade during his first term, to understand the thinking behind the White House's strategy. And with The Telegraph's senior foreign correspondent, Sophia Yan, we'll explore what Beijing wants out of this moment — and how it's trying to project strength. Sophia lived in China during the height of the last trade war and brings rare, on-the-ground insight into how much has changed. The big question: is Xi Jinping open to striking a deal?Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Trump bring peace to the Middle East? Should the UK recognise Palestine as a state? Should the West work more closely with China? Is the FCDO doing enough to help citizens detained abroad?Known for being straight-talking and forthright, Emily Thornberry is chair of the influential Foreign Affairs Committee and the long-serving Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury. She joins Venetia Rainey for a special bonus episode of Battle Lines to answer all those questions and more. She discusses why she thinks frozen Russian assets need to be given to Ukraine, who should be sanctioned in the current "outrageous" Israeli government, and why the UK is right to give the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius. Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A newly released video casts doubt on Israel's initial account of the deadly attack on a convoy of ambulances and a fire truck in Gaza, leaving 15 rescue workers dead. Roland Oliphant speaks with co-host Venetia Rainey about the footage and the broader implications of the collapse of the ceasefire.Plus, we turn to Sudan, where the Sudanese Armed Forces have regained control of Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces. Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator David Blair explains why the ongoing conflict in Sudan is currently the deadliest crisis in the world.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the controversial decision surrounding the Chagos Islands, with Donald Trump reportedly signing off on a deal to return them to Mauritius. Venetia Rainey sits down with Associate Political Editor Tony Diver to discuss the potential security implications for the UK, US, and Asia, and why Trump might have suddenly backed this move. We also explore the possibility of Trump serving a third term, as political expert Bruce Peabody breaks down the legal options that could make it feasible. He outlines six scenarios that have been around for decades and explains why Trump's camp are not the first to hint at such a move.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/31/iran-urged-to-strike-diego-garcia-base-immediately/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/04/01/donald-trump-signs-off-keir-starmer-chagos-deal/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/01/mauritius-chagos-islands-agalga-indian-ocean-india-china/Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Myanmar is reeling from a major earthquake that has hit residents who are already struggling to survive amid a brutal four-year civil war. Venetia Rainey speaks to Asia correspondent Sarah Newey about her recent reporting trip from inside the country about how this will affect the junta's grip on power and why things are likely to go from bad to worse. Plus, we look at a major debate underway in Australia about the growing risk posed by China after Beijing sent an unprecedented naval flotilla to circle the country. With snap elections now called for May, Sam Roggeveen, Director of the Lowy Institute's International Security Program, explains why there is a tussle over the defence budget and how well equipped the Australian Defence Force is.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we discovered that recent US airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen were coordinated over the unsecured Signal messaging app, where officials accidentally added Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor of The Atlantic, to the group chat. This astonishing security lapse offered a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into America's top national security figures as they make high-stakes decisions. So, what did we learn?Plus: As Vice President J.D. Vance visits America's air base in Northern Greenland following Donald Trump's declaration that he will do whatever it takes to assert control over the island, we examine what a potential US annexation means for Denmark, Greenland, and the broader Arctic.Roland Oliphant is joined by David Blair, former foreign policy speech writer at No10, Curt Mills, Executive Editor of The American Conservative, Danish politician and MEP Anders Vistisen, and Charly Salonius-Pasternak, CEO of Nordic West Office.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Turkey and Israel: two Middle Eastern democracies in crisis. Venetia Rainey talks to Süddeutsche Zeitung journalist Raphael Geiger in Istanbul about why President Recep Tayyep Erdogan's arrest of the city's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sparked rare protests, and what might happen next. Henry Bodkin, our correspondent in Israel, explains how the sacking of Ronen Bar, the head of the internal security agency Shin Bet, has sparked fears that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is consolidating unprecedented power and removing critics.Read:'Netanyahu spy scandal leaves PM fighting on two fronts' by Henry Bodkin:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/22/netanyahu-spy-scandal-leaves-pm-fighting-on-two-fronts/Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canadians are angry, very angry. US president Donald Trump is not backing down from his annexation plans - and this week he even called the country "nasty".On last week's episode, we looked at a small minority of Canadian separatists who said they would welcome Trump's plan to turn Canada into the 51st state. It caused quite a stir among our Canadian listeners. So on today's episode, we go back to Canada and look at the majority's view on Trump's expansionist plans and how the current crisis is affecting politics there in unusual ways ahead of new Prime Minister Mark Carney calling a snap election expected in April.We hear first-hand from some of our Canadian listeners and Roland Oliphant is joined by Mark MacKinnon, senior international correspondent at Canadian broadsheet, The Globe and Mail.Read:'We want to live in America's 51st state: The Canadians pledging their loyalty to Trump' by Memphis Barker:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/03/15/the-canadians-who-want-trump-to-turn-canada-into-51st-state/Listen:Trump Edition: Annexing Canada, negotiating with Russia and containing Chinahttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/trump-edition-annexing-canada-negotiating-with-russia/id1712903296?i=1000699135822Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After just two months of a shaky ceasefire deal, the Israel Hamas war has restarted. On Tuesday morning, Israel launched a series of what it described as "extensive strikes" right across the entire Gaza Strip.The death toll currently stands at more than 400, including many children, with nearly 600 more people wounded, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. That number is expected to rise as more bodies are pulled from the rubble. A spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry said this morning that Israel was left with no choice after Hamas refused a US-Israeli proposal to extend the ceasefire, which technically elapsed at the beginning of this month.To make sense of all this, Venetia Rainey speaks to a Palestinian aid worker for MSF in Gaza, the cousin of Israeli slain hostage Tal Haimi, whose body is still held by Hamas, and The Telegraph's Jerusalem correspondent Henry Bodkin.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the weekend, the United States launched what it called 'powerful and decisive' airstrikes against the Houthis, the Iranian backed rebel group that controls much of Yemen. The Houthis say the death toll so far stands at 53, including two children. American officials said the strikes aimed at the Houthi leadership and came in response to the group's threat to resume strikes on shipping in the Red Sea. But it's not just about Yemen. On Monday afternoon, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that 'Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, and from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of Iran.'Iran, he said, will be held responsible and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire. So what does this new wave of strikes mean for the people of Yemen and for the wider Middle East? Roland Oliphant speaks with Farea Al-Muslimi, research fellow at Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa program.Plus: as a UN helicopter is attacked in South Sudan raising fears of a return to civil war, we hear diary extracts from Dr Ryan McHenry who spent three months working with MSF in the country's arduous circumstances.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has long expressed a desire to make Canada the 51st state of the US, with tensions rising as the two countries engage in a trade war. Canada has implemented retaliatory tariffs against Trump's policies, and outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused Trump of trying to weaken the Canadian economy to make annexation easier. Polling suggests 90% of Canadians say they would oppose becoming part of the US, but not everyone shares that view. Telegraph foreign correspondent Memphis Barker meets with those who believe joining the US might not be such a bad idea.Plus: Thomas Wright, strategic and national security advisor in the Biden White House, speaks with Roland Oliphant about Trump's approach to Russia and China, and the surprising continuity between the Biden and Trump administrations.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Bonus episode, Roland Oliphant speaks with Reza Pahlavi, the son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran who was overthrown in 1979. The Crown Prince has lived in exile ever since, but he now believes the regime could be heading for collapse and is positioning himself as the potential figurehead of a democratic transition. We asked him why he thinks Iran is headed for a revolution like the one that overthrew his father, why he believes he could lead such a change, and what he thinks Western governments should do in this delicate moment in Iranian history.This episode is part of a new series of regular bonus material that Battle Lines will be releasing every month. From extended interviews with key political and defence figures to deep dives into the state of the world's biggest militaries, all you need to do to hear these episodes as soon as they're released is subscribe to The Telegraph and link your subscription in Apple Podcasts. For more information, click here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/contact-us/telegraph-subscription-bonus-content-apple-podcasts/Read more'Iran's Crown Prince: My country is on the brink of a revolution like that of 1979' by Roland Oliphant:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/02/23/crown-prince-reza-pahlavi-iran-on-the-brink-of-revolution/Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Iran carries out military drills with Russia and China, Venetia Rainey chats to Telegraph reporter Akhtar Makoii about the country's attempts to build up its army with new weapons and new capabilities. They also discuss Iran's renewed attempts to strike a nuclear deal, and why Donald Trump's threatening letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei might backfire. Plus: The war in Sudan continues to rage with no sign of resolution. The Telegraph's global health reporter Lilia Sebouai and photographer Simon Townsley gained rare access to Sudan's Nuba Mountains. They tell Roland Oliphant the stories they heard first-hand, including the way mass rape is being used as a weapon of war by the Rapid Support Forces.Read more'Iran unveils new ‘stealth fighter' drone for bombing and reconnaissance' by Akhtar Makoii:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/04/iran-unveil-stealth-fighter-drone/'Putin agrees to help Trump start direct talks with Iran' by Akhtar Makoii:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/04/putin-agrees-help-trump-direct-talks-with-iran/'Dispatch: Children reduced to skin and bones in war-torn Sudan's forgotten famine' by Lilia Sebouai and Simon Townsley:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/sudan-war-famine-nuba-malnutrition-starvation-conflict/Children as young as four among victims of gang-rape and ethnic cleansing in war-torn Sudan by Lilia Sebouai and Simon Townsley:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/child-victims-of-gang-rape-and-ethnic-cleansing-sudan-war/Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, following unsuccessful attempts by Volodymyr Zelensky to repair the damage done during last week's Oval Office row, Donald Trump cut all American military aid to Ukraine. It was a huge move that made clear once and for all that Zelensky is no longer in favour in Washington. The decision divided America, provoked widespread criticism in Europe, and was heartily cheered by Russia. So what has led to this? Trump's apparent dislike for Zelensky has not come out of nowhere, nor has his embrace of Vladimir Putin's view of the war in Ukraine and NATO.There is a long and hugely contested history that's crucial to understanding the events of the last few weeks, and whatever will unfold in the coming months and years of Trump's presidency. On today's episode Venetia Rainey speaks with Orysia Lutsevych from Chatham House about the history of Trump's relationship with Zelensky, from Hunter Biden to the mysterious server, and Roland Oliphant looks at Trump's embrace of Putin, from KGB asset rumours to the Mueller investigation.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following President Trump and JD Vance's public row with Volodymyr Zelensky, Sir Keir Starmer hosted the Ukrainian leader and vowed to put together a coalition of 'the willing', saying we are at a 'crossroads in history'. So what must Britain do now to survive in Trump's new world order? The Telegraph's David Blair, former foreign policy speech writer at No10, talks us through the six steps the British Prime Minister should take to adapt.Plus: As the first stage of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire expired over the weekend, The Telegraph's Israel correspondent Henry Bodkin speaks with the sister-in-law of hostages Iair and Eitan Horn. Iair was recently released but Eitan is still in Gaza. She talks about her fears for Eitan's life if the ceasefire collapses.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As US President Donald Trump reshapes the Pentagon, Roland Oliphant speaks with Missy Ryan, National Security Correspondent at The Washington Post, to uncover the reasons behind the dismissal of top military officers and the potential impact of an 8% Pentagon budget cut. Plus: The Telegraph's Jerusalem correspondent, Henry Bodkin, talks us through the controversial AI-generated video envisioning "Trump's Gaza."Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today marks three years since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine began. As Europe prepares to boost its defence in preparation for a future possible war with Russia, we ask: what has the British army learned from the Ukraine war? To find out, Venetia Rainey went to visit one of the host camps for Operation Interflex, a mammoth operation that has seen the UK and 13 partner nations train up tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers since June 2022. Plus: James Rothwell brings us the election results from Germany and explains what Friedrich Merz's upcoming leadership means for European defense and what the East-West election divide reveals about German society today.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week a very public spat erupted between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Vlodomoyr Zelensky after Washington took the unprecedented step of starting peace negotiation talks with Moscow - but without Kyiv. After Zelensky accused Trump of disinformation, Trump retorted by branding Zelensky a dictator, something that has been roundly condemned by European leaders. So why has Trump turned against Zelensky, what is behind his embrace of Russia and is his view shared by Americans?Plus: How do you end a war? Do they always end in negotiations, as the cliche goes? And is there a fair way to do it - particularly if neither side has been militarily defeated?Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, the Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King's College London, looks to history to discuss all these questions and more.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire-hostage deal enters its final weeks, the region is on tenterhooks to see what will happen next. Will the rest of the hostages be released and aid continue to enter Gaza? Or will the deal be blown up and fighting restart? And as we mark 500 days since the October 7th massacre, we'll be asking to what extent Israel has achieved its original war aims. Plus, we go behind the scenes at the most dramatic Munich Security Conference yet, and look at why deputy US vice president JD Vance's speech left European leaders speechless.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a recent address to NATO in Brussels, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the U.S. is no longer "primarily focused on Europe's security." He emphasised that the U.S. would not send troops to Ukraine and would 'no longer tolerate an imbalanced relationship which encourages dependency'. With the American commitment to global peace since 1945 now over, what does this shift mean for European security? Can Europe defend itself without American troops, funding, and intelligence support? Plus: is the Trump administration signalling a move towards a multipolar world, where global power is divided into three distinct spheres of influence?Roland Oliphant is joined by Ed Arnold, Senior Research Fellow for European Security at RUSI, and by Michael Ignatieff, the former leader of the Canadian Liberal Party and leader of the Opposition.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

USAID is dead. From Ukraine to Vietnam, the knock-on effect from Donald Trump and Elon Musk's dramatic shuttering of one of the largest aid agencies in the world is being felt around the world. Why has it been shuttered and what does it mean for American soft power?Roland Oliphant speaks to Sera Koulabdara, CEO of Legacies of War, about the halt of de-mining work in southeast Asia and why it is essential for American influence in China's backyard. Plus he talks to The Telegraph's senior foreign correspondent Memphis Barker about why Kyiv is especially worried and whether this might prompt a rethink of the international aid system.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a shock announcement this week Donald Trump said he would ‘take over' Gaza, ‘own' it and called for Palestinians to be 'resettled' in neighbouring countries, prompting concerns over ethnic cleansing. Venetia Rainey catches up with The Telegraph's woman in Washington Katie O'Neill about it and asks military expert Linda Robinson about the feasibility of Trump's proposed plan.Plus: The Telegraph's former Beijing correspondent Sophia Yan explains why China retaliated to US tariffs and what lessons were learned from dealing with Donald Trump in his first term.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid news of Iran developing new ballistic missiles and unveiling an underground missile city, we look at the truth behind this show of force. With its axis of resistance across the Middle East in tatters and ongoing internal issues over women's rights, the economy and the environment, we ask - can the Iranian regime survive 2025?Plus: We catch up with exiled Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof about his new film The Seed of the Sacred Fig and ask what he thinks will happen to the Iranian regime.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump has called Chinese AI company DeepSeek a "wake up call" - and he's right. As shock waves continue to reverberate through the US tech industry, The Telegraph's AI and cybersecurity expert Gareth Corfield explains why a new AI Cold War is developing and what it means for Western security. Plus, we speak to a Doomsday Clock scientist about why AI means humanity is closer to disaster than ever before, and look at what the Trump administration's approach will be to the conflict in Congo and the African continent at large.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Middle East correspondent Henry Bodkin talks to Venetia Rainey about his recent trip to Syria where he went out on the road with ruling party Hayat Tahrir al-Sham looking for former Assad regime loyalists. He also discusses the stories behind the biggest headlines from the Middle East, including what the latest hostage release tells us about Hamas' remaining strength in Gaza and why one Israeli woman was left off the list. Plus, Roland Oliphant explains why Congo's foreign minister has accused its neighbour Rwanda of declaring war and the role 'blood minerals' are playing in the conflict.Read:'On the road with Syria's new ‘terrorist' leaders' by Henry Bodkin:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/01/23/syria-young-rebels-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-justice-purge-hts/'The teeth and bones that hold the key to this century's worst chemical weapons attack' by Henry Bodkin:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/01/11/teeth-bones-hold-key-centurys-worst-chemical-weapons-attack/Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Donald Trump returns to the White House, the world braces for what comes next. Every Friday, Battle Lines will turn its focus to the US and look at how Trump's foreign policy decisions are reshaping the world. On today's episode, we look at Donald Trump's first week in office and what we learned about his foreign policy priorities. Roland Oliphant is joined from Washington by The Telegraph's Katie O'Neill to get the latest, and speaks with the author and historian Robert Merry about the 19th century President William McKinley, who appears to be inspiring Trump's new expansionism. Plus: former soldier Chris Purdy tells us why many veterans are alarmed at Donald Trump's pick for Defense secretary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal comes into effect, we speak with Jotam Confino to hear why he thinks the deal is unlikely to hold and why Israelis are angry with Netanyahu's government. We also hear from Rosalia Bollen, UNICEF Communications Specialist, who describes the scale of the humanitarian challenge in the Gaza strip where 1. 8 million people are in urgent need of emergency shelter, food and essential household items. Plus: on Donald Trump's first day back in the White House, Brussels correspondent Joe Barnes examines just what he wants from the world, and whether he'll get it. Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roland Oliphant and Venetia Rainey discuss the Gaza ceasefire, how the deal happened and what it means for Israel, Hamas, and the world. Plus: reactions from Ruwaida Amer on the ground in Gaza and from Gil Dickmann, the cousin of Carmel Gat, one of the hostages killed by Hamas.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former British Army colonel and chemical weapons expert tells Venetia Rainey about his recent trip to Syria, his optimism about the country's future, and the efforts to find the evidence of Assad's use of chemical weapons. Plus: Can negotiators get a Gaza ceasefire deal over the line before Donald Trump's inauguration next Monday? Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With no end in sight to conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and many more places, 2025 promises to be at least as tumultuous as last year. So what is the biggest threat to security for Britain, and its Western allies? From complacency and our underfunded army to China and Russia, we get the views of Alicia Kearns MP, former chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and now Shadow Minister for National Security; General Lord Richard Dannatt, former head of the British army; and John Bolton, former foreign security advisor to Donald Trump and ambassador to the UN.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In late December Israeli forces raided the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, forcibly evacuating its wards of patients and medical staff and arresting the hospital's prominent director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. Venetia Rainey catches up with The Telegraph's Middle East correspondent Jotam Confino to find out more.Plus: the inside track on a migrant smuggling network that reaches from Afghanistan's Herat to the French port of Calais. Our foreign correspondent Akhtar Makoii infiltrated the network for The Telegraph. Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On another special episode of Battle Lines, Roland Oliphant and guests look at the war memoir. How have war memoirs shaped our understanding of wars? Has the art and the role of the memoir changed over time? And will the ones written today similarly influence how future generations will remember the wars of our time?ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (The Telegraph's Assistant Comment Editor)Dr. Matilda Greig (Historian at the National Army Museum in London, specialising in the Napoleonic period)Colin Freeman (Journalist and author)'Dead Men Telling Tales, Napoleonic War Veterans and the Military Memoir Industry, 1808-1914' by Matilda Greig, is available here:https://global.oup.com/academic/product/dead-men-telling-tales-9780192896025?cc=es&lang=en'Curse of the Al Dulaimi Hotel : And Other Half-Truths from Baghdad', by Colin Freeman, is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curse-Al-Dulaimi-Hotel-Half-Truths/dp/1906308020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special end of year episode, Roland Oliphant is joined by The Telegraph's Chief Film Critic Robbie Collin to look back at the best war films of the year. Plus: Are we seeing an era of growing conflict reflected on film? And what do the films we make say about our attitudes to these unsettling times? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In another special episode looking back at history, Venetia Rainey talks with the author of ‘Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs', a book that came highly recommended by David Knowles. It's a new look at how the Aztecs dealt with internal conflict, how they lost the war with the Spanish, and how history has misremembered them.'Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs', by Camilla Townsend, is available here:https://global.oup.com/ukhe/product/fifth-sun-9780197577660 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special episode of Battle Lines, Roland Oliphant and guests tackle the late David Knowles' favourite conversational gambit: Who is your favourite of Napoleon's Marshals? As they ponder their own choice they look back at who the generals were, what made them ‘great', and why they continue to capture the imagination.ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (The Telegraph's Assistant Comment Editor)Dr. Matilda Greig (Historian at the National Army Museum in London, specialising in the Napoleonic period.Dr. Zack White (historian and host of 'The Napoleonic Wars Podcast')The Napoleonic & Revolutionary War Graves CharityTo learn more about the charity that aims to provide similar care to the dead of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars to that we see from more recent conflicts, visit:https://www.nrwgc.com/'Napoleonic Objects and their Afterlives', edited by Matilda Greig, is available here:https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/napoleonic-objects-and-their-afterlives-9781350415072/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.