PBS NewsHour - World

A senior Trump administration official told PBS News that the U.S. will reduce the number of troops who have been fighting ISIS in Syria. The statement comes after a major shift in U.S. policy in the country. Meanwhile, Iran appears to be bracing for a U.S. strike. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Tuesday, Geneva hosted rounds of high-level talks aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine and limiting Iran's nuclear program, repair work is underway to fix a sewer line on the Potomac River as a political battle is raging over a sewage spill and a judge ordered the Trump administration to restore a slavery-related exhibit at George Washington's former home in Philadelphia. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Russia launched nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles at Ukraine overnight. During the war that will enter its fifth year next week, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving millions there without heat or electricity for weeks at a time. Producer and videographer Amanda Bailly and Nick Schifrin report on the residents of Kyiv facing record-setting cold while under fire. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

America's top diplomat traveled to Hungary and endorsed that country's far-right prime minister, who is seeking his fifth straight term in office. Viktor Orban has cracked down on the media, civil society and weakened judicial independence in Hungary. He also has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nick Schifrin spoke with two European senior officials to get their reaction. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The Munich Security Conference is one of the world's key diplomatic gatherings. This year, a serious and almost shocking question hangs over the event: Is the United States still a reliable ally? Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin is in Munich and spoke with three leaders: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The Winter Olympics are in full swing, but it's a far cry from the first games held 130 years ago. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores advances in training, technology and psychology with Dr. Caroline Silby, and discusses how climate change is impacting the Winter Olympics with Elizabeth Burakowski and Julia Kern.The Winter Olympics are in full swing, but it's a far cry from the first games held 130 years ago. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores advances in training, technology and psychology with Dr. Caroline Silby, and discusses how climate change is impacting the Winter Olympics with Elizabeth Burakowski and Julia Kern. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

America's historic allies came together at one of the world's key diplomatic gatherings to try and chart a new future. The Munich Security Conference has long hosted frank debates, and this year, European leaders confronted a world in which some of them are unsure whether the United States will continue to help guarantee their security. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

At the Munich Security Conference, Nick Schifrin spoke with Finnish President Alexander Stubb about the future of Europe's relationship with the United States. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The United Nations is accusing a paramilitary group in Sudan of committing widespread atrocities that amount to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity. The nearly three years of relentless conflict in Sudan have triggered the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Amna Nawaz discussed the situation with Ann Curry. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Ahead of Europe's largest annual security conference, NATO defense ministers gathered in Brussels to calm nerves and stiffen spines after President Trump's threats to Greenland roiled the alliance. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

After four years of war in Ukraine, it may seem like there is little space for art or fun. But in the eastern city of Kharkiv, there is a small corner where children can learn the grace, discipline and joy of theater. Special correspondent Jack Hewson takes us there for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Wednesday, Canadian police said the mass shooting suspect who killed eight people was an 18-year-old with a history of mental health issues, investigators in Arizona are widening their search for Nancy Guthrie after releasing a man they had detained for questioning and "Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek has died after a battle with cancer. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a hastily arranged meeting to discuss renewed talks with Iran over its nuclear program. This week, Trump is emphasizing diplomacy with Iran, and that's worrying Israel. Stephanie Sy examines Israel's demands for the talks and why aggressive Israeli action against Palestinians in the West Bank may cause a rift between the leaders. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

For perspective on President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Geoff Bennett spoke with two people with extensive experience dealing with Israel and Iran. Dennis Ross played leading roles in the Middle East peace process for both Democratic and Republican administrations, and Alan Eyre had a four-decade career in the U.S. foreign service focusing on the Middle East. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The drumbeat of war between the U.S. and Iran seems to have quieted after indirect talks in Oman, but the threat remains. For a rare view from Iran and its perspective, special correspondent Reza Sayah sat down with Esmail Baghaei, a member of Iran's negotiating team and the spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Hong Kong democracy advocate and former media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who is 78, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Beijing-backed court. It is the longest sentence handed down under China's national security law that has effectively silenced dissent. Nick Schifrin discussed more with former Ambassador Nicholas Burns. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

American-led diplomacy restarts as the war in Ukraine rages on and unprecedented attacks plunge Kyiv into cold and darkness. How long can Ukraine hold out? How long can Russia wage war? And why has Trump failed to find a path to peace? Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses that with Michael Kofman, Justin Logan, Angela Stent and Bill Taylor. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The U.S. faced two very different nuclear challenges across two continents Friday. For the first time since last year's war with Iran, U.S. and Iranian diplomats restarted indirect talks over Tehran's nuclear program. And for the first time, the U.S. accused China of conducting a secret nuclear test, just one day after letting a key nuclear arms treaty with Russia expire. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

As the Trump administration advances its vision for rebuilding Gaza and reshaping how the territory is governed, critical issues remain unresolved as the ceasefire moves into its next phase. Geoff Bennett speaks with Mike Huckabee, U.S. ambassador to Israel, for more about the administration's plans. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

This week, the Trump administration was sued for a sweeping pause of immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries. The freeze, which began last month, comes on top of full or partial travel and visa restrictions on citizens from 39 countries. We hear from some of the people left in limbo by the bans and suspensions, and Liz Landers speaks with David Bier at the Cato Institute for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The 2026 Winter Olympics are now officially underway. This week's episode of our podcast "Settle In" is all about the games in Milan and Cortina, and what you need to know. Amna Nawaz speaks with sports journalist Christine Brennan of USA Today for more on the games, the athletes and the world coming together in an uncertain era. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Thursday, Trump rejected an offer from Russia to temporarily extend caps on strategic nuclear weapons, Ukraine and Russia wrapped a second day of talks in Abu Dhabi, the Trump administration is stripping job protections from thousands of federal workers, Nigeria is launching a new military operation against Islamic militants, and Vance cheered on U.S. Olympic athletes in Milan. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

A U.N.-backed global hunger watchdog warned Thursday that famine is spreading to more parts of Darfur in western Sudan. The U.N. says the war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has driven 14 million people from their homes and killed an estimated 40,000. Nick Schifrin and producer Zeba Warsi spoke to civilians trapped in the epicenter of the nearly 3-year-old civil war. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The United Nations says Sudan's civil war is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. For a look at the effect this war has had on the people, as well as next steps, Nick Schifrin speaks with Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, who just returned from Sudan. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

As many as 3 million women in India are believed to be sex workers, often pushed into the trade by extreme poverty or coercion. One organization has helped more than 32,000 of these women find a path out. While this group has earned international awards and philanthropic support, it's also raised complex questions about how best to help. Fred de Sam Lazaro reports for his series Agents for Change. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

For the first time in more than half a century, there are no limits on the world's two largest atomic arsenals. The sole remaining nuclear arms treaty in the world, known as New START, is expiring between the U.S. and Russia, and arms control advocates fear a new arms race. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

As the New START nuclear arms treaty between the United States and Russia expires, there is debate over whether the U.S. should extend the agreement or walk away. For two perspectives on that debate, Nick Schifrin speaks with Rose Gottemoeller, who was chief U.S. negotiator for the treaty during the Obama administration, and nuclear weapons and national security expert Frank Miller. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Tuesday, the U.S. military says it shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea, more Palestinians gathered at the Rafah crossing on day two of its reopening, Russia renewed its attacks on Ukrainian energy targets, Trump said he's seeking $1 billion in damages from Harvard University, and Disney named Josh D'Amaro as its new CEO. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Two presidents known for their fiery rhetoric against each other met Tuesday in the Oval Office and apparently put their acrimony behind them. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has long been a critic of President Donald Trump and the U.S. itself, but Trump this afternoon praised Petro and did not repeat previous threats of military action. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The Olympics are here. Sports journalist Christine Brennan talks with Amna Nawaz about covering 22 consecutive Olympic Games, big moments in Olympic history and the sports and athletes to watch this year. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

For the first time in more than a year and a half, Gaza has a border open to the outside world. But Monday's reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt was limited, and comes after a deadly weekend in Gaza. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Russian-Israeli doctoral student at Princeton University, was conducting research in Baghdad in 2023 when she was kidnapped by an Iran-linked militia and held in captivity for more than 900 days. Her release last September followed a high-stakes international push. Amna Nawaz speaks with Tsurkov for her first American television interview. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Iran is on notice as one of the U.S. military's largest aircraft carriers arrives in the Middle East after thousands of protesters were killed in a brutal crackdown. How vulnerable is the regime? And what are President Trump's options if he chooses to enforce his red line? Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses that with Firas Maksad, Vali Nasr, Behnam Ben Taleblu and Robin Wright. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Trade deals around the world are being negotiated, signed and celebrated without the U.S. World leaders are looking to other sources of economic partnership as turbulent tariff policies, harsh rhetoric and unpredictable social media posts from President Trump push allies to the edge. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

An expedition to Antarctica has brought scientists and researchers to the widest glacier on Earth. The Thwaites Glacier is nicknamed the Doomsday Glacier because of its potential impact on sea levels if ice continues to melt. Miles O'Brien reports on the work to drill into the ice to record temperatures and understand the impact of climate change. It's part of our series, Tipping Point. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Just days after a group of mainly American investors approved by President Donald Trump took over control of TikTok's U.S. operations, some users now say the app is censoring and limiting their content, including posts and messages about Jeffrey Epstein and the shooting deaths of U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Jacob Ward of The Rip Current. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

China removed its top army general in what many analysts see as a move to cement loyalty to President Xi Jinping. It's rattling Taiwan, and as special correspondent Patrick Fok reports, it comes amid already heightened fears that the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro could embolden China to mimic the move against Taipei. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

A framework for a deal, or an off-ramp? President Trump backs down after his aggressive efforts to acquire Greenland enraged and insulted allies. What's in the agreement, and how much damage to America's most important relationships has already been done? Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses that with Carla Sands, Sherri Goodman, Eric Edelman and Matthias Matthijs. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Friday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called President Trump's comments about NATO troops serving in Afghanistan "insulting" and "appalling," the FBI arrested a former Olympic snowboarder and alleged drug kingpin Ryan Wedding and the city of Philadelphia is suing the Trump administration over the removal of a slavery exhibit at the Independence National Historical Park. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

President Trump announced a deal to keep TikTok available in the U.S. The agreement caps a six-year legal and geopolitical fight after Congress passed a law requiring TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company or face a ban. The administration says the deal protects American users from Chinese influence, but many national security experts argue it falls short. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

President Trump returned to Washington after wrapping a whirlwind trip to Davos for the World Economic Forum. He seems to have defused a crisis he created by insisting the U.S. acquire Greenland. Trump also presented his plan for what he calls the Board of Peace, established to oversee the ceasefire and post-war plans for Gaza. Amna Nawaz and Nick Schifrin report. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Thursday, Donald Trump is suing JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon for $5 billion, saying the company closed his accounts for political reasons after he left office in 2021, the U.S. withdrew from the World Health Organization a year after Trump signed an order setting the exit in motion and "Sinners" broke the record for Oscar nominations with 16, including Best Picture. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy