The Inside Story Podcast

"We have a great interest in creating an axis of our own." Those are the words of Benjamin Netanyahu as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes his second visit to Israel. In an increasingly volatile region, what's driving what Israel describes as its special relationship with India? In this episode: Alon Liel, Former director of Israel's Foreign Ministry and international relations commentator Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor at the School of Security Studies at King's College London Siddharth Vardarajan, Founding editor of The Wire, an Indian digital news portal Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

How much power do drug cartels have in Mexico? The killing of the leader of one the country's largest criminal organisations has sparked a wave of violence. But can Mexico win its war against drug trafficking? In this episode: Sergio Aguayo, Professor at the College of Mexico Chris Dalby, Author of 'CJNG: A Quick Guide to Mexico's Deadliest Cartel' Michael Vigil, former Chief of International Operations at the US Drug Enforcement Administration Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

More talks are planned for Thursday between Iran and the US, which is mobilising its largest military force since the invasion of Iraq more than two decades ago. There are mixed messages from President Donald Trump, while Tehran says it wants talks but is ready for war, too. So where do both sides stand? In this episode: Jamal Abdi, President of the National Iranian American Council Hassan Ahmadian, Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran Richard Weitz, Senior Fellow at NATO Defense College Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump slaps 15 percent trade levy on all imports. The move comes just a day after he'd set them at 10 percent - enraged by a Supreme Court ruling striking down much of his tariff regime. What are the global implications? In this episode: Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation. Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow, Bruegel. Garima Kapoor, Deputy Head, Research, Elara Securities Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace meets for the first time, pledging money, peacekeeping troops and investment for Gaza. Only one Palestinian was present, while major European nations stayed away. So, what did the gathering mean for the people of Gaza? In this episode: Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Gideon Levy, Columnist at the Haaretz Newspaper Hugh Lovatt, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Is social media addictive? Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg testifies in court, defending his company against charges of deliberately designing features that are addictive to children. Just how much influence does social media have on youth users? And how harmful could it be to their mental health? In this episode: Adele Walton, Online safety campaigner and author of Logging Off: The Human Cost of our Digital World Larry Magid, CEO of ConnectSafely.org Donna Dawson, psychologist focusing on personality and behaviour Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The US has transferred thousands of detainees linked to the group from Syria to Iraq. It cites security concerns, but is the move enough to prevent ISIL from re-emerging in Syria? In this episode: Zeidon Alkinani, independent researcher on identity politics in Iraq and the Middle East Colin Clarke, executive director of The Soufan Center Sarah Sanbar, researcher in the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

India hosts an international gathering focusing on the impact of AI's growing dominance. What's the best approach to governing the use of such rapidly advancing technology? And can it be regulated? In this episode: Amba Kak, Co-Director of the A.I. Now Institute Ruta Piepina, Associate Professor at Riga Graduate School of Law Marc Einstein, Research Director and Global Head of AI Research at Counterpoint Research Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel has taken another step towards annexing the occupied West Bank — approving the registration of Palestinian land as state land. It follows a decision that makes it easier for settlers to seize Palestinian property. So, what are the implications of Israel's ongoing land grab? In this episode: Mohammad Dahleh, Human rights lawyer Mitchell Barak, Founder of KEEVOON Research, Strategy and Communications Simon Mabon, Professor of Middle East and International Politics at Lancaster University Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

African nations must have permanent seats on the UN Security Council, the head of the world body tells the African Union. Most of Asia and Latin America don't have a permanent presence either, despite their huge populations. Can the United Nations be reformed? In this episode: Olukayode Bakare, Visiting Scholar, International Relations and African Politics, University of Colorado Denver. Mukesh Kapila, Former UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan. Tim Murithi, Senior Advisor, Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Germany's chancellor says the international rules-based order is gone. The US secretary of state responds, saying the Trump administration wants the transatlantic alliance - but while criticising Europe again. So what is emerging? A new global order, or something else? In this episode: Chet Love - U.S. Republican strategist and political commentator Scott Lucas - Professor of U.S. and International Politics at University College Dublin Einar Tangen - Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins the country's first elections since the 2024 uprising. Rare international unity as the US, China, India, and Pakistan all welcome the result. But how's it being seen at home — especially by the young people who led the protests for change? In this episode: Shahab Enam Khan, International Relations Professor at Bangladesh University of Professionals. Prapti Taposhi, Activist and first-time voter in Thursday's general elections Sohela Nazneen, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, UK Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Amnesty International and Israeli human-rights organisation B'Tselem say the genocide in Gaza is still ongoing. Four months after a deal to stop the war, aside from continuing Israeli attacks, Palestinians face other dangers. In this episode: Mansour Shouman, Middle East political analyst and citizen journalist from Gaza Shai Parnes, Director of Public Outreach, B'Tselem Michael Lynk, Professor Emeritus of Law at Western University in Ontario Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Will Thursday's elections be a watershed moment for Bangladesh? Millions of people are expected to cast ballots in the first polls since long-time prime minister Sheikh Hasina was removed in 2024. But can the vote spark a real political transition for the country's democracy? In this episode: Ashikur Rahman, principal economist at the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh Prapti Taposhi, activist and a first-time voter Thomas Kean, senior consultant for Myanmar and Bangladesh at the International Crisis Group Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

There's condemnation of Israel's latest move to tighten its grip over the occupied West Bank. Its security cabinet has approved plans to expand illegal settlements there. Is this a step towards annexation? And where does it leave the historic Oslo Accords? In this episode: Ammar Hijazi, ambassador and head of the Palestinian Mission to the Netherlands Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House Chris Doyle, Director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Voters in Portugal have overwhelmingly chosen a centre-left Socialist president. But his far-right rival secured a record share of the vote. What's fuelling this support? And does it signal a future political shift in the European country? In this episode: Miguel Poiares Maduro, Director of the School of Transnational Governance at the European University Institute Karel Lannoo, CEO of the Centre for European Policy Studies Rui Gomes da Silva, Lawyer and former Portuguese Parliamentary Affairs Minister Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

How has Israel’s war on Gaza shaped the Middle East? This year, the Al Jazeera Forum discusses the regional implications of the war. With new realities on the ground, how has the conflict changed the geopolitics in this volatile region? This show was produced on the sidelines of the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha. In this episode: Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary, Palestinian National Initiative. Abdullah Al Shayji, Professor, International Relations and Political Science, Kuwait University. Ziad Majed, Professor, Middle Eastern Studies, The American University of Paris. Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Armed groups have killed more than 200 people in several attacks in Nigeria in recent days. The Christian worshippers abducted from churches last month have been released. How serious is Nigeria's security situation -- and what progress is being made? In this episode: James Barnett -- Non-resident research fellow at the Hudson Institute, specialising in armed groups in Nigeria Oluwole Ojewale -- Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa at the Institute for Security Studies. Melvin Foote -- founder and president of the Constituency for Africa and a specialist on U.S.-Africa policy Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

For more than five decades, nuclear arms control treaties were enforced between Russia and the US until this week. The last agreement has been allowed to lapse without a new one to replace it. So, why has this happened, and what are the dangers? In this episode: Thomas Countryman, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Non-Proliferation under the Obama administration Rebecca E Johnson, Co-founder and first President of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Nikolai Sokov, Senior Fellow at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Talks brokered by the US seek to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Many civilians in Ukraine are suffering in freezing temperatures after Russian attacks on heating and energy supplies. Negotiations are to continue, despite big divisions. But what are those sticking points? And could an end come soon? In this episode: Alexander Bratersky, Independent Analyst and journalist in Moscow Oleksiy Goncharenko, Ukrainian opposition member of Parliament and a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in Europe for The New York Times Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

India and the US announce a trade deal, with relief from some of President Donald Trump's harshest tariffs. He says India will stop buying Russian oil and open up to American business. So, why is the deal getting a mixed reaction in India? In this episode: Ajay Chhibber, visiting scholar at George Washington University Biswajit Dhar, trade economist and former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University Harry Broadman, former Chief of Staff at the President's Council of Economic Advisers Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is yet again in Israel to discuss growing tensions with Iran. The two sides have been trading threats. At odds for nearly half a century, can they find a common ground? Or is a new round of conflict inevitable? In this episode: Thomas Warrick, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council Marzie Khalilian, political analyst and researcher at Carleton University Alon Pinkas, Former Israeli Ambassador and Consul General in New York Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Gaza's Rafah border crossing reopened but under strict Israeli conditions. The crossing is once again operational as part of the US-brokered ceasefire. But with Israel's restrictions, will this reopening ease the suffering of Palestinians after two years of war? In this episode: Hussein Haridy, former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Mosab Nasser, CEO of FAJR Global Akiva Eldar, political analyst and contributor to Haaretz Host: Maleen Saeed Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

How will Pakistan deal with growing security challenges in the southwestern province of Balochistan? Another coordinated attack by separatists has killed dozens of people. Many ethnic Baloch have long complained of neglect and oppression by Islamabad. So, what will it take to end the cycle of violence there? In this episode: Raashid Wali Janjua, Former Brigadier, Pakistan's Army and Director, Islamabad Policy Research Institute Sanaullah Baloch, Leader, Balochistan National Party Ayesha Siddiqa, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Defence Studies, King's College London Host: Maleen Saeed Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Caracas says it's opening up the sector to private players. That follows Washington's dramatic intervention in the country in early January. But who will stand to gain from the changes: Venezuela or the United States? Or both? In this episode: Elias Ferrer Founder and director of Orinoco Research. He analysis politics and the Venezuelan economy. Andrew Lipow President of Lipow Oil Associates Phil Gunson Senior Analyst at the International Crisis Group Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in China this week with a large delegation of business people and cultural figures. He received a warm welcome from host Xi Jinping. But the visit got a frosty reception from the White House. US President Donald Trump called the trip 'dangerous'. Why and how important is this visit? In this episode: Will Hutton, political economist and author Andy Mok, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization Steve Tsang, Director of the China Institute at SOAS University of London Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The Doomsday Clock has reached the closest ever point to midnight. That's according to the atomic scientists who run it. They say more wars, aggression from nuclear powers and weaker arms controls are to blame - along with climate change and risks posed by artificial intelligence. Should we be worried? In this episode: Karim Haggag, Director at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Ramesh Srinivasan, Professor at UCLA Department of Information Studies and host of the podcast 'Utopias' Ben Aris, Founder and Editor in Chief of bne IntelliNews in Berlin Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

One of the biggest trade deals in history was struck by India and the European Union, months after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on both. So what's in their agreement? And how much is it driven by Washington's hostile measures? In this episode: Brahma Chellaney, Professor Emeritus of Strategic Studies at the Centre for Policy Research Remi Bourgeot, Associate Fellow at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs Dhananjay Tripathi, Senior Associate Professor at South Asian University in New Delhi Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The last Israeli captive's body found in Gaza — where many thousands of Palestinians lie buried under rubble. Israel, as part of its long-standing policy, has not returned the remains of many hundreds of Palestinians. Why? And what's the impact? In this episode: Amjad Sharwa, Director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network in Gaza Issam Aruri, Commissioner General of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in Palestine Yara Hawari, Co-Director at Al Shabaka Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Recent fatal shootings by federal US immigration agents have sparked outrage and protests. They're accused of using excessive force and indiscriminately arresting suspected undocumented immigrants. But does this violent crackdown serve any real purpose? In this episode: Darrin Porcher, Former NYPD Lieutenant and Criminal Justice Professor at Pace University Leon Fresco, Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Alex Vitale, Professor in the Department of Sociology at Brooklyn College Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Sort out your own security. That's what the US is telling its allies as the Pentagon adopts a new national defence strategy. Washington is now focusing on the main homeland and its interests in the Western Hemisphere. So, what's behind this shift? And what's the fallout for America's allies around the world? In this episode: Adam Clements, US Foreign Policy Analyst and a Former Pentagon Official. Marina Miron, Researcher, Defense Studies Department, King’s College London. Youngshik Bong, Visiting Professor, Graduate School of International Studies, Yonsei University. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

After being under threat for years - Tiktok will continue to operate in the United States. The Chinese platform reached a deal to create a new American entity. But does this deal satisfy security concerns for users in the US? And how much politics is at play? In this episode: Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, a Canadian think tank Sarah Kreps, Founder and Director of Technology Policy Insititute at Cornell University Anupam Chander, expert on the global regulation of new technologies and Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

It was initially supposed to oversee the postwar arrangements in Gaza. Now, the newly created, so-called Board of Peace is expected to deal with other conflicts as well. But will it be able to achieve global peace? In this episode: Faisal Al Mudahka, Editor In Chief of Gulf Times Christian Josi, republican political strategist and author Jawad Anani, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Jordan Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The world's rules-based order is ruptured, says Canada's prime minister Mark Carney — in a speech at Davos that avoided mentioning the US president. Donald Trump hit back — but Carney's words have been widely praised and analysed. So, is he right? In this episode: Lionel Barber, Former Editor of The Financial Times Bessma Momani, Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo Donnacha O Beachain, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

International condemnation as Israel bulldozes the headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Occupied East Jerusalem. The UN says razing the compound is against international law. What are the implications? In this episode: Shireen Salti, political analyst who specialises in Palestine-Israel public affairs Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and a former lawyer at UNRWA Gideon Levy, Columnist at Haaretz Newspaper Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs against seven EU countries and the UK for opposing his plans to take control of Greenland. EU leaders are considering how to respond. What are their options? And what are the dangers for both sides? In this episode: Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow at Bruegel Ben Aris, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of bne IntelliNews Pieter Cleppe, European policy analyst and Editor-in-Chief of BrusselsReport.eu Host: Maleen Saeed Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Syrian army has taken territory long held by Kurdish-led forces before declaring a ceasefire. The lightning offensive changes the balance of power in the country. Are there wider implications for Kurds in the region — beyond Syria? In this episode: David Des Roches, Professor at the Thayer Marshall Institute Mohammed Salih, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Elijah Magnier, Military and political analyst Host: Maleen Saeed Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Will the Syrian army end up controlling all the country's Kurdish-held areas? The army has made significant territorial gains after intense battles with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in recent days. So, how will this play out within Syria and the wider region? In this episode: Omar Abu Laila, Syrian Affairs Analyst. Scott Lucas, Professor, US and International Politics, University College Dublin. Kamaran Palani, Kurdish Principal Investigator, PeaceRep Iraq Programme, London School of Economics and Political Science. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Resetting ties with China. Canada's Prime minister visits Beijing hailing what he calls "a new partnership adapted to new global realities". The two countries are under pressure from U.S. tariffs. So, who stands to gain the most from this deal? In this episode: Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation; which is a Canadian think tank. William Lee, Chief Economist and Managing Director at Global Economic Advisors. Jean Charest, former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What are the hurdles to implementing the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza? The US says it's a transition to disarmament and reconstruction. But with Israel repeatedly violating the ceasefire, is that transition even possible? In this episode: Xavier Abu Eid, political analyst and former adviser to the Palestine Liberation Organization negotiation team Yezid Sayigh, Senior Fellow at Carnegie Middle East Center Yossi Beilin, former Israeli Justice Minister Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What purpose does the massive U.S. military presence in the Gulf serve? Washington argues it maintains stability and security in this region. But with the escalating tensions in the region, will it protect America's allies and interests? In this episode: Rashid Al-Mohanadi, Vice President of Center for International Policy Research Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor in the School of Security Studies at King's College London Kenneth Katzman, Senior Fellow at The Soufan Center Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

International alarm after the Trump administration announces the first-ever criminal investigation into the head of the US Federal Reserve. Jerome Powell says the probe is politically-motivated. So why is this case causing so much concern worldwide? In this episode: Eric Ham, political analyst and former U.S. Congressional staffer in Washington DC Justin Urquhart-Stewart, investment manager and co-founder of Regionally, an online investment service in London David McWilliams, economist, author and podcast host in Dublin Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Uganda holds elections on Thursday, with President Yoweri Museveni hoping to extend his four decades in power. Supporters of his main opponent, musician Bobi Wine, allege harassment and intimidation. So what's at stake for one the world's youngest populations? In this episode: Robert Kabushenga, Host of The Bad Natives Podcast Alex Vines, Africa Programme Director at the European Council on Foreign Relations Joseph Ochieno, Commentator on African affairs Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump has said repeatedly he wants to take over Greenland — an idea rejected by most people living there. There's alarm in Denmark, which owns the world's biggest island, and in the EU and NATO too. So, could Trump really get his way? In this episode: Pele Broberg, Chairman of Naleraq, a pro-independence political party in Greenland Peter Nielsen, retired Colonel in the Danish Armed Forces who specialises in NATO readiness Greg Swenson, Chairman of Republicans Overseas UK Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Widespread unrest, killings and arrests in Iran during protests sparked by a collapse in the local currency. The leadership says it will listen to demonstrators but rioters face the death penalty. As the US warns against a crackdown, how volatile is the situation? In this episode: Mehran Kamrava, Head, Iranian Studies, Arab Center for Policy Studies and Research. Roxane Farmanfarmaian, Professor, Modern Middle East Politics, University of Cambridge. Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What are Saudi Arabia's plans in southern Yemen? Riyadh says it will soon host a dialogue between the main players. It comes after the Southern Transitional Council issued a statement saying it had disbanded. But will the new realities on the ground serve long-term Saudi goals in Yemen? In this episode: Khaled Batarfi, Political analyst Farea Al Muslimi, Research Fellow at Chatham House's MENA Programme Matthew Bryza, Adviser to the Southern Transitional Council and a former U.S. ambassador Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What is the impact of the US withdrawal from dozens of United Nations and international agencies? Washington says the organisations threaten its sovereignty. But the UN says the US has a legal obligation to fund them. So, where does this all leave the multilateral global order? In this episode: Adolfo Franco, Republican strategist and former adviser to U.S. Senator John McCain Andrew Gilmour, Former UN Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights Matthew Duss, Executive VP of the Center for International Policy and a former foreign policy adviser to Senator Bernie Sanders Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Renewed clashes in the Syrian city of Aleppo between the army and Kurdish fighters are undermining efforts to achieve national unity. The violence erupted after a failure to implement a deal on incorporating fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces into the army. Can tension be contained this time? In this episode: Labib Nahhas, Syria analyst Omer Ozkizilcik, Nonresident fellow for the Syria Project in the Atlantic Council's Middle East Program Rob Geist Pinfold, Lecturer in International Security at King's College London Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The so-called Coalition of the Willing says it is going to provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees if a peace deal is agreed with Russia. The UK and France pledged boots on the ground once the agreement takes effect. But is that enough? And would Russia accept foreign troops in Ukraine? In this episode: Oleksiy Goncharenko, politician and member of the Ukrainian parliament Marina Miron, military analyst and researcher at King's College London Pavel Felgenhauer, defence and Russian foreign policy analyst Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Venezuela's closest ally, Cuba, is on edge after the capture of president Nicolas Maduro and US politicians' warnings to Havana. US President Donald Trump says Cuba is near collapse. So what are Washington's plans? And what's the thinking in Havana? In this episode: Liz Oliva Fernandez, independent Cuban journalist John Suarez, Executive Director, the Center for a Free Cuba Michael Shifter, senior fellow, Inter-American Dialogue and adjunct professor, Georgetown University Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The capture of Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro by the US came despite his country's long-standing alliance with both China and Russia. Both have criticised the US attack but have taken no action. What are the implications for Russia and China? In this episode: Andrey Kortunov, former Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council Chris Weafer, Chief Executive Officer of Macro-Advisory Shaun Rein, Founder & Managing Director of the China Market Research Group in Shanghai and author of The Split Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook