The World This Week

It's been a week of escalating global tensions. Israel launched a series of targeted strikes on Iran – codenamed Operation Rising Lion – aimed at crippling Tehran's nuclear capabilities. Iran has vowed a swift response. In the United States, protests erupted in Los Angeles over immigration enforcement, as federal officers intensified roundups of undocumented migrants – part of President Donald Trump's broader plan for mass deportations. Meanwhile in Ukraine, Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa came under heavy fire. Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults yet, striking the capital with a wave of 315 drones and ballistic missiles. And in Europe, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte delivered a stark warning in London: defence spending is no longer optional –it's existential.

This week, Ukraine launched Operation Spider's Web. Some 18 months in the planning and personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky, simultaneous drone attacks were launched across Russian airfields, destroying its fighter jets and strategic bombers. The Ukrainian intelligence service claimed 40 planes had been left burning on the tarmac. Russia described it as terrorism and President Vladimir Putin vowed revenge.

This week saw Israel attempt a new plan to distribute food in Gaza, bypassing the UN and using American private contractors known as the Gaza Humanitarian Fund. But it was suspended on day one after looting, chaos and security measures were overwhelmed by desperate crowds. Meanwhile, the once-steadfast support of Israel's key allies has seen a diplomatic erosion, with private outrage turning to public condemnation.

The first explicit threat of sanctions from the leaders of France, the U.K. and Canada if IDF troops don't stop the renewed military offensive to take control of the whole of Gaza. It came after the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced “minimal” humanitarian aid would restart. A drop in the ocean said the UN.

President Donald Trump made the first overseas tour of his second term this week to the Middle East, where Riyadh royalty rolled out a lavender carpet ahead of a 600-billion-dollar pledge of Saudi investment for US contracts. Qatar next, where The Beast was surrounded by a caravan of camels, while the man inside watched a ceremonial sword-dance spectacle.

In a week that marked US President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office, national security adviser Mike Waltz wasn't celebrating, as he was moved being aside. The first cabinet casualty of the president's second term, Waltz's departure appears to be a direct result of Signalgate, when he accidentally added a journalist to a group chat planning attacks on Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The world said goodbye to Pope Francis this week. Tens of thousands of mourners queued to pay their respects as he lay in state in St Peter's Basilica over three days of mourning. We discussed his life and legacy, the geopolitics of his papal funeral, and look towards the conclave that will follow. 

A week on from Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with Putin, Witkoff has been in Paris for transatlantic talks. We assess the state of play for peace talks.We look at the significance of US-Iran nuclear talks, the first major level of engagement in years.We discuss the significance of a UK Supreme Court's landmark ruling: the term “woman” and “sex” refers to a person's biological sex.Finally, the first female space flight crew to lift off in six decades is back this week.

In a week where US President Donald Trump played fast and loose with world markets, his global tariff threats became a reality, with brutal and immediate economic fallout. Dozens of countries reached out to negotiate – or, as Trump described it – begged and pleaded to have the import taxes on supposed friends and foes removed.

In a week that will be, according to President Trump, “remembered forever,” for what happened on Wednesday, T Day, the Day of the Tariffs, “Liberation Day” he called it - the term he also used to describe his election victory and his inauguration. 

In a week that's seen nightly demonstrations taking place in Turkey, the biggest unrest there in a decade. Mass street protests have taken place in the face of a heavy government crackdown, where large gatherings have been banned, social media has been limited, and almost two thousand people have been arrested.

This week, a high-stakes call between the Russian and US leaders shaped the Ukraine conflict, with Russia claiming a diplomatic victory while key issues remained unresolved. Meanwhile in Gaza, Israeli air strikes reignited violence, killing over 600 Palestinians, including children, and deepening PM Binyamin Netanyahu's political crisis. Plus, the Trump administration deported hundreds of alleged gang members to El Salvador, setting up a showdown with the US judiciary.

This week, our set of experts gathered around Gavin Lee to take a look at the latest in the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire proposal, clashes and mass killings in Syria and Donald Trump's tariff war against the EU and its neighbouring countries. 

This week, the US tightened the screws on Ukraine, pausing military aid until Kyiv shows more willingness to negotiate—starting with handing over half its rare earth resources to America. Moscow welcomed the shift, calling it “aligned with the Kremlin's vision,” while Ukraine scrambled to smooth things over with a letter to Trump. Trump also kicked off the biggest protectionist move since 1930, slapping heavy tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Markets tanked, and The Wall Street Journal called it “the dumbest tariff war in history.” By week's end, signs of a rollback emerged, and Justin Trudeau hit back with his own “Dear Donald” letter. In Turkey, a major breakthrough: the PKK declared a ceasefire after its jailed leader called for disarmament, signaling an end to a four-decade conflict that claimed over 40,000 lives. A rare good news story—one that could also extend Erdogan's rule.

There have been unprecedented scenes in the White House today: a fierce row unfolding in front of cameras at the Oval Office between Presidents Trump and Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader was described as a "disrespectful" by both Trump and JD Vance, who also accused him of playing to the media.Four World Correspondents discuss the unprecedented fall out with Gavin Lee and and talk through the 'excruciating' scenes at the Oval office.Plus our White House Correspondent Fraser Jackson is live at the White House as events unfold. We ask what are the implications for President Zelensky and the security of his country?

Three years after ending all official communications with Moscow, the US government is suddenly back in Russia's orbit. The two nuclear powers were sitting down in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday finding a path to ending the Ukraine war and more besides. The talks were no longer about how to deal with the aggressor in the conflict, but how to normalise relations and make Russia a potential partner for future energy deals. So what of Ukraine? 

It's been a week where Moscow got what it wanted. A 90-minute call between Trump and Putin ended with talk of visits and cooperation—and the real headline: no NATO future for Ukraine. Kyiv may never reclaim its lost borders, and as Putin steps in from the cold, Zelensky risks being frozen out. The EU warns of a dirty deal behind its back. Then in Gaza, the truce nearly collapsed. Hamas delayed hostage releases, accusing Israel of violations. Then came Trump's ultimatum: free them all or “let all hell break loose.” The militants dismissed the threats but stuck to the plan. Meanwhile, freed hostages reveal harrowing details of their captivity—starvation, abuse, and fear. Meanwhile, world leaders gathered in Paris for an AI summit. The message from U.S. Vice President JD Vance? No brakes, no fear, no overregulation. Macron warned of AI's “Wild West” dangers but made the most of the business opportunity. Safety concerns barely got a mention. 

This week, Donald Trump's latest bombshell—suggesting the U.S. should own Gaza and relocate its population in what he calls a Real Estate solution. Critics call it ethnic cleansing; he calls it Gaza Lago. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer kept a low profile at his first EU summit as Trump threatened tariffs on the bloc. And over in France, François Bayrou has clung to power after yet another no-confidence vote. 

This week, conflict and crisis dominate the headlines. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, M23 rebels have seized the key city of Goma, forcing thousands to flee and reigniting tensions over Rwanda's alleged involvement. In Gaza, displaced civilians are finally returning north, but the fragile ceasefire is under strain after a controversial hostage transfer by Hamas. And in the United States, a tragic air disaster—the first major commercial crash in 16 years—raises serious concerns over air traffic control and political blame games.

This week we examine three major global stories shaping the headlines. In the US, the Trump administration's return to power has brought bold, controversial promises of American expansionism and mass pardons for January 6 rioters, signaling a dramatic shift in policy and rhetoric. In the Middle East, Gaza is experiencing a fragile ceasefire after 470 days of war, marked by hostage exchanges and ongoing struggles for humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, NATO faces internal discord, with its chief warning of a crisis over underfunding, as European leaders call for urgent measures to secure the alliance and support Ukraine.

It's been a week of high-stakes developments around the globe. In Gaza, a long-awaited ceasefire deal has been reached, set to begin on Sunday, with plans to exchange hostages for prisoners in a bid for "sustainable calm." In South Korea, the dramatic arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol unfolded amid accusations of insurrection. Meanwhile, in the US, TikTok's future hangs in the balance, driving users to a Chinese rival app as a court ruling edges the platform closer to a potential shutdown.

We are 10 days BT: Before Trump is back in office. This week saw the US president-elect given an unconditional discharge: spared jail time or a fine, but confirmed as a convicted felon for fraud relating to hush money payments to an adult film star.

This year, headlines have been dominated by the wars in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East. Israel's leader has been accused of war crimes, while the revolution in Syria has led to the downfall of a dictator. However, the full scale of Bashar al-Assad's regime of terror continues to emerge.

This week, experts gathered around Gavin LEE discuss the ongoing process of regime change in Syria; the replacement of French Prime Minister after his government was overthrown by Parliament; and the election of Donald Trump as the Person of the year by TIME magazine.

This week, our set of experts gathered around Gavin LEE take a look at the last episode in the political crisis France is facing, with the Parliamant voting no confidence to Michel Barnier's government; how Syria is plunging back into uncertainty, with various rebel groups taking large cities; and what happened when South Korean President YOON Suk Yeol decided to trigger a short-lived martial law.

This week, guests gathered around Gavin Lee to discuss the fragile ceasefire that was agreed between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah. We also look at how Donald Trump plans on launching a new tariff war with America's neighbours and discuss the ongoing crisis in Sudan, where a civil war is still raging. And as a Black Friday special, our set of experts also dive into former German chancellor Angela Merkel's legacy book.

This week, the guests gathered around Gavin LEE discuss the fragile ceasefire that was agreed between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah; how Donald Trump plans on launching a new tariff war with America's neighbours; and what is happening in Sudan, where war is still raging, despite focus being displaced towards Ukraine and the Middle East. And as a Black Friday special deal, our set of experts also dive into Angela Merkel's legacy book.

It has been a week that has seen the International Criminal Court issue arrest warrants for the Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and his former minister of Defence Yoav Gallant. They are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, alongside the Hamas commander Mohammed Deif.

This week, our set of experts discuss the complete victory of Donald Trump in US elections, and the formation of his future administration, in which the President-elect picked his most faithful supporters, including Elon Musk. 

This week, all eyes are on the United States as Donald Trump has won re-election, defeating Kamala Harris to secure a second term as president. The world is reacting swiftly, including EU leaders who are gathered in Budapest for a summit. Meanwhile, President Trump has been busy assembling his new cabinet, including appointing Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff.

This week, our set of experts gather around Gavin Lee to discuss the final steps of US elections, the ban imposed by Israel on UNWRA, and the aftermath of Georgia's elections.

It has been a good week in the polls for Donald Trump. For the first time in two months several US election forecasters have suggested that he is ahead in the key swing states, by a wafer thin margin. And this comes despite his character being questioned again. Meanwhile in the battle for headlines on the campaign trail, Elon Musk has been offering million dollar giveaways to registered voters, and Trump “was loving it” in McDonalds.

Hamas confirms its political and military leader Yahya Sinwar has been killed by Israel, 24 hours after IDF forces announced his death in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. In a defiant video speech, an official for the Iranian-backed militant group said Sinwar's demise would not mean the release of Israeli hostages, unless the IDF withdraws from the Gaza Strip. 

It has been a week that has seen the anniversary of the brutal Hamas attacks on October the 7th. A multi-fronted war now taking place, a year on, with Israel poised to carry out a counter-strike in Iran at any time. The country's defence minister Yoav Gallant says it will be “lethal, precise and above all, surprising”. Meanwhile, some UN peacekeepers have been injured by Israeli fire in southern Lebanon. World leaders are demanding answers.

It has been a week of relentless escalation in the Middle East, with Israeli air strikes across Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen against Iranian-backed militants. Hundred of civilians killed in the past seven days, and in the south of Lebanon, a quote “limited ground offensive” began. Iran retaliated, almost 200 ballistic missiles were launched across Israel, leading to much speculation over Israel‘s retaliation.

This week has seen Israel and Hezbollah step closer to all-out war. Air strikes across Lebanon on Monday killed more than 500 people – the deadliest day in the country since the civil war more than three decades ago. Hezbollah struck deeper into Israeli territory. Then the chief of the IDF told Israeli soldiers to prepare for the possible entry of ground troops into southern Lebanon. Unified calls came for a 21-day ceasefire from the UN and Western allies, but the rhetoric of the Israeli PM suggests anything but peace.

It has been a week that has seen a new method of technological warfare - used against Hezbollah in Lebanon. First Pagers, then Walkie-Talkies simultaneously exploding in people's hands, pockets, bags. Dozens killed, thousands injured. No comment from Israel's spy agency who is said to have meticulously planned and physically infiltrated the group's supply chain. We will look at how it happened, why now, and what next?

This week has seen another US presidential debate take place. The last 90 minutes cost President Joe Biden his job. This time it started with niceties; an extended hand from Kamala Harris that has become known as the "power move handshake": look it up on TikTok. 

It has been a week which saw France finally appoint a new prime minister. A mountain hiking, smooth-talking septuagenarian – Michel Barnier. Monsieur Brexit, former EU point man negotiating Britain's divorce. He has served in the cabinet of many French Presidents in decades gone by. Now, he is back as the oldest PM in the French fifth Republic replacing the youngest one! But why Barnier? And why did he want the job? Is it because he is the master of eggshell diplomacy?

This week saw the first sit-down interview for Kamala Harris as US presidential nominee. After a headline-grabbing summer where she's dominated the American media landscape, we look at the reinvention of Harris: from gaff-prone veep to self-assured and highly polished campaign candidate. We also look at Donald Trump's manoeuvres to regain the spotlight. 

One month after the surprise snap elections annoucement made by Emmanuel Macron, French Parliament is now elected, but France still needs to find a Prime Minister, with no group having a majority.Meanwhile, Joe Biden hosted a NATO heads of States meeting, creating concern when he confused Kamala Harris for Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskiy for ... Vladimir Putin.And in Barcelona, angry residents splashed water at tourists and expressed their exasperation over mass tourism in protests.

It's been a week that's seen a new government sweep into power in the UK. A landslide win by Labour has ended 14 years of Conservative rule. It's the Conservatives' worst defeat in living memory. After electoral devastation, voters are trusting the centre left to get the UK through choppy waters. Can Keir Starmer steer calmer? 

This week has seen the first presidential debate between President Biden and Trump, protesters taking the streets in Kenya against government plans for a finance bill, and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange freed and returning to Australia

This week we discuss France's political turmoil, Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea, the prosecution of Arundhati Roy, and Netflix being sued over the veracity of its "Baby Reindeer" series.

It's been a week of political aftershock in France, after the earthquake that was President Macron's sudden call for snap elections. His gambit, in testing the far right's EU election triumph and his banking on it being just a sign of voter frustration is an “all the chips” on the table moment and early polls suggest the National Rally are on course for victory. Meanwhile, an 'electionally challenged' G7 gathers in Italy.

It's been a week that's seen world leaders gather on the beaches of northern France to commemorate 80 years since the Normandy landings. The moment that marked the start of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany. This year, Ukraine's leader invited, Russian officials cold shouldered, we look at the politics of DDay diplomacy. 

It's been an historic week in the US - where for the first time a former President was convicted of a criminal offence. Donald Trump convicted on Thursday on all charges in the so-called “Hush Money trial”  Will this make any difference to his chances in the US Election?

Assassination attempt on populist Slovakian Prime Minister Fico, 'Foreign agents' law passed in Georgia amidst pro-EU protests, Russian making advances in Ukraine, and the worst violence in 40 years in New Caledonia

It's been a week that's seen intense strain on the US-Israel relationship. President Joe Biden has issued an ultimatum to Washington's strategic ally in the Middle East - if IDF troops storm Rafah, key weapon supplies will stop.

It's been a week that's seen the mass arrests of students at US Universities. Pro Palestinian demonstrators “have a right to dissent, not chaos” said President BidenIt's been yet another week where a breakthrough seemed possible in talks for a Gaza ceasefire. But come what may, Israel says the Rafah offensive will happen 

It's been a week where the midnight oil was burnt in Britain at a late-night session of the House of Lords. The controversial Rwanda bill was finally passed, two years since it was proposed. PM Rishi Sunak says the plan to fly migrants to Africa will be the solution to "stop the boats". But will it actually serve as a deterrent?