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The US federal government is closed for business. Democrats and Republicans in Congress failed to agree on a budget to keep the government open. But over two million federal workers who will go without a paycheck during negotiations have a new worry: will President Donald Trump use the shutdown to eliminate some of their jobs permanently? The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast In this episode: Heidi Zhou-Castro (@HeidiZhouCastro), Al Jazeera English Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Melanie Marich, Sarí el-Khalili, and Tracie Hunte with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Amy Walters, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Pete Hegseth, a Fox News anchor turned Secretary of Defense, summoned US military leaders from around the world to present a new, “anti-woke” vision for the military – one without transgender troops, “fat” generals, or beards. Then, he closed with a prayer. It’s all part of a long-running mission to end diversity measures and push forward a Christian nationalist agenda in the US armed forces The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast In this episode: Ben Makuch, National Security Reporter Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sarí el-Khalili, and Haleema Shah with Manny Panaretos, Duha Mosaad, Amy Walters, Farhan Rafid, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Political Scientist Laleh Khalili joins us to discuss her new book, "Extractive Capitalism: How Commodities and Cronyism Drive the Global Economy" out now from Verso. "The Moment of Truth" with Jeff Dorchen follows the interview. Check out Laleh's book here: https://www.versobooks.com/products/3405-extractive-capitalism Help keep This Is Hell! completely listener supported and access bonus episodes by subscribing to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishell Please rate and review This Is Hell! wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps the show ascend the algorithm to reach new listeners.
Femicides, corruption scandals, and economic pain are all shaking Argentina. President Javier Milei, facing protests and poor provincial election results, is hoping a Trump-backed bailout will also bail him out. With legislative elections coming up, how will Milei survive this compound crisis? In this episode: Natalie Alcoba (@nataliealcoba), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Amy Walters, with Melanie Marich, Duha Mosaad, Farhan Rafid, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Hundreds of migrants have vanished from official records after being held at Florida’s so-called “Alligator Alcatraz,” leaving families and lawyers in the dark. With reports of abuse, secretive contracts, and mounting legal challenges, the state-run detention center has become a symbol of Donald Trump’s aggressive mass deportation agenda. In this episode: Thomas Kennedy, Policy Analyst, Florida Immigrant Coalition Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Natashe Del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tracie Hunte, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Catherine Nouhan, Haleema Shah, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Farhan Rafid, and Kisaa Zehra. Our host is Malika Bilal. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
TikTok’s feed is famous for knowing users better than they know themselves. Now, a US deal could put that power in the hands of Trump allies and tech giants. What might change for the 170 million Americans on the app – and what does this fight reveal about control of speech and data? In this episode: Robert Rogowsky, Professor of Trade and Economic Diplomacy at the Middlebury Institute for International Studies Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sarí el-Khalili, and Chloe K. Li, with Manny Panaretos, Melanie Marich, Marcos Bartolomé, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
The US has now struck deals with five African countries to accept deportees convicted of crimes. The individuals aren’t sent to their countries of origin, but to a third country. Eswatini took five men who aren’t its citizens. With Ghana, Rwanda, South Sudan and others signing on, what do these governments gain? And what happens to due process for the people caught in between? In this episode: Cebelihle Mbuyisa (@CebelihleM), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte, Sarí el Khalili, and Haleema Shah with Melanie Marich, Kisaa Zehra, and Farhan Rafid, and guest host Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz and Kylene Kiang. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
A wave of firings has followed since the killing of controversial right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. From TV hosts and journalists to professors, critics who spoke honestly about his record have faced consequences, even as Kirk is elevated as a martyr by the right. What does this backlash reveal about who gets to speak freely in the US today? In this episode: Manisha Krishnan (@manishakrishnan), Senior Culture Editor, WIRED Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Tracie Hunte, and Sarí el-Khalili, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Farhan Rafid, Kisaa Zehra, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Diana Ferrero, Tracie Hunte, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Catherine Nouhan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Farhan Rafid, and Kisaa Zehra. Our host is Malika Bilal. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
For 44 years, 24 hours a day, a symbol of dissent has stood across from the White House – often considered the longest act of political protest in US history. The White House Peace Vigil greets visitors from all over the world, calling for nuclear disarmament and an end to war. Then it caught the eye of US President Donald Trump. In this episode: Marissa Lang, (@Marissa_Jae), Reporter, The Washington Post Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz, Sarí el-Khalili, Haleema Shah with Chloe K. Li, Kisaa Zehra, Melanie Marich, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Artificial intelligence education now starts at the age of six in China. The Ministry of Education has rolled out new guidelines to teach AI at every grade level. For President Xi Jinping, AI is a priority. Will the toddlers of today be the tech titans of the future? In this episode: Katrina Yu (@Katmyu), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, and Tamara Khandaker, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Israel launched a major ground offensive in Gaza City, where around 900,000 people are living. It follows weeks of bombardment, destroying residential buildings and forcing Palestinians to flee the city for what they fear may be the final time. As a United Nations inquiry adds to the findings that Israel’s war on Gaza is a genocide, what will regional powers do now? In this episode: Youmna ElSayed (@YoumnaElSayed17), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte, Sarí el-Khalili, Haleema Shah, and Noor Wazwaz, with Melanie Marich, Kylene Kiang, Chloe K. Li, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
France is facing a test for its latest prime minister. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu must steer the country through political chaos, debt, and strikes. Will he be the one to keep the government standing and guide France toward stability, or will the crisis deepen? In this episode: Rim-Sarah Alouane, Researcher and Legal Scholar Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Sarí el-Khalili and Tamara Khandaker with Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke and Noor Wazwaz. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Israel has intensified its strikes in Yemen, targeting the Houthi leadership and plunging capital Sanaa into deadly chaos. The attacks have killed dozens, sparked a climate of fear, led to mass detentions - including of United Nations staff - and threatened critical humanitarian aid. So, how is the escalation being felt by Yemeni civilians? In this episode: Abubakr Al-Shamahi, Al Jazeera Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Diana Ferrero, Tracie Hunte, Sarí el-Khalili, and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz and Kylene Kiang. The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Diana Ferrero, Tracie Hunte, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Catherine Nouhan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Farhan Rafid, and Kisaa Zehra. Our host is Malika Bilal. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
This week: displaced Palestinians are returning to Gaza City. Fallout continues after Israel attacked Qatar. A flotilla of ships bound for Gaza was attacked twice. It is day 709 of the war in Gaza where more than 64,803 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Ibrahim al Khalili, (@hema.alkhalili) Al Jazeera Correspondent Ali Hashem, (@alihashem_tv) Al Jazeera Correspondent Alex Baird, (@alexbaird) Al Jazeera Producer Nida Ibrahim, (@nida_journo) Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Munera AlDosari is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 18, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Lebanon is reeling after two days of coordinated attacks attributed to Israel that detonated thousands of pagers belonging to Hezbollah. The simultaneous explosions – in indiscriminate locations across the country – left deaths and thousands of injuries in their wake. Does this unprecedented attack signal a new reality? In this episode: Justin Salhani (@JustinSalhani), Al Jazeera Journalist Episode credits: This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Ashish Malhotra, Marcos Bartolomé, Khaled Soltan, Chloe K. Li, Phillip Lanos, Hagir Saleh, Shraddha Joshi, Duha Mosaad, Cole van Miltenburg, and our host Malika Bilal. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Shot while answering a question about mass shootings, outspoken gun-rights advocate and conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed on a university campus. What does this moment signal for escalating political violence and the state of US politics? In this episode: Dr. Matthew Boedy (@MatthewBoedy) Professor of Rhetoric, University of North Georgia Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sarí el-Khalili, Diana Ferrero, Tamara Khandaker, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Chloe K. Li, Farhan Rafid, Kisaa Zehra, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz and Kylene Kiang. Special thanks to Negin Owliaei. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
In this powerful episode of the Out of Zion Podcast, ACLI Coordinator Shelley Neese interviews Iranian-born filmmaker and activist Hooman Khalili, creator of the Persecuted Iranian Women murals. Hooman shares his journey to faith, the inspiration behind his pro-women, pro-freedom, anti-dictatorship murals, and how 18 of them came to be displayed in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and other Israeli cities. He also tells the remarkable story of completing his eighth mural after October 7, its connection to ancient Persia, and his new mission to bring this movement to 18 college campuses across America.
Missiles hit Doha as Israel targeted Hamas leaders amid ceasefire efforts. Qatar called it a breach of sovereignty. With global condemnation mounting, what does this unprecedented attack mean for negotiations, and for the people in Gaza? In this episode: Osama Bin Javaid (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sarí el-Khalili, and Tracie Hunte, with Amy Walters, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melalnie Marich and Kisaa Zehra and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
As leaders arrive in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, key Palestinian voices are missing. The US has refused visas for 80 Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas. If the UN cannot guarantee open access, what does that signal about its neutrality and about Palestine’s path to recognition? In this episode: Biesan Abu-Kwaik, Al Jazeera Arabic UN Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Tamara Khandaker with Manny Panaretos, Melanie Marich, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang, Noor Wazwaz, and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
In Haiti’s capital, doctors work under fire as armed groups close in. With most hospitals shut, Tabarre is one of the last still open. Patients bleed, burn, and beg for care while doctors risk all to treat them. Can Haiti’s wounded – and those who heal them – find a way to survive? In this episode: John Holman (@johnholman100), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, with Khaled Soltan, Noor Wazwaz, Sarí el-Khalili, Manny Panaretos, Mariana Navarrete, Kisaa Zehra and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Diana Ferrero, Tracie Hunte, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Catherine Nouhan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Farhan Rafid and Kisaa Zehra. Our host is Malika Bilal. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
This week: Israel is demolishing parts of Gaza City. Israel has destroyed 90% of Gaza's schools. A film about Hind Rajab is honored at the Venice Film Festival. It is day 702 of the war in Gaza. Where more than 64,368 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Patty Culhane, (@PattyCulhane) Al Jazeera Correspondent Ibrahim al Khalili, (@hema.alkhalili) Al Jazeera Correspondent Wilson Dizard, Al Jazeera Producer Episode credits: This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Munera AlDosari is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on Saturday, Feb 18, 2025. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Six-year-old Hind Rajab spent three hours on the phone with Palestinian emergency services, crying for help, stranded in a car under Israeli fire in Gaza. Her relatives were killed while trying to escape. Twelve days later, she was found dead. What happened after Hind’s phone line went dark? In this episode: Nebal Farsakh (@FarsakhNebal), Director of Media at the Palestine Red Crescent Society Rana Faqih, Disaster Preparedness and Response Coordinator Hisham Mhanna (@MhannaHesham), ICRC Spokesperson in Gaza Episode credits: This episode was updated by Amy Walters. The original production team was Amy Walters, Fahrinisa Campana, Miranda Lin, and Sarí el-Khalili, with our host Malika Bilal. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Hezbollah is under pressure to lay down its arms, as part of a US-backed plan. Lebanon’s government has asked the army to draft a proposal by the end of the year. Facing continued Israeli strikes and the aftermath of the assassination of much of its leadership, including Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah refuses to disarm, calling the effort a trap. With no trust and no guarantees, where will Lebanon go from here? In this episode: Ali Harb (@Harbpeace), Al Jazeera journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, and Tracie Hunte, with Manny Panaretos, Phillip Lanos, Melanie Marich, Farhan Rafid, Kisaa Zehra, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Inside Gaza City as the Israeli military escalates its takeover, Al Jazeera continues to report from the ground on the day-to-day reality for more than a million Palestinians still there. As top scholars declare that Israel is committing genocide and US plans for a ‘Gaza Riviera' continue to circulate, how are Palestinians facing what comes next? In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Tamara Khandaker, Sarí el Khalili, and Diana Ferrero, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Farhan Rafid, Kisaa Zehra, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Special thanks to Youmna ElSayed. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
This week: Palestinians in Gaza City are fleeing Israel's offensive with nowhere to go. Israel killed more Palestinian journalists. The UN has voted to end its deployment to South Lebanon. It is day 695 of the war in Gaza, where at least 63,371 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Ibrahim al Khalili, (@hema.alkhalili) Al Jazeera Correspondent Hind Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza) Al Jazeera Correspondent Zeina Khodr, (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) Al Jazeera Correspondent Shihab Rattansi (@shihab_rattansi) Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Munera AlDosari is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on June 19, 2025. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. A 15-year-old pulls the trigger on a presidential candidate in Bogota, and Colombia’s ghost of political violence suddenly feels very present. Is the latest episode of political violence a sign that Colombia's peace process has failed, and can it promise fair elections in 2026? In this episode: Juanita Goebertus Estrada (@JuanitaGoe), Human Rights Watch Americas division director Episode credits: This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat and Haleema Shah, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Mariana Navarrete, Khaled Soltan, Remas Alhawari, Kylene Kiang, Noor Wazwaz, and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Unit 8200, Israel’s elite cyber-intelligence division, has long been compared to the US National Security Agency. Its veterans are now embedded in US tech companies, shaping how the world’s data is managed, and making deals worth billions. What does it mean for privacy and security? In this episode: Murtaza Hussain (@mazmhussain) Journalist, Drop Site News Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz and Diana Ferrero with Sarí el-Khalili, Melanie Marich, Farhan Rafid, Kisaa Zehra, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Amy Walters. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Thousands of US troops are on warships heading to Venezuela’s coast. President Donald Trump says the move is part of his administration’s fight against drug cartels that the US has labelled terrorist organizations. In response, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has ordered troops to the border and called on citizens to mobilize to defend the country. Is Trump’s aggressive move about fighting drugs or a signal of broader US intervention? In this episode: Alessandro Rampietti (@rampietti), Al Jazeera Reporter Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Noor Wazwaz, Kylene Kiang, Diana Ferrero and Tracie Hunte with Manny Panaretos, Melanie Marich, Farhan Rafid, and Kisaa Zehra, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Amy Walters and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
The Smithsonian museums are now the focus of a review ordered by US President Donald Trump targeting exhibits on slavery, immigration and LGBTQ history. The White House told The Take taxpayer money should not fund displays that divide Americans and the Smithsonian Institution should present history in an accurate, factual way. Can Trump reshape the largest museum complex in the world? In this episode: Samuel J. Redman, Professor of History & Director of Public History Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst Episode credits: This episode was produced by Diana Ferrero, Noor Wazwaz, and Tracie Hunte, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Amy Walters and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Famine has been declared in Gaza City and surrounding areas, with more than half a million Palestinians facing “catastrophic conditions,” according to a UN-backed monitor. As Israel advances its plan to seize Gaza City, what scars will famine leave on Palestinians for generations to come? In this episode: Dr. Mimi Syed (@Memers1st), Emergency Medical Doctor Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Tracie Hunte, Julia Muldavin, and Marcos Bartolomé, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Amy Walters and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
When Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office more than a year ago, he pledged to end deforestation in the Amazon by 2030. He’s on the right track: Last year, the forest shrank 50% less than in 2022. But the clock is ticking. Will Lula manage to keep his word? The world’s largest tropical rainforest is at stake. This is a story from the archives. It originally aired June 23rd, 2024. None of the dates, titles or other references from that time have been changed. In this episode: Constance Malleret (@Constancemlrt), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was originally produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Chloe K. Li, and Manahil Naveed with Mohamed Zain Shafi Khan, and our host Malika Bilal. The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Diana Ferrero, Tracie Hunte, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Catherine Nouhan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Farhan Rafid and Kisaa Zehra. Our host is Malika Bilal. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
This week: Israel continued to attack north Gaza. A UN-backed agency declared famine in Gaza as Israeli soldiers pushed further into Gaza City. It is day 688 of the war in Gaza, where at least 62,622 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Taeq Abu Azzoum, (@TareqAzzom) Al Jazeera Correspondent Ibrahim al Khalili, (@hema.alkhalili) Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Munera AlDosari is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube
Nearly two and a half years into Sudan’s war, millions remain displaced. Yet some refugees are making the difficult choice to return home, despite the ongoing conflict. UNHCR’s Mamadou Dian Balde explains why Sudanese families are going back, the challenges awaiting them, and the urgent support they need from the international community. In this episode: Mamadou Dian Balde (@mamadou_dbalde), UNHCR’s Regional Director for East and Horn of Africa, and Great Lakes Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte, Sonia Bhagat, and Julia Muldavin, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Kissa Zehra, Farhan Saleh Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Israel’s ground push into Gaza City comes as Hamas accepts a ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar. Palestinians are being forced south in the Gaza Strip, where tent camps are rising and aid remains scarce. What does this move reveal about Israel’s broader plan? In this episode: Jeremy Scahill (@jeremyscahill), Investigative Journalist and Co-Founder, Drop Site News Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat and Marcos Bartolomé, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Farhan Rafid, and guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang, Amy Walters and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.
Hundreds of National Guard troops and federal agents are now on the streets of Washington, DC. US President Donald Trump says it’s to fight “out of control” crime, even as city data shows crime has been falling. What impact does this unprecedented federal takeover have on DC’s residents and democracy? In this episode: Keya Chaterjee (@freedcproject), Executive Director, Free DC Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Sonia Bhagat, and Julia Muldavin with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Marcos Bartolomé, Any Walters and host Malika Bilal. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
With nearly three million Twitch followers, Hasan Piker is one of the internet’s biggest political streamers. He blends humor, culture, and masculinity talk with sharp political commentary, drawing young men away from the US alt-right. And on Gaza, he has become one of the loudest US voices for Palestine. In this episode: Hasan Piker (@hasanthehun), Online Streamer & Political Commentator Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Julia Muldavin, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.
The world’s largest diaspora of international adoptees comes from South Korea. Among them are mixed-race children who were forcibly sent for adoption due to the country’s racist laws. One Black adoptee’s search for a home reflects hard truths about the past of hundreds of thousands of international adoptees. This is a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 25 2024. None of the dates, titles or other references from that time have been changed. In this episode: Anna Kook (@annakook), AJ+ Reporter This episode was produced by Amy Walters and Sarí el-Khalili, with Khaled Soltan, Chloe K. Li, Duha Mosaad, Sonia Bhagat, Phillip Lanos, Hisham Abu Salah, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Diana Ferrero, Tracie Hunte, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Catherine Nouhan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Farhan Rafid, and Kisaa Zehra. Our host is Malika Bilal. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
This week: Israel continued to attack north Gaza. An Israeli minister announced an aggressive plan to build settlements. Palestinian journalists in Gaza fear for their safety. It is day 681 of the war in Gaza, where at least 61,369 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Taeq Abu Azzoum, (@TareqAzzom) Al Jazeera Correspondent Ibrahim al Khalili, (@hema.alkhalili) Al Jazeera Correspondent Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut) Al Jazeera Correspondent Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Munera AlDosari is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube
What does the Alaska summit hold for Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin? The two presidents will meet Friday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not invited. As Russia is gaining ground in Ukraine, what could a deal look like, and who will pay the price? In this episode: Osama Bin Javaid (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera Correspondent This episode was produced by Diana Ferrero, Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Noor Wazwaz, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Chloe K Li, Julia Muldavin, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Australia is joining a growing list of countries saying they will recognize Palestine as a state - a move Palestinians and their advocates warn is symbolic at best, and dangerous at worst - even as those same countries continue supplying arms to Israel. So what does recognizing Palestinian statehood actually mean? In this episode: Antony Loewenstein (@antloewenstein), Author of The Palestine Laboratory This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Tracie Hunte, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Nadia Hoummouri, Melanie Marich, Kisaa Zehra, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Hundreds of journalists have been killed by Israel in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Inside the enclave, reporters feel abandoned by the very world they’re informing. What’s happening to Gaza’s journalists, and why? This is a story from the archives. This originally aired on January 22, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. In this episode: Anan Quzmar (@QuzmarAnan), Volunteer at the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate Ismael al Dahdouh, Journalist Akram al Satarri, Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters and Sarí el-Khalili, with Ashish Malhotra, Chloe K. Li, David Enders, Fahrinisa Campana, Khaled Soltan, Miranda Lin, Negin Owliaei, Sonia Bhagat, Zaina Badr, and our host Malika Bilal. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Five Al Jazeera journalists, including correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, were killed in an Israeli strike on a press tent in Gaza. They had lived the story they told, from hunger and displacement to the relentless bombardment. As Israel plans to seize Gaza City, what will the world lose without the ears and eyes who bore witness from inside? In this episode: Mohamed Moawad (@moawady), Managing Editor, Al Jazeera Arabic Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz, Sarí el-Khalili, Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Diana Ferrero, with Melanie Marich, Chloe K Li, Kisaa Zehra, Manny Panaretos, Nadia Hammouri and guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
AI agents are taking charge. They’re booking appointments, managing your inbox, and handling tasks with minimal input. They promise convenience, but some have leaked data, made surprise purchases, and even tried to replicate themselves. Big Tech and the military are betting big on their future. As we hand over more control, are we ready for what comes next? In this episode: Grace Huckins (@grace_huckins), AI Reporter, MIT Technology Review Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Amy Walters, Diana Ferrero, and Sonia Bhagat, with Phillip Lanos, Melanie Marich, Marya Khan, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Diana Ferrero, Tracie Hunte, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Marya Khan, Kisaa Zehra, and Farhan Rafid. Our host is Malika Bilal. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
This week: Israel announced plans to occupy Gaza City. An NGO has called US-backed aid distribution sites in Gaza "orchestrated killing". Lebanon's government says it will disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year. It is day 674 of the war in Gaza, where at least 61,369 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Ibrahim al Khalili, Al Jazeera Correspondent Behdad Mahichi, Al Jazeera Producer Zeina Khodr, (@ZeinakhodrAlJaz) Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Munera AlDosari is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube
Are US tariffs about to end the ‘add to cart’ era? President Donald Trump’s move to end the de minimis exemption closes a loophole used by Shein, Temu, and others to ship duty-free. With costs likely passed to shoppers, consumers are starting to rethink the real price of ultra-cheap clothing. In this episode: Aja Barber (@ajabarber), Author, Consumed Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz, Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marya Khan, Melanie Marich, Kisaa Zehra, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Labor activist Chris Smalls is back in the US after imprisonment and abuse by Israeli forces for joining the Handala Freedom Flotilla to Gaza. He tells us about his time in detention, the silence from the US, and what the flotilla movement means for worldwide solidarity with Palestinians facing genocide. In this episode: Chris Smalls (@Shut_downAmazon), Founder of The Amazon Labor Union Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Sonia Bhagat and Julia Muldavin, with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Kisaa Zehra, Marya Khan, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Almost two years in, the war in Gaza is the deadliest conflict for journalists ever. With no foreign journalists allowed in, Palestinian reporters on the ground are the only ones who can tell the story to the world. But they face death threats, attacks, and now even starvation. How are reporters in Gaza doing their jobs amid such challenges? In this episode: Hind Khoudary (@Hind_Gaza), Al Jazeera journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte, Chloe K. Li, Sonia Bhagat, Diana Ferrero, Sarí el-Khalil, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Tamara Khandaker and Melanie Marich and guest host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Diana Ferrero, Tracie Hunte, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Catherine Nouhan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Marya Khan and Kisaa Zehra. Our guest host is Manuel Rápalo. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on February 8, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. There’s been no accountability in the massive Beirut port explosion for five years. But a new hope suddenly emerged for families of the victims, when Judge Tarek Bitar reopened his dormant investigation into the blast, and into the leaders accused of letting it happen. Two days later, Lebanon’s Prosecutor General Ghassan Oweidat – one of those accused – issued his own charges against Bitar. Is this now the nail in the coffin for the blast investigation, or can the victims’ families still get justice? In this episode: Kareem Chehayeb (@chehayebk), Reporter, Associated Press Mariana Fodoulian, Sister of Beirut Port Blast Victim Episode credits: This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Ashish Malhotra, Amy Walters, Chloe K. Li, Alexandra Locke, Negin Owliaei, and our host, Malika Bilal. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube