Podcasts about United Nations Security Council

Foreign Minister Wang Yi encouraged Iran and the United States on Wednesday to act rationally and exercise restraint, return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and rebuild the negotiation mechanism, saying that the continued prolongation of the US-Iran conflict is not in the common interest of the parties concerned and the international community.中国外交部长王毅星期三敦促伊朗和美国保持理性、克制，回到《伊斯兰堡谅解备忘录》的框架内，重建谈判机制。他表示，美伊冲突持续延宕不符合有关各方以及国际社会的共同利益。Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during talks in Beijing with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi.王毅同时担任中共中央政治局委员。他在北京同伊朗外交部长赛义德·阿巴斯·阿拉格齐举行会谈时作出上述表示。Since Israel and the US launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb 28, the two foreign ministers have spoken by phone several times. Wednesday's talks marked their second in-person meeting in Beijing since then. They also met in Kyrgyzstan in July.自2月28日以色列和美国对伊朗发动联合打击以来，两国外长已多次通过电话沟通。此次会谈是双方此后第二次在北京举行面对面会晤，双方此前还于7月在吉尔吉斯斯坦举行会谈。Signed by Iran and the US on June 18 following negotiations facilitated by Pakistan, the MoU launched a 60-day window for reaching a final agreement. The window expired on Aug 17, with the two sides nowhere close to determining how to move forward.在巴基斯坦斡旋推动下，伊朗和美国于6月18日签署《谅解备忘录》，并开启为期60天的达成最终协议窗口期。然而，该期限于8月17日结束，双方仍未就下一步行动方向达成一致。Wang urged the US and Iran to conduct substantive consultations on their respective concerns on the basis of the understandings reached so far.王毅呼吁美伊双方在此前达成共识的基础上，围绕各自关切开展实质性磋商。As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China is ready to play a constructive role in resolving international disputes, he said.他说，中国作为联合国安理会常任理事国，愿为解决国际争端发挥建设性作用。Describing China and Iran as comprehensive strategic partners, he said that China stands ready to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with Iran and help safeguard the country's legitimate rights and interests.王毅表示，中伊是全面战略合作伙伴，中方愿进一步加强同伊朗的对话与合作，帮助维护伊朗的合法权益。Wang expressed support for dialogue between Iran and the Gulf countries, adding that all sides should respect each other's territorial sovereignty and national security, as well as safeguard the common interests of the region in a constructive manner.王毅支持伊朗与海湾国家开展对话，并表示，各方应相互尊重领土主权和国家安全，以建设性方式维护地区共同利益。He also called on all parties to take effective measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible, safeguard the security and smooth operation of international shipping routes and maintain the stability of international energy transportation, as well as industrial and supply chains.他还呼吁有关各方采取有效措施，尽快恢复霍尔木兹海峡开放，保障国际航运安全畅通，维护国际能源运输以及产业链、供应链稳定。China does not want tensions in the region to spill over further into Yemen and the Red Sea, Wang noted, calling on all parties to stop further complicating the situation and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiations.王毅指出，中国不希望地区紧张局势进一步外溢至也门和红海。他呼吁各方避免使局势进一步复杂化，通过对话和谈判解决问题。Wang said that the current situation once again demonstrates that the existing security architecture in the Middle East is incomplete and needs to be reformed and strengthened.王毅表示，当前局势再次表明，中东现有安全架构并不完善，需要改革和加强。During his visit to Egypt earlier this month, President Xi Jinping put forward a four-point proposal on building a new security architecture in the Middle East via upholding a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.本月早些时候，习近平主席访问埃及时，提出了通过坚持共同、综合、合作、可持续安全理念，构建中东新安全架构的四点主张。China welcomes the useful explorations made by regional countries in this regard, Wang said.王毅表示，中方欢迎地区国家在这一方向上开展的有益探索。Noting that China's policy toward Iran remains consistent and stable, he said China has always stood for fairness and justice at the UN Security Council and other multilateral platforms, opposed the use of force and upheld the norms governing international relations.王毅指出，中国对伊朗政策始终保持连续性和稳定性。中国始终在联合国安理会等多边平台上维护公平正义，反对诉诸武力，维护国际关系基本准则。As a responsible major country, China will continue to contribute to peace and stability, promote talks for peace and uphold fairness and justice in the Middle East, he added.他说，作为负责任的大国，中国将继续为维护和平稳定、推动和平谈判、维护中东地区公平正义发挥积极作用。Araghchi said that Iran does not want the conflict to continue and hopes to return to diplomatic channels while firmly safeguarding its rights and interests. He said that Iran believes the Islamabad MoU remains valid, adding that Iran has reached an arrangement with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and that the US should honor its commitments.阿拉格齐表示，伊朗不希望冲突继续下去，希望回到外交轨道，同时坚定维护自身权利和利益。他说，伊朗认为《伊斯兰堡谅解备忘录》仍然有效，并表示伊朗已就重新开放霍尔木兹海峡问题同阿曼达成安排，美国也应履行相关承诺。He added that Iran is ready to engage in dialogue and consultations with regional countries, establish and develop good-neighborly relations, and work for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region.他表示，伊朗愿同地区国家开展对话磋商，建立和发展睦邻友好关系，为地区和平与稳定早日恢复作出努力。Araghchi welcomed and supported the four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and the four-point proposal on promoting common security in the region put forward by Xi. The Iranian foreign minister expressed Iran's readiness to strengthen cooperation with China within this framework and its expectation that China will play a greater role in promoting regional peace and stability.阿拉格齐欢迎并支持习近平提出的推动中东和平稳定四点主张以及促进地区共同安全四点倡议。他表示，伊朗愿在这一框架下加强同中国合作，并期待中国在推动地区和平稳定方面发挥更大作用。Experts said that the volatile situation in the Middle East has seriously affected international peace and development, and seeking a solution through diplomatic channels remains a realistic option.有关专家表示，中东局势动荡已对国际和平与发展造成严重影响，通过外交渠道寻求解决方案仍是一种现实选择。Li Zixin, an assistant research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, said that Iran's reaffirmation of the memorandum's validity has kept a window open for future political engagement between the two sides. All parties should seize the opportunity to restart political dialogue rather than intensify military confrontation and economic coercion, Li said.中国国际问题研究院助理研究员李子欣表示，伊朗重申《谅解备忘录》的有效性，为双方未来开展政治接触保留了空间。她认为，各方应抓住机会，重新启动政治对话，而不是加剧军事对抗和经济施压。Niu Xinchun, executive director of the China-Arab Research Institute at Ningxia University, said that China has been actively promoting peace talks since the conflict began. China does not pursue geopolitical self-interest or bloc confrontation and takes into account the reasonable security concerns of all parties, he said, adding that its initiatives offer a viable path toward addressing the security dilemma in the Middle East.宁夏大学中国阿拉伯国家研究院执行院长牛新春表示，冲突发生以来，中国一直积极推动和平谈判。他表示，中国不谋求地缘政治利益，也不寻求集团对抗，而是兼顾各方合理安全关切；相关倡议为解决中东安全困境提供了一条可行路径。【词汇提炼】rational /ˈræʃənl/ adj.理性的；合理的restraint /rɪˈstreɪnt/ n.克制；约束mechanism /ˈmekənɪzəm/ n.机制；体系memorandum /ˌmeməˈrændəm/ n.备忘录；协议文件Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)谅解备忘录substantive /səbˈstæntɪv/ adj.实质性的；重要的architecture /ˈɑːrkɪtektʃər/ n.架构；体系multilateral /ˌmʌltiˈlætərəl/ adj.多边的

Day Two of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, with the keynote speech from Vice President JD Vance. People are still talking about some of the moment from Day One: President Donald Trump proposing $5,000 for every American adult if Republicans keep control of the U.S. House and Senate and Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) introducing Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA); Texas U.S. Senate race has been in the spotlight with the Republican convention in Texas; Rhode Island's governor loses the Democratic primary for reelection; President Trump visits the Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas; United Nations Security Council considers an accusation from the UN nuclear watchdog agency that Iran is failing to comply with its nuclear nonproliferation commitments; A day before the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, we hear from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) about the rebuilding of lower Manhattan, former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on the changing threat environment and former President George W. Bush about the Freedom Agenda his pursued after the attacks; White House tribute to the late Turning Point USA leader Charlie Kirk on the anniversary of his assassination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Xi Jinping has called on China and the United Kingdom to respect and trust each other, transcend disagreements, seek common ground while reserving differences and make the pie of mutually beneficial cooperation even bigger.国家主席习近平强调，中英双方应相互尊重、相互信任，超越分歧，求同存异，不断做大互利合作的“蛋糕”。Xi made the remarks in phone talks with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Tuesday. This marked their first interaction since Burnham took office in July.习近平星期二同英国首相安迪·伯恩汉姆通电话时作出上述表示。这是伯恩汉姆于7月就任英国首相以来，两国领导人的首次互动。Xi, who congratulated Burnham on assuming office as UK prime minister, noted that China and the UK are comprehensive strategic partners, and stressed that despite their different social systems and national conditions, the two countries share more common interests than differences.习近平祝贺伯恩汉姆出任英国首相，并指出，中国和英国都是全面战略伙伴。尽管两国社会制度和国情不同，但双方拥有的共同利益远多于分歧。As both governments are committed to developing the economy and improving people's livelihoods, they can draw on their respective strengths and provide mutual support, he added.习近平表示，两国政府都致力于发展经济、改善民生，可以充分发挥各自优势，相互支持、携手发展。Xi said that during its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, China will further expand opening-up in sectors such as education, healthcare and finance, which he described as areas with great potential for bilateral cooperation.习近平指出，在中国“十五五”（2026年至2030年）时期，中国将进一步扩大教育、医疗、金融等领域开放，这些领域具有广阔的双边合作潜力。He added that as major countries in science and technology with rich resources in education, culture and sports, China and the UK should maintain an open and forward-looking perspective, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation across all fields.他强调，中英都是科技大国，在教育、文化、体育等方面资源丰富。双方应保持开放和前瞻视野，加强各领域交流与合作。Xi also expressed his hope that the UK will fully protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors.习近平还表示，希望英国切实保护中国投资者的合法权益。Regarding multilateral affairs, Xi underscored that the two countries are both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major economies in the world, and they both support multilateralism and open trade and uphold the central role of the UN.谈及多边事务时，习近平指出，中英两国同为联合国安理会常任理事国，也是世界主要经济体，双方都支持多边主义和开放贸易，维护联合国核心地位。He called for joint efforts to strengthen communication and cooperation within frameworks such as the UN, the G20 and the World Trade Organization, in order to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.他呼吁双方共同努力，在联合国、二十国集团、世界贸易组织等框架内加强沟通与合作，推动构建更加平等有序的世界多极化格局，促进普惠包容的经济全球化。Burnham welcomed Xi's views and recalled that during his tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester, he had maintained many years of friendly exchanges with China.伯恩汉姆表示赞同习近平的相关观点，并回顾说，在担任大曼彻斯特市长期间，他曾多年推动同中国开展友好交流。President Xi made a state visit to the UK in 2015, which included a trip to Manchester. This, Burnham said, has had a significant impact on promoting exchanges and cooperation between the local community and the Chinese side.他说，习近平主席2015年对英国进行国事访问期间曾访问曼彻斯特，这对促进当地与中方之间的交流合作产生了重要影响。The UK will maintain continuity in its China policy and is firmly committed to developing a long-term and consistent UK-China comprehensive strategic partnership, Burnham said.伯恩汉姆表示，英国将保持对华政策的连续性，坚定致力于发展长期、稳定的英中全面战略伙伴关系。He expressed the UK's readiness to engage in high-level exchanges with China, advance bilateral cooperation across all fields and strengthen people-to-people ties, in an effort to restore bilateral relations to their historical high level and bring greater benefits to the two peoples.他表示，英国愿同中国开展高层交往，推动双方各领域合作，加强民间交流，努力推动双边关系恢复到历史高水平，为两国人民带来更多福祉。Burnham reaffirmed that the UK's position on the Taiwan question remains unchanged.伯恩汉姆重申，英国在台湾问题上的立场没有改变。Amid the current volatile and complex international landscape, the UK and China, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, should promote dialogue to resolve international hot spot issues and jointly address global challenges such as climate change, in order to safeguard world stability and prosperity, he said.他说，在当前国际形势动荡复杂的背景下，作为联合国安理会常任理事国，英国和中国应通过对话解决国际热点问题，共同应对气候变化等全球性挑战，以维护世界稳定与繁荣。Burnham also commended China's efficient and effective response to the mudslide that struck Gyirong county in the Xizang autonomous region, while expressing his appreciation to China for assisting UK citizens who were affected.伯恩汉姆还赞赏中国对西藏自治区吉隆县泥石流灾害采取的高效有力应对措施，并感谢中国为受影响的英国公民提供帮助。The two leaders agreed to stay in touch and said that dialogue between their governments on a range of mutual priorities would continue, according to a news release issued by the British Prime Minister's Office after the phone talks.英国首相府在通话后的新闻稿中表示，两国领导人同意保持联系，并表示两国政府将继续围绕一系列共同关切领域开展对话。transcend /trænˈsend/ v.超越；胜过；突破mutually beneficial /ˌmjuːtʃuəli ˌbenɪˈfɪʃl/ adj.互利的；共同受益的comprehensive strategic partnership /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv strəˈtiːdʒɪk ˈpɑːrtnərʃɪp/ n.全面战略伙伴关系draw on /drɔː ɒn/ v.利用；借助；凭借（资源、经验等）uphold /ʌpˈhəʊld/ v.维护；支持；坚持（原则、立场等）multilateralism /ˌmʌltiˈlætərəlɪzəm/ n.多边主义；多边合作理念people-to-people ties /ˈpiːpl tə ˈpiːpl taɪz/ n.人文纽带；民间联系hot spot issues /ˈhɒt spɒt ˈɪʃuːz/ n.热点问题；热点议题

The United States imposed a new wave of sanctions on Iran on Monday, which it said would cut off the economic lifeline that sustains the country. Experts said the move appears unlikely to force Tehran to bow down, but will further strain the global economy.美国8月24日宣布对伊朗实施新一轮制裁，称将切断维系该国运转的经济命脉。专家表示，此举似乎不太可能迫使德黑兰屈服，反而将进一步对全球经济造成压力。US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a news release on Monday that the new sectoral sanctions target five critical sectors: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping.美国财政部长斯科特·贝森特在8月24日发布的新闻稿中表示，新一轮行业制裁针对五个关键领域：数字资产、技术、黄金、航空和航运。According to the department, starting on Monday, "the actions of Treasury and other agencies will tighten the noose and block every potential source of revenue that funds the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian regime".据财政部称，自8月24日开始，“财政部及其他机构的行动将收紧绞索，切断所有可能为伊斯兰革命卫队和伊朗政权提供资金的收入来源”。The department added that countries and entities continuing to do business with Iran will face heightened secondary sanctions risks.财政部还表示，继续与伊朗做生意的国家和实体将面临更高的次级制裁风险。"Every country has a defined timeline to shut down activities we have identified. If they do not take action, we will do so unilaterally through Treasury authorities," it said. "Any entity that facilitates money laundering on behalf of Iran will be removed from the US dollar system."“每个国家都有明确的时间表来停止我们已认定的活动。如果他们不采取行动，我们将通过财政部的授权单方面采取行动，”声明称。“任何代表伊朗协助洗钱的实体将被从美元体系中移除。”China firmly opposed on Tuesday these illegal unilateral sanctions, which it said lack any basis in international law and the authorization of the United Nations Security Council.中国8月25日坚决反对这些非法单边制裁，指出这些制裁缺乏国际法依据和联合国安理会授权。Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular news conference that China's cooperation with Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be disrupted.外交部发言人林剑在例行记者会上表示，中国与伊朗的合作始终在国际法框架内进行，不应受到干扰。The country will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests, he added.他表示，中方将采取一切必要措施，坚定维护自身合法权益。The spokesman stressed that economic warfare and maximum pressure will not help resolve the issue, but only further escalate tensions, create spillover risks, disrupt the global economic and financial order, and harm the legitimate rights and interests of other countries.发言人强调，经济战和极限施压无助于解决问题，只会进一步加剧紧张局势，制造外溢风险，扰乱全球经济和金融秩序，损害其他国家的合法权益。The top priority now is to ease the tensions and return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible, Lin said.林剑表示，当务之急是尽快缓和紧张局势，回到对话谈判的轨道上来。Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in his meeting on Monday in Tehran with Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir that the US must change its tone and approach in dealing with Iran, Mehr News agency reported.据梅尔通讯社报道，伊朗总统马苏德·佩泽希齐扬周一在德黑兰与巴基斯坦陆军参谋长阿西姆·穆尼尔会晤时表示，美国必须改变与伊朗打交道的方式和语气。In a separate meeting with Munir on Monday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that Tehran remains determined to pursue implementation of the provisions of the US-Iran peace memorandum of understanding signed in June, Tasnim News Agency reported.据塔斯尼姆通讯社报道，伊朗议会议长穆罕默德·巴吉尔·卡利巴夫8月24日在与穆尼尔的另一次会晤中表示，德黑兰仍决心推动落实6月签署的美伊和平谅解备忘录的条款。Washington and Tehran have been at odds since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis, in which Iranian students seized the US embassy in Tehran and took US diplomats hostage. Washington has imposed a slew of sanctions on Tehran and steadily expanded them over the past four decades.自1979年伊斯兰革命和人质危机以来，华盛顿与德黑兰一直存在分歧。当时伊朗学生占领了美国驻德黑兰大使馆并扣押了美国外交官。过去四十年来，华盛顿对德黑兰实施了一系列制裁，并不断扩大范围。Experts said the latest move is likely to add fresh layers of disruption and complexity to the global economy and diplomatic efforts, particularly as Tehran maintains close communication with regional neighbors and mediators such as Oman and Pakistan.专家表示，此举可能会给全球经济和外交努力带来更多干扰和复杂性，尤其是德黑兰与阿曼和巴基斯坦等地区邻国和调解人保持着密切沟通。Jawaid Iqbal, vice-chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in India, told China Daily that the US has been blowing hot and cold over the past several weeks with regard to Iran.印度巴巴·古拉姆·沙阿·巴德沙大学副校长贾瓦伊德·伊克巴尔对《中国日报》表示，过去几周美国对伊朗的态度反复无常。"This in itself is proof that the US is not in a position to dictate its peace terms with Iran," Iqbal said. "The latest threat of sanctions shows that Washington is trying to somehow extricate itself from a messy situation of its own making."“这本身就证明美国没有能力强迫伊朗接受其和平条件，”伊克巴尔说。“最新的制裁威胁表明，华盛顿正试图以某种方式摆脱自己制造的混乱局面。”"Iran, on the other hand, will not bow down to Washington's terms and conditions so easily. It knows that by retaliating against America's regional allies, it can submerge the entire Gulf into chaos, which will in turn create turmoil in the world economy," he added.“另一方面，伊朗不会轻易屈服于华盛顿的条件。它知道通过对美国地区盟友进行报复，可以使整个海湾地区陷入混乱，进而给世界经济带来动荡，”他补充道。Deniz Istikbal, an assistant professor and economics researcher at Istanbul Medipol University in Turkiye, noted that the economic dimension of the Iran-US conflict is intensifying, posing challenges for the global economy.土耳其伊斯坦布尔梅迪波尔大学助理教授、经济学研究员德尼兹·伊斯提克巴尔指出，伊朗与美国冲突的经济层面正在加剧，对全球经济构成挑战。Conducting business with Iran is becoming increasingly challenging, as Washington seeks to isolate Tehran and push the government to the negotiating table by exerting financial pressure, he said.他表示，随着华盛顿试图通过施加金融压力孤立德黑兰并将伊朗政府推向谈判桌，与伊朗开展业务正变得越来越困难。"These developments are making the conflict increasingly costly for the global economy, while interest rates are rising and inflation is once again becoming a major concern.“这些事态发展使冲突对全球经济的代价越来越大，同时利率正在上升，通胀再次成为主要担忧。”"Ultimately, the cost of the conflict is creating additional burdens for the entire world, particularly for energy-importing countries, leading to higher taxation and increased borrowing needs," Istikbal noted.“最终，冲突的代价给整个世界带来了额外负担，特别是对能源进口国而言，导致税收增加和借贷需求上升，”伊斯提克巴尔指出。sectoral sanctions /ˈsektərəl ˈsæŋkʃənz/行业制裁digital assets /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈæsets/数字资产tighten the noose /ˈtaɪtən ðə nuːs/收紧绞索unilateral sanctions /ˌjuːnɪˈlætərəl ˈsæŋkʃənz/单边制裁spillover risks /ˈspɪləʊvə rɪsks/外溢风险maximum pressure /ˈmæksɪməm ˈpreʃə/极限施压at odds /æt ɒdz/存在分歧blowing hot and cold /ˈbləʊɪŋ hɒt ənd kəʊld/反复无常extricate /ˈekstrɪkeɪt/摆脱submerge /səbˈmɜːdʒ/使陷入turmoil /ˈtɜːmɔɪl/动荡

Newly confirmed Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks to the employees at the Justice Department about their hard work and integrity, respecting the authority of the judiciary, and letting people of different political backgrounds disagree to work out the best policy. Reporters note that he did not talk about the Biden administration's alleged weaponization of the Justice Department or about 'activist' judges, which he and President Donald Trump have often mentioned in speeches; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is asked at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Atlanta how he would work with President Trump should the Democrats win a majority of House seats this November and he is elected Speaker; We check in on a close House race in Michigan, as well as the governor's race in that state; Vice President JD Vance's Anti-Fraud Task Force accuses hospitals of using fake billing codes to get insurance companies to cover transgender care for minors and bring in tens of millions of dollars; Kennedy Center board votes to move forwards with a closure for two-years for renovations and to put President Trump's name back on the facade in a different form than what was struck down by a judge. It would read, “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump”; Trump Administration accuses China of evading U.S. tariffs by shipping products through other countries to the U.S.; United Nations Security Council holds a meeting on Yemen, where attacks by Iranian-supported Houthis on Saudi Arabia and international shipping have increased, sparking fears of a wider war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jeff in a spur-of-the-moment update where he shares major announcements, previews a powerful new video series on deception and discipleship, and previews tomorrow's guest appearance by Tim Cohen. Jeff explains why disciplined learning of Scripture matters, how his upcoming series will pair theory with extensive evidence, and his goal to bring listeners closer to Christ by exposing spiritual and cultural deception. The episode's main teaching is a step-by-step decode of the United Nations Security Council mural: how to spot alchemy as a generational “storyboard,” the key visual clues (like the pouring of gold), and Jeff's recommended reading order — bottom to top, left to right — with a concise interpretation of the mural's major panels (the transformation from darkness to light, the rising phoenix/wedding ceremony as the Antichrist's ascent, the sword through the beast, and the white horse as the end of the age). Jeff warns about noise vs. intentional symbolism and teaches listeners how to develop their own decodes. Practical show notes and logistical updates: a Wednesday prayer meeting at 7:30 PM Eastern on Telegram (open to listening or participating), platform changes (still on Rumble and Podbean but moving Sunday studies and select series to a new YouTube channel, authorJeffShepard), and why Jeff adjusted content and removed some political passages from his book. He also shares the recent success of his “Two Witnesses” video (about 34,000 views) and asks listeners to subscribe, like, share and comment to help the new channel grow. Community-building plans: Jeff announces preliminary plans for an in-person gathering tentatively titled "It's Time to Tell the Truth" with John Brisson and other speakers, likely in November or early December (Atlanta or Orlando discussed for travel convenience). He asks for interest and feedback via Telegram or social channels and emphasizes the event will be low-cost and community-focused rather than a money-making venture. Personal closing: Jeff thanks listeners for their support, admits to a season of personal struggle and reduced prayer life, and asks for prayer while encouraging the audience to stay engaged with the new series, tomorrow's episode with Tim Cohen, and the upcoming community plans.

Sudan's war has entered its fourth year.Drones are now striking schools, hospitals and fuel stations, and the world's largest humanitarian crisis keeps falling off the radar. More than 13 million people have been displaced since fighting broke out between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.Last year the RSF was accused of genocidal violence in the city of El Fasher. Now it is encircling El Obeid in North Kordofan, and aid workers fear a repeat.Kylie Morris and Latika Bourke speak with Noah Taylor, an Australian who heads the Norwegian Refugee Council's operations in Sudan.He describes drone strikes killing civilians, children mimicking the sound of weapons as play, and aid convoys struck on the road.Taylor argues the disaster is a failure of political will, and points out that Australia, as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has diplomatic leverage it has barely used. There is a wider warning too. The shift to cheap, indiscriminate drone warfare is spreading to conflicts far beyond Sudan, and no one yet has a reliable way to keep these weapons out of civilian skies.His message to Australians is blunt: donate if you can but also reach out to the Sudanese families now living in your own suburbs, hear their stories, and refuse to let this war fade quietly from view. Guest: Noah Taylor, Head of Operations in Sudan, Norwegian Refugee CouncilGet in touch:We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.auFind all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Welcome to episode 268 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, the United Nations Security Council has blacklisted two entities and six armed group commanders operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while the US Treasury designated over 50 targets and shipping vessels linked to the multi-jurisdictional oil network of Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani. Money laundering enforcement saw the US Department of Justice prosecute a $43 million Chinese "pig butchering" scam network and sentence two former TD Bank insiders for taking bribes to open fraudulent accounts, as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released a report warning of sophisticated criminal exploitation of virtual assets, decentralised finance (DeFi), and proprietary stablecoins. In fraud developments, US federal courts sentenced individuals across three unrelated government contracting, scrap metal, and COVID-19 tax credit schemes, while the UK's National Crime Agency secured convictions in a pandemic nitrile glove procurement fraud and collaborated with Nigerian authorities to arrest six celebrity-impersonating scammers. Finally, United Nations agencies are supporting anti-corruption programmes in Haiti and Kyrgyzstan through school integrity clubs and digital public sector solutions, as global authorities deploy coordinated indictments and prison terms, including cyberattack sentences for members of the "Scattered Spider" collective, to disrupt resilient cybercrime infrastructure and state-backed networks.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial. The photograph on the podcast cover art is by Sora Shimazaki at Pexels, and the stinger sample between each news section is ‘Ben Logo 1' by BenKirb from Pixabay. 

President Donald Trump says he will not sign a bipartisan housing bill passed by Congress because the Senate has not passed a separate bill requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to vote, so the housing bill will become law without his signature at midnight tonight under the Constitution. We will talk about that and Congress returning from its holiday recess next week with Chad Pegram, Fox News Chief Congressional Correspondent (5); Calls for further investigations in the case of an ICE agent in Houston shooting and killing an undocumented immigrant and in the case of African-American teen Nolan Wells, found dead after a weekend trip with friends; New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) proposes rules to prohibit hidden fees on goods and service, what he calls junk fees; National Capital Planning Commission gives preliminary approval to President Trump's 250-foot Triumphal Arch on a traffic circle on the Virginia side of Memorial Bridge between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery; United Nations Security Council holds a meeting on Iran's nuclear program, as President Trump says U.S.-Iran peace talks can continue, but the ceasefire between the countries is no longer in effect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that Graham Platner has suspended his campaign as Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Maine, a lot of other candidates are jumping into the race. We will hear from them and talk with Maine Public reporter Kevin Miller about who is most likely to get the party's approval to take on Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) in November (12); Former Olympian David Hearn pleads not guilty in D.C. Superior Court to charges he damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. One of his lawyers says the Trump dministration is using Hearn as a 'scapegoat… for their own failures'; A bridge in Tennessee and an airport in Florida are named after Pres. Donald Trump; U.S. and Iran for a second day trade military strikes after Pres. Trump says the agreement to end the war is ‘over' because of Iranian attacks on some ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz; United Nations Security Council holds an emergency meeting on the recent waves of Russia missiles and drones hitting Ukrainian cities, killing many civilians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recent developments have highlighted critical efforts in both international human rights advocacy and domestic infrastructure investment. On June 24, 2026, the United Nations Security Council received a significant update regarding children in armed conflict zones, while simultaneously, Canadian federal leaders announced substantial financial support to bolster the nation's northern mining and energy sectors. These two events reflect broader efforts to address global instability and strengthen economic resilience through targeted international advocacy and strategic regional investment. Vanessa Frazier, serving as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, delivered her first major briefing to the Security Council, characterizing the latest report as an "indictment of inaction". The findings presented a concerning rise in grave child violations worldwide, noting that both state and non-state armed groups continue to disregard established humanitarian protections. Frazier strongly advocated for increased accountability from member states and emphasized the necessity of maintaining safe spaces for youth voices, an issue she highlighted after a youth civil society representative was barred from attending the briefing due to last-minute procedural objections. Concurrently, in Yellowknife, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, concluded the 2026 Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference with an announcement of $73 million in federal funding. This investment is directed toward 12 projects nationwide, with a primary focus on critical mineral development, transport infrastructure, and clean energy grids in Canada's North. Notable initiatives include a $50 million investment for the NICO Project Access Road, a joint venture involving the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Fortune Minerals Limited, alongside additional funding for logistics hubs and traditional knowledge studies, all aimed at advancing Arctic sovereignty and strengthening Indigenous partnerships. Both the UN briefing and the Canadian infrastructure announcement illustrate how governance at different scales is actively addressing urgent and distinct priorities. Whether through advocating for the protection of children in conflict-affected regions or investing in the sustainable mineral supply chains necessary for future energy needs, these actions demonstrate a continued commitment to long-term stability and development. As these initiatives move forward, the focus remains on enforcing international accountability while simultaneously building the essential infrastructure required to secure economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and the nation at largeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that there should be no turning back in Iran-United States talks, still less a return to the use of force, while voicing China's readiness to work with Pakistan to continue promoting talks and helping to restore peace, stability and development in the region at an early date.外交部长王毅周二表示，伊美谈判不容倒退，更不能重回诉诸武力的老路。中方愿同巴基斯坦一道继续推动对话，助力该地区早日恢复和平、稳定与发展。Wang made the remarks during a phone conversation with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who briefed him on the latest developments regarding the agreement on the memorandum of understanding for the first stage of negotiations between Iran and the US. The memorandum is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday.王毅同巴基斯坦副总理兼外交部长穆罕默德·伊沙克·达尔通电话并作出上述表态。达尔介绍了伊美第一阶段谈判谅解备忘录的最新进展，该备忘录将于周五在瑞士正式签署。Wang emphasized that now the door to peace has opened, it should not be closed again.王毅强调，和平之门已经开启，就绝不能再次关上。Noting that the Middle East has suffered deeply from war and that its people deserve peace, Wang said the current consensus is far from the end point, but rather is a new starting point, adding that lasting peace in the Middle East and the Gulf region still depends on the tireless efforts of all parties.王毅指出，中东饱受战乱之苦，当地民众渴望和平。当前达成的共识并非终点，而是新的起点，中东和海湾地区实现持久和平，仍需各方不懈努力。Dar thanked China for maintaining close communication with Pakistan over the past few months, and for providing valuable support for Pakistan's mediation efforts.达尔感谢中方数月来与巴方保持密切沟通，为巴基斯坦的斡旋工作给予了宝贵支持。He said that Pakistan looks forward to continuing communication and coordination with China to sustain the current momentum for peace talks and jointly play a positive role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.达尔表示，巴方期待继续同中方沟通协作，延续当前和谈势头，共同为实现地区持久和平与稳定发挥积极作用。Wang congratulated Pakistan on its efforts to help Iran and the US reach the first-phase memorandum, saying that working for peace is an international responsibility that should be shouldered by all countries.王毅对巴基斯坦推动伊美达成第一阶段备忘录表示祝贺。他表示，谋求和平是各国都应承担的国际责任。Since the outbreak of the conflict, China has maintained contact with all relevant parties and actively worked to stop the fighting and promote peace, Wang said.王毅称，冲突爆发以来，中方始终同有关各方保持联系，积极劝和促谈。From the very beginning, China has firmly supported Pakistan's efforts and stressed to all parties that Pakistan is a trustworthy mediator, while also engaging separately with Iran and the US in its own way, he added.他补充道，中方从一开始就坚定支持巴方的斡旋努力，向各方表明巴基斯坦是值得信赖的调停方，同时也以自身渠道分别同伊朗、美国开展沟通。Compared with the first stage, he said that the second stage of negotiations can be expected to face greater difficulties.他表示，相较于第一阶段，第二阶段谈判预计将面临更大挑战。Wang called on the international community to provide further support for Iran-US negotiations and urged multilateral institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, to play a greater role.王毅呼吁国际社会继续支持伊美谈判，并推动联合国安理会等多边机构发挥更大作用。China has consistently advocated that regional countries should take their future and destiny into their own hands, Wang said. He expressed the hope to explore, through dialogue and consultation, a peace and security architecture that is jointly participated in by all countries in the Middle East.王毅表示，中方一贯主张地区国家自主掌握前途命运，希望通过对话协商，构建中东各国共同参与的和平安全架构。memorandum /ˌmeməˈrændəm/ 备忘录mediator /ˈmiːdieɪtə(r)/ 调停人；斡旋方tireless /ˈtaɪələs/ 不知疲倦的；坚持不懈的momentum /məˈmentəm/ 势头；动力multilateral /ˌmʌltiˈlætərəl/ 多边的architecture /ˈɑːkɪtektʃə(r)/ 体系；架构

Ralph talks to journalist and M.Div. Chris Hedges about Pope Leo XIV's encyclical on artificial intelligence. Then, Ralph speaks with Rick Engler (former member of the US Chemical Safety and Hazards Investigation Board) about Trump's proposed closing of that agency. Finally, Ralph pays tribute to some recently departed friends.Chris Hedges is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, who spent nearly two decades as a foreign correspondent in Central America, the Middle East, Africa and the Balkans. He is the host of The Chris Hedges Report, and he is a prolific author— his latest book is A Genocide Foretold: Reporting on Survival and Resistance in Occupied Palestine.I think that Pope Leo kind of missed the point of AI. In that he describes that it could be a positive force for Catholic education (these are his words), compassionate health care, creative platforms that tell the Christian story with truth and beauty. I think those were all indications to me that he didn't quite understand what AI is about. It's not about education, it's not about compassion, it's not about truth, and it's not about beauty. It is a very pernicious force that will go beyond, of course, replacing all sorts of labor, but creating a world where fact and fiction are blurred together.Chris HedgesI think that mass organization is kind of all we have left as we barrel towards an authoritarian state. Congress doesn't function, certainly doesn't function as Congress was designed to function. They have surrendered their traditional constitutional authority, including, of course, the call for Congress to declare war. And this kind of unitary executive branch—this was put into place, by the way, before Trump. He's just taken advantage of it…And I think that it's absolutely fundamental that we recapture that kind of militancy, that kind of organized workforce that has traditionally throughout our history been such an important corrective to democracy—along with, of course, journalism.Chris HedgesRick Engler is a former U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board member and labor advocate who founded the New Jersey Work Environment Council. He has advocated for successful landmark state and national public policies that ensure workers and the public's “right to know” about potential chemical dangers, and that promote safer processes, chemical incident prevention, and whistleblower protection.The CSB is unique. I mean, nobody would think of abolishing the National Transportation Safety Board. And no one should think about abolishing the Chemical Safety Board, which does the same thing. It's not about issuing, in this case, fines or violations. It's about trying to understand the underlying causes of what led to these incidents.Rick Engler[Trump's allies] have a certain religious fervor about this. When I talk to plant managers, the plant managers of the corporations are much more careful and nuanced in most cases. They don't want their own plants to explode. But somewhere at the higher corporate levels, I think they're just willing to take the risks that the tradeoff for them is: Trump is supporting them in so many ways, why interfere? Why become part of some nuanced opposition to the most extreme EPA attacks? But I do think the elimination of the CSB is driven by the Trump administration in a way that wouldn't be happening if it was just left to the chemical industry trade associations alone. I'm not sure that's an adequate answer. I'm actually kind of puzzled by it. Because it's also really clear that if there was any one major incident, it would cost so much money—not only in the human tragedy of the lives lost and neighbors harmed and evacuations and shelter-in-place and property damage, but these incidents destroy facilities.Rick EnglerNews 6/12/26* Our top stories this week come to us from California, where, after an excruciatingly protracted wait, authorities have finally called some of the most high-profile races. In Los Angeles, Democratic Socialist City Councilwoman Nithya Raman has secured the second slot in the mayoral race, beating out reactionary former reality television star Spencer Pratt, PBS reports. Pratt garnered significant attention from conservative media for his slick AI-generated ads and his false claims about living in an airstream trailer after his LA home burned down in the recent fires. In actuality, he was living in the posh Bel Air hotel, billed as a campaign expense, per TMZ. Now the question becomes whether or not Raman will be able to expand her coalition to unseat incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in November.* If Raman's victory is the good news however, the bad news is that Trump-endorsed Republican Steve Hilton will advance in the gubernatorial race. He will face off against former California Attorney General and Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, who has accepted large campaign contributions from the California Association of Realtors, the California Medical Association and even Chevron, per CalMatters. This outcome means progressive billionaire Tom Steyer will not advance. Many are placing the blame for this on former Congresswoman Katie Porter, who remained in the race despite clearly failing to achieve any real viability throughout the race. This has drawn comparisons to Elizabeth Warren's perceived role as a spoiler candidate vis-a-vis Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic Primary, particularly since Porter is a highly visible protégé of Senator Warren. In his concession speech, Steyer closed by telling his supporters “Pay attention. Know what you deserve, and know who is on your side. Understand who the villains are, and say their names out loud. Continue to demand more from your leaders and your government, until they give you the California – and the country – you know you deserve. I will be with you all the way.”* Elsewhere in California however, progressives scored major victories. In California's 22nd congressional district, Bernie Sanders-backed Randy Villegas secured a spot in the top two, beating out his opponent Jasmine Bains, who enjoyed the backing of AIPAC and 53 corporate donors, according to the American Prospect. He will face Republican incumbent Congressman David Valadao in November. Even more impressive is the victory of progressive challenger Mai Vang in California's 7th district primary, where she actually emerged as the top vote getter, beating out longtime incumbent Congresswoman Doris Matsui. However, because Matsui, who is 81 years old, won the second-most votes, she will still advance to the general election.* Another much-anticipated primary was held this week on the exact other end of the country. In Maine, Graham Platner trounced his opponents in the Democratic Senate race, winning over 70% of the vote despite a concerted campaign against him in the national press. In his victory speech, CNN reports Platner wrote off the smears, saying “They don't know Maine.” Furthermore, he said “If you believe, as I do, that we can change our politics, and change our country, then you must also believe that people can change…To all those who feel let down, disappointed, or disillusioned. It is my job to earn your trust, your faith, and your support. And I will spend every day of this campaign, and if I have the privilege, every day in the United States Senate, doing exactly that.” Platner will face off against five-term incumbent Senator Susan Collins in a race that will be decisive if Democrats are to have any chance of retaking the Senate in the 2026 midterms.* Turning towards the plains, two candidates are starting to show a surprising level of viability in heavily Republican, rural states. First, in Idaho, Todd Achilles is running as an independent against Republican incumbent Senator Jim Risch. Achilles served as a tank commander and armor officer in the Army before a varied career in the corporate world, education and now politics, according to Independent Voter News. The most striking development in this race is a new poll showing that while “Achilles starts out…behind by 14 points at 48-34…once voters hear biographical information about him and negative messaging about Senator Risch, he gains a full 17 points…[leading] Risch, 41% to 38%.” If accurate, this would be a stunningly close race in a state where registered Republicans outnumber registered Democrats by a margin greater than 5-to-1.* In South Dakota, Brian Bengs, another veteran turned educator – turned, in this case, National Park Ranger – is running shockingly close to incumbent Republican Senator Mike Rounds in a head-to-head matchup. According to the South Dakota Standard, the latest polling shows Rounds leading Bengs 44% to 40%, with 16% undecided. Moreover, like the Achilles poll, when voters are given biographical information about Bengs and negative messaging about Senator Rounds, that margin flips to 44% in favor of Bengs, compared to just 42% for Rounds. If these polls are accurate and independent candidates – not just Achilles and Bengs but also Dan Osborn in Nebraska and Seth Bodnar in Montana – prove viable, perhaps even victorious, in states long seen as out of reach for non-Republicans, there will have to be a serious reckoning with the toxicity of the Democratic Party brand in the American heartland.* In Michigan, progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed has picked up perhaps the most critical possible endorsement in the state: that of the United Auto Workers. In a statement, the union wrote that “UAW members in Michigan want a fighter in Washington, D.C. who isn't afraid to push forward a strong working-class agenda with moral clarity…From Medicare for All to banning stock buybacks, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is ready, eager, and well-equipped to move our core issues in the U.S. Senate.” Whether because of this endorsement or not, El-Sayed now seems to be in the driver's seat in this primary. This endorsement dovetails with UAW President Shawn Fain's rumored frustration with the mainstream labor movement for not doing more to back labor candidates, such as Clare Valdez in New York, who was a UAW organizer before entering the State Assembly.* On the House floor meanwhile, lame-duck dissident Republican Congressman Thomas Massie delivered a barn-burner of a speech this week, demanding that the government reopen the investigation into the 1967 Israeli attack on the USS Liberty, Al Jazeera reports. The attack on the Liberty, a US Navy vessel, killed 34 service members and injured 171 others. For decades, Israel has claimed that this was nothing more than an accidental incident of friendly fire, but the surviving veterans have long disputed this explanation, contending that it was a deliberate attack, either as a “false flag operation or because they simply didn't want anybody observing what they were doing that day.” Massie called on the House to “give them closure…It's long overdue. And then they can have their justice.”* Looking to Latin America, the presidential election in Peru is, predictably, coming down to a razor thin margin, WLRN reports. This race, between left-wing Senator Roberto Sánchez and Keiko Fujimori, perennial presidential candidate and daughter of former dictator Alberto Fujimori, currently stands at 50.004% for Fujimori and 49.996% for Sánchez, with 98.258% of the votes tabulated. Sánchez was favored to win after the in-country votes were counted, then Fujimori pulled ahead when the votes from Miami came in, other absentee votes eroded that margin and gave Sánchez the edge once again but Fujimori has yet again pulled ahead by a hair. This is Fujimori's fourth presidential campaign, making it to the runoff each time but ultimately losing by the narrowest of margins.* Finally, in Colombia, Progressive International reports that while Colombian President Gustavo Petro presides at the United Nations Security Council, “conservative forces in the country's legislature have conspired against the constitution to ‘SUSPEND' his presidency — just 11 days from the run-off presidential election.” While Reuters adds that the proposal must be “debated and approved by all ‌16 ⁠members of the [legislative Commission of Investigation and ​Accusation] and subsequently by the Senate before it can take effect,” it is hard to see this as anything besides an opportunistic grab for power while the proverbial cat is away. Petro's four-year term ends in August; the runoff in the presidential election, between leftist Ivan Cepeda and right-wing lawyer Abelardo ​De La Espriella, will be held on ​June 21st.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Last week, Germany failed to secure a temporary seat on the powerful United Nations Security Council. There were several theories about the reason for Berlin's failure, but Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul offered a striking one — that it could be that Germany's support for Israel cost it the coveted seat. Germany is indeed one of Israel's closest allies in the world, and has been for decades. At the same time, the special relationship Israel enjoys with Berlin -- like its ties with other key allies -- has come under strain in the wars it has pursued in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. In August 2025, Germany announced a partial arms embargo on Israel over its decision to conquer Gaza City. To discuss the roots and the state of the Germany-Israel relationship, German Ambassador Steffen Seibert joined the podcast, weeks before he wraps up his four-year tenure and returns to Berlin. He rejects the idea that Germany's approach to Israel is guided by "Holocaust guilt." Instead, he says that the Shoah is a compass for Germany, which has the responsibility to learn the appropriate lessons from that dark period and let them guide its foreign policy. Seibert stresses that the Germany-Israel relationship is also rooted in shared democratic values and common interests. At the same time, he emphasizes that the special relationship exists within the pre-1967 borders, and that it sees Israel's presence in the West Bank as a violation of international law. On the war in Gaza, Seibert calls Israel's military response "inevitable and logical." Still, he says, there are questions over "how it was fought, how long it was fought." Still, he says that Hamas bears the main responsibility for the plight of Gazans. Seibert explains that Germany's decision not to intervene on Israel's behalf in the ICJ genocide case against Israel is a tactical move, as Berlin faces its own charges over its support for Israel: "It changes the assessment that we took at the beginning of the conflict. It's to do with the court case that we find ourselves in." Turning to the Iran war, Seibert says the Israeli-US campaign was "definitely understandable," but that continued fighting won't achieve much, and that it is now time to turn military gains into a political arrangement. Seibert, who learned Hebrew during his tenure, says that he is not sure what he will do next, but intends to continue spending time in Israel while he works to "reinvent" himself in the next phase of his career. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Negotiator and political analyst Daniel Levy examines the political frameworks, diplomatic initiatives and international mechanisms that have shaped recent developments in Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Arguing that humanitarian realities cannot be separated from political decisions, Levy explores how international diplomacy, ceasefire arrangements and institutional responses have influenced conditions on the ground and the prospects for Palestinian self-determination.The session explores:The relationship between humanitarian conditions in Gaza and international political decision-making.The development and implications of the post-war ceasefire framework and related diplomatic initiatives.The role of the United Nations Security Council and international institutions in shaping the current political landscape.The creation and function of the proposed "Board of Peace" governance structure.Questions of accountability, international law and the implementation of International Court of Justice rulings.International aid mechanisms, reconstruction efforts and donor frameworks relating to Gaza.Debates surrounding Palestinian governance, representation and future political structures.The future of UNRWA and broader efforts to reshape the international approach to Palestinian refugees.Proposals concerning international stabilisation forces, occupation and security arrangements.The geopolitical interests and international actors influencing developments in Palestine and the wider region.Levy argues that many of the political and diplomatic structures currently under discussion cannot be understood as neutral administrative arrangements, but instead reflect broader debates about sovereignty, accountability, self-determination and the future political status of Palestine.He examines the tensions between international legal frameworks and diplomatic initiatives, questioning whether current proposals adequately address Palestinian rights and political aspirations.The presentation concludes by considering the resilience of Palestinian society, the limitations of existing diplomatic approaches and the challenges facing those seeking a just and sustainable political settlement.Recorded at the Britain Palestine Project annual conference, Recognition is the Beginning, held at the Greenwood Theatre, London, on 2 June 2026.Daniel Levy is President of the US/Middle East Project (USMEP) and a former Israeli peace negotiator. He served as an adviser in the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and participated in peace negotiations with the Palestinians during the Oslo process and subsequent diplomatic initiatives. A frequent commentator and analyst on Middle East affairs, he is widely recognised for his work on diplomacy, conflict resolution, international law and Israeli-Palestinian relations, and regularly contributes to international media and policy discussions.

Lebanon says Hezbollah has accepted a US-backed proposal for a reciprocal halt to attacks with Israel, as the UN and world powers voice alarm over Israeli strikes in densely populated Beirut suburbs. The United Nations Security Council has held an emergency meeting over the escalation of Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, a day before Lebanon and Israel are to begin a fourth round of US-hosted direct negotiations.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has condemned the "flagrant and unjustified" ceasefire violations by the United States in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that these took place despite ongoing diplomatic efforts mediated by Pakistan.伊朗外交部抨击美国在霍尔木兹海峡“明目张胆”违反停火，强调此举发生在巴基斯坦积极调停之际，是对外交努力的公然挑衅。In the latest developments, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official said a renewed war with the US is unlikely, but warned that Tehran stands ready to repel any attack, Al Jazeera reported.据半岛电视台报道，最新进展中，一名伊斯兰革命卫队官员表示，与美国再次开战的可能性不大，但警告称，德黑兰已准备好击退任何攻击。"The possibility of war is low because of the enemy's weakness, but the armed forces are lying in wait," said Mohammad Akbarzadeh, a commander of the IRGC Navy.伊斯兰革命卫队海军指挥官穆罕默德·阿克巴尔扎德说：“由于敌人的弱点，战争的可能性很低，但武装部队正在严阵以待。”In a statement issued on Tuesday, reported by Mehr News Agency, the foreign ministry slammed the US Army for continuing its "illegal and unjustifiable actions" since the announcement of the ceasefire on April 8.据梅尔通讯社报道，伊朗外交部在周二发布的一份声明中痛斥美国军队自4月8日宣布停火以来仍旧继续采取“非法且不合理的行动”。The ministry said the US had committed "a flagrant violation of the ceasefire in the Hormozgan region over the past 48 hours", particularly following "multiple instances of maritime piracy against Iranian commercial vessels".外交部表示，美国“在过去48小时内公然违反霍尔木兹甘地区的停火协议”，尤其是在“多次对伊朗商船实施海上海盗行为”之后。The US has said its attacks were defensive in nature, targeting missile sites and boats attempting to lay mines.美国表示，其攻击本质上是防御性的，目标是导弹发射场和试图布设水雷的船只。In his call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other regional leaders, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Tehran's readiness to establish a "dignified framework" aimed at ending the ongoing fighting and regional tensions.伊朗总统马苏德·佩泽希齐扬在与卡塔尔埃米尔谢赫塔米姆·本·哈马德·阿勒萨尼等地区领导人通话中重申，德黑兰愿打造一个“有尊严的框架”，从而结束当前冲突，缓解地区紧张局势。Pezeshkian spoke with heads of state from several mostly Muslim-majority countries on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.借宰牲节之机，佩泽希齐扬与多国穆斯林领导人进行了电话沟通。He and his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, exchanged greetings on Tuesday. They also underscored the necessity of Islamic unity and indicated a new chapter in regional relations.5月26日，伊朗总统佩泽希齐扬与埃及总统塞西互致问候。双方强调伊斯兰团结的必要性，此举预示地区关系将开启新篇章。Pezeshkian emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation across the Islamic world and expand bilateral relations between Tehran and Kuala Lumpur in his phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.在与马来西亚总理安瓦尔·易卜拉欣的通话中，佩泽希齐扬强调，有必要加强整个伊斯兰世界的合作，并扩大德黑兰与吉隆坡之间的双边关系。Meanwhile in the US, President Donald Trump was expected to meet with his Cabinet on Wednesday at a precarious moment for talks aimed at ending the conflict with Iran.与此同时，美国总统特朗普预计将于5月27日与内阁会面，此时正值结束伊朗冲突的谈判进入微妙关头。He took to social media on Tuesday to grumble that even if Tehran were to offer a complete surrender, the media would paint the end of the conflict as Iran scoring "a masterful and brilliant victory".他5月26日在社交媒体上抱怨称，即使德黑兰完全投降，媒体也会把冲突的结束描绘成伊朗取得了“一场巧妙而辉煌的胜利”。US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations between the US and Iran on extending the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz will take "a few more days".美国国务卿马尔科·鲁比奥表示，美国与伊朗关于延长停火和重新开放霍尔木兹海峡的谈判将“还需要几天”。According to Iranian sources, an initial deal would end hostilities on all fronts, get traffic moving through the strait within 30 days, and possibly provide some financial relief.据伊朗消息，初步协议将全面结束敌对行动，30天内恢复海峡通航，并可能提供一定经济援助。More difficult issues such as Iran's nuclear program would be negotiated in the second phase. Iran has been allowing some ships through the strait, giving preference to vessels linked to countries with which it has close ties, Reuters has reported.据路透社报道，伊朗核计划等更为棘手的问题将在第二阶段进行谈判。与此同时，伊朗已允许部分船只通行霍尔木兹海峡，并优先放行那些与其关系密切国家的船只。The conflict, which began on Feb 28, has caused an unprecedented oil supply shock, pushing up the costs of fuel, fertilizer and food. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about a fifth of global trade in oil and liquefied natural gas, has been a fraction of its usual level since the fighting began.这场始于2月28日的冲突引发了前所未有的石油供应冲击，推高了燃料、化肥及食品价格。霍尔木兹海峡平时承载全球约五分之一的石油与液化天然气贸易，但开战以来，通航量仅剩正常水平的一小部分。The IRGC Navy said in a statement on Tuesday that as many as 25 other ships and oil tankers have been able to transit through the strait in coordination with the IRGC naval forces, Iranian media reported.据伊朗媒体报道，伊斯兰革命卫队海军5月26日在一份声明中称，在与革命卫队海军的协调下，已有多达25艘其他船只和油轮通过海峡。Also on Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council condemned what it said was an "egregious drone attack" that targeted an electricity generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates on May 17.5月26日，联合国安理会也对5月17日阿联酋巴拉卡核电站内围外一台发电机遭到的“严重无人机袭击”表示谴责。Strait of Hormuz /streɪt əv hɔːˈmuːz/霍尔木兹海峡mediated by /ˈmiːdieɪtɪd baɪ/由……调停Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) /ɪzˈlæmɪk ˌrevəˈluːʃənəri ɡɑːd kɔː/伊斯兰革命卫队lie in wait /laɪ ɪn weɪt/埋伏，严阵以待lay mines /leɪ maɪnz/布设水雷Eid al-Adha /iːd æl ˈɑːdə/宰牲节underscore /ˌʌndəˈskɔː/强调precarious /prɪˈkeəriəs/不稳定的，微妙的grumble /ˈɡrʌmbəl/抱怨，发牢骚Barakah nuclear power plant /bəˈrɑːkə ˈnjuːkliə ˈpaʊə plɑːnt/巴拉卡核电站

Beyond this month's talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, there’s an epic tale that has been unfolding for decades. It’s a battle to be the world’s number one power and a much bigger story than the latest meeting of these two men. Kishore Mahbubani is a former Singaporean diplomat who served as president of the United Nations Security Council. For two decades, he has argued that the West fundamentally misunderstands the rise of China and its challenge to American supremacy.Mahbubani, who eventually turned to academia, now specializes in governance and public policy. In this conversation with Mishal Husain, he traces the story behind the Xi-Trump talks, the handshakes and the social media posts–and what may lie ahead.Mahbubani also reveals how his own successes were made possible by Singapore’s remarkable growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Wednesday to further extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, while pledging to further strengthen political mutual trust, strategic coordination and practical cooperation between the two countries amid a fluid and turbulent international situation.The agreement was reached during talks between the two heads of state at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, before Putin concluded his two-day state visit to China.After their talks earlier on Wednesday, the two presidents signed a joint statement on further enhancing the comprehensive strategic coordination and deepening good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation between the two countries. They witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation docu­ments in areas including the economy and trade, education, and science and technology.The two sides also issued a joint statement on advocating a multipolar world and a new type of international relations, and reached 20 cooperation agreements in other areas.When addressing the media together after their talks, Xi said this was Putin's 25th trip to China since he first assumed the presidential office in Russia in 2000, which fully demonstrates the high level and uniqueness of China-Russia relations.Noting that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, Xi said that over the past three decades, bilateral ties have reached the highest level in history as a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, setting an example for a new type of major-country relations.This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. The treaty was last extended on June 28, 2021, when Xi and Putin held talks via video link and issued a joint statement ahead of the 20th anniversary of its signing.Xi said that over the years, the two countries have always abided by the treaty's established principle of non-alliance, nonconfrontation and not targeting any third party, while upholding equality, mutual respect, good faith and win-win cooperation.The two countries have made important contributions to safeguarding international fairness and justice and promoting a new type of international relations, serving as a vital constant amid changes unseen in a century, he said.Xi called on China and Russia to build on past achievements and further support each other firmly on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, maintain close strategic communication and exchanges at all levels, and continuously consolidate the foundation of political mutual trust between the two countries.In recent years, cooperation between China and Russia in various fields has advanced steadily and achieved many positive results. The value of bilateral trade has exceeded $200 billion for three consecutive years, and in the first four months of 2026, two-way trade increased nearly 20 percent, according to customs data.Xi said the two sides should build on this momentum, deepen the alignment between China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and Russia's development strategy through 2030, and upgrade mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields to better serve the development and revitalization of both countries.Speaking about global governance, Xi noted that the world today is far from being peaceful, with unilateralism and hegemonism causing severe harm, adding that the world is facing the danger of returning to the law of the jungle.As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia should firmly fulfill their responsibilities as major countries, uphold the authority of the UN as well as international fairness and justice, and oppose all acts of unilateral bullying and attempts to reverse the course of history, he said.China and Russia should, in particular, oppose all provocative acts that deny the outcomes of World War II and seek to justify and revive fascism and militarism, Xi said, emphasizing that the two sides should jointly promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system.Putin, who received a welcoming ceremony that featured a 21-gun salute, quoted the Chinese saying that "one day apart feels like three autumns" when meeting with Xi, whom he described as his "dear friend"."Russia-China relations have reached a truly unprecedented level, and continue to develop. At the same time, our relations are self-sufficient; they do not depend on the current international situation and can serve as an example of relations between nations in this age," he said when addressing the media.He said that Russia is full of confidence in the future of bilateral relations, adding that it will work with China to deepen the two countries' partnership and good-neighborly friendship, strengthen people-to-people bonds, and contribute to the development and revitalization of both countries and the well-being of their peoples."Moscow and Beijing will jointly uphold international law and the provisions of the UN Charter in their entirety ... and cooperate effectively within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS and other international structures, making a significant contribution to addressing pressing global and regional challenges," Putin said.During their talks on Wednesday, Xi said the China-Russia relationship has entered a new stage of greater achievements and faster development.Unswervingly promoting the long-term, sound, steady and high-quality development of the China-Russia relationship is a strategic choice made by the two sides based on the fundamental interests of the two countries and the global trends, he said.Xi called on China and Russia to fully implement the important common understandings reached between him and Putin, seize the historic opportunities and further promote the mutual trust, cooperation and friendship between the two countries.He emphasized that both sides should focus on the goals of national development and revitalization, fully leverage the comprehensive and well-established mechanisms of China-Russia cooperation and strengthen the overall planning for cooperation in all respects.The two countries should also promote the upgrading of practical cooperation in trade and investment, energy and resources, transportation, and sci-tech innovation, as well as actively explore cooperation in frontier areas, in order to create new engines for growth with new quality productive forces, Xi said.He added that efforts should be made to continue the long-standing friendship between the two sides, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, film, tourism and sports, and consolidate the social and public support for bilateral friendship.Also on Wednesday, China announced that it has decided to extend its visa-free policy for Russia until Dec 31, 2027. According to TASS news agency, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said in Beijing that Russia will also extend its visa-free policy for Chinese citizens.During their talks, the two heads of state exchanged views on major international and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East.Xi emphasized that all hostilities in the Middle East must end immediately, renewed fighting should be avoided and, most important, negotiations should continue.Noting that the situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region is at a critical juncture between war and peace, he said that an early end to the conflict will help reduce disruptions to the stability of energy supplies, the functioning of industrial and supply chains, and the stability of the international trade order.On Wednesday evening, Xi held a welcoming banquet for Putin in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

A US and Bahraini draft United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a halt to Iran's throttling of traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has spotlighted US-Chinese disagreements rather than the consensus President Donald Trump claims he achieved in this week's talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. A Security Council vote on the resolution would be a litmus test of the degree to which Messrs. Trump and Xi had reached a meeting of the minds in Beijing on Iran that went beyond platitudes on which both men could agree and would camouflage their differences.

The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has proved extremely controversial, as it risks the lives of Iranians, people across the Middle Eastern conflict zone, and U.S. troops. Its impact on the nations of the Persian Gulf and global energy trade remains a cause for concern during the war and after the ceasefire. The choking of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of global non-renewable energy supplies, has driven up oil prices and caused significant disruptions for Asian nations that depend heavily on Gulf oil. The war, launched without approval from the United Nations Security Council or the United States Congress, is dividing public opinion in the global community, including within the U.S. and its Western allies. Amidst shifting justifications for the war, including the regime change in Iran as a desired U.S.-Israeli goal, the regime in Iran has remained resilient; with support from Russia and China, it seeks to negotiate with the US.. to end decades of isolation.

U.S. and Gulf allies present a draft United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Iran's stopping commercial shipping, especially oil tankers, in Strait of Hormuz; Federal court of appeals is reportedly skeptical of the Pentagon's military punishment of Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) for his part in a video reminding servicemembers they have a duty not to follow illegal orders; World Health Organization reassures the world that the handful of hantavirus deaths on a cruise ship is not the start of a pandemic like COVID or SARS; Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council issues its final report recommending changes, in many cases reductions, in how the federal government helps states respond to natural disasters. We will hear from the council co-chair and talk about it with Andrew Rumbach, Co-Lead, Climate and Communities Program with the Urban Institute (34); Republican majority in the Tennessee legislature passes and the Republican governor signs into law a new congressional district map aimed at flipping the only Democratic seat in the nine member Congressional delegation to Republican; Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) hosts a National Day of Prayer program in the Capitol Building; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy takes the first ride on the "Freedom 250" Acela train to celebrate America's 250th anniversary; National Capitol Planning Commission meets to consider President Trump's proposal to paint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building's gray granite exterior bright white. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1950s, Mao Zedong described the relationship between China and North Korea as “as close as lips and teeth.” Over subsequent decades, the relationship has ebbed and flowed, alternating between close alignment and periods of strain. In recent months, China-NK ties appear to be warming once again. A series of high-level exchanges, including Kim Jong Un's attendance at China's Victory Day parade last September, followed by a trip to North Korea by Chinese Premier Li Qiang the following month, suggest renewed diplomatic momentum. Chinese Foreign Affairs Commission Director and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Pyongyang in mid-April is the latest sign of this trend. What is driving this renewed rapprochement between China and North Korea, and what are the implications for the United States? To explore these questions, we are joined today by Andrew Scobell. Andrew is a Distinguished Fellow at the Institute for Security and Development Policy's Asia Program and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. His work focuses on Chinese foreign and security policy, and he has published extensively on China-North Korea relations. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction  [01:38] China's Interests on the Korean Peninsula [04:41] A Cooling of Pyongyang-Beijing Relations? [07:48] How Beijing Views Russia-North Korea Ties  [11:26] What's Driving Chinese Interest in North Korea [14:57] Assessing Wang Yi's Visit to Pyongyang  [18:20] Shifting Stances on Denuclearization [22:09] Implications for the United States [25:48] US-China Shared Interests on the Korean Peninsula

Steve Sweeney was reporting on the Israeli government's murder of civilians in Lebanon when the IDF tried to assassinate him on camera. Here's what American tax dollars are paying for. (00:00) Sweeney's Close Encounter With an Israeli Missile Strike (11:37) Israel's Bombing of St. Peter's Burial Site (22:21) The British Government Taking Israel's Side Over Its Own Citizens (31:06) Why Is Israel Bulldozing Olive Trees? (45:54) Is There More Freedom in Russia Than in Britain? Steve Sweeney is an award-winning Beirut based journalist and has been reporting from the frontline of Israel's war on Lebanon for the past few years. He spent around two years covering the Ukraine conflict from the Russian side and gave testimony at the United Nations Security Council. In March 2026 he narrowly escaped death after an Israeli airstrike on a bridge he was reporting from in southern Lebanon. Paid partnerships with: Cozy Earth: Celebrate Mom with the ultimate gift of comfort by using code TUCKERBOGO at https://cozyearth.com Paleovalley: Use code TUCKER & get 20% off your first order at https://paleovalley.com VanMan: Use code TUCKER for 15% off your first order at http://vanman.shop/tucker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump posts ahead of his threatened deadline to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on electrical infrastructure and bridges, 'a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will'; China & Russia veto a United Nations Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, sponsored by Bahrain and supported by the U.S., because, China & Russia say, it blames Iran for closing the strait to commercial shipping but not the U.S. & Israel for starting the war; Artemis II astronauts speak to NASA scientists on their way back to Earth about what they saw when they flew around the moon; Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin visits western North Carolina to discuss FEMA's work to help the area recover from recent hurricanes; Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche says at his first news conference since replacing Pam Bondi that accusations the Trump administration is weaponizing the Justice Department are 'completely false'; Vice President JD Vance campaigns in Budapest for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's reelection, and President Trump calls into the rally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A countdown is underway as President Trump says 'a whole civilisation will die tonight' in Iran without a deal to fully re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, we return to Cambodia's scam centres with a rare visit inside. And is Universal Music which is home to Taylor Swift, about to be sold?(Picture: Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani speaking during a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York, USA, 07 April 2026. Credit:SARAH YENESEL/EPA/Shutterstock)

The United Nations Security Council has failed to adopt a draft resolution which aims to enhance maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that the fundamental way to resolve navigation issues in the Strait of Hormuz is to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, as he held a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss the worsening situation in the Middle East.2026年4月5日，外交部长王毅与俄罗斯外长谢尔盖·拉夫罗夫通电话，就日益严峻的中东局势交换意见。王毅表示，解决霍尔木兹海峡通航问题的根本是尽快停火止战。As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia should uphold fairness on matters of principle, adopt an objective and balanced approach, and work to gain greater understanding and support from the international community, he said.他指出，中俄作为联合国安理会常任理事国，应在大是大非问题上体现公道，采取客观平衡做法，并争取国际社会更多理解和支持。China has consistently advocated resolving international and regional hotspot issues through dialogue and negotiation, Wang said.王毅强调，中方始终主张通过对话谈判政治解决国际和地区热点问题。He added that China stands ready to continue working with Russia at the UN Security Council, to maintain timely communication on major issues, and make efforts to help cool tensions and safeguard regional peace and stability as well as common security worldwide.他表示，中方愿同俄方在联合国安理会继续合作，在重大问题上及时沟通，为局势降温以及维护地区和平稳定和世界共同安全做出努力。Lavrov said Russia is highly concerned about the continued escalation in the Middle East.拉夫罗夫表示，俄方对中东形势持续升级高度关切。Referring to the ongoing conflict and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, he said Russia believes military action must cease immediately and that the parties should return to political and diplomatic means to address the root causes of the conflict.关于当前战事和霍尔木兹海峡问题，俄方主张必须立即停止军事行动，回归政治和外交轨道，解决冲突产生的根源。He added that the UN Security Council should play a constructive role in this regard, and said Russia is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with China and continue to make efforts for a ceasefire.他还表示，联合国安理会应为此发挥建设性作用。俄方愿同中方密切沟通协调，继续为推动停火止战发声出力。permanent member of the United Nations Security Council/ˈpɜːmənənt ˈmembər əv ðə juːˈnaɪtɪd ˈneɪʃənz sɪˈkjʊərəti ˈkaʊnsəl/联合国安理会常任理事国hotspot issues /ˈhɒtspɒt ˈɪʃuːz/热点问题common security /ˈkɒmən sɪˈkjʊərəti/共同安全ceasefire /ˈsiːsfaɪər/停火

Supreme Court strikes down a Colorado law that banned 'conversation therapy' for LGBTQ+ children. We will talk about the decision with The Hill's Supreme Court reporter Zach Schonfeld (1); Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the role of the U.S. military in Iran is to 'negotiate with bombs' and 'ensure that we compel' the current regime to realize it is 'in a better place if they make that deal" to end the war; President Donald Trump posts that countries not able to get oil due to Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz should buy it from the U.S. or "build up some delayed courage" and fight for it; United Nations Security Council holds an emergency meeting after three UN peacekeepers are killed in southern Lebanon, amid the military conflict between Israel & Hezbollah; Federal judge rules President Trump's White House ballroom construction must stop without Congressional approval; U.S. Homeland Security Department is still shutdown, now at a record 46 days; Interior Secretary Doug Burgum convenes the Endangered Species Committee for the first time in 30 years to approve a national security exemption to the Endangered Species Act for oil & gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico; one day until NASA launches the Artemis II moon mission; former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is honored by her original home state of Maryland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the US-Israel war against Iran intensifies with no clear end in sight, a critical question remains: Is this war legal? On March 10, the United States submitted a letter to the United Nations Security Council, justifying its strikes - carried out alongside Israel - as "necessary and proportionate" self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. But does this argument truly meet the legal threshold for self-defense? What rules of international law apply as this conflict escalates?

President Donald Trump tells reporters outside the White House the U.S. has hit Iran "harder than virtually any country in history has been hit" but "we're not finished yet"; International Energy Agency says its 32 member countries have agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil to try to lower prices that have spiked with the disruptions caused by the war with Iran; United Nations Security Council adopts a resolution condemning Iranian attacks against neighboring Gulf nations. The resolution does not mention the attacks by the United States or Israel. Russia and China abstain from the vote; Department of Homeland Security remains closed after more failed funding attempts on the Senate floor. Democrats offer to reopen all agencies but Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs & Border Protections while negotiations over federal immigration procedure reform continues, and Republicans object. Republicans offered to reopen the entire department, and Democrats object; House Oversight Committee questions the accountant for the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Richard Kahn; Japan pauses to remember the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the country 15 years ago today, killing thousands and causing a nuclear power plant meltdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Trump officials brief all of Congress on what, exactly, the administration's objectives are in Iran. Until now, the Trump administration has given conflicting accounts as to why the U.S. attacked Iran on Saturday, and there are many questions members of Congress need to ask. But will they ask them, and will the answers even matter? Nicholas Wu, a congressional reporter for Semafor, explains what Congress is likely to do – and not do.And in headlines, First Lady Melania Trump presides over a United Nations Security Council meeting about protecting children in conflict, a House committee releases videos from the Clintons' Epstein testimony, and it's primary day for voters in three Southern states.Show Notes: Call Congress – 202-224-3121 Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/y4y2e9jy What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcast Follow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/ For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

The woman tipped to be the next head of the UK Civil Service has faced multiple bullying complaints according to reports this morning. The Times newspaper says "there is more than a whiff of misogyny" in the briefings against her. Nuala McGovern hears more about the debate over the possible appointment of Dame Antonia Romeo with Kitty Donaldson, the Chief Political Commentator for the i Newspaper, and Caroline Slocock. Caroline was the first female private secretary to a British Prime Minister when she served alongside Margaret Thatcher.Belle Burden is a former corporate lawyer, a pro bono immigration lawyer, a Harvard graduate and a mother of three, born into American high society. When she got married in 1999, her wedding was announced in the New York Times. Two decades later she broke with convention and published her candid essay on the marriage's sudden rupture, in the long-running New York Times Modern Love series. Now her book Strangers: A Memoir of a Marriage has become a New York Times bestseller. Belle Burden joins Nuala live from New York to discuss ghosting, grieving and getting on with life on her own terms.Tomorrow, the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will speak about the plight of women and girls in Sudan at the United Nations Security Council. Stories from the war-torn country are harrowing. Sudan's conflict began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces or RSF. More than 150,000 people have died in the conflict across the country, and about 12 million have fled their homes in what the UN has called the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Nuala is joined BBC's Africa Correspondent, Barbara Plett Usher.Two years ago, Dr Henrietta Hughes, England's first Patient Safety Commissioner, published a report laying out a plan for compensation for women harmed by pelvic mesh implants. The Hughes report set a deadline for the government, which has just passed without action. Dr Hughes tell Nuala what action she wants to see from the government, and Kath Sansom, the founder of the Sling The Mesh campaign group, tells us how women's lives have been affected.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

FCC Chair Brendan Carr says journalists were tricked into covering claims by late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert's claims that he was blocked by CBS from interviewing U.S. Senate candidate in Texas James Talarico; Early voting Texas is got underway this week. We will talk with Texas Tribune reporter Kayla Guo about the Senate race with competitive primaries in both parties and the new congressional district maps drawn to favor Republicans. (9); Billionaire Les Wexner tells Members of Congress he was not a co-conspirator to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and says he was "was duped by a world-class con man." We will talk with Ohio Capital Journal reporter Megan Henry. (20); Day five of the Homeland Security Department shutdown over disagreements about federal immigration operations changes. We get White House and House Democratic leader update; President Donald Trump hosts a Black History Month reception at the White House; Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) says President Trump has been telling lies about the state & federal response to the massive sewage spill in the Potomac River; United Nations Security Council holds a meeting on Middle East peace efforts, with the Secretary General's office expressing concern about Israel's actions in the West Bank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In December 2025, Slovenia completed its two-year term on the United Nations Security Council-participating in 558 formal meetings and 238 consultations of the Security Council, and so much more. Throughout its term, Slovenia addressed the most pressing issues, upheld its values, and shared its expertise globally to maintain international peace and security.rnrnMore recently, in its final month as a member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia held the Presidency for the second time. A visit to Syria and Lebanon was on the agenda, as well as topics related to Bosnia, Sudan, Palestine, Afghanistan, and others. At the helm is Ambassador Samuel ?bogar, who brings a wealth of policy knowledge and experience to the table. There may be few others with such timely insights on global affairs that have recently dominated the headlines.rnrnIn addition to his term in the Security Council, Ambassador ?bogar has had an impressive diplomatic career. He has served as Slovenia's Foreign Minister, Deputy Foreign Minister, Ambassador to the US, and Head of the EU Delegation to Kosovo and North Macedonia.

In support of the US peace plan for Gaza, President Trump proposed a “Board of Peace” as a transitional governmental authority to ensure Israeli military withdrawal from the territory. It was empowered by the UN Security Council to act on the organization's behalf as a presumably neutral body to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance, rebuild the region that has been physically devastated from war, and oversee security in the return of refugees who have fled the conflict. But as introduced by the American President at the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos in January, it has become a controversial body. Trump advanced a vision of the body, one which includes a payment of one billion dollars (to whom it is still unclear) that could challenge the UN. On today's show we start with an exploration of this new vision for the organization advanced by the US. [ dur: 28mins. ] Stefan Wolff is Professor of International Security at the University of Birmingham. His latest book is Ethnic Conflict: Critical Concepts in Political Science. His latest article in the Conversation Donald Trump's ‘board of peace' looks like a privatised UN with one shareholder: the US president. Francesco Grillo is Professor at Bocconi University and Visiting Fellow at The European University Institute. You can find his articles at the Conversation. His latest include Europe must reject Trump's nonsense accusations of ‘civilizational erasure' – but it urgently needs a strategy of its own and Donald Trump's Board of Peace signed at Davos – key points I took away from my visit to the ski resort The Board of Peace was initially and ostensibly created to govern Gaza in light of a peace agreement with the intention of removing Israeli military forces in exchange for a neutral transitional government. This was endorsed by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 2803 with very specific tasks outlined, including aiding in the creation of Palestinian governance, the physical and economic reconstruction of the war-torn territory, the delivery of public services and humanitarian assistance, and the return of refugees. In this segment, we examine the Board's ability to accomplish its defined set of goals. [ dur: 30mins. ] John B. Quigly is a Professor of Law Emeritus at Ohio State University. He is the author of Palestine Is a State: A Horse with Black and White Stripes Is a Zebra and The International Diplomacy of Israel's Founders: Deception at the United Nations In the Quest for Palestine. Omar Dajani is Carol Olsen Professor in International Law at the University of the Pacific. He is the author of Negotiating Pluralism: Dilemmas of Decentralization in the Middle East (with Aslı Bâli) and A Two-State Solution That Can Work: The Case for an Israeli-Palestinian Confederation (with Limor Yehuda). He also was part of the Palestinian negotiation team at Camp David II in 2000 and has worked with the UN in peacebuilding initiatives, with a particular emphasis on building legal and judicial reforms in Palestinian governance. This program is produced by Doug Becker, Ankine Aghassian, Maria Armoudian, Anna Lapin and Sudd Dongre. Politics and Activism, Middle East, Occupied Palestine

Palestinians in Gaza view a future of rule by U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly inaugurated Board of Peace as representing “another form of occupation” said Haaretz correspondent Nagham Zbeedat, speaking on the Haaretz Podcast. Zbeedat, who covers Palestinian affairs and the Arab world, said that Trump’s vision of an American-led international stabilization force – intended to replace Hamas after it disarms – is likely to be problematic. American “complicity and cooperation with the Israeli army” during the war means that for Palestinians, “the U.S. is the same as Israel. So any government or group that comes from the U.S. will not be welcomed with open arms.” In the short-term, Zbeedat said, the desperate humanitarian situation means that Gazans will “accept the circumstances that they are put in, as long as there are no more airstrikes, as long as food is on the shelves, and as long as there is water, shelter, clothes coming in, and medical care.” But overall, Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere are “not excited” about the Trump plan because of the lack of “any Palestinian presence or voice” at the decision-making level. Also on the podcast: Haaretz diplomatic correspondent Liza Rozovsky discusses the challenges ahead for the new Board of Peace – most prominently, the disinterest of major Western European countries in signing on. “When you are being squeezed and threatened by the U.S. over Greenland, it is pretty bad timing to be joining a Board of Peace chaired by Trump,” Rozovsky noted. For these countries, “giving up your veto power in the United Nations Security Council and just bowing to Trump is not a very attractive offer.” Read more: Trump's Board of Peace Finds Few Enthusiasts Among Palestinians in Gaza Israel's Netanyahu to Join Trump's Board of Peace Alongside Saudis, Qatar and Turkey Trump's Board of Peace Has European States Worried, but Most Refrain From Direct Criticism Trump's Gaza Board of Peace Aims to Rival UN, Charter Shows 'It Never Ended': As the World Moves On, For Gazans It's War as UsualSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seth remembers Martin Luther King, Jr. and his ideas. Anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters stormed a church service at Cities Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota yesterday. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was among those who infiltrated the church. A clip of Iranian Journalist Masih Alinejad’s testimony before the United Nations Security Council, directed at the delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran on the mass killings that have taken place there in response to the ongoing civilian anti-government protests. Happy Birthday Dolly Parton!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act and send troops to Minneapolis as anti-ICE protests escalate following two shootings in the past week involving federal law enforcement officers; Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado meets with President Trump at the White House and a bipartisan group of Senators on Capitol Hill about the future of Venezuela after the U.S. military removed former President Nicolas Maduro; United Nations Security Council holds an emergency meeting on the Iranian government's deadly response to protests throughout that country; U.S. Senate passes another package of federal spending bills, sending it to the president, as the clock ticks to another potential partial government shutdown in two weeks; President Trump presents a health care reform proposal he calls the "Great Healthcare Plan' that includes giving people money directly to buy health insurance; Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia charge more than two dozen people with plotting to rig fix U.S. college & Chinese professional basketball games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monday, January 5th, 2026Today, the Trump administration has invaded Venezuela without authorization from Congress and has arrested Nicolas Maduro; oil barons are already booking flights to Venezuela to plunder the oil there; MSW Media has filed a response to DOJ in the Epstein training videos FOIA case; five years later we're fighting a battle over the basic facts of January 6th; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Thank You, Daily LookFor 50% off your first order, head to DailyLook.com and use code DAILYBEANS.  Thank You, HomeChefFor a limited time, get  50% off and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life!  HomeChef.com/DAILYBEANS.  Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert.I Just BLEW UP Trump's EPSTEIN LIE in NEW FILING to DOJ | YouTubeStories:The Venezuela Takeover | The New York TimesFinance Industry Eyes Investment Opportunities in Venezuela | WSJTexas Democrats fill every state and federal race on 2026 ballot, a first for either party | Texas TribuneGood TroubleOppose the US intervention in Venezuela?Indivisible will send an email on your behalf to your Congressmember.Take Action: Stop Trump's War in Venezuela | Indivisible GuideThey also have scripts for phone calls to make it easy for you to voice your opposition to Trump using our military like they're a part of Big Oil.From The Good NewsTahquitz Canyon →Go To DailyBeansPod.com Click on ‘Contact' → ‘Good News and Good Trouble' to Share YoursSubscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - MSW Media - YouTubeOur Donation LinksPathways to Citizenship link to MATCH Allison's Donationhttps://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_86ff5236-dd26-11ec-b5ee-066e3d38bc77&WidgetId=6388736Allison is donating $20K to It Gets Better and inviting you to help match her donations. Your support makes this work possible, Daily Beans fam. Donate to It Gets Better / The Daily Beans FundraiserJoin Dana and The Daily Beans and support on Giving Tuesday with a MATCHED Donation http://onecau.se/_ekes71More Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - Donate

The United Nations Security Council held a meeting regarding the U.S. strikes conducted in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Ambassadors representing several Latin American nations--including Venezuela--condemned these actions, saying they violated international law and sovereignty, with some claiming civilians were killed in the operation. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Michael Waltz called the action a "law enforcement operation ... against two indicted fugitives of American justice." After their capture, President Maduro and his wife were brought to New York City, where he pleaded "not guilty" to drug trafficking charges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the capture of the Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by the US military, President Trump has said the United States intends to run the South American country until there can be a "safe, proper and judicious transition". The president was pressed by reporters about who would be running Venezuela during the transition period and offered few details on who exactly would be in charge. He added that Washington wasn't afraid of putting boots on the ground. The announcement comes as the United Nations Security Council plans to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss Venezuela's future and the US actions, which U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres views as setting "a dangerous precedent." Nicolas Maduro's vice -president has called for his immediate release, but the exiled opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, says Venezuela's hour of freedom has arrived. We look at what may happen next and whether Donald's Trump's actions have any legal justification.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Steve, David, Hannah, Jimmy, Matthew. and Francesco give Ralph a well-deserved break and highlight some of the clips they want to revisit from another challenging, inspiring, fascinating, infuriating, and galvanizing year. Featuring interviews with Chris Hedges, Jon Merryman, Mike German, and more.Featured ClipsDouglas Brinkley — The Legacy of Jimmy Carter (January 11, 2025)Chris Hedges — A Genocide Foretold/ World BEYOND War (March 29, 2025)Peter Beinart — Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza (March 15, 2025)John Bonifaz — Impeach Trump!... Again (August 30, 2025)Mike German — Policing White Supremacy (March 8, 2025)Stephen Witt — The AI Prompt That Could End the World (November 8, 2025)Jon Merryman — Trading Life For Death (July 12, 2025)News 1/2/26* Our top story this week is of course the news that the CIA has conducted a drone strike inside the sovereign borders of Venezuela. CNN reports U.S. Special Operations Forces provided intelligence support for this strike, though spec-ops leadership denies this claim. Unsurprisingly, the CIA itself declined to comment. Earlier this month, self-styled Secretary of War Pete Hegseth compared Venezuelan “narcoterrorists,” to Al-Qaeda, indicating that the U.S. plans to use the same counterterrorism playbook that they deployed in the Middle East in Latin America. This, of course, begs the question of whether the United States is willing to reckon with creating a miniature Iraq or Afghanistan so close to home.* Giving the game away, Mike Pompeo – who served as Trump's Secretary of State from 2018 to 2021, told Fox News that the U.S. “can help rebuild…their oil sector,” and that, following a successful ouster of President Nicolás Maduro, American energy companies like Halliburton and Chevron would be able to “go down to Venezuela, [and] build out an economic capitalist model.” This from CBS Austin. President Trump has certainly not been subtle about his designs on Venezuela's oil, but this naked salivation over handing the country's fossil fuel deposits over to Halliburton is another eerie re-rerun of Iraq.* In more news from Latin America, ABC reports workers in Bolivia have declared a general strike to protest the new neoliberal government's announcement that they would scrap longstanding fuel subsidies in the impoverished nation. The fuel subsidies were first introduced under the Leftist government of Evo Morales nearly twenty years ago and have been maintained ever since; President Rodrigo Paz, who took office in November, marks the first non-leftist government elected in the country since 2006. The strike was called by Bolivia's powerful Central Union of Workers, but so far has largely been led by miners with other sectors, such as transportation workers, appearing more hesitant. When united, organized labor in Bolivia has delivered stunning victories in the past, but it remains to be seen how this strike will unfold.* In more foreign policy news, Israel has become the first country to formally recognize the East African breakaway state of Somaliland. Many question why Israel is making this decision at all and particularly why they are doing so at this moment; speculation abounds about a potential quid pro quo, with Israel extending recognition in exchange for Somaliland agreeing to accept Palestinians pushed out of Gaza. Somalia is currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. In a statement with other non-permanent council members Algeria, Guyana and Sierra Leone, Somalia's UN Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman said Somalia, “unequivocally reject any steps aimed at advancing this objective, including any attempt by Israel to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza to the northwestern region of Somalia.” This from Reuters.* In more Israel-Palestine news, American Jewish activist Cameron Kasky – a survivor of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school shooting currently running in the primary to succeed Rep. Jerrold Nadler in New York's 12th congressional district – took the unprecedented step of visiting Palestine over the holidays to see the “reality on the ground.” He spent Christmas at a “peace march in Bethlehem calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza,” and issued a statement on the need to “end the settlements that violate international law and stop encouraging New Yorkers to move there,” in a social media post that garnered nearly 2 million views. Kasky is seeking to consolidate progressive support in this crowded primary, which pits him against Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg, among many others.* Turning to domestic news, lawmakers in the House and Senate are considering their options to force Attorney General Pam Bondi to release the totality of the documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Among these are two tools often cited by Ralph Nader and Bruce Fein but rarely invoked by Congress: inherent contempt and impeachment. Per NBC, Representative Thomas Massie said “The quickest way, and…most expeditious way, to get justice for these victims is to bring inherent contempt against Pam Bondi,” with Congressman Ro Khanna adding that the lawmakers are “building a bipartisan coalition, and it would fine Pam Bondi for every day that she's not releasing these documents.” Meanwhile, Newsweek reports Massie polled his followers and over 35,000 responded that Bondi should be impeached. However, no articles of impeachment against Bondi have yet been filed. It remains to be seen whether Congress will actually use the immense power vested in the body by the Constitution, or if these efforts will be stymied by the obsequious leadership of the Republican caucus.* Speaking of political party cowardice, this week the DNC announced that they would block the release of their own “autopsy” of what went wrong in the disastrous 2024 presidential election campaign. Writing in the Guardian, friend of the show Norman Solomon – director of RootsAction, executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy – excoriated the party leadership for dodging hard questions such as “how much money went to insider consultants and advertising contractors as the Harris campaign managed to spend $1.5bn during the hallowed 107 days of her presidential campaign last year,” and the wisdom of “Harris continuing to toe the Biden line for huge arms shipments to Israel while its military continued to slaughter Palestinian civilians in Gaza.” More bluntly, an anonymous DNC member quoted in this piece said the decision to block the autopsy is, “about protecting people who fucked up.” RootsAction has released their own autopsy, which pulls no punches.* Our next two stories have to do with online gambling. First, in an address to mayors from across Italy this week, Pope Leo XIV denounced the “scourge of gambling,” which has “ruined many families,” and characterized the issue as a form of “loneliness.” He warned of a litany of other forms of loneliness as well, including “mental disorders, depression, cultural and spiritual poverty, and social abandonment,” according to the Catholic News Agency. Pope Leo cited a report from Caritas showing a surge in gambling across Italy, though this phenomenon is by no means constrained to the country. In the U.S., study after study shows Americans engaging in gambling at unprecedented levels. For example, a 2025 National Institutes of Health study showed 61.3% of adults in North America reported gambling within the past 12 months.* Meanwhile, USA Today reports Drake has been hit with a RICO lawsuit for “promoting an illegal online casino while using proceeds from the site to artificially inflate streams of his music.” This lawsuit, which also names streamers Adin Ross and George Nguyen, centers around Stake.us, which, the suit alleges “was created to bypass restrictions after Stake.com was banned from operating everywhere in the U.S.” As this piece explains, Stake claims that it does not allow gambling with real money in order to evade regulations, but in fact uses stand-ins like “Stake Cash” which can be exchanged for real currency. Drake and Ross were “paid to promote the platform by participating in livestreamed gambling with cash ‘surreptitiously' provided by Stake.” In turn, Drake is accused of using the illicit funds to “[deploy] automated bots and streaming farms to artificially inflate play counts of his music across major platforms, such as Spotify,” as part of his feud with fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar. If nothing else, this story shows how ubiquitous online gambling has become, infecting all facets and all levels of popular culture.* Finally, for some good news, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was sworn in at midnight on New Years Eve. Mamdani took the oath of office in the decommissioned subway station underneath City Hall, in a small ceremony, followed by a large public inauguration on New Years Day. In his Executive Order 01, Mamdani officially rescinded “All Executive Orders issued on or after September 26, 2024,” otherwise known as the date of outgoing Mayor Eric Adams' indictment on charges of corruption. These now-rescinded executive orders included officially adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, a definition which includes antizionism, and other pro-Israel actions. That said, Mamdani explicitly stated he will retain an order establishing a Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism. Others include an order allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement to operate on Riker's Island, and a blanket ban on the city's horse carriage industry. The New York Daily News notes “Mamdani has voiced support for banning the industry, but says he first wants to engage in dialogue with the union advocating for carriage drivers.” All in all, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of America's largest city. We wish the city, and the mayor, good luck.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

United Nations Security Council holds an emergency meeting on U.S. military actions against Venezuela; European leaders stand with Greenland in response to President Donald Trump latest moves toward his stated goal of having the U.S. own the island; Supreme Court turns down President Trump plan to plan to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois and Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) joins faith leaders to condemn what they call 'chaos' that federal immigration agents were sowing with their operations in Minneapolis; Commerce Department says U.S. economy grew at a very strong 4.3 percent annual rate in the third quarter of the year; more than 20 Democratic State Attorneys General sue the Trump Administration over its plan to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your very own To Save Us From Hell co-host Anjali Dayal briefed the United Nations Security Council on Monday! She was paired with former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for a special meeting of the Council dedicated to examining the role of the Secretary-General and the process for selecting Antonio Guterres's successor. Anjali gives co-host Mark Leon Goldberg a behind-the-scenes account of what it's like to sit in the briefers' chair at the famous horseshoe table and shares highlights from the meeting. After the paywall, Mark and Anjali discuss a glowing New Yorker profile of International Atomic Energy Agency chief—and UN Secretary-General candidate—Rafael Grossi. It's certainly a PR coup for the Argentine, but does PR really matter when it comes to running for UN Secretary-General? We discuss! And one more thing: this is the 50th episode of To Save Us From Hell. Fifty episodes of deep dives into power, politics, and the UN's place in the world. Huge thanks to everyone who listens—and especially to our paid subscribers, who make this show possible. If you've been on the fence, now's the moment: grab a paid subscription using the discount link below, get access to our full episodes and support the show with a cult following around the UN! https://www.globaldispatches.org/40percentoff 

On December 4, the entire United Nations Security Council made an unprecedented trip to Syria. It is hard to overstate what a significant turning point this represents — both for the Security Council and the United Nations as a whole. For thirteen long years, the civil war in Syria was the largest and most brutal conflict in the world, and one that stymied the United Nations by exposing massive geopolitical rifts between key global powers. We may now look to Gaza or Ukraine as examples of paralysis at the Security Council — but it was Syria that first broke it. Now, all fifteen members are in Damascus, in an important show of unity. Mark and Anjali break down why this trip is so significant and what role the UN can play in supporting Syria's democratic transition. After the paywall: Mark and Anjali discuss shocking new revelations about the UN's budget, and what the official "pre-launch" of the selection process for the next Secretary-General tells us about how the UN's next leader will be chosen. Discount link to listen to full episode:  https://www.globaldispatches.org/40percentoff 

Support the Jewish Communal Fund: jcfny.org/Support the Foundation of Jewish Camp: www.jewishcamp.org/callmebackApply to become Ark Media's Production Manager: tinyurl.com/mthkpmnaSubscribe to Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.org/?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=insideGift a subscription of Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.org/giftsSubscribe to Amit Segal's newsletter ‘It's Noon in Israel':arkmedia.org/amitsegal/Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastCheck out Ark Media's other podcasts: For Heaven's Sake: https://lnk.to/rfGlrA‘What's Your Number?': https://lnk.to/rfGlrAFor sponsorship inquiries, please contact: callmeback@arkmedia.orgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: arkmedia.org/Ark Media on Instagram: instagram.com/arkmediaorgDan on X: x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: instagram.com/dansenorTo order Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel: tinyurl.com/bdeyjsdnToday's episode: On Monday, the United Nations Security Council voted to adopt the US-proposed resolution authorizing the establishment of an International Stabilization Force in Gaza, as outlined by President Trump's 20-point peace plan. The resolution allows for Trump's “board of peace” to oversee multinational peacekeeping forces, Palestinian technocrats, and a local police force that would govern Gaza for a period of two years, while potentially paving a path for a Palestinian state.On Tuesday, President Trump met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman at the White House. Speaking to reporters from the Oval Office, MBS stated that Riyadh would like to join the Abraham Accords but must see a pathway toward a two-state solution. Also, Trump confirmed that the United States will sell F-35 “stealth” jets to Saudi Arabia, prompting concern from Israel's defense establishment, with the Israeli Air Force saying the deal jeopardizes Israel's air superiority.To discuss the developments unfolding with regards to Israel and the Middle East and the possibility of Palestinian statehood, Dan was joined by Ark Media contributors Nadav Eyal and Amit Segal. CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY - Executive ProducerMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorMARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional EditingMAYA RACKOFF - Operations DirectorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer

This week, President Donald Trump told reporters that he would be willing to hold talks with Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro. His statements came as the Navy's largest aircraft carrier arrived in the Caribbean Sea. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has conducted weeks of attacks on alleged drug boats off the coast of the South American country. But these drug trafficking allegations might just be a distraction from the real focus of Trump's Venezuela ire. Over the weekend, Politico published a piece alleging that White House officials have begun planning for a “post-Maduro” Venezuela, including different options for countries to exile him to. To talk more about Venezuela, regime change, and the perils of war in South America, we spoke with Juan Sebastian Gonzalez, former National Security Council Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere under President Joe Biden.And in headlines, President Trump is meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince at the White House, the United Nations Security Council approves Trump's plan for the future of Gaza, and the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey may be faltering.Show Notes:Call Congress – 202-224-3121Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Last week, the US officially launched negotiations within the 15-member United Nations Security Council on a draft resolution that would follow up on Israel and Hamas’s October 9 ceasefire-hostage agreement. Tomorrow, the Security Council is set to vote on the resolution, which would deliver Gaza to an International Stabilization Force (ISF) and an apolitical Palestinian administration overseen by a Trump-chaired Board of Peace. In the first half of the program, Berman gives an analysis of some of the implications for Israel -- and questions the world's appetite for seeing through in the demilitarization of Hamas. US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he was considering agreeing to a deal to supply Saudi Arabia with F-35 stealth fighter jets, which are made by Lockheed Martin. We hear whether a more robust Saudi air force could affect the Middle East and learn why the United Arab Emirates has not yet received its promised planes. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Friday that the Israeli army had built walls on the Lebanese side of the UN-demarcated Blue Line, the de facto border. We learn about the Blue Line and discuss whether a complaint to the UN has any teeth. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US says its plan for postwar management of Gaza offers pathway to Palestinian statehood US: Failure to back UN resolution based on Trump’s Gaza plan is a vote for Hamas, war Indonesia says it has trained 20,000 troops for Gaza peacekeeping force First storm of the season pummels Gaza, flooding tent camps and makeshift shelters Trump says he’s weighing Saudi request to buy F-35s, hopes Riyadh will normalize Israel ties Lebanon to file UN complaint accusing Israel of building border wall beyond Blue Line Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Illustrative: An armed Palestinian Hamas gunman stand not far from an International Red Cross (ICRC) vehicle, as a search for the bodies of killed Israeli hostages takes place, in Gaza City on November 2, 2025. (Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues a rare apology to Qatar for last month's strike in Doha, while Israel's Shin Bet investigates how the mission went wrong. The United Nations Security Council authorizes expanded powers for international forces to confront the gang violence ravaging Haiti. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB. Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices