Amanpour

It's an agonizing wait in Gaza and for Israeli hostage families, as a ceasefire proposal moves closer to reality. Former head of Israeli Military Intelligence Amos Yadlin joins the program from Tel Aviv to discuss. Also on today's show: Tim Wu, law professor, Columbia University; Derek Thompson, staff writer, The Atlantic; Joan Baez (from the archives) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At least 77 Palestinians were killed in intense bombardment since the ceasefire deal was announced, Gaza's Civil Defense says. And in Israel, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened to quit over the terms of the second phase of the agreement, a move that could threaten to collapse the Netanyahu government. The Biden administration "fully expects" the hostage deal to be implemented Sunday, while Hamas said it is "committed to the truce." Just as the ceasefire deal was being reached, Christiane sat down in Washington to discuss all this with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Also on today's show: former hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin; Altadena, California resident Kevin Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A ceasefire-hostage release agreement has been reached by the Israeli government and Hamas. Christiane spoke about this breakthrough in an interview with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and CNN Senior Global Affairs Analyst Bianna Golodryga. Also on today's show: UN Humanitarian Relief Chief Tom Fletcher; Palestinian National Initiative President Mustafa Barghouti; Sharone Lifschitz, who's father is a hostage in Gaza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First, we bring you the latest on the contentious confirmation hearing for Donald Trump's nominee for US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. Then, with fire weather risk at its highest, Christiane asks former California Governor Jerry Brown what more could have been done? And, is the world ready for the next pandemic? The director general of the World Health Organization joins the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The winds are picking up again and the death toll is rising in what could be the worst wildfires in California’s history. It's an all-out race against the environment as firefighters battle to keep the blazes contained and maintain what progress they've made in the past few days. More than 20 people are confirmed dead, dozens more are missing, over a hundred thousand people are under evacuation orders, and thousands of homes are destroyed. Correspondent Veronica Miracle has the details from Altadena. Also on today's show: Robert Kagan, Contributing Writer, The Atlantic; Director/writer Halina Reijn ("Babygirl"); Co-Directors Slava Leontyev and Brendan Bellomo ("Porcelain War") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump may not be back in the White House yet, and he's already causing ructions overseas. Not just threatening to invade and annex allies, like Greenland, Panama, and Canada, but also allowing his unelected wingman, Elon Musk—using his X platform—to troll world leaders and interfere in democracies abroad. Christiane speaks with tech journalist Kara Swisher and the director of the British Future think tank, Sunder Katwala, about what’s driving Musk’s freelancing in international politics and how dangerous his influence on Trump is. She also gets into the specifics of the two decades old grooming scandal and why Musk's accusations against Keir Starmer are wrong. With wildfires raging in California, President Biden's outgoing DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas joined Christiane to talk about the extreme weather emergency, Trump's promise of mass deportations, and how the terror attack on New Years Day has been politicized. And, A new film by Oscar-winner Errol Morris, "Separated," based on Jacob Soboroff’s bestselling book, examines the lasting trauma of family separation under Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy during his first term. Christiane sits down with Morris and Soboroff to talk about about their film, the human cost and the chilling possibility of history repeating itself. And as President Jimmy Carter is laid to rest, Christiane revisits their 2007 interview, which explores the late president's reflections on faith and his complicated history with Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is ten days until Donald Trump reenters the White House and by his side will be the world's richest man - Elon Musk. In the UK, Musk has stoked the flames of the far-right and misinformation. Musk also sought to interfere in Germany's upcoming elections, posting that the only thing that could save Germany is the AFD. To discuss all things Musk, longtime tech journalist Kara Swisher and the director of British Future Sunder Katwala join Christiane. Also on today's show: Director Pedro Almodovar, "The Room Next Door"; Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wildfires continue to rage out of control in Southern California. Tens of thousands of residents have been forced to flee and in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, and more than one thousand structures have been destroyed in Altadena, forcing most of the town to evacuate. Reporter Kyung Lah joins the program with the details. Also on today's show: James Fallows, former chief speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter; Abbas Milani, Director of Iranian Studies at Stanford University; Kai Bird, author of the Jimmy Carter bio "Outlier" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're witnessing massive destruction and harrowing escapes in Southern California as out-of-control wildfires sweep across Los Angeles County. Extreme weather events are on the rise, and just one of the many threats across the desk of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Now preparing to hand over his brief to the incoming Trump administration, he joins the show from Washington, DC. Also on today's show: Director Ibrahim Nash'at, "Hollywoodgate"; Wine on Wheels founder Yannick Benjamin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the world bids farewell to President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29. As a one-term President beset by crises, including high inflation and the Iranian hostage crisis, Carter's legacy for a long time seemed mixed at best. But throughout his long post-presidency, he devoted himself to peace-making, eradicating diseases, and public service in a way that gradually reframed his earlier accomplishments. Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat knew Carter well, having served as his chief domestic policy adviser, and argues he "was our most accomplished one-term modern President." He joins the show from Washington, DC. Also on today's show: "Sing Sing" Director Greg Kwedar and actor Colman Domingo; Bruce Hoffman, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On January 20, Donald Trump will be inaugurated at the US Capitol, where four years ago today his supporters attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election. On the world stage, the new administration will confront a slew of challenges from the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza to tense relations with China. David Petraeus is well known as a highly decorated four-star general and the former Director of the CIA. He recently joined Christiane to forecast the opportunities and pitfalls facing the new administration. Also on today's show: Former Canadian Environment Minister Catherine McKenna; former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A special show for the holidays, looking back on some of the biggest events, cultural hits and Christiane's best interviews this year. One year after the outgoing Biden administration struck a deal to bring him and four other Iranian Americans back home, Siamak Namazi, the longest held American in Iran, speaks with Christiane about his captivity in Iran's Evin prison, the torture he underwent and what it feels like to be free. Then, Christiane sits down with Hollywood legend Tom Hanks and his co-writer Christopher Riley to discuss their unique documentary "The Moonwalkers," capturing humanity's obsession with space travel. She also revisits an exclusive report from Ukraine, where she gained access to a medical evacuation train used by the Ukrainian army to transport wounded soldiers from near the frontlines to hospitals around the country. Afterwards, "True Detective" stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis speak with Christiane about the latest season of the hit series released to critical acclaim. Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep and former Afghan politicians, negotiator Fawzia Koofi and Dr. Habiba Sarabi, also join Christiane to talk about their new documentary called "The Sharp Edge of Peace," following the doomed efforts to negotiate with the Taliban. And finally, in a moving interview during celebrations marking 80 years since the D-Day landings in Normandy, 101 year old U.S. army veteran Jake Larson speaks with Christiane about the shared values he and his fellow servicemen fought for during World War II. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christiane's world exclusive with Iran's notorious women's rights activist, Narges Mohammadi, who last year was awarded the Nobel peace prize, and who has spent much of the past 20 years in Evin prison. She is accused of “spreading propaganda" and acting against the country's national security. Mohammadi was recently released on a 3-week medical furlough to recover from surgery and made the courageous decision to speak out—on this program— knowing she is gong back to jail. Plus, press freedom at risk in the United States and around the democratic world, former Washington Post Executive Editor, Martin Baron tells Christiane what’s in the Trump toolbox to legally assault the press and how to protect our constitutional right to free speech. Then, as 51 verdicts came down against Gisele Pelicot's abusers in the mass rape trial that stunned France and caught the world's attention, Saskya's Vandoorne's special report, with exclusive access to police records, on how dozens of men in one town became complicit in this horrifying crime. From Christiane's archive this week, the taxi driver who put aside ethnic divisions and became a hero to the needy during under siege in Sarajevo. And finally, Christiane speaks with Edward Berger, director of the film "Conclave," which depicts the knives out battle to elect a new pop in the Catholic Church. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

America faces chaos in Washington, again, with the US government just hours away from shutting down. Barring an early Christmas miracle, the proverbial lights go off at midnight tonight. Norm Ornstein, veteran political observer, joins the show to discuss. Also on today's show: Mouaz Moustafa, Executive Director, Syrian Emergency Task Force; Charlie Warzel, Staff Writer, The Atlantic; Edward Berger, Director, "Conclave" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Donald Trump’s second term rapidly approaches, one domestic policy seems particularly clear and predictable: mass deportations. Family separation, you'll recall, was a highly controversial policy adopted by Trump in his first term. Forcibly removing children from their families was purportedly intended to act as a deterrent, but it shocked the country and divided even Trump’s own cabinet. Oscar-winning filmmaker Errol Morris and journalist Jacob Soboroff join the show to discuss the powerful new documentary "Separated," adapted from Soboroff's book of the same name. Also on today's show: Omer Bartov, Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Brown University; Nobel prize-winning economist Paul Krugman, the former longtime opinion columnist of The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Iran, there are still those bravely speaking out on issues of human rights, democracy and women's equality. One is Narges Mohammadi, the Nobel Peace Laureate, who has now been imprisoned for the better part of the last 20 years. In a world exclusive interview, Mohammadi has made the extraordinary decision to speak to Christiane Amanpour while out on a temporary release from prison on medical grounds. Also on today's show: former US Defense Secretary Mark Esper; New Yorker staff writer Jia Tolentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Syria's new leaders are pushing for legitimacy on the world stage and have been meeting with United Nations and European officials this week. The United Nation’s Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, has been meeting Syria’s new authorities in Damascus. He joins the show from the Syrian capital. Also on today's show: former Washington Post Exec Editor Martin Baron; Brady United Against Gun Violence President Kris Brown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The defense of Ukraine is top of the agenda for European foreign ministers meeting in Brussels today. With a new year ahead, and a new American administration too, the urgent question is how to end the war soon. Few know better what those negotiations would look like, and the cost of any deal, than former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, who joins Christiane from Kyiv. Also on today's show: Mediha Ibrahim Alhamad & Hasan Oswald discuss their new documentary, "Mediha"; US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Amanpour Hour, Chrisitane explores the aftermath of the stunning fall of Syria’s Assad regime, unpacking its geopolitical ripple effects with the view from Europe and what Trump 2.0 might do, featuring EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas and former Pentagon official Elbridge Colby. Then on the ground in Syria, Jomana Karadsheh reports from Daraya, the birthplace of Syria's anti-regime Arab Spring movement that simply called for reforms, speaking to one woman whose loved ones disappeared into Syria’s notorious prison system. Also on the show, from her archives, Christiane revisits her 2017 interview with the defector known as “Caesar” who documented the Assad dynasty's atrocities. Then, as Netanyahu takes the stand in his corruption trial, Alex Gibney and Alexis Bloom discuss their explosive film, The Bibi Files, featuring banned interrogation footage inside Israel. Finally, Christiane speaks with Mediha and Hasan Oswald about their film, "Mediha," which documents her harrowing story of survival in ISIS captivity through her own video diaries, offering a poignant look at healing and hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Syrian people are still celebrating what so many never thought possible, a country free of Bashar al-Assad. But amid the joy, there is much uncertainty about what lies ahead, and also deep pain, as the heinous atrocities from the past decades are coming more and more to light. Stephen Rapp has been laser-focused on bringing Assad to justice for years, gathering and documenting all the evidence possible. Rapp, who was the leading US official on war crimes, says he wants to see the brutal dictator face responsibility for the detention, torture and murder of tens of thousands of Syrians. He currently serves as distinguished fellow at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's Center for the Prevention of Genocide. He joins the show from Washington DC. Also on today's show: "Daughters" Directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae; Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO & Chairman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wednesday night the United Nations General Assembly demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and also condemned a new law in Israel that will ban the operations of the relief agency UNRWA. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini is on a tour of capitals that support the agency's work, trying to get that ban reversed. He joins Christiane in London. Also on today's show: Golden Globe-nominated director Payal Kapadia ("All We Imagine As Light"); Syrian-American Artist and Architect Mohamad Hafez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Both outgoing and incoming US administrations hope there’s momentum for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. Qatar has played the central mediator role throughout, and this weekend regional leaders gathered there to discuss an end to this war. Christiane Amanpour spoke in Doha to foreign ministers Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani from Qatar, Espen Bart Eideh from Norway and Subra-Manyam Jaishankar from India. Also on today's show: The producer and director of the new Benjamin Netanyahu documentary "The Bibi Files"; New York Times opinion columnist Masha Gessen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early hours after Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad's fall, rumors flew of secret prison cells locked by fleeing guards, deprived of inside of food, water and even oxygen. Today, the Association of Detainees and the Missing say that the notorious Saydnaya prison is now empty, with the White Helmet rescuers confirming "no evidence of undiscovered secret cells or basements." But before that confirmation, fueled by fear and desperation, thousands of relatives went there in search of those who had been condemned to Assad's dungeons. Correspondent Clarissa Ward reports from Damascus. Also on today's show: EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas; former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby; former Republican and Democratic Counsels to the Senate Judiciary Committee Gregg Nunziata and Noah Bookbinder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is a new reality in Syria and the road ahead is still unclear. After rebels swept into the capital Damascus in lightening speed and ended half a century of oppressive rule by the Assad family. Rami Jarrah has reported for years on the human toll of violence in his country, often under a pseudonym for his safety. He joins Christiane today from Berlin. Also on today's show: UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen; US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his first trip abroad as President-elect, Donald Trump attended the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Dispensing with protocol, world leaders like Emmanuel Macron are eager to meet with him to take the measure of the man they know as a deliberate disruptor to the world stage. One leader who know him very well is former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She joined Christiane in Washington to discuss her new memoir "Freedom," how she handled Trump’s unconventional style, his fascination with dictators, and Putin's fear tactics. As rebel forces in Syria continue to seize key territories, Christiane digs into the archives, when she visited with Syrian refugees in Jordan, highlighting the ongoing human cost of this 13-year conflict. Sitting down with Christiane in New York, award-winning actress and Hollywood star Demi Moore discusses beauty standards and self-acceptance. She talks about her role in The Substance, a film exploring the dark side of chasing youth, our society's obsession with aging, and opens up about family, and supporting her ex-husband Bruce Willis through his dementia diagnosis. Finally, filmmaker Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes-winning film "All We Imagine As Light," a poignant exploration of love and patriarchy in modern India. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The challenges in Eastern Europe extend beyond Ukraine’s borders. Romania's constitutional court has annulled the first round of its presidential election amid allegations of Russian interference. In Georgia, a week of anti-government demonstrations has been met by a brutal police response. And one of Ukraine’s most vocal supporters, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, is leaving office after his political party was defeated in October elections. He joins the show from New York. Also on today's show: An exclusive interview with Syrian rebel leader Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS); Thierry Arnaud, Senior International Correspondent, BFMTV; Daniel Bogado Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Middle East is in meltdown, and perhaps some of the rawest descriptions aren't coming from aid groups or reporters but from writers. Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha was forced to flee his home in Gaza a year ago. Since then, he and his wife say they have lost almost 100 family members in the violence. Watching from afar in the US, Mosab has released an acclaimed collection "Forest of Noise" which captures the horror and grief of this time in his life. Also on today's show: actor Demi Moore; journalist Ronan Farrow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many South Koreans are demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol either resign or be impeached after he sprung a surprise declaration of martial law late last night, shocking the country's allies across the world, particularly the US, which has nearly 30 thousand troops posted in the country. Joining the program to discuss what comes next to is former US Ambassador to South Korea Kathleen Stephens. Also on today's show: Colin Clarke, Director of Research, The Soufan Group; Steven Rattner, former counselor to the US treasury secretary; David Frum, staff writer, The Atlantic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The shocking decision by South Korea's president today to declare martial law spurred protests erupted at the National Assembly, and, within hours, lawmakers unanimously rejected the declaration. Senior American officials say they are "very concerned" by what's happening there. Kenneth Choi is the International Editor for one of South Korea's major newspapers, he joins the program from Seoul. Also on today's show: former South Korean Foreign Minister Kyung-wah Kang; former German Chancellor Angela Merkel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Asia prepares for a whole new America under Donald Trump, Christiane speaks with US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel. Plus, no women in combat and ditching diversity issues. Is this the future under Trump's unconventional defense pick? We dig into the real-world impact with former US Defense Secretary William Cohen. And as the great American play "Our Town" returns to Broadway, Michel Martin speaks with Director Kenny Leon and stars Katie Holmes and Jim Parsons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Thanksgiving, The Amanpour Hour focuses on the power of bridge-building. Following a contentious election, America feels more divided than ever. Renowned political scientist Robert Putnam joins Christiane to reflect on the reasons driving Americans apart and how to rebuild those communities. Former Israeli and Palestinian leaders Ehud Olmert and Nasser al-Kidwa join forces and discuss their shared vision for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Journalist Yuval Abraham and Palestinian co-director and West Bank resident, Basel Adra talk about their collaboration in a new and controversial film, “No Other Land.” Diane Foley, mother of slain journalist James Foley and co-author Colum McCan delve into their book "American Mother," which covers her journey of resilience, meeting her son's killer and rejecting hatred despite her tragic loss. Historian Dominic Erdozain examines the origins of the Second Amendment and its evolving interpretation in his book "One Nation Under Guns," and the need to find political agreement to end gun violence in America. Finally, “Kim’s Convenience” creator Ins Choi sits down with Christiane on-set to celebrate the immigrant experience that unites us all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Syrian rebels say they've entered Aleppo for the first time since 2016. We bring you the latest from the region. Then, Pakistan's capital is turned upside down by anti-government protests. We speak to the former Pakistani ambassador to the US. Plus, "Sugar Cane" is a new documentary exploring the horrific abuse at indigenous boarding schools run by the Catholic church. The filmmakers join us to discuss. And five years after a fire destroyed parts of Notre Dame, the iconic cathedral reopens its doors fora presidential preview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some governors, led by J-B Pritzker of Illinois and Jared Polis in Colorado, are trying to strengthen their own state-level institutions to protect against the promised retribution of President Trump. Colorado Governor Jared Polis joins Christiane from Boulder. Also on today's show: former Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk; James Beard Award-winning Chef Bryant Terry, author of "Black Food" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah appears within reach. A spokesman for Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party says they have approved it, and Lebanon's government has agreed to the US-backed proposal, after the speaker of Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berry received Hezbollah's approval to move forward. Elias Bou Saab is the deputy speaker of Parliament, and he joins Christiane from Beirut. Also on today's show: actor Sharon Horgan on "Bad Sisters"; Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been one year since the only hostage and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas led to the release of over 100 captives taken on October 7th. Around 100 hostages are still believed to be held inside Gaza today. Aviva Siegel was released as part of that deal last November, but her husband Keith, an American-Israeli citizen, remains in captivity. Aviva Siegel joins the show from Israel. Also on today's show: Sir Geoffrey Nice, lead prosecutor at the trial of Slobodan Milošević; Joni Levin and Keith Clarke, producer and writer/director, respectively, of the new Ted Turner documentary "Call Me Ted"; author John Vaillant ("Fire Weather" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The show opens with Bianna Golodryga speaking to David Scheffer, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, about the legal implications of the International Criminal Court’s unprecedented arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes. Plus, Bianna interviews Dan Osborn, a union steamfitter and former Senate candidate from Nebraska on why working-class Americans abandoned democrats, and how to get more of them elected to government . Then, Christiane discusses the adaptation of Say Nothing to a hit series on Hulu and Disney Plus with author Patrick Radden Keefe, exploring the dark history of “The Troubles” of Northern Ireland. Afterwards, Bel Trew of The Independent joins the show to discuss the many restrictions on abortion rights showcased in her documentary The A Word. Later, Bianna talks to Seth and Scott Avett of The Avett Brothers and John Gallagher Jr. about their Broadway musical Swept Away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vladimir Putin's assault on Ukraine, which now includes new medium range ballistic missiles, now appears to be getting a boost from Kim John Un. North Korean fighters are showing up alongside Russian forces, and the Kremlin is using North Korean-made missiles, but as correspondent Nick Paton Walsh reports, they're reliant on American components. Also on today's show: Laila El-Haddad, Palestinian-American journalist and author; musicians Scott & Seth Avett and actor John Gallagher Jr. on the new Broadway musical "Swept Away"; Oren Cass, Chief Economist, American Compass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a groundbreaking move, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, the first time the ICC has targeted the leader of a democratic country and a close ally of the United States. Israeli author and journalist for Haaretz Amir Tibon joins the show to dissect the ramifications and the mood in Israel. Also on today's show: David Scheffer, former US Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues; Arwa Damon, President & Founder, INARA; author Peggy Noonan ("A Certain Kind of America") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"We have a very real opportunity to bring this conflict to an end" was the assessment of US envoy Amos Hochstein, who is bringing a ceasefire proposal to Lebanon and Israel. Both the Lebanese government and Hezbollah are said to have responded positively. In the meantime, Israel has been intensifying its air strikes, even inside Beirut. Nabih Bulos is Middle East Bureau Chief for the LA Times, based in Lebanon's capital, and he joins the show from there. Also in today's show: former US Ambassador to Israel and Egypt Daniel Kurtzer; Dan Osborn, former independent candidate for US Senate, Nebraska; Paul Rosenzweig, former Deputy Assistant Secretary, Homeland Security Department Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today marks 1,000 days of war in Ukraine and for the first time ever, Ukraine has fired long-range missiles into Russia. Meanwhile, the Kremlin is escalating its own campaign against Ukraine, blanketing the country with drone and missile attacks. Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger is concerned about what Donald Trump's return to the White House could mean for Kyiv and for American democracy. He joins the show from Texas. Also on today's show: Patrick Radden Keefe, author, "Say Nothing"; David Brooks contributing writer, The Atlantic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The stakes in Ukraine have again been laid bare. A Russian ballistic missile hit Odesa today, killing at least eight people, with children among the seriously injured. So the news that President Biden will allow the use of powerful long-range American weapons inside Russia may feel timely, although Russia says the decision will throw "oil on the fire." Dara Massicot is a senior fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for international peace, and joins us from Washington. Also on today's show: Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research; filmmaker Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent, The Independent; father-daughter documentarians Ken & Sara Burns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As President Trump transitions into the White House for a second term, some of his cabinet appointments—stacked with MAGA loyalists—are shocking even Republicans and raising questions about their implications for U.S. policy at home and abroad. This week Christiane examines how these staffing decisions could reshape America’s role on the global stage, with Richard Haass weighing in on the risks Trump 2.0 poses to U.S. foreign policy. Washington Governor Jay Inslee discusses the stakes for climate policy and how Democrats can recover from a crushing defeat. Former French President François Hollande reflects on Trump’s impact on Europe and Ukraine, while UNRWA Commissioner Philippe Lazzarini sheds light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid Israel’s efforts to shut down his organization. Marking 20 years since Yasser Arafat’s death, from her archives, Christiane revisits his legacy in advancing the Palestinian quest for statehood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The changing direction in US foreign policy is becoming abundantly clear, even with Donald Trump months away from taking office. Kori Schake has served at the State Department, the Pentagon, and the National Security Council. She joins the show from DC to discuss. Also on today's show: Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the controversial selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Services; political philosophy professor Michael Sandel on his new book, “Democracy’s Discontent” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump will be inaugurated in two months’ time, but will he get the cabinet he wants heading into his second term? Senator Marco Rubio looks set to be secretary of state, but some of Trump’s other picks are raising eyebrows, even within his own party. Critics are concerned that some of these selections are not just ardent loyalists, but lack crucial qualifications for the high-ranking positions. For more on this, Christiane speaks with correspondent Jeff Zeleny. Also on today's show: UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini; former French President François Hollande; columnist Rana Foroohar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keeping with tradition, Joe Biden welcomes Donald Trump to the White House amid some unorthodox Cabinet picks. Christiane speaks with former Pentagon official and Trump backer Eldridge Colby. Plus, we explore what the GOP's stranglehold on the US government means for the world with veteran diplomat Richard Haas. And analyst Oliver Darcy joins the show with a warning: our information society is dangerously polluted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the incoming Trump administration rapidly fills up with loyalists, can Democrats do any more than watch it all unfold? James Carville was the architect of Bill Clinton's decisive victories in the 1990s who popularized the line, "It's the economy, stupid." Now he's the subject of a new documentary on MAX, he joins the program from New Orleans. Also on today's show: Rafael Grossi, Director General, IAEA; Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, co-creators of "Warriors" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World leaders are game planning for a Trump 2.0 new world order. In Azerbaijan, global delegates trying to mitigate climate change at the annual COP summit remember with dread former President Trump pulling out of the landmark Paris climate accords. Democratic governor of Washington state Jay Inslee has dedicated much of his political career to combat the climate crisis. He joins Christiane from Bainbridge Island, Washington. Also on today's show: Director Alfonso Cuarón and actor Cate Blanchett discuss their new Apple TV+ series "Disclaimer"; Richard Reeves, President, American Institute for Boys and Men Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Donald Trump's stunning comeback, Christiane Amanpour explores the global implications of Trump's second term in the White House. She speaks with former U.S. Ambassador Gordon Sondland on Trump’s likely approach to governing without constraint, favoring mass deportations and tariffs. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb joins Christiane to discuss how Europe is viewing what Trump's election will mean for NATO support and U.S. alliances around the globe, and Europe's need to take more responsibility for defense and funding. Former Biden official Rush Doshi offers insight into how China views Trump’s return amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry, while Ukraine’s ex-Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk discusses how Kyiv views Trump’s promise to end the war in Ukraine on day one. Then, marking 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Christiane revisits her conversation with Mikhail Gorbachev from 1999, reflecting on today’s global challenges to democracy. Finally, Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council provides an on-the-ground account of the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The reality of a second, more emboldened term for President-elect Donald Trump is sinking in. Leaders from across the globe are flooding him with congratulations and trying to get his ear on issues from the Middle East to Ukraine, to wide-ranging tariffs, and of course, the climate. All these topics that will be on the docket up at the G20 Summit in Brazil later this month, where host Brazilian President Lula will no doubt be seeing parallels between Trump's return and his own country's history with Jair Bolsonaro: a far-right politician known as "the Trump of the tropics" whose supporters stormed government buildings after he lost out on a second term. Christiane spoke with Lula about all these issues. Also on today's show: Olivia Troye, former adviser to Vice President Mike Pence; David Sanger, National Security Correspondent, The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back in January, Joe Biden kicked off his aborted presidential campaign by accusing Donald Trump of sacrificing democracy to put himself back in charge. This week the American people, knowing exactly who Trump is, returned him to the White House. For more on how Washington prepares to shift back to a Trump presidency, US national affairs correspondent Jeff Zeleny joins the program. Also on today's show: Finnish President Alexander Stubb; Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk; Senior Politico Columnist Jonathan Martin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices