Amanpour

Six months into President Trump's second term, his quest to remake America rolls along, highlighted by the passage last week of his sweeping domestic policy bill - despite polls showing it's unpopular with most Americans. Democrats have been completely unable to mount an opposition, but Vermont's Independent Senator Bernie Sanders is drawing record crowds with his "Fighting Oligarchy Tour." He joins the show from Capitol Hill. Also on today's show: Correspondent Matthew Chance on the Russia-Ukraine war; NYT reporter Farnaz Fassihi on Israel's devastating strikes in Iran; correspondent Paula Hancocks on Israel's devastating strikes on Gaza; director Jeff Bieber ("Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington for what's now an extended visit to President Trump. But their talk of an imminent ceasefire has yet to come to fruition. Instead, Israel's renewed offensive in Gaza has killed hundreds more in recent days, while the country's Defense Minister is proposing to move 600,000 Palestinians into a concentrated area of Rafah. James Elder has just returned from a recent trip for UNICEF and joins Christiane in the studio. Also on today's show: Galia David, Mother of Evyatar David, Hostage held by Hamas; Tamir Hayman, Former IDF Intelligence Chief; Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump claimed that Gaza ceasefire talks are "going well" as he met with Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu in Washington, who was also optimistic after the meeting, even saying that peace between Israel and the entire Middle East was possible under Trump's leadership. While the world waits for an agreement, the people of Gaza continue to be bombed, with over 60 people reported killed there today. Noa Landau is the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which has done extensive investigative reporting on this war, and she joins the program from Tel Aviv. Also on today's show: economist Ernie Tedeschi; NYT reporter Caroline Kitchener; award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins ("Purpose") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: As Gaza ceasefire talks continue in Doha, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington, DC to meet with US President Donald Trump. Could a deal between Israel and Hamas be within reach? Israeli journalist Nadav Ayal explains. Plus: Texas braces for more rain after floods kill over 80. We get the latest on the ground. And: As extreme weather events become more frequent, how can we prepare? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A deadly week in Gaza saw hundreds of Palestinians killed. The world now waits for a possible ceasefire, which would bring some relief to a population already facing a fuel crisis and food shortages. Chris Lockyear is the Secretary-General of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and joins the show from Geneva. Also on today's show: Ukrainian Journalist Nataliya Gumenyuk; Ari Shaw Director of International Programs, UCLA Williams Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The House continues to debate the GOP’s major domestic legislation, we speak to Annie Grayer about the latest developments. Next: NYT immigration reporter Hamed Aleaziz, who has been on the frontline of Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown - he embedded with ICE on one of their operations - joins the show. Then: CNN's Nick Patton Walsh's exclusive report on North Korea tripling the number of troops they’re sending to Russia’s front lines. And: A look back at Christiane’s 2019 interview with the outgoing Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After more than six weeks of testimony, the jury in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial found the media mogul guilty on charges of transportation to engage in prostitution, but acquitted him of the most serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Ann Olivarius — a British American lawyer who specializes in discrimination, sexual harassment and assault — joins the show to discuss. Also on today's show: Amos Hochstein, former senior adviser to President Joe Biden; author Jeff Goodell, "The Heat Will Kill You First" & climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: After a marathon, multi-day debate, the Senate has passed Donald Trump's massive "Big Beautiful" tax and spending bill. What will it mean for America's fiscal future? Brianna puts that question to two top former presidential advisers. Plus: Trump goes after federal courts as judges face a torrent of threats. Brianna speaks with two who understand this all too well: US District Judge Esther Salas - herself a victim of violence - and former Venezuelan federal criminal Judge Eliazar Javier Saldivar. And: New reports shed light on the grave consequences of USAID shutting its doors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Bianna speaks to Heorhii Tykhyi, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson about the recent barrage of Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine and what the US and EU can do to aid Ukraine's war effort. Plus: We bring you a harrowing report from Gaza on the death of a three-month-old girl from starvation. Max Rodenbeck from the International Crisis Group joins the show to discuss. And: Former CDC Director Tom Frieden reacts to RFK Jr.'s plans to make America healthy again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As world leaders met at this week's NATO summit in the Netherlands, Christiane's exclusive interview with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The two discussed the fallout from the Israel-Iran conflict, a resolution in the war in Gaza, Canada-U.S. relations, Trump's demand NATO allies boost defense spending by 5% and whether Ukraine can still count on U.S. support. Then, former White House Arms Control Coordinator, Gary Samore talks to Christiane about whether Iran will continue to pursue its nuclear program and how the origins of Iran's nuclear ambitions began. From her archives this week, Christiane's rare 2007 visit to Iran's nuclear plant in Isfahan, one of the three targets of the recent attacks by the U.S. and Israel. And finally, Christiane pays tribute to the wonderful war reporter, Rod Nordland, who passed away earlier this week after a six-year battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The primary goal of Israeli and American attacks on Iran was to remove the country's "existential" nuclear threat. But what if the attacks have the opposite effect, motivating the Iran to pull of the non-proliferation treaty and resume their nuclear program covertly? In parliament, Iranian lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. This means that Iran would halt inspections, reporting and oversight activities. Iran always insisted its nuclear program is peaceful. For some perspective, we bring you Christiane's 1995 report on her visit to Iran's earliest nuclear power plant in Bushehr. Also on today's show: Gary Samore, former White House Coordinator for Arms Control; Elaine Sciolino, author of "Adventures in the Louvre"; Mark Henson, Dir. of Federal Advocacy and Government Affairs, The Trevor Project Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could US strikes in Iran pave the way for a ceasefire in Gaza? And could progress toward a ceasefire in Gaza help dial down tension in the West Bank as well? Christiane speaks with Mustafa Barghouti, a longtime Palestinian politician and former peace negotiator. Also on today's show: Karim Sadjadpour, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; David A. Graham, Staff Writer, The Atlantic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At today's NATO summit, President Trump devoted a great deal of his press conference to the US's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. After a back and forth over a leaked Pentagon report suggesting the strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months, Trump said it was preliminary and "inconclusive." Then he got another report by Israel's Atomic Energy Commission, saying the US attack on Fordow "destroyed the site's critical infrastructure." Iran itself also said the facilities were badly damaged. David Petraeus served as the Commander of Centcom and Director of the CIA and joins Christiane to discuss this all. Also on today's show: former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, now Co-Chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations; former CDC epidemiologist Dr. Fiona Havers, who quit after actions by RFK Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NATO leaders are gathering in the Netherlands for their annual summit at the same time a fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Iran war appears to be holding. Can diplomacy succeed if the ceasefire survives? Among the leaders urging that path is Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney. Christiane sat down with the Prime Minister in the Netherlands today. Also on today's show: EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas; Barry Eichengreen, Professor of Economics and Politics, U.C. Berkeley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Christiane’s exclusive conversation with the Iranian deputy foreign minister on how it could respond to U.S. involvement and still holding out hope for nuclear negotiations once this war is over. Then: If regime change is also Israel's goal. Who is waiting in the wings to take over? Christiane speaks with former State Department adviser and Iran expert Vali Nasr. Also: From her archives, Christiane looks back at a moment of hope inside and outside Iran for a peaceful transition to freedom and stability. Dreams well and truly dashed in the intervening years. And: Film director Wes Anderson speaks with Christiane about his new film "The Phoenician Scheme," the inescapable signature style of all his movies, and hiring Kate Winslet's daughter. Finally: As Berlin pays tribute to the legendary artwork of wrapping the Reichstag by Christo and Jean-Claude this week, Christiane revisits her conversation with Christo and what he told her about the project and how his own history as a refugee informed his art and unstoppable drive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel's attacks on Iran and Iran's retaliation have brought the United States to the edge of entering another war in the Middle East. It is exposing divisions within President Trump's cabinet and the MAGA movement over American involvement abroad. As former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen has an insider's view of war in the Middle East. He joins Christiane to discuss this all. Also on today's show: investigative journalist and author Carol Cadwalladr on the dangers of techno-authoritarianism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Israel continues to attack Iran, it says Tehran crossed the red line after striking a major hospital in southern Israel. Iran says it was targeting a nearby technology park, but Israel says it was a deliberate attack on civilians. Correspondent Fred Pleitgen is in Tehran and brings a report from outside the state television building that Israel attacked. Also on today's show: Vali Nasr, Author, "Iran's Grand Strategy: A Political History"; Jeff Flake, Former Republican US Senator / Former US Ambassador to Turkey; Barbara Walter, Professor of International Affairs, U.C. San Diego / Author, "How Civil Wars Start and How to Stop Them" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will the US join Israel in its offensive against Iran? President Donald Trump says, "I may do it, I may not do it." Residents of Tehran have been called upon to evacuate and are mired in traffic gridlocks trying to leave. Meantime, Israel continues to strike leadership targets and nuclear sites. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, rejected the U.S. President's call for unconditional surrender in a taped video message aired on State TV. Majid Takht-Ravanchi is Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, and is a key player in the nuclear negotiations. He joins Christiane in an exclusive interview from Tehran. Also on today's show: Andrei Kelin, Russian Ambassador to the UK; author Hala Alyan (“I'll Tell You When I'm Home”) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump took to social media to warn Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei that he's an "easy target" and calling for unconditional surrender, adding to the fears of Iranians who are desperately trying to leave the capital since Trump told all 10 million to "immediately evacuate." Just before Israel launched its massive attacks, the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation agreements for the first time in 20 years. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi joins Christiane from Vienna. Also on today's show: Jon Finer, Former US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor; DNC Chair Ken Martin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran's state television channel says that it has been attacked by Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country's air force "controls the skies" over Iran's capital city. Christiane Amanpour switches roles and joins Bianna to analyze this intense moment. Also on today's show: former US State Department official Richard Haass; New Yorker staff writer Susan Glasser; Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Strikes on Iran continue as Israel plunges the Middle East into dangerous new territory. Iran vows retaliation and launches hundreds of drone strikes against Israel. On today's show we ask key experts and insiders where all of this is headed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's "Russia National Day," the anniversary of Russia declaring its sovereignty from the Soviet Union in 1990. The US State Department sent congratulations, even as Russia continues to violate the sovereignty of its neighbor, Ukraine. Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk is pushing for “justice and accountability” as negotiations continue for an end to the Ukraine war. Also on today's show: David Sanger, National Security Correspondent, The New York Times; photojournalist Giles Clarke; comedian Jerrod Carmichael Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Protests over the Trump Administration sending in the National Guard and the Marines to assist in its immigration raids are spreading across the country. Legal and military experts warn that this could threaten American democracy. California Governor Gavin Newsom calls it a brazen abuse of power. Governor Newsom and the State Attorney General Rob Bonta are suing the president to remove the troops from their streets. Bonta says mobilizing 700 marines to support the National Guard in LA is a "unnecessary escalation." He joins Christiane from Alameda, California. Also on today's show: Democratic Congresswoman Norma Torres; human rights lawyer Sir Geoffrey Nice; Tulsa OK Mayor Monroe Nichols Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is doubling down on sending troops to Los Angeles, mobilizing another 2,000 National Guard members, while the Defense Department activated 700 Marines to react to the anti-ICE protests. Trump praised himself for the decision and suggested the city would have been completely obliterated otherwise. California's Governor Gavin Newsom, however, says the move was entirely unnecessary, and even counter-productive, claiming that local officials are more than capable of managing the unrest. Protests are now being seen in other cities as well. Correspondent Josh Campbell joins the program from Los Angeles. Also on today's show: UN humanitarian affairs spokesperson Olga Cherevko; Ukrainian tennis player-turned-soldier Sergiy Stakhovsky; actors Dule Hill & Daniel J. Watts ("Lights Out: Nat King Cole"); former USAID administrator Dr. Atul Gawande Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crowds have largely dispersed in downtown Los Angeles, which the police department declared an "unlawful assembly area." About 300 National Guard troops are now on the ground, deployed by Donald Trump over the objections of California leaders. These protests are taking place amidst a series of immigration measures by the Trump White House. Immigration lawyer Sui Ching and NPR correspondent Jasmine Garsd discuss the implications of all these recent developments. Also on today's show: Sasha Joelle Achilli & Sara Obeidat, co-directors, “Syria’s Detainee Files”; Shane Goldmacher, National Political Correspondent, The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a long-awaited phone call between President Trump and President Xi Jinping and as Trump tries to iron out the kinks of his trade war with China, Ely Ratner, Biden's Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Indo-Pacific with close ties to Trump's Pentagon, argues that America needs a new NATO-like defense pact in Asia to counter the growing threat from Beijing. Plus, award-winning author and professor Ibram X. Kendi talks to Bianna about his new biography for young readers exploring the complex nature of Malcom X's legacy. Also, CNN's Mike Valerio breaks down what South Korea's new leader Lee Jae-myung means for the country's democracy following its martial law crisis, and the implications of this election for its relations with the United States and the region. Then, investigative Russian journalists Irina Borogan and Andrei Soldatov, now living in exile, discuss their new book, "Our Dear Friends in Moscow," about how their former colleagues in the Russian press came to enable Vladimir Putin's regime. From the archives, decades after allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy to rid Western Europe of Nazi control, history buff and World War Two chronicler Tom Hanks on why the stories of D-Day's heroic generation must be told. As theatre's leading men and reigning divas head to the Tony Awards this weekend, one of the nominees, David Yazbek speaks to Bianna Golodryga about his play, "Dead Outlaw." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yet again, US-China relations are tense. Ely Ratner served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs during the Biden Administration. He joined the show from Washington to discuss his latest Foreign Affairs piece: "The Case for a Pacific Defense Pact." This conversation was just before Trump and Xi spoke. Also on today's show: author Ibram X. Kendi; financier Ray Dalio; actor Tom Hanks (from the archive) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's become a rite of passage for world leaders: the Oval Office meeting with President Trump. Now, it's the turn of the relatively new Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz. Germany is the focal point for much of Trump's ire towards Europe, and a key priority will be to stave off looming tariffs. But also, high on the agenda is Ukraine. Member of German Parliament for Merz's CDU party, Norbert Röttgen, joins the show from Berlin. Also on today's show: CNN senior White House reporter Kevin Liptak; author Evan Osnos ("The Have and Have-Yachts: Dispatches on the Ultrarich"); Flexport founder/CEO Ryan Petersen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I will uphold the mission of fully overcoming the insurrection." Those are the words of new South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung, who promises to unite a divided nation. Journalist Ken Choi joins the show to discuss what Lee's election might mean for both South Korea and the rest of the world. Also on today's show: Investigative journalists Irina Borogan and Andrei Soldatov, tell me how the hopes of their generation were crushed by Vladimir Putin's regime. Plus, pioneering designer Prabal Gurung tells Hari Sreenivasan about his extraordinary journey to the top of the fashion world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Unconscionable." That's how the United Nations' Human Rights Chief describes fatal attacks on Palestinians trying to reach aid in Gaza. Chaos erupted at a distribution site in Rafah today, where Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli forces opened fire. It's the third day in a row that people have been killed on their way to collect critically needed aid at the site, which is run by the controversial new "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation." This time the Israeli military says its forces did open fire multiple times, after identifying quote "several suspects moving toward them, deviating from the designated access routes." Jeremy Diamond joins the program from Jerusalem. Also on today’s show: Janti Soeripto, President and CEO, Save the Children US; former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacina Ardern; Dr. David Kessler, author of “Diet, Drugs and Dopamine” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What was meant to be a gathering to support Israeli hostages held by Hamas turned into a crime scene in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday when a man attacked Jewish attendees with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flame thrower. This is just the latest in a series of heinous assaults on Jewish people in America. Joining the show to discuss is Michael Bernstein, chair of the board of the Tree of Life, a non-profit organization started by the community and congregation leaders in Pittsburgh after 11 Jewish worshippers were brutally gunned down in 2018. Also on today's show: Col. Cedric Leighton, Military Analyst / U.S. Air Force (Ret.); Rebecca Winthrop, Director, Center for Universal Education, Brookings / Author, "The Disengaged Teen"; composer David Yazbek ("Dead Outlaw"); Michael Luo, Executive Editor, The New Yorker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As President Trump and his allies escalate the administration's battle on colleges, and on Harvard specifically, Steven Levitsky, Harvard professor and author of “How Democracies Die,” joins Christiane to discuss the reshaping of knowledge in America. Then, best-selling German author Daniel Kehlmann speaks with Christiane about his new book “The Director," exploring what it was like for artists like G.W. Pabst who made films for Joseph Goebbels and the Nazis. Marking 600 days of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Christiane highlights both Jeremy Diamond's report on Israel's fight to get back the 58 remaining hostages in Hamas captivity and Oren Lieberman's story on the chaotic aid delivery to starving Palestinians this week. Christiane also talks to Wilfred Frost, son of the legendary TV host David Frost, about his father's iconic interviews with the likes of Richard Nixon, Yasser Arafat and Elton John, and a new documentary series following his storied career. From her archive, Christiane pays tribute to award-winning Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado. Finally, marking 45 years since CNN's founding, Christiane revisits her conversation with company founder Ted Turner about how he changed the news business forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the same time Russia is ramping up its attacks on Ukraine, the Kremlin claims it's ready with a peace plan for ceasefire talks in Turkey next week. But President Zelensky says they have not seen any draft plan. Meantime, President Trump is said to have given Putin a two-week window to show a genuine intention to end the war. Fiona Hill was President Trump's most senior Russia advisor during his first term and has been in the room with President Putin himself. She joins Christiane to discuss this all. Also on today's show: Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi; April Hernandez Castillo, survivor and advocate for intimate partner violence; NCAA President Charlie Baker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Harvard students celebrated the end of their academic journey, just six miles away the school's lawyers were in court, fighting back against President Trump's attempt to ban international students. That is only one front in a sustained attack by this administration on Harvard. For scholars of democracy, targeting higher education is both shocking and predictable. Steven Levitsky is a Professor of Government and of Latin American studies at Harvard, and the co-author of "How Democracies Die." He joins the program from Brookline, Massachusetts. Also on today's show: Harvard professor Dr. Kari Nadeau; director Wes Anderson; US House Republican Blake Moore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Protestors are blocking highways and raising their voices in Israel today, calling for the release of hostages, as they mark 600 days since the horrors of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. One of those hostages was Omer Shem Tov, who was kidnapped by Hamas and held for more than 500 days before being released in February. Bianna Golodryga spoke to him in New York about what he went through, and what he is focused on now. Also on today's show: Jameel Jaffer, Executive Director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University; author Leah Litman ("Lawless") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israeli strikes have killed dozens in Gaza in the past few days alone, with the death toll there now well over 50,000. The IDF has issued evacuation orders for most of southern Gaza. It warns an "unprecedented attack" is coming as Israel plans to occupy 75% of the enclave in two months. CNN correspondent Jeremy Diamond joins from Jerusalem. Also on today's show: Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert; Former US Deputy Secretary of Treasury Wally Adeyemo & author David Shimer ("Rigged: America, Russia and One Hundred Years of Covert Electoral Interference"); Wrexham A.F.C. Executive Director Humphrey Ker & goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on the docuseries "Welcome to Wrexham" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Secretary of State under President Barack Obama and Joe Biden's climate envoy, John Kerry discusses the current administration's climate U-turn, and what it means for China. He also speaks to Christiane about the administration's Ukraine policy and what kind of deal Trump might be able to negotiate with Iran. Then, Bridget Brink, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, tells Christiane that the Trump administration's policy of placing pressure on Ukraine "rather than on Russia as the aggressor" led to her resignation early this year. Also, with over 15 million followers, YouTube toddler sensation Ms. Rachel has received serious hate for speaking out to try and help on behalf of Gaza's suffering children. CNN's Meena Duerson speaks has this report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was called to Capitol Hill to defend the Trump Administration's agenda this week. Perhaps no policy has felt the Trump undoing as much as climate change. John Kerry is someone who has led the US on all of these issues, as President Biden's Special Climate Envoy as well as Secretary of State under President Obama. He joins the show to discuss. Also on today's show: author Laura Bates ("The New Age of Sexism"); scientist David Liu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Officials from around the world are condemning the killing of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC. The attack comes at a time of heightened threats towards Israeli embassies globally, and a global rise in antisemitism, amid outrage over the country's conduct in Gaza. Correspondent Alex Marquardt joins the show from Washington, DC to discuss. Also on today's show: South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola; UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher; NYT investigative reporter Kate Kelly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russia continues to pound Ukraine, with drone attacks overnight coming just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to his American counterpart Donald Trump. Last month Bridget Brink resigned her post as US Ambassador to Ukraine in protest over the Trump Administration's marked change in policy towards Russia and Ukraine. She joins the show from Washington DC to explain why it matters for America to ensure Russia does not win the war it started. Also on today's show: Wilfred Frost, Son of David Frost / Producer and creator, "David Frost Vs" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UK is making its frustration with its ally Israel known today, summoning its ambassador, pausing trade negotiations and sanctioning West Bank settlers. France and Canada also threatened to take "concrete action" against Israel. CNN's Jerusalem correspondent Jeremy Diamond joins the show from Tel Aviv. Also on today's show: Rim Turkmani, Director of Syria Conflict Research Program, LSE; Bonny Lin, Director, China Power Project; Ian Bremmer, President and Founder, Eurasia Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Last week, President Donald Trump said, “Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together.” Now they have on the phone. But what will it mean for Ukraine. Then: Hundreds of people were killed in Gaza in a matter of days as Israel ramps up airstrikes and its ground offensive. Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman joins the show to discuss. Plus: The center defeats the far right in Romania, and the European Union breathes a sigh of relief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Israel conspicuously absent from Trump's first major Middle East trip, Christiane speaks with Biden's former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman about the ethical concerns surrounding his overseas deals and meetings, the U.S. role in the war in Gaza, and new revelations about efforts by Biden's inner circle to conceal his decline ahead of the election. Then, Ukraine's former Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, speaks to Christiane about what the country should reasonably expect and where the crisis stands now after Putin was a no-show for ceasefire talks in Turkey. Clare Sebastian reports on Russia's propaganda campaign to maintain its grip on the occupied Ukrainian port city of Mariupol. And, as the war in Gaza continues with no ceasefire in sight, Israeli Alon Lee-Green and Palestinian citizen of Israel, Rula Daood, co-directors of "Standing Together", a Jewish-Arab movement for peace, discuss their hopes for ending the conflict, and shared activism. Also, as the first group of white South Africans landed as welcome refugees in the U.S. this week, from Christiane's archive, her 1997 report on the long post-apartheid path to reconciliation in the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Africa has been uniquely impacted by the economic rollercoaster of 2025, with the African Development Bank warning that tariffs could send "shockwaves" through the dozens of nations impacted, reducing trade and raising debt. The ADB aims to reduce poverty and living conditions for Africans across the continent, and its President Akinwumi Adesina joins Christiane from Abidjan. Also on today's show: Author Daniel Kehlmann; journalist Karen Attiah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine are due to meet in Turkey for peace talks but the leaders of both countries will not be present, despite President Putin proposing the talks take place. Moscow has notably withheld its top diplomatic heavyweights, which according to Zelensky, means the nation is "not serious" about peace. US President Donald Trump has weighed in, saying peace won't happen until he meets with Putin himself. Ukraine's former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba joins the show in London to discuss Also on today's show: former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman; author Dr. Jerry Avorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump received a lavish welcome in Qatar today, the second stop on his tour of Gulf nations. While the primary focus of his trip is making deals -- yesterday he announced a $600 billion deal with Saudi Arabia -- he also said he's lifting all sanctions on Syria that were imposed during that country's brutal civil war. Correspondent Jeff Zeleny is following the president and he joins the program from Doha. Also on today's show: former Italian PM Matteo Renzi; Alon-Lee Green & Rula Daood, co-directors of "Standing Together," a Jewish-Arab peace movement; NYT columnist Thomas Friedman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today US President Donald Trump landed in Saudi Arabia, the first stop on his first major foreign trip since returning to office. After Riyadh, he'll go on to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Notably absent from his itinerary is Israel. On Monday, the US went around Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to secure the release of Edan Alexander, the final living American hostage out of Gaza. It appears to be part of a larger pattern, with America also engaging in direct talks with Iran, indirect talks with Hamas and agreeing to a ceasefire deal with the Houthis in Yemen. To assess all this, former US Ambassador to both Egypt and Israel, Daniel Kurtzer joins the show to discuss. Also on today's show: author Jordan Thomas; actor Kelsey Grammer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hamas has released Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, saying it's part of steps towards a ceasefire deal and an end to the Israeli blockade that has lasted more than two months. Edan’s release is a moment of hope for Israel but there are still hostages trapped in Gaza and their loved ones continue to live in this nightmare. Among them is the family of Israeli-American Omer Neutra. Murdered by Hamas on October 7th, in the 583 days since, Omer’s remains have been held in Gaza. Omer's parents Ronen and Orna Neutra join the program. Also on today's show: NPR International Correspondent Emily Feng & Axios Chief Financial Correspondent Felix Salmon; Cardinal Michael Czerny; American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eighty years since Nazi Germany surrendered, Europe marks VE Day as the once unbreakable transatlantic bond faces new pressure under the "America First" president of Donald Trump. Christiane speaks with Finland's President, Alexander Stubb, about his relationship with Trump, the future of NATO and Ukraine, and the Russia-China anti-Western alliance. Them, with the fate of both the people of Gaza and the Israeli hostages still on the line, Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel, talks to Christiane about the humanitarian crisis and the latest military escalation. Marking 25 years of Vladimir Putin's rule over Russia, Fred Pleitgen brings us a rare and highly stage-managed look at the Russian president's life at the Kremlin. Christiane also speaks with award-winning and best-selling novelist Isabelle Allende about her new book, "My Name is Emila Del Valle." From her archives, in honor of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Christiane's conversation with 102-year-old WW2 veteran Jake Larson at the American Cemetary in Normandy. Papa Jake, as he is known, has become an unlikely TikTok star with over one million followers. And finally, as country music celebrated its biggest night of the year at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards this week, Christiane revisited her conversation with industry titan and seven-time nominee Rosanne Cash, daughter of the legendary Johnny Cash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Europe celebrates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Ukraine is still under brutal Russian attack. And while Donald Trump vowed to end the war in 24 hours, three months into his second term the negotiations have stalled. Christiane speaks with a man who might have an insight into Trump's tactics: Finnish president Alexander Stubb. He spent hours golfing with Trump in March and was seated next to him at Pope Francis' recent funeral. Also on today's show: journalist Christo Grozev and "Antidote" Producer-Director James Jones; NYT Technology Reporter David Yaffe-Bellany Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices