The Inside Story Podcast

From the Gulf countries, to Lebanon, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Cyprus and Sri Lanka - the conflict has been spreading. But what are the dangers of this war expanding even further beyond the Middle East? In this episode:  Alam Saleh, Senior Lecturer in Iranian Studies at Centre for Arab & Islamic Studies at  Australian National University Michael O'Hanlon, Senior fellow and director of research in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution Serhan Afacan, Director of the  Center of Iranian Studies in Ankara Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Some of Washington's allies have been critical, saying they won't join the conflict. And as fighting escalates, the US is still struggling to garner support from its partners. But does it need them to continue to wage this war? In this episode:  Anatol Lieven, Director of the Eurasia Programme at Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Theresa Fallon, Director of the Centre for Russia, Europe, Asia Studies & a Senior Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs General Dominique Trinquand, former head of the French military mission to the UN and NATO Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Hezbollah has been attacking Israel - as it pummels southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut. That's despite the Lebanese government's ban on Hezbollah's military activities. What will be the fallout for Lebanon? In this episode:  Heiko Wimmen, Project Director Iraq, Syria, Lebanon for the International Crisis Group Nimrod Novik, former Senior Policy Adviser to Shimon Peres and member of Leadership of Commanders for Israel's Security Nabeel Khoury, former U.S. Diplomat and non-resident fellow at the Arab Center. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iran stands at a crossroads. With its top leadership assassinated early in the joint US-Israeli offensive, the remaining layers of power have been trying to maintain control. There are concerns that after January's mass anti-government demonstrations, this war would lead to chaos. In this episode:  Sasan Karimi, former deputy to Iran's Vice President for Strategic Affairs Maha Yahya, Director of the Malcolm H Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center Christopher Hill, former US diplomat and ambassador to Iraq Host: Mohammed Jamjoom  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Iran attacks Gulf Arab states, hitting civilian buildings and energy infrastructure, as well as U.S. bases. The impact of the American-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic is felt across the region. What does this mean for Gulf states' relations with Iran and with the US?  In this episode:  Abdulaziz Alghashian, Senior non-resident fellow at the Gulf International Forum Bader Al Saif, Professor at Kuwait University, specialising in Middle East history and politics Foad Izadi, Professor in the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel's assault on Iran comes while it's still attacking Gaza and Lebanon, after bombing Syria, Yemen, and Qatar in the past year. What are the risks for Israel opening another battlefront, and from the collapse, or the survival, of the Islamic Republic?  In this episode:  Alon Pinkas, Former Ambassador and Consul General of Israel in New York Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Mitchell Barak, CEO of Kevoon Research Strategy and Communications  Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khomeini assassinated in attacks by the US and Israel. There are huge crowds of mourners on the streets, and the complex process of selecting his successors are already underway. So, how does Iran work and how robust are these state systems now under attack? In this episode:  Ibrahim Fraihat, Associate Professor, International Conflict Resolution, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies.  Sanam Vakil, Director, Middle East and North Africa Program, Chatham House.  Elijah Magnier, Military and Political Analyst.  Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The US and Israel attack Iran - and Tehran retaliates, firing missiles at Israeli targets and US assets in the region. It follows a massive military build-up by Washington - and indirect talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear program. So how dangerous is the situation? In this episode:  Daniel Levy - President of the U.S. / Middle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator  Mehran Kamrava - Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar  Richard Weitz - Senior Fellow at NATO Defense College in Washington DC  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

"I am not backing down." That's what a defiant Nouri Al Maliki had to say, after the US objected to his return as Iraq's prime minister. Washington has set a Friday deadline for him to pullout. But what if he doesn't? And what would the implications be for Iraq? In this episode:  Muhanad Seloom, assistant professor at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Ahmed Rushdi, president of the House of Iraqi Expertise Foundation Kenneth Katzman, senior fellow at The Soufan Center Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

There has been another visit by a Western leader to China. This time, the German chancellor is in Beijing, saying he wants to reset ties. It comes against the backdrop of tensions between Europe and the United States. But can China be an alternative? And what does it have to offer? In this episode:  Jost Wubbeke, Managing Partner at Sinolytics Harry Broadman, Former Assistant to the U.S. Trade Representative Dan Wang, Economist and Director on Eurasia Group's China team Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

"We have a great interest in creating an axis of our own." Those are the words of Benjamin Netanyahu as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes his second visit to Israel. In an increasingly volatile region, what's driving what Israel describes as its special relationship with India? In this episode: Alon Liel, Former director of Israel's Foreign Ministry and international relations commentator Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor at the School of Security Studies at King's College London Siddharth Vardarajan, Founding editor of The Wire, an Indian digital news portal Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

How much power do drug cartels have in Mexico? The killing of the leader of one the country's largest criminal organisations has sparked a wave of violence. But can Mexico win its war against drug trafficking? In this episode:  Sergio Aguayo, Professor at the College of Mexico Chris Dalby, Author of 'CJNG: A Quick Guide to Mexico's Deadliest Cartel' Michael Vigil, former Chief of International Operations at the US Drug Enforcement Administration Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

More talks are planned for Thursday between Iran and the US, which is mobilising its largest military force since the invasion of Iraq more than two decades ago. There are mixed messages from President Donald Trump, while Tehran says it wants talks but is ready for war, too. So where do both sides stand?  In this episode: Jamal Abdi, President of the National Iranian American Council Hassan Ahmadian, Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran Richard Weitz, Senior Fellow at NATO Defense College Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump slaps 15 percent trade levy on all imports. The move comes just a day after he'd set them at 10 percent - enraged by a Supreme Court ruling striking down much of his tariff regime. What are the global implications?  In this episode:  Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation. Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow, Bruegel.  Garima Kapoor, Deputy Head, Research, Elara Securities Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace meets for the first time, pledging money, peacekeeping troops and investment for Gaza. Only one Palestinian was present, while major European nations stayed away. So, what did the gathering mean for the people of Gaza? In this episode:  Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Gideon Levy, Columnist at the Haaretz Newspaper Hugh Lovatt, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations  Host: James Bays  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Is social media addictive? Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg testifies in court, defending his company against charges of deliberately designing features that are addictive to children. Just how much influence does social media have on youth users? And how harmful could it be to their mental health? In this episode:  Adele Walton, Online safety campaigner and author of Logging Off: The Human Cost of our Digital World Larry Magid, CEO of ConnectSafely.org Donna Dawson, psychologist focusing on personality and behaviour Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The US has transferred thousands of detainees linked to the group from Syria to Iraq. It cites security concerns, but is the move enough to prevent ISIL from re-emerging in Syria? In this episode:  Zeidon Alkinani, independent researcher on identity politics in Iraq and the Middle East Colin Clarke, executive director of The Soufan Center Sarah Sanbar, researcher in the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

India hosts an international gathering focusing on the impact of AI's growing dominance. What's the best approach to governing the use of such rapidly advancing technology? And can it be regulated? In this episode: Amba Kak, Co-Director of the A.I. Now Institute Ruta Piepina, Associate Professor at Riga Graduate School of Law Marc Einstein, Research Director and Global Head of AI Research at Counterpoint Research Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel has taken another step towards annexing the occupied West Bank — approving the registration of Palestinian land as state land. It follows a decision that makes it easier for settlers to seize Palestinian property. So, what are the implications of Israel's ongoing land grab? In this episode:  Mohammad Dahleh, Human rights lawyer Mitchell Barak, Founder of KEEVOON Research, Strategy and Communications Simon Mabon, Professor of Middle East and International Politics at Lancaster University Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

African nations must have permanent seats on the UN Security Council, the head of the world body tells the African Union. Most of Asia and Latin America don't have a permanent presence either, despite their huge populations. Can the United Nations be reformed?  In this episode: Olukayode Bakare, Visiting Scholar, International Relations and African Politics, University of Colorado Denver. Mukesh Kapila, Former UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan. Tim Murithi, Senior Advisor, Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Germany's chancellor says the international rules-based order is gone. The US secretary of state responds, saying the Trump administration wants the transatlantic alliance - but while criticising Europe again. So what is emerging? A new global order, or something else?  In this episode: Chet Love - U.S. Republican strategist and political commentator  Scott Lucas - Professor of U.S. and International Politics at University College Dublin Einar Tangen - Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins the country's first elections since the 2024 uprising. Rare international unity as the US, China, India, and Pakistan all welcome the result. But how's it being seen at home — especially by the young people who led the protests for change?  In this episode: Shahab Enam Khan, International Relations Professor at Bangladesh University of Professionals.  Prapti Taposhi, Activist and first-time voter in Thursday's general elections Sohela Nazneen, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, UK Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Amnesty International and Israeli human-rights organisation B'Tselem say the genocide in Gaza is still ongoing. Four months after a deal to stop the war, aside from continuing Israeli attacks, Palestinians face other dangers. In this episode:  Mansour Shouman, Middle East political analyst and citizen journalist from Gaza  Shai Parnes, Director of Public Outreach, B'Tselem Michael Lynk, Professor Emeritus of Law at Western University in Ontario Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Will Thursday's elections be a watershed moment for Bangladesh? Millions of people are expected to cast ballots in the first polls since long-time prime minister Sheikh Hasina was removed in 2024. But can the vote spark a real political transition for the country's democracy? In this episode:  Ashikur Rahman, principal economist at the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh Prapti Taposhi, activist and a first-time voter Thomas Kean, senior consultant for Myanmar and Bangladesh at the International Crisis Group Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

There's condemnation of Israel's latest move to tighten its grip over the occupied West Bank. Its security cabinet has approved plans to expand illegal settlements there. Is this a step towards annexation? And where does it leave the historic Oslo Accords? In this episode:  Ammar Hijazi, ambassador and head of the Palestinian Mission to the Netherlands Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House Chris Doyle, Director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Voters in Portugal have overwhelmingly chosen a centre-left Socialist president. But his far-right rival secured a record share of the vote. What's fuelling this support? And does it signal a future political shift in the European country? In this episode:  Miguel Poiares Maduro, Director of the School of Transnational Governance at the European University Institute Karel Lannoo, CEO of the Centre for European Policy Studies Rui Gomes da Silva, Lawyer and former Portuguese Parliamentary Affairs Minister Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

How has Israel’s war on Gaza shaped the Middle East? This year, the Al Jazeera Forum discusses the regional implications of the war. With new realities on the ground, how has the conflict changed the geopolitics in this volatile region? This show was produced on the sidelines of the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha. In this episode:  Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary, Palestinian National Initiative. Abdullah Al Shayji, Professor, International Relations and Political Science, Kuwait University. Ziad Majed, Professor, Middle Eastern Studies, The American University of Paris. Host: Sami Zeidan  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Armed groups have killed more than 200 people in several attacks in Nigeria in recent days. The Christian worshippers abducted from churches last month have been released. How serious is Nigeria's security situation -- and what progress is being made?  In this episode:  James Barnett -- Non-resident research fellow at the Hudson Institute, specialising in armed groups in Nigeria   Oluwole Ojewale -- Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa at the Institute for Security Studies. Melvin Foote -- founder and president of the Constituency for Africa and a specialist on U.S.-Africa policy Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

For more than five decades, nuclear arms control treaties were enforced between Russia and the US until this week. The last agreement has been allowed to lapse without a new one to replace it. So, why has this happened, and what are the dangers?  In this episode:  Thomas Countryman, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Non-Proliferation under the Obama administration Rebecca E Johnson, Co-founder and first President of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Nikolai Sokov, Senior Fellow at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Talks brokered by the US seek to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Many civilians in Ukraine are suffering in freezing temperatures after Russian attacks on heating and energy supplies. Negotiations are to continue, despite big divisions. But what are those sticking points? And could an end come soon?  In this episode:  Alexander Bratersky, Independent Analyst and journalist in Moscow  Oleksiy Goncharenko, Ukrainian opposition member of Parliament and a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in Europe for The New York Times Host: Tom McRae  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

India and the US announce a trade deal, with relief from some of President Donald Trump's harshest tariffs. He says India will stop buying Russian oil and open up to American business. So, why is the deal getting a mixed reaction in India? In this episode:  Ajay Chhibber, visiting scholar at George Washington University Biswajit Dhar, trade economist and former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University Harry Broadman, former Chief of Staff at the President's Council of Economic Advisers Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is yet again in Israel to discuss growing tensions with Iran. The two sides have been trading threats. At odds for nearly half a century, can they find a common ground? Or is a new round of conflict inevitable? In this episode: Thomas Warrick, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council Marzie Khalilian, political analyst and researcher at Carleton University Alon Pinkas, Former Israeli Ambassador and Consul General in New York Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Gaza's Rafah border crossing reopened but under strict Israeli conditions. The crossing is once again operational as part of the US-brokered ceasefire. But with Israel's restrictions, will this reopening ease the suffering of Palestinians after two years of war? In this episode:  Hussein Haridy, former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Mosab Nasser, CEO of FAJR Global Akiva Eldar, political analyst and contributor to Haaretz  Host: Maleen Saeed Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

How will Pakistan deal with growing security challenges in the southwestern province of Balochistan? Another coordinated attack by separatists has killed dozens of people. Many ethnic Baloch have long complained of neglect and oppression by Islamabad. So, what will it take to end the cycle of violence there? In this episode: Raashid Wali Janjua, Former Brigadier, Pakistan's Army and Director, Islamabad Policy Research Institute  Sanaullah Baloch, Leader, Balochistan National Party Ayesha Siddiqa, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Defence Studies, King's College London Host: Maleen Saeed Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Caracas says it's opening up the sector to private players. That follows Washington's dramatic intervention in the country in early January. But who will stand to gain from the changes: Venezuela or the United States? Or both? In this episode: Elias Ferrer Founder  and director of Orinoco Research. He analysis politics and the Venezuelan economy.   Andrew Lipow President of Lipow Oil Associates   Phil Gunson Senior Analyst  at the International Crisis Group Host: Adrian Finighan  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in China this week with a large delegation of business people and cultural figures. He received a warm welcome from host Xi Jinping. But the visit got a frosty reception from the White House. US President Donald Trump called the trip 'dangerous'. Why and how important is this visit?  In this episode: Will Hutton, political economist and author  Andy Mok, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization Steve Tsang, Director of the China Institute at SOAS University of London Host: Adrian Finighan  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The Doomsday Clock has reached the closest ever point to midnight. That's according to the atomic scientists who run it. They say more wars, aggression from nuclear powers and weaker arms controls are to blame - along with climate change and risks posed by artificial intelligence. Should we be worried?  In this episode: Karim Haggag, Director at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Ramesh Srinivasan, Professor at UCLA Department of Information Studies and host of the podcast 'Utopias' Ben Aris, Founder and Editor in Chief of bne IntelliNews in Berlin Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube  

One of the biggest trade deals in history was struck by India and the European Union, months after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on both. So what's in their agreement? And how much is it driven by Washington's hostile measures?  In this episode: Brahma Chellaney, Professor Emeritus of Strategic Studies at the Centre for Policy Research Remi Bourgeot, Associate Fellow at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs Dhananjay Tripathi, Senior Associate Professor at South Asian University in New Delhi Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The last Israeli captive's body found in Gaza — where many thousands of Palestinians lie buried under rubble. Israel, as part of its long-standing policy, has not returned the remains of many hundreds of Palestinians. Why? And what's the impact? In this episode:  Amjad Sharwa, Director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network in Gaza Issam Aruri, Commissioner General of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in Palestine Yara Hawari, Co-Director at Al Shabaka Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Recent fatal shootings by federal US immigration agents have sparked outrage and protests. They're accused of using excessive force and indiscriminately arresting suspected undocumented immigrants. But does this violent crackdown serve any real purpose? In this episode:  Darrin Porcher, Former NYPD Lieutenant and Criminal Justice Professor at Pace University Leon Fresco, Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Alex Vitale, Professor in the Department of Sociology at Brooklyn College Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Sort out your own security. That's what the US is telling its allies as the Pentagon adopts a new national defence strategy. Washington is now focusing on the main homeland and its interests in the Western Hemisphere. So, what's behind this shift? And what's the fallout for America's allies around the world? In this episode: Adam Clements, US Foreign Policy Analyst and a Former Pentagon Official. Marina Miron, Researcher, Defense Studies Department, King’s College London. Youngshik Bong, Visiting Professor, Graduate School of International Studies, Yonsei University. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

After being under threat for years - Tiktok will continue to operate in the United States. The Chinese platform reached a deal to create a new American entity. But does this deal satisfy security concerns for users in the US? And how much politics is at play? In this episode:  Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at the  Centre for International Governance Innovation, a  Canadian think tank   Sarah Kreps, Founder and Director of  Technology Policy Insititute at  Cornell University   Anupam Chander, expert on the global regulation of new technologies and Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

It was initially supposed to oversee the postwar arrangements in Gaza. Now, the newly created, so-called Board of Peace is expected to deal with other conflicts as well. But will it be able to achieve global peace? In this episode:  Faisal Al Mudahka, Editor In Chief of Gulf Times Christian Josi, republican political strategist and author  Jawad Anani, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Jordan Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The world's rules-based order is ruptured, says Canada's prime minister Mark Carney — in a speech at Davos that avoided mentioning the US president. Donald Trump hit back — but Carney's words have been widely praised and analysed. So, is he right?  In this episode:  Lionel Barber, Former Editor of The Financial Times  Bessma Momani, Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo Donnacha O Beachain, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

International condemnation as Israel bulldozes the headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Occupied East Jerusalem. The UN says razing the compound is against international law. What are the implications?  In this episode: Shireen Salti, political analyst who specialises in Palestine-Israel public affairs Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and a former lawyer at UNRWA Gideon Levy, Columnist at Haaretz Newspaper  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs against seven EU countries and the UK for opposing his plans to take control of Greenland. EU leaders are considering how to respond. What are their options? And what are the dangers for both sides?  In this episode:  Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow at Bruegel Ben Aris, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of bne IntelliNews Pieter Cleppe, European policy analyst and Editor-in-Chief of BrusselsReport.eu  Host: Maleen Saeed Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Syrian army has taken territory long held by Kurdish-led forces before declaring a ceasefire. The lightning offensive changes the balance of power in the country. Are there wider implications for Kurds in the region — beyond Syria?  In this episode:  David Des Roches, Professor at the Thayer Marshall Institute  Mohammed Salih, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Elijah Magnier, Military and political analyst Host: Maleen Saeed Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Will the Syrian army end up controlling all the country's Kurdish-held areas? The army has made significant territorial gains after intense battles with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in recent days. So, how will this play out within Syria and the wider region? In this episode:  Omar Abu Laila, Syrian Affairs Analyst. Scott Lucas, Professor, US and International Politics, University College Dublin. Kamaran Palani, Kurdish Principal Investigator, PeaceRep Iraq Programme, London School of Economics and Political Science. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Resetting ties with China. Canada's Prime minister visits Beijing hailing what he calls "a new partnership adapted to new global realities". The two countries are under pressure from U.S. tariffs. So, who stands to gain the most from this deal? In this episode:  Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation; which is a Canadian think tank. William Lee, Chief Economist and Managing Director at Global Economic Advisors. Jean Charest, former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What are the hurdles to implementing the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza? The US says it's a transition to disarmament and reconstruction. But with Israel repeatedly violating the ceasefire, is that transition even possible? In this episode:  Xavier Abu Eid, political analyst and former adviser to the Palestine Liberation Organization negotiation team Yezid Sayigh, Senior Fellow at Carnegie Middle East Center Yossi Beilin, former Israeli Justice Minister Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube