The Take

Cubans are cooking on charcoal and facing worsening power blackouts after the US cut the island off of Venezuelan oil exports. US President Donald Trump promised Cuba will “fail” soon and threatened tariffs on any nations doing business with the island. Can Cuba’s communist government survive the latest US push for regime change? In this episode: Ed Augustin (@EdAugReporter), Independent journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Melanie Marich with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Tuleen Barakat, Maya Hamadeh, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang.  Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad, Vienna Maglio, and Munera AlDosari. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Spain's government will grant legal status to undocumented migrants currently living in the country. The decree, passed after years of grassroots campaigning, will potentially impact about 500,000 migrants and comes in stark contrast to the anti-immigration sentiment in other EU countries. Why has the Spanish government decided to embrace its migrant population now? In this episode: Marcos Bartolomé, Producer, Al Jazeera Episode credits: This episode was produced by Melanie Marich, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Tuleen Barakat, Alexandra Locke, Marcos Bartolomé, Tamara Khandaker, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Tamara Khandakher.  The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Haleema Shah, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Tuleen Barakat and Maya Hamadah. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten.  Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

This week: 123 days into a "ceasefire", Israel has killed at least 524 Palestinians in Gaza.  Israel reopened the Rafa Crossing as Israeli strikes continued to claim lives. Israel is continuing to destroy cemeteries in Gaza. Israel has killed more than 71,769 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Ibrahim al-Khalili, (@_ibrahimalkhalili) Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Andrew Greiner and Munera AlDosari is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 25, 2025. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. TikTok’s feed is famous for knowing users better than they know themselves. Now, a US deal could put that power in the hands of Trump allies and tech giants. What might change for the 170 million Americans on the app – and what does this fight reveal about control of speech and data? In this episode:  Robert Rogowsky, Professor of Trade and Economic Diplomacy, Middlebury Institute for International Studies Episode credits: This episode was updated by Chloe K. Li and Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Tamara Khandaker, Sari el-Khalili, and Chloe K Li, with Manny Panaretos, Melanie Marich, Marcos Bartolome, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Many of the images that have been seen from Israel’s war in Gaza have already been seen for the last time. With Gaza under siege from the Israeli military and tech companies censoring and taking down material, the responsibility falls on the people of Gaza to document and archive their own evidence of war crimes and genocide. How will it survive? This is a story from the archives. This originally aired on April 11, 2025. None of the dates, titles or other references from that time have been changed.  In this episode:  Lila Hassan (@lilahass), Investigative Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Melanie Marich and Sonia Bhagat, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, Sarí el-Khallili, and Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's behind the organization of protests in Minneapolis? The city has seen the mobilization of local rapid response networks, mutual aid groups, and observers like Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents. Organizers are drawing on lessons from movements that emerged after the 2020 police killing of George Floyd, building a sustained movement for community defense. In this episode:  Marcia Howard (@marciahoward38thstreet), President of Minneapolis Federation of Educators, Local 59, Community Steward of George Floyd Square  Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li and Sarí el-Khalili, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Tamara Khandaker, Tuleen Barakat, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Yemen’s conflict is entering yet another volatile chapter, not towards peace, but into a sharper power struggle. Former partners Saudi Arabia and the UAE are drifting apart, local factions are recalculating, and control of the south and east hangs in the balance, while the Houthis hold firm in the north. As alliances fracture and air power looms, millions of civilians remain hungry and displaced. What future is being decided over their heads? In this episode:  Abubakr Al-Shamahi, Al Jazeera Editor Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Melanie Marich with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tuleen Barakat, Maya Hamadeh, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Tamara Khandaker and Alexandra Locke.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan.  Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The remains of the final Israeli captive have been returned from Gaza. For months, the Israeli government has cited the remaining bodies of captives as a reason for limiting crossings, delaying aid deliveries and slowing the implementation of the agreed ceasefire. With this justification now gone, what will change for Palestinians in Gaza? In this episode:  Maram Humaid (@MaramGaza), Al Jazeera Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Melanie Marich, with Tamara Khandaker, Tuleen Barakat, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US federal immigration raids continue in Minnesota, and the operation has set the stage for a standoff between state officials and the federal government. Governor Tim Walz has readied Minnesota's national guard, while the Pentagon has ordered troops to be on standby. A 2024 University of Pennsylvania simulation warned that similar state-federal standoffs could escalate into broader armed conflict. In this episode:  Claire Finkelstein (@COFinkelstein),  Center for Ethics and Rule of Law, University of Pennsylvania Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li and Melanie Marich, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Kylene Kiang.  The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, and Noor Wazwaz. Our host is Malika Bilal. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

This week: 116 days into a ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 481 Palestinians in Gaza.  Redevelopment plans for the Gaza Strip were met with skepticism by people there. Palestinians also questioned whether Israel intends to follow through with the next Phase of the US-brokered ceasefire plan in Gaza. Israel has killed more than 71,654 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. In this episode: Hind Khoudary, (@hindkhoudary), Al Jazeera Correspondent Nida Ibrahim, (@nida_aljazeera) Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Andrew Greiner and Munera AlDosari is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on January 20, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. The World Economic Forum is known for glitzy parties, exclusivity, and dealmaking – in addition to panels on topics ranging from climate change to ‘stakeholder capitalism’. The theme of this year’s annual meeting in Davos is “cooperation in a fragmented world,” and Davos mainstays are the world’s most powerful networkers. They wield an enormous amount of economic and political power. So who are they? What actually happens at Davos, and what do the people left off the invite list need to know about it? In this episode:  Peter S. Goodman (@petersgoodman), global economics reporter at The New York Times and author of Davos Man: How the Billionaires Devoured the World Max Lawson (@maxlawsontin), Head of Inequality Policy, Oxfam Episode credits: This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker. The original production team was Negin Owliaei, Ashish Malhotra, Miranda Lin, and our host, Halla Mohieddeen. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump announced that a “framework” for a future deal on Greenland is taking shape. Tied to missile defense and mineral rights, the framework eases concerns about Trump's earlier threats of tariffs and military intervention. So, how would an eventual deal affect the future of Greenlanders and US-Europe relations? In this episode:  Jonah Hull, Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Melanie Marich, Marcos Bartolomé, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Oscars are planning a move to YouTube, ending a decades-long run on broadcast television in 2029. Audiences are continuing to change how they watch even the biggest cultural events. But reports of ‘the death of live TV’ have been premature before – so how will it survive? In this episode:  Angela Palumbo (@angelapalumbo98), Technology Reporter, Barron’s Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Fatima Shafiq, with Farhan Rafid, Tamara Khandaker, Tracie Hunte, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A billion dollars buys a seat at the table shaping Gaza’s future, and Palestinians aren’t invited. As the US moves into phase two of a ceasefire, a so-called “Board of Peace” promises reconstruction while conditions in Gaza remain unchanged and control stays firmly in outsiders' hands. In this episode:  Nour Odeh (@nour_odeh), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz and Melanie Marich with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Tamara Khandaker, Sari el-Khalii, Tuleen Barakat and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan.  Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump is threatening to annex Greenland, framing it as protection against China and Russia, but the autonomous Danish territory holds strategic Arctic value as climate change opens new shipping routes and mineral access. Its 57,000 Inuit residents are rejecting his threats as insulting and colonial. How do Greenlanders see their future amid this geopolitical storm? In this episode:  Sara Olsvig, International Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolome, Tamara Khandaker, and Melanie Marich, with Noor Wazwaz, Tuleen Barakat, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan.  Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Nobel Laureate Dr. Omar Yaghi joins The Take after winning the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), materials that can capture carbon and store hydrogen. Born to a Palestinian refugee family in Amman, Yaghi tells the story of how hardship shaped his imagination, from getting fresh water only once a week to inventing systems that pull water from desert air. In this episode:  Dr. Omar Yaghi, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Professor at University of California, Berkeley and Atoco Founder Episode credits: This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li and Melanie Marich with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Sarí el-Khalili and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz and Sarí el-Khalili.  The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, and Noor Wazwaz. Our host is Malika Bilal.  Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

This week: 109 days into a ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 646 Palestinians in Gaza. The US announced phase 2 of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Israeli forces kill a young boy in the Occupied West Bank. Israel has killed more than 71,548 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7th, 2023.   In this episode: Osama Bin Javid, (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera Correspondent Michael Appel, (@TheMikeAppel), Al Jazeera Senior Producer Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@abuoazzum) Al Jazeera Correspondent Nida Ibrahim, (@nidaibrahim) Al Jazeera Correspondent   Episode credits: This episode was voiced by Nida Ibrahim and produced by Marthe van der Wolf. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Andrew Greiner and Munera AlDosari is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on August 29, 2025. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Unit 8200, Israel’s elite cyber-intelligence division, has long been compared to the US National Security Agency. Its veterans are now embedded in US tech companies, shaping how the world’s data is managed, and making deals worth billions. What does it mean for privacy and security? In this episode:  Murtaza Hussain (@mazmhussain) Journalist, Drop Site News Episode credits: This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker and Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Noor Wazwaz, Diana Ferrero, Sarí el-Khalili, Melanie Marich, Farhan Rafid, Kisaa Zehra, Amy Walters, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Back in 2022, protests in Iran were bolder than at any time since the 1979 revolution — and that time, it was teenage girls leading the way. Gen Z used their TikTok and Instagram skills to draw the world’s attention to their demand for freedom. But with almost 300 hashtags under #MahsaAmini, their movement was also being co‑opted for others’ purposes. How could anyone tell which was which? This is a story from the archives. It originally aired on October 19, 2022. None of the dates, titles or other references from that time has been changed. In this episode: Holly Dagres (@HDagres), The Atlantic Council Nonresident Senior Fellow & MENASource and IranSource Editor Marc Owen Jones (@MarcOwenJones), Assistant Professor of Middle East Studies, Hamad bin Khalifa University Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters with Negin Owliaei, Chloe K. Li, Alexandra Locke, Ruby Zaman, Ashish Malhotra and our guest host, Halla Moheiddeen. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Tim St. Clair mixed this episode. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump says removing President Nicolas Maduro is about reclaiming Venezuela’s oil. But as Washington pushes for access, major oil companies are hesitating. Why is Venezuela being labeled “uninvestable,” and what does that skepticism reveal about power, instability and the future of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves? In this episode: Anneke Ball (@annekeball), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Melanie Marich, with Tamara Khandaker, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Ney Alvarez and Noor Wazwaz.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube