The Inside Story Podcast
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The Inside Story Podcast -- where we dissect, analyse and help define major global stories.
1455 Episodes
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Donald Trump in a war of words with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The U.S. president refuses to apologise for criticising Pope Leo's opposition to the Iran conflict. He says the pontiff should stay out of American affairs. So, is this political interference or a moral duty to speak out? And what are the consequences? Host: Folly Bah Thibault In this episode: Cornel West, Professor and Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at the Union Theological Seminary Adolfo Franco, US Republican strategist Christopher White, Vatican journalist and author of a book on Pope Leo Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
1Hungary's opposition has defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban by a landslide. He governed for 16 years with a far-right agenda often described as 'authoritarian'. What led to his loss? And what does the outcome mean for the EU, US, and Russia? In this episode: Gabor Scheiring, Assistant Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar and a former member of National Assembly of Hungary Carl Bildt, Co-Chair of European Council on Foreign Relations and the Former Swedish Prime Minister Kim Lane Scheppele, Professor at Princeton University Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
The Iran war has created risks to food security from higher energy costs and shipping restrictions. The world's fertiliser production has been badly hit due to attacks on Gulf chemical plants. Where is food supply most at risk and could there be a lasting impact? In this episode: Mourad Wahba, Acting Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. Avinash Kishore, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, Steve Keen, Economist and Honorary Professor, University College London. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
A negative political and public reaction in Israel to the ceasefire with Iran - regardless of the respite it brings. No pause for Israel's army however or its victims - hundreds killed in Lebanon and more dead in Gaza. Has Israeli society become conditioned to permanent war? In this episode: Ilan Pappe - a historian and professor at Exeter University Gideon Levy - a columnist at Haaretz newspaper in Tel Aviv Haim Bresheeth - professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Opinion polls in Hungary suggest long-time prime minister Viktor Orban has a battle on his hands in Sunday's election. The outcome will be keenly awaited in Washington, Moscow, Kyiv, and Brussels. So why is this election so important outside of Hungary? In this episode: Gabor Scheiring, a former member of the National Assembly of Hungary Istvan Kiss, political scientist, director of the Danube Institute and former political adviser in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's office Daniel Kelemen, law and politics professor, and McCourt Chair at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
The bombing of Iran has stopped, but the bombing of Lebanon has not. Even as Iran and the US say they'll try to work out their many differences at the negotiating table in Pakistan, Israel is busy ramping up its attacks on what it says are Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The group has been a key player in Iran's axis of resistance for decades. So how far is Tehran willing to go to protect its allies? In this episode: Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran Rob Geist Pinfold, Lecturer in International Security at King's College London Nadim Houry, Executive Director of the Arab Reform Initiative Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Donald Trump has found his Iran off-ramp — but what has it cost? After apocalyptic threats, Washington and Tehran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire. It's still unclear whether that will mean a lasting peace. What's more certain is that the US and the world stage have been changed by Trump's war. Has the world order been changed by Trump's war on Iran? And can any of it be walked back? Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
The US and Israel's war with Iran has put pressure on Tehran's relations with Moscow. They've been allies, but the Kremlin is seeking to maintain ties with the US to reach a deal on the Ukraine conflict. In this episode: Afshin Shahi, a Middle East political analyst Leonid Ragozin, independent journalist Maximilian Hess, founder of Enmetena Advisory and a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant has been targeted four times since the US-Israeli war began. Tehran accuses the UN's nuclear watchdog of inaction, which the IAEA rejects, saying the situation is of deep concern. But why are the attacks happening? And what risks do they pose? In this episode: Tariq Rauf, Former Head of Verification and Security Policy Co-ordination at the International Atomic Energy Agency Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies Alicia Sanders-Zakre, Head of Policy at the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
The war in Iran is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In violation of the ceasefire, Israel has severely restricted aid and maintained its air strikes. The US-brokered deal is meant to be in Phase 2 but appears to be in limbo. So, who could step in to help Palestinians? In this episode: Dr Mohammed Tahir, Orthopaedic surgeon, worked in Gaza. Alex de Waal, Executive Director, World Peace Foundation. Xavier Abu Eid, Former Communications Director, PLO. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
The war in the Middle East has worsened the economic crisis in Pakistan. Most of its energy supplies are shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has largely blocked for five weeks. In this episode: Kaiser Bengali - Economist and former head of the Policy Reform Unit for the Balochistan Chief Minister Michael Kugelman - Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council Ali Salman - Founder and CEO of the Policy Research Institute of Market Economy Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Several countries say they will take action against Iran's near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But with no end in sight to the war, what would make Tehran open the waterway? And is using force an option? In this episode: Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran Rockford Weitz, Maritime Studies Program Director at Tufts University's Fletcher School Craig Murray, Maritime specialist and former Maritime Section head of the UK's Foreign Office Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Israel and the US continue to bomb Iran. But Israeli opinion polls suggest support for the war is dropping, while Iranian missiles still force millions into shelters there. So, what does Israel now seek from attacking Iran, and what could end its onslaught? In this episode: Daniel Levy, President of the U.S. / Middle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator during the Oslo Accords Gordon Gray, Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs at Georgetown University and a former U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
As Israel's parliament approves the death penalty to hang Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks, far-right ministers celebrate with champagne. The UN, Europe, and rights groups have condemned the law, but not the US. What are the implications? In this episode: Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative political party Ofer Cassif, member of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset William Schabas, Professor of International Law at Middlesex University and author of the book 'The Abolition of the Death Penalty in International Law' Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
US President Donald Trump is threatening to take over or destroy Iran's main oil export hub at Kharg Island. Trump admits such a move would require boots on the ground. But, given the nature of this conflict, will he take that chance? And why does Kharg Island matter so much? In this episode: Negar Mortazavi, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for International Policy Matthew Kroenig, Vice President at the Atlantic Council Alexandre Vautravers, Defence Policy Specialist and Editor-in-Chief of Swiss Military Review Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Pakistan says it's ready to host talks on ending the war in Iran. That came after a meeting of regional foreign ministers in Islamabad. But what leverage do these players have to reach a ceasefire? And with fighting escalating, is a peaceful settlement possible? In this episode: Munir Akram, A former Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group Bozkurt Aran, Director at The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkiye and a former Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan and Iran Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
What difference will the Houthis' involvement in the war make? They have launched missiles at Israel in support of Iran and threatened more attacks. What are the consequences of opening a new front? And given the Yemeni group's proximity to the Red Sea, what could it mean for global shipping? In this episode: Hisham Al-Omeisy, Senior Yemen Advisor, European Institute of Peace. H A Hellyer, Senior Associate Fellow, Defence and Security Studies, Royal United Services Institute. Michael Mulroy, Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Middle East. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Gulf nations are seeking new defence partnerships.Saudi Arabia and Qatar has signed deals with Ukraine to gain access to its drone expertise.Could other countries follow suit? And would it make a difference on the ground? In this episode: Dania Thafer - Executive Director of the Gulf International Forum, a think-tank based in Washington DC Oleksiy Melnyk - Co-Director of the Foreign Relations and International Security programmes at the Razumkov Centre Pavel Felgenhauer - Defence and Russian foreign policy analyst Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
The Iran war is hitting Gulf Arab nations hard, but with a wider impact in today's interlinked world. As well as global oil and gas supplies, Gulf states play a critical role in many economies. So how are they connected — and what could be at risk? In this episode: Nikolay Kozjharnov, Research Associate Professor in Energy Security at the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University Cornelia Meyer, Macroeconomist and oil and gas specialist Torbjorn Soltvedt, Associate Director at global risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Iran sets out its conditions for an end to the war — rejecting the U.S. list of 15 demands. Tehran says they don't reflect reality, while Donald Trump threatens to 'unleash hell' if his terms aren't met. What are the red lines for both sides? In this episode: Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies Ellie Geranmayeh, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations Thomas Warrick, Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
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Trump is TOTALLY about hatred and revenge... and lining his pockets at any cost. Oh, I forgot the little girls, probably including his own daughter.
Well, sir, and alliance with the US is ALSO not worth the paper it's printed on.
Good news for Ukraine finally. Putin has something big over the US Fascist Fondler (either embarrassing or financial) & as a result, the US will never broker peace between Ukraine & Russia. Zelenskyy has been so patient in trying to deal with Trump's mood swings & loyalty to Putin; by now he must realize that Trump will always back Putin. Grateful there's a way for Ukraine to offer their impressive drone-making knowledge for hopefully substantial financial gains. Slava Ukraini.
but unfortunately, they are making a big deal out of it and they do not have the strength to do so. It is better for you not to trust them, but you know for yourself. 😂 We, the people, are eating the stick of our fathers' reassurance. Hoping for the liberation of Iran from the evil of Muslims and the eternal Shah ✌🏼
Actually, let me answer the question you asked about why the Islamic Republic attacked its neighboring countries and how this trust can be restored in the future: The Islamic Republic is in its last days and is struggling and has said many times before that if I want to be brought down, I will raze the entire Middle East to the ground, and they are trying to do this
As an Iranian, I am happy that Khamenei came to hell and all Iranians are happy about this. Just open your eyes to see the happiness of the Iranian people that America and Israel came like an angel and fulfilled our Iranian wish, which was the death of the child-killing, corrupt and stupid Khamenei. We are forever grateful to America and Israel.
Israeli American, not american israeli. when and where did Iran attack energy infrastructures? gone from journalism to baseless assertions?
Not sure who the speaker is who sounds like a stoned surfer, but he is very ignorant to how the rest of the world views the US. I think all us non-Americans have been burned by the trump administration's blatant lies and bullying, are fully aware that the US is completely unreliable. Right now you have a pedophile president trying to rig the midterms, selling trump 2028 merchandise, planning to federalize the vote and sink the US into a total autocracy and we do not trust you.
Who is the chimp defending trumps policies?
What ceasefire? The Israelis continue to attack and Gazan citizens daily. What serious, fair peace plan could possibly be brokered by the orthodox jewish son-in-law of trump? What a farce. Trump will demand a peace prize for a genocide he funded while he steals more land from the Palestinians to build trumpville. Sick world.
I wish I could listen to this without wanting to scream, but the host is so obnoxious... he cuts everyone off or talks over top of them. He is a very poor choice to host a debate!
Yes.
People remind me who started this war.
we all praying for peace
Why not mention the newly laid landmines? Cambodia is not a victim
As part of America I Just want to say, yes it's hard, it's difficult, it's even irrational was is happening in Gaza, but our countries also password through difficulties, hunger, and no one but USA has give US a hand to keep going. I hope the Palestinians could reach the peace with Israel some day
very quickly for Libia. That was funny!
Isincredible, how Brazil is taking relevance in America and has not being stopped yet. Let's see how BRICS increase it's rows and partner countries,if US allow it.
Sergey Markov, I didn't understand nor a Word from your opinion
wait, what? chump hopes iran will return to diplomacy? they were totally willing to talk and were in fact IN talks with the US. Israel attacked and then the US ran to do netanyahu's bidding.