The Take

The US-Israeli war with Iran is here, and so is the information war. We track how “major combat operations” were announced and sold on Truth Social, the echoes of the Iraq war, and what claims about “threats” and “self-defense” mean for the Iranian people. With Tehran confirming Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death and its retaliation unfolding, we examine the start of a war that could reshape the region. In this episode:  Imran Khan, Al Jazeera Senior Correspondent and Anchor Episode credits: This episode was produced by Alexandra Locke, Marcos Bartolomé, Noor Wazwaz, and Sonia Bhagat, with Spencer Cline, Catherine Nouhan, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by David Enders and Alexandra Locke.  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.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

This week: 151 days into a ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 618 Palestinians in Gaza.  Israel and the United States are attacking Iran and have killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country's supreme leader. Israel has killed more than 72,082 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. In this episode: Tohid Asadi, Al Jazeera Correspondent Victoria Gatenby, Al Jazeera Producer Manuel Rapalo, Al Jazeera Correspondent Nida Ibrahim, 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 xx, 20xx. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Why does the public understanding of disability lag so far behind reality? TikTok influencer and disability activist Imani Barbarin lays this out for her audiences on social media, where she has amassed nearly a million followers across platforms. In this episode, Barbarin shares her perspectives on disability at the intersection of issues, including COVID and the genocidal war on Gaza. In this episode: Imani Barbarin (@Imani_Barbarin), Disability Advocate Episode credits: This episode was updated by Melanie Marich and Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Melanie Marich and Haleema Shah, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Tracie Hunte, Diana Ferrero, Fatima Shafiq, Farhan Rafid, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Noor Wazwaz.  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

Aaron Bushnell, a member of the US air force, set himself on fire in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC, in an act of political protest over Israel’s war in Gaza. Bushnell livestreamed his death, saying he no longer wanted to be complicit in genocide. Two years later, how did his message resonate? This is a story from the archives. This originally aired on February 28, 2024. None of the dates, titles or other references from that time have been changed.  In this episode:  Talia Jane (@taliaotg), Independent Journalist Lupe Barboza, Friend of Aaron Bushnell Archana Kaku, Assistant Professor, The College of William & Mary Episode credits: This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker. It was originally produced by Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra, Chloe K. Li, and our host Malika Bilal. 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. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube  

Iran and the United States are heading into a third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, while US military assets build up across the region. Is either side prepared to compromise, or is the confrontation at a breaking point? In this episode:  Sina Toossi, Senior Fellow, Center for International Policy  Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz, Melanie Marich, and Marcos Bartolomé, with Spencer Cline, Tamara Khandaker, Tuleen Barakat, Maya Hamadeh, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke and Sarí el-Khalili.  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

Mexico says it killed El Mencho, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Within hours, highways burned and violence spread across multiple states. His death is being called a victory, but removing a kingpin doesn’t dismantle a cartel. What changes now for Mexico, and what doesn’t? In this episode:  Andalusia K Soloff (@Andalalucha), Journalist & Filmmaker Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz, Sonia Bhagat, and Marcos Bartolome, with Spencer Cline, Tamara Khandaker, Tuleen Barakat and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Sarí el-Khalili. 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 Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

As US President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address, we look at what he’s expected to outline, from foreign policy tensions and sweeping tariffs to immigration crackdowns, and the influence of the conservative blueprint known as Project 2025 on his agenda. What direction is he setting for his country next? In this episode:  Amanda Becker, Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolome and Melanie Marich, with Spencer Cline, Tamara Khandaker, Tuleen Barakat, Maya Hamadeh and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Sarí el-Khalili.  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 Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Acclaimed author Omar El Akkad writes a powerful reflection of Western hypocrisy over Gaza in his book, One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. We speak to El Akkad on the immense suffering that has occurred over the past two years of Israel's genocidal war and examine how Western liberals failed the people of Gaza. This is a story from the archives. This originally aired on October 10, 2025. None of the dates, titles or other references from that time have been changed.  In this episode: Omar El Akkad, Writer  Episode credits: This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, Amy Walters, and Tracie Hunte with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Duha Mossad, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. 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 Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

This week: 144 days into a ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 612 Palestinians in Gaza.  Donald Trump's Board of Peace met in Washington DC. Israel escalated strikes in Lebanon. Israel has killed more than 72,070 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. In this episode: Hind Khoudary, (@hindkhoudary), Al Jazeera Correspondent Kimberly Halkett, (@KimberlyHalkett), Al Jazeera Senior White House Correspondent Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Zeina Khodr, (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) 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 April 7, 2025. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. United States President Donald Trump has initiated sweeping tariffs against even some of his country’s closest allies. It has caused alarm from analysts, consumers and trading partners. But who will be the biggest loser of Trump’s trade war? In this episode:  Vina Nadjibulla (@VinaNadjibulla),  Vice President of Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Episode credits: This episode was updated by Sonia Bhagat. The original production team was Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Amy Walters, Sarí el-Khalili, Marcos Bartolome, Noor Wazwaz and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. 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 Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Sudan’s civil war is shifting into a drone-driven phase, erasing the lines between battlefield and civilian life. As Ramadan begins under famine conditions, how do the people of Sudan mark the holy month in the midst of war? In this episode:  Hiba Morgan (@hiba_morgan), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Melanie Marich with Maya Hamadeh, Tuleen Barakat and our guest host, Tamara Khandaker. It was edited by Ney Alvarez.  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 Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The Board of Peace is set to hold its first meeting, chaired by US President Donald Trump. On the table is the ceasefire in Gaza and fundraising for its reconstruction. Around two dozen countries have signed on to the Board of Peace – but many key US allies have not. Meanwhile, Trump has said the vision for Gaza extends “far beyond” it. Who’s in, who’s out, and what does it mean for Gaza and the world? In this episode:  Ali Harb (@harbpeace), Al Jazeera Journalist  Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, with Sonia Bhagat, Melanie Marich, Tuleen Barakat, and Maya Hamadeh. 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 Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The Israeli government has approved a plan to claim large areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property” if Palestinians cannot prove ownership, prompting regional outcry and accusations of “de facto annexation.” The move forces Palestinians to navigate complex legal hurdles after decades of occupation and displacement, amid continued Jewish settlement expansion. What could this mean for the future of Palestinian land? In this episode:  Nida Ibrahim (@nida_journo), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz and Melanie Marich, with Tamara Khandaker, Marcos Bartolomé, Maya Hamadeh, Tuleen Barakat, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Sarí el-Khalili.  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 United Kingdom's High Court has ruled that Palestine Action should never have been proscribed as a "terrorist" organization. As the case winds its way to a final decision, what does this mean for the thousands of Britons who have been arrested — and for the future of Palestinian solidarity in the UK? In this episode:  Huda Ammori (@HudaAmmori), Co-Founder, Palestine Action Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Tamara Khandaker with Melanie Marich, Maya Hamadeh, Tuleen Barakat, 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

In 2017, the US dropped the “mother of all bombs” in a remote village in Afghanistan’s Achin district. Al Jazeera made the journey to see what’s left: homes destroyed, health problems mounting, and no accountability in sight.  This is a story from the archives. This originally aired on May 29, 2025. None of the dates, titles or other references from that time have been changed.  In this episode:  Osama Bin Javaid  (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, Kingwell Ma, Khaled Soltan, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.  The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Diana Ferrero, Tracie Hunte, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Catherine Nouhan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Marya Khan and Kisaa Zehra. Our guest host is Manuel Rápalo.  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: 137 days into a ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 601 Palestinians in Gaza. A ban on Palestine Action has been ruled unlawful in the UK.  Israel revokes residency rights of two Palestinians from Jerusalem. France, Germany and the Czech Republic call for the resignation of Francesca Albanese Israel has killed more than 72,061 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7th, 2023.   In this episode: Hind Khoudary, (Hind_Gaza), Al Jazeera Corresp Osama Bin Javid, (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera Correspondent Sonia Gallego, (@SoniaRGallego), Al Jazeera journalist Nour Odeh, (@nour_odeh) Al Jazeera Correspondent Nida Ibrahim, (@nidaibrahim) Al Jazeera Correspondent   Episode credits: This episode was 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 June 12, 2024. None of the references have been changed. Whenever India and Pakistan meet in cricket, it’s one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, and June 2024 was no different. We went to the stadium for a screening of the highly-anticipated T20 match, played on neutral ground in New York, to capture the sights and sounds, and explain the significance of one of the world’s biggest sporting rivalries. In this episode:  Ashish Malhotra (@amalhotra2), producer at The Take Tabish Talib (@tabish_talib), senior producer at AJ+ Episode credits: This episode was updated by Chloe K. Li. The original production team was Ashish Malhotra, Tabish Talib and Tamara Khandaker, with Duha Mosaad, Chloe K Li, and our host, Malika Bilal..  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. 

The biggest cricket match of the Men’s T20 World Cup almost didn’t happen. Pakistan said it would not play India, sending shockwaves through the sport and triggering urgent talks between officials and governments. After days of tense negotiations, the standoff ended and the rivals are set to meet on Sunday. What changed, and what will it mean when they take the field? In this episode:  Hafsa Adil (@hafsa_adil), Sports Journalist at Al Jazeera Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz and Sarí el-Khalili, with Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Chloe K. Li, Maya Hamadeh, Tuleen Barakat, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Tamara Khandaker.  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

Ex-Prince Andrew was the tip of the iceberg. The latest trove of Epstein files reveals new details about former UK envoy Peter Mandelson's ‘best pal’ relationship with the convicted sex offender that have pushed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour into a new crisis. Is this the scandal that defines Labour? In this episode:  Kieran Andrieu (@kieran_andrieu) Political Economist and Novara Media contributor Episode credits: This episode was produced by Melanie Marich, with Sarí el-Khalili, Chloe Li, Spencer Cline, Maya Hamadeh, Tuleen Barakat, Sonia Bhagat and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Tamara Khandaker. 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

For the first time since the 2024 uprising, Bangladesh is heading to the polls. Voters will pick a new parliament and weigh in on a controversial "July Charter." With Gen Z now the largest voting bloc, will this election deliver real change? In this episode:  Tanvir Chowdhury (@tanvirbengal), Al Jazeera Journalist  Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Noor Wazwaz and Chloe K. Li with Marcos Bartolomé, Tuleen Barakat, Maya Hamadeh, Sonia Bhagat, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Tamara Khandaker.   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.  For more: Al Jazeera Investigates - 36 July: Uprising in Bangladesh Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube