The Take

Pakistan and Taliban-led Afghanistan have agreed to a ceasefire after some of the worst cross-border violence in years. Relations have soured over Islamabad's accusation that Kabul is aiding the Pakistan Taliban in attacks against the Pakistani military - a claim Kabul denies. With deep mistrust and armed groups still active, can the fragile peace between the two countries really hold? In this episode: Ali Latifi, (@alibomaye), Asia editor, The New Humanitarian Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Noor Wazwaz, and Marcos Bartolomé, with Amy Walters, Farhan Rafid, Fatima Shafiq, Tamara Khandaker, 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 US is charging two men allegedly associated with antifa with "terrorism.” The case follows President Donald Trump’s executive order to designate antifa a "domestic terrorist organization,” despite most experts agreeing that antifa is an ideology rather than an organized group. What does the latest move from the Trump administration mean for dissent and free speech in the US? In this episode: Jason Blazakis, professor and director of the Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies  Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte, Noor Wazwaz and Haleema Shah with Amy Walters, Farhan Rafid, Fatima Shafiq, Tamara Khandaker and me, Natasha Del Toro. 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

Thousands of Palestinians have been freed under a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel – but many more remain in Israeli prisons. As arrests continue and families wait for answers, what does “freedom” really mean under occupation? And how does detention shape daily life, resistance, and hope in Palestine? In this episode: Maram Humaid (@MaramGaza), Reporter, Al Jazeera Shawan Jabarin (@SJabaren), General Director, Al-Haq Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Melanie Marich, with Catherine Nouhan, Haleema Shah, Fatima Shafiq, Tamara Khandaker and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Rick Rush 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

A fragile ceasefire is in effect and the living Israeli captives are back home, but Israel is continuing to restrict humanitarian aid into Gaza. With decimated medical infrastructure across the strip and famine conditions in the north, what will it take for Gaza to get the aid it needs? In this episode: Hisham Mhanna (@MhannaHesham), Spokesperson, International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Noor Wazwaz, and Haleema Shah, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Farhan Rafid, Fatima Shafiq, Amy Walters, Melanie Marich, Tamara Khandaker, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.  The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tracie Hunte, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Catherine Nouhan, Haleema Shah, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Farhan Rafid and Fatima Shafiq. 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. Rick Rush 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

This week: nine days into a ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 38 Palestinians in Gaza. Palestinians and Israelis celebrated the return of family and friends as captives and prisoners were exchanged. Israel continued to violate its ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon.  In this episode: Hind Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza) Al Jazeera Correspondent Ibrahim Al Khalili, (@_ibrahimalkhalili) Al Jazeera Correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@abuoazzum) Al Jazeera Correspondent Zeina Khodr, (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced and mixed 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 Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on November 12, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Was the violence surrounding a football match in Amsterdam anti-Semtic or more evidence of impunity from Israelis?  In this episode:  Tony Karon (@TonyKaron), Managing Editor, AJ+ Episode credits: This episode was updated by Tracie Hunte. The original production team was David Enders, Chloe K. Li , Tamara Khandaker, Hagir Saleh, Duha Mosaad, Cole van Miltenburg, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. 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

Madagascar’s Gen Z protesters are declaring victory this week after President Andry Rajoelina fled the country and Colonel Michael Randrianirina declared himself president. This comes after young people led weeks of anti-government protests. But with military leaders taking control and government institutions suspended, is this really the change Madagascar's Gen Z wants for their country? In this episode: Rose Mumanya, political risk analyst Episode credits: This episode was produced by Melanie Marich, Noor Wazwaz, Amy Walters, Tracie Hunte with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Farhan Rafid and Fatima Shafiq and our host, Malike 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 X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro is furious after the Nobel Peace Prize went to opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. She dedicated her award to US President Donald Trump, who is reportedly pushing for regime change in Venezuela. What does the award mean for Maduro’s hold on power and Venezuela’s struggle for democracy? In this episode: Teresa Bo (@TeresaBo), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, Noor Wazwaz, Tamara Khandaker, and Marcos Bartolomé, with Amy Walters, Fatima Shafiq, Farhan Rafid, 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

Jared Kushner, billionaire real estate scion, is shaping Gaza’s future. Why is the US President’s son-in-law at the heart of the Gaza ceasefire deal – and the future of the Middle East? In this episode:  Ali Harb (@harbpeace), Journalist, Al Jazeera Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte, Sonia Bhagat and Melanie Marich, with Noor Wazwaz, Amy Walters, Tamara Khandaker, Farhan Rafid, Fatima Shafiq and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. 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

It’s a deal that was long awaited, but will it bring peace? The exchange of Palestinians and Israelis marked the strongest sign yet that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is holding. With world leaders at a summit in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, the stakes are high – and the path ahead is still uncertain. The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast. In this episode: Haggai Matar (@Ha_Matar), +972 Executive Director Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Haleema Shah, with Amy Walters, Tamara Khandaker, Fatima Shafiq, Farhan Rafid, 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-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

After two years of genocide and only days into a new ceasefire, Palestinians are returning to Gaza City to find devastation: no homes, power, or family. Now, days after US President Donald Trump announced a plan to end the war, he is set to arrive in the region. There is optimism, but questions remain. Namely, will this deal hold? The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast. In this episode: Hamdah Salhut (@hamdahsalhut), Correspondent, Al Jazeera Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Dave Enders with Duha Mosaad, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Ney Alvarez. 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 Farhan Rafid, and Fatima Shafiq. 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: After a ceasefire that began on Friday, many Palestinians in Gaza are going home as both sides wait for an expected release of prisoners and captives. It is day 737 of the war on Gaza, where more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Hind Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza) Al Jazeera Correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@abuoazzum) Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced and mixed 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 Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on March 28, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. After a months-long forensic analysis into the events of October 7, Al Jazeera’s investigative team reveals its findings. What happened that day? In this episode: Richard Sanders, Director of ‘October 7’, Al Jazeera Investigative Unit Episode credits: This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Negin Owliaei, Amy Walters, Joe Plourde, and our guest host Kevin Hirten.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik 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

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. The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast. 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

Gaza has faced relentless bombs and hunger for two years. Families struggle to live, children grow up in fear and hope feels distant. We speak to Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum to hear what life is really like in Gaza. How do people keep going when the world watches but does little to change the situation on the ground? The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast. In this episode: Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@abuoazzum) Al Jazeera Correspondent in Gaza Episode credits: This episode was produced by Melanie Marich, Noor Wazwaz, Tamara Khandaker, Marcos Bartolomé, and Tracie Hunte, with Phillip Lanos, Manny Panaretos, Amy Walters, Duha Mosaad, Farhan Rafid, 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 smallest belongings can become the most powerful relics. As Palestinians are forced to flee again and again within the Gaza Strip and beyond, people carry personal items that hold deep meaning. In this episode, we explore the stories behind those objects in the midst of a war many are calling genocide. The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast. In this episode:  Danya Issawi, Fashion News Writer, The Cut Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte, Noor Wazwaz and Sarí el-Khalili, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Amy Walters, Duha Mosaad, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Kylene Kiang.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. This episode was mixed by Joe Plourde. 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

Two years after October 7, talks in Egypt could bring an end to the war in Gaza. Inside Israel, divisions are widening, isolation is deepening, and the cost of war is harder to ignore. What does this moment reveal about the country’s shifting sense of itself? The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast. In this episode: Mairav Zonszein (@mairavz), Senior Israel Analyst, International Crisis Group Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sarí el-Khalili, Marcos Bartoloméz and Melanie Marich, with Phillip Lanos, Manny Panaretos, Duha Mosaad, Farhan Rafid, Amy Walters 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

Despite a UN inquiry and multiple human rights organizations finding that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, Western news outlets are still reluctant to use the term. After nearly two years of bombardment and at least 65,000 Palestinians dead, will they change their tune on Israel? The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast. In this episode: Assal Rad, Fellow, Arab Center Washington DC Episode credits: This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, Sarí el-Khalili, and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Amy Walters, Kisaa Zehra, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Kylene Kiang.  The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tracie Hunte, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Catherine Nouhan, Haleema Shah, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Farhan Rafid and Kisaa Zehra. 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: Hamas responded positively to Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal as both sides said there were still details that needed to be worked out. Israel detained hundreds of activists aboard boats attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. It is day 730 of the war in Gaza, where more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Rosiland Jordan, (@RosJordanAJE) Al Jazeera Correspondent Mohammed Jamjoom, (@MIJamjoom) Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik 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 Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on October 14, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. It’s a strange experience for journalist Natasha Del Toro to be on the other side of the mic, sharing her firsthand account of living through back-to-back hurricanes. Families like hers in the state of Florida are facing power outages and damaged homes while trying to rebuild emotionally, all while hurricane season continues. The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast In this episode: Natasha Del Toro (@ndeltoro), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was updated by Haleema Shah. The original production team was Tamara Khandaker, Ashish Malhatora, and Sonia Bhagat, with Phillip Lanos, Duha Mosaad, Cole van Miltenburg and our host Malika Bilal. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik 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