The Inside Story Podcast

The US sends Iran what it calls an 'acceptable' proposal for a nuclear deal after the UN watchdog says Tehran is producing record amounts of near weapons-grade uranium. So, does this mark a turning point? And will diplomacy or military force come next?

In this episode: 

• Hassan Ahmadian, Assistant Professor, University of Tehran. 
• Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director, International Crisis Group.
• Sahil Shah, Independent Sec...

Has Israel turned Gaza into a starvation camp? The UN says the strip is the hungriest place on Earth. As Israel continues its blockade and bombardment, every single person is at risk of famine. What are the long-term effects on Palestinians' health?

In this episode: 

• Dr Victoria Rose, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Gaza's Nasser Hospital. 
• Dr Bara Zuhaili, Vascular Surgeon, volunteered in Gaza twice.
• Amja...

Israel is expanding its settlements in the occupied West Bank which, under international law, are illegal. Israel says they're being established with a long-term strategic vision. But, what does that mean for the future of an independent Palestinian state?

In this episode: 

• Xavier Abu Eid, Political Analyst.
• Ori Goldberg, Israeli author and academic.
• Salman Shaikh, CEO, The Shaikh Group.

Host: James Bays

Donald Trump's administration said it will revoke the visas of Chinese students studying at US universities. US embassies have also been instructed to pause new interviews. So, how much of this is politics? And what fallout could US universities suffer?

In this episode: 

• Clay Harmon, Executive Director, Association of International Enrollment Management. 
• Alexandra Miller, Immigration Lawyer, Vecina. 
• ...

Chaos at aid distribution sites in southern Gaza. The UN has distanced itself from the operations of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that's backed by the US and Israel. What’s behind this move to establish a separate aid mechanism? And what needs to change to help desperate Palestinians?

In this episode: 

• Chris Gunness, Former Director of Communications, UNRWA. 
• Amjad Shawa, Director, Palestinian NGOs Network.
...

Donald Trump brands Vladimir Putin 'absolutely crazy' after Russia launched its largest aerial attack of the war on Ukraine. The Kremlin is downplaying Trump’s remarks, describing them as 'emotional overload'. So, is the US President emboldening Putin? Or will Trump’s fiery words be put into action with sanctions?

In this episode: 

• Mark Storella, Former US Ambassador. 
• Alexey Muraviev, Associate...

Spain hosts European and Arab nations as Israel's aid blockade fuels a famine in Gaza. 'The Madrid Group' is calling for an arms embargo and condemned silence as complicity. So why is Israel facing pressure from some of its allies now? And can it be effective without US support?

In this episode: 

• Lynn Boylan, Member, European Parliament; Chair of the Delegation of Relations with Palestine.
• Mouin Rabbani, No...

260 miners trapped in a South African gold mine have been rescued after more than 24 hours. Countries across Africa are seeing a rise in mine-related accidents, exploitation and environmental damage. So, what lessons are being learned from past tragedies? And are Africans getting a raw deal?

In this episode: 

• Claude Kabemba, Executive Director, Southern Africa Resource Watch.
• Christopher Vandome, Senior Research...

US President Donald Trump is threatening to impose 50% tariffs on European Union imports starting June 1st. The EU says it stands ready to defend its interests. But is Trump genuinely seeking a deal with the European Union? And is Europe about to pay a high price for not settling with Trump sooner?

In this episode: 

• Paolo Von Schirach, President, Global Policy Institute.
• Will Hutton, Political Economist.&nb...

Israel was quick to label the killing of two of its embassy staff in Washington DC this week as antisemitic. Other officials in the West have followed suit. But as its war in Gaza expands, does criticising Israel amount to antisemitism? And does this narrative serve any purpose?

In this episode: 

• Phyllis Bennis, International Adviser at Jewish Voice for Peace.
• Saba-Nur Cheema, Political Scientist at Goethe ...

Will a Golden Dome protect America? It's an ambitious and unprecedented defence project that president Donald Trump says will shield the country from advanced missile threats, including those launched from space. But could it also trigger a new global arms race?

In this episode: 

• Micheal O'Hanlon, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution.
• Youngshik Bong, Research Fellow, Yonsei University Institute for North Korean Studi...

Traditional allies are putting pressure on Israel. The UK has paused trade talks and sanctioned West Bank settlers. And the EU is threatening to review its entire relationship with Israel. Is this a turning point in international policy? And will it make any difference for Palestinians? 

In this episode: 

• James Moran, Former EU Ambassador to Egypt and Jordan.
• Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow, Chatham House.
• ...

As Israel expands its war on Gaza, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are again forced from their homes. Israel's prime minister has vowed to seize all of the strip. So as its humanitarian crisis worsens, who can stop Benjamin Netanyahu's plans?

In this episode: 

• Afif Safieh, Former Palestinian Diplomat. 
• Lex Takkenberg, Senior Adviser, Question of Palestine Program, Arab Renaissance For Democracy and Development.
...

Europe's Super-Sunday elections see a pro-EU candidate defeat a hard-right rival in Romania, a centrist win in the first round of Poland's presidential election, and a victory for the incumbent government in Portugal. So can Brussels breathe a sigh of relief? Or is the far-right still rising as a political force?

In this episode: 

• Pieter Cleppe, Editor-in-Chief, BrusselsReport.eu.
• Piotr Buras, Head, European Council on Fo...

Global hunger has hit a new high. The United Nations says nearly 300 million people faced acute hunger last year. And the outlook for 2025 is bleak due to wars and cuts in aid. So which countries are experiencing the worst of the global food crisis? And who are the most vulnerable?

In this episode: 

• Chris Gunness, Former Director, Communications, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine and the ...

A Russian drone strike hit Ukraine's Sumy region just hours after the first direct talks in three years. The warring sides agreed to a prisoners exchange in those talks. But will it lead to a lasting ceasefire? And can the two sides narrow the gap between them?

In this episode: 

• Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director, Eurasia Democracy Initiative.
• Pavel Felgenhauer, Independent Defense and Russian Foreign Policy Analyst.
• Anat...

Trillions of dollars were pledged during the US president’s three-nation tour of the Gulf this week. So, are the Gulf nations now in sync with Washington on some of the biggest challenges in the region? And is Donald Trump re-shaping the Middle East, or will the Gulf states dictate future US foreign policy?

In this episode: 

• Giorgio Cafiero, CEO at Gulf State Analytics.
• Hassan Barari, Professor of International Affa...

US President Donald Trump has signed record-breaking agreements during his state visit to Qatar. It's part of a three-nation tour of the region. A trip that's expected to fetch America billions in new investments. But what do the Gulf states gain from this trip? 

In this episode: 

• Faisal Al Mudahka, Editor In Chief, The Gulf Times
• Andreas Krieg, Senior Lecturer, King’s College London's School of Security Studie...

Celebrations in Syria after the US president announced that he's lifting decades of sanctions. Donald Trump says his decision will give the nation a chance at greatness after years of civil war. So, can Syria's new leadership deliver on the hopes of the people and rebuild the country?

In this episode: 

• Sinan Hatahet, Non-Resident Fellow, Atlantic Council's Syria Project. 
• Joshua Landis, Director, Center for Middle Ea...