The Inside Story Podcast
Episodes
Why are Gulf countries signing deals with Ukraine?
28 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Gulf nations are seeking new defence partnerships.Saudi Arabia and Qatar has signed deals with Ukraine t...
How are the Gulf state economies connected?
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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, Gul...
What are the red lines for both the US and Iran?
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Iran sets out its conditions for an end to the war — rejecting the US list of 15 demands. Tehran says they don't reflect reality, while Donald T...
What strategy is Iran playing in the Gulf states and beyond?
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Iran has kept up attacks on neighbouring Gulf states and Israel, despite intense U.S. and Israeli bombing, with senior Iranian figures assassinated. T...
What economic impacts will war with Iran have on Israel?
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Millions of Israelis forced to take shelter day and night, from repeated Iranian missile attacks. The economic shockwaves of the war Israel and the US...
Have Israel, the US, and Iran broken international law during the war?
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Schools and hospitals bombed. Strikes on apartment buildings. Energy facilities targeted. And attacks on neighbouring states. Have Israel, the US, and...
Who's left running Iran?
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Who's left running Iran? Much of the top leadership has been assassinated but the country is still fighting. How has it been able to withsta...
Will the Houthis join Iran in its war against the US and Israel?
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Yemeni armed group says it's ready for any developments in the ongoing confrontation. Given their proximity to the Red Sea, what could the Houthis...
What are the global risks of turning energy sites into battlefields?
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Energy prices have soared since Israel attacked Iran's South Pars gas field. Iran has targeted oil and gas facilities in neighbouring countries s...
Is Israel's decades-long assassination policy becoming normalised?
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Israel assassinated Iran's supreme leader on the first day of the war — killing senior military, intelligence and political figures afterwards. ...
What are Iran's options after the killing of its top security chiefs?
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Relentless US and Israeli attacks on Iran killed top figures with thousands of air-strikes across the country. Iran has retaliated, hitting Israel and...
Could the Iran war keep Netanyahu in power for longer?
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has wanted to attack Iran for his entire political career, and he finally got his way with Donald Trump in ...
Can Donald Trump survive a Strait of Hormuz shutdown?
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Strait of Hormuz has effectively been closed to most shipping since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran — sending energy prices soaring worldw...
What's the impact of the war in Iran on China?
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What's the impact of the war in Iran on China? The two countries are close trading partners.Yet, Beijing has largely stayed away from lending any supp...
Is the Iran war benefitting Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu?
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The already bad situation in Gaza...is getting worse as the war in Iran rages on. The humanitarian crisis is deepening and efforts to enforce the...
What is Israel’s endgame in Lebanon?
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With Lebanon under fire, the UN chief visits Beirut, calling for peace. Israel's bombing campaign has displaced nearly a million people. Now, its troo...
Does Donald Trump have an exit strategy for the war with Iran?
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Does U.S. President Donald Trump have an exit strategy for the war with Iran? He is reportedly under pressure to set a deadline. But with co...
Why does the Iran war pose more dilemmas for Europe?
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Europe is under pressure as the conflict in the Middle East continues, and is now competing with Asia for scarcer oil and gas supplies. Rocketing pric...
How valuable are Iran's natural resources?
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Iran has significant oil and gas reserves and is a major supplier to China. A member of the U.S. president's inner circle says control of them is a ke...
Who is Iran's new leader?
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei replaces his assassinated father. His selection sends a defiant message to the US and Israel as they attack the country. So...
How will Gulf states react as Iranian attacks continue?
08 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tehran has carried out more attacks on Gulf states despite an apology by the president to Iran's neighbours. Civilian targets have been hit, including...
How far will the Iran war spillover?
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the Gulf countries, to Lebanon, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Cyprus and Sri Lanka - the conflict has been spreading. But what are the dangers of thi...
Has Donald Trump failed to sell the Iran war to the world?
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Some of Washington's allies have been critical, saying they won't join the conflict. And as fighting escalates, the US is still struggling to garner s...
Will Hezbollah drag Lebanon into the US-Israel war on Iran?
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hezbollah has been attacking Israel - as it pummels southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut. That's despite the Lebanese government's ban on Hezbollah's ...
How is the war playing out in Iran?
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Iran stands at a crossroads. With its top leadership assassinated early in the joint US-Israeli offensive, the remaining layers of power have been try...
What are the implications of Iran's strikes in the Gulf states?
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Iran attacks Gulf Arab states, hitting civilian buildings and energy infrastructure, as well as U.S. bases. The impact of the American-Israeli st...
What are the risks for Israel opening another battlefront, in Iran?
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Israel's assault on Iran comes while it's still attacking Gaza and Lebanon, after bombing Syria, Yemen, and Qatar in the past year. What are the risks...
How does Iran work after the assassination of its supreme leader?
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khomeini assassinated in attacks by the US and Israel. There are huge crowds of mourners on the streets, and th...
How dangerous is the situation between Iran and US/Israel?
28 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The US and Israel attack Iran - and Tehran retaliates, firing missiles at Israeli targets and US assets in the region. It follows a massive military b...
Why is the US pressuring Nouri al-Maliki to withdraw his prime ministerial bid?
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"I am not backing down." That's what a defiant Nouri Al Maliki had to say, after the US objected to his return as Iraq's prime minister. Washingt...
Why is the German Chancellor in Beijing?
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There has been another visit by a Western leader to China. This time, the German chancellor is in Beijing, saying he wants to reset ties. It comes aga...
What's driving what Israel's relationship with India?
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"We have a great interest in creating an axis of our own." Those are the words of Benjamin Netanyahu as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes his ...
Can Mexico win its war against drug trafficking?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How much power do drug cartels have in Mexico? The killing of the leader of one the country's largest criminal organisations has sparked a wave o...
Where do the US-Iran talks stand?
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
More talks are planned for Thursday between Iran and the US, which is mobilising its largest military force since the invasion of Iraq more than two d...
What are the global implications of the US tariff increase?
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump slaps 15 percent trade levy on all imports. The move comes just a day after he'd set them at 10 percent - enraged by a ...
What is Trump's controversial Board of Peace?
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace meets for the first time, pledging money, peacekeeping troops and investment for Gaza. Only one Palestinian...
Is social media addictive to youth users?
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Is social media addictive? Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg testifies in court, defending his company against charges of deliberately designing features that...
Is ISIL on the verge of becoming a regional threat once again?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The U.S. has transferred thousands of detainees linked to the group from Syria to Iraq. It cites security concerns, but is the move enough to prevent ...
How will the risks of artificial intelligence be mitigated?
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
India hosts an international gathering focusing on the impact of AI's growing dominance. What's the best approach to governing the use of such rapidly...
How is Israel making it easier for settlers to seize land in the West Bank?
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Israel has taken another step towards annexing the occupied West Bank — approving the registration of Palestinian land as state land. It follows...
Can the United Nations be reformed?
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
African nations must have permanent seats on the UN Security Council, the head of the world body tells the African Union. Most of Asia and Latin Ameri...
Is a new global order emerging?
14 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Germany's chancellor says the international rules-based order is gone. The US secretary of state responds, saying the Trump administration wants the t...
Did Bangladesh’s election deliver the change student protesters wanted?
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins the country's first elections since the 2024 uprising. Rare international unity as the U.S., China, India, and P...
Is the genocide in Gaza still ongoing?
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Amnesty International and Israeli human-rights organisation B'Tselem say the genocide in Gaza is still ongoing. Four months after a deal to stop the w...
Will Bangladesh’s first post-Hasina election spark real democratic change?
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Will Thursday's elections be a watershed moment for Bangladesh? Millions of people are expected to cast ballots in the first polls since long-tim...
Is Israel’s expansion of West Bank settlements a step toward annexation?
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There's condemnation of Israel's latest move to tighten its grip over the occupied West Bank. Its security cabinet has approved plans to expand illega...
Is Portugal’s far-right surge a warning sign for its political future?
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Voters in Portugal have overwhelmingly chosen a centre-left Socialist president. But his far-right rival secured a record share of the vote. ...
How has Israel’s war on Gaza shaped the Middle East?
08 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How has Israel’s war on Gaza shaped the Middle East? This year, the Al Jazeera Forum discusses the regional implications of the war. W...
How serious is Nigeria's security situation?
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Armed groups have killed more than 200 people in several attacks in Nigeria in recent days. The Christian worshippers abducted from churches last...
What happens when the US–Russia nuclear arms control treaty ends?
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For more than five decades, nuclear arms control treaties were enforced between Russia and the US until this week. The last agreement has been allowed...
What are the obstacles in the US-brokered peace talks with Russia and Ukraine
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Talks brokered by the U.S. seek to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Many civilians in Ukraine are suffering in freezing temperatures after Russ...
Why are there mixed reactions to the US-India trade deal?
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
India and the U.S. announce a trade deal, with relief from some of President Donald Trump's harshest tariffs. He says India will stop buying Russian o...
Will there be conflict again between Iran and Israel?
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is yet again in Israel to discuss growing tensions with Iran. The two sides have been trading threats. At odds for ne...
How will the open Rafah border crossing impact Palestinian lives?
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Gaza's Rafah border crossing reopened but under strict Israeli conditions. The crossing is once again operational as part of the US-brokered ceasefire...
How will Pakistan deal with growing security challenges in Balochistan?
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How will Pakistan deal with growing security challenges in the southwestern province of Balochistan? Another coordinated attack by separatists has kil...
How much control will the US have over Venezuela's oil?
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Caracas says it's opening up the sector to private players. That follows Washington's dramatic intervention in the country in early January. ...
What is the significance of Keir Starmer's visit to China?
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in China this week with a large delegation of business people and cultural figures. He received a warm wel...
What does the new time on the Doomsday Clock represent?
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Doomsday Clock has reached the closest ever point to midnight. That's according to the atomic scientists who run it. They say more wars, aggressio...
What is in the trade deal between India and the European Union?
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
One of the biggest trade deals in history was struck by India and the European Union, months after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on both...
What will be the impact of finding the last Israeli captive's body?
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The last Israeli captive's body found in Gaza — where many thousands of Palestinians lie buried under rubble. Israel, as part of its long-standi...
Why has the US launched a violent crackdown on immigration?
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recent fatal shootings by federal U.S. immigration agents have sparked outrage and protests.They're accused of using excessive force and indiscriminat...
What's the fallout for America's allies around the world?
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sort out your own security. That's what the U.S. is telling its allies as the Pentagon adopts a new national defence strategy. Washington is now ...
Why has TikTok become an issue in the US?
24 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After being under threat for years - Tiktok will continue to operate in the United States. The Chinese platform reached a deal to create a new Am...
Will the Board of Peace be able to achieve global peace?
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It was initially supposed to oversee the postwar arrangements in Gaza. Now, the newly created, so-called Board of Peace is expected to deal with ...
Is Mark Carney correct about the rupture of the world's rules-based order?
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The world's rules-based order is ruptured, says Canada's prime minister Mark Carney — in a speech at Davos that avoided mentioning the US presid...
What are the implications of Israel bulldozing the UNRWA headquarters?
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
International condemnation as Israel bulldozes the headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Occupied East Jerusalem. The UN says...
How will EU leaders respond to Donald Trump's most recent tariff threats?
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. President Donald Trump threatens tariffs against seven EU countries and the UK for opposing his plans to take control of Greenland. EU leade...
Are there wider implications for Kurds after the Syrian army offensive?
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Syrian army has taken territory long held by Kurdish-led forces before declaring a ceasefire. The lightning offensive changes the balance of power...
Will the Syrian army end up controlling all the country's Kurdish-held areas?
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Will the Syrian army end up controlling all the country's Kurdish-held areas? The army has made significant territorial gains after intense battles wi...
Who stands to gain the most from Canada-China deal?
17 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Resetting ties with China. Canada's Prime minister visits Beijing hailing what he calls "a new partnership adapted to new global realities". ...
What are the hurdles to implementing the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire?
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What are the hurdles to implementing the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza? The U.S. says it's a transition to disarmament and reconstruction. But w...
Why does the US have a large military presence in the Gulf?
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What purpose does the massive U.S. military presence in the Gulf serve? Washington argues it maintains stability and security in this region.&nbs...
Why is the investigation into Jerome Powell causing global concern?
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
International alarm after the Trump administration announces the first-ever criminal investigation into the head of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Jerome P...
What's at stake in Uganda's upcoming elections?
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Uganda holds elections on Thursday, with President Yoweri Museveni hoping to extend his four decades in power. Supporters of his main opponent, musici...
Will Trump get his way with Greenland?
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. President Donald Trump has said repeatedly he wants to take over Greenland— an idea rejected by most people living there. There's alarm in ...
How volatile is the situation in Iran?
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Widespread unrest, killings and arrests in Iran during protests sparked by a collapse in the local currency. The leadership says it will listen t...
What are Saudi Arabia's plans in southern Yemen?
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What are Saudi Arabia's plans in southern Yemen? Riyadh says it will soon host a dialogue between the main players. It comes after the Southern T...
What is the impact of US withdrawal from dozens of international agencies?
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What is the impact of the U.S. withdrawal from dozens of United Nations and international agencies? Washington says the organisations threaten its sov...
Can the tension in Aleppo be contained?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Renewed clashes in the Syrian city of Aleppo between the army and Kurdish fighters are undermining efforts to achieve national unity. The violenc...
Can the security guarantees by Ukraine's western allies be implemented?
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The so-called Coalition of the Willing says it is going to provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees if a peace deal is agreed with Russia. ...
What are the implications for Cuba after the capture of Maduro?
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Venezuela's closest ally, Cuba, is on edge after the capture of president Nicolas Maduro and U.S. politicians' warnings to Havana. U.S. President Dona...
How will Maduro's capture affect Russia and China?
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The capture of Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro by the U.S. came despite his country's long-standing alliance with both China and Russia. Both hav...
Does the US attack on Venezuela signal a new aggressive strategy?
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The US capture of Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro has been sharply criticised by his allies, but not by Western nations despite questions about i...
What are the implications of Trump capturing Nicolas Maduro?
03 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US special forces capture Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro - in a daring attack that's taken the country and the world by surprise. He'd denied ac...
How fragile is the US healthcare system?
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How fragile is the US healthcare system? Millions of Americans face a sharp increase in their insurance premiums. That's after Congress failed to rene...
Why is there a wave of public anger in Iran?
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Angry protests across Iran as the country faces economic turmoil. The president is calling on the government to hear the protesters' demands.&nbs...
After a decade of alliance between Saudi-UAE, what's triggered a rupture?
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From close allies to rivals. The United Arab Emirates says it's pulling its troops out of Yemen. That's after an ultimatum by the Saudi-back...
Can the growing tensions between China and Taiwan be contained?
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tension is running high between China and Taiwan. Beijing is carrying out its biggest-ever military drills off the island, saying they're a warning to...
Are the sectarian tensions in Syria a threat to President al-Sharaa?
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Renewed sectarian anger grips parts of Syria. Alawite protesters confront government supporters and masked men attack security forces. Alawi...
What's the significance of Israel recognising Somaliland?
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Israel has become the first country to recognise Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia. That's angered Mogadishu, as well as African and Ar...
Do Donald Trump's strikes in Nigeria serve any purpose?
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The US President says they are against ISIL, claiming it targets Christians in the country.But are his allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria...
Has the fight against Al-Shabab failed?
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UN experts say the group remains a major threat to stability in Somalia and neighbouring countries.And it is still able to carry out attacks repeatedl...
Does Occupied West Bank land seizure undermine peace?
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Israel is escalating the confiscation of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank and approving new illegal settlements at an unprecedented scale.It...
Is peace on the horizon for Sudan in 2026?
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After another year of fighting, is peace on the horizon for Sudan in 2026? Khartoum has come up with a plan to end the conflict, but the UN warns the ...
How will the Syrian government deal with its growing security challenges?
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How will the Syrian government deal with its growing security challenges? Renewed fighting between the army and Syrian Democratic Forces is highlighti...
Can diplomacy end the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia?
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the ongoing fighting between Thailand and Cambodia - does diplomacy stand a chance? The two sides have held their first face-to-face meeting in a r...
How volatile is Bangladesh's political situation?
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political tension and unrest in Bangladesh after the assassination of a student leader of last year's uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. Electio...
Why are European farmers protesting the EU-Mercosur agreement?
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
European farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur agreement. That's as signing has been postponed until January, due to disagreements in Europe. T...
What might Trump do to get the Gaza ceasefire agreement back on track?
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Daily Israeli breaches of the Gaza ceasefire agreement threaten the entire peace process, says the Qatari prime minister, who helped broker the deal f...
What are the dangers of Trump ramping up pressure on Venezuela?
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Russia and China voice support for Venezuela after Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Nicolas Maduro. The US blockades sanctioned oil tankers i...