The Inside Story Podcast

What does the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia mean for Ukraine?

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A meeting on Ukraine without Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticises talks between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia while Donald Trump blam...

How long will Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon? 

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lebanon says any Israeli presence on its soil is now an 'occupation'. The deadline for a complete Israeli withdrawal has come and gone. So h...

What is holding up the implementation of the Teesta River Project?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So-called 'water wars' are on the rise worldwide. But the Teesta River conflict is one of the most contentious. A treaty between India and Bangladesh ...

Could the transatlantic alliance fall apart?

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Could the transatlantic alliance fall apart? Many EU leaders have rejected the US vice president's criticism of democracy on the continent. JD Vance c...

Will African countries receive reparations from former colonial powers?

15 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Righting the wrongs of the past. African leaders are seeking reparations from former colonial powers, pointing to the enduring impact of systemic disc...

Are human rights still important?

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is anyone bothered about human rights anymore? From Israel's war in Gaza, to conflict in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and elsewher...

Can Trump bring peace to Ukraine?

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump says "negotiations will start immediately" to end the war in Ukraine. The US President says Russia and Ukraine both want peace. But will ...

How will Trump's second term reshape the US on the world stage?

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the saying goes, consistency builds trust. For decades, the US has been a global superpower. But in just over three weeks President Donal...

Will Europe step up its game with AI?

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The French president has described the artificial intelligence summit in Paris as 'a wake-up call'. He's urging Europe to get more competitive in...

Why is Donald Trump targeting South Africa?

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump is accusing South Africa of human rights violations against its white farmers. He's cut assistance that includes critical HI...

What does Lebanon's new government mean for Hezbollah?

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lebanon's president has named a new administration sidelining Hezbollah for the first time in decades. But where does this leave the group and its all...

What are the implications of Trump's sanctions on the ICC?

08 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The International Criminal Court receives a wave of support after it's hit with US sanctions. President Donald Trump is punishing the court for its in...

What do US aid cuts mean for America's global influence?

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Its funding pulled, and its staff sent home. The world's largest international humanitarian donor, USAID, is under assault. If the Trump administratio...

What is the response to Donald Trump's plan for Gaza?

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why is Donald Trump so obsessed with Gaza? The US president proposes taking over the strip and relocating Palestinians. A violation of international l...

Why is Donald Trump obsessed with Gaza?

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why is Donald Trump so obsessed with Gaza? The US president proposes taking over the strip and relocating Palestinians. A violation of international l...

Why is the US pushing for tariffs on its trade partners?

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A trade war between the US and its neighbours averted for now. President Trump has delayed imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, but not China. Why i...

Why are Israeli attacks intensifying in the occupied West Bank?

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A wave of Israeli bombings devastates the Jenin refugee camp. More than 25 Palestinians have been killed in an attack in the occupied West Bank that w...

Could the conflict in DR Congo expand to the region?

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rwandan-backed rebels advance in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They've captured a regional capital, and are vowing to reach Kinshasa. The conf...

How will the US suspending foreign aid affect the world?

01 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The US state department stops nearly all foreign aid as President Donald Trump pushes his America First policy. But this assistance also helps the Uni...

What will shape Syria's future?

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Syria's new president has promised to unify the country in his first speech to the nation.He insists he'll form a government that reflects Syria's div...

What does violence in DRC mean for the region?

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What are the risks of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo spreading regionally? M23 rebels have taken control of the provincial ...

How will US tech firms react to DeepSeek? 

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How will US tech firms react to DeepSeek? The Chinese artificial intelligence start-up says it can match Google and ChatGPT at a fraction of the ...

What might be the fallout of forcing out Palestinians from Gaza?

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An outright rejection of Donald Trump's plan to relocate Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt. The two countries say that's a red line. But how far can th...

Why are the US and Colombia fighting over deportation flights?

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An explosive diplomatic row between the US and Colombia over the deportation of unauthorised immigrants on military planes. It's been quickly defused ...

What lies ahead for Gaza?

26 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rare scenes of joy among Palestinians and Israelis after 15 months of genocide in Gaza. Prisoners are exchanged for captives, but Israeli soldiers sto...

Can Trump end the Ukraine-Russia war?

25 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Russia and Ukraine are still attacking each other's territory with no sign of a let-up on the battlefield. But the return of Donald Trump as US p...

How are Palestinians rebuilding Gaza's education system?

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Almost all of Gaza's schools have been damaged or destroyed, with thousands of students and teachers among the victims of Israel's genocide. Yet,...

What does Trump's second term mean for global security?

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can Donald Trump end global conflicts? The newly inaugurated US president says he can. But as he pledges to build what he calls the strongest military...

How will Trump reshape the US over the next four years?

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump is promising what he describes as a golden age for the United States. But the flurry of actions he has already taken hours after being sw...

How is the world viewing Trump's inauguration speech?

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump says his presidency is the beginning of a golden age for America. His inauguration speech laid out a populist agenda spanning borders, cl...

What does Trump's second term as US president mean for the world?

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The world is looking ahead to Donald Trump's second term as US president. What can it expect from Trump 2.0? And will his America First policy conflic...

Ceasefire brings sense of hope in Gaza - how have people endured?

19 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A sense of hope in Gaza with the ceasefire, coming after nearly 47,000 people were killed by Israeli attacks and western weapons. Palestinians are now...

What are the challenges in implementing the Gaza ceasefire?

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Gaza ceasefire deal backed by Hamas, the U.S. and governments worldwide - but with Israeli politicians the final hurdle. Implementing it will m...

What are details of the Gaza ceasefire deal?

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel keeps killing Palestinians in Gaza, even as a ceasefire agreement is reached to end 15 months of war. It's due to come into effect on Sunday, a...

What does an Iran-Russia partnership mean for the global order?

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A deepening relationship. Russia and Iran are set to sign a 20-year strategic partnership agreement. So, what's bringing the two countries closer? And...

Is a ceasefire in Gaza possible now?

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hopes are running high that a ceasefire deal for Gaza might be reached this time. It's expected to end the fighting and release the captives in e...

Will the West lift sanctions on Syria?

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The push to lift sanctions on Syria is gaining momentum. The new administration is engaged in a major diplomatic outreach... And top European and Arab...

Will Germany's AfD succeed in elections?

12 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Major protests outside the annual conference of Germany's Far Right AfD party. It's candidate for Chancellor is promising mass deportations of immigra...

What's the risk of further escalation between Israel and Houthis?

11 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israeli warplanes struck Yemen on Friday -- with a power station, ports and residential areas among the targets. The same day, Houthi forces say they ...

What are the challenges for Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun?

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a two-year political stalemate, Lebanon has a president. The election of army chief Joseph Aoun by parliament is welcomed from Washington to Teh...

What impact will global conflicts have on military spending?

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Research into global conflict indicates more countries are at war today than at any time since World War Two. Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, NA...

How is the world helping the people in Sudan?

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Famine now present in five areas of Sudan -- in what a senior UN official says is 'a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions'. Millions are disp...

What will it mean for Austria if Herbert Kickl takes power?

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 A crucial moment in Austria's history. A far right leader is invited to form a government for the first time since World War II. Will Herbert Kickl...

What does M23's advancement mean for DR Congo?

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

M23 fighters are advancing in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They've taken two towns in as many days in North Kivu province. Talks to end the d...

How can the world powers stop Israel from attacking health facilities?

05 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hospitals in Gaza have become battle zones. Patients and health workers are victims of Israel's war. The director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the north...

What do Germany and France want from Syria?

04 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Germany and France's foreign ministers visit Syria telling the new leadership that lifting sanctions will depend on how the country's political future...

What's next for Iran's nuclear power talks?

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Talks are expected soon between European powers and Iran on its nuclear programme.Days later, the man who tore up the last agreement, Donald Trump, wi...

Are Western fuel sanctions hurting Europe more than Russia?

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ukraine shuts off Russian gas to Europe through its territory, after a pre-war deal expires.Yet Russian gas supplies to the EU by ship, are at record ...

Revisiting: What dangers does winter bring for the people of Gaza?

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode was originally published on November 21st 2023. Israel's war on Gaza has brought catastrophe to 2.3 million Palestinians. Hundreds of tho...

What's in store for 2025?

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

 A troubled year comes to an end. Lives destroyed by wars that continue to rage in Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine. Regimes firmly in control a year ago, g...

Why is Israel so focused on north Gaza?

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With winter setting in, Palestinians in Gaza have little protection from the cold. Israel's siege of the north has denied many access to aid or medica...

Why are relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan so tense?

29 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Afghan Defence Ministry says it carried out several air strikes in Pakistan in retaliation for an attack last week. It's the latest act in growing...

With South Korea's political instability, what's gone wrong?

28 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Deepening political crisis in South Korea. Two presidents impeached within two weeks with their stand-in replacement immediately under pressure. The i...

How dangerous are Israeli and Yemeni escalating hostilities?

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Israel again bombs Yemen, hitting the main airport and port city. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns there's more to come. Anot...

Is Israel using starvation as a weapon of war?

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Warnings of an imminent risk of famine in parts of Gaza due to Israel's attacks and blocking of humanitarian aid and food supplies. Malnutrition is af...

Why are there protests in Mozambique?

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More than 150 people killed in protests in Mozambique. Demonstrators claim October's presidential election was rigged. The winner from the governing F...

Will Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina face justice?

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bangladesh wants India to extradite its former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to face charges of genocide and crimes against humanity among others. She ...

Why have children from Gaza been denied medical treatment in the UK?

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fifty British MPs call for children from Gaza to receive medical care in the UK. It was prompted by the UK's denial of treatment to a 4-year-old ...

Will the Christmas market attack impact immigration in Germany?

22 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The suspect in the Magdeburg Christmas market attack is a self-described Saudi dissident. German authorities say he supports a right-wing party.&...

How can Biden help Sudan?

21 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The UN says Sudan is a crisis of staggering scale and cruelty that demands urgent attention. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and d...

How Israel, Syria and Lebanon may affect Yemen

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Israel carries out air strikes on Yemen. Houthi forces there launch missiles at Tel Aviv. Attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon and the fall of Assad in Syr...

Why is the Democratic Republic of Congo suing Apple?

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The world's most valuable company, Apple, is being sued by Democratic Republic of Congo.The tech giant's accused of using illegally-mined minerals in ...

Can Donald Trump influence the war in Ukraine?

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A Russian general assassinated by Ukraine in Moscow. Kyiv accused him of using chemical weapons on the battlefield. That's as Russian forces...

Why is Germany's election so important?

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Germany faces an early election, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government. Europe's biggest economy is in trouble, with...

What are the implications of Israel shutting its embassy in Ireland?

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Israel is shutting its embassy in Ireland accusing the government of 'anti-Israel' policies. Dublin has strongly opposed the war on Gaza and recognise...

Revisiting: How is climate change impacting food?

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode was originally published on July 11th, 2024. Climate change is disrupting food production and supply worldwide. Crops, fruit, livestock a...

Will the Assad regime be held accountable for its crimes?

14 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Syrians are demanding truth and justice. The new leadership is promising punishment for crimes committed during more than half a century of Assad rule...

Will Syria's new leaders rebuild the country?

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Freedom and hope after decades of dictatorship. But Syrians face a future fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Do the new leaders have the skill...

Can negotiations bring a ceasefire in Gaza?

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A final push by the Biden administration to stop Israel's war on Gaza. Two top officials are in the region to hold talks on how to stop the fighting a...

What does the future hold for Syrian refugees in Europe?

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Euphoria is turning into despair for many Syrian refugees in Europe. Days after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, several governments have paused Syrian as...

How can Syria be rebuilt?

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Years of war and sanctions mean Syria is in dire need of reconstruction. Foreign funding is essential, along with political stability so work vital to...

What are Israel's plans in Syria?

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the Assad government falls, Israel seizes more territory in Syria's Golan Heights. That move tears up a 50-year-old agreement. But Israeli far-righ...

How will Syria be governed after the fall of al-Assad's regime?

08 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Celebrations by some in Syria after Bashar al-Assad is toppled. Overthrown by opposition forces made up of different factions, there's concern now abo...

What's President al-Assad's strategy against the Syrian opposition?

07 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In just over a week, opposition forces in Syria have seized major cities including Aleppo, and large swathes of territory. They've faced little or no ...

What do opposition fighters gains mean for President Bashar al-Assad?

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Opposition fighters are gaining ground in north-west Syria. They have captured some major government-held cities. And are aiming to take Damascus. Ho...

What does a failed attempt to impose martial law mean for South Korea?

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A political showdown in South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol is under pressure to resign after his failed attempt to impose martial law. Opposition MP...

Is there progress with reviving the Gaza ceasefire negotiations?

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

No let-up in the daily cycle of deaths, destruction and displacement in Gaza. Palestinians say any hopes of a pause in Israeli attacks after the Leban...

How are the countries involved in Syria's war reacting?

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Syria's civil war, Russia, Iran, Turkey, the US and Arab states are all backing different factions. A swift opposition offensive has come as a shoc...

What does the fighting in Syria mean for the country?

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A lightning offensive by opposition fighters in Syria sweeps ahead after Aleppo falls. President Bashar al-Assad vows they'll be defeated, despite lit...

Will Australia's new social media restrictions work?

30 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Under sixteens banned from using social media under strict new legislation in Australia. The government says it's to protect children, but Big Tech co...

Why has violence flared up again in northwest Syria?

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anti-government forces in northwest Syria launch their biggest offensive in years.The fighting is the most intense since the height of the war almost ...

How will the Israel, Hezbollah ceasefire impact peace in the region?

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

People in Lebanon are picking up the pieces after nearly 14 months of war. The pause in hostilities has renewed a push to end Israel’s genocide in G...

Will the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal hold?

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Returning home to ruins. A ceasefire is in place in Lebanon, ending more than a year of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Will the US brokered ag...

What would sanctioning Haaretz mean for press freedom in Israel?

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Another attack on the media in Israel. The Benjamin Netanyahu government plans to sanction the country's oldest newspaper. Haaretz is accused of hurti...

Will the protests in Pakistan lead to more political instability?

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pakistan's capital is sealed off. Security forces have been deployed to stop Imran Khan's supporters from marching into Islamabad. They're demanding t...

Why are developing nations unhappy with the COP29 agreement?

24 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Deep division as an agreement is just about hammered out at the COP29 summit. But developing nations say the annual 300 billion dollars pledged by we...

What does the use of new weapons mean for the Ukraine-Russia war?

23 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Russia attacks Ukraine with a new hypersonic missile. Western leaders say it marks a dangerous new phase in the war. The Kremlin says it follows a dec...

How will European nations respond to ICC arrest warrants?

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Israel and its biggest ally, the U.S., again isolated, furiously attacking the International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrants for Be...

What are the implications of ICC arrest warrants for Israel and Hamas?

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Arrest warrants are issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, on ...

What does Russia's new nuclear policy mean for global security?

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

President Vladimir Putin revises Russia's nuclear policy, clearing the way for broader use of atomic weapons. The move heightens tensions with the Wes...

How will the G20 leaders enforce multilateralism?

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

G20 leaders failed to agree on financing climate change action. However, they've pledged support for multilateralism, the global south and an open eco...

How will Ukraine's use of American missiles impact its war with Russia?

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For months, Ukraine has wanted to use American missiles against Russia. Now, outgoing President Joe Biden has given the go-ahead, in a significant cha...

Has the world failed the people of Sudan?

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is there any way to stop the war in Sudan? The fighting is estimated to have killed tens of thousands of civilians. It's caused the largest human disp...

How will Trump's cabinet nominees shape foreign policy?

16 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Team Trump 2.0 is taking shape. The US President-elect has nominated key members of his cabinet. Some of Donald Trump's picks are raising eyebrows. Ho...

Can COP29 help solve the climate crisis?

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A vision to tackle the world’s climate crisis.Year after year, activists and scientists chalk out plans for nations to cut emissions. But are clima...

Why isn't the US holding Israel to account? 

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A 30-day deadline to allow more aid into Gaza has expired. Aid agencies say Israel has failed to act on the demands of its biggest ally. So why isn't ...

What's the narrative surrounding the riots in Amsterdam?

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Visiting Israeli football hooligans on rampage in Amsterdam - provoking Dutch Arabs and instigating a wave of violence. Did officials fail to prevent ...

What should African leaders expect from Trump?

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What should African leaders expect from Trump as he makes his comeback? The continent hasn't been a top diplomatic priority for Washington in recent ...

How will politics play a role in climate change talks?

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Delegates have gathered in Azerbaijan for the UN's climate conference. Carbon emissions, rising sea levels and melting ice sheets are on the agenda. B...

What does Trump's comeback mean for East Asia?

10 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What does Trump's comeback mean for East Asia? He's marked China as his primary adversary, threatening heavy tariffs on its imports. And in a geopolit...