Trump eyes Gaza and Putin relaunches Soviet-era song contest
Feb 5, 2025
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Terry Stiasny, an author and political journalist, and Kate Clark, co-director of the Afghanistan Analysts Network, join for a thought-provoking discussion. They analyze Donald Trump's claims about Gaza, questioning their feasibility amid historical complexities. The conversation pivots to recent developments in Afghanistan, spotlighting the Taliban's troubling measures against women's media outlets. Lastly, they delve into Putin's revival of a Soviet-era song contest, exploring its cultural implications and the absurdities of political theatrics.
Trump's controversial proposal for Gaza highlights significant ethical concerns and the complex realities of the region's history and land ownership.
The Taliban's suspension of the only women's radio station in Afghanistan underscores a growing disconnect between their ultra-conservative ideologies and public desires for female representation and education.
Deep dives
Trump's Controversial Proposal for Gaza
US President Donald Trump has suggested relocating the entire population of Gaza and building an 'unbelievable' international place atop its ruins, a statement met with skepticism due to its impracticality and ethical implications. His proposals are seen as lacking consideration for the legal and humanitarian realities of the region, especially given that many Palestinians would not leave their land voluntarily. Trump's comments were made in conjunction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, raising concerns about potential military interventions that would face public backlash in the US. Critics emphasize that such proposals ignore the complex history of land ownership and displacement in the area.
The Dire Situation for Women in Afghanistan
The Taliban's recent actions have further escalated the repression of women in Afghanistan, with the closure of Radio Begum, the only radio station run by and for women, highlighting their broader crackdown on female representation in media. The Taliban's leadership, rooted in ultra-conservative ideologies, seeks to impose strict social controls, dismissing the growing public outcry from families advocating for girls' education. Many Afghan men express deep anguish over these restrictions, underscoring a growing disconnect between Taliban leadership and the desires of ordinary families. The suspension of international aid, including USAID, compounds the challenges facing Afghan women, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and employment.
Russia's New Song Contest Initiative
In response to its exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest, Russia has announced the creation of 'Intervision,' a new song competition that aims to revive a Soviet-era tradition. This initiative may reflect a desire to exert cultural influence while circumventing the perceived restrictions of Western competitions, but its success is uncertain given past failures in maintaining the format. The Russian government envisions a contest controlled by the Kremlin, raising concerns about authenticity and the potential for state propaganda. Skepticism surrounds the notion that countries would willingly participate in a competition that lacks the diversity and camp appeal of its Western counterpart.
The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme
The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme showcases a diverse selection of Japanese cinema, emphasizing culturally significant themes such as justice and societal change. This year’s festival is structured to combine various genres, ensuring that films reach a wide audience throughout the UK, while primarily focusing on themes that resonate with contemporary issues. The program's founder highlights the importance of exposing audiences to underrepresented films, thereby enriching their understanding of Japanese culture. With an impressive number of screenings across numerous venues, this initiative has seen significant growth since its inception, demonstrating the rising interest in Japanese films outside of major cities.
We unpack the latest following Donald Trump’s meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu and ask how seriously we can take the former’s bold claims on Gaza? Also in the programme: we get an update on Afghanistan as the Taliban suspends the country’s only women’s radio station. Then: we unpack why Putin is set to relaunch a Soviet-era song contest, ‘Intervideniye’. Plus: the French far right get their knickers in a twist over suggested clothes-washing rules.