Martha, presenter of Radio 4's Today from Jerusalem, and Sir Alex Younger, former chief of MI6, discuss intelligence failures and fears for the future in the Israel and Gaza conflict. The hosts also cover the Labour Party conference, Keir Starmer's speech, and polling updates from Jane Green, professor of politics at Oxford University.
Understanding the horror and bloodshed in Israel and Gaza is crucial for global awareness.
Intelligence failures in the region highlight the need for a holistic approach beyond technology and military operations.
Deep dives
The speech focuses on the crisis in Israel and Gaza
The podcast explores the ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza, highlighting the extreme horror and bloodshed witnessed in the region. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and paying attention to the events unfolding in the Middle East, not only for those living there, but also for people worldwide.
Martha's emotional interviews with families affected by the conflict
Martha, a reporter in Jerusalem, shares her experiences interviewing families affected by the conflict. She recounts a heartbreaking interview with a family who lost their son at a music festival, as well as her difficulties in obtaining views from Gaza due to communication issues. These interviews provide a personal and emotional perspective on the impact of the crisis.
The failure of intelligence in Israel's response
The podcast discusses the intelligence failures surrounding Israel's response to the crisis. It highlights the need for imaginative thinking and a holistic approach to intelligence, suggesting that a focus solely on technology and military operations may not be sufficient in addressing the complexity of the situation.
The risks of a potential military solution
The podcast addresses the potential dangers of pursuing a solely military solution to the conflict. It emphasizes that a military operation alone is unlikely to bring a resolution and may lead to unintended consequences, such as radicalization and the creation of more terrorists. It suggests the need for a political strategy to accompany military actions.
Listen to Amol and Nick reflect on the Israel and Gaza conflict as they talk about what it might mean for the wider world. They talk to Martha, who’s spent much of this week presenting Radio 4’s Today from Jerusalem. The former chief of MI6, Sir Alex Younger is in ‘The Today Podcast’ studio giving his take on intelligence failures in the region and discussing his fears for what will happen next.
Plus Nick’s spent the week at Labour Party conference in Liverpool. Find out what he and Amol made of Sir Keir Starmer’s speech and his interview on Today and Jane Green professor of politics at Oxford University is back with the latest polling.
Episodes land every Thursday. Subscribe to The Today Podcast to get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week. With insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.
Get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email Today@bbc.co.uk
The Today Podcast is presented by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson. The producers are Tom Smithard and Stephanie Mitcalf. The editors are Jonathan Aspinwall and Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. The Today Podcast music is composed by Nick Foster and Paddy Fletcher.
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