Orla Guerin

Orla Guerin, a BBC senior international correspondent with extensive Middle East reporting experience, shares her insights from Damascus on Syria's new president Ahmed al-Sharaa. They discuss his controversial past as an al-Qaeda fighter and his red-carpet reception at the UN. Orla explores al-Sharaa's governance priorities, including attracting investors and managing sanctions. She evaluates the legitimacy of upcoming elections and warns of potential cronyism. The conversation highlights the delicate balance of international interests and Syria's uncertain path toward democracy.

Jonathan Head, a BBC Southeast Asia Correspondent, discusses his rare access to Pagasa Island amid the South China Sea tensions, highlighting the Philippines' resilience against China's expansion. Meanwhile, Orla Guerin reports from Diyarbakir, where the PKK's surprising decision to disarm has sparked a mix of hope and skepticism among locals, reflecting on the long road to peace and the complex layers of Kurdish identity. Both guests illuminate pressing geopolitical issues and the personal stories intertwined with them.

Orla Guerin, BBC's senior international correspondent, reports on Middle Eastern conflicts. Dr. Ahron Bregman, a veteran of the Israeli army, shares insights into the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, while Dr. Julie Norman, a Politics expert, contextualizes the situation. They analyze the lasting impacts of Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, the ensuing humanitarian crisis, and how the rise of Hamas reshaped Palestinian politics. The discussion underscores the ongoing challenges for peace and the pressing need for a two-state solution.