Ruth Michelson

Foreign correspondent Ruth Michaelson, an expert on the Middle East, dives into the complexities of the Syrian civil war. She discusses the fall of Aleppo and the rise of Islamist militants, describing the chaos in the Syrian army. Michaelson highlights the challenges faced by residents, sharing their emotional turmoil amidst the conflict. She also examines the shifting alliances supporting Assad’s regime and the implications of diminishing support from Russia and Iran. This insightful analysis reveals the personal and political stakes in a war-torn nation.

Juliet Linley, a journalist and former Vatican correspondent, Lynne O'Donnell, a columnist for Foreign Policy, and Ruth Michelson, a Middle East correspondent, dive into the historic election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, America’s first pontiff. They discuss his potential to balance traditional Catholic values with progressive social issues. The conversation tackles his critiques of political figures and immigration policies, while also examining the global implications of his leadership amidst shifting geopolitical alliances.

Bethan McKernan is the Guardian's Jerusalem correspondent, and Ruth Michaelson reports from across the Middle East. They discuss the controversial plans of Israeli settlers moving to Gaza amid ongoing conflict. The duo highlights the precarious situation for Palestinian civilians and the motivations behind settler aspirations, driven by ideology and governmental backing. They delve into the implications of resettling Gaza, exploring themes of ethnic cleansing, community resilience, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian dynamic.

Sami Kent, a senior producer and Turkish politics expert, joins Ruth Michaelson, a Guardian foreign correspondent in Istanbul, to discuss the eruption of public protests after President Erdoğan's arrest of rival Ekrem Imamoglu. They delve into the parallels with the 2013 Gezi Park protests and explore how Imamoglu's rise symbolizes hope for democracy. They also scrutinize Turkey's political landscape, the public’s response to government crackdowns, and Erdoğan's international maneuvering amid growing unrest.

Ruth Michelson, a journalist based in Istanbul, and Stephen Borowick, a staff writer in Seoul, share insights on the recent dismantling of propaganda loudspeakers at the North-South Korean border. They discuss how this move may ease tensions and reshape diplomatic strategies, particularly through cultural exports like K-pop. Matt Wolf dives into the current trends in theater, exploring how technology influences performances. Meanwhile, Cécile Verdier highlights the evolving dynamics of the luxury market, emphasizing craftsmanship and consumer shifts towards quality.