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.

Ruth Michaelson, a journalist based in Istanbul, delves into the booming industry of leg-lengthening surgery in Turkey. She uncovers the emotional and physical toll of the procedure, revealing patients’ struggles with pain and regret. The conversation highlights how societal pressures shape the desire for height, particularly among men, and discusses the psychological complexities tied to body image. Additionally, Michaelson explores the rise of medical tourism and the allure of combining surgery with a vacation, while cautioning about the potential risks involved.

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.