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, Monocle's Middle East expert, discusses Ahmed al-Sharaa's new role as Syria's transitional president and the challenges he faces. Ronan Lee shares insights on Myanmar's junta and its impending elections, painting a grim picture of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Claudine Fry adds depth with her analysis of global news, spotlighting tensions in Rwanda and South Africa's military involvement. The conversation also touches on societal shifts and the cultural events at the Sundance Film Festival, offering a rich tapestry of current affairs.

Suzanne Lynch, an associate editor at Politico and expert on the Ukraine crisis, discusses potential ceasefire talks amid Europe's urgent summit. Anwar Gargash, UAE's senior diplomatic advisor, sheds light on rebuilding strategies for Gaza while Ruth Michelson reviews pressing Middle East events. Hotelier Marcus Haidemenos shares insights on the impact of recent earthquakes in Santorini on tourism, highlighting the island's resilience and response strategies. Tune in for a captivating exploration of international diplomacy and regional challenges!

Julian Ryall, the Daily Telegraph's correspondent in Japan, sheds light on the Yamaguchi Gumi's surprising decision to end a decade-long feud, signaling changes in the yakuza landscape. Meanwhile, Ruth Michaelson reports from Istanbul as the city's jailed mayor prepares for a crucial court date amid rising public protests and political tension. The discussion also touches on the UK’s upcoming adaptation of SNL, analyzing how American humor might translate to British audiences and the implications for sketch comedy. It's a captivating mix of politics and culture!

Ruth Michelson, a seasoned journalist and Middle East correspondent, joins Andrew Muller, contributing editor at Monocle and host of The Foreign Desk, to discuss Emmanuel Macron's recent diplomatic efforts in Egypt amid the Gaza conflict. They analyze France's potential role in fostering peace and delivering humanitarian aid, while critiquing relationships between European leaders and authoritarian regimes. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of geopolitical tensions and global trade dynamics.

Journalist Ruth Michaelson, reporting from Istanbul, dives into the ongoing protests in Turkey sparked by the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the main political rival to President Erdogan. She highlights the demands for democracy and the implications for the upcoming elections amidst a government crackdown on dissent. Ruth also discusses the international reaction to these developments and the potential impact on Erdogan's rule. Plus, brief insights on Brazil-Japan relations and interesting conversations from the ongoing Nordic Happiness Summit.

Ruth Michelson, a Middle East correspondent based in Damascus, discusses Syria's political transition and the challenges ahead. Stephen Erlanger, New York Times chief diplomatic correspondent, delves into Elon Musk's controversial conversation with Alice Weidel. Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent, highlights the devastating impact of California wildfires on communities and the economy. Katie Brown, a Senior Lecturer on Latin America, analyzes Nicolás Maduro's third inauguration in a context of alleged election fraud.