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.

Ruth Michelson, a journalist in Istanbul, delves into Israel's military actions in Syria and their implications on sectarian violence. Garana Gurdjik provides a security analysis, while Tim Abrams discusses the architectural wonders of Neuschwanstein Castle, emphasizing their cultural significance. Alexis Self shares insights on New Zealand striving to attract international students, noting how geopolitical dynamics shape immigration policies. The conversation weaves through innovation, heritage, and the anticipated Emmy nominations, making for a rich and varied discussion.

Inzi Rashid, a journalist focusing on the GCC, discusses the implications of the recent US attacks on Iran, detailing regional reactions and potential retaliations. Ruth Michelson shares insights on local media responses from Istanbul. Meanwhile, Natalie Theodosi reports from Milan's Men's Fashion Week, highlighting creativity amid global tensions. Will Hodgkinson dives into Glastonbury's buzz and Bruce Springsteen's lost albums, while Tahas Vankovic explores the promising future of hydrogen fuel cells in aviation, touching on its challenges and innovations.

Chris Lord, an Executive Editor and former LA correspondent, delves into the ongoing protests against ICE in the U.S. Ruth Michelson, a Middle East journalist, shares insights on global tensions, particularly regarding U.S. foreign policy shifts. Serge Endala provides a Geneva perspective on the aftermath of the devastating landslide in Blatten, discussing the village's recovery efforts. David Rhodes, Executive Chairman of Sky News, highlights themes of community resilience as they explore the intersection of local challenges and international news.

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.