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.

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!