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.

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.

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.

Join Sasha Eisenberg, Monocle's US politics correspondent, as he dissects the upcoming US election landscape. Political analyst Mark Gagliotti offers fascinating insights into the BRICS summit under Putin's gaze, exploring tensions among China and India. Steve Tsang from SOAS elaborates on BRICS' global implications. James Crabtree discusses the intricate dynamics of India-China relations. Plus, hear from Lieutenant Yulia Mstitenko about life on the Ukrainian front line. There's also a look at King Charles’s contentious visit to Australia.