Hold Your Fire!

This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group Yemen expert Ahmed Nagi about what the ceasefire in Gaza means for the Israel-Houthi conflict, risks of further attacks in the Red Sea and the future of the intra-Yemeni peace process. In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard is joined by Crisis Group’s Yemen expert, Ahmed Nagi, to discuss where the Israel-Houthi conflict may be headed after the ceasefire in Gaza. They examine the Houthis’ attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which the group links to Israel’s assault on Gaza. They assess Israel’s recent attacks in Yemen that killed senior Houthi political and military figures, and how the group is adapting. They also unpack the Houthis’ ties to Tehran, as they have become the most capable actor within Iran’s “axis of resistance”, as well as the group’s sharper rhetoric against Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. Finally, they discuss the standoff between the Houthis and its Yemeni rivals, the state of the internationally recognised government under the Presidential Leadership Council, risks of renewed conflict, and prospects for reviving intra-Yemeni talks.Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For more, check out our Yemen country pages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion, Ibraheem Bahiss, an Afghanistan expert, and Samina Ahmed, South Asia director, delve into the recent clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces. They explore the turbulent relationship between Kabul and Islamabad, revealing why the Taliban struggles to control the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Samina highlights the rising militant violence in Pakistan and its impact on civilians. Both guests also consider Pakistan's shifting foreign relations, including newfound ties with Saudi Arabia and the U.S., amidst concerns over India's role in Afghanistan.

In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard talks with Crisis Group’s Sudan expert Shewit Woldemichael, Horn of Africa director Alan Boswell and Gulf & Arabian Peninsula director Yasmine Farouk about the latest shifts in Sudan’s war and recent diplomatic efforts. They chart recent battlefield developments, including the situation in El Fasher in northern Darfur, where fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is particularly intense amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. They examine how the balance of power between the warring parties is evolving, the interests of outside actors supplying arms, and the RSF’s push to establish a parallel government. They also look at diplomatic efforts to end the war, including the recent announcement by the U.S., Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, known as the Quad, outlining a roadmap for peace in Sudan, how the RSF and the Sudanese army are responding, and what the initiative can realistically achieve.Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For more, check out our recent Q&A “All Eyes on the Quad: How the U.S. and Its Partners Can Push for Peace in Sudan”, Alan’s Foreign Affairs piece “Sudan’s War Is the Shape of Things to Come” and our Sudan page.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob Malley, former president of the International Crisis Group and U.S. special envoy to Iran, delves into the nuances of Gaza, Trump's peace plan, and insights from his new book on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses Hamas's conditional acceptance of negotiations and the complexities of hostage dynamics. Malley also critiques the failures of the two-state solution and examines the impact of historical missed opportunities. The conversation reflects on societal trauma and explores innovative alternatives to conventional peace frameworks in the region.

Michael Hanna, a U.S. director at the International Crisis Group, reveals how Trump's Gaza plan formed amid regional pressures. Max Rodenbeck analyzes the deal's implications, highlighting its benefits for Israel while shifting Gaza's burdens globally. Amjad Iraqi shares urgent Palestinian reactions, stressing concerns over limited agency and the humanitarian fallout. They unpack key uncertainties, including security provisions and governance, and discuss the plan's reception among Israeli politicians and regional allies, all against the backdrop of ongoing conflict.

This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group experts Lucian Kim, Olga Oliker, and Stephen Pomper about battlefield developments in Ukraine, the Trump administration's diplomatic efforts to end the war, and what might lie ahead.In this episode of Hold Your Fire, Richard is joined by Crisis Group’s Ukraine expert Lucian Kim, Europe director Olga Oliker and chief of policy Stephen Pomper. They unpack recent developments along Ukraine’s frontlines and the role of drones. They discuss President Trump’s August meeting with President Putin in Alaska, the Trump team’s mixed messages  on what kind of deal Russia and Ukraine might be willing to accept, and what to make of Trump’s rhetoric at the UN General Assembly. They also look at the mood in Ukraine and the recent controversy over a bill that would have curbed anti-corruption agencies. Finally, they touch on Russian incursions into the airspace of NATO countries, whether Moscow might further test NATO’s resolve and the future of European security.Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For more, check out our commentary Beyond the Ukraine Summits: Five Realities after Three Years of War and our Ukraine country page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard Atwood speaks with Richard Gowan about what to expect from this year’s UN General Assembly High-Level Week. They discuss the mood at the UN as the second Trump administration both finds its feet at the world body and makes drastic funding cuts, forcing the UN to scale back humanitarian operations and lay off thousands of staff in New York and agencies. They examine the conflicts likely to dominate the agenda, including mounting global fury at Israel’s assault on Gaza, shifting global views on Russia’s war in Ukraine, the conflict in Sudan, and the challenges of Syria’s new government in its dealings with the UN. Finally, they consider the future of UN peacekeeping and whether the organisation can endure as much of the post-1945 multilateral order unravels.Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For More, check out our latest briefing Ten Challenges for the UN in 2025-2026, our Updates from the UN General Assembly 2025 and our Multilateral Diplomacy page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murithi Mutiga, Africa Program Director at Crisis Group, sheds light on the complex dynamics of African diplomacy. He discusses the recently brokering of peace between DR Congo and Rwanda and how U.S. mediation under Trump has shifted perceptions. The conversation dives into the ongoing civil war in Sudan and the fragile peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Mutiga also explores the rise of anti-imperialist sentiments among Africa's youth, reflecting on how these evolving geopolitical tensions shape the continent's future.

This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group experts Ali Vaez, Yasmine Farouk, Mairav Zonszein, Max Rodenbeck and Michael Hanna about the uneasy truce between Israel and Iran after twelve days of war and what it means for the region.In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard is joined once more by Crisis Group experts, Ali Vaez, Yasmine Farouk, Mairav Zonszein, Max Rodenbeck and Michael Hanna to discuss the uneasy truce between Israel and Iran after twelve days of war and what might follow. Richard first talks with Ali about the extent of damage U.S. strikes may have inflicted on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and incentives for Washington and Tehran to reengage diplomatically. Next, Richard and Yasmine examine how the conflict has affected relations between Gulf Arab capitals and Tehran, and how Gulf states are adapting to a rapidly shifting region. Richard then turns to Mairav and Max to assess how Israel’s leadership views the outcome of the war and whether it can translate military into political gains. Finally, Richard talks to Michael about what’s next for American policy in the Middle East.Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For more, check out our Iran page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard is joined by Crisis Group’s Iran director Ali Vaez and Gulf and Arabian Peninsula director Yasmine Farouk to discuss the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. They assess what is known about the damage at the nuclear sites and how far the attacks might have set back Iran’s nuclear program. They unpack why diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation have broken down and how Gulf Arab capitals view the situation. They also talk through Iran’s options to respond and whether there’s still a path back to diplomacy.For more, check out our latest Hold Your Fire! episode, “Will he? Won’t he? The Trump Iran Show”, and our Iran page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.