Newshour

Join Dr. Elizabeth Kendall, a distinguished Middle East studies expert from the University of Cambridge, as she dissects the complex situation in Yemen. She illuminates the recent tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, sparked by southern Yemen's separatist movements. Hear her insights on the strategic significance of Yemen in regional dynamics and the implications of recent Saudi airstrikes. Kendall also explores whether the Southern Transitional Council can withstand the pressure without UAE support amid rising street protests.

The United Arab Emirates has agreed to withdraw its forces from Yemen after a Saudi bombing of the port of Mukalla. Saudi authorities say it targeted weapons intended for UAE-backed separatists who threatened its security. Also in the programme: the latest search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370 begins today; why a Japanese folk tale of a ghost that haunts school toilets still persists; and we look ahead to some of the big stories of next year with our correspondents who cover health, the environment and sport. (Picture: People hold a South Yemen flag during a rally calling for South Yemen's independence, in the southern port city of Aden on 25 December 2025. Credit: NAJEEB MOHAMED/EPA/Shutterstock)

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss Gaza's future, including the issue of Hamas' disarmament. The two leaders also spoke about Iran's nuclear programme and the fragile Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire in Lebanon.Also on the programme: British boxer Anthony Joshua has been injured in a car crash in Nigeria; shopkeepers in Tehran have been demonstrating over the depreciating rial; and a special report on songbird poaching in China.(Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival for meetings at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 29, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

Taiwan has put its forces on high alert after China began a live-fire rehearsal of a blockade of the island. Is Beijing responding to a recent US-Taiwan arms deal? Also in the programme: a special report from Myanmar, where some people have been voting in elections for the first time since a military coup five years ago; and how the discovery of a silver coin has excited historians in Scotland. (Photo: Taiwan Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jets prepare for takeoff at an airbase in Hsinchu, Taiwan, 29 December 2025. Reaction in Taiwan after China announces live fire drill around Taiwan - 29 Dec 2025. Credit: Photo by Ritchie B Tongo/EPA/Shutterstock)

Sean Dilley, a BBC correspondent in Washington DC, provides deep insights into Zelensky and Trump's significant meeting about a US-brokered peace plan for Ukraine. He discusses public reactions from Kyiv, revealing concerns about Russia's commitment to negotiate and the ongoing fears among civilians. Dilley also highlights past tensions and dynamics of US-Ukrainian relations. The conversation dives into the implications of these talks and the uncertainty that remains about territorial and security issues.

Ro Anumul Hassan, a Rohingya poet and photographer, provides a poignant look at life in overcrowded refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, highlighting dire healthcare and education gaps. Samira Hussain, a BBC correspondent in Kyiv, dissects President Zelensky's ambitious peace plan amidst ongoing conflict with Russia, touching on recent diplomatic efforts and security challenges. Together, they unravel the complexities of human rights and international politics, shedding light on the pressing issues of their respective regions.

Wan Tan, Editor of the BBC Burmese service, shares critical insights on Myanmar’s upcoming elections following the military coup. He discusses the oppressive electoral environment, public apathy, and humanitarian crises affecting millions. Tinza Shunlei-Yi, a Burmese resistance figure in exile, explains why they deem the elections a sham and highlights the rise of new resistance leaders. Rashid Abdi analyzes the geopolitical implications of Somaliland's recognition by Israel, tying it to regional security in the Red Sea.

Elizabeth Kendall, an expert on Middle Eastern dynamics, shares insights into Yemen's regional conflicts, focusing on the stark warnings sent to separatist forces amidst rising tensions. Tanachet Visajon, a professor of international relations, provides a gripping firsthand account of the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, revealing the harsh realities faced by displaced communities and the dangers posed by landmines. The discussions delve into the complexities of ceasefire agreements and the impact of international diplomacy on local lives.

With Christmas Day missile strikes on sites linked to the Islamic State group, we hear from a Catholic priest in Nigeria.Also in the programme: a BBC Persian TV documentary, in which one of Iran’s leading female actors renounces the compulsory hijab, has broken viewing records; and we look ahead to some of the more unusual sports in next year's Winter Olympics.(Photo: A man standing amid a destroyed building following US strikes in Nigeria's Kwara State. Credit: REUTERS/Abdullahi Dare Akogun)

Nigeria's foreign minister has said US strikes against the Islamic State group were nothing to do with a particular religion, despite Donald Trump's assertions. He said that the attacks targeted militants killing Nigerians- irrespective of their faith. Also in the programme: We head to the Netherlands to explore the Silicon Valley of farming; Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak has received a 15-year jail sentence over his involvement in one of the world's biggest corruption scandals; and could there be hope of a cure for dementia? (Photo: The US defence department posted a short video that appears to show a missile being launched from a military vessel. Credit: US Department of Defense)