The Inside Story Podcast

The UK government wants to introduce legislation to lower the voting age, saying it aims to modernise UK democracy. But will the reform make any difference? And has it worked in other countries? In this episode:  Afzal Khan, Labour Member of Parliament in the UK Yannis Koutsomitis, European affairs analyst Alex Deane, Political analyst and conservative commentator Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

What is the real motive behind Israel's involvement in Syria? Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, it's repeatedly bombed and extended its occupation, saying it's defending the Druze minority. But what are the long-term implications of Israel's actions in Syria? In this episode:  Akiva Eldar, Author, 'Lords of the Land: The War for Israel's Settlements in the Occupied Territories, 1967-2007' Gamal Mansour, Lecturer and political scientist, University of Toronto Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics at the University of San Francisco Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Tokyo says China's growing military activity is a serious threat. So, what does this mean for an already volatile region? And how will the US react?  In this episode:  Tomohiko Taniguchi, Professor, University of Tsukuba. Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Taihe Institute.  Robert Kelly, Professor, International Relations, Pusan National University. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Reluctant to recognise the new government in Syria, fighters from the Druze minority have been involved in sectarian violence. A ceasefire is in place, but some Druze leaders have called for international protection. So, how will President Ahmed al-Sharaa deal with them? And how is Israel's involvement complicating the situation? In this episode:  Louay Safi, Syrian Political Scientist.  Shadi Abou Karam, Political Activist. Sami Akil, Political Analyst. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Ten years ago Iran and world powers signed a historic nuclear deal, easing sanctions in return for limits on Tehran's nuclear programme. Since then, the US pulled out, and just weeks ago, they joined Israel in attacking Iran. What's the legacy of this deal and its collapse? In this episode:  Alan Eyre, Member, US Nuclear Deal Team (2010-2015). Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow, Center for Middle East Strategic Studies. Robert Kelley, Distinguished Fellow, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

US President Donald Trump tells Europe and Mexico they face tariffs of 30 percent from next month. That's created shock and is raising fears of an all-out trade war. But both sides say they want talks to continue. So, what's Trump's strategy? And what are the risks?  In this episode:  Niall Stanage, White House Columnist, The Hill.  Greg Swenson, Chairman, Republicans Overseas UK.  Daniel Gros, Director, Institute for European Policymaking, Bocconi University.  Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Sudden cuts to international funding have dealt a severe blow to the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The UN warns millions of people will die and millions more will contract the disease if urgent action isn't taken. So, how can countries prevent this disaster? In this episode:  Dr Helen Rees, Director, Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand. Dr Krishna Udayakumar, Founding Director, Duke Global Health Innovation Center. Nidhi Bouri, Former Deputy Assistant Administrator, Global Health, USAID. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Members of the Kurdish Workers' Party have laid down their arms, ending a decades-long struggle with Turkiye. But will this move by the PKK lead to real reconciliation? And what does this shift mean for Kurds across the region? In this episode:  Galip Dalay, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Middle East Council on Global Affairs David L Phillips, Director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights, Columbia University Mohammed Salih, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy Research Institute  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The route to Greece is closing. The words of Greek Prime Minister as his country suspends requests for asylum. Athens warns it will now arrest those entering the country illegally from North Africa. But is this the right response to a surge in illegal migration? In this episode:  Eleni Spathana, Lawyer, Refugee Support Aegean Amine Snoussi, Political Analyst and Journalist Marianna Karakoulaki, Researcher, Birmingham University Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Millions of workers go on strike across India. They say new government measures discriminate against them in favour of corporations. It's another outpouring of public anger against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's economic policies. So, how has the country's economy fared under his decade-long premiership? In this episode:  Amarjeet Kaur, National Secretary, All India Trade Union Congress. Adil Hossain, Assistant Professor, Azim Premji University. Daniel Francis, Political Analyst and Political Brand Consultant. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook