The Inside Story Podcast

The Israel-Iran conflict brings more instability to the Middle East, a region with extensive US interests. They'll be central to shaping president Donald Trump's strategy. So, what's at stake for Washington--and the pros and cons for Trump of further involvement?  In this episode:  Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.  PJ Crowley, Former US Assistant Secretary of State.  Niall Stanage, White House Columnist, The Hill newspaper.  Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

As Israel and Iran continue to attack each other, how do their militaries compare? Israel's air force dominates the skies, while Iran relies heavily on its ballistic missiles and drones. But who will have the upper hand as the war rages on? In this episode:  Mamoun Abu Nowar, Retired Jordanian Airforce General. Marina Miron, Military Analyst and Researcher, War Studies Department, King's College London. Justin Bronk, Senior Research Fellow, Airpower and Technology, Royal United Services Institute. Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Nikolay Surkov, an Assistant Professor at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, and Glenn Carle, a former CIA officer, delve into the intricate geopolitical dynamics surrounding Iran's conflict with Israel. They discuss Russia's delicate balancing act in maintaining ties with both Iran and Israel, Turkey's cautious foreign policy dilemmas and concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions, and China's focus on energy stability as it navigates its role in the Middle East. The conversation highlights the complex relationships and potential repercussions if tensions escalate.

With its allies significantly weakened, Iran is left to confront Israel on its own. It's launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliatory strikes without its traditional support. With Tehran apparently exposed, what might be the outcome of this conflict? In this episode:  Ronnie Chatah, Political Commentator, Writer and Host, The Beirut Banyan podcast. Setareh Sadeqi, Professor, University of Tehran's Faculty of World Studies. David DesRoches, Professor, National Defense, University and Former Pentagon Director of Arabian Peninsula Affairs. Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Israel has attacked Iranian military and nuclear sites, claiming Tehran was close to producing a nuclear weapon. Tehran says it's a declaration of war. So, how far will it go with its response? And what does it all this mean for its nuclear ambitions? In this episode:  Ellie Geranmayeh, Senior policy fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations. Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project, International Crisis Group. Samuel Ramani, Defense Analyst, Royal United Services Institute. Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Israel's far-right finance minister says he wants to cut off Palestinian banks from the global financial system. The plan's not yet been approved by the Israeli government. But if it does happen, what could be the consequences?  In this episode:  Raja Khalidi, Director General at the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute.  Shahd Hammouri, Lecturer in International Law at the University of Kent.  Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary General at the Palestinian National Initiative. Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Renewed violence by armed groups Boko Haram and ISIL has forced thousands of people to leave their homes in Nigeria. Despite repeated government pledges, the military has been unable to end the violence. So why is it continuing and what threats does it pose?  In this episode:  Kabir Adamu, Managing Director, Beacon Security and Intelligence. David Otto, Deputy Director, Counter Terrorism Training, International Academy for the Fight Against Terrorism.  Ovigwe Eguegu, Peace and Security Policy Analyst, Development Reimagined. Host: Elizabeth Puranam Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

National Guard troops and even the Marines are on the streets of Los Angeles - deployed by President Donald Trump after mass protests against his immigration raids. California's governor is suing him while the protests spread to other US cities. So, could this crisis worsen?  In this episode:  Peter Eliasberg, Chief Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.  Claire Finkelstein, Professor, Law, University of Pennsylvania. Mark Pfeifle, Republican Strategist, Founder and President, Off the Record Strategies.  Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Attacks by both Russia and Ukraine have intensified in recent weeks, with little sign that Europe's largest conflict since World War II is nearing an end. So, what are the strengths and weaknesses of each side and their alliances? And what are the chances of peace?  In this episode:  Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director, Eurasia Democracy Initiative. Alexander Bratersky, Independent journalist and political analyst. Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in Europe, The New York Times.  Host:  Elizabeth Puranam   Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The UK government is planning major defence reforms, at the cost of welfare programmes – drawing public anger. European members of NATO are under pressure to increase their military budgets. But could they defend themselves without U.S. support? In this episode:  Paul Beaver, Defence analyst. Aaron Gasch Burnett, Senior fellow at Democratic Strategy Initiative. Jeremy Corbyn, Independent Member of the UK Parliament.   Host:  Elizabeth Puranam   Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook