The Inside Story Podcast

Fidel Amakye Owusu, CEO of DefSEC Analytics Africa, and Angela Muvumba Sellström, a Senior Researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute, dive into the complex conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They discuss the recent ceasefire talks between Congolese and Rwandan leaders and the challenges of enforcing peace amidst ongoing tensions. The resurgence of the M23 militia is examined alongside the geopolitical implications of international involvement. Both guests emphasize the importance of including all factions in negotiations for a lasting solution.

Emboldened by Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu is intensifying his war on Gaza. The US has blamed Hamas for the renewed Israeli bombardment of the strip. But is Washington's support complicating efforts to reach a permanent ceasefire? In this episode:  Brian Finucane -- Senior Adviser to the U.S. Program at the International Crisis Group Danilo Della Valle -- Member of the European Parliament for Italy's Five Star Movement Yousef Munayyer -- Head of the Palestine-Israel Program and a senior fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Benjamin Netanyahu refused to implement phase two of a ceasefire, already agreed with Hamas. Now Israel's prime minister has resumed air strikes on Gaza, killing hundreds of people. But can he achieve his goals through war? And what role do his domestic problems play in these renewed attacks? In this episode:  Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International Politics at University College Dublin Daniel Levy, President of the US / Middle East Project and a former Israeli government adviser Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The US attacks Houthis in Yemen and says more strikes are coming. Washington has warned Iran over its support for the group. In an already volatile region, what will be the implications of these strikes? And how might shipping be affected in the Red Sea? In this episode:  Hassan Ahmadian, Professor at the University of Tehran Maysaa Shuja Al Deen, Senior researcher at Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies Colin Clarke, Research Director at The Soufan Group, a global intelligence and security consultancy Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The US declares the South African ambassador 'persona non grata' -- citing his criticism of the Trump administration. South Africa expresses regret at the expulsion of its envoy, but is taking no action in return. Can relations be repaired? In this episode:  Melanie Verwoerd -- Political analyst and former South African ambassador to Ireland Mark Pfeifle -- President of PR firm Off the Record Strategies and former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications   Frank Gerits -- Assistant Professor in the History of International Relations department at Utrecht University Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The US Middle East envoy proposes a way to keep the ceasefire going in Gaza. But the original deal remains stuck in the first phase with no progress towards a permanent solution. So what is the actual state of play - and the risks of more war? In this episode:  Alon Pinkas, Former Ambassador and Consul General of Israel in the United States. Tahani Mustafa, Senior Palestine Analyst, International Crisis Group.  Mouin Rabbani - Non-resident Fellow, Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A UN investigation concludes Israel carried out genocidal acts by destroying Gaza's main fertility clinic and maternity hospitals. Israel has rejected the report, which also alleges sexual violence. So, what are the implications? And will there be accountability? In this episode:  Sari Bashi, Program Director at Human Rights Watch Muhammad Dahleh, Lawyer specialising in human rights Arwa Damon, Founder of the International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the front while Washington's diplomatic drive to end the Ukraine war intensifies. US officials are in Moscow after winning Ukrainian backing for a 30-day ceasefire. Is the war nearing an end - and what are the obstacles? In this episode:  Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative Leonid Ragozin, Independent journalist who specialises in Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe Anatol Lieven, Director of the Eurasia Programme at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is under arrest. He's facing charges of crimes against humanity for his war on drugs. The International Criminal Court says thousands were killed under his watch. So, how will this play out domestically? In this episode:  Kristina Conti - Secretary General of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers Luis Moreno Ocampo - Former Chief Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court Richard Heydarian - Senior Lecturer in International Affairs at the University of the Philippines and author of 'The Rise of Duterte: A Populist Revolt against Elite Democracy' Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Sharp words for the U.S. from Canada’s incoming prime minister. Mark Carney has lashed out at Donald Trump, saying his country will never be part of the United States. As the standoff between the two nations intensifies, how will Carney deal with Trump? In this episode:  Jen Hassum -- Executive Director of the Broadbent Institute, a progressive think tank Amy Koch -- Republican strategist who served as majority leader of the Minnesota Senate John Kirton -- Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Toronto Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook