The Inside Story Podcast

Scott Lucas, a Professor of US and International Politics at University College Dublin, dives deep into the recent tensions between the US and Ukraine. He explores the fallout from the contentious meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy, questioning the future of US military support. Lucas dissects the historical context of the Ukraine conflict, the role of NATO, and the complex diplomatic dance between nations. He also discusses the increasing urgency for security amidst potential shifts in US policy and the implications for future negotiations with Russia.

In this discussion, Mohammed Salih, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute specializing in Kurdish affairs, dives into the dramatic call for disbandment issued by the PKK leader after decades of conflict. The conversation explores its potential repercussions on Turkey and the broader region, assessing whether this moment presents defeat or an opportunity for the Kurdish struggle. Salih highlights the complexities of the peace process, balancing hope with skepticism regarding democratic solutions and internal PKK dynamics.

Zoe Gardner, an independent migration policy researcher focused on rights-based approaches, joins Meghan Benton, Director at the Migration Policy Institute, to examine Europe’s shifting stance on migration. They discuss rising anti-immigration sentiments in recent elections and the financial motivations behind these narratives. The guest experts highlight the uneven treatment of different refugee groups, such as Ukrainians versus others, and critique the EU’s policies, advocating for more compassionate approaches to migration amidst ongoing crises.

Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, shares crucial insights on the Gaza ceasefire and the release of prisoners. Paul Musgrave, Associate Professor at Georgetown University, analyzes geopolitical implications. They discuss the fragile nature of the ceasefire, potential threats to its stability, and the intricate challenges of negotiations. The conversation also touches on the shifting U.S. foreign policy, the role of Arab nations in supporting Palestinians, and the complexities of achieving lasting peace amid ongoing conflicts.

Cathryn Cluver Ashbrook, Executive VP at Bertelsmann Stiftung, and Ben Aris, founder of bne IntelliNews, discuss the hurdles facing Germany's new government after key elections. They delve into the rise of far-right politics and the necessity for coalition unity amidst economic challenges and global tensions. The conversation highlights Germany's energy crisis due to halted Russian gas imports, the urgency for geopolitical realignment, and the need for increased military and economic support for Ukraine in a rapidly changing landscape.

Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, shares firsthand insights from Kyiv. Anatol Lieven, from the Quincy Institute, analyzes the shifting US-Ukraine relations, while Teresa Fallin highlights international implications. The discussion navigates the complexities of US financial demands on Ukraine and the feelings of betrayal among its citizens. They also delve into Ukraine's mineral wealth as a bargaining chip in negotiations and the pressing need for reliable security guarantees amidst ongoing conflict.

In this engaging discussion, guests Alon Liel, former director of Israel's foreign ministry, Xavier Abu Eid, political analyst and ex-PLO advisor, and Akiva Eldar, Haaretz contributor, unpack the complex decision by Israel to delay the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners. They explore the political motivations behind Israel's actions, the implications for Netanyahu's domestic standing, and the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The conversation also touches on the potential for a broader resolution in the Israeli-Arab context.

Dania Daffer, Executive Director of the Gulf International Forum and a Middle Eastern politics expert, joins Yossi Mekelberg, a Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House, to discuss the recent Arab leaders' summit rejecting Trump's controversial Gaza proposal. They delve into the complexities of Gaza's future, the geopolitical dynamics at play, and the implications of a fragile ceasefire. The conversation highlights the need for collaborative efforts among Arab nations to support the Palestinian cause and strategize post-conflict governance.

Fighting is intensifying in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Rwanda-backed M23 group is making further territorial advances. So with diplomacy having failed, what are the risks the conflict may escalate into another regional war? In this Episode:   Kambale Musavuli, Researcher at the Center for Research on the Congo. Angela Muvumba Sellström, Senior Researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute. Abdullahi Halakhe, peace and policy analyst and Senior Advocate at Refugees International. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes!

The new US administration has revealed a stunning reversal of America’s policy on the war in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump accused his Ukrainian counterpart of misleading the US into spending billions of dollars on a war that could not be won. He also blamed Volodymyr Zelenskyy for starting the war, despite the fact Russia invaded. So is all this about what's best for Ukraine? Or is it more of a personal vendetta, dating back to Trump's first term in office? In this Episode:   David Cay Johnston, Author of three books on Trump, Pulitzer Prize winner and professor at Rochester Institute of Technology. Inna Borzylo, Co-founder and researcher at a German-Ukrainian think tank Philip Short, Biographer of Vladimir Putin and a former BBC foreign correspondent. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes!