The Inside Story Podcast

Israel bombs Lebanon again and the U.S. carries out fresh attacks on Yemen's Houthis -- all while Israel resumes its genocide in Gaza. With previous fragile ceasefires now shattered, what's the danger of a wider regional conflict? In this episode:  Alon Pinkas -- Former Israeli Consul General in New York Randa Slim -- Director of the Track II Dialogues Initiative at the Wilson Center’s Middle East Program  Nicholas Noe -- Editor-in-Chief of the Beirut-based news service, Mideastwire.com Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Dallia Abdelmoniem, a political commentator from Khartoum, and Elbashir Idris, an independent analyst focused on human rights violations in Sudan, dive deep into the ongoing conflict. They discuss the recent military advancements in Khartoum and the strengthening positions of the Rapid Support Forces in Darfur. The conversation touches on the dire humanitarian crisis and personal stories from residents affected by violence. They also examine international influences and the potential for shifts in power dynamics, raising critical questions about accountability for human rights abuses.

Join Philip Barker, Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Olympic History, and Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, as they dive into the implications of Kirsty Coventry's historic presidency of the IOC. They discuss the hurdles she faces, including diverse representation and financial pressures. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of athlete involvement and sponsorship ethics, revealing the complex interplay between politics and sport today. A fascinating look at the future of the Olympics!

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