The Inside Story Podcast

World leaders meet at the United Nations as tensions in the Middle East are running high.There's consensus on the need to restore calm. But with no sign of the conflict abating, who is able to enforce a peaceful settlement? And can diplomacy really succeed? In this episode: Bassam Haddad, Founding Director, Middle East and Islamic Studies Program, George Mason University. Habib Battah, Founder and Editor-in-chief, Beirut Report.  Brian Finucane, Senior Adviser, U.S. program, International Crisis Group. Host: James Bays  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Are Israel and Hezbollah on the verge of all-out war? The Israeli military assault in Lebanon is the most intense in decades. Benjamin Netanyahu wants to change the balance of power in the north. But can Israel achieve this by bombarding its neighbour? In this episode: Ayman Mhanna, Executive Director, Samir Kassir Foundation.  Karim Makdisi, Associate Professor, American University of Beirut.  Elijah Magnier, Military and Political Analyst.  Host: James Bays  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

It boasts about being the only democracy in the Middle East. Yet, Israel has relentlessly cracked down on press freedom, with Al Jazeera Network being a main target. Even Israeli media outlets are complaining about constant censorship. So what is Israel trying to hide? In this episode: Fatima Abdulkarim, Veteran Palestinian Journalist, Christian Science Monitor. Oren Ziv, Reporter, Local Call and +972 Magazine. Fiona O'Brien, UK Director, Reporters without Borders.  Host: James Bays  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Joining the discussion are Daniel Levy, President of the U.S./Middle East Project; Meron Rapoport, an award-winning investigative journalist; and Ilan Pappe, an Israeli historian. They delve into Israel's military strategy in Gaza and its challenges in achieving stated goals. The trio critiques the impact of media censorship and the Oslo Accord on Palestinian autonomy. They also explore Israel's narrative control in the conflict, the geopolitical dynamics affecting its military actions, and the escalating tensions with Hezbollah, painting a complex picture of the ongoing crisis.

No refuge for enemies in Hezbollah strongholds. That's Israel's warning after bombing a residential suburb of Beirut. Dozens of people have been killed, including top commanders of the group. So what does this mean for Hezbollah and the region?  In this episode: Nicholas Noe, Editor-in-chief, Mideastwire.com.  Sami Nader, Director, Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs. Samuel Ramani, Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute. Host: James Bays  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Donald Trump says he'll deport millions of undocumented immigrants if he's elected U.S. president in November. Kamala Harris argues reforms and tightened security are the solution. So, how will immigration shape the upcoming elections? In this episode: Arshad Hasan, Democratic Political Strategist and founder of Convey Communications. Alexandra Miller, Interim CEO at Vecina - a nonprofit corporation that seeks to empower immigrant justice advocates. Patrick Mara, Chairman of the Washington Republican Party.   Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Hezbollah is weighing its options after two days of remote attacks targeted its members and civilians. Israel has not commented on the explosions - but says it's opening a new phase in its war on Gaza. But can it fight on two fronts? And is there any hope of a diplomatic solution? In this episode: Najat Aoun Saliba, Lebanese Member of Parliament with the non-sectarian party Taqqadum or Progress. Robert Geist Pinfold, Lecturer on Peace and Security at Durham University. Jamal Ghosn, Political commentator and former editor of Al Akhbar newspaper. Host: Elizabeth Puranam  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A simultaneous, mass attack targets Hezbollah members in Lebanon. Devices used for communication explode injuring thousands and killing several people. Hezbollah is blaming Israel. So, is there a risk of a bigger conflict?  In this episode: Ayman Mhanna, Executive Director, Samir Kassir Foundation. Firas Maksad, Senior Director, Middle East Institute. Colin Clarke, Director, Research, Soufan Group. Host: Elizabeth Puranam  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Azzam Tamimi, a political activist focused on the Middle East, joins Mouin Rabbani, a non-resident fellow at the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, and veteran journalist Paola Caridi to discuss Hamas's resilience against Israel. They delve into Hamas's evolving political legitimacy and its dual role as a governing entity and resistance movement. The conversation also highlights internal Palestinian rivalries, particularly with Fatah, and the potential rise of a radicalized 'Hamas 2.0' as a consequence of ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Nando Sigona, a migration expert, joins Ravishaan Rahel Muthiah, communications director focused on immigrant welfare, and Yasha Maccanico, co-president of a migrant rights organization. They dive into Europe's migration crisis, stressing the need for safe migration routes and critiquing the UK’s deportation scheme to Rwanda. The discussion highlights disparities in treatment of refugees, complexities of asylum policies, and the pressing need for a compassionate approach towards undocumented migrants amidst shifting political landscapes.