The Inside Story Podcast

A lack of international action to counter a new round of Israeli siege on Gaza raises questions and concerns. Is the use of starvation as a weapon of war being normalized? Is the U.S. still committed to the ceasefire deal it helped broker? In this episode:  Akiva Eldar, political analyst, contributor to Haaretz and Author of "Lords of the Land". Tahani Mustafa, Senior analyst on Palestine at the International Crisis Group. Adil Haque, professor of law and Judge John O Newman Scholar at the Rutgers Law School. Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

After a public dressing down in Washington, Ukraine's leader got a much warmer welcome in London. European leaders have pledged to increase their support and work on a plan to end the war. But can they reach a common ground with Donald Trump -- on agreeing a peace deal? In this episode:  Robert Hamilton - Head of Eurasia Research at the Foreign Policy Institute. He's also a retired U.S. Army Colonel. PJ Crowley, Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and author of the book, 'Red Line: American Foreign Policy in a Time of Fractured Politics and Failing States'. Marina Miron - Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Defence Studies Department at King's College London. Host: Cyril Vanier 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!

Xavier Abu Eid, a political analyst and author of 'Rooted in Palestine', discusses the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing Hamas's three-stage proposal and the complexities of the truce negotiations. Former U.S. ambassador Francis Ricciardone shares insights on the divergent military goals of the U.S. and Israel. Gershon Baskin, a peace negotiator, highlights the urgent need for a political framework to address the humanitarian crisis. Together, they delve into the implications of international indifference and the quest for a lasting two-state solution.

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.