In Iran, there are still those bravely speaking out on issues of human rights, democracy and women's equality. One is Narges Mohammadi, the Nobel Peace Laureate, who has now been imprisoned for the better part of the last 20 years. In a world exclusive interview, Mohammadi has made the extraordinary decision to speak to Christiane Amanpour while out on a temporary release from prison on medical grounds.  Also on today's show: former US Defense Secretary Mark Esper; New Yorker staff writer Jia Tolentino  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Syria's new leaders are pushing for legitimacy on the world stage and have been meeting with United Nations and European officials this week. The United Nation’s Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, has been meeting Syria’s new authorities in Damascus. He joins the show from the Syrian capital. Also on today's show: former Washington Post Exec Editor Martin Baron; Brady United Against Gun Violence President Kris Brown  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The defense of Ukraine is top of the agenda for European foreign ministers meeting in Brussels today. With a new year ahead, and a new American administration too, the urgent question is how to end the war soon. Few know better what those negotiations would look like, and the cost of any deal, than former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, who joins Christiane from Kyiv. Also on today's show: Mediha Ibrahim Alhamad & Hasan Oswald discuss their new documentary, "Mediha"; US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Amanpour Hour, Chrisitane explores the aftermath of the stunning fall of Syria’s Assad regime, unpacking its geopolitical ripple effects with the view from Europe and what Trump 2.0 might do, featuring EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas and former Pentagon official Elbridge Colby. Then on the ground in Syria, Jomana Karadsheh reports from Daraya, the birthplace of Syria's anti-regime Arab Spring movement that simply called for reforms, speaking to one woman whose loved ones disappeared into Syria’s notorious prison system. Also on the show, from her archives, Christiane revisits her 2017 interview with the defector known as “Caesar” who documented the Assad dynasty's atrocities. Then, as Netanyahu takes the stand in his corruption trial, Alex Gibney and Alexis Bloom discuss their explosive film, The Bibi Files, featuring banned interrogation footage inside Israel. Finally, Christiane speaks with Mediha and Hasan Oswald about their film, "Mediha," which documents her harrowing story of survival in ISIS captivity through her own video diaries, offering a poignant look at healing and hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Syrian people are still celebrating what so many never thought possible, a country free of Bashar al-Assad. But amid the joy, there is much uncertainty about what lies ahead, and also deep pain, as the heinous atrocities from the past decades are coming more and more to light. Stephen Rapp has been laser-focused on bringing Assad to justice for years, gathering and documenting all the evidence possible. Rapp, who was the leading US official on war crimes, says he wants to see the brutal dictator face responsibility for the detention, torture and murder of tens of thousands of Syrians. He currently serves as distinguished fellow at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's Center for the Prevention of Genocide. He joins the show from Washington DC. Also on today's show: "Daughters" Directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae; Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO & Chairman  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wednesday night the United Nations General Assembly demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and also condemned a new law in Israel that will ban the operations of the relief agency UNRWA. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini is on a tour of capitals that support the agency's work, trying to get that ban reversed. He joins Christiane in London.  Also on today's show: Golden Globe-nominated director Payal Kapadia ("All We Imagine As Light"); Syrian-American Artist and Architect Mohamad Hafez  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Espen Bart Eideh, the Foreign Minister of Norway, discusses vital developments surrounding the Gaza ceasefire and aspirations for a Palestinian state. Masha Gessen, a New York Times opinion columnist, dives into the Supreme Court case regarding medical care for transgender minors, emphasizing the rise of restrictive laws across the U.S. The conversation touches on the complex interplay of foreign policy, humanitarian needs, and the legal challenges that marginalize communities, highlighting the urgent call for diplomacy and equity in governance.

In the early hours after Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad's fall, rumors flew of secret prison cells locked by fleeing guards, deprived of inside of food, water and even oxygen. Today, the Association of Detainees and the Missing say that the notorious Saydnaya prison is now empty, with the White Helmet rescuers confirming "no evidence of undiscovered secret cells or basements." But before that confirmation, fueled by fear and desperation, thousands of relatives went there in search of those who had been condemned to Assad's dungeons. Correspondent Clarissa Ward reports from Damascus.  Also on today's show: EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas; former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby; former Republican and Democratic Counsels to the Senate Judiciary Committee Gregg Nunziata and Noah Bookbinder  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is a new reality in Syria and the road ahead is still unclear. After rebels swept into the capital Damascus in lightening speed and ended half a century of oppressive rule by the Assad family. Rami Jarrah has reported for years on the human toll of violence in his country, often under a pseudonym for his safety. He joins Christiane today from Berlin. Also on today's show: UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen; US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, discusses her new memoir and shares insights on handling Trump and navigating autocratic leaders like Putin. She delves into key global crises and the importance of diplomacy. Meanwhile, Demi Moore opens up about her latest film, 'The Substance,' tackling society's obsession with youth and beauty standards. She reflects on her journey of self-acceptance and the impact of her ex-husband's dementia diagnosis, blending personal experiences with broader societal issues.