Amanpour

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.

The challenges in Eastern Europe extend beyond Ukraine’s borders. Romania's constitutional court has annulled the first round of its presidential election amid allegations of Russian interference. In Georgia, a week of anti-government demonstrations has been met by a brutal police response. And one of Ukraine’s most vocal supporters, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, is leaving office after his political party was defeated in October elections. He joins the show from New York. Also on today's show: An exclusive interview with Syrian rebel leader Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS); Thierry Arnaud, Senior International Correspondent, BFMTV; Daniel Bogado  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Middle East is in meltdown, and perhaps some of the rawest descriptions aren't coming from aid groups or reporters but from writers. Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha was forced to flee his home in Gaza a year ago. Since then, he and his wife say they have lost almost 100 family members in the violence. Watching from afar in the US, Mosab has released an acclaimed collection "Forest of Noise" which captures the horror and grief of this time in his life. Also on today's show: actor Demi Moore; journalist Ronan Farrow  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kathleen Stephens, former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, shares her insights on the political unrest following President Yoon Suk Yeol's unexpected martial law declaration. She examines the impact on South Korea's democracy and the potential for impeachment. Joining her are Steven Rattner, who discusses the economic ramifications of Trump's policies, and David Frum, analyzing shifts in U.S. foreign policy. Key topics include public mobilization in defense of democracy and the complexities of international relations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The shocking decision by South Korea's president today to declare martial law spurred protests erupted at the National Assembly, and, within hours, lawmakers unanimously rejected the declaration. Senior American officials say they are "very concerned" by what's happening there. Kenneth Choi is the International Editor for one of South Korea's major newspapers, he joins the program from Seoul. Also on today's show: former South Korean Foreign Minister Kyung-wah Kang; former German Chancellor Angela Merkel  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan and former Chicago mayor, shares insights on navigating U.S.-Japan relations amid rising trade tensions and a changing political landscape. He discusses the importance of strategic alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's influence. Former Defense Secretary William Cohen joins the conversation, tackling the implications of military appointments on democracy and the complexities surrounding diversity in the armed forces. Together, they reflect on the evolving role of the U.S. in international affairs.