The Crisis Room

Join Marc Polymeropoulos, a former senior CIA operations officer, as he dives into pressing national security issues and political dynamics. He critiques the recent decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from matches and reveals its American ramifications. Discussing strategies against Russian grey-zone tactics, Marc emphasizes European unity. He shares insights on the intricacies of multi-agency emergency responses and predicts the New York mayoral race outcome, examining Zohran Mamdani's platform amidst Le Carré's critique of intelligence accountability.

This week, the Home Office faces scandals surrounding the Hadush Kebatu case, raising questions about its effectiveness. The discussion considers whether splitting the department could truly solve its issues or if it's merely a distraction. Trump’s announcement to resume nuclear testing sparks a conversation on the potential for a new Cold War. The hosts also explore which TV shows, like The Thick of It and Yes Minister, depict politics and diplomacy accurately, while showcasing Mark's Jacques Chirac impression for added flair.

Marc Polymeropoulos, a former senior CIA officer and expert on intelligence and national security, joins to dive into various pressing issues. He shares insights on the anticipated release of the Epstein Files and discusses the implications of stripping Prince Andrew of his titles. The conversation shifts to Brexit's role in the small boats crisis, highlighting significant policy changes. Marc also tackles the challenges of covering espionage amidst rising AI misinformation, emphasizing the need for journalistic integrity in today’s complex landscape.

From British colonial rule to Osama Bin Laden, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, tensions have run high on the Durand Line - the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan - since it was first drawn over 100 years ago. And with fighting having once again recently broken out between the two sides, in this episode Mark takes us through the history of what has become known as one of the world's most dangerous borders - and tells the story of when he was thrown in jail for attempting to cross it while embedded with the Soviet Army.Marc P tells his own stories of running US bases in the region during his time in the CIA - and Amber tries to explain the delicate diplomatic calculations that Western governments will be making as they wait to see if the current ceasefire holds.Amber also reveals the surprising safeword she was assigned when she visited Pakistan as Home Secretary - and Marc P recounts what it was like to witness the anti-Trump 'No Kings' protests firsthand last weekend. Follow us on social media: @crisisroompodHave a question for a Q&A episode? Send it on email to thecrisisroom@global.com

This engaging Q&A tackles the implications of Trump potentially supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles and how it could damage Russia. The hosts delve into Hamas's violent actions in Gaza and the obstacles they pose to peace. They also explore the political dynamics of the UN's role in the Middle East ceasefire and discuss the national security threats posed by China and climate change. Meanwhile, a playful interaction about the show's format adds a light-hearted touch!

Today, the MI5 boss has spoken out about his 'frustration' at the recent collapse of the China spy trial. But how will he really be feeling about this saga which has caused so much controversy for Keir Starmer and in national security circles? Amber reveals what Ken McCallum said when she saw the spy chief this week - and why the security services will be furious that the case has fallen apart. Mark also explains why there is so much risk attached to any trial involving spying and national security - and what he learned about the scale of Chinese espionage from his trip to FBI HQ 20 years ago. Plus Marc P gives his forthright view on whether Hamas can be persuaded to give up their weapons - and on whether Gaza's Arab neighbours really have the 'cojones' to provide a stabilising force to keep the peace in Gaza. Later: why is Trump talking openly about the CIA's supposedly covert action in Venezuela? Is the US heading for war with the Latin American nation? Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

How do you handle President Trump? Is China a national security threat to the UK - and should it be allowed its new 'Super Embassy' in central London? And could a future government potentially strike a migrant returns deal with the Taliban? These are just some of the questions Amber, Mark, and Marc put to Mark Sedwill - the UK's former National Security Adviser and Ambassador to Afghanistan - in a rare and wide-ranging interview. Hear his candid view on the recent collapse of the Chinese spy trial, the terror threat to the UK in light of events in the Middle East, and anecdotes about how previous governments stopped migrants illegally entering Britain through the Channel Tunnel - and what this administration can learn when it comes to stopping the boats. Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

Yesterday's terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester left three people dead, several more injured, and an entire community shaken. But what happens in the immediate aftermath of such an incident? Amber calls on her experience of responding to five terror attacks as Home Secretary in 2017 to explain what happens at COBRA, and what the security services do next to try and prevent any further attacks. Plus Mark gives his personal response to the rising levels of anti-Semitism in the UK, Marc describes the role the intelligence agencies will be playing in the investigation, and the team debate whether Pro-Palestinian protests planned for this weekend should be allowed to go ahead in light of the tragedy in Manchester. Later, Andy Hughes from The Crime Agents dials in from the scene of the attack to break news of a major development in this story.Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

In light of Benjamin Netanyahu's recent apology to Qatar, The Crisis Room takes a look back at 1997 - and a previous occasion when Bibi was forced to apologise for a botched assassination attempt on foreign soil. Mark and Marc unknowingly almost crossed paths when Mossad tried to take out a former Hamas leader in Jordan 28 years ago - and here they explain how that episode unfolded and give us a unique insight into spycraft in the Middle East. The team also react to the latest proposal for a Gaza peace plan, and discuss the merits of former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair being involved in running the territory in the future.Later, they unpack the controversial speeches made by Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth to America's top brass at a summit this week - and warn of the consequences of the US military becoming overly politicised under President Trump. With this in mind, Amber reveals why British troops were forced to help police the streets of the UK in the wake of the Manchester bombing while she was Home Secretary in 2017. Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod

From fighter jets in Estonia, to drones in Poland, Romania - and possibly now Denmark too - Russia has been taunting NATO for weeks. So is it time for the alliance to take a tougher stance? Is NATO suffering a crisis of confidence? Amber, Mark, and Marc discuss whether Russian jets should be shot down the next time they enter NATO airspace - and what the consequences might be if they are.Later, Amber gives her verdict on the growing rumours of Andy Burnham's leadership challenge to Keir Starmer as Labour Party Conference approaches - and tells stories of how Boris Johnson would attempt to derail Tory Conferences while David Cameron was party leader.Plus Marc P explains whether we can trust the new Syrian President after he was welcomed to the UN with open arms this week - and why we could be close to a historic security deal between Israel and Syria on the horizon. Follow us on social media: @crisisroompod