The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim

Is this Mohammed bin Salman’s comeback tour?  Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, also known as MBS, is returning to the White House for the first time since the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 at the country's consulate in Istanbul. US intelligence concluded that the crown prince approved the capture or killing of Khashoggi, a prominent critic. MBS has denied this but acknowledged responsibility as de-facto ruler. Plus, Richard, now back from Colombia, reveals what he learnt from his interview with the country’s president, Gustavo Petro, who is currently in a war of words with Donald Trump about the flow of drugs into the US.  And Yalda explains why the former Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death, and Yalda shares a story about when she caught the ‘fiery woman' off guard. You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.  Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk 

Donald Trump has moved a large amount of US military force to the Caribbean, but why? Trump recently referred to Colombia's left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, as "an illegal drug leader" and has ordered even more troops to the region. The US military has been bombing alleged "drug-boats" suspected of taking illegal drugs such as cocaine and fentanyl to the US, but are drugs just one part of the story? And how might it escalate? Richard is on the ground in Colombia where he explains how tensions have built and why China might play a role in Trump's motivations. Yalda discusses the importance of Syrian leader, Ahmed al Sharaa, visiting the White House. Previously labelled a terrorist by the US, al Sharaa had a $10m bounty on his head and led a faction of al Qaeda, yet now he is in the Oval Office being labelled "handsome" by Trump. How could this impact the dynamics of the Middle East? You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk

The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York's youngest mayor sends shockwaves through the political landscape. He connects with voters through charisma and social media savvy, promising affordable policies. Meanwhile, in Tehran, young people defy the regime, showcasing a vibrant underground music scene and challenging societal norms. In Sudan, a dire humanitarian crisis escalates, with calls for international action to address mounting atrocities. The hosts discuss the implications of these youth-led movements on global politics.

A mass stabbing on a Doncaster-to-London train raises questions about safety and motive, while heroic train staff actions are highlighted. The sole survivor of a tragic Air India crash shares his heartbreaking story and critiques the airline's support for victims. Additionally, the US ambassador pushes for the UK to tap into its oil and gas reserves, stirring political conversations. In sports, India's Women's Cricket World Cup victory marks a significant advancement for female athletes, promising to boost interest in the game.

Could civil war be about to erupt in Gaza?  As all the remaining living hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, are freed, and almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israel are released, Yalda and Richard are in Tel Aviv to debrief on a momentous day for the Middle East.  But with outbreaks of violence between Hamas and rival militias in Gaza, could the Strip be about to descend into civil war?    Yalda was the first journalist to speak to Hamas after the ceasefire was announced, and she asked the spokesman whether the group were ready to put down their arms and leave government. She unpacks her interview with Richard.   The two of them give their assessments on if the peace will last and why the hardest part of Trump's 20-point peace plan is yet to come.    You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. To get in touch or to share your questions, email theworld@sky.uk.   And share your thoughts on the podcast by filling out our short survey here.  

Will Hamas agree to disarm? Will the bodies of all the hostages in Gaza be recovered? Will Israel keep up its side of the ceasefire deal?   In this bonus episode of The World podcast, Richard and Yalda are recording from Jerusalem reviewing the last few days.  Live on air, Yalda got a text from a source inside the negotiating room who gave her the heads up an agreement was coming sooner than expected.  The two of them discuss the deal, and crucially, what will happen next. They also answer some of your questions.  You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. To get in touch or to share your questions, email theworld@sky.uk.  And share your thoughts on the podcast by filling out our short survey here.  

How close is a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas? Just how badly does Donald Trump want the Nobel Peace Prize? Why has Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to this deal now?   Richard and Yalda are both in Israel, two years on from the October 7 Hamas attacks, in a week where a ceasefire could be close between the two sides.   Both Richard and Yalda have been speaking to the family members of hostages still in Gaza as well as those who were taken captive.   They also reflect on two years of devastating war in Gaza which has left 67,000 Palestinians dead. Thousands are without homes and without adequate access to food and aid as Israel continues to bomb parts of the Strip. Will Donald Trump's call to stop the bombardment be listened to?   We love making this podcast and we're always looking at ways to make it even better. We'd really appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes to fill out our short survey here. 

A new US-brokered deal is on the table: Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza is endorsed by Benjamin Netanyahu and awaiting Hamas's response. It promises hostages freed, aid flowing, and Gaza rebuilt under international oversight. But who really gains, and who gets to decide Gaza's future? Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim break down the proposal and speak to key players about whether peace is finally within reach, or still a distant hope. Did you know you can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. To get in touch or to share your questions, email theworld@sky.uk.  We love making this podcast and we're always looking at ways to make it even better. We'd really appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes to fill out our short survey here.  

What was Donald Trump’s message to the world in his UN speech? Will his position on Gaza ever shift? Will the UK’s recognition of a state of Palestine actually do anything for the Palestinians in Gaza?  Yalda is recording from New York where the United Nations General Assembly is taking place. All the most prominent world leaders are there to talk about global politics and diplomacy. Yalda talks about the most surprising thing she saw – and the inside information she got from former Director of the CIA General David Petraeus.  Richard has an update from a brother and sister in Gaza that he has known for nearly 5 years. Their house has been bombed by Israel and now they have to leave their home in Gaza City.  To visit their YouTube page where you can watch new episodes, click here.  To get in touch or to share questions, email theworld@sky.uk 

What do you do when the President of Ukraine tells you he wants an interview? You get on a plane and go.  Yalda is recording in Kyiv just after she sat down with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who agreed to an exclusive interview the day before Donald Trump's state visit to the UK. He also agreed to a rare walk with Yalda around bombed-out Kyiv to show her the extent of the Russian damage.  What was his message for Donald Trump? For Europe? For NATO?  Yalda breaks down what Zelenskyy said with Richard and gives some behind the scenes of what goes into an interview like this.  To watch Yalda’s full one hour interview with Zelenskyy, click here.   To get in touch or to share questions, email theworld@sky.uk