The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim

Has Vladimir Putin traded Donald Trump for Xi Jinping?  Yalda and Richard are back from their summer break and unpack the summit in Beijing. The leaders of Russia, India and North Korea are all there - but what is going on? And what will President Trump make of it?  Richard is recording from Israel where hundreds of thousands of people have been out on the streets protesting against the war in Gaza. He has spoken to the family member of a hostage killed by Hamas, who tells him why the military campaign must now end.  The two also reflect on the latest killing of journalists by Israel, with the number of Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza now reaching 189. International media is not allowed to freely report in the territory.  And Yalda gives an update on the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan and explains why it is women and girls who could suffer the most in the days and weeks to come.  To get in touch or to share questions, email theworld@sky.uk  

Sky News’ Yalda Hakim and NBC’s Richard Engel have covered world events for years. Now, they have teamed up to share their experiences from the frontline.    They debrief from global flashpoints and discuss their encounters with the biggest decision makers. They’ll also be joined by some of those key players to help make sense of world events.  From conflict in the Middle East, to the US election, and the war in Ukraine there is no better place for analysis and expertise  New episodes from Richard and Yalda every Wednesday.

Will recognising a Palestinian state help the people of Gaza?Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the UK would recognise the state of Palestine in September if Israel does not accept certain conditions, including a ceasefire – but what will this actually mean? Yalda thinks that there are better ways to pressure the Israeli government into allowing more aid into Gaza, and she tells Richard what these are. Richard has also been doing some research into the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid points and tells Yalda what he has found out. Yalda also speaks to the author of Bibi: The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu, The Economist’s Israel correspondent, Anshel Pfeffer. He tells Yalda why the prime minister has no plan for the war or what comes after. To get in touch or to share questions, email theworld@sky.uk

On this week's episode, Yalda and Richard talk about the growing international condemnation of Israel's war in Gaza, including from a usually staunch ally – the evangelical right wing of America. But what has made them voice a rare criticism?The two also talk about the shaky ceasefire that is currently in place in the southern Syrian city Sweida. This is the first real test for the new Syrian leader, but can he contain the violence?And, Yalda gives an update on the situation in Afghanistan where women and girls have been arrested by the Taliban for violating their strict dress code.

This week, Yalda and Richard discuss Donald Trump's big decision to send weapons to Ukraine through NATO. Why has he changed his mind?Yalda gives her take on the situation and why she thinks Trump is following a similar position to presidents before him when it comes to the Russian leader.The two also discuss the UK’s secret Afghan immigration scheme after a massive data leak and gagged media. But how serious is this for those people still stuck in Afghanistan trying to flee the Taliban?To get in touch or to share questions, email theworld@sky.uk 

Insightful discussions emerge as Richard shares his experiences at Evin prison, recently targeted by an airstrike. The two dive into Iran’s intense crackdown on Afghan refugees, who the government claims might be spies for Israel—raising questions of truth and bias. Yalda reveals intriguing insights from her Mossad contact. They ponder the fragile prospects for a ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting on the deeper humanitarian crises and political tensions intertwining the region, while exploring the complexities of national identity amidst conflict.

The hosts reveal the stark realities of life in Iran amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. They discuss public sentiment shifting from hope to betrayal following recent conflicts. Insights into Iran's nuclear ambitions spark concern about international trust and diplomacy. The intricate relationship between Iran and Israel unfolds, highlighting deep historical animosities. Listeners hear about local resilience during cultural events, providing a glimpse into the spirit of the Iranian people amid crisis.

The hosts provide an exciting travel update as they gear up for a significant upcoming story. They emphasize the importance of listener engagement and invite feedback to enrich future discussions. Anticipation builds as they hint at intriguing developments to come, creating a buzz around their next adventure.

The podcast dives into the tumultuous Israel-Iran situation, sparked by President Trump's provocative remarks on the ceasefire. Richard and Yalda dissect Trump's phone call to Netanyahu, aiming to prevent escalation. The discussion touches on the rising tensions between Iran and the U.S., with a special look at Qatar's mediating role. They also explore the complexities surrounding potential regime change in Iran, referencing historical lessons. The episode challenges listeners to consider the unpredictable future of leadership in Iran.

This discussion delves into the U.S. military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, examining the immediate damage and the broader geopolitical implications. Personal accounts from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem capture the urgency and chaos following the attack. The conversation also tackles the complexities of Iran's uranium enrichment and the escalating tensions in the region. Finally, they ponder the potential for regime change in Iran, navigating the fine line between diplomacy and conflict.