Novara Live

Kieran Andrieu, a keen commentator on European geopolitics, and Elif Sarican, an insightful Middle East analyst, dive into the rising tensions over Trump's Greenland remarks and Europe's response. They discuss Macron’s push for a united European front against US dominance and the faltering ceasefire in northeastern Syria. Elif highlights the challenges facing Rojava amid threats from the Syrian government, advocating for solidarity actions while analyzing Kurdish resistance strategies. Together, they unpack the complexities of transatlantic relations and the implications for both Europe and the Middle East.

Jonny Ball, a savvy writer and commentator on geopolitics, joins the discussion on Trump's abrupt tariff threats against Europe. He highlights the UK’s precarious position amid growing U.S. tensions and advocates for a pause on Trident renewal to strengthen domestic defense. The chat circles around the implications of Europe's possible retaliation and the risks of U.S. dependence. Additionally, the unsettling ties between right-wing influencers and extremist movements in Miami provoke a critical examination of normalization of hate symbols.

Max Shanley, a Democratic Socialists member and grassroots left candidate, and Jen Forbes, a trade unionist advocating for community engagement, dive deep into the dynamics of Your Party's leadership elections. They discuss the importance of grassroots organizing and class-based politics in revitalizing the party. Their debate highlights Corbyn's ongoing influence and whether the party should focus on broad populism or distinct class issues. The conversation is a spirited reflection on the path forward for leftist movements.

Tensions rise as the US weighs military options in Iran, with Trump unexpectedly backing down from a strike. The hosts dissect troop movements and diplomatic efforts from Gulf states aimed at avoiding conflict. Meanwhile, UK politics sees Robert Jenrick's sacking over a defection plot, with discussions on political loyalty overshadowing misconduct. Activists celebrate the cancellation of a controversial arms deal as prisoner conditions improve amidst broader discussions on the rewriting of historical narratives surrounding October 7.

Kaouther Ben Hania, the acclaimed director of 'The Voice of Hind Rajab,' shares her insights on the profound impact of real-life audio recordings used in her film. She elaborates on her motivation, revealing how hearing Hind's final calls ignited her urge to tell this heartbreaking story. The discussion dives into the delicate balance of ethical consent with families of victims and the challenges of distributing the film despite its acclaim at festivals like Venice. Kaouther's passion for preserving history through cinema shines throughout!

Tensions escalate as Trump hints at US intervention in Iran amidst protests and a grim death toll of 2,000. The discussion critiques Trump's military rhetoric and the economic implications of his tariffs on Iran. The hosts examine the fragmented opposition to the regime, questioning the effectiveness of diaspora leaders like Reza Pahlavi. The narrative shifts to Palestine Action hunger strikers facing dire conditions, drawing parallels to historical hunger strikes while highlighting the media's limited coverage and the political biases affecting civil liberties.

Arash Azizi, a contributing writer and expert on Iranian politics, joins the conversation to analyze the intensified protests in Iran. He explains how economic grievances spiraled into anti-regime demands. Arash discusses the scale of the government's violent crackdown and the rising death toll, calling it the deadliest since the 1980s. He also explores possible paths for regime change and whether internal factions could influence Iran's policies. The episode delves into international reactions, as well as the hypocrisy of some Western commentators on the protests.

Eskandar Sadeghi-Boroujerdi, a lecturer specializing in Iranian politics, provides insight into the intense protests erupting in Iran against the government, highlighting the economic chaos fueled by sanctions and corruption. He discusses the regime's character, noting a shift towards authoritarian neoliberalism. Eskandar also examines the potential fallout from regime change, from elite reshuffling to possible civil unrest, while weighing the implications of U.S. foreign policy strategies and their historical connections to Venezuela.

Protests erupt in Minneapolis following the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, igniting a heated discussion on accountability and the agency's actions. The hosts analyze Trump’s narrative and the implications of labeling dissent as terrorism. Additionally, they explore the potential deployment of UK and French troops to Ukraine contingent on a peace deal, alongside critiques of European responses to US influence and the historical continuities of imperialism. Insights on migration politics and its electoral implications are also highlighted.

Gabriel Hetland, an Associate Professor specializing in Latin American studies, shares insights on the complexities surrounding Venezuela's political landscape. He discusses the recent US seizure of a Russian oil tanker and its implications for Venezuelan stability. Hetland highlights the potential consequences of US-controlled oil marketing, including economic turmoil and increased armed conflict. He sheds light on the struggles of the Venezuelan opposition and how US actions could either exacerbate or alleviate the country's challenges.