The Take

Belle Lin, a technology reporter at The Wall Street Journal, discusses the recent AWS outage and its far-reaching consequences. She highlights how the outage affected everyday services like banking and e-commerce globally. Lin critiques the effectiveness of Amazon's apologies and explains the interconnected nature of cloud services. She emphasizes the need for businesses to diversify their cloud strategies to mitigate risks. The conversation also touches on the vulnerabilities small businesses face and the importance of consumer education on cloud independence.

Ali Latifi, Asia editor at The New Humanitarian, dives into the fraught dynamics between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghanistan. He discusses the recent ceasefire following intense cross-border violence, marked by accusations from Pakistan of Afghan support for the Pakistani Taliban. Latifi explains the complex history of insurgency and grievances among local communities. He offers insights on the limits of the ceasefire, the challenges of the Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship, and the uncertain outcomes of upcoming talks in Istanbul.

Jason Blazakis, a professor and director at the Center on Terrorism, discusses the U.S. charging two alleged antifa members with terrorism. He highlights the thin evidence linking suspects to a coherent group and critiques Trump's executive order, emphasizing its symbolic nature and potential risks to free speech. Blazakis warns that labeling movements as terrorist can threaten civil liberties and examines the political motivations behind such designations. He also reflects on the evolving nature of terrorism labels and their historical context.

Shawan Jabarin, General Director of Al-Haq, a leading Palestinian human rights organization, shares insights on the ongoing plight of Palestinian prisoners. He discusses the fragile nature of ceasefires and the grim reality of continued arrests. Shawan highlights the arbitrary nature of administrative detention and its role in control tactics, including the systemic abuse of detainees. He emphasizes how imprisonment can galvanize resistance among Palestinians and underscores Al-Haq's commitment to documentation and accountability for these human rights violations.

Hisham Mhanna, the Spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza, shares his firsthand experiences amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He discusses the dire state of medical facilities and the alarming famine conditions in the north, emphasizing the urgent need for unrestricted aid. Hisham outlines the ICRC's efforts during the fragile ceasefire, including detainee transfers and the pressing need for political will to enhance aid access. He highlights the critical impact of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian operations and the essential infrastructure needed for effective assistance.

Conflict intensifies as Israel kills at least 38 Palestinians despite a ceasefire. Confusion abounds over a dangerous Yellow Line that Palestinians cannot identify. Captivating homecoming scenes feature the exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners, revealing both horror and hope. Uncover harrowing accounts of detainee mistreatment and the emotional impact of reunions. Renewed strikes in Lebanon add to the chaos, with reports of significant land occupation, leaving residents in turmoil.

In this discussion, Tony Karon, Managing Editor at AJ+, dives into the recent riots in Amsterdam linked to Israeli football fans. He explores whether these events are rooted in antisemitism or a result of normalization and impunity surrounding Israeli actions. Karon critiques political narratives from both Israel and the Netherlands, highlights the complexities of fan culture among Maccabi supporters, and draws parallels to historical protests against apartheid. He also predicts escalating fan activism and discusses the challenges of holding Israel accountable in the global football arena.

Rose Mumanya, a Nairobi-based political risk analyst specializing in Madagascar, shares her insights on the remarkable protests that led to President Andry Rajoelina's flight and Colonel Michael Randrianirina's self-declaration as president. She discusses the motivations behind the Gen Z protests, including demands for essential services and opposition to corruption. Mumanya warns that while military involvement might seem hopeful, it could perpetuate existing power dynamics. She also explores the historical context of instability and the fragility of Madagascar's institutions.

Teresa Bo, Al Jazeera English correspondent, sheds light on the political turmoil in Venezuela following opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize win. Maduro's outrage reflects his feeling of threat, as Machado praises Trump and dedicates her prize to him. Teresa traces Machado's rise from engineer to political figure, explores her proposed economic plans, and reveals how Maduro's erratic behavior may signal his diminishing power. The conversation dives deep into the implications of the award for democracy in Venezuela and the role of international alliances.

Jared Kushner, billionaire real estate scion, is shaping Gaza’s future. Why is the US President’s son-in-law at the heart of the Gaza ceasefire deal – and the future of the Middle East? In this episode:  Ali Harb (@harbpeace), Journalist, Al Jazeera Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte, Sonia Bhagat and Melanie Marich, with Noor Wazwaz, Amy Walters, Tamara Khandaker, Farhan Rafid, Fatima Shafiq and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan.  Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube