The Take

Soumaya Hamdi, wife of detained British journalist Sami Hamdi, shares the family's harrowing experience as they navigated his recent arrest in the U.S. She highlights Sami's commitment to pro-Palestinian advocacy and discusses the implications for free speech. Soumaya recounts the community response that aided in his release and reveals the harsh conditions Sami faced in detention. She also delves into the pressure from right-wing activists and argues that his detention reflects broader attempts to control narratives about Israel and Gaza.

In this discussion, Claire Roussel, a Paris-based fashion journalist, delves into France's complex relationship with Shein following its controversial Paris opening. She highlights the country's swift reaction, including seized products and the backlash against Shein's fast fashion model. Claire explains why France's response differs from giants like Zara and H&M, driven by economic pressures and new legislation. She also explores the reality of Shein's popularity in France and suggests systemic solutions to counter ultra-fast fashion.

Beverly Ochieng, a Senior analyst at Control Risks specializing in Sahel security, discusses the dire situation in Mali amid a blockade by al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM fighters. She highlights the blockade's severe impact on fuel supplies and daily life, leading to school closures and economic paralysis. Beverly examines the military government's challenges in addressing public fears, mixed blame for the crisis, and the nuanced responses from regional organizations. She also details JNIM's operations, funding methods, and ambitions beyond Mali, emphasizing the need for global attention on the escalating crisis.

Nida Ibrahim, an Al Jazeera correspondent with extensive experience reporting from Israel and the occupied territories, delves into the harrowing Sde Teiman detention scandal. She highlights the shocking allegations of torture and sexual assault amidst a backdrop of military and judicial turmoil. Nida discusses the arrest of military prosecutor Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi, the state's attempts to obscure the truth, and how public focus has shifted from the serious abuse to the leak itself. The conversation raises crucial questions about accountability and the plight of victims in such cases.

Hani Mahmoud, an Al Jazeera correspondent in Gaza, shares harrowing on-the-ground updates about families identifying decomposed remains amid ongoing violence. Journalist Kayleigh Callahan highlights violent encounters between Israeli settlers and Palestinian farmers during olive harvests in Nablus. Zeina Khodr discusses an escalation in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, leading to significant civilian displacement. Nour Odeh reveals political implications following the former military prosecutor's leak of a video showing Israeli abuse.

Katherine Gallagher is a senior staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights, known for advocating for Abu Ghraib detainees. She discusses the fading public memory of the torture at Abu Ghraib and the enduring fight for accountability through litigation against private contractors. Katherine highlights the abusive conditions faced by detainees and the legal strategies employed to pursue justice. The conversation emphasizes the importance of remembering these events to prevent future normalization of harm in U.S. military actions.

Mo Amer, a Palestinian-American comedian and actor known for his Netflix special, shares his experiences using humor to address profound pain. He discusses maintaining his Palestinian identity despite industry pressures and the responsibility of comedians to speak on Gaza. Mo reflects on the fine line he walks with raw material and his personal storytelling, woven from his family's history. He also talks about the impact of honest narratives in changing perceptions and how meeting survivors fuels his passion for comedy.

In this discussion, Moustafa Bayoumi, an insightful author and journalist, delves into the historic election of Zohran Mamdani as New York's first Muslim mayor. He highlights the overwhelming support that propelled Mamdani, emphasizing community organization and activism. Bayoumi also explores the challenges of Islamophobia and the potential of local leaders as resistance against right-wing politics. Comparisons to global figures like Sadiq Khan underscore how city mayors may redefine political landscapes and confront nationalist rhetoric.

Jayati Ghosh, Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, dives deep into the fallout of Trump's tariffs, especially on India’s economy. She highlights the severe impact on factory workers, with dramatic drops in exports and rising layoffs, particularly in textiles and jewelry. Ghosh points out how erratic tariffs create uncertainty for consumers and manufacturers alike. She also discusses the need for India to rethink its trade strategy and warns that consumers will eventually feel the pinch of these tariffs.

Cecília Olliveira, co-founder of The Intercept Brazil and expert on armed violence, dives into the recent deadly police raid in Rio de Janeiro. She reveals the chaos and devastation left in the wake of the operation and discusses the raid's political motivations, linking it to police retaliation against gangs. With public sentiment split, Cecília argues for a shift to non-violent alternatives, emphasizing the need to target the financial networks sustaining crime. She also critiques media portrayals that ignore the realities of favela life, offering a compelling perspective on state violence in Brazil.