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The Explanation

Latest episodes

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Dec 9, 2023 • 27min

Unspun World: Can anything break the stalemate in the Ukraine war?

Can anything break the stalemate in the Ukraine war? Ukraine correspondent, James Waterhouse, tells the BBC's world affairs editor, John Simpson, about growing tensions for President Zelensky as so little progress is made on the frontline. As the UN exits countries in Africa, diplomatic correspondent, James Landale, asks if the organisation meant to promote peace, security, and cooperation around the world is still fit for purpose. Plus, science editor, Rebecca Morelle, shares the latest extraordinary discoveries in space.
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Dec 6, 2023 • 18min

What is Five Eyes?

A secret intelligence pact between the UK and US began during the Second World War, focused on intercepting communications and breaking codes. Expanding to what is now known as Five Eyes, with the addition of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the secrecy around the alliance continued for decades. It wasn’t until 2013, when the ex-NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked classified documents, that the extent of its operations came into the public spotlight. Gordon Corera, the BBC’s security correspondent, talks to Claire Graham about the origins of this spy network and how relevant it is in a modern digital world.
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Dec 2, 2023 • 27min

Unspun World: How migration is changing European politics

Wilders’ Dutch victory sends tremors around Europe so why is migration now top of the European political agenda? Europe editor, Katya Adler, gives world affairs editor, John Simpson, her analysis. Also, once the ceasefires end, we ask Jeremy Bowen what does the future hold for Israel? And as COP28 opens with the head of the state oil company, Sultan al-Jaber, as its president, a BBC documentary, Breathless, exposes how oil giants are risking the health of millions in the Gulf with toxic air pollution.
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Nov 25, 2023 • 27min

Unspun World: A pause in fighting in Gaza

A ceasefire in Gaza but BBC world affairs editor John Simpson, asks Yogita Limaye - who has been gathering material from the area - what it is like for those living there? Also Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg, on why Vladimir Putin might welcome unrest in the Middle East. We also turn to Argentina and ask South American correspondent, Katy Watson, what the new president - a former tantric sex guru and admirer of Donald Trump - might do for the economy. Plus, COP28 is on the horizon but its president this year is UAE oil boss Sultan al-Jaber. Why?
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Nov 19, 2023 • 40min

The Global Jigsaw: Global perspectives on the Israel Gaza war

The Israel Gaza conflict has commanded attention in every corner of the globe and has created what media present as unprecedented polarisation. Leaders seeking a bigger role on the world stage have used this as an “ideological purity test” and an opportunity to promote their own vision of a multi-polar world.Get in touch: theglobaljigsaw@bbc.co.ukProducers: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Twigg
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Nov 18, 2023 • 27min

Unspun World: Can the US and China get along?

China and the US make deals on the military and fentanyl trafficking. The BBC's World Service's Asia Pacific editor, Celia Hatton, explains why the two superpowers need each other now more than ever. Plus, how long can Israel continue to count on the West’s support in the conflict in Gaza? BBC reporter Guy Hedgecoe finds out if the Spanish Prime Minister can stave off Catalan independence and Moe Myint Myint reveals why the Myanmar military's days might be numbered.
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Nov 12, 2023 • 40min

The Global Jigsaw: Israel and Gaza special

The war of narratives reflecting power tilts in the Middle East. Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October, which is said to have killed an estimated 1,300 people, triggered a war in Gaza that has so far claimed more than 10,000 lives. A “Ground Zero” moment for Israel, “a golden opportunity” for Jihadists, a window for those opposing normalisation with Israel. We explore the narratives, and the driving forces behind them, to understand how this war could change the region.
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Nov 11, 2023 • 28min

Unspun World: What's Israel's endgame in Gaza?

Security correspondent, Frank Gardener, gives his take on the future of the region. The BBC's World Affairs editor, John Simpson, also asks Mini Al-Lami from BBC Monitoring what jihadi groups make of the conflict. He has over 100 charges against him but might Donald Trump be on his way back to the White House? North America editor, Sarah Smith, looks ahead to the US elections next year. Plus - pressures on Germany as immigration keeps growing. Is the country reaching a tipping point? Berlin correspondent, Jessica Parker, gives her view.
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Nov 4, 2023 • 28min

Unspun World: Tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border

BBC World Affairs editor, John Simpson, is in Lebanon - a country deeply nervous it might get sucked into yet another war with Israel. So what are the chances it will? Analysis from Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega. Lebanon has been politically and economically unstable for years. It is also hugely diverse. Jim Muir- a stalwart of the BBC’s reporting in Lebanon for nearly 50 years - shares his view on the nation today.
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Oct 28, 2023 • 27min

Unspun World: Will Israel invade Gaza?

Will Israel launch a ground assault in Gaza and, if they do, what is at stake? BBC World Affairs editor John Simpson gets the latest from Middle East correspondent Tom Bateman.Plus, World Service Middle East editor, Sebastian Usher, examines the position of other Arab countries in the region - is there a chance they will get dragged into the conflict?Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine rages on but, as the winter draws in, is Ukraine any closer to victory?

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