Will Hezbollah drag Lebanon into the US-Israel war on Iran?

Hezbollah has been attacking Israel - as it pummels southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut. That's despite the Lebanese government's ban on Hezbollah's military activities. What will be the fallout for Lebanon? In this episode:  Heiko Wimmen, Project Director Iraq, Syria, Lebanon for the Internati…

How is the war playing out in Iran?

Iran stands at a crossroads. With its top leadership assassinated early in the joint US-Israeli offensive, the remaining layers of power have been trying to maintain control. There are concerns that after January's mass anti-government demonstrations, this war would lead to chaos. In this episode:…

What are the implications of Iran's strikes on Gulf Arab states?

Iran attacks Gulf Arab states, hitting civilian buildings and energy infrastructure, as well as U.S. bases. The impact of the American-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic is felt across the region. What does this mean for Gulf states' relations with Iran and with the US?  In this episode:  Abd…

What are the risks for Israel opening another battlefront, in Iran?

Israel's assault on Iran comes while it's still attacking Gaza and Lebanon, after bombing Syria, Yemen, and Qatar in the past year. What are the risks for Israel opening another battlefront, and from the collapse, or the survival, of the Islamic Republic?  In this episode:  Alon Pinkas, Former Amb…

How does Iran work after the assassination of its supreme leader?

 Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khomeini assassinated in attacks by the US and Israel. There are huge crowds of mourners on the streets, and the complex process of selecting his successors are already underway. So, how does Iran work and how robust are these state systems now under attack? In…

How dangerous is the situation between Iran and US/Israel?

The US and Israel attack Iran - and Tehran retaliates, firing missiles at Israeli targets and US assets in the region. It follows a massive military build-up by Washington - and indirect talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear program. So how dangerous is the situation? In this episode:  Da…

Why is the US pressuring Nouri al-Maliki to withdraw his prime ministerial bid?

"I am not backing down." That's what a defiant Nouri Al Maliki had to say, after the US objected to his return as Iraq's prime minister. Washington has set a Friday deadline for him to pullout. But what if he doesn't? And what would the implications be for Iraq? In this episode:  Muhanad Seloom, a…

Why is the German Chancellor in Beijing?

There has been another visit by a Western leader to China. This time, the German chancellor is in Beijing, saying he wants to reset ties. It comes against the backdrop of tensions between Europe and the United States. But can China be an alternative? And what does it have to offer? In this episode…

What's driving Israel's relationship with India?

"We have a great interest in creating an axis of our own." Those are the words of Benjamin Netanyahu as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes his second visit to Israel. In an increasingly volatile region, what's driving what Israel describes as its special relationship with India? In this epi…

Can Mexico win its war against drug trafficking?

How much power do drug cartels have in Mexico? The killing of the leader of one the country's largest criminal organisations has sparked a wave of violence. But can Mexico win its war against drug trafficking? In this episode:  Sergio Aguayo, Professor at the College of Mexico Chris Dalby, Author …