Do aid flotillas make a difference for Palestinians under Israeli blockade?

Detained and ridiculed by a senior Israeli minister. The mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists has sparked global outrage. They were part of the latest attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Most efforts have failed. So, what difference do flotillas make? In this episode:  Ahmed Ab…

What's the significance of Putin's visit to China?

Amplifying an 'unshakeable bond' in a 'turbulent' international situation. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing: their 40th meeting as presidents. What's the significance of the Russian leader's visit, a week after Donald Trump was in the Chinese capital? In this episode:  Andy Mok,…

Does Ukraine have the advantage against Russia right now? 

A huge attack in the Moscow region and unrelenting strikes on its energy facilities — Ukraine is taking the war deeper into Russia. Russian oil refineries are burning, and its ground offensive is stalling. So, does Ukraine have the advantage at the moment?  In this episode:  Peter Zalmayev, Direct…

Will Cuba be forced to accept the US president's demands?

Running out of fuel. Cuba is struggling to keep the lights on as the United States ramps up economic pressure and military threats. Washington is now offering aid - but at a cost. Will the system set up by the Castros break down? In this episode:  Ruaridh Nicoll, The Guardian's Cuba Correspondent …

Will the new Ebola outbreak in Africa spread?

A global health emergency - the World Health Organisation raises the alarm over a new Ebola outbreak. The virus has killed nearly 90 people in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda so far. Will it spread further? In this episode:  Ariel Kestens, Head, Kinshasa Delegation, International Feder…

Can Pakistani violence sabotage a fragile truce between their neighbours?

Recent attacks in Pakistan have killed nearly 50 people, many of them security forces. The Pakistani Taliban says it is behind them. Islamabad accuses Kabul of backing the armed group. Can the violence sabotage a fragile truce between the neighbours? In this episode:  Masood Khan, Former Permanent…

Could differences over Taiwan lead to conflict between the US and China?

Donald Trump calls his visit to China 'incredible', and Xi Jinping says it was a 'landmark' meeting. But the Chinese president's comments about Taiwan are raising concerns. Could a dispute over the territory lead to conflict between Beijing and Washington? In this episode:  Ali Wyne, Senior Resear…

What will be discussed during the Lebanon-Israel negotiations?

As Israeli attacks in Lebanon continue despite a ceasefire, the United States is hosting the third round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials. Hezbollah opposes the meeting in Washington. But can the process help find a way forward for Lebanon after decades of war?  In this episode:  Al…

Is Eurovision's future under threat because of Israel's participation?

Five nations boycott Eurovision, citing Israel's participation. Their action is against Israel's war in Gaza and allegations of vote manipulation in the song contest. But why is it so important for Israel to take part? And is the competition's future under threat?  In this episode:  Steve Wall, mu…

Is there hope for an end to the war in Sudan?

A drone attack on Khartoum's international airport. The UN says such strikes have killed nearly 900 people in Sudan this year. And the conflict between the army and a paramilitary group is only intensifying. So, is there hope for an end to the fighting? In this episode:  Caroline Bouvard, Country …