Can the Doha Framework end the conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo?

Can the Doha Framework end the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo? Kinshasa has handed over 15 prisoners to a powerful rebel alliance. It's part of an agreement signed last year in the Qatari capital. So, what are the hurdles to lasting peace? In this episode:  Kambale Musavuli, An…

What are the hurdles facing the Mecca agreement? 

What are the hurdles facing the Mecca agreement? The defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan comes at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East. So, who stands to gain from the new alliance? And how is it viewed in the region and beyond? In this episode:  Abdulaziz Alghashi…

How fragile is Lebanon's uneasy peace?

New Israeli attacks in Lebanon, after soldiers were killed for the first time since a fragile truce with Beirut began in June. It comes despite more Lebanese-Israeli talks in Rome in a U.S.-brokered peace process. So where do things stand now?  In this episode:  Maha Yahya, Director of the Carnegi…

Is the conflict between Russia and Ukraine deepening?

A surge in missile and drone attacks by Russia and Ukraine with civilians killed on both sides. Little movement on the diplomatic front, while U.S. attention is largely focused on Iran. So, what's next for Europe's worst conflict since World War Two?  In this episode:  Andrey Kortunov, Russian aff…

How much of a challenge are wildfires to Europe?

How much of a challenge are wildfires to Europe? Rapidly spreading blazes are scorching the continent, destroying forests, farmland, homes and businesses. They're becoming bigger and more difficult to control. So, what's fuelling the flames? In this episode:  Paleologos Paleologou -- Geographer an…

Will Israel withdraw from Gaza if Hamas disarms?

Israel says it has doubts about Hamas disarming. The group and other Palestinian factions in Gaza have agreed to lay down their weapons. But they say it's dependent on the withdrawal of Israeli troops — which Israel has refused to do unless they disarm. Where does this leave Gaza? In this episode:…

What does the US hope to gain from Venezuela's government-opposition talks?

Venezuela's government and a section of the opposition plan to hold talks, backed by the United States. But prominent opposition politician and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado has been excluded. So, what can the talks achieve and what's Washington seeking to get from it? In this episode:  Elia…

Why did thousands of migrants cross into Spain's Ceuta?

Tens of thousands of migrants crossed into Spain's north African territory of Ceuta from Morocco. While most of them have since returned - Spain's been condemned by right-wing politicians in Europe and the United States. Is the criticism about border management or is it politics? In this episode: …

Does FIFA need private investment?

FIFA is facing a growing backlash after its proposal to sell a stake in its top events. Europe's governing body UEFA has threatened to boycott the World Cup if this plan goes ahead. So, does FIFA need private investment? In this episode:  Chris Brady, Football finance expert and Chief Intelligence…

Will Saudi Arabia be dragged further into the war in Iran?

Anger in Iraq after Saudi Arabia attacked an umbrella paramilitary group with ties to Iran. Riyadh accuses the Popular Mobilization Forces of targeting its oil facilities. As the US-Iran war drags on, what are the risks of the conflict spreading? In this episode: Ahmed Rushdi, Head of the House o…