Can Libya find a way to govern the fractured country?

International efforts intensify to find a way forward for Libya.  The country is controlled by two rival governments.  And diplomacy is aimed at holding elections - to help find a way to govern the fractured country.  So, can a way forward be found?  In this episode:  Mustafa Fetouri - Independent…

Will Trump's new sanctions against Iran work?

Will Donald Trump's new sanctions against Iran work? The US president says he will impose 'crushing measures' on Tehran. While the Iranian leadership has warned countries not to join what it calls America's 'economic warfare'. What does this mean for the conflict? In this episode:  Jamal Abdi, Pre…

Why is Israel bidding for new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank?

Israel opens construction bids for new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. That's despite widespread international condemnation. What's driving this land grab? And what does it mean for the future of Palestinians -- and an independent Palestinian state? In this episode:  Ammar Hijazi …

What's driving the escalating Israeli settler violence against Palestinians?

Israeli settler attacks in the occupied West Bank trap Palestinian families in their homes. The violence takes place as Israel's far-right government fights elections in October. Why are attacks by settlers intensifying and what are the consequences?  In this episode:  Ofer Cassif, Member of the…

What is driving the Ebola crisis?

The Ebola outbreak in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo has already killed two thousand people. And it's spreading faster than any before - outpacing efforts to contain it, says the WHO So, what's driving this crisis? And what are the dangers?  In this episode:  Alex Lock - Communication…

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…