Why are Sudan's Rapid Support Forces battling for control of el-Obeid?

The Rapid Support Forces are trying to seize the strategic southern city of el-Obeid from the Sudanese military. Rights groups are warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe. But why is the battle to control the city so important? In this episode:  Ali Mahmoud Ali, Sudan Researcher with the A…

How is South Africa dealing with immigration?

A June 30th deadline set by anti-migrant groups for undocumented foreigners to leave, has come and gone. Thousands protested across the country, against what they say is a broken immigration system. So, what's driving this debate? And what are the political, economic and diplomatic costs? In this …

How far will Iraq's new government go to crack down on corruption? 

Several senior politicians have been detained in a wave of arrests. The government says it's just the beginning. But is this about graft, or is politics involved? In this episode: Ahmed Rushdi, President of the think-tank, House of Iraqi Expertise Foundation Renad Mansour, Deputy Director of the M…

Can the International Court of Justice help end the conflict in eastern DRC?

The Democratic Republic of Congo takes Rwanda to the International Court of Justice. Kinshasa seeks to hold Kigali responsible for the war in the eastern DRC. But can international law help end one of Africa's longest running conflicts? In this episode:  Demas Kiprono, Executive Director at the In…

Why is Crimea so critical to the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

Crimea under a state of emergency. The move comes as Ukraine intensifies attacks on the Russian-controlled region. Kyiv says its aim is to press Moscow to end the war. But is that realistic? And why is Crimea so critical to the wider conflict? In this episode:  Leonid Ragozin, independent journa…

How much disaster aid will the US provide to Venezuela?

Death and destruction after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. The disaster comes just months after U.S. forces abducted the former president. So, how may that impact the flow of aid from Washington? And what kind of politics are at play? In this episode:  Jan Eagland, secretary general of…

Has Marco Rubio's tour of the Gulf reassured US allies?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has wrapped up his three-day tour of the Gulf. Regional states want a greater say in security--after coming under attack during the Iran war. So, can Washington rebuild trust with its regional allies? And will Gulf states be able to steer the future of the Strait o…

Why does Israel want to be less dependent on US weapons?

Benjamin Netanyahu says he's grateful to the US for its military aid but that it's time for Israel to build its own weapons-production capacity. The Israeli prime minister's announcement comes as tensions grow over the US agreement with Iran. But demand soars for Israel's weapons — its arms exports…

Why do the UK's prime ministers keep resigning?

Keir Starmer is the latest to step down, after nearly two years in office. He'd been expected to put an end to the political chaos. So, what went wrong? And what does it mean for the future of the UK? In this episode:  Jennifer Nadel, Co-Founder of the cross-party think tank Compassion in Politics…

Can the US and Iran turn the ceasefire into a permanent peace?

The US and Iran have finished the first round of talks with an agreement on a roadmap to a final deal. But is there enough trust to end the conflict? In this episode:  Mohammad Eslami - Research Fellow at Tehran University.  Kenneth Katzman - Senior Fellow at The Soufan Center.  Zeidon Alkinani -…