Does occupied West Bank land seizure undermine peace?

Israel is escalating the confiscation of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank and approving new illegal settlements at an unprecedented scale. Its actions have drawn condemnation. But what are the consequences on the ground? And how does this hinder prospects for peace? In this episode:  Xav…

Is peace on the horizon for Sudan in 2026?

After another year of fighting, is peace on the horizon for Sudan in 2026? Khartoum has come up with a plan to end the conflict, but the UN warns the violence is worsening. Where does this leave the country's future and the millions affected by the fighting? In this episode:  Ahmad Ibrahim, Indepe…

How will the Syrian government deal with its growing security challenges?

How will the Syrian government deal with its growing security challenges? Renewed fighting between the army and Syrian Democratic Forces is highlighting the volatility facing the country. A truce is now in place, but will it lead to an agreement to integrate the SDF militia into the army? In this …

Can diplomacy end the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia?

In the ongoing fighting between Thailand and Cambodia - does diplomacy stand a chance? The two sides have held their first face-to-face meeting in a regional push for peace. But without any let-up in the long-running conflict, what will it take to bring it to an end? In this episode:  Chheang Vann…

How volatile is Bangladesh's political situation?

Political tension and unrest in Bangladesh after the assassination of a student leader of last year's uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. Elections for a new government are due in February. So how volatile is the political situation now?  In this episode:  Taqbir Huda, Human Rights Lawyer.  Asif S…

Why are European farmers protesting the EU-Mercosur agreement?

European farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur agreement. That's as signing has been postponed until January, due to disagreements in Europe. The European-South American deal planned for more than 25 years, would create the world's largest free-trade zone. So why is there division?  In this epis…

What might Trump do to get the Gaza ceasefire agreement back on track?

Daily Israeli breaches of the Gaza ceasefire agreement threaten the entire peace process, says the Qatari prime minister, who helped broker the deal forged by Donald Trump. So, what's gone wrong -- and what might the US president do to get it back on track?  In this episode:  Tamer Qarmout - Assoc…

What are the dangers of Trump ramping up pressure on Venezuela?

Russia and China voice support for Venezuela after Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Nicolas Maduro. The US blockades sanctioned oil tankers in the midst of a major military build-up in the region. What are the dangers - and what might happen next?  In this episode:  Paul Dobson - Independent j…

Can Afghanistan avert a hunger crisis?

Millions of people in Afghanistan face acute food insecurity, the UN warns. The crisis is exacerbated by sharp cuts in global aid funding and the forced deportation of Afghans from neighbouring countries. So, who could step in to avert a catastrophic hunger crisis? In this episode:  Kiana Alavi, N…

What's behind South America's shift to the right?

Chileans have elected their most conservative leader in decades. Jose Antonio Kast's victory is another sign South America is veering to the right. But what's behind this shift? And what are the political implications, both across the region and beyond? In this episode:  Claudio Barrientos, Profes…