

The Inside Story Podcast
Al Jazeera
The Inside Story Podcast -- where we dissect, analyse and help define major global stories.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 1, 2025 • 25min
Is the US-Iran nuclear deal standoff at a turning point?
The US sends Iran what it calls an 'acceptable' proposal for a nuclear deal after the UN watchdog says Tehran is producing record amounts of near weapons-grade uranium. So, does this mark a turning point? And will diplomacy or military force come next? In this episode: Hassan Ahmadian, Assistant Professor, University of Tehran. Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director, International Crisis Group. Sahil Shah, Independent Security Analyst. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

May 31, 2025 • 26min
Has Israel turned Gaza into a starvation camp?
In this discussion, Victoria Rose, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Gaza's Nasser Hospital, shares harrowing insights about the dire humanitarian conditions, revealing the overwhelming injuries and fatalities among civilians. Bara Zuhaili, a Vascular Surgeon with two volunteering stints in Gaza, highlights the profound long-term effects of the crisis on health and well-being. They delve into the severe medical shortages faced by healthcare professionals and the psychological and physical impact of ongoing famine on the population, underscoring an urgent call for support.

May 30, 2025 • 25min
How will Israel's expansion of settlements affect a Palestinian state?
Israel is expanding its settlements in the occupied West Bank which, under international law, are illegal. Israel says they're being established with a long-term strategic vision. But, what does that mean for the future of an independent Palestinian state? In this episode: Xavier Abu Eid, Political Analyst. Ori Goldberg, Israeli author and academic. Salman Shaikh, CEO, The Shaikh Group. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

May 29, 2025 • 24min
Why is Donald Trump cracking down on international students?
Donald Trump's administration said it will revoke the visas of Chinese students studying at US universities. US embassies have also been instructed to pause new interviews. So, how much of this is politics? And what fallout could US universities suffer? In this episode: Clay Harmon, Executive Director, Association of International Enrollment Management. Alexandra Miller, Immigration Lawyer, Vecina. Josef Gregory Mahoney, Professor, East China Normal University. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

May 28, 2025 • 24min
What's behind the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation?
Chaos at aid distribution sites in southern Gaza. The UN has distanced itself from the operations of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that's backed by the US and Israel. What’s behind this move to establish a separate aid mechanism? And what needs to change to help desperate Palestinians? In this episode: Chris Gunness, Former Director of Communications, UNRWA. Amjad Shawa, Director, Palestinian NGOs Network. Eyal Weizman, Director, Forensic Architecture, Goldsmiths. Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

May 27, 2025 • 25min
Is the US ready to walk away from the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks?
Donald Trump brands Vladimir Putin 'absolutely crazy' after Russia launched its largest aerial attack of the war on Ukraine. The Kremlin is downplaying Trump’s remarks, describing them as 'emotional overload'. So, is the US President emboldening Putin? Or will Trump’s fiery words be put into action with sanctions? In this episode: Mark Storella, Former US Ambassador. Alexey Muraviev, Associate Professor, National Security and Strategic Studies, Curtin University. Aaron Gasch Burnett, Senior Fellow, Democratic Strategy Initiative. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

May 26, 2025 • 24min
Why is Israel now facing pressure from some of its Western allies?
Lynn Boylan, a European Parliament member focused on Palestine, joins Mouin Rabbani, a conflict expert, and Saul Takahashi, a former UN human rights official. They discuss the escalating pressure on Israel from Western nations amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The trio critiques the ineffectiveness of political responses and the moral obligations of governments. They delve into the complexities of arms supply and the controversies surrounding aid distribution, while examining Israel's tarnished global reputation and the influence of U.S. policies.

May 25, 2025 • 24min
Why is Africa seeing a rise in mining accidents and exploitation?
260 miners trapped in a South African gold mine have been rescued after more than 24 hours. Countries across Africa are seeing a rise in mine-related accidents, exploitation and environmental damage. So, what lessons are being learned from past tragedies? And are Africans getting a raw deal? In this episode: Claude Kabemba, Executive Director, Southern Africa Resource Watch. Christopher Vandome, Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House Africa Programme. Maurice Carney, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Friends of the Congo. Host: Tom McRae Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

May 24, 2025 • 25min
Will Trump impose tariffs on the European Union?
Paolo Von Schirach, President of the Global Policy Institute, shares his insights on international trade dynamics. Will Hutton, political economist, analyzes the tension between the U.S. and EU amidst Trump's tariff threats. Brian Wong discusses the broader implications for global markets and Chinese trade relations. They explore whether Trump's moves are genuine negotiations or dominance tactics, the historical context of U.S.-EU relations, and the potential economic fallout of a trade war on both sides.

May 23, 2025 • 25min
Do criticisms of Israel amount to antisemitism?
Phyllis Bennis, an International Adviser at Jewish Voice for Peace, and Saba-Nur Cheema, a Political Scientist specializing in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, tackle the controversial issue of whether criticisms of Israel equate to anti-Semitism. They discuss the impact of U.S. narratives surrounding recent violence, the complexities of anti-Semitism in political discourse, and the importance of distinguishing between valid criticisms of Zionism and genuine hatred. The conversation reveals how these dynamics shape perceptions in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.


