The World

Sarah Bettencourt, GBH reporter on immigrant-owned businesses, Samir Patel, Quanta Magazine editor-in-chief, Kaveh Madani, UN water and environment director and former Iranian official, and Karim Sajjadpur, Iran expert at Carnegie, discuss Iran’s new leader selection and its power dynamics. They cover the Revolutionary Guard’s role, questions of legitimacy and unity, environmental harms from Tehran fires, and pressures on immigrant entrepreneurs.

Joseph Marr, a Berlin sculptor who works in sugar, talks about interactive, lickable installations. Nagmeh Sarabi, a Middle East historian, outlines decades of U.S.-Iran relations and revolutionary roots. Noga Ternopolsky, a Jerusalem reporter, describes Israeli public mood, security measures, and political tensions during the conflict.

Kunle Adibajo, investigator of African recruitment into Russian forces; Paul Salopek, National Geographic explorer reporting on melting permafrost; Ali Baez, Iran policy expert at the International Crisis Group. They discuss African fighters recruited to fight for Russia. They map Iran’s widening campaign across neighboring states and naval threats. They describe thawing permafrost driving landslides and geohazard risks.

Trump has threatened to cut economic ties with Spain after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez forbade the US from using its two American bases in Spain to support the Iran attacks. Also, how private businesses in Cuba are taking advantage of the Trump administration's easing of trade restrictions on the country. And, eyes turn to Lebanon, which has ordered people in border villages to evacuate following strikes from Israel. Additionally, floods from a coastal El Niño in Peru have killed at least 68 people so far. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was a jolt for Iran, but its political system is built to sustain abrupt change. Also, a look back at the Russian government's troubled history with high-profile poisonings. And, how Israelis are celebrating Purim underground this year. Plus, how the European Union is responding to the US and Israel's war with Iran. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As the US and Israel continue their attacks on Iran, the capital Tehran has turned into a war zone, and residents say they are fearful for their lives. Also, the impact of the war is rippling outward, drawing in multiple Middle Eastern governments through direct attacks, defensive operations and diplomatic fallout, with shockwaves felt in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Lebanon. And, the conflict has also disrupted global travel as tens of thousands of people remain stranded around the world. Plus, we bring you the story of “medical totems” installed at a public health clinic in a remote area of the Brazilian Amazon to make up for low doctor-patient ratios. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ibrahim Bahis, Kabul-based analyst on Afghanistan–Pakistan tensions; Shirin Jafoury, correspondent on Cuba and U.S. relations; Taiwo James Obindo, former psychiatric association president on Nigeria’s mental health gaps; Brendan O'Shea, reporter on the Ukrainian music project; Samir Patel, Quanta editor. They discuss cross-border clashes and risks of escalation. A deadly Cuban boat shooting and shifting U.S.–Cuba ties. AI chatbots stepping in for scarce psychiatric care in Nigeria.

Gisele Regattau, reporter on Amazon indigenous art and cultural advocacy. Fariba Nawa, Istanbul-based reporter on Iranian diaspora cultural spaces. Noga Tarnopolsky, Jerusalem journalist on legal and humanitarian tensions in Gaza and the West Bank. Josh Koh, Denmark-based producer explaining the 'Greenland bounce' and snap election call. They discuss Danish snap elections, aid-data disputes, NGO risks, and indigenous art gaining global attention.

Ramon Mendez-Galain, former Energy Secretary of Uruguay and renewables strategist, describes Uruguay’s rapid shift to nearly zero fossil-fuel electricity. He discusses policy choices, market redesign and investment drivers. He argues renewables’ cost advantage and what political will and regulation changes other countries would need to replicate that success.

Today marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and one Ukrainian MP says the daily bombings have become “normal.” Also, the Ukraine war has sparked the largest forced migration that Europe has seen since  World War II. Most EU countries welcomed Ukrainian refugees at first but, in the past year, that support has started to fade. And, a look at how volunteers have filled the gap in caring for pigeons after Berlin’s animal welfare budget was cut by 96% in 2024. Plus, celebrating the rhythms and storytelling of maloya music from Reunion Island. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices