Novara Live

A second US citizen has been killed by ICE. Plus: Andy Burnham blocked from by-election race, and Suella Braverman defects from the Conservatives to Reform UK. With Michael Walker, Ash Sarkar & Branko Marcetic.

Megan Bodette, Director of Research at the Kurdish Peace Institute based in Kamishlo, speaks on the conflict in north-east Syria and Kurdish autonomy. She describes shifting frontlines, concerns about prisons and displacement, and local priorities like gender equality and pluralism. The conversation also covers US-SDF relations and the humanitarian information blackout in the region.

Jared Kushner unveils a controversial redevelopment plan for Gaza, igniting debates around Palestinian consent and cultural erasure. The hosts critique the portrayal of Gazans as mere assets in this corporatized vision. Discussion shifts to Andy Burnham's political future and the challenges posed by Labour's new rulebook. Meanwhile, there's an exploration of Palantir's role in the NHS, with urgent calls for accountability. The podcast also touches on Trump's ambition for Greenland, highlighting European pushback against U.S. security deals.

Caitlín Doherty, a journalist and author researching the World Economic Forum, offers insights into Davos's dual nature as a public spectacle and a serious deal-making hub. She discusses the forum's evolving priorities, particularly under Klaus Schwab's upcoming successor and the growing influence of China and Gulf states. The conversation also highlights Mark Carney's call for new coalitions amid changing global dynamics and the potential shift of middle powers away from U.S. dominance. Get ready for a deep dive into the geopolitics that shape our world!

Kieran Andrieu, a keen commentator on European geopolitics, and Elif Sarican, an insightful Middle East analyst, dive into the rising tensions over Trump's Greenland remarks and Europe's response. They discuss Macron’s push for a united European front against US dominance and the faltering ceasefire in northeastern Syria. Elif highlights the challenges facing Rojava amid threats from the Syrian government, advocating for solidarity actions while analyzing Kurdish resistance strategies. Together, they unpack the complexities of transatlantic relations and the implications for both Europe and the Middle East.

Jonny Ball, a savvy writer and commentator on geopolitics, joins the discussion on Trump's abrupt tariff threats against Europe. He highlights the UK’s precarious position amid growing U.S. tensions and advocates for a pause on Trident renewal to strengthen domestic defense. The chat circles around the implications of Europe's possible retaliation and the risks of U.S. dependence. Additionally, the unsettling ties between right-wing influencers and extremist movements in Miami provoke a critical examination of normalization of hate symbols.

Max Shanley, a Democratic Socialists member and grassroots left candidate, and Jen Forbes, a trade unionist advocating for community engagement, dive deep into the dynamics of Your Party's leadership elections. They discuss the importance of grassroots organizing and class-based politics in revitalizing the party. Their debate highlights Corbyn's ongoing influence and whether the party should focus on broad populism or distinct class issues. The conversation is a spirited reflection on the path forward for leftist movements.

Tensions rise as the US weighs military options in Iran, with Trump unexpectedly backing down from a strike. The hosts dissect troop movements and diplomatic efforts from Gulf states aimed at avoiding conflict. Meanwhile, UK politics sees Robert Jenrick's sacking over a defection plot, with discussions on political loyalty overshadowing misconduct. Activists celebrate the cancellation of a controversial arms deal as prisoner conditions improve amidst broader discussions on the rewriting of historical narratives surrounding October 7.

Kaouther Ben Hania, the acclaimed director of 'The Voice of Hind Rajab,' shares her insights on the profound impact of real-life audio recordings used in her film. She elaborates on her motivation, revealing how hearing Hind's final calls ignited her urge to tell this heartbreaking story. The discussion dives into the delicate balance of ethical consent with families of victims and the challenges of distributing the film despite its acclaim at festivals like Venice. Kaouther's passion for preserving history through cinema shines throughout!

Tensions escalate as Trump hints at US intervention in Iran amidst protests and a grim death toll of 2,000. The discussion critiques Trump's military rhetoric and the economic implications of his tariffs on Iran. The hosts examine the fragmented opposition to the regime, questioning the effectiveness of diaspora leaders like Reza Pahlavi. The narrative shifts to Palestine Action hunger strikers facing dire conditions, drawing parallels to historical hunger strikes while highlighting the media's limited coverage and the political biases affecting civil liberties.