The Take

Ed Augustin, a British journalist based in Havana, reports from the front lines of Cuba’s crisis. He discusses Cuba’s military preparations and historical lessons from past US attempts to overthrow the government. He covers nationwide blackouts, humanitarian convoys delivering solar panels and medicine, and political moves to court Cuban Americans and outside investment.

Black rain fell over Tehran after oil depot strikes in the US-Israel war on Iran filled the sky with toxic petrochemical smoke. The contamination can seep into lungs, soil and water, with long-term risks from cancer to lasting environmental damage. What happens when the air people breathe becomes part of the battlefield? In this episode:  Narges Bajoghli, Cultural Anthropologist, Johns Hopkins University Episode credits: This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz, Marcos Bartolomé and Sarí el-Khalili with Catherine Nouhan, Tuleen Barakat, and our guest host, Tamara Khandaker. It was edited by Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Justin Dargin, energy expert and senior fellow focused on Gulf energy markets, explains how strikes on gas infrastructure ripple worldwide. He outlines why targeting energy escalates conflict. He walks through LNG processing, Qatar export routes, who pays higher prices first, impacts on electricity and food, and why the Global South faces the worst pain.

Zeina Khodr, Al Jazeera senior correspondent covering Lebanon and frontline fighting, and Zein Basravi, Al Jazeera correspondent on Gulf and regional security, discuss Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to Iran and its ripple effects. They cover Iran's strikes on Gulf energy, Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon, evacuations and civilian displacement, and intensifying attacks on Gaza's security forces.

Matt Binder, a New York tech reporter and writer of Disruptionist, breaks down Elon Musk's stint with DOGE and its fallout. He covers alleged cuts versus reality, questionable data consolidation and privacy risks, staffing and vetting concerns, and how scraped government data could feed private AI or business moves. Short, sharp, and focused on the most consequential developments.

Sven Kühn von Burgdorff, a retired EU diplomat with postings from Cuba to South Sudan, offers sharp takes on European foreign policy. He discusses why EU leaders refuse to secure the Strait of Hormuz, naval and mandate limits, and the political costs of joining a US‑led conflict. He also warns how a wider Iran war could reshape NATO, migration flows, and transatlantic ties.

Abid Hussain, Al Jazeera Digital correspondent in Islamabad covering security and regional conflicts. He describes recent low-cost drone strikes reaching sensitive areas. He discusses public reactions in Islamabad, details of the March 13 incidents, and ties between militant groups across the border. He also explores civilian impacts on border communities and broader regional implications.

Hoda Katebi, writer, organizer and labor lawyer, speaks about the Minab school strike that killed more than 170 children. She discusses evidence linking a Tomahawk missile to the attack. She critiques U.S. investigations and rhetoric, explores emotional impacts on the Iranian diaspora, and outlines ways Americans might push for accountability.

Foad Izadi, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran and commentator on U.S.-Iran relations, gives an on-the-ground Tehran perspective. He describes daily life under bombardment and family coping strategies. He discusses how students’ worldviews are shifting, Iran’s strategic use of the Strait of Hormuz, regional security dynamics, and demands for ceasefire and compensation.

Nour Odeh, Al Jazeera correspondent in Ramallah who covers Israeli affairs and regional conflicts. She describes life in the West Bank amid missile fallout, settler violence, and daily restrictions. She links local pressures to wider U.S.-Israel-Iran dynamics and warns how tactics used in Gaza are spreading across the region.