The Take

Join Virginia Pietromarchi, an Al Jazeera journalist and expert on Italian affairs, as she reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis following his passing. She explores the complex reactions in Italy and unveils the profound impact of his papacy on marginalized communities. Pietromarchi discusses Francis’s efforts to bridge cultures and his unique foreign policy on global conflicts. Finally, she delves into the intricacies of selecting a new pope, hinting at a potential shift towards a more inclusive Vatican.

The United States military is ramping up its presence in Japan, Guam and Hawaii as tensions with China grow over Taiwan. A new documentary reveals how this buildup is affecting local communities. In a region that is also a staging ground for potential conflict, how are some residents pushing back? In this episode: Dan Ming (@DanMing), Evident Media correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolome, Marina Navarrete, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, and Mariana Navarrete. Our guest host is Natasha Del Toro. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. 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. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel continued to bomb Palestinians in Gaza  sheltering in tents. The US and Iran met again to negotiate. A picture of a Palestinian amputee won a major award. It is day 562 of the war in Gaza, where more than 51,065 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hind Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza) Al Jazeera Correspondent Moath Al Kahlout, (@kahlout_moath) Al Jazeera Correspondent  James Bays, (@baysontheroad) Al Jazeera Diplomatic Editor Charles Stratford, (@stradfordch) Al Jazeera Correspondent  Step Vaessen, (@stepvaessen) Al Jazeera Correspondent  Episode credits: This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube  

Join Reverend Munther Isaac, an Evangelical Lutheran Pastor and academic dean from Bethlehem, as he discusses the deep significance of Easter for Palestinian Christians. He highlights the parallels between Jesus’ crucifixion and the ongoing Israeli oppression faced by his community. Munther shares personal stories of resilience amid political struggles, the challenges of access to holy sites, and the role of religious leaders in advocating for justice. His insights reflect a poignant call for global Christian solidarity and a message of hope against adversity.

Nayna Gupta, Policy Director at the American Immigration Council, dives deep into the troubling deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who faced removal despite a protective court order. They discuss the alarming tactics employed by immigration authorities, including dubious gang affiliation claims. Gupta highlights the dangerous realities for Garcia in a notorious Salvadoran prison and critiques the political motivations behind U.S. deportation policies. The conversation raises vital concerns about legal transparency and immigrant safety during a constitutional crisis.

Walid Habbas, a researcher at the Palestinian Forum for Israeli Studies and a former prisoner, shares gripping insights into the plight of Palestinians in Israeli prisons. He discusses the alarming practice of detaining individuals without charges, including children. Habbas highlights the traumatic experiences endured by inmates, particularly the impact on youth like Ahmad Manazra. He also addresses the stark disparities in treatment under military law, emphasizing the significant human rights concerns and the political implications for Palestinian unity and rights.

Albert Mokhiber, an attorney specializing in international and immigration law, shares vital insights for travelers heading to the U.S. He discusses the harsh realities at borders, including intense scrutiny and unjust detentions. Mokhiber emphasizes the implications of increased device searches and the rising trend of student visa revocations. He highlights the importance of understanding legal rights, maintaining personal privacy, and underscores the need for a compassionate approach to immigration amidst evolving travel requirements.

Hiba Morgan, an Al Jazeera correspondent with two years of frontline experience in reporting Sudan’s civil war, shares her unique insights. She discusses the recent military shifts in Khartoum and the escalating violence in Darfur, particularly concerning displaced populations. Hiba also addresses the emotional resilience of civilians celebrating small victories amidst turmoil. Delving into the Sudanese government’s accusations against the UAE, she reveals the complex interplay of foreign involvement in the conflict. The podcast gives a raw look at the journalist’s struggle and the human cost of war.

Join Jonah Valdez, a reporter at The Intercept specializing in Israel-Palestine and social movements, as he sheds light on Betar US, a far-right group targeting pro-Palestinian activists. Valdez discusses the group's influence in Washington, including their alarming tactics of compiling arrest lists. He reveals how this affects university students and anti-war movements and highlights the perils faced by journalists covering these sensitive topics. It’s a gripping exploration of activism in a politically charged climate.

The podcast delves into the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting a devastating Israeli airstrike on a hospital that exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The grim situation unfolds with over 50,000 Palestinians reported dead, while 2.1 million face dire shortages of resources. It also touches on U.S.-Iran negotiations amidst rising tensions. Additionally, a legal case concerning the deportation of a Palestinian activist raises important questions about civil rights and due process, revealing the intricate ties between law and politics.