The Global Story

Joining the discussion is Steve Rosenberg, the BBC's Russia editor with 30 years of experience reporting on Russian politics and the war in Ukraine. He explores the intricacies of a leaked 28-point peace plan that seems to favor Russian demands. Steve delves into Putin's refusal to compromise on territorial control, the Kremlin's framing of Europe as an impediment to peace, and the economic pressures felt by ordinary Russians. He paints a picture of a Russia where state narratives redefine Putin as a peacemaker, despite the ongoing conflict.

Aleem Maqbool, BBC Religions Editor, and Hamish Macdonald, ABC news presenter, delve into the shocking events of the Bondi Beach massacre during a Hanukkah celebration. They explore the rise of antisemitism, sharing accounts from the community and the aftermath of the tragic incident. Hamish provides on-the-ground insights, revealing community anger over ignored warnings about antisemitic threats. Aleem discusses global patterns, the need for proactive government actions, and the importance of education to combat the escalating violence.

Jonathan Head, BBC Southeast Asia correspondent based in Bangkok, provides crucial insights into the recent conflict on the Thai-Cambodian border. He reveals the complex historic roots of the dispute and how social media has exacerbated nationalist feelings. Head explains the fragile nature of the recent ceasefire, spurred by Trump’s intervention. He discusses the political tensions igniting fighting, the limitations of presidential influence, and stresses that sustainable peace requires thoughtful diplomacy and economic incentives.

Chiara Tramontano joins to share her heart-wrenching story as the sister of murder victim Giulia Tramontano, whose tragic case influenced Italy's new femicide law. She recounts the emotional toll of losing her sister, and the personal importance of raising awareness about gender-based violence. Sarah Rainsford, BBC Southern Europe correspondent, discusses the law's unique legal definition and its societal implications. Both guests emphasize the need for education and cultural change to complement legal advancements in combating femicide.

Tom Bateman, BBC State Department correspondent, discusses the Trump administration's radical approach to US foreign policy. He explains how the new National Security Strategy shockingly portrays Europe as facing 'civilizational erasure' and criticizes its traditional alliances. Bateman highlights concerns over migration, the shift toward economic nationalism, and the focus on Russia's favorable positioning. He also explores the implications for transatlantic ties and the rise of nationalist parties in Europe, painting a picture of a dramatically altered geopolitical landscape.

Join Jeremy Bowen, BBC international editor and seasoned Middle East correspondent, as he reports from Damascus a year after the fall of the Assad regime. He delves into the current state of daily life in Syria, highlighting the stark realities of poverty amidst rubble and limited reconstruction. Bowen discusses Ahmed al-Sharah's international outreach and the fragile hopes for accountability. He shares poignant stories from civilians affected by ongoing violence and examines the complexities of rebuilding a nation emerging from dictatorship.

Katy Watson, the BBC's Australia correspondent, dives into Australia's controversial new law banning social media for under-16s. She discusses the motivations behind this legislation, from mental health concerns to political pressures. Katy shares personal stories that fueled support for the ban and highlights mixed reactions from parents and teens. With legal challenges on the horizon and tech companies reacting, she evaluates whether this bold move will actually protect youth. Australia’s example might just influence other nations watching closely.

In this discussion, Mahfouz Zubaide, a former BBC journalist from Kabul now based in London, shares his insights on the recent immigration policy changes triggered by a shooting incident involving National Guard members. He highlights the precarious situation faced by Afghan migrants, particularly those who assisted U.S. operations in Afghanistan. Mahfouz emphasizes the fear and condemnation among Afghan communities regarding collective punishment and their anxiety about deportation. His firsthand accounts reveal the emotional toll of family separations amidst shifting policies.

Dan Roan, BBC sports editor and expert on FIFA politics, delves into the implications of Gianni Infantino awarding Donald Trump the FIFA Peace Prize. They discuss the unique challenges of the 2026 World Cup, including Trump's influence and possible disruptions to the tournament. Roan highlights FIFA's growing political entanglements, controversies over visa policies, and concerns from host countries. He explores how this alliance may test FIFA's neutrality and what it means for football and global diplomacy.

Brandy Zadrozny, an investigative reporter known for her in-depth analysis of the Epoch Times and Falun Gong, dives into the intriguing rise of a Chinese spiritual movement turned U.S. media empire. She reveals how the Epoch Times evolved from a newsletter into a major conservative outlet with Pentagon ties, fueled by heavy ad spending and pro-Trump messaging. Brandy discusses the implications of its funding sources, the organizational links to Falun Gong, and the effects on trust in media, shedding light on a complex intersection of religion, politics, and journalism.