The Foreign Desk

Nick Payton-Walsh, CNN international security editor who recently visited Beirut, offers analysis of Lebanon’s political strains. Hanin Hadda, Washington Institute scholar and author on Hezbollah, explains shifts in the group’s capacity and community standing. Nada Makarant-Atala, Beirut correspondent, reports on civilian harm, mass displacement and daily life under bombardment. They discuss military aims, governance limits and regional implications.

Two Russians on trial in Luanda spark questions about espionage and political scapegoating. Discussion covers alleged cultural outreach, social-media influence campaigns, and possible ties to Wagner. The story probes shifting foreign influence as Angola pivots westward and the broader pattern of Russian activity across southern Africa.

Mark Leonard, director and author on geopolitics, warns the rules-based order is fracturing. Isabel Hilton, China analyst and professor, explores Beijing’s energy and strategic moves. Kurt Volker, former NATO ambassador, discusses transatlantic strategy and NATO strains. Oleksiy Gonchorenko, Ukrainian MP from Odesa, explains how the Iran conflict reshapes Ukraine’s security and Western support.

Discussion of whether Donald Trump might set his sights on Cuba, weighing motive and symbolism. Analyzes the chances he would order military action and the practical challenges of a campaign. Considers the human, economic and reputational costs of invading. Explores how domestic politics and headlines could drive such a decision.

Nate Swanson, Iran policy expert and director of the Iran Strategy Project, and John Bolton, former UN ambassador and hawkish national security advisor, debate Iran strategy. They clash over goals and timelines. Short, tense takes on regime change, nuclear threats, misreadings of Iran’s responses, and whether US and Israel share the same endgame.

A surprise political rise from rap stardom to prime minister. A look at his engineering background and time as Kathmandu mayor. How Nepali hip-hop and Gen Z protests reshaped the country's politics. A concise tour of Nepal’s turbulent history of monarchy, insurgency and rapid government changes.

Mark Carney, former central bank governor turned Canadian prime minister, discusses middle powers shaping global order. He talks coalition-building with like-minded states. He covers a pivot to the Indo-Pacific and repairing China ties. He outlines modernizing defence, cyber and quantum resilience, and the Canada Strong national brand.

Nazila Fathi, former New York Times Tehran correspondent, on Iran's internal politics and civilian toll. Dina Esfandiari, Bloomberg geoeconomics lead, on oil, LNG and Strait of Hormuz risks. Ian Bremmer, Eurasia Group president, on US motives and geopolitical strategy. Inzimam Rashid, Monocle Gulf correspondent, on Dubai’s air-defence, security and civilian impacts. They discuss military moves, economic shocks and regional tensions.

Airstrikes and cross-border strikes have suddenly escalated into open conflict along a porous, contested frontier. Discussion covers fierce claims and counterclaims about casualties and equipment losses. The history and tactics of the TTP and its alleged ties to regional actors are traced. Longstanding issues around the Durand Line and shifting strategic calculations are examined.

Albin Kurti, Kosovo’s prime minister, on minority integration, normalization with Serbia and international recognition. Benjamin Haddad, France’s minister for European affairs, on defence, tech and EU enlargement. Oana Lundjescu, former NATO spokesperson, on transatlantic ties, deterrence and Arctic security. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. senator from Alaska, on Arctic issues, rebuilding trust and congressional outreach.