Episodes

  • Has Donald Trump failed to sell the Iran war to the world?

    Has Donald Trump failed to sell the Iran war to the world?
    Mar 21 2026
    Yet another day of US and Israeli strikes against Iran, and Washington says there's more to come, warning of a 'dramatic surge'. But with the exception of Israel, the US has NOT secured the active participation of any of its main allies, as was the case in previous conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. President Donald Trump hasn't hidden his frustration with European leaders, many of whom say the ongoing war is a breach of international law. That view is shared by other global players like China and Russia. But does it need them to continue to wage this war?
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    28 mins
  • Why has Hezbollah joined the Middle East war?

    Why has Hezbollah joined the Middle East war?
    Mar 18 2026
    Lebanon is once again drawn into a war many of its leaders say is not their fight. Against the government's warnings, Hezbollah has joined Iran in its conflict with Israel. The armed group says it has a right to respond as part of what it calls a resistance campaign. But this time, the Lebanese government has responded by taking the decision to ban Hezbollah's military activities and demanded it disarm. The group has not heeded that warning. Now, as the war between the U.S., Israel and Iran widens to Lebanon, can Hezbollah's involvement be of any real help to Tehran? And what price will Lebanon pay as a result?
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    28 mins
  • How is the war playing out in Iran?

    How is the war playing out in Iran?
    Mar 16 2026
    Iran stands at a crossroads. With its top leadership assassinated early in the joint US-Israeli offensive, the remaining layers of power have been trying maintain control. There are concerns that after January's mass anti-government demonstrations, this war would lead to chaos. US President Donald Trump has made clear his desire for regime change in Iran. Many argue that what remains of Iranian leadership is struggling for survival. But Iran's leadership is notably complex. It has parallel armies, multiple intelligence services and several command structures So, will it survive? Or is the situation spiralling out of control?
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    28 mins
  • What are the implications of Iran's strikes on Gulf Arab states?

    What are the implications of Iran's strikes on Gulf Arab states?
    Mar 14 2026
    Iran attacks Gulf Arab states -- hitting civilian buildings and energy infrastructure, as well as US bases. The impact of the American-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic is felt across the region. What does this mean for Gulf states' relations with Iran and with the US?
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    29 mins
  • How robust is the Iranian state system?

    How robust is the Iranian state system?
    Mar 11 2026
    Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei assassinated in attacks by Israel on Saturday- huge crowds of mourners on the streets. The complex process of selecting his successor is already underway. So how does Iran work - and how robust are its state systems, now under attack?
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    28 mins
  • What dangers does the US and Israel attack on Iran pose?

    What dangers does the US and Israel attack on Iran pose?
    Mar 9 2026
    The US and Israel attack Iran - and Tehran retaliates, firing missiles at Israeli targets and US assets in the region. It follows a massive military build-up by Washington - and indirect talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear programme. So how dangerous is the situation?
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    29 mins
  • Will the Board of Peace live up to its name?

    Will the Board of Peace live up to its name?
    Jan 24 2026
    US President Donald Trump launched the Board of Peace on Thursday, saying it's one of the most consequential bodies ever created in the history of the world. This is all part of the agreement to reach a ceasefire in Gaza - after almost two years of Israel's war on the Strip. Trump said the board will work in partnership with the UN to address crises far beyond Gaza. Now, all eyes will be on what the Board achieves in Gaza before dealing with other conflicts. So, will it deliver?
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    29 mins
  • Why is Israel accused of being an apartheid state?

    Why is Israel accused of being an apartheid state?
    Nov 26 2025
    In the past, apartheid was only associated with South Africa. Now, it’s a label that some attach to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. So what is apartheid? How did it work in South Africa? And why is it now being used in the context of Israel?
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    15 mins