Israel's seizure of the Rafah Crossing worsens an already dire situation for 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza. Their last gateway to the outside world, is now closed. Why has Israel defied the US over this? And what could the consequences be for all sides?

In this episode:

• Salman Sheikh, Founder, The Sheikh Group.
• Nour Odeh, Political Analyst.
• H.A. Hellyer, Senior Associate Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. 

Host: Tom McRae

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Russia's president Vladimir Putin has been installed for a fifth term with his hold on power firmer than ever. But the war in Ukraine has led to the worst relations with the West since the Cold War. So what will six more years of Putin mean for Russia and the world?

In this episode:

• Andrey Baklanov, Deputy Chairman, Association of Russian Diplomats. 
• Philip Short, Biographer of Vladimir Putin. 
• Christopher Weafer, CEO, Macro-Advisory.

Host: Tom McRae

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Al Jazeera banned in Israel. The government's move condemned by the network as a criminal act against international and humanitarian law. Al Jazeera has shown the realities of what's happening in Gaza. But what's behind this ban? And how effective will it be?

In this episode:

• Ronnie Kasrils, A Leading Anti-apartheid Activist. 
• Maria Ressa, Co-Founder, Rappler. 
• Jonathan Dagher, Head, Middle East Desk, Reporters Without Borders.

Host: Tom McRae

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After a landslide win in the last general election, the UK's governing Conservative Party's support collapses in local elections in England. Gains for the Labour Party - dented however by its stance on the war on Gaza. So, how significant are these election results?

In this episode:

• Chris Wilkins, Former Director, Strategy, for Prime Minister Theresa May.
• Peter Geoghegan, Author, 'Democracy For Sale'.
• Alistair Jones, Associate Professor, Politics, De Montfort University. 

Host: Neave Barker 

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For years, Israel and Turkey had been crucial trade partners. It was a commercial relationship worth nearly 7-billion dollars a year. But Israel's war on Gaza changed all that. The Turkish government has been demanding a halt to the violence that's killed nearly 35,000 Palestinians. Ankara has now announced a total trade ban until Israel agrees to a ceasefire. But has President Recep Tayyip Erdogan acted under domestic pressure, after a setback in local elections was blamed partly for continuing to do business with Israel? And how will this affect the economies of both sides? 

In this episode:

• Vehbi Baysan, Assistant Professor, İbn Haldun University.
• Gideon Levy, Columnist, Haaretz.
• Vladimir Vano, Chief Economist, GLOBSEC.

Host: Neave Barker 

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Successive US administrations across the political divide have backed Israel since it was created in 1948.  But polls suggest that unequivocal public support now appears to be waning, especially among the young.
A Pew Research study two years ago indicated that only 41% in the age-group of 18 to 29 had a favourable view of Israel. And many from this generation are now protesting in university campuses against the war on Gaza. 
So, is the anger among young Americans highlighting a generational divide in Washington's policy towards Israel? And what are the reasons reshaping public opinion?

In this episode:

Clair Davenport-- Student, Columbia Journalism School 
Julie Norman-- Deputy Director, UCL Centre on US Politics
Keir Milburn-- Author, 'Generation Left' 

Host:  Nick Clark

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Standoffs between police and Palestine solidarity protesters on US college campuses are intensifying. Violent confrontations are giving rise to fears of outside interference. Politicians are taking sides. How will the protests affect President Joe Biden's bid for a second term?

In this episode:

Niambi Carter -- Associate Professor, University of Maryland 
Rami Khouri -- Political analyst  
James Davis -- Republican strategist  

Host:  Nastasya Tay

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The 'time is now' -  Antony Blinken striking an urgent tone in his attempts to get a ceasefire in Gaza. America's top diplomat says a strong proposal is on the table, as he makes his seventh visit to the Middle East since fighting began in October. That's as indirect negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, carry on in Egypt. But questions are being raised about the chances of an agreement after Israeli Prime Minister reiterated his plan to invade Rafah. Can Benjamin Netanyahu's threat disrupt talks to end the war ?

In this episode:

• Daniel Levy, President, US Middle East Project. 

• Nour Odeh, Political Analyst. 

• William Lawrence, Professor, American University. 

Host: Nick Clark 

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A political standoff in Georgia. The government says a bill it's trying to pass for a second time would regulate foreign influence and protect the country's sovereignty. But critics are protesting it would crush freedoms. European leaders have criticised the bill. Can the crisis undermine Georgia's ambition to join the European Union?

In this episode:

• Mariam Lashkhi, Member, Georgian Parliament.

• Thornike Gordadze, Fellow, Jacques Delors Institute.

• Khatia Dekanoidze, Member, Georgian Parliament. 

Host: Laura Kyle

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All eyes are on the International Criminal Court. It's investigating Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. And Israeli officials fear it's preparing to issue arrest warrants against the Prime Minister and other senior figures. So what would legal action mean for the country and its leaders?

Host: Nick Clark and Guests.

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A wasteland of rubble. The UN says clearing the debris from Israel's war on Gaza will be a huge challenge that could take 14 years. Unexploded munitions will also make this a dangerous task. So, what will this mean for the millions of Palestinians who hope to return to their homes?

In this episode:

• Jonathan Guthrie, Director of Operations, Norwegian People's Aid.

• Federico Dessi, Middle East Director, Humanity and Inclusion.

• Raja Khalidi, Director General, Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute.

Host: Folly Bah Thibault

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