NEW podcast: “I would have never intervened in the Iraqi political system if Yazidis were recovered from the Yazidi genocide,” newly elected member of Iraqi parliament Murad Ismael tells Amberin Zaman as they discuss the challenges ahead for him in office. www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/yaz...

NEW: Why Lebanon now leads the world in rising cancer rates

A recent study found that Lebanon has the world’s fastest-rising cases of cancer and cancer-related deaths. Ali Mokdad, co-author of the study, says tobacco is the main culprit. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

NEW podcast: Saudi Crown Prince to meet Trump at White House with AI in focus

@s-wendel.bsky.social joins @adamlucente.bsky.social to preview MBS’s trip. Why have past AI & chips deals failed to materialize? Can Trump convince MBS to up his investment in the US? www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/sau...

NEW podcast: What are the stakes for Iran in Iraq's parliamentary elections? @renadmansour.bsky.social joins @amberinzaman.bsky.social to discuss why Iraq remains even more vital for Iran in the wake of its humiliating 12-day conflict with Israel. Listen here: www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/wha...

NEW podcast: Ahead of Syrian President Sharaa's historic meeting with President Trump in Washington, Amberin Zaman spoke with former US Ambassador Barbara Leaf, the first senior US official to formally meet with him after the fall of the Assad regime.
www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/why...

NEW podcast: China VP Han visits Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar as Beijing’s influence grows

@adamlucente.bsky.social spoke with @roscarroll.bsky.social, author of Al-Monitor's China-Middle East newsletter, on Han's visits to KSA, Kuwait, and Qatar.
www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/chi...

NEW podcast: Thousands slaughtered in el-Fasher as Sudan’s conflict deepens, driven by regional rivalries

Kholood Khair spoke with @amberinzaman.bsky.social on atrocities in Sudan's el-Fasher and the regional interests fueling the war. Listen to the full episode: al-monitor.com/podcasts/tho...

NEW podcast: Is the Gaza deal in trouble? Views from Israel, Palestine and Washington

@elizhagedorn.bsky.social, Rina Bassist, & Daoud Kuttab joined @adamlucente.bsky.social to discuss the Gaza ceasefire deal, including violations, post-war governance, and more: www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/gaz...

NEW podcast: Syria’s business elite embraces Sharaa as integration of Kurds, foreign jihadist crackdown awaits

Al-Monitor’s chief correspondent @amberinzaman.bsky.social joins host @adamlucente.bsky.social to discuss her recent trip to Syria. Listen here: www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/syr...

NEW podcast: How do Israelis perceive Trump's Gaza peace deal, and what are the biggest points of contention between Israel and Hamas? Al-Monitor's Rina Bassist joins Adam Lucente to discuss the latest in the Gaza ceasefire and hostage talks.

www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/are...

Al-Monitor's Elizabeth Hagedorn reports from outside UN headquarters in New York City during the UN General Assembly on Trump's comments on the war in Gaza, including his calling allies’ Palestine recognition a 'reward' to Hamas, Israel's widening assault on Gaza City, and more.

🚨 French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Monday that France recognizes the 'State of Palestine' at the UN General Assembly, in the interest of 'peace' between Israelis and Palestinians.

NEW podcast: Will Turkey and Damascus eventually accept Kurdish self-rule?

Amberin Zaman spoke with Meghan Bodette, who argues that the current dynamics will force them into changing tack, with all sides reaping the benefits of compromise. Listen here: www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/why...

UN sanctions on Iran to be reimposed, France's Macron says
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...

NEW podcast: Qatar summit: Trouble for US-Gulf security relations, Hamas presence?

Francesco Schiavi joined Adam Lucente to weigh in on what’s next for Gulf relations with the US and Israel after Israel's strikes on Doha and Qatar's emergency summit.
www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/qat...

NEW podcast: Lebanon army seeks to finalize Hezbollah disarmament plan

Al-Monitor’s correspondent in Beirut, Beatrice Farhat, joins host Adam Lucente to discuss the highly anticipated Lebanese cabinet session on the army plan to disarm Hezbollah. www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/leb...