Episodes

  • Who Really Holds the Winning Cards In US-Iran Stalemate?

    Who Really Holds the Winning Cards In US-Iran Stalemate?
    Apr 27 2026
    A diplomatic stand-off continues between the US and Iran after President Donald Trump called off his negotiating team's trip to Pakistan to meet with the Iranian delegation. The President has said Iran "can call" if they want but said the war could end soon. In turn, Iran has floated an initial deal that would require Washington to permanently end the war in exchange for the reopening of Hormuz. Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House joins Bianna Golodryga to break down who is really holding the cards as diplomacy reaches a stalemate between Tehran and Washington. She joins the show from London. Also on today's show: author Rachel Goldberg-Polin; law professor/author Khiara Bridges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • Is the Iran crisis distracting the world from Ukraine's fight for survival?

    Is the Iran crisis distracting the world from Ukraine's fight for survival?
    Apr 25 2026
    U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to go to war with Iran has sucked up global attention and resources. Meanwhile, Ukraine's fight for survival against Russia is grinding on, with no end in sight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tells Christiane Amanpour efforts toward a ceasefire with Russia are unlikely as the United States shifts its focus to the Middle East. Then, as the Iran conflict drags on, former US negotiator Nate Swanson says time is on Tehran's side. Also, a daring escape from North Korea. We hear from a South Korean man who risked it all for a new life. Plus, united in grief, and in hope...Israeli Maoz Inon and Palestinian Aziz Abu Sarah join on their unlikely friendship, and their new book "The Future is Peace." And from the archives, the tourists determined to see Iran with their own eyes. Air date: April 25, 2026 Guests: Volodymyr Zelensky      Nate SwansonMaoz Inon & Aziz Abu Sarah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Former Israeli Lawmaker/Diplomat Colette Avital

    Former Israeli Lawmaker/Diplomat Colette Avital
    Apr 24 2026
    From Iran to Lebanon, to Israel and the occupied West Bank, the Middle East is truly in flames. In Lebanon, Israel continues to pound Hezbollah in the south, despite a so-called ceasefire and ongoing talks with the Lebanese government. Meantime, Israeli settlers are ramping up their violence against Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank, often with the security forces looking on, and even participating. Inside Israel, many Israelis support all this war, especially since October 7th. But not all, one key voice of resistance belongs to 86-year-old Colette Avital. She is a former Israeli diplomat, Knesset member and Holocaust survivor. She joins the show from Tel Aviv. Also on today's show: CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir; author Rebecca Solnit; House Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) and Teresa Leger (D-NM) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • NSC Warned This Would Happen

    NSC Warned This Would Happen
    Apr 23 2026
    While President Trump argues the new Iranian regime is diminished, experts claim that a more hardline generation of leaders is now calling the shots. Nate Swanson served as the National Security Council's Iran director. Days before the US and Israel launched their war, he warned that Iran would respond exactly as it has done. He joins the show to discuss this all. Also on today's show: Ricardo Zúñiga, who led negotiations with the Cuban government during the second Obama administration; Jen Fifield, Reporter, ProPublica Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky

    Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky
    Apr 22 2026
    After four years of virtual stalemate in Ukraine, both Kyiv and the Kremlin are trying to use the war in Iran to their own advantage. President Zelensky visited the Middle East, offering battle-tested expertise on fending off Iran's done attacks, while Russia reportedly backs Iran with critical intelligence and weapons support, and for now, gains from soaring global oil prices. Zelensky joined Christiane from Kyiv. Also on today's show: historian Timothy Snyder; Mercy Corps CEO Tjada D'Oyen McKenna Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • Mistrust, Confusion Cloud US-Iran Talks

    Mistrust, Confusion Cloud US-Iran Talks
    Apr 21 2026
    The clock is ticking on President Trump's Iran ceasefire deadline. Despite expectations that Vice President JD Vance would travel to Pakistan for round two of negotiations, he remains in Washington. Even if Vance heads to Islamabad, it's uncertain if Iran will turn up. CNN International Diplomatic Editor Nic Robertson joins the show from Islamabad. Also on today's show: Matt Smith, Director of Commodity Research, Kpler; Ukrainian journalist Olga Rudenko; former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • Confusion Reigns As Ceasefire Countdown Ticks

    Confusion Reigns As Ceasefire Countdown Ticks
    Apr 20 2026
    The clock is ticking down to the end of the two-week Iran ceasefire and confusion reigns. Every day there seems to be a different answer to the critical questions. Meanwhile, Iran says it will retaliate after the US Navy fired on and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that tried to bypass its blockade in the Gulf of Oman. Ellie Geranmayeh is a senior policy fellow at the European Council of Foreign Relations and joins the show to discuss the situation. Also on today's show: Former Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Ghassan Hasbani; former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • Confronting Divisions: The Pope, Trump, and Global Tensions

    Confronting Divisions: The Pope, Trump, and Global Tensions
    Apr 18 2026
    From the moral implications of war to the surprising recruitment tactics in Russia, this episode is packed with compelling conversations and bold revelations. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of today's pressing issues! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins