The Inside Story Podcast

Episodes

• Why is Malaysia sending back Rohingya refugees to Myanmar?The Malaysian government is facing accusations of forcibly deporting Rohingya refugees, a charge the government denies. It says the process is voluntary and coordinated with Myanmar’s government. But human rights groups say this process violates international law by sending refugees to countries where they risk facing persecution or torture. So, will this concern stop the Rohingya being sent back to Myanmar? In this episode: • Phar Kim Beng, Director of the Institute of International and ASEAN Studies and Geopolitics Professor at the University of Malaysia • • Lucky Karim, Democracy and Human Rights Advocate and Founder of Refugee Women for Peace and Justice • • Maung Zarni, Genocide Scholar and Co-Founder of the scholar-activist network, Forces of Renewal Southeast Asia • Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

  1331|24M
• Can Iraq handle future security challenges alone?The last remaining US troops have left Iraq, ending a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion to oust Saddam Hussein. After years of conflict and instability, Iraq is entering a new phase without US forces on the ground. Is the Iraqi government ready? And who stands to gain from the US withdrawal? In this episode: • Ahmed Rushdi, President of the House of Iraqi Expertise Foundation • Kenneth Katzman, Senior Fellow at The Soufan Center • Abdullah AlShayji, Professor at Kuwait University Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

  1330|24M
• Why has Trump rejected Iran's peace proposal?Unacceptable. That was the immediate reaction from US President Donald Trump to Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran says it's still awaiting what it called a "definitive response" from Washington through mediators. But Trump has said Iran needs a deal because, in his words, it's "losing badly." So, is his rejection of the proposal an effort to pressure Tehran for more concessions? In this episode: • Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies • Henry Ensher, former US diplomat and former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State • Zeidon Alkinani, Founding Director of the Arab Perspectives Institute Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

  1329|24M
• How will Saudi Arabia deal with the Houthis?Fighting is intensifying between Yemen's Ansar Allah Houthis and Saudi Arabia. For the first time since a ceasefire in 2022, the Houthis have fired missiles towards the capital, Riyadh. The Iran-backed group says it will respond to any escalation with an escalation of its own. But it also risks dragging the wider region into conflict. What will it take to stop the attacks? In this episode: • Nawaf Obaid, Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London and former advisor to the Saudi government • Muhanad Seloom, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs • Ibrahim Jalal, Yemeni affairs analyst who specialises in regional security and armed groups Host: Rob Matheson Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

  1328|24M
• Can a warming Arctic become an important commercial highway?Climate change has contributed to major melting in the Arctic, making it navigable for greater stretches of the year. Some countries are already taking notice. The first South Korean container ship to transit the Arctic route arrived in the UK on Saturday. But can it become a viable alternative to existing shipping corridors? In this episode: • Mads Frederiksen, Executive Director at the Arctic Economic Council • Vyacheslav Mishchenko, Russia energy expert • Jimmy Suroto Huang, Founder of Nava Analytics and Research Host: Neave Barker Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

  1327|25M
• Will the Houthis seizing the Red Sea coast give Iran leverage in the war?The Ansarullah Houthis seize Yemen's Red Sea coast, cementing their hold on the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The advance of the Tehran-aligned group threatens an alternative route for energy supplies - with traffic in the Strait of Hormuz already limited. Will it give Iran leverage in its war with the US? In this episode: • Ahmed Al-Ashwal - Military and security researcher, and a former pilot officer with Yemen's armed forces. • • Jennifer Gavito - Former U.S. Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Middle East and a former State Department Official • • Abas Aslani - Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies • Host: Neave Barker Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

  1326|25M
• How will the far-right AfD's electoral rise impact Germany?The Alternative for Germany is on top in Sunday's election in the east German state of Saxony-Anhalt, with about 44 percent of the vote. It's benefitted from voters' economic concerns and anger over immigration. The party is also leading in national polls. So what are the implications of the AfD's electoral rise for Germany and for Europe? In this episode: • Olaf Boehnke - Berlin Director of the political consultancy Rasmussen Global and former Senior Advisor in the German Bundestag • • Max Otte - Founder of Privatinvestor Capital and a 2022 German presidential candidate • • Ulrich Bruckner - Professor of European Studies at Stanford University in Berlin • Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

  1325|25M
• What's triggered the latest argument about the Falkland Islands?Reigniting the centuries-old Falklands dispute. Argentina's president says sovereignty over the islands remains a national objective. The UK insists the territory is British. What's really triggered the latest argument about the Falkland Islands? In this episode: • Diego Guelar - Former Argentinian ambassador to the U.S., EU and China • • Christopher Sabatini - Director of the Latin America Programme at Chatham House • • Javier Farje - Journalist and historian specialising in Latin American affairs • Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

  1324|24M
• Can Libya find a way to govern the fractured country?International efforts intensify to find a way forward for Libya. The country is controlled by two rival governments. And diplomacy is aimed at holding elections - to help find a way to govern the fractured country. So, can a way forward be found? In this episode: • Mustafa Fetouri - Independent Libyan academic and award-winning journalist • William Lawrence - Director of the North African Area Studies Program at the National Council on US-Arab Relations, former US diplomat in Libya • Faraj Najem - Libyan historian and political researcher and author of 'Tribe, Islam and State in Libya' Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

  1323|24M
• Will Trump's new sanctions against Iran work?Will Donald Trump's new sanctions against Iran work? The US president says he will impose 'crushing measures' on Tehran. While the Iranian leadership has warned countries not to join what it calls America's 'economic warfare'. What does this mean for the conflict? In this episode: • Jamal Abdi, President, National Iranian American Council. • Hassan Ahmadian, Professor, University of Tehran. • Mark Pfeifle, Founder, Off the Record Strategies. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

  1322|25M