World News Weekly – An SBS World News Podcast
World News Weekly is an SBS News podcast that explains the biggest international stories each week. Hosted by SBS Chief International Correspondent Ben Lewis and International Correspondent Claudia Farhart, it goes beyond breaking headlines to examine politics, conflicts, elections and social change around the world, as well as science and technology developments affecting daily life. New episodes are released every Thursday on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SBS News.
Episodes
Did Donald Trump bend the knee to Xi?
Donald Trump lays out a red-carpet welcome for Xi Jinping and gives him a tour of the White House. Did Trump’s change of tact and granite diplomacy impress his best frenemy? Ethiopia descends into civil war, which risks pulling neighbouring countries into the fighting. We take a look at the bizarre terror plot in the UK that may not be all it seems. And Anthony Albanese tries to stir up an AI horn
Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran
Donald Trump tells the UN General Assembly he’s got “a big decision to make” on whether to drive Iran “into hell” or negotiate a deal as the Iranian delegation watched. The combative speech took pot shots at the UN itself and Trump re-branded AI. He also lauded a deal over Greenland – but what did he really gain? Anthony Albanese gets a selfie with Trump as he takes his digital agenda to New York
Houthis block the Red Sea, Russia probes NATO and Trump’s $5,000 offer
Conflict between the Houthis and Saudi-led forces escalates, sparking fears of a renewed humanitarian crisis in Yemen and more oil price rises as the Red Sea is blocked again. Did Putin try to kill Boris Johnson? How the war in Ukraine has become the elephant in the room for Russia's upcoming parliamentary elections. Plus, will Donald Trump’s offer of cash for votes win over increasingly sceptical
Israeli settlements trade ban, Germany’s far-right on the rise & Nepal faces its future
The AfD wins big in German elections, the first time for a far-right party since World War II. 12 countries, including the UK, France and Canada have announced a trade ban on all goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, will others follow suit? And Nepal struggles to grapple with the scale of devastation from flash floods. Plus, the award-winning research into cockroach milk.
Nepal’s devastating landslide, Iceland says no & the Pacific Islands Forum face-off
Nepal’s new government struggles under a cataclysmic landslide and blames climate change. Iceland says no to even considering EU membership and the Pacific Islands Forum in disarray over Taiwan’s presence. Plus, a very un-Norwegian royal.
Ontario premier tells Trump: ‘kiss my ass’, Syria shakes off a dark burden & Borneo’s raging fires
The trade war between the US and Canada kicks off, with shots fired in both directions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent talks up sanctions D-Day for Iran and Syria’s al-Sharaa says the country is “tearing out a painful chapter of its past” after the US lifts sanctions. Also, Borneo goes up in flames with palm oil adding fuel to the fires and threatening orangutans. Plus, a weightlifting robot’
Trump’s North Korea Strategy, West Bank Siege & the AI slop antidote
Donald Trump is scaling back planned military drills with South Korea which send a “hostile” message to Pyongyang. Is he looking to rekindle his bromance with the North Korean leader? Meanwhile, elections kick off in Israel as settlers continue to surround Palestinian homes in the West Bank. Iran and the US are no closer to reaching a peace deal, and now Trump is threatening his ally Oman. Plus, w
Takaichi’s melons, has AI gone rogue? And Dobby’s electric beach
Australia’s PM is in hot water over his comments about a gift from his Japanese counterpart, North Korea rides to Russia’s rescue and will Netanyahu’s rejection of Trump’s Gaza plan come back to bite him? Plus, AI runs amok while the world struggles to control it. and Dobby the house elf stops a power project.
Suu Kyi signs of life, Ceuta’s migrant crisis & impaled hiker rescues himself?!
Myanmar’s junta finally provides signs of life for its former leader Aung San Suu Kyi - but why now and what does it all mean for the ongoing civil war? Plus, Ceuta’s border crisis reignites immigration divisions in Europe. And, how a US hiker who got himself into – and out of – a sticky situation.
BONUS EPISODE: Takaichi’s Shadow Bureau
Japan is launching its first foreign intelligence agency since World War Two, backed by a massive US$400 million budget. Driven by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the move aims to counter escalating threats from China, North Korea, and Russia - placing Japan alongside global espionage powers like the CIA and MI6. But will this historic shift successfully deter regional aggression, or will it risk m
Conflict in the Gulf widens, Bibi bounces back to Trump & Modi capitulates – to cockroaches
The US Iran conflict threatens to burst beyond the Gulf with Ukraine and Egypt now in the frame. Bibi says his bromance with Trump is still on and does the cockroaches’ big win mean a big loss of face for Modi? Plus, AI claims another victim - a Canadian politician’s pride…
Houthi’s Red Sea blockade, India’s cockroach uprising & hundreds of baby Haarlands?
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi forces have declared an immediate maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, threatening to choke off the strategic sea route and further destabilise global energy markets. With US-Iran tensions already at a boiling point, will this latest escalation plunge the Middle East into a broader regional war? Plus, from satire to a massive student uprising, could India’s “Cockroach
US and Iran in dire Strait as they fight for control, Ukraine’s missile muscle & South Korea's matchmaking monks
The ceasefire crumbles as the US tries to loosen Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz with bombing. Ukraine and its European allies join forces to protect the continent from ballistic missiles. Plus, how will the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham impact US foreign policy? And would you let South Korea’s Buddhist monks lead you to love?
Trump says the Iran deal is over, an angry NATO lovefest and has Hamas given up politics?
Donald Trump calls the Iranian regime ‘scum’ as the US and Iran trade strikes. What's next for Iran's leadership as the country gives Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a long goodbye. Hamas agrees to dissolves its government, but will that change things? Also, Trump gives his NATO allies a kicking and a hug as Ukraine gets the nod to produce Patriot missiles. Plus, mystery balls plague another Australian bea
Venezuela twin quake catastrophe, not-so-Strait shooting hinders US-Iran deal & Cuba opens up
Grief and anger mount in Venezuela after two huge earthquakes. SBS Correspondent Catalina Florez joins us from Caracas, where locals say the government is "nowhere to be seen". Plus, US and Iranian strikes resume, as a battle of wills over the Strait of Hormuz threatens to undo the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Cuba pushes through its biggest economic reforms since the communist revolution, and Batman Ret
Trump touts progress with Iran, Starmer resigns & the far-right on the rise in Australia
Trump and JD Vance insist talks for a final deal between the US and Iran are progressing smoothly, but does Iran agree? Keir Starmer bows to party pressure and resigns as PM, what's next for the UK? Plus, SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson talks One Nation's rise up the polls in Australia, and her run-in with leader Pauline Hanson. And, it's fans, fun and fishy business during this w
US-Iran strike a deal to make a deal, Bibi and Trump’s growing rift & could you be Japan’s next emperor?
US-Iran strike a deal to make a deal, Bibi and Trump’s growing rift & could you be Japan’s next emperor? Tehran and Trump both sound triumphant but who is the real winner so far? And will Israel’s refusal to leave Lebanon upend negotiations? Plus, fresh from hosting cage fights at the White House, Donald Trump joins G7 leaders to pressure Putin, while players become political footballs at the FIFA
FIFA World Cup fever dream, Trump taps his loyalists & India’s cockroach rebellion
The FIFA World Cup kicks off amid geopolitical foul play. Ukraine says it is regaining territory and pushing for talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Donald Trump continues to reshape US politics, and how India’s satirical Cockroach Party became an unlikely symbol of youth resistance.
Trump’s Bibi tirade, Hegseth peddles used subs &… lucky testicles?
Donald Trump loses his patience with Benjamin Netanyahu over Lebanon, while the Israeli prime minister hints at an even bigger endgame in Gaza. Is a new Middle East deal within reach, or the region’s latest escalation heading to another full conflict? Plus, a surprise AUKUS announcement on the sidelines of the Shangri-La dialogue and how an iconic Italian artwork is hanging in there.
Iran-US peace talks stall, Türkiye targets dissent & Trump’s excellent excuse
Conflicting reports on peace negotiations between the US and Iran as military tensions escalate across the region. Former political prisoner Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert joins us to explore what it means for the Iranian regime and its citizens. Plus, Netanyahu vows to crush Hezbollah with an expanding offensive as his own leadership comes under pressure ahead of elections. While in Türkiye, Erdogan move
China’s revolving door of world leaders, DRC’s Ebola emergency & Trump’s ‘slush fund’
Beijing looks to capitalise on rival powers following back-to-back visits from the US and Russian presidents, as The Democratic Republic of the Congo struggles to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak. Plus, Donald Trump celebrates a landmark settlement with the IRS, and we investigate the art of the perfect diplomatic gift.
Trump and Xi face-off, Starmer staggers on, while Macron has a word…
Taiwan on tenterhooks as they watch Donald Trump in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping. The Iran war enters its eleventh week with ceasefire talks faltering and leadership challenges plague the UK Prime Minister. Plus, Eurovision faces boycotts over Israel’s participation and France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, chides a Nairobi crowd.
Is Trump’s ‘Epic Fury’ over? IS group 'brides' return home & a flatpack forehead slap?!
The latest pause in the US-Iran conflict has the world holding its breath - has the White House lost control of its own strategy? National security concerns surround the return of IS-linked women and children to Australia and a major election victory for Narendra Modi sparks claims of election fraud in India. Plus, the surprisingly brutal world of competitive furniture building.
King Charles tickles Trump pink, Iran gets trolled - again and the bionic baggage guy
The special relationship is given the kiss of life, Iran’s new deal gets kicked into touch as Trump points to a long-term blockade and will Israel’s opposition bromance last? Plus, would you trust a robo-baggage guy?
TACO Trump? An idiot’s guide to Strait talking & Marcos Jnr gym junkie
Confusion deepens on the Strait of Hormuz as President Trump extends the ceasefire with Iran. Another truce hangs in the balance with Israel and Hezbollah trading accusations - while thousands of Israeli troops draw a line in southern Lebanon. Plus, Japan loosens its long-standing arms export restrictions and world leaders flex their fitness credentials.
Trump’s Hormuz gambit, Hungary ousts Orbán & Colombia’s cocaine war
US-Iran talks collapse, and China feels the pressure over President Trump’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, a stunning election victory signals a new era for Hungary and how Australia is helping to fuel Colombia’s drug trade.
US-Iran truce tested, BRS war crime charges & NASA boldly goes…
A shaky ceasefire announced between US President Donald Trump and Iran as oil prices plummet in response. Decorated veteran Ben Roberts-Smith charged with war crimes, what they could mean for Australia’s military reputation. Plus, allegations of foreign interference overshadow Hungary’s upcoming election, and around the moon and back with Artemis II.
Trump’s ‘Stone Age’ threat to Iran, Cuba’s oil lifeline & a succulent Chinese meal canonised
US President Donald Trump issues a new Middle East war deadline as Yemen’s Houthis put pressure on vital waterways. Plus, the US permits a rare oil shipment to ease Cuba’s energy crisis - what’s driving the sudden pivot? And Australia immortalises an iconic ‘dinner’ felon.
Trump's mixed messages on the Middle East and Iran's 'nepo-tollah'
Donald Trump inflames confusion over war in the Middle East and where are Mojtaba Khamenei’s hidden millions? Plus, Israel raises annexation of southern Lebanon, Australia signs a massive trade deal with the EU, and some father-daughter time dictator style as North Korea’s Kim Jong Un rolls out the tanks.
Dire Straits for Trump, Beijing takes a backseat and Cuba in the dark. Plus, the goodie bag bonanza...
The war in the Middle East is entering a dangerous new phase, with a global oil chokepoint at the centre of rising tensions, but just how far will NATO allies go to support Trump’s push to reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Plus, a delayed China meeting raises fresh diplomatic concerns, and why not everyone is feeling the economic squeeze.
Oil price spikes, Trump’s Iran u-turns and: are you ready player one?
Trump tries to extinguish the oil price fire but Iran and Israel both double down on an extended war. Iranian women soccer players seek asylum and the Nepali youth’s hip-hop hero. Plus, Ready Player One? The virtual world to the rescue…
Iran’s regime on the brink? US-Israel strikes, oil shock fears & the battle for what comes next
With the Supreme Leader killed, Iran lashes out. Will the Middle East choose sides as oil prices skyrocket and travel chaos sees thousands stranded. Plus, who could be next in line in Iran, could the US strikes encourage others into action and proof that sometimes the best defence is a very loud, slightly unhinged cuddly toy.
Ukraine’s grim anniversary, ‘El Mencho’ killed & SOTU, Trump’s very, very long speech
Can Ukraine hold the line as US support wavers going into a fifth year of fighting Russia’s full-scale invasion? Plus, an explosion of violence in Mexico after the killing of brutal cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ - will calm be restored in time for the World Cup? The US Supreme Court takes down Trump’s tariffs and POTUS uses his high-stakes State of the Union address to accuse Somalis of fraud
Is the US approach to Europe softening? Israel moves in the West Bank and, well, cocaine sharks
Marco Rubio sends mixed messages to Europe, Israel starts registration of large areas of the occupied West Bank and how new is Bangladesh’s new government? Plus, Chinoys celebrate lunar new year in the Philippines and Cocaine Sharks coming to waters near you.
Jimmy Lai’s ‘death’ sentence, Japan’s Takaichi takes on China & the bulging Olympic controversy
A massive win for Japan’s hawkish first female PM worries China, conservatives reclaim Thailand and Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s most high-profile casualty of draconian security laws gets a ‘death sentence’. Plus, trouble growing at the winter Olympics.
Trump v Iran, the huge Epstein dump and Melania’s hundred-million-dollar doco bomb
The US and Iran tussle over talks to stave off more strikes, millions more Epstein documents touch the rich and powerful the world over from Elon Musk to the Norwegian princess-royal and more trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi don’t stop the destruction across Ukraine. Plus, US democracy in danger and what we learned when Melania Trump’s doco hit the cinemas…
Trump’s Minnesota flashpoint, Myanmar’s 'sham' election & China recalls its bamboo ambassadors
President Trump feels the heat as ICE protests spread across the US, as Washington unveils real estate plans for Gaza - but are they based in reality? Plus, Myanmar’s military presses ahead with widely dismissed elections, and China’s panda diplomacy reaches an unbearable level.
Trump’s Greenland U-turn, Syria clashes force Kurds into retreat & China ‘brings home the bacon’
Is Donald Trump’s retreat from tariffs and military threats over Greenland - a NATO reset or a tactical pause? Syria edges toward reunification but at a major cost to the Kurds – and IS group fighters escape. Plus how a farm girl’s plea from rural China went hog-wild online.
Iran’s brutal crackdown, Trump greases oil execs for Venezuela & Indonesia’s onion repeal
Can the economy-driven protests in Iran bring down the regime? Plus, the Venezuelan oil games continue as President Trump declares his global power answers to just one thing (hint: it’s not the UN or God), and why illegal importers are dicing with danger in Indonesia.
Trump's crude move on Venezuela, unrest in Iran & China's condom conundrum
President Maduro snatched from his bed, Trump’s grab for Greenland unifies Europe. Plus, nationwide protests rattle the Iranian regime, and China’s stiff rise in the cost of condoms.
Terror at Bondi, Fragile Hope in Ukraine & Trump’s ‘WMD’ Gamble
Terror strikes the iconic sands of Bondi Beach, sending shockwaves through Australia and Jewish communities worldwide - how did the deadly attack unfold, and what does it mean for national security? Plus, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signals cautious optimism in high-stakes Ukraine peace talks but is a deal with Russia any closer? And Donald Trump brands fentanyl a ‘weapon of mass destruction’ as tensions
DRC & the Thai-Cambodia border wars, Syria a year after Assad & Trump finally gets his peace prize... sort of
Ceasefires are collapsing from Southeast Asia to eastern DRC, with civilians once again bearing the brunt of diplomatic failure. Plus, one year after the fall of the brutal Assad regime, are Syrians any better off? And FIFA honours President Trump – but is the prize an own goal?
SE Asia flood crisis, Putin’s Moscow musings & Austria’s rebel nuns return
Devastating floods and landslides wreak havoc across much of south-east Asia. No compromise reached after the Russian President and the US try to iron out a revamped peace proposal for Ukraine. Plus, the asylum seekers living in limbo – why they’re pleading with the Australian government to grant them leniency - and the rebel nuns refusing to give up their social media accounts.
Ukraine peace plan or Putin power play? Climate COP-out and Trump’s new bromance…
Alarm bells in Kyiv and Europe as the US is accused of presenting Putin’s peace plan for Ukraine. The ‘make or break’ COP30 climate conference ends in failure – have the petro-states won? Plus, the unlikely bromance blossoming in the Oval Office.
Ukraine peace plan or Putin power play? Climate COP-out and Trump’s new bromance…
Alarm bells in Kyiv and Europe as the US is accused of presenting Putin’s peace plan for Ukraine. The ‘make or break’ COP30 climate conference ends in failure – have the petro-states won? Plus, the unlikely bromance blossoming in the Oval Office.
Trump, Epstein & the Saudi Crown Prince, and autocrat karaoke
Trump wipes the slate clean of murder for Mohammed bin Salman because ‘things happen’. The Epstein files move a big step closer to being released and what it’s like reporting on the ground in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Plus, the comment that sent China-Japan relations plummeting.
Philippines in tatters, Trump taps a former terrorist and, well, Bob Ross
Typhoon Fung Wong leaves a vast trail of destruction in the Philippines, Syrian President Al-Sharaa shoots hoops before meeting Trump and Trump COPs it in Brazil. Also Zelenskyy under fire from corruption allegations, why AI is spreading Russian propaganda, and Bob Ross makes a splash.
Sudan’s civil war ‘spirals out of control’, Mamdani takes on Trump & would you snip and share?
Confronting reports of mass killings in Sudan, after a key city in Darfur falls to the RSF. The plan for an international stabilisation force for Gaza makes its way to the UN and it’s ‘GAME ON’ after the democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani wins NY – with Donald Trump threatening to cut federal funding to the city. Plus, why young men in China are opening up about getting the snip.
Trump touts Asia triumph - and a third term, Russia's oil sanctions & 'et tu' Queensland?
Donald Trump talks up tributes and tariff deals on his Asia tour, as well as the possibility of a third term as he stops in on the ASEAN and APEC summits. In Gaza, Israel and Hamas accuse each other of ceasefire violations. US sanctions on Russian oil piles the pressure on Putin, and a curriculum catastrophe for Queensland students.
Albo, Trump and the elephant in the room, Gaza ceasefire fractures & a very French heist
In this episode: Behind the scenes of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s highly anticipated meeting with US President Donald Trump, while Ukraine’s leader Vlodymyr Zelenskyy walks away from the White House without his Tomahawk missiles. Plus, more threats to the Gaza ceasefire despite optimism from US Vice President JD Vance, the ‘high-stakes’ meeting between the Australian and Indonesian military
SPECIAL EPISODE: Inside the Gaza ceasefire: hostages, prisoners & a negotiator
Israeli hostages have been released and Palestinians prisoners freed, but is the Trump-brokered truce a turning point or just a timeout? This in-depth episode explores the deal, the delivery of aid, and the future of Gaza.
A Gaza peace deal signed; au revoir to yet another French PM; & Australia's new security alliance
Hamas and Israel sign up for Phase One of Trump's new 20-point plan for peace in Gaza. France's revolving door on its prime ministerial office takes another spin. Plus Australia and PNG sign on to an expanded alliance for regional cooperation. And how desperate for $5,000 are you? Take a job at a haunted hotel desperate?
Gaza peace plan, US shuts down & China combats whingers
A new 20-point plan for peace in Gaza gains support among the international community. Trump warns the US military of the enemy from within as Hegseth tells Generals to slim down for the war on woke. Plus, Democrats and Republicans point the finger at each other as the US government shuts down. Also, Moscow warns of a new red line in the war in Ukraine. And, China launches a campaign to stamp out
Special Episode: Palestine recognition, Trump unfiltered & paracetamol panic
Ten Western nations (including Australia, the UK, and France) formally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly. Our correspondents bring you the latest from New York, as they break down the statehood debate, MAGA’s escalating war on the left, and Trump’s unsubstantiated claims linking paracetamol and autism.
Trump's royal treatment, UN declares 'genocide' in Gaza & Albania's AI minister
Donald Trump gets some face time with the King & Queen on a state visit to the UK. A UN commission of inquiry finds Israel’s war in Gaza amounts to genocide as Israel’s ground operation in Gaza City gets underway. MAGA vows war on the left in response to Charlie Kirk's killing and Bolsonaro is sentenced to 27 years in jail. Plus, Albania unveils an all AI minister.
Israel strikes Qatar, why it's been a bad week to be a PM & the real 'Succession' finale
Israel's strike on Qatar blows up ceasefire talks, the prime ministers of Nepal, Japan and France depart in a hurry, and Albanese battles for influence in the Pacific, while Moldova battles to stop Putin’s influence ahead of elections. Plus, the Murdoch succession is finally settled.
Xi’s 'new world order', Indonesia unrest & Thailand’s political plight
In this episode: China’s military parade and its guests of honour the US media has dubbed ‘the Axis of Upheaval’, protesters mobilise across Indonesia as parliamentary allowances trigger mass unrest. Plus, Thailand faces yet another political crisis while environmental concerns escalate across the border in Myanmar. And the holographic warning to all would-be criminals.
Iran ambassador expelled, Trump’s military crackdown & KPop Demon Hunters
In this episode: Australia punishes Iran after dramatic revelations in Canberra, Trump’s latest threats to set troops on more Democrat-held cities in the US, and a mass deportation pitch from the UK’s far right. Plus, why Venezuelan housewives are joining Maduro’s militia and South Korea’s supernatural export pops on global streaming.
Zelenskyy returns to the White House, Netanyahu torches Albanese & Xi visits Tibet
In this episode, we cover Donald Trump's latest attempts at peace for Ukraine, and the growing ties between India and Russia. Also, the diplomatic row between Israel and Australia deepens. Plus, Xi Jinping visits Tibet and the White House embraces TikTok.
The Trump Putin showdown, Palestinian Statehood gains ground & Haiti's BBQ bounty
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin face off for the first time in six years, with the future of Ukraine hanging in the balance. Anthony Albanese announces Australia will recognise a Palestinian state, sparking praise and condemnation. Plus, the Haitian gang leader with a US$5 million bounty on his head, and the world’s worst would-be assassin?
Does Putin really want Peace? Netanyahu’s plan to ‘conquer’ Gaza & all quiet on the Korean front
Another deadline to Vladimir Putin comes and goes without a ceasefire, as Donald Trump eyes a high-stakes meeting on Ukraine’s future. Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported plan to ‘conquer’ Gaza sparks an unprecedented backlash from current and former military chiefs, while Lebanon moves to disarm Hezbollah. Plus, why America’s top data chief was fired, and the war of words at the Korean border goes stra
The ‘strangest’ press conference, Palestine recognition & Thai-Cambodian feud
In this episode: President Trump’s shows a deep hatred of windmills during his ‘diplomatic’ trip to Scotland, and Canada moves to recognise Palestinian statehood, the latest US ally to shift its foreign policy. Plus, the Shakespearean drama fuelling deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, and when popstars meet politicians - the dark horse couple no one saw coming.
Epstein fallout, Gaza crisis & Japan’s far-right surge
President Trump triggers MAGA mutiny over Epstein files, Japan’s far-right gains ground after an historic election upset, and pressure mounts on Israel as Gaza edges closer to famine. Plus, a climate court ruling shakes up global accountability, and New Delhi's diplomatic imposter.
Pressure on Putin, Syria clashes & what Albanese told Xi
Russia faces another Trump deadline to end the war in Ukraine, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wraps up his trip to China, and violence flares again in Syria as Israeli airstrikes target Damascus. Plus, a secret UK plan to resettle Afghans is exposed, and the world’s oldest president wants another term.
Netanyahu backs Trump for Nobel, UN pressures Taliban and Mushroom Murder verdict
In this episode: Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington, while a Gaza ceasefire remains elusive, and Taiwan answers China’s military pressure with drills of its own. Plus, The UN ramps up calls for the Taliban to end their oppression on women and girls in Afghanistan - but will it have any effect? And we take you inside the courtroom for the dramatic finale of the mushroom murder trial that
Gaza ceasefire scepticism, China studies US strikes & Dalai Lama dilemma
US President Trump ups the pressure on Israel and Hamas for a Gaza ceasefire, but questions remain around what’s really on the table, and what’s motivating it. Plus, how America’s strikes on Iran could have implications for Taiwan, and a rare message from the Dalai Lama sparks a political and spiritual standoff with China.
Iran-Israel ceasefire, NATO ‘daddy’ & Armenia's pantless politics
The unfolding events of the Israel-Iran conflict and what the future could hold for Tehran’s regime. Plus, the big bucks promised at the NATO summit, Georgia crackdowns on dissent, and the Armenian Prime Minister’s controversial plan to put religious rumours to bed.
Iran-Israel conflict sparks US debate & G7 summit fail
A new, long-feared frontline opens in the Middle East as President Trump considers US involvement. Plus, what didn't happen at the G7 Summit, political violence rattles America, and a bizarre museum mishap poses a moral dilemma.
Israel bombs Iran and Trump takes on LA
Israel says it is defending its very existence with massive, pre-emptive strikes on Iran; Senior Israeli ministers are sanctioned by Australia; and Donald Trump calls in the national guard, setting up a showdown with California’s governor.
To Russia with love: Operation Spider's Web & the Trump Musk bust-up
How Ukraine’s astonishing raid on Russian bombers has redefined the war, Israel’s tightening grip on the West Bank, and the rise of Karol Nawrocki—what the untested, right-wing political novice means for Poland, and Europe’s future. Plus, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth makes waves in Asia, and a billionaire bromance on the rocks.
Global outcry over Gaza, China woos Pacific & Beatboxing nuns
Australia’s government joins growing condemnation of Israel’s war on Gaza, the competition for influence in the Pacific, and has President Trump’s tough stance pushed Russia any closer to a ceasefire? Plus, a surprising result in Lebanon’s municipal elections and the beatboxing skills of a Brazilian nun.
Gazans 'devastated and desperate', US Senate showdown and a massive rice fail
We explore the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as aid struggles to reach over 2 million people. Plus, a fiery Senate showdown for US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a breakthrough in Türkiye's decades-long conflict, and why joking about rice just cost a Japanese minister his job.
The Art of the Middle East Deal, Philippines Midterms and Tissue-Gate
In this episode: President Trump’s tour of the Middle East sees key deals signed and sanctions rolled back - what does it mean for the region? Plus, Prime Minister Albanese’s diplomatic balancing act with Indonesia’s leader, what the results of the Philippines midterms mean for two political dynasties, the latest on Ukraine peace negotiations, and how a used tissue became a tool of wartime propaga
An American Pope, India-Pakistan escalation and Dolphins WTF?!
In this episode: Co-hosting from Vatican City, International Correspondent Ben Lewis tells us about the new pope, as cross-border assaults ramp up between India and Pakistan. Plus, a German headache, Israel’s plan to reoccupy Gaza, and decoding dolphin swear words.
Trump's revolution, Israel's obligations, and Carney's surprise win
In this episode: the seismic shifts that shaped President Trump first 100 days in office, Israel’s legal duties towards Palestinians in the spotlight at the International Court of Justice, and a look at how Mark Carney went from underdog to unlikely winner in Canada’s election.
Trump's Crimea ultimatum, India-Pakistan tensions and a conclave plot-twist?
In this episode: Washington threatens to walk away from Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks, Asia Correspondent Aaron Fernandes joins us to discuss what's triggered the unfolding crisis between India and Pakistan, we'll explore the impact of Pope Francis’ legacy on the future direction of the Vatican, and Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson draws striking parallels between Canada and Australia
Sudan’s ongoing ‘nightmare’, Trump’s deportation directives, and President Xi’s trade offensive
In this episode: Mathilde Vu from the Norwegian Refugee Council and US politics expert, Chas Licciardello join our hosts to navigate Sudan’s escalating civil war and President Trump’s ongoing conflict with judicial authorities. Plus, we delve into Iran’s upcoming round of nuclear talks, and the mass moose migration that’s mesmerising millions!
Decoding the tariff war: Trump, Xi and the global fallout
In this episode: The fallout from Donald Trump’s 'Liberation Day' tariffs, no signs of an end to Israel’s renewed assault on Gaza, and will Iran reengage on a fresh nuclear deal?
Myanmar earthquake, Trump’s Liberation Day and Operation Babylift
In this episode: Myanmar’s ongoing civil war impacts the delivery of aid into the earthquake disaster zone, we go deep into the tariff trenches with Bruce Wolpe from the US Studies Centre, plus Israel announces a massive expansion of its war in Gaza, and a look back at the babies evacuated from Vietnam 50 years ago - where they are now?
When a group chat goes rogue, Ukraine peace talks and Indonesia's new military law
In this episode: a journalist’s dream becomes a security nightmare for the White House, why the Ukraine peace talks aren’t taking off, the trouble in Turkiye, and Suharto 2.0? Why a new law in Indonesia is fuelling public unrest.
