The Take

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel attacks Iranian nuclear sites and Tehran. Palestinians continue to be attacked and killed at aid sites across Gaza. Five Western countries announce sanctions on two Israeli ministers. It is day 618 of the war on Gaza where at least 55,362 Palestinians have been killed. 

In this episode:

• Caley Callahan, Al Jazeera Journalist
• Tohid Asadi, Al Jazeera Reporter
• Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@abuoazzum), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Nour Odeh, (@nourodeh), Al Jazeera Senior Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was hosted by Nida Ibrahim and produced by Marthe van der Wolf. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

After Israel launched strikes in Tehran and other Iranian cities, Iran responded with its own firepower. What is behind this dramatic escalation, and what will it mean for the region and beyond?

In this episode:

• Dorsa Jabbari (@DorsaJabbari), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Amy Walters, and Tamara Khandaker with Catherine Nouhan, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarette, Haleema Shah, and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

AI chatbots can reduce anxiety and depression, according to recent research. As chatbot therapy goes mainstream, can it replace a real therapeutic relationship?

In this episode:

• Michael Alcée (@mike_drop_1), Clinical Psychologist and Author

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz and Chloe K Li, with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Mariana Navarrete, Remas Alhawari, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. 

Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Los Angeles has become a military zone. As citywide protests erupted following ICE raids on local immigrant communities, United States President Donald Trump sent federal forces into the city for the first time in decades. How is this show of force turning immigration raids into a national flashpoint?

In this episode:

• Abraham Marquez, (@abemarquez3) Investigative Journalist, The Southlander

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Khandaker, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Haleema Shah, Amy Walters, Mariana Navarrete, Kisaa Zehra, and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The seizure of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters has not deterred other aid convoys from heading towards Gaza. Palestinian-American writer Ahmad Ibsais explains how humanitarian aid has become a politically charged weapon of war.

In this episode:

• Ahmad Ibsais, writer of State of Siege

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Chloe K Li, Haleema Shah, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Sari El Khalili, Mariana Navarette, Kisaa Zehra, and our host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Barcelona’s Sónar Festival, a major music and technology event, is seeing artist withdrawals after revelations about its parent company, Superstruct. The live events giant is backed by the investment firm KKR, linked to Israeli weapons makers and illegal West Bank settlements, prompting a growing boycott.

In this episode:

• Dania Shihab, Artist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Tamara Khandaker, with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Mariana Navarrete, and our host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. Special thanks to Noelia Ramírez.

Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Smog once choked Paris streets. Now, cleaner air, grassroots pressure and a bold city agenda are reshaping how the city breathes and moves. From bottom-up activism to political pushback, Paris’s transformation reveals a success story in the fight to reclaim public space.

In this episode:

• Natacha Butler (@natachabut), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Daniel Grajales, Member of Paris en Selle

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Sarí el-Khalili, with Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, and our host, Manuel Rápalo. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Kylene Kiang, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Remas Alhawari, Kingwell Ma, Mariana Navarrete, and Kisaa Zehra. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Dozens of Palestinians killed across Gaza during the Eid weekend. Israel admits to arming armed gangs in Gaza. Lebanon once again attacked by Israeli forces. It is day 611 of the war in Gaza. At least 54,772 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Ibrahim Al-Khalili, (@hemaalkhalili1), Al Jazeera Journalist
• Zeina Khodr, (@ZeinakhodrAljaz), Al Jazeera Senior Correspondent
• Imogen Kimber, (@ImogenKimber), Al Jazeera Senior Producer
• Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was hosted by Nida Ibrahim and produced by Marthe van der Wolf. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on January 14th, 2025. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

Impeachment proceedings against suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol are in full swing. Authorities have made a second attempt to detain him over his brief martial law declaration, but he remains holed up in his fortified residence, backed by supporters waving US flags and “Stop the Steal” banners. What lies ahead for South Korea?

In this episode:

• Se-Woong Koo, Managing Editor of Korea Exposé

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, Amy Walters, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh, Noor Wazwaz, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

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@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

From Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, US wars left not freedom but ruin. In a recent book, co-authors Noam Chomsky and Nathan Robinson expose how American elites sell violence as virtue, using the myth of democracy to justify endless war.

In this episode:

• Nathan Robinson (@NathanJRobinson), Co-Author of The Myth of American Idealism

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Haleema Shah, and Sonia Bhagat, with Manny Panaretos, Mariana Navarrete, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The Dominican Republic has deported nearly 150,000 people it claims are of Haitian descent since October 2024. Many of them are unaccompanied minors or people born in the Dominican Republic but stripped of citizenship in 2013. While officials say they are enforcing immigration laws, a recent Al Jazeera documentary points to a deeper history of anti-Blackness and anti-Haitian sentiment on the island.

In this episode:

• Natasha Del Toro (@ndeltoro), Al Jazeera journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat and Ashish Malhotra, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Mariana Navarrete, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, Kingwell Ma, and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Kylene Kiang.

Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah,Mohannad Al-Melhem, Kylene Kiang. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The US will begin revoking visas for Chinese students, including those in “critical fields” or with connections to the Chinese Communist Party. The US State Department has said this is to stop the exploitation of US universities and protect national security. Who is losing out in this latest development in US-China tensions?

In this episode:

• Zichen Wang (@ZichenWanghere), Research Fellow & Director for International Communications at the Center for China and Globalization

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Ki, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Remas Alhawari, Mariana Navarrete, Kingwell Ma, Kisaa Zehra, Khaled Soltan, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Israel’s war on Gaza has turbocharged its already booming military-tech industry, with weapons and surveillance systems tested on Palestinians continuing to be sold around the world. Israel’s role as a global arms innovator has only deepened since October 7, 2023, and some governments and corporations are profiting.

In this episode:

• Antony Loewenstein (@antloewenstein), author, The Palestine Laboratory

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Sonia Bhagat and Ashish Malhotra, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kingwell Ma, Kisaa Zehra, Mariana Navarette, Manny Panaretos and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang.

Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

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@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Elon Musk may have resigned from the Department of Government Efficiency, but few believe he’s stepping away from power. In under a year, DOGE brought Silicon Valley-style disruption to Washington, consolidating federal data and dismantling oversight. Now, Musk is expected to channel what he gained into a private AI venture – with public systems still in reach.

In this episode:

• Matt Binder (@mattbinder), Writer of Disruptionist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Mariana Navarrete, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Haleema Shah, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Remas Alhawari, Kingwell Ma, Mariana Navarrete, and Kisaa Zehra. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week:  Israel continued to attack Palestinians seeking aid. Hamas responded to a US ceasefire proposal. The Israeli government approved new settlements in the Occupied West Bank. It is day 604 of the war in Gaza, where more than 54,381 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hind Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Nida Ibrahim, (@nidajourno) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 25, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

The world's largest diaspora of international adoptees comes from South Korea. Among them are mixed-race children who were forcibly sent for adoption due to the country's racist laws. One Black adoptee's search for a home reflects hard truths about the past of hundreds of thousands of international adoptees.

In this episode:

• Anna Kook (@annakook), AJ+ Reporter

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Amy Walters, Sarí el-Khalili, Khaled Soltan, Chloe K. Li, Duha Mosaad, Sonia Bhagat, and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Will Poland’s next president be a former football hooligan or a Mr Bonjour? With citizens heading to the polls for the second round of voting this weekend, Poland will decide between Karol Nawrocki, the candidate backed by US President Donald Trump, and Warsaw's mayor, the pro-European Union Rafal Trzaskowski. The divided country on Russia’s border has a major decision ahead

In this episode:

• Bartosz Węglarczyk (@bweglarczyk), ONet Editor-in-Chief

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra and Amy Walters with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolome, Khaled Soltan, Mariana Navarrete, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

In 2017, the US dropped the “mother of all bombs” in a remote village in Afghanistan’s Achin district. Al Jazeera made the journey to see what’s left: homes destroyed, health problems mounting, and no accountability in sight.

In this episode:

• Osama Bin Javaid (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, Kingwell Ma, Khaled Soltan, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Tren de Aragua was a little-known gang in Venezuela – until recently. US President Donald Trump’s focus on the group has thrust it into the spotlight, as hundreds of Venezuelans have been deported from the United States.

In this episode:

• Mike LaSusa (@mikelasusa), deputy director of content, InSight Crime

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters and Ashish Malhotra, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Remas Alhawari, Mariana Navarette, Kisaa Zehra, Kingwell Ma, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The United States and Israel are backing a new aid initiative in Gaza that critics say sidelines the United Nations and violates humanitarian principles. With biometrics and military ties, is it really about help or control?

In this episode:

• Ali Harb (@Harbpeace), Al Jazeera Senior Producer

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, Kingwell Ma, Ashish Malhotra, and our guest host, Manuel Rápalo. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The Trump administration’s crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activism look eerily similar to a conservative proposal to target universities and international students it claims are part of a “terrorist support network”. 

Who is behind the plan, and what will its impact be?

In this episode:

• Tariq Kenney-Shawa (@tksshawa), AJ+ producer and US policy fellow, Al-Shabaka 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, Haleema Shah and Chloe Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolomé, Mariana Navarrete and our host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Haleema Shah, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Remas Alhawari, Kingwell Ma, Mariana Navarrete, and Kisaa Zehra. Our guest host is Natasha Del Toro. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel killed nine of a Palestinian doctor's 10 children. Israel attacked Palestinian police attempting to secure aid distribution. Israeli soldiers shot at diplomats in the occupied West Bank. It is day 597 of the war in Gaza, where more than 53,901 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Mmalegabe Motsepe, Al Jazeera Producer 
• Tareq Abou Azzoum, (@TareqAzzom) Al Jazeera Correpondent
• Gabriel Elizondo, (@elizondogabriel) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Hashem Ahelbarra, (@hashemahel) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Protesters across the United States defy curfews and risk arrest to protest against police brutality. The US has seen demonstrations like this before, but this feels different. To understand why, we speak with Hanif Abdurraqib, a cultural critic and editor at GEN magazine. We also speak with Madiha Nawaz, a graduate student and Washington, DC resident who unexpectedly faced the police at her doorstep this week.

In this episode:

• Hanif Abdurraqib (@NifMuhammad), cultural critic
• Madiha Nawaz, (@madihasays), graduate student

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Haleema Shah. The original production team was Priyanka Tilve, Dina Kesbeh, Alexandra Locke, Amy Walters, Ney Alvarez, Natalia Aldana, Stacey Samuel, Graelyn Brashear, Alex Roldan, and Malika Bilal.

Connect with us:

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Josh Paul, the first US official to resign over Israel's war on Gaza, joins The Take to explain why he stepped down, his new efforts lobbying in Washington, and why he believes that US support for Israel’s war fuels conflict abroad and makes Americans less safe at home.

In this episode:

• Josh Paul, Former US State Department official

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Remas Al Hawari, Kisaa Zehra, and Mariana Navarette, and our host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The world was shocked when a gunman shot and killed Mexican influencer Valeria Marquez while she livestreamed herself at a beauty salon. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government says it will investigate the murder as a possible case of femicide. Will it mark a turning point for a nation that has long struggled with staggering levels of gender-based violence?

In this episode:

• Julia Galiano-Rios (@juliagaliano), journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, Haleema Shah, and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, and our host, Manuel Rápalo. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing one of the deepest crises in its history. United States President Donald Trump sanctioned lead prosecutor Karim Khan earlier this year, grinding the court’s work to a crawl. Khan is now on leave as he faces a sexual misconduct investigation. How is the court functioning in his absence, and what does it mean for the future of international accountability?

In this episode:

• Molly Quell (@MollyQuell), Associated Press journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat and Ashish Malhotra with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Khaled Soltan, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, and our guest host, Natasha DelToro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The administration of US President Donald Trump has granted refugee status to 49 white Afrikaners, echoing a debunked conspiracy theory about “white genocide” in South Africa. The move comes after Trump cut aid to the nation and threatened to boycott meetings with its government. What’s behind Trump’s fixation on South Africa?

In this episode:

• Joseph Dana (@ibnEzra), writer

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Khaled Soltan, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolome, and our guest host, Manuel Rápalo. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

What would the end of US sanctions mean for Syria? The handshake between US President Donald Trump and interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was a dramatic shift, signaling the end of 46 years of US sanctions against Syria. Now, the door is opening to more investment and international aid, and Syrians poured into the streets in celebration. How did the deal come together, and what might it mean for Syria's future?

In this episode:

• Imran Khan (@ajimran), Al Jazeera senior correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, Mariana Navarrete, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Haleema Shah, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Remas Alhawari, Kingwell Ma, Mariana Navarrete, and Kisaa Zehra. Our guest host is Natasha Del Toro. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel began a new military operation in Gaza, killing more than 300 Palestinians since Thursday. Earlier in the week, Israel bombed two hospitals, killing a journalist it had previously wounded. It is day 590 of the war in Gaza, where more than 53,272 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Moath Al Kahlout, (@kahlout_moath) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Hamza Mohamed, (@Hamza_Africa) Al Jazeera Journalist
• Hind Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Zeina Khodr, (@ZeinakhodrAlJaz) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on May 10, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references have changed.

Usually all quirky music and fun, Eurovision has been marked by protests over Israel’s participation during its ongoing war on Gaza. Will it overshadow an event meant to unite?

In this episode:

• Nils Adler (@nilsadler1), Al Jazeera Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker. The original production team was Ashish Malhotra, Chloe K. Li, Catherine Nouhan, and our host Malika Bilal. Catherine Nouhan fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

A hundred years after the birth of Malcolm X, and in the shadow of a second Trump presidency, Ibram X. Kendi – author of the international bestseller How to Be an Antiracist – returns to the meaning of Malcolm’s legacy in his newest book. What does it reveal about where the US is now, and what still needs to be said about race in America?

In this episode:

• Ibram X Kendi (@ibramxk), Author of Malcolm Lives!

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolome, Mariana Navarrete, and our guest host Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Gaza is starving. As Palestinians mark 77 years since the Nakba, families are still under bombardment, cut off from aid and struggling to survive. With US President Donald Trump touring the Gulf, what will it take to bring relief to Palestinians?

In this episode:

• Youmna ElSayed (@YoumnaElSayed17), Al Jazeera correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Khandaker, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, Mariana Navarrete, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Recently elected Pope Leo XIV is the first pontiff from the United States, just as the country's president is shaking up the global order. With both the US and the Catholic Church deeply divided, what does Pope Leo’s selection mean for Catholics in the US and worldwide?

In this episode:

• Hoda Abdel-Hamid (@hodaaje), Al Jazeera correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Tamara Khandaker, Chloe K. Li, Remas Alhawari, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

United Nations agencies are facing an unprecedented financial crisis, with the United States abruptly pulling aid, European contributions shrinking, and global budgets shifting to defence. Deep cuts, mass layoffs and sweeping reforms are under way, jeopardising food, shelter and other aid for millions around the world. How can the UN adapt to survive?

In this episode:

• Gabriel Elizondo (@elizondogabriel), Al Jazeera correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Tamara Khandaker, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Mariana Navarrete, and our host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Feeling lonely? You’re not the only one, and it’s not just in your head. The World Health Organization has called loneliness a global health threat, linked to serious physical and mental harm. But researchers say connection is a skill we can relearn, and rebuilding it might just save our lives.

This episode originally aired on December 13, 2023. All dates, titles, and references reflect that time and remain unchanged.

In this episode:

• Niobe Way (@niobe_way), New York University Professor of Developmental Psychology

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Miranda Lin, Sarí el-Khalili, Zaina Badr, and our guest host Natasha del Toro.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel approved a new plan for displacing Palestinians in Gaza. A Turkish student arrested in the US for her views on Gaza was released. Talks between the US and Iran were scheduled to resume. It is day 583 of the war. More than 53,253 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hamdah Salhut (@hamdahsalhut), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Tareq Abou Azzoum (@@TareqAzzom), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Alan Fisher (@AlanFisher), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on October 25, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

The sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is under way in New York. The music mogul courted controversy since the 1990s and now faces allegations of trafficking and coercing women into drug-fueled sexual performances. The Take looks back at the rise of one of the most powerful men in Hollywood and the significance of his arrest.

In this episode:

• Kim Osorio (@kimosorio1), Hip-hop Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Haleema Shah. This original production team was Chloe K. Li, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Duha Mosaad, Hagir Saleh, Cole Van Miltenburg, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

It’s the biggest military escalation between India and Pakistan in decades. Missile strikes, drone attacks, and deadly shelling have struck on both sides of the border in the disputed region of Kashmir. With dozens of civilians dead and both countries trading blame, can the two nuclear powers contain the dispute?

In this episode:

• Charu Kasturi (@CharuKasturi), Al Jazeera senior editor and writer

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, Marcos Bartolome, and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kingwell Ma, Mariana Navarette, Kisaa Zehra and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Israel bombed Yemen’s Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port within 24 hours, as tensions have been escalating in response to Israel's war on Gaza. On Sunday, the Houthis launched missiles that landed near Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. What does it mean for Yemenis facing this escalation?

In this episode:

• Maysaa Shuja al-Deen (@maysaashujaa), Yemeni writer and researcher

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Kisaa Zehra, Kingwell Ma, Remas Alhawari, Mariana Navarette and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin celebrates 25 years in power this week, along with a Victory Day parade attended by leaders from around the world. We chart his rise to power, how his worldview has changed, and what we can expect from him next.

In this episode:

• Mikhail Zygar (@zygaro), Writer & Author of The Last Pioneer Substack

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Khaled Soltan, Kingwell Ma, Remas Al Hawari, Mariana Navarette, Kisaa Zehra, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Sarí el-Khalili. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Drones struck the Conscience, a ship carrying humanitarian aid in international waters, after more than two months of blockade by Israel of aid into Gaza. Freedom Flotilla Coalition organizers believe Israel, which has attacked their ships in the past, is responsible. Israel has not commented on the strikes. What does this attack mean for Palestinians in Gaza – and activists trying to break the siege?

In this episode:

• Huwaida Arraf (@huwaidaarraf), Human Rights Lawyer

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Tamara Khandaker, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Marcos Bartolomé, Mariana Navarrete, Haleema Shah, Remas Alhawari, and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

TikToks claiming luxury brand goods are manufactured in Chinese factories have gone viral in shoppers’ feeds. This comes after the closure of a major import loophole and 145% tariffs on Chinese goods. What do these videos reveal about American consumer culture and the course of this trade war?

In this episode:

• Caiwei Chen (@CaiweiC), Reporter at MIT Technology Review

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Ashish Malhotra, Tamara Khandaker, Amy Walters, Marcos Bartolomé, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Haleema Shah, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Remas Alhawari, Mariana Navarrete, Kisaa Zehra, and Kingwell Ma. Our guest host is Natasha del Toro. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Dozens of Palestinians in Gaza have starved to death. Drones struck a ship in the Mediterranean with aid bound for Gaza. Israel attacked Syria. It is day 576 of the war in Gaza, where more than 52,495 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Ibrahim al Khalili, (@hema.alkhalili) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Imran Khan, (@ajimran) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on April 24, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

Tensions have been mounting at Columbia University for months, even before the school called police to clear a Gaza solidarity encampment. Pro-Palestine students say the administration hasn’t prioritized their safety. In the first of a two-part series, The Take goes behind the protests at Columbia.

In this episode:

• Asiya Ahmed (@_asiyahmed), Senior Producer, AJ+
• Mohsen Mahdawi, Co-President, Columbia Palestinian Students Union
• Chris Mendell, Staff Writer, The Columbia Spectator

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker. The original production team was Ashish Malhotra, David Enders, Zaina Badr, Manahil Naveed, and our host Malika Bilal.  

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Australia heads to the polls facing a cost-of-living crisis and two familiar faces: Labor’s Anthony Albanese and the Conservative Coalition’s Peter Dutton. But United States President Donald Trump has emerged as having an unforeseen impact on Australian political discourse. How will the candidates navigate the political realignment across the Pacific?

In this episode:

• Tom McIlroy (@TomMcIlroy) Chief Political Correspondent, Guardian Australia

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra and Amy Walters, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Kingwell Ma, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

US President Donald Trump boasted that he could broker a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire in his first 24 hours in office. 100 days later, fighting continues, and both sides are questioning the plan the Trump administration has laid out. Why is there still no agreement on a ceasefire proposal, and what does it reveal about the limits of American power?

In this episode:

• Anatol Lieven (@Lieven_Anatol), Director of Eurasia Project at Quincy Institute 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Khaled Soltan, Kingwell Ma, Mariana Navarrete and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As the administration of US President Donald Trump continues its immigration crackdown across the United States, children are often caught in the middle. Some are deported with their parents to countries they never knew, while others are separated from their parents and remain in the US. What happens to them?

In this episode:

• Mariana Blanco, Director of Operations, Guatemalan-Maya Center

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Ashish Malhotra, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Mariana Navarrete, Kisaa Zehra, Kingwell Ma, Remas Alhawari, and our guest host, Natasha DelToro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Tensions are growing between India and Pakistan after an attack killed 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir. As the exchange of accusations and gunfire continues, Kashmiris fear for what is to come.

In this episode:

• Assed Baig (@AssedBaig), Al Jazeera correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Kingwell Ma, Mariana Navarrete, and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Kylene Kiang.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Canadians head to the polls in an election that could change the country by redefining its relationship with the United States. The leading candidate, Prime Minister Mark Carney, has already faced off with US President Donald Trump over tariffs, while Conservative Party candidate Pierre Poilievre has drawn comparisons with the US leader. So, who will Canadians choose?

In this episode:

• Supriya Dwivedi, Former senior adviser to Prime Minister Trudeau

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra, and Chloe K Li, with Amy Walters, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kingwell Ma, Mariana Navarette, and me, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Remas Alhawari, Mariana Navarrete, Kisaa Zehra, and Kingwell Ma. I’m your host, Natasha Del Toro. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. We’ll be back tomorrow.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: The UN announced its food stocks in Gaza are completely depleted. Israel further isolated Jenin refugee camp. The world bid Farewell to a pope who advocated for Palestinians. It is day 569 of the war in Gaza, where more than 51,495 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Rylee Carlson, (@RyleeCarlson) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Zein Basravi, (@virtualzein) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Ali Hashem, (@alihashem_tv) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on February 11, 2022. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

Journalist Fahad Shah's arrest is the latest in a string of attacks on press freedom in Indian-administered Kashmir. Reporters there say the government is actively trying to shut down any independent media.

In this episode:

• Rifat Fareed, Al Jazeera Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Amy Walters. The original production team was Priyanka Tilve, Negin Owlieai, Amy Walters, Alexandra Locke, Ruby Zaman, Ney Alvarez, and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The United Kingdom’s Supreme Court has ruled that a woman is defined by “biological sex” under equality law. The decision could limit transgender women’s access to essential services and set a lasting legal precedent. As hate crimes rise, what will this mean for the daily lives and rights of transgender women in the UK?

In this episode:

• Jess O’Thomson, Journalist and legal researcher

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, Mariana Navarrete, Kingwell Ma, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Approximately 1,500 former banana workers in Costa Rica say a US-made pesticide has left them sterile. Though banned in the United States in the 1970s, the chemical DBCP was still used by US fruit companies in countries with lax regulations. Decades later, those affected are still fighting for justice.

In this episode:

• Yara Elmjouie (@yelmjouie),  AJ+ presenter

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Remas Alhawari, Khaled Soltan, Sarí el-Khalili, Noor Wazwaz, and our guest host, Manuel Rápalo. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Iran and the United States are holding indirect nuclear talks, mediated by Oman, with the next round set for Saturday. Both sides report progress, but major gaps remain. Iran seeks sanctions relief and civilian uranium enrichment, while the US insists on stricter limits. Could this be the moment the long-stalled negotiations finally produce a breakthrough?

In this episode:

• Dorsa Jabbari (@DorsaJabbari), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Khaled Soltan, and Tamara Khandaker with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, Kingwell Ma, Marcos Bartolomé, Manuel Rapalo, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, has died at age 88. His papacy broke barriers and redefined the Catholic Church’s global image — but also left tough questions unanswered. We look back on his legacy, the controversies that followed him, and what comes next for the church.

In this episode:

• Virginia Pietromarchi (@vpietromarchi), Al Jazeera journalist 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Khaled Soltan, Chloe K. Li, Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, Amy Walters, with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, and our guest host, Manuel Rápalo. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The United States military is ramping up its presence in Japan, Guam and Hawaii as tensions with China grow over Taiwan. A new documentary reveals how this buildup is affecting local communities. In a region that is also a staging ground for potential conflict, how are some residents pushing back?

In this episode:

• Dan Ming (@DanMing), Evident Media correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolome, Marina Navarrete, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, and Mariana Navarrete. Our guest host is Natasha Del Toro. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel continued to bomb Palestinians in Gaza  sheltering in tents. The US and Iran met again to negotiate. A picture of a Palestinian amputee won a major award. It is day 562 of the war in Gaza, where more than 51,065 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hind Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Moath Al Kahlout, (@kahlout_moath) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• James Bays, (@baysontheroad) Al Jazeera Diplomatic Editor
• Charles Stratford, (@stradfordch) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Step Vaessen, (@stepvaessen) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on March 29, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

Easter holds special meaning for Christian Palestinians. For Good Friday, we speak to a Palestinian pastor raised in Bethlehem who underlines the parallels between the Israeli oppression of his people and the crucifixion of Jesus at the center of his faith.

In this episode:

• Reverend Munther Isaac (@MuntherIsaac), Evangelical Lutheran Pastor in Bethlehem

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Amy Walters. The original production team was Khaled Soltan with Chloe K. Li and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

What happens when the US ignores its own courts? Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported despite a judge’s order and imprisoned in El Salvador in one of the most notorious prisons in the world. The case reveals how gang allegations – often baseless – are still being used to deport immigrants. We unpack the decisions making it possible to turn Abrego Garcia’s life upside down.

In this episode:

• Nayna Gupta, (@nayna_gupta), American Immigration Council Policy Director

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat and Amy Walters, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kisaa Zehra, Mariana Navarrete, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel continues its assault on Gaza and military raids in the occupied West Bank, thousands of Palestinians - including children - remain in Israeli prisons, many without charge. It’s not a new phenomenon, with more than 800,000 Palestinians detained by Israel since the occupation began in 1967. On the 51st Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, we speak to a former prisoner about his experience.

In this episode:

• Walid Habbas (@walidhabbas), Researcher, Palestinian Forum for Israeli Studies (Madar)

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Ashish Malhotra, with Mariana Navarrete, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

From scientists to students, travellers to the US are being stopped, searched and sometimes sent home for what is on their phones. What is the new reality at US borders under President Donald Trump – and how should you navigate it?

In this episode:

• Albert Mokhiber (@albertmokhiber), lawyer

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Kandakhar with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolomé, Sarí el-Khalili, Mariana Navarrete, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, and our host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Sudan’s civil war has entered its third year. The Sudanese military has retaken the capital, Khartoum, but fighting is escalating in Darfur, where the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group is attacking the country’s largest camp for displaced people. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, is there any hope for peace?

In this episode:

• Hiba Morgan (@hiba_morgan), Al Jazeera correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Tamara Khandaker, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Marcos Bartolme, Sonia Baghat, Mariana Navarrete, Kisaa Zehra, Remas AlHawari, and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Betar US claims responsibility for giving names of pro-Palestinian activists, including Mahmoud Khalil, to the Trump administration. We examine Betar’s roots, reach, and the institutions that surround it. Who’s backing this group, and why are students its latest target?

In this episode:

• Jonah Valdez (@jonahmv), reporter, The Intercept

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolomé, Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, Mariana Navarrete. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Video emerged showing Israel killing Palestinian medics, contradicting official Israeli claims about what happened to them.  Americans protested at the White House. It is day 555 of the war there, where more than 50,912 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Heidi Zhou-Castro, (@HeidiZhouCastro) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Tareq Abou Azzoum, (@TareqAzzom) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Nour Odeh, (@nour_odeh) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Shihab Rattansi, (@shihab_rattansi) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on April 11, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

Interest in tax resistance is spiking in the US, ahead of the April 15 deadline when most Americans’ tax bills will come due. How many of them know where those tax dollars go, and how much of those taxes fund wars around the world? 

In this episode:

• Lindsay Koshgarian (@lindsaykosh), Program Director of the National Priorities Project at the Institute for Policy Studies

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker. The original production team was David Enders, Fahrinisa Campana, Zaina Badr, Sonia Bhagat, and our host Natasha Del Toro. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Many of the images that have been seen from Israel’s war in Gaza have already been seen for the last time. With Gaza under siege from the Israeli military and tech companies censoring and taking down material, the responsibility falls on the people of Gaza to document and archive their own evidence of war crimes and genocide. How will it survive?

In this episode:

• Lila Hassan (@lilahass), Investigative Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Melanie Marich and Sonia Bhagat, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, Sarí el-Khallili, and Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Ecuador heads to the polls gripped by spiraling violence and political uncertainty. Once one of South America’s safest nations, it now has the highest homicide rate in the region. The presidential run-off pits Daniel Noboa, the incumbent who’s militarised the streets, against Luisa Gonzalez, a left-winger promising social reform. Both offer starkly different futures. Which will voters choose?

In this episode:

• Manuela Picq (@lamanuelapicq), Professor of International Relations, Amherst College

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, and Ashish Malhotra, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Mariana Navarrete, Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine has not halted the surrogacy boom there. Instead, the industry has adapted, despite the war risking surrogate mothers’ physical and mental wellbeing. Why is Ukraine the main surrogacy hub in Europe – and at what cost?

In this episode:

• Patricia Simón (@patriciasimonn), journalist, La Marea

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, Ashish Malhotra, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Spain’s housing crisis has driven hundreds of thousands to the streets, demanding affordable housing. Over the past decade, home prices have increased by almost 50 percent. Rents are soaring, and not enough properties are available for rent. It’s a story that’s echoing in many cities across the world. What will Spain do next?

In this episode:

• Jaime Palomera (@JaimePalomera), co-founder of IDRA, the Barcelona Urban Research Institute

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Amy Walters, with Marcos Bartolomé, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, Sarí el-Khalili, Ashish Malhotra, and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

United States President Donald Trump has initiated sweeping tariffs against even some of his country’s closest allies. It has caused alarm from analysts, consumers and trading partners. But who will be the biggest loser of Trump’s trade war?

In this episode: 

• Vina Nadjibulla (@VinaNadjibulla),  Vice President of Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Amy Walters, Sarí el-Khalili, Marcos Bartolome, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari and Kisaa Zehra. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Video emerged showing Israel killing Palestinian medics, contradicting official Israeli claims about what happened to them.  Americans protested at the White House. It is day 548 of the war there, where more than 50,669 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Michael Apple, Al Jazeera Producer
• Nour Odeh, (@nour_odeh) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Alan Fisher, (@AlanFisher) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on March 29, 2021. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

When France's President Emmanuel Macron announced a controversial bill on “Islamist separatism” in 2020, members of the country’s Muslim population worried about what would happen next. As France's politicians try to outmaneuver each other from the right, what impact will their politicking have on a community that's found itself at the heart of this debate?

In this episode: 

• Yasser Louati (@yasserlouati), human rights and civil liberties activist at the Justice and Liberties For All Committee (@justicelibertes) and host of Le Breakdown
• Christelle Rabier (@ChRabier), Historian

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker. The original production team was Negin Owliaei, Alexandra Locke, Amy Walters, Priyanka Tilve, Dina Kesbeh, Ney Alvarez, Natalia Aldana, Stacey Samuel, and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Afghan women’s rights activists are facing deportation from Pakistan, along with hundreds of thousands of Afghans living there. The activists risk imprisonment or death if they return to life under the Taliban in Afghanistan. Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan for years, but the government says they cannot remain there indefinitely. As international resettlement programs shut down and Pakistan accelerates removals, where can Afghans go?

In this episode: 

• Liliana Harrington, Senior Campaigner for Avaaz

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Chloe K. Li, with Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, and our guest host Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

With academics leaving the US, funding cuts looming over universities for alleged failures to combat antisemitism, and foreign students facing deportation for pro-Palestinian activism, the Trump administration’s policies are being felt at colleges across the United States. What’s behind the fixation on universities and what will be its long term impact on higher education in the US?

In this episode: 

• Marci Shore (@marci_shore), Professor of History, Yale University

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolome, Chloe K. Li, Kisaa Zehra, Remas AlHawari, Melanie Marich and our guest host Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The powerful earthquake that hit Myanmar has been compounding the crises facing a country in an ongoing civil war. With thousands feared dead and aid in short supply, Myanmar faces a race against time to save survivors and rebuild in the aftermath.

In this episode:

• Bob Kitchen (@bobkitchen), Vice President of Emergencies, International Rescue Committee

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari, Kisaa Zehra, Marcos Bartolomé, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.  

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Shattering months of uneasy calm, Israel bombed Beirut for the first time since November’s truce with Hezbollah. The strike came after rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory — the second such incident in a week. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged the army to arrest those responsible, calling it a threat to national security. With tensions reigniting on both sides, will peace hold in Lebanon?

In this episode:

• Nader Durgham (@NaderDurgham), Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Ashish Malhotra, Chloe K. Li, Marcos Bartolomé, Sarí el-Khalili, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Hassan Diab, a Lebanese-Canadian professor, has spent nearly 20 years defending himself against accusations of involvement in a 1980 bombing of the Copernic Street synagogue in Paris. The twists and turns of his case raise serious questions about justice, accountability, and the possibility of a wrongful accusation.

In this episode:

• Dana Ballout, documentary producer
• Alex Atack, journalist and audio producer

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Noor Wazwaz and our guest host Manuel Rápalo. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel began a new ground operation in South Gaza. Israel killed more journalists in Gaza. Israel bombed Beirut.  It is day 541 of the war there, where more than 50,277 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hind Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@TareqAzzom) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Ali Hashem, (@alihashem_tv) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Nour Odeh, (@nour_odeh) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on March 27, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

Transgender people in the US say they’re fighting for their rights – and their survival. Already this year, a record number of bills have been introduced by state lawmakers. They include everything from gender-affirming care for youth and access to public spaces to drag performances. Advocates worry that this could lead to wider attacks on the LGBTQ+ community and personal freedoms.

In this episode:

• Chase Strangio (@ChaseStrangio), Deputy Director for Transgender Justice, American Civil Liberties Union
• Eureka O’Hara (@EurekaOhara), drag queen and host of HBO’s ‘We’re Here’
• Alex Petrovnia (@AlexPetrovnia), founder, Trans Formations Project

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker. The original production team was Miranda Lin, Chloe K. Li, Amy Walters, and Alexandra Locke, with our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Palestinians in Gaza are preparing to mark the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr. The holiday is happening during the escalation of Israel's war on Gaza, with aid blocked and families forced to flee again. Even focused on avoiding starvation, people are finding a way to mark the holiday during the war.

In this episode: 

• Laila el-Haddad (@gazamom), author and journalist 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Kylene Kiang, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, Melanie Marich, Marcos Bartolomé, Hanah Shokeir, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

When a Signal group chat involving top US officials discussing plans to bomb Yemen included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, it sparked a firestorm in Washington. Now, The Atlantic has published excerpts from the chat, including input from political figures such as JD Vance, Pete Hegseth, and Michael Waltz. We take a look at where the backlash has landed – and where it hasn't.

In this episode: 

• Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein), Independent journalist 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat and Tamara Khanaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Khaled Soltan, Melanie Marich, Remas Al Hawari and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

War is looming once again in Tigray, a northern region of Ethiopia near the border with Eritrea. Political disputes are fragmenting the regional government and sparking warnings of a new crisis. Tigray has not yet recovered from a devastating war that ended in 2022. With aid cuts now worsening hunger and uncertainty, is it on the brink of another catastrophic conflict?

In this episode:

• Samuel Getachew (@GetachewSS), Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to remove senior government officials, including the head of the Shin Bet internal intelligence agency as well as the attorney general. Intense protests have erupted once again in Israel, as critics accuse the prime minister's actions of being politically motivated and of breaking the ceasefire with Hamas to stay in power. What does this increasing political pressure mean for Israel's war on Gaza?

In this episode:

• Daniel Levy, President of the U.S/Middle East Project

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Tamara Khandaker, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokheir Remas Alhawari, and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Nonexistent writers publishing pro-Russian content in West African media is the subject of a recent Al Jazeera Investigative Unit film, Africa’s Ghost Reporters. So how does it all work, and who’s behind it?

In this episode:

• Justin Yarga (@y_jus), Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li and Ashish Malhotra with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, and guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Remas Alhawari, Melanie Marich, and Hanah Shokeir. I’m your host Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel struck Gaza for a sixth consecutive day and began issuing new evacuation orders. Israel's cabinet approved a plan to facilitate the removal of Palestinians from Gaza. It is day 534 of the war there, where more than 50,021 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Zeina Khodr, (@Zeinakhodr_Aljaz) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Nour Odeh, (@nour_odeh) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on April 16, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

On April 15, 2023, fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and its paramilitary rival the Rapid Support Forces. The war has caused the largest displacement crisis in the world and a looming famine. We hear from previous guests to find out what life has been like, and what they still hold on to.

In this episode:

• Hamid Khalahfallah (@HamidMurtada), Policy Analyst
• Nisrin Elamin (@minlayla77), Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of Toronto
• Mat Nashed (@MatNashed), Journalist
• Kholood Khair (@KholoodKhair), Founding Director, Confluence Advisory

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Miranda Lin, Catherine Nouhan, Manahil Naveed, and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The backlash to Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s alliance is hitting Tesla hard. From boycotts and protests to attacks on cars, showrooms and charging stations, the company’s stock is plummeting. The US Attorney General and Trump called the attacks “domestic terrorism”. What’s driving the fallout, and what impact will it have?

In this episode:

• Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn), NPR tech correspondent
• Jen Cousins, Tesla Takedown activist 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Khandaker, with Ashish Malhotra, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

By invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, United States President Donald Trump launched a constitutional showdown and sent aspiring Americans to El Salvador to some of the worst prisons in the world. After putting the law on pause, a federal judge is questioning the legality of these deportations, leaving many in the US to wonder what’s next.

In this episode:

• Pablo Manríquez (@MigrantInsider), editor at Migrant Insider

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, and Ashish Malhotra, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Gaza’s fragile ceasefire is over. Israel launched overnight strikes on Tuesday, which have killed more than 400 people and injured hundreds more. Many were children, and more are still under the rubble. Why did this happen now, and what will the end of Israel’s ceasefire with Hamas mean for Palestinians in Gaza?

In this episode:

• Diana Buttu (@dianabuttu), human rights lawyer and analyst

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari, Sarí el-Khalili, Amy Walters and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

US air strikes in Yemen have killed at least 53 people and injured more than 100. The strikes came after United States President Donald Trump warned the Houthis to stop their attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea. What does the future hold for Yemen?

In this episode: 

• Alex Gatopoulos (@AlexGatopoulos), Al Jazeera Defense Editor

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li with Amy Walters, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, Remas Alhawari, and Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Once hailed as the Philippines's strongman and infamous for his so-called "war on drugs", former President Rodrigo Duterte now sits behind bars. He made history this week as the first former Asian head of state to be arrested by the International Criminal Court. What does his arrest mean for the victims, supporters and the global fight against crimes against humanity?

In this episode:

• Carlos Conde, (@carloshconde), Senior Researcher, Human Rights Watch

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, and Ashish Malhotra with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Amy Walters, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, Remas Alhawari, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Remas Alhawari, Melanie Marich, and Hanah Shokeir. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel remained at an impasse. A crackdown on Palestinians in the US intensified. It is day 527 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,453 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Patty Culhane, (@PattyCulhane) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@TareqAzzom) Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on May 15, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

May 15th is when Palestinians mark ‘the catastrophe’, or their forced expulsion from the land that became the state of Israel. Those living in Gaza say every day is an ongoing catastrophe. About 70% of Gazans are Palestinian refugees. For the last 16 years, Israel and Egypt have imposed a blockade on Gaza. Travel is heavily controlled, jobs are scarce and the threat of escalation of violence is constant. While the older generations still dream of a return to their homeland, the younger generations say their futures have been stolen. 

In this episode:

• Maram Humaid (@MaramGaza) Al Jazeera Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Miranda Lin, Khaled Soltan, and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

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@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

How did Serbia’s students prompt a national movement for change? They’re leading countrywide protests after a railway station collapse killed 15 people last November. The protests have grown beyond demands for resignations, calling for structural change. Will they pull it off?

In this episode:

• Anđela Milivojević (@djandjava), Investigative Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters, with Ashish Malhotra, Chloe K. Li, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

What led to the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent pro-Palestine activist at Columbia University? Although he is a United States permanent resident, Khalil is facing deportation. The Trump administration says it's part of a broader effort to combat anti-Semitism, but critics see a chilling attack on political speech, with deportation being used as a weapon to silence dissent. US President Donald Trump says Khalil is the first of many to come. What happens next?

In this episode:

• Meghnad Bose (@meghnadbose93), Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Remas Alhawari, Khaled Soltan, and Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Is this China’s renaissance? Despite a trade war with the United States, China seems to be bounding into a high-tech future, making moves diplomatically, militarily and technologically. But some Chinese regions are facing a weakening economy and the effects of rapid urbanisation. Will China keep rising?

In this episode:

• Tony Cheng (@TLCBkk), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters and Sarí el-Khalili, with Khaled Soltan, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

With hundreds dead after days of fighting between armed supporters of former leader Bashar al-Assad and government forces, the worst violence since al-Assad's fall, Syrians are grappling with how to move forward. Days ahead of the 14th anniversary of Syria's uprising, the country faces an uncertain path forward.

In this episode:

• Osama Bin Javaid (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich and our guest host, Manuel Rápalo. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The clock is ticking down to the next pandemic, which could be deadlier than the last, as new zoonotic diseases emerge and global vaccine inequity persists. Five years since COVID-19, what lessons have we learned and what needs to change before it’s too late?

In this episode:

• Drew Ambrose (@drew_ambrose), Al Jazeera journalist, “Flatten the Curve”

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, and Tamara Khandaker, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Amy Walters, Sarí el-Khalili, Marcos Bartolomé, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Melanie Marich and Hanah Shokeir. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Negotiations are expected in Doha over the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. Israel continues to block aid. Israeli raids continued in the occupied West Bank. It is day 520 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,453 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@TareqAzzom) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Rosalind Jordan, Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Mohammed Haji, (@hxji99) Al Jazeera Producer 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 19th, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

Andrew Tate is a self-proclaimed sexist and disgraced social media influencer currently facing criminal charges in Romania. He currently has 7.8 million followers on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, and had billions of views on TikTok. Tate and his brother face charges of organized crime, human trafficking, and rape, but his young fans continue to support and buy into his brand of toxic masculinity. So what does Andrew Tate’s appeal in Romania say about where the phenomenon could lead next?

In this episode:

• Radu Stochita (@stochita_radu), Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Amy Walters and Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Sonia Bhagat with Chloe K. Li, Miranda Lin, and our host, Malika Bilal.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Silicon Valley’s “broligarchy” rose to power with the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, putting tech billionaires like Elon Musk in key roles. Ahead of International Women’s Day, we speak with a journalist who investigated Musk’s takeover of Twitter to uncover what the tech elite has in store for women in the US.

In this episode:

• Zoe Schiffer (@ZoeSchiffer), Journalist and Author

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters and Sarí el-Khalili, with Marcos Bartolomé, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Arab countries have agreed on a plan to rebuild and govern Gaza without displacing its Palestinian population, a direct response to United States President Donald Trump’s vision of transforming Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East". What does Egypt’s plan entail, and what are its chances of success?

In this episode: 

• Imad Harb (@harb3imad) - Director of research and analysis, Arab Center Washington DC

Episode credits: 

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

AI is being used to save Indigenous languages, but is it the right fix? One new project aims to use tech to help keep these languages alive without replacing human connection.

In this episode:

• Danielle Boyer (@danielleboyerr), Robotics Educator

Episode credits: 

This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Marcos Bartolomé, and Tamara Khandaker, with Manny Panaritos, Duha Mosaad, Hagir Saleh, Khaled Soltan, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Noor Wazwaz and our guest host Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

After clashing with US President Donald Trump over support, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned to London for European and UK backing. His reception was warmer, but without US help, can Europe step up to defend the country?

In this episode:

• Alex Gatopoulos (@AlexGatopoulos), Al Jazeera Defence Editor

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Amy Walters, with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Ramadan is peak season for watching Syrian TV dramas, a cherished tradition once stifled by censorship under Bashar al-Assad's regime. Writers, actors and directors were exiled, yet many still shaped popular series. As creatives return home, how will Syria’s TV and film industry evolve in a post-Assad era?

In this episode:

• Christa Salamandra (@csalamand), Professor of Anthropology at Lehman College
• Inas Hakki (@inas_hakki), Film Director

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker and Chloe K. Li, with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolomé, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and our guest host, Manuel Rapalo. It was edited by Kylene Kiang.

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh and Hanah Shokeir. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel adopted a US proposal to continue a ceasefire in Gaza, while Hamas has yet to respond. Israel has released its longest serving Palestinian prisoner. It is day 513 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,388 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hind Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Laura Khan, (@LauraKhanNews) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on December 14th, 2022. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

As winter sets in, Russia is targeting Ukraine’s power grid. Homes are without heat and light, while multi-storey apartment buildings no longer have functioning elevators. Families are relying on camping stoves to do their cooking. What does a weaponized winter mean for Ukrainians now, and what will that mean as the cold continues?

In this episode:

• Rory Challands (@rorychallands), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Amy Walters. The original production team was Amy Walters with Ruby Zaman, and our host, Halla Mohieddeen. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

A Brazilian film on forced disappearances under Brazil’s military dictatorship is making waves. 'I’m Still Here' is up for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, fueling national pride and global debates on authoritarianism. Can it claim Hollywood’s top prize?

In this episode:

• Mauricio Savarese (@MSavarese), Associated Press Reporter

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartolomé, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Sarí el-Khalili, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

AI-powered border enforcement, funded by the European Union, could become Europe’s new normal. From the "smart" Greece-Turkey border at Evros to Samos’s high-tech refugee camp, critics warn it’s a crackdown on migration that puts asylum rights at risk.

In this episode: 

• Giorgos Christides, Investigative Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Chloe K. Li, with Ashish Malhotra, Tamara Khandaker, Sarí el-Khalili, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke and Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Detention camps in northeast Syria remain packed with thousands of ISIL-linked detainees, with al-Hol alone holding 40,000—mostly wives and children of suspected fighters. Recent Al Jazeera reporting offers a rare inside look at their reality. As Syria enters a post-Assad era, what will become of them?

In this episode: 

• Nils Adler (@nilsadler1), Al Jazeera Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, Marcos Bartolomé, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

More than a million children in Haiti are caught in a nightmare, trapped in gang-controlled areas, recruited as soldiers and spies, and subjected to unthinkable abuse. With no president, no parliament, and no protection, their futures hang in the balance. So, who will step up and fight for Haiti’s children?

In this episode:

• Rawya Rageh (@RawyaRageh), Senior Crisis Advisor, Amnesty International

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Chloe K. Li with Sarí el-Khalili, Melanie Marich and Hanah Shokeir, and our guest host, Natasha del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The trial for six-year-old Palestinian-American Wadea al-Fayoume’s murder begins in Chicago. Joseph Czuba faces hate crime charges, but his killing reflects a growing wave of anti-Palestinian hate in the US. As Islamophobia rises post-October 7, will this trial deliver justice?

In this episode:

• Ahmed Rehab (@ahmed.m.rehab), Executive Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations in Chicago

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Khandaker, with Sarí el-Khalili, Chloe K. Li, Marcos Bartolome, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh and Hanah Shokeir. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: A funeral for Hassan Nasrallah is being held in Beirut. Israel delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. It is day 506 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,319 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Assed Baig, (@AssedBaig) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Nour Odeh, (@nour_odeh) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@TareqAzzom) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on June 12, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

Whenever India and Pakistan meet in cricket, it's one of the world’s most-watched sports events. This past weekend, we headed to a highly anticipated T20 match, played on neutral ground in New York, to capture one of the world’s biggest sporting rivalries.

In this episode:

• Ashish Malhotra (@amalhotra2), Producer at The Take
• Tabish Talib (@tabish_talib), Senior Producer at AJ+

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Noor Wazwaz. The original production team was Ashish Malhotra, Tabish Talib, and Tamara Khandaker, with Chloe K. Li, and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

For the first time since the Nazis, Germany’s far right nears power. With the AfD in second place ahead of a crucial election, the once-fringe party is now centre stage. How did they rise, and what impact will their growing influence have on Germany?

In this episode:

• Ozan Demircan (@ozmuhabir), Reporter, The Pioneer

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Melanie Marich, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Khandaker with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Amy Walters, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

With Syria's new government cracking down on Captagon, where will production shift in the drug trade's supply chain? Under Bashar al-Assad’s rule, Syria became a hub of Captagon production. With demand continuing, where will the drug market turn to next?

In this episode:

• Niko Vorobyov (@Narco_Polo420), Author of Dopeworld

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, with Amy Walters, Sarí el-Khalili, Melanie Marich, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

United States President Donald Trump’s plan to cut a Ukraine deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with his administration’s shifting approach to transatlantic ties, has left European leaders uneasy. What does this mean for Russia, Ukraine, and the future of the war?

In this episode: 

• Tristan Redman, Al Jazeera Senior Producer

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K Li, with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Marcos Bartholomé, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

In Madrid, gay men say targeted police raids and humiliating strip searches are on the rise, defying Spain’s image as a leader in LGBTQ rights. Authorities claim it is part of a drug crackdown, but activists insist deep-rooted homophobia is driving the arrests. What is behind these allegations, and what does it mean for queer communities across Europe?

In this episode:

• Christo Casas (@christocasas), Journalist and Anthropologist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Hamas has survived 500 days of relentless bombardment, defying Israel's repeated vows to destroy it. Despite its losses, including assassinations of prominent leaders, Hamas is intact, manning checkpoints, coordinating aid, and releasing Israeli captives. How does Hamas continue to endure?

In this episode:

• Khaled Al-Hroub, Northwestern University in Qatar Professor and Author of “Hamas: A Beginners Guide” and “Hamas: Political Thought and Practice”

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Tamara Khandaker, and Chloe K. Li  with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Melanie Marich and Hanah Shokeir. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: A sixth exchange of captives and prisoners took place between Hamas and Israel. It is unclear what will happen to the next phase of the ceasefire plan. Israel is expected to extend its occupation of parts of southern Lebanon. It is day 499 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,239 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@TareqAzzom) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
•  Mohammed Haji, (@hxji99) Al Jazeera Producer
• Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Zeina Khodr, (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) Al Jazeera Correspondent

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes!

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on April 7th, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

Ukraine might not look like a good financial investment after a year at war with no end in sight, but Harvard, Saudi Arabia, a handful of oligarchs, and Vanguard Group see it differently. They are just a few of the investors who have been buying up Ukrainian land – and its rich, fertile soil – en masse, while many Ukrainian farmers argue it should stay in Ukrainian hands.

In this episode: 

• Frederic Mousseau, Policy Director, Oakland Institute 
• Anuradha Mittal (@Mittaloak), Founder, Oakland Institute
• Lorina Fedorova, an expert on sustainable agriculture, Ekodiya
• Roman Gryshyna, CEO of Travelite MICE&Travel Ukraine

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Amy Walters. The original production team was Amy Walters, Chloe K. Li, Miranda Lin, Khaled Soltan, and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Mohammed el-Kurd was first known for defending his home against Israeli settlers in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem. Now, he’s known globally for his writing about how the rest of the world perceives Palestinians. In his new book, he breaks down the ‘perfect victim’ myth and how it seeks to control the Palestinian narrative. 

In this episode:

• Mohammed el-Kurd (@m7mdkurd), Author of ‘Perfect Victims: And the Politics of Appeal’

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.  

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. We’ll be back.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Seizing land of its white citizens without compensation – that’s the claim US President Donald Trump has used to justify cutting off aid to South Africa, pointing to the recently passed Expropriation Act. His South African-born advisor, Elon Musk, has added fuel to the fire, accusing the country of having openly racist laws. But what’s really behind South African land reform?

In this episode:

• Lebohang Pheko (@Liepollo9), Political Economist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat and Ashish Malhotra, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, Khaled Soltan and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

King Abdullah II of Jordan met United States President Donald Trump at a critical moment. With Jordan hosting more than two million Palestinian refugees, Trump’s plan to “own” Gaza and relocate its population puts the kingdom in a tough spot. Abdullah calls displacement a red line – but how much can he push back?

In this episode:

• Nour Odeh (@nour_odeh), Senior Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, Khaled Soltan and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Iran is facing a changed Middle East as it marks the anniversary of the Islamic revolution. With weakened allies and growing tensions with Israel and the United States, how will Iran’s leadership approach the year ahead?

In this episode:

• Dorsa Jabbari (@DorsaJabbari), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li, with Amy Walters, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Bad Bunny’s new album, Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, became the number-one streamed album worldwide. It mixes different Puerto Rican music genres and touches on themes of gentrification and a loss of cultural identity. How is the album bringing the Puerto Rican fight for survival to the world?

In this episode:

• Jorell Meléndez-Badillo (@jorellmelendezb), Author of “Puerto Rico: A National History”  

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé with Hanah Shokeir, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, and Amy Walters. Our editorial interns are Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh and Hanah Shokeir. Our guest host is Natasha Del Toro. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: An exchange of captives and prisoners took place between Hamas and Israel, but not all Palestinians were allowed to return home. Israeli troops began what is expected to be a full withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor. It is day 492 of the war in Gaza, where more than 48,181 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hind Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza), Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Nour Odeh, (@nour_odeh) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes!

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on November 6, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

On the coast of the Mediterranean Sea lies Gaza, a land that insists on living. Gaza is currently facing a war like nothing its people have seen before, but its history stretches far longer. Today, a brief history of Gaza and its people, on its worst and best days.

In this episode:

• Jehad Abusalim (@JehadAbusalim), The Jerusalem Fund for Education and Community Development Executive Director

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Chloe K. Li and Tamara Khandaker. The original production team was Chloe K. Li, David Enders, Miranda Lin and Sarí el-Khalili, with our host Natasha Del Toro, in for Malika Bilal.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Link mentioned in episode:

The Take: The past, present, and future of Hamas

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

President Trump has again restated his plans of turning Gaza into a new Riviera. Where did this idea come from – and how feasible is it?

In this episode:

• Sharif Abdel Kouddous (@sharifkouddous), Journalist and Editor at Drop Site News

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh, Hanah Shokeir, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.  

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

From booing at sports events to boycotting products, Canada is taking a sharp look at its neighbour to the south. United States President Donald Trump placed a 30-day pause on 25 percent tariffs on Canada after speaking with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. But what does the dispute reveal about the US and Canada’s shared future?

In this episode:

• Stephen Marche (@StephenMarche), Journalist and Novelist

Episode credits:

And that’s the Take. This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh, Hanah Shokeir, Khaled Soltan, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

USAID, America’s lead aid agency, could also be nearing its end, after US President Donald Trump ordered a halt to foreign aid. Trump said the agency was run by "lunatics", while billionaire Elon Musk called it "criminal".The US provides $72bn to 180 countries – but that aid has come under criticism in the past. So, what would it mean to pull the plug on USAID?

In this episode:

• Anuradha Mittal (@Mittaloak), executive director, Oakland Institute

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Khaled Soltan, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Once an al-Qaeda-affiliated fighter, Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa now governs a nation in flux. He claims to be focused on stability, dissolving rebel groups and rebuilding institutions. His visit to Saudi Arabia signals shifting alliances and efforts to ease sanctions. But can he truly redefine Syria’s future – and what will it mean for the region?

In this episode:

• Osama bin Javaid (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera English, correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Tamara Khandaker, with Sarí el-Khalili, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and our host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to the US to meet with President Donald Trump. This is the first White House invitation to a foreign leader after Trump retook office. What does their renewed alliance mean for the world and for Gaza?

In this episode:

• Ali Harb (@Harbpeace), Al Jazeera Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Ashish Malhotra, and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, Amy Walters, and Noor Wazwaz. Our editorial interns are Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh and Hanah Shokeir. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every weekend, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on July 19, 2021. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

The world’s richest man, Jeff Bezos, is heading to space on his own spaceship on July 20th – though he’s already been upstaged by another billionaire space tour. Where the global space race was once decided by the wealth of nations, now its future is increasingly determined by ultra-wealthy individuals worth more than many countries. Their pursuit of space could put new resources in reach, and it’s reshaping the laws of outer space – at least, the ones made by humans.

In this episode:

• Lucianne Walkowicz (@RocketToLulu), Astronomer at the Adler Planetarium and Co-Founder of Just Space Alliance (@JustSpaceOrg)
• Lisa Ruth Rand (@orbital_decay), Assistant Professor at the California Institute of Technology

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Chloe K. Li and Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Alexandra Locke, with our host Malika Bilal.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 26, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

A US federal court has indicted New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez and his wife Nadine on corruption-related charges. The couple have reportedly accepted gold bars and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash in exchange for providing sensitive information about US foreign policy and other favors for Egyptian officials. It’s not the first time Menendez, who heads the Senate’s foreign relations committee, has been accused of corruption — but the detailed nature of the charges this time could be much more damning.

In this episode:

• Ali Harb (@Harbpeace), Al Jazeera English Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Chloe K. Li and Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was David Enders and Khaled Soltan, with our guest host Kevin Hirten. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

A new AI rival from China is shaking up Silicon Valley. DeepSeek matches ChatGPT’s power but says it was built faster and for a fraction of the cost. How did they do it, and what comes next?

In this episode:

• Caiwei Chen (@CaiweiC), reporter, MIT Technology Review

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh, Hanah Shokeir, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.  

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Bodies are lining the streets of Goma, and hospitals are overwhelmed after an escalation in the long-simmering conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Rwandan-backed M23 group claims it took control of the city, and the DRC has called it a declaration of war by Rwanda. But why is Rwanda involved and what are its interests?

In this episode:

• Kambale Musavuli (@kambale), Analyst, Center for Research on the Congo

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Noor Wazwaz and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro is facing a critical moment. Violence near the Venezuelan border, a state of emergency, and US deportation flights have tested his leadership. Can Petro hold onto power and regain the trust of a divided nation?

In this episode:

• Christina Noriega (@c_mnoriega), Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, and Hanah Shokeir, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

After a long-awaited ceasefire, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians return to find their homes in ruins. As they face the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives, what happens next?

In this episode: 

• Maram Humaid (@MaramGaza), Al Jazeera Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Ashish Malhotra with Sonia Bhagat, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and me, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

‘Drill, baby, drill’ is the new refrain of President Donald Trump’s second term. As Trump pulls out of the Paris Accords – again – The Take speaks with activist Tori Tsui on getting back into the fight and managing climate anxiety.

In this episode:

• Tori Tsui (@toritsui), Climate Activist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, Amy Walters, Hanah Shokeir, and our host, Kevin Hirten, in for Malika Bilal. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, and Amy Walters. Our editorial interns are Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh and Hanah Shokeir. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Correction Jan. 27, 2025: A statement indicated that the Israeli military emitted more carbon through bombing Gaza in the first two months of 2023 than 33 countries combined. That figure is incorrect. Emissions exceeded those of more than 20 countries.

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As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: A second exchange of captives and prisoners took place between Hamas and Israel. Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians in Gaza. Israel said it would delay its scheduled withdrawal from south Lebanon. It is day 478 of the war in Gaza, where more than 47,107 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@TareqAzzom) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Zeina Khodr, (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) Al Jazeera Correspondent

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes!

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on August 11, 2021. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

One year after a contested election and many protests, the movement to free Belarus from President Alexander Lukashenko has boiled over into neighboring states. This also means Belarusians around the world might fear the long arm of Lukashenko’s rule. Olympic sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya was quick to escape, but others faced a tragic end. What is happening in Belarus and how much power does Lukashenko hold beyond its borders?

In this episode: 

• Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, Belarusian Olympic Sprinter
• Step Vassen, Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Hanna Liubakova (@HannaLiubakova), Journalist, Non-Resident Fellow at The Atlantic Council (@AtlanticCouncil)

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Amy Walters, Dina Kesbeh, Alexandra Locke, Negin Owleie, Priyanka Tilve, Ney Alvarez, Tom Fenton, and our host, Malika Bilal.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

There is no ceasefire in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the start of a “large-scale military operation” in Jenin targeting a hospital and refugee camp. Meanwhile, a new US administration has endorsed Israel’s “biblical dominion” and lifted sanctions on settlers. What does this new escalation mean for Palestinians, and what might come next?

In this episode: 

• Zena Tahhan (@zenatahhan), Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Khaled Soltan, Marcos Bartolome, Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh, Hanah Shokeir, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.  

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Mass deportations, trade threats and revived border policies. Trump’s return puts Mexico on edge. How are these plans being felt on the ground, and what’s being done to prepare?

In this episode: 

• Julia Galiano (@juliagaliano), Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Khaled Soltan and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Expansions of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank are proceeding at a record pace, and in the US town of Teaneck, New Jersey, some residents are organizing to fight real estate sales to American Jews. It’s set off accusations of anti-Semitism and ratcheted up tension in the small community. What’s next for Teaneck?

In this episode: 

• Rich Siegel, Teaneck resident

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Duha Mossad, Hagir Saleh, Cole van Miltenburg and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Sarí El-Khalili.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

From declaring an emergency on the US-Mexico border to announcing that the US will retake the Panama Canal, Donald Trump introduced several bold proposals in his inaugural address. Now, as he enters his second term, what might the Trump world order look like?

In this episode:

• Trita Parsi (@tparsi), Executive Vice President, The Quincy Institute

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, Amy Walters, Chloe K. Li and Khaled Soltan with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir and our host Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Just hours before President Trump’s second term begins, many immigrants face uncertainty. Trump has pledged to use law enforcement, the military, and federal agencies for mass deportations, along with ending birthright citizenship, and reversing outgoing president Joe Biden’s border policies. What does this mean for immigrants who’ve built a life in the US?

In this episode: 

• Maribel Hernandez Rivera, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Border and Immigration at the American Civil Liberties Union 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Marcos Bartolomé, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. 

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, and Amy Walters. Our editorial interns are Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh, and Hanah Shokeir. Our guest host is Kevin Hirten. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: A ceasefire began in Gaza Sunday morning after a brief delay. Palestinians in Gaza responded by celebrating, and in many cases, attempting to return to their homes. It is day 471 of the war in Gaza, where at least 46,899 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Hind Al Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza), Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Stefanie Dekker, (@StefanieDekker) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Moath Al Kahlout, (@kahlaout_moath) Al Jazeera Correspondent

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes!

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on May 20, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

The Darien Gap is a dangerous stretch of jungle on a strip of land that connects North and South America. In recent years, stricter Central American border policies have driven hundreds of thousands of people to make this treacherous trek. The number of children among them has skyrocketed. We follow one family as they navigate the crossing.

In this episode:

• John Holman (@johnholman100), Al Jazeera English Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker The original production team was Tamara Khandaker, Fahrinisa Campana, Manahil Naveed, Tabish Talib, and our host, Malika Bilal.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

From embracing Zionism as a Holocaust survivor to becoming a vocal critic of Israeli policies, renowned doctor and author Gabor Maté reflects on the evolution in his thinking, on trauma as a driving force behind Zionism and Israel, and on how collective Jewish trauma has been exploited by Israel to justify its war in Gaza.

In this episode:

• Gabor Mate (@DrGaborMate), Physician and Author

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker and Sonia Bhagat, with Noor Wazwaz, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohanned Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire set to start on Sunday. The deal includes humanitarian aid to Gaza, Israel’s gradual withdrawal, the release of Israeli captives, and a Palestinian prisoner release. As Palestinians in Gaza hope to leave 15 months of devastation behind, can this agreement hold or is it another fragile promise?

In this episode:

• Diana Buttu (@dianabuttu), Human Rights Lawyer and Analyst

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Chloe K. Li, Sarí el-Khalili, and Khaled Soltan with Philip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich and our host Malika Bilal.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Impeachment proceedings against suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol are in full swing. Authorities have made a second attempt to detain him over his brief martial law declaration, but he remains holed up in his fortified residence, backed by supporters waving US flags and “Stop the Steal” banners. So, what lies ahead for South Korea?

In this episode:

• Se-Woong Koo, managing editor of Korea Exposé

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, and Amy Walters, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh, and our host, Kevin Hirten, in for Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Lebanon has elected a president and a new prime minister after two years of deadlock. But who are Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam, and what's next for Lebanon?

In this episode:

• Nader Durgham (@NaderDurgham), Journalist, Middle East Eye

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Ashish Malhotra with Marcos Bartolomé, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

In a dramatic reversal, Meta has axed its fact-checking program – the latest signalling of Big Tech bowing to incoming president Donald Trump. What does this mean for the spread of misinformation in the US and globally, and for Trump’s control over information in his second term?

In this episode: 

• Paris Marx (@parismarx) Host, Tech Won’t Save Us

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh, and our host Malika Bilal. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, and Amy Walters. Our editorial interns are Melanie Marich and Hagir Saleh. Our host is Malika Bilal. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. We’ll be back tomorrow.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel attacked displaced Palestinians in Gaza. The UN said Israel continues to block aid. Israeli troops were ordered to stop posting on social media. Palestinian filmmakers have been shortlisted for an Oscar nomination. Today is Sunday, January 12. It is day 464 of the war in Gaza, where at least 46,537 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Moath Al Kahlout, (@kahlout_moath) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Richard Gizbert, (@rgizbert1) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Kristen Saloomey, (@ksaloomey) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes!

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 24, 2021. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

A lot of Canadians are frustrated with the 600-million-dollar pandemic election that took place earlier this week, and resulted in an almost identical parliament. But the five weeks of electioneering did raise a lot of issues and highlight some trends that could define Canada’s future.

In this episode:

• Fatima Syed (@fatimabsyed), Journalist

Episode credits:

The original production team was Priyanka Tilve with Ney Alvarez, Ruby Zaman, Alexandra Locke, Negin Owliaei, Dina Kesbeh, Amy Walters, Tom Fenton, Stacey Samuel and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan.  Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The fires burning through Los Angeles now are already the worst in the history of California, a state known for its wildfires. Thousands have lost their homes, and nearly 180,000 have been forced to evacuate. What is it like to be in the city on fire? 

In this episode:

• Manuel Rápalo (@Manuel_Rapalo), Journalist, Los Angeles

• Mona Holmes (@monaeats), Eater LA reporter 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Chloe K. Li and Tamara Khandaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, and our host, Malika Bilal.  

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

At the end of a six-day funeral service, former US President Jimmy Carter will be laid to rest next to his wife in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. The 39th president died at 100 years old on December 29. How did his legacy impact the world?

In this episode:

• Hamid Dabashi (@DabashiHamid), Professor of Literature, Columbia University 

• Shawan Jabarin (@SJabaren), General Director, Al-Haq

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, Miranda Lin with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Khaled Soltan, Melanie Marich, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The Palestinian Authority is intensifying operations in the occupied West Bank, with violent crackdowns in Jenin and efforts to silence dissent, including shutting down Al Jazeera’s bureau. What’s driving this escalation?

In this episode:

• Dalia Hatuqa (@DaliaHatuqa), Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra, and Sarí el-Khalili with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Identity politics has become a defining buzzword in US politics, coming under fire for being a type of political representation without real change. But what was the intention of the people who first came up with the term – and what kind of power does that original intention wield today?

In this episode: 

• Olufemi Taiwo, Political Philosopher, @olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social  

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé,  with Manny Panaretos, Hagir Saleh, Duha Mosaad, and our host, Kevin Hirten.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As 2025 unfolds, the world faces significant shifts. From climate crises in West Africa to continuing wars in Gaza and Sudan, Al Jazeera correspondents share their insights on the key events and challenges shaping the year ahead.

In this episode: 

• Kimberly Halkett (@KimberlyHalkett), Al Jazeera White House Correspondent 

• Dorsa Jabarri (@DorsaJabbari), Al Jazeera Correspondent 

• John Holman (@Johnhiolman100), Al Jazeera Mexico and Latin America Correspondent 

• Nicolas Haque (@NicolasHaque), Al Jazeera Correspondent  

• Tony Cheng (@tlcbkk), Al Jazeera Asia Correspondent 

• Maram Humaid (@maramgaza), Al Jazeera Digital Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline and Malika Bilal. 

The Take production team is Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Ashish Malhotra, Khaled Soltan, and Amy Walters. Our editorial intern is Hagir Saleh. Our host is Malika Bilal. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. We’ll be back tomorrow.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Israel’s war on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israeli attacks in Gaza kill nearly 200 in three days. The Palestinian Authority has banned Al Jazeera from operating in the occupied West Bank. The Biden administration approves more arms for Israel. Syria is set to resume international flights from Damascus. It is day 457 of the war in Gaza, where at least 45,717 Palestinians have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Alan Fisher, (@AlanFisher) Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Hashem Ahelbarra, (@hashemahel) Al Jazeera Correspondent 

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes!

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on July 4, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

Locals are fighting to reclaim their city from tourism in a mass demonstration in Barcelona on July 6. The tourism boom has impacted local life, housing, and culture, pushing the city to the brink. 

In this episode: 

• Carme Arcarazo (@carmearcarazo), Speaker of Barcelona’s tenant union (@sindicatlloguer), housing researcher at La Hidra 

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Tamara Khandaker. The original production team was Marcos Bartolomé, Amy Walters, Mohammed Zain Shafi Khan, Manahil Naveed, Veronique Eshaya, Ashish Malhotra, Duha Mossad, and our host, Malika Bilal.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.