Conflict Zone: Confronting the Powerful

The Council of Europe's verdict on human rights in Europe makes unpleasant reading, saying the continent's democratic environment and institutions are in "mutually reinforcing decline." What has gone so wrong?

A cease-fire between Israel and the militant Palestinian group Hamas has been holding after the recent surge in fighting, but it remains fragile. Is Hamas willing to take responsibility for its share of the blame, and is there any chance for peace talks to resume? Basem Naim, Hamas spokesman in Gaza, speaks to Conflict Zone.

Israeli Foreign Ministry advisor Michael Freeman tells DW that every innocent civilian killed is a tragedy but says Hamas are the ones who are stealing the future of Palestinian children.

Libya has a new government of national unity, which promises free elections by the end of this year. But the roadblocks it faces are immense. DW’s Conflict Zone confronts the country’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Tamim Baiou.

Donald Trump lost the election but won't go quietly. Is his party unwilling or just too afraid to call time on their defeated leader? Jack Kingston, a former Republican lawmaker and Trump adviser, talks to Conflict Zone

Talking to DW Conflict Zone host Tim Sebastian, a prominent member of Germany’s ruling CDU party strongly criticized the two conservative politicians at the heart of a damaging mask procurement scandal. Andreas Nick said these cases are “totally unacceptable” and called for a "very clear process" to ensure compliance with ethical standards.

Amid a slow vaccination rollout and growing fears of new mutations, the World Health Organization's top official for Europe is confident his organization is functioning well in the fight against coronavirus. In a heated interview with DW's Conflict Zone, Hans Kluge defended the organization's dealings with China and called for restoring the public's faith in science.

Is Imran Khan calling the shots in Pakistan? On Conflict Zone, his science minister hits back at opposition claims that the military really are in charge. Fawad Chaudhry joins DW’s Sarah Kelly down the line from Islamabad.

Are mass arrests in Hong Kong a further erosion of its freedoms? A pro-Beijing lawmaker says there has been a "tightening" on freedom of expression, but the world is "overreacting" and investigations have to run their course.

A leading member of Britain’s Conservative Party has acknowledged that there will be initial difficulties as a result of the recent free trade deal between the UK and the EU, but defended the agreement as one that is beneficial for both parties.