The Foreign Desk

In part one of our special ‘In the Room’ series, we look back on the chilling moments that followed the September 11 terror attacks, meeting top aides who were rushed onto Air Force One with US president George W Bush, a Secret Service agent tasked with protecting first lady Laura Bush and a staffer who was evacuated from the White House. 

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Andrew Mueller explains the growing relationship between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, and the potential implications that it may have for Russia. 

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A wave of protests across government-controlled areas of Syria gathered momentum this week, with demonstrators demanding regime change. Is a future without Bashar al-Assad still possible for Syria? Andrew Mueller speaks to Leila Molana-Allen, Firas Maksad, Lina Khatib, and William Patey.

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Andrew Mueller explains how a once-diminished Islamic State is re-emerging across Africa. 

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The global fishing industry has found itself at the heart of major debates and conflicts. In this special episode we explore the curious power of fish in politics. What makes these aquatic animals so politically sensitive? Are there really plenty more fish in the sea? Andrew Mueller speaks to Tomohiko Taniguchi, Sebastian Whale, Katharine Hayhoe and Árni Matthias Mathiesen. 

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Guatemala has elected a new president, bringing hope to the country. But with five months to go until his inauguration, it remains to be seen how smooth the transfer of power will be. Andrew Mueller explains who Bernardo Arevalo is and what kind of president he might be.   

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Zimbabweans will head to the polls next week to elect their country’s leader amid economic turmoil and vote-rigging fears. What is at stake? Andrew Mueller speaks to Hopewell Chin’ono, Fadzayi Mahere, Robert Chapman and Georgina Godwin.

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Rock’n’roll singer, tantric sex coach and now, presidential candidate in Argentina. Andrew Mueller explains who Javier Milei is, his politics and if he has a chance of winning the election. 

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The war in Ukraine has shifted Europe’s centre of gravity eastward. As Poland and Ukraine rapidly expand their militaries, the two countries have positioned themselves as vanguards of Western defence. Is a new balance of power being shaped? And will this spell trouble for traditional powerbrokers Germany and France? Andrew Mueller speaks to Radosław Sikorksi, Lili Bayer and Steven Erlanger.

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El Salvador has been cracking down on gang criminals after years of widespread fear. Andrew Mueller explains how president Bukele’s barbaric methods have led to positive stats in both crime figures and leadership polls. 

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