In Nigeria, people shot dead by police and hundreds arrested for protesting against government economic policies. President Tinubu says the reforms are vital. Critics say they're too extreme. So why are people so angry? And could this unrest spread?

In this episode:

• Isa Sanusi, Director, Amnesty International Nigeria.
• Ayisha Osori, Director, Open Society Foundations Ideas and Fellowship Collaborative.
• Kabir Adamu, Managing Director, Beacon Security and Intelligence. 
• Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Nigeria.

Host: Mohammed Jamjoom

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It's the biggest prisoner swap between Russia and the West since the Cold War - despite the worst hostility in modern times because of the war in Ukraine. How was the deal done? Why did it happen now -- and could better relations follow?

In this episode:

• Dmitry Babich -- Political analyst at Sputnik International news agency.
• Glenn Carle -- Former CIA officer.

• Steven Erlanger -- Chief Diplomatic Correspondent for Europe at the New York Times.

Host: Mohammed Jamjoom

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The political leader of Hamas assassinated in Iran. A senior Hezbollah commander killed in Lebanon. Two Al Jazeera journalists struck down in a targeted attack. After killing almost 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza, can Israel continue without accountability?

In this episode:

• Mehran Kamrava, Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar.
• Beverley Milton-Edwards, Co-author of 'Hamas: The Quest for Power'.
• Karim Makdisi, Political analyst and associate researcher.

Host: Adrian Finighan 

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What's the fallout from the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran? Hamas' political leader was assassinated as tensions in the Middle East are running high. How much of a blow is this to Hamas - and Iran? And could Haniyeh's death escalate into a full regional conflict?

In this episode:

• Mohammad Marandi, Professor, University of Tehran.
• Sultan Barakat, Professor of Public Policy, Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Doha.
• Maha Yahya, Director, Malcolm H Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.

Host: Dareen Abughaida

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Extravagant but controversial. A scene in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics has angered many for appearing to mock religious symbols. Others say it was a display of inclusivity. But was the host country France trying to convey a message? And if so, what was it?

In this episode:

• Simon Kuper, Columnist, Financial Times. 
• David Goldblatt, Sports Journalist. 
• Gerard O'Connell, Vatican Correspondent, America Magazine.

Host: Mohammed Jamjoom

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The US will revamp its military command in Japan. Washington claims the move is to counter growing threats from China, North Korea and Russia. But is this a realistic deterrent? Or could it provoke more tension in an already volatile region?

In this episode:

• Victor Gao, Vice President, Center for China and Globalisation.

• Tomohiko Taniguchi, Special Adviser, Fujitsu Future Studies Center.

• Evan Laksmana, Editor, Institute for Strategic Studies.

Host: Mohammed Jamjoom

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It's an election that could bring major change to Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro is seeking another six years in office. But after a decade of economic crisis, many are disillusioned with the country's socialist revolution. So could it be near its end? And how's this vote being viewed in the region?

In this episode:

• Paola de Aleman, Venezuelan Opposition Politician and Academic.

• David Smolansky, Former Mayor, Caracas district. Now living in exile.

• Christopher Sabatini, Senior Fellow, Latin America, Chatham House.   

Host: Mohammed Jamjoom

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Contrasting welcomes for Israel's prime minister in the US, divisions over the war in Gaza on show with protests outside a cheering Congress. In a week of dramatic politics in Washington, how is Benjamin Netanyahu's visit being viewed there and back in Israel?

In this episode:

• Phyllis Bennis, Fellow, Institute for Policy Studies. 

• Gideon Levy, Columnist, Haaretz. 

• Niall Stanage, White House Columnist, The Hill. 

Host: Sami Zeidan

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Ukraine's foreign minister is in Beijing for talks. It's the first trip by a Ukrainian government representative to China since Russia's invasion more than two years ago. Beijing is intensifying its diplomatic efforts. So, why now? And could they help end the war?

In this episode:

• Einar Tangen, Chinese political and economic affairs specialist.

• Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory.

• Owen Matthews, Contributing writer for Spectator Magazine. 

Host: Sami Zeidan

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Donald Trump attacks his likely opponent in the presidential election as a 'radical left lunatic'. Kamala Harris highlights Trump's criminal conviction and previous scandals, saying he offers 'chaos, fear and hate'. What kind of campaign will it be?

In this episode:

• Eric Ham, Political Analyst

• Thomas Gift, Director of the Centre on U.S. Politics at University College London

• Jennifer Victor, Associate Professor of Political Science George Mason University

Host: Sami Zeidan

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