Millions of TikTok users in the US will be relieved to hear President Trump say he's secured approval for a deal on the future of the social media platform in America. Congress passed a bill last year that banned the Chinese-owned short video app unless it sold its US business. Politicians are worried TikTok poses a national security threat and spreads propaganda. But Trump hasn’t imposed that law and, on Friday, even raised the matter of TikTok's operations during a call with President Xi Jinping. So why does a deal on this app matter so much to Donald Trump?

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-truth--6487495/support.

The Encampments offers an urgent, intimate portrait of the student movement in the United States, ignited at Columbia University as students protested against their universities' ties to Israel's war on Gaza. Their actions led to a nationwide uprising that reverberated around the world, with encampments spreading across hundreds of campuses. Featuring activist Mahmoud Khalil, alongside professors, whistleblowers, and organisers, the film captures the deeper stakes of a historic moment that continues to reverberate across the globe.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-truth--6487495/support.

It’s been just more than a week since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and in death, as in life, the far-right podcaster is proving divisive. While his supporters mourn, many critics have seized the moment to call out his polarising legacy - a legacy now being weaponised by far-right leaders from DC to Tel Aviv.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-truth--6487495/support.

New initiatives to support Palestinian statehood, while reflecting growing international attention, are “perpetuating the illusion” that a two-state solution can resolve the conflict with Israel, argues former US diplomat Rob Malley. Malley was a leading United States negotiator across the Middle East for decades, and was on the cusp of a new Iran-US deal in 2023 when he was suspended by then-US President Joe Biden. Malley’s new book, Tomorrow is Yesterday, details the damage done by decades of US involvement in Middle East peacemaking.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-truth--6487495/support.

The US has blocked yet another UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and for Israel to lift all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid. Under the UN charter, the Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It's made up of 15 members—10 elected and five permanent—who have the power to veto resolutions. This time, the 10 elected members supported the resolution. But Israel's biggest ally—the US—refused, saying it did not condemn Hamas. Does it mean the UN Security Council is unable to carry out its mandate?

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-truth--6487495/support.

For 44 years, 24 hours a day, a symbol of dissent has stood across from the White House – often considered the longest act of political protest in US history. The White House Peace Vigil greets visitors from all over the world, calling for nuclear disarmament and an end to war. Then it caught the eye of US President Donald Trump.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-truth--6487495/support.

The United Nations Security Council has voted not to permanently lift economic sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme, delivering a major economic blow that Tehran claims is “politically biased”.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-truth--6487495/support.

Curfews imposed. Soldiers on the streets. A prime minister forced to resign. After a social media blackout and years of corruption charges, the protests turned violent, leaving dozens dead. Nepal’s army is now in talks with demonstrators to decide on an interim leader after KP Sharma Oli stepped down during the unrest. Why are so many young people angry — and what comes next for Nepal?

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-truth--6487495/support.

After fleeing Syria’s civil war, Palestinian Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil was detained in the United States for more than 100 days after protesting against Israel’s genocide in Gaza. He says his arrest was meant to silence dissent and intimidate others from speaking out.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-truth--6487495/support.

The European Union says the humanitarian situation in Gaza is untenable. The bloc proposes a suspension of its trade agreement with Israel. And it wants to impose sanctions on two ministers as well as settlers in the occupied West Bank. The change would make trade between the EU and Israel more costly for Israel. The proposal needs the approval of the European council and may face a veto from some countries including Germany. So will these financial measures pressure Israel to scale back its war?

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-truth--6487495/support.