Explore every episode of the podcast Al Jazeera

India’s Cockroach Janta Party is calling for another senior official to resign. In July, protests by the youth-led movement saw the education minister quit. Now, it wants the chief of the election commission to step aside. Critics say he's overseeing an unfair review of the electoral roll. The revisions have led to the removal of tens of millions of eligible voters. The commission says reform is long overdue — and necessary to weed out duplicate entries. Protesters say it’s an assault on democracy and designed to benefit the governing BJP. So, will the Cockroach movement be successful again?

Within days of renewed confrontations between the Ethiopian military and an alliance of armed groups, fears are growing that the conflict could spread across the region. The government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of backing the opposition coalition. Khartoum and Cairo have denied any involvement. And following reciprocal diplomatic moves, Asmara and Addis Ababa have severed ties. The tensions reflect decades of mutual distrust between Ethiopia and the three countries. What could this mean for the region?

Unacceptable. That was the immediate reaction from the US President Donald Trump to Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran says it's still awaiting what it called a "definitive response" from Washington through mediators. But Trump has said Iran needs a deal because, in his words, it's "losing badly." So, is his rejection of the proposal an effort to pressure Tehran for more concessions?

Multiple attacks on multiple fronts, but no-one is calling it 'war'. Europe says it's facing wide-ranging attacks, from explosive-laden drones and sabotage, to political meddling and cybertargeting. It blames Russia, as its war with Ukraine drags on. But Russia says it's innocent. So how is a 'hybrid war' different from military conflict? And how do countries fight back?

Already war-torn and under blockade for more than a decade, Yemen risks descending into another civil war. The Ansarullah Houthis have tightened their grip on islands in the Red Sea -- giving them control over a vital global shipping route. The fighting has unravelled a shaky ceasefire that had largely held since 2022. It comes as the Iran war has disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. So, what does it mean for this volatile region?

The Ansarullah Houthi advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast has raised fears of a second front in the US-Iran conflict. It has also put Saudi Arabia, the main ally of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, in a difficult position. The Houthis now control areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key route for Saudi oil exports. With the Strait of Hormuz already blockaded, fears of further supply disruption have pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel. So what could developments in Yemen mean for the wider US-Iran conflict?

The leaders of China, Russia and Iran are among those attending the 11-nation BRICS summit in New Delhi this weekend. The meeting comes at a time when the Trump administration has jolted global trade. And the U.S. war with Iran has disrupted energy supplies. The conflict is a major test for the bloc's cohesion, with Tehran wanting condemnation of Washington. But BRICS also includes the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, two countries that have faced Iranian attacks. Will the members agree on a common stance on the war? And how far will they go in rebalancing the global economy?

Goods from illegal Israeli settlements, worth billions of dollars, are now sanctioned. Led by the UK, several European countries and Canada have announced a ban on trade with illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. They say Israel's actions in the Palestinian territory undermine the possibility of a two-state solution. They have also condemned the sharp increase in settler violence. Targeting illegal settlements isn't new, but this time Israel has been quick to respond. It's announced the closure of the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem, and threatened further measures. But will the import ban make a difference on the ground?

Jamaica is petitioning the British king to refer three questions about the Transatlantic slave trade to a London court. Was the enslavement of Africans unlawful under English law at the time? Does it constitute crimes against humanity under international law? Does Britain therefore have a legal obligation to provide redress? Jamaica hopes the answers could establish a legal basis for reparations. This campaign is part of a broader push for countries to pay for their roles in the Transatlantic slave trade. A UN committee said last month that governments are obliged by law to consider paying damages.

The Alternative for Germany is on top in Sunday's election in the east German state of Saxony-Anhalt, with about 44 percent of the vote. It's benefited from voters' economic concerns and anger over immigration. The party is also leading in national polls. But Germany's domestic intelligence agency has classified its branch in Saxony-Anhalt as a proven right-wing extremist group, a label the AfD rejects. Chancellor Friedrich Merz insists there can be no co-operation with the AfD, and mainstream German parties have been maintaining a 'firewall' against forming coalitions with the far-right. But it's not clear if the strategy will hold.

Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister. And he's hoping to win another term when voters choose a new parliament next month. He's spent most of the past three years fighting Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran. His aim was to end what he calls the existential threat from Israel's enemies. On October 27, his leadership will be put to the test, as recent opinion polls suggest the opposition is in the lead. So, does Netanyahu stand a chance of staying in power?

It's been dormant for decades... But the row between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands has been revived. It started with a joint British-Israeli oil exploration project off the archipelago's north coast -- to which Buenos Aires vehemently objected. President Javier Milei has now threatened to impose sanctions on companies operating there. His push to reclaim the islands was bolstered by Donald Trump's comment that he may reconsider Washington's position on the territory. Britain and Argentina went to war over the islands more than four decades ago. Could the dispute escalate into another armed confrontation?

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the U.S. has provided Kyiv with billions of dollars in military assistance. Much of it was delivered during the Biden administration. President Donald Trump is now complaining that those weapons and ammunition were transferred free of charge. He says Europe should have covered the cost, and that the U.S. will be asking for that money back. Funding Ukraine’s defences against Russia has been a thorny issue between the U.S. and its European allies. With no end in sight to the fighting, will the two sides reach common ground—and keep supporting Kyiv?

Israeli settler violence against Palestinians intensifies, while plans to expand illegal settlements forge ahead. Israel's largest trading partner, the European Union, has condemned the attacks. But the bloc is split on taking action. Could that change?

The Achilles Shield is one of the largest military deals in Israel's history. It will see Greece take delivery of a multilayered air defence system to counter what it and Israel say are common threats. The multibillion-dollar agreement comes as tensions increase between Greece and Turkiye. The neighbours have been at odds over a range of territorial issues for more than five decades. Relations between Israel and Turkiye have also deteriorated. With Israel and Greece strengthening their alliance, what are the ramifications for the region?

On August 7, the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed a security agreement in Mecca. Now their defence and foreign affairs ministers are working out how to turn the pact into an operational framework. The terms clearly state that an attack against one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all of them. The Istanbul meeting focuses on coordinating defence production capabilities and deepening cooperation in the industry. But what are the hurdles to these three countries forming a functioning military and security model?

A new deal between Caracas and Washington would give US companies access to more than a fifth of Venezuela's vast oil reserves. But there's opposition in Venezuela - as well as debate about whether the plan is legal. What could the agreement mean?

The role of climate change in Wednesday's disaster in Nepal is under scrutiny by scientists - trying to find out what caused the catastrophe. Elsewhere, countries around the world have been hit by more severe weather events in recent months. So, what lessons can be learned from the Nepal disaster - and others this year?

After nearly six months of war, the US appears to be taking a different approach to Iran. President Donald Trump said Washington will carry out what he described as a 'crushing economic operation'. Attempts to reach an agreement to end the war have stalled. Now, the US is calling on other countries to join what it calls the greatest co-ordinated economic isolation in the history of the world. For its part, Iran says that any countries joining the US campaign would be treated as enemies. What does this mean for the conflict?

An Israeli attack on a Syrian air base has been widely condemned. The US Special Envoy warns it could have caused a direct confrontation with Turkish forces. So, why did Israel attack the base? And what are the implications?

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema boasts about the economic recovery achieved under his leadership. Now, he is seeking a second term in office. The vote is drawing international attention because the southern African nation is rich in critical minerals. But most Zambians don't reap the benefits of that wealth. The World Bank says 70% of the population survives on less than $3 a day. So, how will the outcome of these elections shape Zambia's politics?

Sudan's army says it's making gains in a counter-offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces - after more than three years of conflict. The government has also begun a push to unite political groups. So, how significant are these developments?

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the U.S.-brokered 15-point peace plan for Gaza. What are the consequences for Palestinians? And what risks for Netanyahu in defying Donald Trump?

It's an election aimed at strengthening democracy in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. But the situation rapidly deteriorated as the vote got underway. Dozens of people were killed in confrontations between protesters and security forces. The violence followed weeks of protests by a now-banned group that is calling for electoral reforms. The government in Islamabad has conditioned any changes on a constitutional amendment. The chaos that accompanied the first phase of the vote is one of the biggest political challenges facing Pakistan since the beginning of the Kashmir conflict almost eight decades ago. How will it shape the future of the region?

What started as an online satire has now transformed into a major, nationwide movement that's challenging India's government. The so-called 'Cockroach Janta Party', burst onto the political scene in May after crucial exam papers were leaked, triggering a public outcry. But concerns have now broadened to include youth unemployment, and other issues affecting young people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing what's likely the biggest challenge of his third term. And he's promised to crack down on the exam leaks-- But the protest leaders insist, that's not good enough. They say they won't back down- until the Minister of Education out of office. So, will this lead to a lasting change? and can the movement maintain its momentum?

Some call it the Gate of Tears. Bab al-Mandab in the Red Sea wields importance as a global shipping artery. This week, Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened to use the strait as its next front in the war with the US. It says regional energy exports are 'either for everyone or for no one'. Such a move would mean relying on its Houthi allies in Yemen to block the shipping route. Iran's warning comes amid an escalation with the US, which has endangered last month's agreement. What would it mean for a volatile region -- and the global economy?

The leaders of NATO member states are meeting in Ankara, ostensibly to discuss increasing defence investment and long-term military support for Ukraine. But the war on Iran is hanging over the gathering. One of the most significant is freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz - the vital waterway that Iran effectively closed for months. Ahead of the NATO summit, the US had called on European allies to help it secure the strait. They refused, with some arguing that the war has nothing to do the bloc. So, could the divide between the US and its allies be bridged in Ankara?

Ukrainian attacks have disrupted one-third of Russia's oil refining capacity, according to independent energy analysts. The resulting fuel shortage has forced Moscow to extend petrol export bans and restrict sales in more than 40 regions and Crimea. President Vladimir Putin says the strikes are not critical and insists the war will continue until his goals are met. Russia is continuing its attacks on Ukraine, including a huge strike on Kyiv on Thursday. So, can economic pressure on Russia bring an end to the war - which has stretched into a fifth year?

Beijing's new ethnic unity law strengthens Mandarin's position as the primary language of education, official business and public spaces across China. The government says the law's provisions on social cohesion and preventing separatism benefit everyone. But minority activists abroad say it will further erode the rights of groups such as Uighurs and Tibetans. They are also warning against a clause that states China can take action against those who violate the law outside of the country. Taiwan has echoed this criticism. Its government warns the law could be used to target people there who are critical of Beijing.

The Indus Water Treaty lays out how the river's resources are to be shared between India and Pakistan. Brokered in 1960, it has survived decades of conflict between the neighbours. But recently, the agreement was put to the test after New Delhi suspended its participation. That came after an attack India said was carried out by armed groups linked to Pakistan, which it denied. This week, Islamabad has said India cannot suspend the agreement on its own. It says its share of the Indus River is a red line and threatened consequences. So, how could they avoid a further escalation?

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Now, more than four years into the current war, Ukraine is targeting the peninsula with increased drone attacks. In response, authorities in the Russian-controlled region have declared a state of emergency, admitting they're facing challenging times. This week, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the start of what he called a 40-day 'influence operation' to push Russia to end the war.

"Encouraging progress." That's the feeling from mediators after the first round of talks between Iran and the US concluded in Switzerland. Those direct discussions were held to implement the memorandum of understanding. Their focus will now turn to using that agreement to negotiate a lasting peace deal within the next two months. Despite the positive atmosphere, there are hurdles to reaching a final agreement on that timeline. So, what would it take to overcome those challenges? And what concessions are the sides prepared to make to strike a deal?

Fury from Israeli ministers over the agreement US President Donald Trump has signed with Iran. And a sharp rebuke in response from his vice president JD Vance. So, what are the implications for Israel and its prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu?

Agreement between Washington and Tehran has all but ended the Iran war, with both claiming victory despite the huge cost. Among that has been Iranian damage to relationships with its Gulf neighbours which it attacked. So, what has Iran won and lost in this conflict?

Chinese president is in North Korea. Pyongyang is largely isolated on the world stage and under UN sanctions. China remains its main supporter. It's been sidelined due to its nuclear activities. But Pyongyang has made it clear it wants to be recognised as a nuclear state - and insists its programme is a "line of no retreat". Xi Jinping's visit comes after he held a summit with Donald Trump, who wants North Korea to denuclearise. He also met Vladimir Putin, who has been developing a closer relationship with Kim Jong Un. So, how could his visit shape geopolitics in the region?

Lebanon under Israeli attack while diplomatic efforts continue to end the war in Iran. And with Israel escalating attacks on Hezbollah, Tehran wants any peace deal to cover both conflicts. So, why is Iran making Lebanon a central issue in its own war?

Ukraine's bid to join the European Union (EU) has received a boost this week. Accession negotiations have finally kicked off. Ukraine is hoping that will provide it with some security guarantees, as the war with Russia drags on. Moscow has long objected to Kyiv strengthening its ties with the West. And now, Ukraine will have to fulfil the EU's requirements before it can be accepted as a member. That will include reforms on a host of issues, including tackling corruption. But what are the risks of integrating a country at war into the bloc? And how will Russia respond?

A possible US-Iran deal is taking shape. But Israeli officials are reportedly worried. What are their concerns? Could it derail negotiations to end the war in Iran, which has caused an unprecedented global energy crisis?

The war on Iran has caused the worst energy crisis in history, according to the International Energy Agency. It's been politically unpopular in the US too, ahead of crucial mid-term elections in November.

Israeli national security minister's mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists. It sparks international outrage. But will governments act against Israel? The boats were part of the latest attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Most efforts have failed. What difference do flotillas make to Palestinians living under Israeli blockade?

Over the years, China and Russia have described their relationship as a friendship without limits. Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing this week further emphasises the strength of those ties. He and President Xi Jinping hailed their partnership as 'a force of calm among chaos'. They also warned against a return to the 'law of the jungle'. An apparent reference to Donald Trump's actions and policies, which include the war against Iran and sweeping global tariffs. Will the two leaders succeed in their push for a multipolar world, one in which the U.S. does not dominate?

There appears to be a shift in the years-long conflict in Ukraine. Last weekend, Ukrainian forces struck deeper into Russian territory, piercing its air defences in a large strike on the Moscow region. This came a week after fears of a Ukrainian attack forced Russia to scale down its annual Victory Day parade. Kyiv's also been relentlessly striking Russia's oil facilities and military logistics, as it tries to disrupt supplies to the frontlines. All this as Russian missiles and drones continue to target sites across Ukraine.

Havana has announced the country is nearly out of fuel. It comes after months of added pressure from Washington. The US cut off oil shipments from Venezuela and then imposed a near total oil blockade. Paired with Cuba's aging energy grid, the result was sweeping blackouts, supply shortages and a deepening economic crisis. Washington's goal is to force the socialist government to open up the economy and implement political reforms. Donald Trump has even threatened Havana with military action.

A global health crisis - not a pandemic. But the World Health Organization is warning the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda could be much larger than what has been detected so far. The global health body is advising the countries to activate national disaster mechanisms and introduce cross-border and internal screening.

A year ago, US-China relations reached one of their lowest points when Donald Trump announced his Liberation Day tariffs. The US president made some concessions when he met Xi Jinping a few months later. And the White House yielded more ground in the run-up to Trump's visit to Beijing. It suspended a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China claims as its sovereign territory. But that did not stop President Xi from calling Taiwan 'the single most important issue' in relations with the US. Could a dispute over the territory lead to conflict between Beijing and Washington?

Five nations boycott Eurovision citing Israel's participation. Their action is against Israel's war in Gaza and allegations of vote manipulation in the song contest. But why is it so important for Israel to take part? And is the competition's future under threat?

Vladimir Putin says the Ukraine war may be over soon. Attacks have been intensifying in recent weeks. And a stalemate on the battlefield is increasing political pressure for an end. So, could the conflict be entering its final phase?

A backlash against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in local and regional elections in England, Scotland and Wales, despite a huge majority in parliament. He's rejecting calls to quit - but faces new challenges from both the left and right. So, why are these elections so important?

The World Health Organization says public health risks from hantavirus are low. Arrangements are being made to repatriate passengers from a cruise ship, after three people who'd been on board, died. How's the experience from the Covid-19 pandemic being used?

China is emerging as a major player in global diplomacy - including in the Middle East. In 2023, it helped re-establish diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Tehran. While it is not officially mediating efforts to end the ongoing war - both the US and Iran are looking to China to help de-escalate. So, can it propel the two sides towards that goal? And if China makes a direct push to stop the fighting - how will its economic clout affect the course of negotiations?