Ukraine has stunned the world in the Black Sea, pushing back the Russian fleet and sinking numerous vessels. Is it really true that drones have fundamentally changed war at sea? And what is happening in China, where the production of new military vessels is dwarfing the efforts of Western countries? We spoke to former Royal Navy officer Tom Sharp to find out more.

Contributors

David Knowles

Tom Sharp

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This week we discuss the biggest Israeli military operation in the West Bank since the Second Intifada and Hezbollah's rocket attack against Israel. We also take a trip into the skies above Gaza with one of our reporters for a rare bird's eye glimpse into the territory. Plus, an al Qaeda linked group has been accused of murdering hundreds of people in Burkina Faso. We discuss jihadists and the security situation in the Sahel region.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey

Sophia Yan

Ben Farmer

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On today's episode, we check in with Deputy US Editor Rozina Sabur about what the assassination attempt against Donald Trump tells us about political extremism in the United States. Then Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan reports on a secret military base in Tajikistan at the heart of China's plans to challenge Russia for dominance in Central Asia. 

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host)

Rozina Sabur (Deputy US Editor)

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent)

Read

China constructs secret Tajikistan military base amid fears of Taliban by Sophia Yan

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A Navy frigate commander and a British submarine captain on playing cat and mouse in a ‘little bubble of GCHQ’

"When a torpedo starts coming straight at you, there’s only one thing a submarine crew can do – snap into “full evasion” mode. Captain Ryan Ramsey issues swift orders. His crew responds immediately, twisting the Royal Navy’s Trafalgar-class submarine to manoeuvre the boat beneath the waves in an effort to shake off the weapon bearing down fast on their position."

In this exclusive conversation between The Telegraph's Associate Editor Dom Nicholl's and Captain Ryan Ramsey (retired) and Captain Tom Sharpe (retired) listen to how top naval commanders think about their work at sea, the issues, problems and rewards.

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On today's episode of Battle Lines, we look at the UK's new Labour government and its defence policy with our defence editor Danielle Sheridan. We also pop over to the NATO summit and ask Brussels correspondent Joe Barnes how NATO can "Trump proof" the alliance? Finally we speak to Europe editor James Crisp about the shock French election result and what it means for President Macron.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host)

Danielle Sheridan (Defense Editor)

Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent)

James Crisp (Europe Editor)

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On today's episode of Battle Lines, we speak to US editor Tony Diver on the state of the presidential race after a disastrous debate for Joe Biden and the Supreme Court's presidential immunity ruling. Then, we catch up with correspondent Nicola Smith about the healthcare crisis in the West Bank, and her reflections after a month covering the Israel Hamas war. Finally, we talk to Defense Editor Danielle Sheridan about her recent trip to Kiev and hear about pole dancing in a nation at war.

Contributors

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles on X

Tony Diver (US Editor) @Tony_Diver on X

Nicola Smith (Asia Correspondent) @niccijsmith

Danielle Sheridan (Defense Editor) @SheridanDani on X

Read

Olena Zelenska interview: War has pushed me close to psychological burnout

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In this episode of Battle Lines we're going to explore the impact of WikiLeaks from a conflict and security perspective and ask the Telegraph's Gordon Rayner and journalist Colin Freeman what founder Julian Assange's intentions really were. We also hear from journalist Dorjee Wangmo about Chinese oppression in Tibet and get an update on the dire situation in Gaza from Nicola Smith.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host)

Colin Freeman

Gordon Rayner (Associate Editor)

Nicola Smith (Asia Correspondent)

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On today's bonus episode of Battle Lines, we speak to Professor Ali Ansari, author and founding director of the Institute of Iranian Studies at the University of St. Andrews. With the recent death of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, Iranian politics is set for yet another shift. With an increasingly youthful secular population suffering through a dire economic situation, some say the stranglehold of the Iranian clerics known as the ulama is waning. Could Iran be due for yet another revolution?

Contributors

David Knowes (Host) @djknowles22 on X

Professor Ali Ansari (University of St. Andrews) @aa51_ansari on X

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On today's episode, we speak to journalist and author Fareed Zakaria about why he believes America and the West are entering a new age of revolution. We then check in with Nicola Smith, our correspondent in Israel, about how domestic political turmoil and the ongoing war in Gaza is threatening Benjamin Netanyahu's government. 

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host) @rolandoliphant on x

Fareed Zakaria (CNN political correspondent, author ) @fareedzakaria on X

Nicole Smith (Asia correspondent) @niccijsmith on X

Read

Age Of Revolutions by Fareed Zakaria

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On today’s episode we check in with Telegraph correspondent Nicola Smith about the controversy surrounding Israel’s hostage rescue, the latest ceasefire talks and could a full scale conflict break out with Lebanon. Then we spoke with Europe editor James Crisp about the surprising gains by the far right in the EU elections. Finally Senior foreign correspondent Sophia Yan explains why three judges have quit the courts in Hong Kong this week.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host) @rolandoliphant on x

Nicola Smith (Asia correspondent) @niccijsmith on X

James Crisp (Europe editor) @jamescrisp6 on X

Sophia Yan (Senior foreign correspondent) @sophia_yan on X

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On today's episode of Battle Lines, we mark and reflect on this anniversary, and ask what it means for Western countries in 2024 as another full scale war ravages Europe. 2024 as another full scale war ravages Europe. We hear from The Telegraph's US editor, Tony Diver, who's been following Joe Biden's visit to Normandy. We also speak to our defence editor, Danielle Sheridan, who's been talking to veterans on the ground in France. In the studio in London, we catch up with Roland Oliphant, who's been exploring some of the journalism from D Day, and we talk about what it means about the coverage of war then and now. Finally, we speak to Asia correspondent Nicola Smith. who's starting a new reporting stint in Israel. 

Contributors

David Knowles (Host)

Tony Diver (US Editor)

Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor)

Ken Hay (Veteran)

Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent)

Nicola Smith (Asia correspondent)

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On today's episode, we chat with Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan, who tells us how Labour and the Conservatives differ in their views on defence spending. Then we speak to Paul Nuki, editor of Global Health and Security, who gives us the latest on the dire situation in Rafah as Israeli airstrikes kill dozens. Finally, we speak to Ben Farmer, our South Africa correspondent, about the elections there this week.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host) @venetiarainey on X

Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor) @sheridandani on X

Paul Nuki (Global Health and Security Editor) @paulnuki on X

Ben Farmer (South Africa crrespondent) @benfarmerDT on x

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines we speak to Tony Diver about his conversation with families of the Israeli hostages who are desperate for a ceasefire deal. Then we speak to Akhtar Makoii who reports on the Taliban soldiers longing for a battle.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host)

Tony Diver (US editor)

Akhtar Makoii

Read

‘Sitting in an office is boring’: Taliban soldiers long for war by Akhtar Makoii

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On today's episode of Battle Lines we speak to The Telegraph's Paris correspondent Henry Samuel about the unlikely link between Azerbaijan and pro independence riots in France's Pacific island of New Caledonia. Then, Africa correspondent Ben Farmer describes the dire humanitarian situation in the besieged Sudanese city of El Fashir. Finally, we speak to Energy Editor Jonathan Leake about how the discovery of oil near Antarctica could spark a rush for resources at the South Pole.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent) @RolandOliphant on X

Henry Samuel (Paris Correspondent) @H_E_Samuel on X

Ben Farmar (Africa Correspondent) @benfarmerdt on X

Jonathan Leake (Energy Editor) @jonathan__leake on x

Read

Russia finds vast oil and gas reserves in British Antarctic territory by Jonathan Leake

Macron flying to New Caledonia in bid to end violent insurrection by Henry Samuel

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In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to Europe editor James Crisp about the attempted assassination of Slovakian PM Robert Fico. Then we speak to Gia Japaridze, a former Georgian diplomat who was beaten up in what he believes was punishment for his opposition to a controversial foreign agent's law. And finally, we speak to Robin Forestier Walker, a British filmmaker who lives in Tbilisi, about how protesters have reacted to the law.  

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Senior foreign correspondent) @rolandoliphant on X

James Crisp (Europe Editor) @JamesCrisp6 on X

Gia Japaridze @giajapar on X

Robin Forestier Walker @robinfwalker on X

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, we speak to senior foreign correspondent Roland Oliphant, who recently saw the film Civil War, directed by Andrew Garland. Roland, as a war reporter, had some thoughts on the film and he shares them with us.

Contributors

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

Roland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @rolandoliphant on X

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On today's episode, we speak to our Middle East correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva in Jerusalem on Israel's impending assault on Rafa and Biden's threats to halt weapons supplies to Israel. Then, we hear from Jumana Shahin, a Gaza resident who's fled to Egypt to protect herself and her young daughter. Then, we speak to our economics reporter Melissa Lawford on the dire state of Iran's economy. And finally, I talk to senior foreign correspondent Roland Oliphant, who recently saw the film Civil War, directed by Andrew Garland. Roland, as a war reporter, had some thoughts on the film and he shares them with us.

Contributors

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Jumana Shahin @jumana.shahin on Instagram

Melissa Lawford (Economics Reporter) @Melissalawford on X

Roland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @rolandoliphant on X

Read

‘Iran is broke’: How clerics crippled the Islamic Republic by Melissa Lawford

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we join The Telegraph's Asia correspondent, Nicola Smith, for a special dispatch on board a Filipino ship patrolling the simmering conflict in the South China Sea. Then we speak to economics reporter Melissa Lawford about China's gold buying binge and why it means tensions in East Asia could be on the cusp of heating up even further.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Nicola Smith (Asia correspondent) @niccijsmith on X

Melissa Lawford (Economics Reporter) @Melissalawford on X

Read Nicola's report here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/30/onboard-filipino-ship-attacked-by-china/

Melissa's report is here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/04/30/china-launches-gold-buying-spree-amid-fears-o/

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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On this bonus episode of Battle Lines we speak to Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon about the state of the army in 2024. What should an army look like in the 21st century? What equipment is needed? How much should countries be spending?

Contributors

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

Hamish Stephen de Bretton-Gordon OBE  @HamishDBG on X

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to The Telegraph's Middle East correspondent, Natalia Vasilyeva, about why the invasion of Rafah is back on the agenda, and what we know about Israel's attack on Iran one week on. Then we catch up with Russia and Caucasus correspondent James Kilner to hear about the mass protests in Georgia and how a shadowy billionaire figure with links to the Kremlin is driving the unrest.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

James Kilner (Russia and Caucasus correspondent) @jkjourno on X

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to the Telegraph’s Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about how Israel will retaliate against Iran for their recent missile strikes. Then we speak to Holly Dagres, senior fellow with the Atlantic Council's Middle East Program and writer of the substack The Iranist, about how Iran and Israel's relationship has developed from a shadow war to the brink of a full-scale conflict.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @rolandoliphant on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Holly Dagres (The Iranist) @hdagres on X

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to the Telegraph’s Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about Iran's weekend strike on Israel. We ask; did Iran achieve its objectives? How will Israel respond? And does this mean full-scale war in the Middle East is inevitable?

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to the Telegraph’s Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about Iran's potential plans to strike on Israel, then our Asia Correspondent Nicola Smith explains why the rebels are winning the war in Myanmar. Finally, Europe Editor James Crisp reflects on his interview with NATO's Deputy Secretary General.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Nicola Smith (Assia Correspondent) @niccijsmith on X

James Crisp (Europe Editor) @JamesCrisp6 on X

Read

US needs Europe to stand up to Russia and China threat, says Nato deputy by James Crisp

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

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On this bonus episode of Battle Lines we talk to Peter Schwartzstein, author of the upcoming book The Heat and the Fury. From ISIS training grounds in Iraq to the pirate-ridden waters of Bangladesh Peter discovers the unexpected ways in which climate change is feeding global unrest and conflict. 

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host)

Peter Schwartzstein (Author, The Heat and the Fury)

Pre-order The Heat and the Fury HERE

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In this episode of Battle Lines, we reflect on the upcoming 6 month anniversary of the October 7th attacks in Israel that sparked an invasion of Gaza. We speak to the Telegraph’s Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan as they reflect on the past 6 months and what the future holds for Israel, Hamas, and a Palestinian state.

Contributors

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent) @sophia_yan on X

Read

‘I tried to scrub the smell of death off my body...’: A war reporter’s Israel-Hamas diary by Nataliya Vasilyeva

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to the Telegraph’s Chief Political Correspondent Camilla Turner and US Editor Tony Diver on an alleged Chinese hacking plot against the UK and the US. Then we speak to Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan on her visit to Latvia to understand how the Baltic nations are mobilising to counter any future attack by the Russian Federation. Finally, we speak to Senior Foreign Correspondent Roland Oliphant on the rising tensions after decades of conflict, between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Contributors

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X

Camilla Turner (Chief Political Correspondent) @camillahmturner on X

Tony Diver (US Editor)@Tony_Diver on X

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent) @sophia_yan on X

Roland Oliphant (Roland Oliphant) @RolandOliphant on X

Read

The Latvian sandwich makers training to push Putin’s army into ‘kill zones’ by Sophia Yan

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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On today's bonus episode of Battle Lines James Rothwell speaks to Professor James Davis, a former advisor to Angela Merkel's government and the head of a new research group, the European Nucleus Study Group. which has been launched to advise experts and European leaders on the current nuclear crisis between Russia and NATO. They discuss what the west reaction would be to a nuclear attack by Russia and what precedent that would set for countries like India, Pakistan and North Korea.

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent) @jamesErothwell on X

Professor James Davis (Founder, European Nuclear Group) @profjdavis on X

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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On this episode of Battle lines we talk to our Middle Eastern correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about the second raid on Gaza’s Al Shifa hospital. We’re also joined by our Global Health reporter Lilia Sebouai to discuss this week’s stark famine warning and what can be done to prevent thousands of Palestinians from dying of hunger. Then we hear from our Asia correspondent Nicola Smith about one of her most intrepid reporting trips yet - to the steppes of Mongolia. She also talks about a new national security law in Hong Kong - and why it means troubles for newspaper lovers and priests alike.

Contributors:

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Lilia Sebouai (Global Health Reporter) @liliasebouai on X

Nicola Smith (Nicola Smith) @niccijsmith on X

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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On this episode of Battle lines we talk to South America correspondent Mat Charles about meeting child gang members at the forefront of an explosion of violence in Ecuador. Then we hear from our Africa correspondent Ben Farmer about why the nearly year-long war in Sudan might be entering a new phase. Finally, Brussels correspondent Joe Barnes takes us into a recreation of the Hamas tunnels where Israelis were kept and we hear from a hostage about what it was like. 

Contributors:

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Mat Charles (South American correspondent) @mat_charles_ on X

Ben Farmer (Africa correspondent) @benfarmerDT on X

Joe Barnes (Brussels correspondent0 @Barnes_Joe on X

Watch:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/03/02/ecuador-noboa-gangs-drugs-police-crackdown-prisons/ by Matthew Charles

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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On this episode of Battle lines we talk to our US editor Tony Diver about Super Tuesday and why it could mean unrest in America and abroad. Then we hear from Nataliya Vasilyeva, our Middle Correspondent, who has been revisiting the south of Israel to reflect on what has changed since those dark days following the October 7 attack by Hamas. Finally, South America correspondent Simeon Tegel gives us the lowdown on what’s happening in Haiti and why the man at the centre of the violence is known as Barbecue.

Contributors:

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Tony Diver (US Editor) @Tony_Diver on X

Simeon Tegel (South America Correspondent) @SimeonTegel

Read:

Haiti’s ‘Barbecue’ gang leader warns of genocide unless prime minister Ariel Henry steps down by Simeon Tegel

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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On this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East correspondent in Jerusalem Nataliya Vasilyeva talks to Venetia Rainey about ongoing ceasefire talks and whether a deal is really as close as Joe Biden claimed. Then we hear from Jumana Shahin, a mother of one who is stuck in central Gaza and facing the hardest decision of her life: should she try to escape with her family or stay behind to help her people?

Contributors:

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Jumana Shahin https://www.instagram.com/jumana.shahin/

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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In this Bonus episode of Battle Lines, The Telegraph's David Knowles speaks to Professor Sergrey Radchenko to discuss his upcoming book 'To Run The World: The Kremlin's Cold War Bid for Global Power'. Professor Radchenko's shares with us what he discovered about the psychology of the Kremlin's decision-making during the Cold War and what this can tell us about Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

Sergey Radchenko (Wilson E. Schmidt Distinguished Professor @KissingerCenter

@SAISHopkins) @DrRadchenko on X

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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In this episode of Battle Lines, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan tells us about Israel's plans for an invasion of Rafah, the humanitarian crisis in the north, and where China stands on a ceasefire. Then we speak to Deputy US Editor Rozina Sabur about the US push for a ceasefire. Finally we check in with David Knowles who is in Kyiv as the second year anniversary of the Russian invasion is upon us.

Contributors:

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.

Rozina Sabur (Deputy US Editor) @Rozinasabur on X.

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Foreign correspondent Ben Farmer updates us on Pakistan's elections and what they mean for the country's political and economic future. Then we speak to Middle East correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about talks of a US peace plan involving a Palestinian state, while Israel plans an imminent invasion of Rafah in the south.

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Ben Farmer (Foreign Correspondent) @BenFarmerDT on X.

Read

Pakistan army chief hails election success despite unrest and vote-rigging allegations by Ben Farmer

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On today's episode, Global Health Editor Paul Nuki joins me from Tel Aviv to report on the mammoth diplomatic effort to avert a full scale war between Israel and Iran. Then we talk to Associate Editor Dominic Nicholls about Ukraine's operation in Kursk, the first foreign incursion into Russia since the Second World War and how it could tip the balance of the conflict in Ukraine.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent, Host)

Paul Nuki (Global Health Security Editor)

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor Defense)

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In this bonus episode of Battle Lines, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan speaks to two friends, Adam Ben-Shabbat and Nadim Tali, who grew up in a village known as the 'Oasis of Peace'. This village, situated between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, is the only village in Israel where Palestinians and Jewish Israelis choose to live together. Adam and Nadim's friendship faced challenges after Adam decided to join the Israel Defence Force as a reservist in the wake of the October 7th attacks. Nadim meanwhile has had family members killed in Gaza. Despite the tensions, Adam and Nadim remain close friends.

Contributors:

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.

Read

Dispatch: Inside the only place in Israel where Jews and Arabs choose to live together by Sophia Yan

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In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva bring us updates from the war in Gaza as Israel rejects peace talks. Plus Berlin Correspondent James Rothwell details the drone missile developed by the Iranians setting fire to the Middle East. Finally, we go to our Economics Correspondent Melissa Lawford, who tells us about the causes of the economic slowdown in China.

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent) @JamesERothwell on X.

Melissa Lawford (Economics Correspondent) @MelissaLawford on X.

Read

How the ‘AK-47 of Tehran’ changed warfare and set fire to the Middle East by James Rothwell

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva gives us the latest from Israel with reports of a buffer zone being secretly built by Israel, Global Health Security Correspondent Sarah Newey tells us about a Thai farmer in Israel who was taken hostage by Hamas on the October 7th attacks, and David Knowles speaks to Professor Alex DeWaal about the unraveling civil war in Sudan.

Contributors:

Roland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @RolandOliphant on X

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Sarah Newey (Global Health Security Correspondent) @sneweyy on X

Professor Alex DeWaal @WorldPeaceFdtn on X

Read

Revealed: Israel's new Gaza border by Natalie Vasilyeva

Fifty days in chains: The Thai hostage who survived Hamas by Sarah Newey

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan discusses her agenda setting front page story about how a top British General believes the British Army is too small and that the government may need to ‘mobilise the nation’ in the event of conflict with Russia. Then we hear from Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan about the latest news from Israel and the region. Finally, Economics Reporter Melissa Lawford gives us her take on the impact of the attacks in the Red Sea on global trade and the economy.

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.

Melissa Lawford (Economics Correspondent). @MelissaLawford on X.

Danielle Sheridan (Defense Editor) @SheridanDani on X.

Read

Sunak forced to rule out conscription as Russia war threat rises by Danielle Sheridan

World faces second wave of disruptions from Red Sea crisis, warns shipping giant by Melissa Lawford

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In this episode of Battle Lines, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan and Middle East Correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva bring us updates from the region as Iran and Pakistan trade missile strikes and the war in Gaza continues. 

Plus Senior Foreign Correspondent Roland Oliphant looks at the Houthi rebel movement in Yemen, and explains where they come from and who their friends are.

Finally, we go to our Asia Correspondent, Nicola Smith, who analyses the continuing civil war in Myanmar as a rebel alliance pushes back the military junta's troops. 

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.

Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.

Nicola Smith (Asia Correspondent). @niccijsmith on X.

Read

Pakistan cuts ties with Iran after missile attack kills two children, by Sophia Yan

The Houthis: inside the powerful militia’s enigmatic mindset, by Roland Oliphant, Nataliya Vasilyeva and Sophia Yan

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In this bonus episode of Battle Lines, we take a look at the Taiwanese election, and what it means for the region, with Asia Correspondent Nicola Smith and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan. 

Taiwan, which the Chinese Communist Party claims as its own territory, represents one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints, with the potential to ignite a global war.

The general election is one of the most consequential of the 70+ polls being held around the world this year, determining how the island of 23.5 million people will manage its ties with China over the next four years.

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.

Nicola Smith (Asia Correspondent). @niccijsmith on X.

Read

China must ‘win the hearts’ of the Taiwanese, says Xi, by Nicola Smith

Nauru cuts ties with Taiwan as China accused of bribery, by Nicola Smith

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Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |

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In this episode of Battle Lines, Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan and Telegraph writer Tom Sharpe bring the latest news and analysis from the Red Sea, as Britain and America strike Houthi positions after months of attacks on civilian and military vessels. 

Then Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva updates us from Israel as the IDF continues to battle Hamas across Gaza, and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan describes how the Chinese state forced ethnic Kazakhs to round up Muslim families in Xinjiang who were then never seen again.

Finally, journalist and academic Mathew Charles speaks about the internal conflict in Ecuador, where government forces battle drug gangs for control of the country. 

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.

Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on X.

Tom Sharpe (former Royal Navy officer). @TomSharpe134 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.

Mathew Charles (Foreign Reporter and academic). @mat_charles_ on X.

Read

The Telegraph's Live Blog on the Red Sea

West is united against Houthi threat, says Biden as Britain and US launch air strikes in Yemen, by Danielle Sheridan

‘We did it to our own people’: How China forced Kazakhs to implement its ethnic crackdown, by Sophia Yan

How Ecuador’s 36-year-old leather jacket-wearing president took on the drug cartels – and lost, by Mathew Charles

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For months, Iranian backed Houthi rebels have been attacking merchant shipping in the Red Sea. In response, an international task force patrols the waters to protect the civilian vessels. In this episode of Battle Lines we speak to former warship commander and Telegraph writer Tom Sharpe about operation Prosperity Guardian, naval strategy and life at sea.

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.

Tom Sharpe,  former Royal Navy officer, @TomSharpe134 on X.

Read: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/t/tk-to/tom-sharpe/

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In this episode of Battle Lines, we hear from Foreign Correspondent Lizzie Porter in Jerusalem, who brings up to date on the war in Gaza. Then we look South, with The Telegraph’s Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan, at the tensions rising in the Red Sea as Houthi rebels continue to target a busy shipping lane with missiles and drones.

Finally, with our Asia Correspondent Nicola Smith, we travel to Taiwan a week ahead of presidential election in the embattled island nation that could have profound consequences for the country, the region and the world.

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.

Lizzie Porter (Foreign Reporter). @lcmporter on X.

Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on X.

Nicola Smith (Asia Correspondent). @niccijsmith on X.

Read: Navy has so few sailors it has to decommission ships, by Danielle Sheridan

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Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |

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In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva joins us from Israel to give us this week's update on the fighting, the diplomacy, and the unprecedented events in the Red Sea as Houthi rebels target international shipping. 

Then we stay with Nataliya for a special dispatch from Jerusalem, as she interviews the only licensed Santa in the city, ahead of a Christmas full of worry for the region's Christian population.

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Read: Jerusalem’s only accredited Santa Claus vows to keep entertaining children despite war, by Nataliya Vasilyeva

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In this episode of Battle Lines, we look at how Israel is preparing for a possible war with Iran and a deep dive into how Hamas fights with Middle East Correspondent Jotam Confino. We also pop over to Paris to talk to the Telegraph's Henry Samuel's and see how the French have been covering the riots and what advice they would give the UK. Plus we get an explainer of the political turmoil in Bangladesh with Sarah Newey.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host)

Jotam Confino (Middle East correspondent)

Henry Samuels (Paris correspondent)

Sarah Newey (Global Health Security correspondent)

Read

How Hamas fights by Jotam Confino

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In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva joins us from Bethlehem in the West Bank to bring us up to date with the news from the Israeli assault on the Gaza strip, and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan talks us through her analysis of Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and asks how the war has impacted his chances of political survival. 

Plus more than a month on from the start of Israeli ground operations in Gaza, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon shares his thoughts on the tactics and effectiveness of the IDF. 

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.

Hamish de Bretton Gordon, former British Army Colonel. @HamishDBG on X.

Read: Netanyahu fighting on two fronts – in Gaza and for his own survival, by Sophia Yan

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'Children think that their father is a superhero, but I cannot do anything for them': a dispatch from Gaza

In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan both join us from on the ground in Israel, and Sophia guides us through the experience of Gazan journalist Sami Abu Salem and how his life has altered forever after October 7th.

Plus we hear from Ilay David, who is calling for the world not to forget the Hamas hostages still waiting to be released, like his brother Evyatar.

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.

We were joined by Sami Abu Salem.

You can watch Ilay David talk about his brother Evyatar here: https://youtu.be/YUa3A7t3c4U

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Life in Gaza.

For weeks now, we've been covering the deteriorating situation in Gaza, as Israeli strikes and fierce fighting between the IDF and Hamas destroyed buildings, infrastructure, and lives. 

To get an idea of what life is like on the ground, we contacted our journalist and fixer, Siham Shamalakh who lives in Gaza. Sending us her thoughts via WhatsApp voice notes, Siham reflects on her personal journey of having to flee her home and considers what the future might hold for the Palestinian people.

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.

Siham Shamalakh reporting from Gaza.

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As the ceasefire ends, we reflect on the hostage releases - and those left behind.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva and Senior Reporter Henry Bodkin join us from on the ground in Israel, where they reflect on a week of hostage releases, and consider what the West Bank settlement of the Israeli finance minister can tell us about Gaza's future.

Plus we hear from Orit Meir, whose son Almog is a hostage of Hamas, as she makes a heartfelt plea to get him back. 

Contributors:

David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Henry Bodkin (Senior Reporter). @HenryBodkin on X.

We were joined by Orit and Aviram Meir. You can watch their interview here: https://youtu.be/rcPehC4sd2s

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