Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on August 3, 2023. None of the references from that time have been changed.

In a Texas maximum security prison, Dennis Wayne Hope has served 27 years in solitary confinement – more than half his life. On any given night in the US, more than 120,000 prisoners are isolated just like him. United Nations experts have strongly urged a global ban on solitary confinement that lasts more than 15 days, denouncing it as a form of psychological torture. Today, the story of how Dennis set out to change that and what it says about prison in the United States.

In this episode: 

• Rhana Natour (@RNatourious), correspondent for Al Jazeera's Fault Lines

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Khaled Soltan, Miranda Lin, and our host, Kevin Hirten, in for Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Israel’s ongoing military operation in the occupied West Bank is the largest of its kind since 2002. It marks a significant escalation from the increased military assaults and settler violence that have already been seen since October 7. Why is this happening now?

In this episode:

• Diana Buttu (@dianabuttu), Human Rights Lawyer & Analyst

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sarí el-Khalili, and Sonia Bhagat, with Shraddha Joshi, Duha Mosaad, Hagir Saleh, and our host Natasha del Toro, in for Malika Bilal.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Munera Al Dosari and Adam Abou-Gad are our engagement producers.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The US is pushing a ‘decisive moment’ for ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up his latest Middle East trip. As US demands for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza are loud and clear outside the Democratic National Convention. But as the blame game continues over the war dragging closer to its eleventh month, and with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed, will the US exert enough influence on Israel to secure a lasting ceasefire?

In this episode:

• Ali Harb (@Harbpeace), Senior Producer at Al Jazeera

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, with Duha Mosaad, Manahil Naveed, Shraddha Joshi, and our host Kevin Hirten, in for Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Munera Al Dosari and Adam Abou-Gad are our engagement producers.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The European Hospital is one of the few medical facilities still functioning in Gaza, but now the staff has shrunk significantly with the departure of international doctors. We spoke to two American doctors about the atrocities they witnessed and the colleagues they had to leave behind. 

In this episode: 

• Dr. Adam Hamawy, Former US Army Combat Trauma Surgeon 
• Dr. Mohamad Abdelfattah, Palestinian-American ICU Doctor

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tabish Talib and Sarí el-Khalili, with Ashish Malhotra, Tamara Khandaker, Manahil Naveed and our host Malika Bilal.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

It’s the Donald Trump trial made for the tabloids. Accused of an affair with an adult film star and a payment allegedly made to cover it up ahead of the 2016 US election. Eight years later, Trump is seeking the presidency again. What’s the impact of the scandal this time?

In this episode: 

• Kristen Saloomey (@KSaloomey), Al Jazeera Correspondent 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sarí el-Khalili, and Zaina Badr, with Manahil Naveed, Marcos Bartolomé and our host Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has been killed in a helicopter crash, along with the foreign minister and six others. Now, the government will have to carry out elections during a turbulent moment for Iran and the region. How will Raisi’s death play out?

In this episode: 

• Resul Serdar Atas (@ResulSerdarAtas), Senior International Correspondent, Al Jazeera English
• Maziar Motamedi (@MotamediMaziar), Al Jazeera Journalist

For more:

The Take: What will happen to Julian Assange if he is extradited?

The Take: Are Israeli officials under threat of ICC prosecution?

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by David Enders, Zaina Badr, Manahil Naveed, and Chloe K. Li, with Catherine Nouhan and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. 

Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The Darien Gap is a dangerous stretch of jungle on a strip of land that connects North and South America. In recent years, stricter Central American border policies have driven hundreds of thousands of people to make this treacherous trek. The number of children among them has skyrocketed. We follow one family as they navigate the crossing.

In this episode: 

• John Holman (@johnholman100), Al Jazeera English Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker and Fahrinisa Campana, with Manahil Navid and Tabish Talal, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.

The Take production team is Amy Walters, Ashish Malhotra, Catherine Nouhan, Chloe K. Li, David Enders, Duha Mosaad, Khaled Soltan, Manahil Naveed, Marcos Bartolomé, Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, Tabish Talib, Tamara Khandaker, and Zaina Badr. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. 

Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

We are coming to you on Sundays with weekly roundups as Israel's war on Gaza continues. A helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister is missing. Intense fighting and Israeli strikes continued in north Gaza.The White House has approved more weapons for Israel. The US military opened a pier off Gaza's coast to deliver aid and the International Court of Justice was asked to stop Israel's offensive in Rafah. Israeli politicians increased pressure It is day 226 of the war. More than 35,386 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed.

In this episode:

• Resul Serdar, (@ResulSerdarAtas), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Kimberly Halkett, (@KimberlyHalkett), Al Jazeera White House Correspondent
• James Bays, (@baysontheroad), Al Jazeera Diplomatic Editor
• Mohammed Jamjoom, (@MIJamjoom), Al Jazeera Senior Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on July 17, 2020. None of the dates or references from that time have been changed. 

A three-year undercover investigation into the world's most powerful gun lobby ended last year with an explosive report by Al Jazeera's investigative unit that revealed a link between the National Rifle Association and Australia's far right. Journalists from the unit walk us through how they got the story.

In this episode: 

• Peter Charley (@petecharley), Manager of Al Jazeera's Investigative Unit
• Jeremy Young (@YoungRJeremy), Al Jazeera Senior Producer 

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Amy Walters. The original production team was Amy Walters, with Dina Kesbeh. Priyanka Tilve. Ney Alvarez. Alexandra Locke, and Morgan Waters. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

From the resurrection of dead leaders, to cloned voices of politicians and Bollywood stars, political campaigns are shaking up India’s general election by heavily investing in AI technology. Could it be a blueprint for elections everywhere? 

In this episode: 

• Nilesh Christopher, (@nilchristopher), Technology Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Chloe K. Li and Sonia Bhagat with our host Malika Bilal. Catherine Nouhan and Manahil Naveed fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Now trending: the ‘digital guillotine.’ It’s a campaign known as Blockout 2024 to block celebrities on social media. Launched after the Met Gala in New York, it’s meant to hurt celebrities’ ad revenue. Will it have an impact?

In this episode: 

• Ahmed Shihab-Eldin (@ASE), Journalist 
• Dr. Marcus Collins (@marctothec), Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Michigan

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Khaled Soltan with our host Malika Bilal. Catherine Nouhan and Manahil Naveed fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sittah treated patients at hospitals all throughout Gaza shortly after October 7. Last month, he was blocked from entering much of Europe to share what he saw. He has now won a legal battle challenging that travel ban. On the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, he explains his fight to share what he saw in Gaza. 

In this episode: 

• Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sittah (@GhassanAbuSitt1), Reconstructive Surgeon 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li and Sonia Bhagat with our host Malika Bilal. Tabish Talib and Catherine Nouhan fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Protesters are calling it the ‘Russian law’ – a bill in Georgia’s parliament that, if passed, would label any organization with over 20 percent foreign funding as a foreign agent. The bill has sparked widespread protests. Supporters say it protects Georgian sovereignty. How will it impact whether this small former Soviet republic leans toward Russia or toward the EU?

In this episode: 

• Yulia Shapovalova (@Yulisha), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Sarí el-Khalili with our host Kevin Hirten, in for Malika Bilal. Tabish Talib and Manahil Naveed fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Abortion could be punished more harshly than rape in Brazil if a proposed bill passes. The bill sparked protests and brought attention to feminists’ ongoing fight to loosen Brazil’s existing abortion legislation, which has remained unchanged for almost a century.

In this episode:

• Luna Borges (@lunaborgess), Researcher and Lawyer

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Veronique Eshaya, with Mohammed Zain Shafi Khan and our host, Kevin Hirten, in for Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Munera Al Dosari and Adam Abou-Gad are our engagement producers.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Tens of thousands of US citizens are among the 700,000 Jewish residents of illegal settlements in the Occupied West Bank. With settler violence against Palestinian residents surging since October 7, prompting sanctions and condemnation from more than a dozen countries, we look at the role of dual nationals. 

In this episode: 

• Hind Hassan (@HindHassanNews), International Correspondent

For more:

Watch the People & Power film, "Israel’s Foreign Army"

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana and Tamara Khandaker with our host Malika Bilal. Khaled Soltan fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

We are coming to you on Sundays with weekly roundups as Israel's war on Gaza continues. Palestinians in north and south Gaza were fleeing increased Israeli bombardment. The US stopped delivery of some munitions to Israel. Another mass grave has been uncovered. It is day 219 of the war. More than 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed.

In this episode:

• Akram Al Satarri, Journalist in Gaza
• Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Tareq Abu Azzoum, (@TareqAzzom), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Patty Culhane, (@PattyCulhane), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story that’s in the news again. This originally aired on May 11, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. 

In November 2022, six months after Shireen Abu Akleh was killed, the FBI launched an investigation, but until now, it’s unclear where the probe stands. So what happened to that investigation, and will there ever be justice for Shireen Abu Akleh’s killing?

In this episode: 

• Ali Harb, (@harbpeace) Al Jazeera Journalist
• Rania Zabaneh (@RZabaneh), Al Jazeera Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Amy Walters, Ashish Malhotra, Chloe K. Li, Negin Owliaei, Miranda Lin, Sonia Bhagat, Khaled Soltan and our host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Usually all quirky music and fun, Eurovision this year has been marked by protests over Israel’s participation during its ongoing war on Gaza. Will it overshadow an event meant to unite?

In this episode: 

• Nils Adler (@nilsadler1), Al Jazeera Journalist 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra and Chloe K. Li with our host Malika Bilal. Catherine Nouhan fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Israeli forces have seized control of Gaza’s Rafah border crossing, cutting off a vital route for humanitarian aid and potential sanctuary for civilians from a building offensive. What's next for the people stranded there?

In this episode: 

• Sara Khairat (@sarakhairat), Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Khaled Soltan with our host Malika Bilal. Catherine Nouhan and Fahrinisa Campana fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Student protests are resonating with Palestinians, who face the destruction of nearly all universities in Gaza. Palestinian university presidents signed an open letter saying the protests serve as a “beacon of hope.” We look at what has been lost and what remains.

In this episode: 

• Jehad Abusalim (@JehadAbusalim), Executive Director, The Jerusalem Fund
• Heigo Parsa, University of Toronto Student 
• Jasmine Al-Rawi, (@studentsforpalestinesydneyuni), University of Sydney Student
• Sesek Duran, National Autonomous University of Mexico Student 
• Sundos Hammad, Right to Education Coordinator, Birzeit University 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li and Ashish Malhotra with our host Malika Bilal. Catherine Nouhan fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As Hamas announced agreeing to a ceasefire proposal, questions remain about Israel’s next steps in the war on Gaza. Israel has ordered thousands of Palestinians to flee Rafah sheltering more than one million displaced people, sparking fears of a full-blown Israeli military assault on the southern Gaza city. 

In this episode: 

• Willem Marx (@WillemMarx), Journalist 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Sarí el-Khalili with our host Kevin Hirten, in for Malika Bilal. Catherine Nouhan and Fahrinisa Campana fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As aid barely trickles into Gaza, a group of activists are trying to take matters into their own hands. The Freedom Flotilla movement planned to set sail to Gaza, bringing more than 5000 tons of aid and taking on great personal risk. The Take looks into their years-long struggle to break Israel’s siege on Gaza.

In this episode: 

• Huwaida Arraf (@huwaidaarraf), Human Rights Attorney

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Negin Owliaei with Tabish Talib and our host Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

We are coming to you on Sundays with weekly roundups as Israel's war on Gaza continues. Gaza is now experiencing full blown famine. Ceasefire talks were continuing. Protests at US universities continued as graduation ceremonies began. Gaza's largest university is completely destroyed. It is day 212 of the war. More than 34,600 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed.

In this episode:

• Hind Al Khoudary (@Hind_Gaza), Journalist in Gaza
• Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• John Hendren, (@johnhendren), journalist for Al Jazeera

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on January 21st, 2024. None of the dates or references from that time have been changed. 

More than one hundred journalists have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate says 96 were targeted by Israel. Inside Gaza, journalists feel abandoned by the world they are informing. What’s happening to Gaza’s journalists and why?

In this episode: 

• Anan Quzmar (@QuzmarAnan), Volunteer at Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate
• Ismael al Dahdouh, Journalist
• Akram al-Satarri, Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Amy Walters. The original production team was Amy Walters with our host Malika Bilal. Miranda Lin fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Massive anti-war protests, an assassination attempt, an incumbent US president standing down for re-election – all ahead of a Democratic National Convention set in Chicago. The headlines from the past few months have struck more than a few chords with those who remember the chaos and violence of the Democrats’ 1968 convention. As this year’s DNC begins, what can we learn from one of the most tumultuous political conventions the US has ever seen?

In this episode:

• Garrison Hayes (@garrison_hayes), Journalist
• Howie Emmer, Activist during 1968 DNC
• Gerard ibn Earl Bilal, Multimedia producer 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Chloe K Li and Ashish Malhotra with Manahil Naveed, Veronique Eshaya, Shraddha Joshi, and our host Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.

The Take production team is Amy Walters, Ashish Malhotra, Catherine Nouhan, Chloe K. Li, Duha Mosaad, Hagir Saleh, Khaled Soltan, Manahil Naveed, Marcos Bartolomé, Sarí el-Khalili, Shraddha Joshi, Sonia Bhagat, Tamara Khandaker, and Veronique Eshaya. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

More than 1,000 people have been arrested in crackdowns on university protests across the United States. Facing police brutality, arrests, and attacks from counter-protesters, what will student protesters do next? 

In this episode: 

• Dalia Darazim (@columbiasjp), Student at Columbia University, Organizing Member of Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine
• Sivan Gordon-Buxbaum (@sivangb), Student at Cornell University, Member of Cornell Jewish Voice for Peace
• Kianna Znika (@lizzerdkweenz), Student at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt and KRFH Station Manager
• Arman Deendar (@browndivestcoalition), Student at Brown University, Member of Brown Divest Coalition
• Pauline Strong (@pstrong58), Professor of Anthropology, The University of Texas at Austin

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Chloe K. Li and Sonia Bhagat with our host Malika Bilal. Sarí el-Khalili fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Israeli officials fear potential ICC prosecution over Gaza actions. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned top officials of possible arrest warrants, although the ICC has not confirmed issuing any. What would ICC arrest warrants mean for Israel's war on Gaza – and for international law?

In this episode: 

• Mark Kersten (@MarkKersten), Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, University of the Fraser Valley
• Hamdah Salhut (@hamdahsalhut), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Khaled Soltan, and Sonia Bhagat with our host Malika Bilal. Fahrinisa Campana and Catherine Nouhan fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Joe Plourde mixed this episode. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Pro-Palestine encampments and protests at universities continue to spread across the US. Students at Columbia University have been threatened with expulsion and arrest. The Take spoke with Mariam Said, an alumna of Columbia, for her advice to student activists. 

In this episode:

• Mariam Said, Vice-President of the Barenboim-Said Foundation

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by David Enders, Sonia Bhagat and Ashish Malhotra with our host Malika Bilal. Catherine Nouhan fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Palestinians have dug up more than 400 bodies from mass graves at two Gaza hospitals. Some have shown signs of torture and possible executions. The International Court of Justice had already issued a preliminary order against Israel after finding that its actions in Gaza might amount to genocide. So how will the world respond to this?

In this episode: 

• Akram al-Satarri (@AlSatarri) Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li with our host Kevin Hirten, in for Malika Bilal. Catherine Nouhan fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Rebels fighting Myanmar’s government are making significant gains. Could they topple the coup leaders who took power just over three years ago?

In this episode:

• Tony Cheng, (@TLCBkk) Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by David Enders, Khaled Soltan, and Sonia Bhagat with Kevin Hirten in for Malika Bilal. Zaina Badr, Sonia Baghat, and Manahil Naveed fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

We are coming to you on Sundays with weekly roundups as Israel's war on Gaza continues. The number of bodies found in a series of mass graves rose to nearly 400. Israelis continued to protest for the release of captives held in Gaza. Protests continued to grow on college campuses across the US. It is day 205 of the war. More than 34,300 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed.

In this episode:

• Akram Al Satarri, Freelance journalist
• Hamdah Salhut, (@hamdahsalhut), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Zeina Khodr, (@ZeinaKhodrAljaz), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Phillip Lavelle, (@phillavelle), journalist for Al Jazeera
• Shihab Rattansi, (@shihab_rattansi) Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. 

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on September 13, 2021. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. 

Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison was once a front-page headline in the “war on terror.” Today, public knowledge of the torture that made it infamous is starting to fade – but one US lawsuit for its victims is still going on. It centers on private contractors: companies that became an integral part of the US military efforts post-9/11 attacks, which changed the way war is fought – and accountability is sought.

In this episode: 

• Rafael Shimunov (@rafaelshimunov), human rights activist
• Katherine Gallagher (@katherga1), senior staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights
• Majid, Abu Ghraib plaintiffs’ legal team member in Iraq

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Negin Owliaei. The original production team was Alexandra Locke, Negin Owliaei, Priyanka Tilve, Amy Walters, Dina Kesbeh, Ney Alvarez, Ruby Zaman, Tom Fenton, Stacey Samuel, and Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The US Supreme Court is hearing opening arguments on whether or not Donald Trump has presidential immunity in two of his current criminal cases. But what does that mean for future presidents and this year’s US elections?

In this episode: 

• Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, (@ProfCiara), Professor at Stetson University College of Law

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li and Fahrinisa Campana with Kevin Hirten, in for our host Malika Bilal. Zaina Badr fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

University encampments have spread across the US since New York police first came onto Columbia University’s campus last week. In the second of a two-part series, The Take takes a look inside the Columbia encampment and the impact it’s having on campus.

In this episode: 

• Fadi Shuman, Columbia University Student
• Talia Jane, @taliaotg, Freelance Journalist
• Jonathan Ben-Menachem, @jbenmenachem, Columbia University Student

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Fahrinisa Campana, Tabish Talib, Negin Owliaei, and Khaled Soltan with our host Malika Bilal. Chloe K. Li fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Tensions have been mounting at Columbia University for months, even before the school called police to clear a Gaza solidarity encampment. Pro-Palestine students say the administration hasn’t prioritized their safety. In the first of a two-part series, The Take goes behind the protests at Columbia.

In this episode: 

• Asiya Ahmed (@_asiyahmed), Senior Producer, AJ+
• Mohsen Mahdawi, Co-President, Columbia Palestinian Students Union
• Chris Mendell, Staff Writer, The Columbia Spectator

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra with our host Malika Bilal. David Enders, Zaina Badr, and Manahil Naveed fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

We are coming to you on Sundays with weekly roundups as Israel's war on Gaza continues. Israel ordered further mass evacuations across Gaza. Peace negotiations continued. Ceasefire negotiations continued. Israel will get more weapons from the US. It is day 317 of the war. More than 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed.

In this episode:

• Akram Al Satarri, journalist in Khan Younis
• Hamdah Salhut, (@HamdahSalhut) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Kimberly Halkett, (@KimberlyHalkett), Al Jazeera White House Correspondent
• Nida Ibrahim, (@nida_journo), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Certain Israeli military units could be sanctioned by the US State Department for the first time over allegations of serious human rights abuses. Those allegations made their way to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in December, according to a report from US news outlet ProPublica, but hadn’t been acted on until now. 

In this episode: 

• Brett Murphy (@BrettMMurphy), ProPublica Reporter

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sonia Bhagat and Chloe K. Li with our host Malika Bilal. Chloe K. Li fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Lubna Al Rayyes dreamed about having a child. When she found out that meant having a Caesarean section in Gaza, her dream became a nightmare. Israel’s war on Gaza meant maternity wards were shut down. She had two choices: deliver on her own, or find a way out.

In this episode: 

• Gabrielle Berbey (@gabrielleberbey), Reporter and Producer, Reveal
• Salman Ahad Khan (@salmanahadk), Reporter and Producer, Reveal

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sonia Bhagat and Chloe K. Li with our host Natasha Del Toro, in for Malika Bilal. Zaina Badr, Catherine Nouhan, and Manahil Naveed fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

We are coming to you on Sundays with weekly roundups as Israel's war on Gaza continues. The US voted against granting Palestinians full UN membership. Israel attacked Iran. The US Congress approved more military aid to Israel. 

It is day 198 of the war. More than 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed.

In this episode:

• Gabriel Elizondo, (@elizondogabriel), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Akram Al Satarri, Freelance journalist
• Dorsa Jabbari, (@DorsaJabbari), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Shihab Rattansi, (@shihab_rattansi) Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. 

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on February 3rd, 2020. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. 

At the beginning of 2020, under the presidency of Donald Trump, the US and Iran stepped back from the edge of war. But Trump did bring more than a thousand sanctions, and for Iranians, that has meant normal life often feels like war.

In this episode: 

• Dorsa Jabbari (@DorsaJabbari), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Lili Ghazian, Founder and Owner at Aroosi

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Amy Walters. The original production team was Alexandra Locke, Dina Kesbeh, Amy Walters, Ney Alvarez, Priyanka Tilve, and host, Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The world’s largest election begins Friday in India, with close to one billion registered voters. Narendra Modi, the incumbent, remains extremely popular, but his Hindu nationalist agenda has come at the expense of minority rights. So, what would a third term of Modi mean for India?

In this episode: 

• Sidharth Bhatia (@bombaywallah), Founding Editor, The Wire

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra and Fahrinisa Campana with Kevin Hirten, in for Malika Bilal. Manahil Naveed and Catherine Nouhan fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

As the world awaits Israel’s reaction to Iran’s attacks, we look at two of its neighbors: Lebanon and Jordan, and their very different responses to what's already happened. What can they tell us about what’s to come?

In this episode: 

• Nabih Bulos (@nabihbulos), Middle East Bureau Chief, Los Angeles Times 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by David Enders and Sonia Bhagat with our host Malika Bilal. Catherine Nouhan fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

While Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank watched Iranian missiles flying overhead en route to Israeli targets, they also had to contend with another fire on the ground. Armed Israeli settlers stormed Palestinian villages on Saturday night. The attacks are part of a wider escalation of violence Palestinians in the West Bank have faced since October 7.

In this episode: 

• Nida’ Ibrahim (@nida_journo), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Hamdah Salhut (@hamdahsalhut), Al Jazeera Correspondent

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Fahrinisa Campana with our host Malika Bilal. Zaina Badr, Catherine Nouhan, and Manahil Naveed fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

April 15 marks one year since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and its paramilitary rival the Rapid Support Forces. The war has caused the largest displacement crisis in the world and a looming famine. We hear from previous guests to find out what the past year has been like, and what they still hold on to.

In this episode: 

• Hamid Khalahfallah (@HamidMurtada), Policy Analyst
• Nisrin Elamin (@minlayla77), Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of Toronto
• Mat Nashed (@MatNashed), Journalist
• Kholood Khair (@KholoodKhair), Founding Director, Confluence Advisory

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Miranda Lin with our host Natasha Del Toro, in for Malika Bilal. Miranda Lin, Catherine Nouhan, and Manahil Naveed fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Iran launched a direct attack on Israel on Saturday for the first time, firing more than 300 drones and missiles. Most were intercepted by Israel and its allies. What exactly happened, and how might Israel respond?

In this episode: 

• Dorsa Jabbari (@DorsaJabbari), Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Hamdah Salhut (@HamdahSalhut), Al Jazeera Correspondent 
• Alex Gatopoulos (@AlexGatopoulos), Al Jazeera Defense Editor 
• Ali Harb (@HarbPeace), Al Jazeera Journalist
• Maziar Motamedi (@MotamediMaziar), Al Jazeera Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Negin Owliaei, Amy Walters and David Enders with Natasha Del Toro in for Malika Bilal. Amy Walters fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

We are coming to you on Sundays with weekly roundups as Israel's war on Gaza continues. Iran directly attacked targets in Israel. Gaza's second largest city is destroyed.

It's day 191 of the war. More than 33,600 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed.

In this episode:

• Imran Khan (@ajimran), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Dorsa Jabbari, (@DorsaJabbari), Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Heidi Zhou-Castro, (@HeidiZhouCastro) Al Jazeera Correspondent
• Akram Al Satarri, Freelance journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. 

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on May 1st, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed.

Pro-Palestine encampments and protests at universities continue to spread across the US. Students at Columbia University have been threatened with expulsion and arrest. The Take spoke with Mariam Said, an alumna of Columbia, for her advice to student activists. 

In this episode: 

• Mariam Said, Vice-President of the Barenboim-Said Foundation

Episode credits: 

This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was David Enders, Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra, Catherine Nouhan, and our host Malika Bilal. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on December 7, 2020. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. 

Many Iranians had no idea who Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was when he was assassinated at the end of November 2020. But intelligence services in Israel and the United States had been tracking Iran’s top nuclear scientist for years.

So what happened that day, and what will it mean for Iran? We are exploring Fakhrizadeh’s story and the future of US-Iran relations.

In this episode: 

• Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera journalist in Tehran, Iran.

Episode credits:

This episode was updated by Amy Walters. The original production team was Amy Walters with our host, Malika Bilal

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Since the armed group Boko Haram kidnapped nearly 300 students in 2014 at an all-girls school in the town of Chibok, abductions have become a recurrent fixture in Nigeria, especially in the northern regions. Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and has one of the strongest military forces on the continent, so why does the government still grapple with mass kidnappings?

In this episode: 

• Bukky Shonibare (@BukkyShonibare), Co-Founder of Bring Back Our Girls Movement

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Khaled Soltan with our host Natasha Del Toro, in for Malika Bilal. Sonia Bhagat, Catherine Nouhan, and Manahil Naveed fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Interest in tax resistance is spiking in the US, ahead of the April 15 deadline when most Americans’ tax bills will come due. How many of them know where those tax dollars go, and how much of those taxes fund wars around the world? 

In this episode: 

• Lindsay Koshgarian (@lindsaykosh), Program Director of the National Priorities Project at the Institute for Policy Studies

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by David Enders and Fahrinisa Campana with our host Natasha Del Toro, in for Malika Bilal. Zaina Badr and Sonia Bhagat fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube