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All episodes by Jonathan Pearlman

Aug 27, 2024 •

Are Hezbollah and Israel gearing up for all out war?

It was the biggest escalation between Hezbollah and Israel since October 7. On Sunday, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel. Israel said it hit more than 40 targets in Lebanon and isn’t done yet. The attacks come as talks of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel continue with no sign of an outcome.

Today, world editor of The Saturday Paper and editor of Australian Foreign Affairs Jonathan Pearlman on whether the Middle East is headed for all-out war.

Apr 5, 2024 •

The killing of Zomi Frankcom

Israel’s killing of seven aid workers in Gaza has been met with international outrage. Their deaths now risk entrenching starvation further, as aid organisations begin to doubt whether they’re receiving the protections and safety they should be offered in a war zone.

Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman, on Australia’s response to the Israeli attack and whether this is a turning point in the Middle East.

Nov 16, 2023 •

Will the Israel-Hamas war expand to Lebanon?

If it wasn’t for the images of devastation emerging from Gaza in the Israel-Hamas war, this conflict would have the world on edge.

It is happening just a few hundred kilometres to the north of Gaza, on the border between Lebanon and Israel – Hezbollah, the most powerful non-state military force in the world, is getting involved.

Today, world editor of The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman, on what happens if Israel and Hezbollah go to war.

Nov 10, 2023 •

The war’s impact on children in Gaza

Jason Lee is Save the Children’s country director for the occupied Palestinian territories. Now, his organisation is one of 18 international aid agencies that have jointly called for a ceasefire. Israel, however, says it can’t enter a ceasefire until hostages taken by Hamas are freed and the group is removed from power.

Today, Save the Children’s Jason Lee on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and world editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman, on why a ceasefire isn’t happening in the Middle East.

Oct 31, 2023 •

Why Australia refused to vote on a truce in Gaza

Over the weekend, Israel said it was entering the ‘second stage of war’ with Hamas. Meanwhile, a majority of countries at the UN general assembly voted in support of a humanitarian truce. So, why did Australia abstain from the vote?

Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman, on what the ground invasion means for Gaza and how the rest of the world is viewing the crisis in the Middle East.

Oct 26, 2023 •

Secret hostage negotiations and the delayed invasion in Gaza

Calls are growing louder for a ceasefire, or at least a “humanitarian truce”, in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. But though several hostages have been freed, hundreds are still held by Hamas – can Israel invade without putting their lives at risk?

Today, world editor of The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on the secretive hostage negotiations, and why Israel’s ground invasion appears to be delayed.

Oct 17, 2023 •

What would an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza mean?

The international community could soon bear witness to the ground invasion of Gaza, one of the most densely populated residential areas in the world. That is how Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in Israel appears to have decided to retaliate after the recent attack by Hamas.

Today, world editor of The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on what’s happening in Gaza and why this new war could reshape the Middle East.

Sep 14, 2023 •

Putin, Kim Jong-Un and a luxury train ride

A secretive journey aboard an armoured luxury train has transported North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un into Russia for a meeting with Vladimir Putin. It’s a trip with a high-stakes agenda, as North Korea has something that Russia wants: weapons and ammunition to help in its fight against Ukraine.

So, what could this deal lead to in Ukraine, and could it threaten security in Australia’s region?

Jun 23, 2023 •

Crimes and Misdemeanours: Donald Trump and Hunter Biden

We learned this week that US president Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, will accept a plea deal on federal tax crimes. Republicans are calling the deal evidence of nepotism and corruption – none more loudly than Republican frontrunner Donald Trump.

Of course, he is facing a much more lengthy federal indictment, with 37 charges against him.

Oct 28, 2022 •

PM Rishi Sunak: Will this one last more than 45 days?

Third time’s the charm: this week, Rishi Sunak became the UK’s third prime minister in as many months, after his predecessor Liz Truss resigned amid the financial chaos caused by her economic proposals.

Will the UK’s new, ultra-rich PM save ordinary Britons from a welfare crisis?

Sep 1, 2022 •

‘If they want to survive, time for them to run’: Ukraine’s new plan

There are signs that Ukraine has begun its biggest counter-offensive yet to win back territory held by Russian forces.

It's too soon to know if the operation will succeed or how concerted the effort will be - but there’s no doubt that a new battle in the war would be difficult and costly.

Aug 17, 2022 •

What the FBI found at Donald Trump’s home

An FBI raid that uncovered classified government documents at Donald Trump’s Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, has opened the floodgates of anger among his right-wing supporters.

Trump has now called for calm, but maintains the FBI’s raid was part of a witch-hunt and that he has done nothing wrong. So, what was the FBI looking for?

Jul 11, 2022 •

How Boris Johnson broke Britain

Boris Johnson has announced he will resign as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. But how did one man do so much political damage?

Today, world editor of The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman on Boris Johnson’s incredibly predictable downfall.

Jun 1, 2022 • 16m 20s

China and Australia’s race around the Pacific

This week China tried to sign up 10 pacific nations to a new regional security pact. Pacific leaders walked away from the deal – but just for now, and Chinese diplomats are hopeful they’ll get the deal done eventually. If it happens, it would be another huge shift away from Australia by Pacific leaders.

Apr 14, 2022 • 17m 25s

Putin’s new plan in Ukraine

As Russian forces have withdrawn from around Kyiv, Ukrainians have found shocking scenes of civilians executed and evidence of alleged war crimes. But Russia isn’t leaving these towns to give up on its war in Ukraine. Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on the race to gather evidence of war crimes and Vladimir Putin’s new plan to win the war in Ukraine.

Mar 1, 2022 • 17m 05s

Why Putin is risking it all on Ukraine

In the last 48 hours thousands of Ukrainians have fled their homeland and crossed into neighbouring Poland, seeking refuge from war and invasion. But millions more remain trapped in the country as Russian forces continue to advance and occupy towns and cities across Ukraine. Today, Jonathan Pearlman on why Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin is risking it all on Ukraine.

Feb 2, 2022 • 16m 55s

‘The largest invasion since World War Two’

As Russia amasses troops on the border of Ukraine, speculation is mounting over whether the country’s president, Vladimir Putin, plans to invade the country. Today, Jonathan Pearlman on the escalating tension in Europe, and the likelihood of war.

May 18, 2021 • 22m 37s

Gaza’s deadliest day

For the past week the Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip has been under an intense aerial bombardment. Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on why the violence in Israel and Palestine is at its worst point in years.

Apr 27, 2021 • 17m 08s

What’s behind the violence engulfing Northern Ireland?

For much of the 20th century Northern Ireland was marred by violence, as Irish republicans and forces aligned to the United Kingdom fought over the future of the region.

That conflict, known as the Troubles, officially came to an end with a peace agreement in 1998.

But now the violence is flaring up again, and there are concerns the fragile peace deal is on the verge of being shattered.

Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on what's behind the new wave of violence across Northern Ireland and what might happen next.

Mar 23, 2021 • 17m 45s

The catastrophe unfolding on our doorstep

Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, is on the verge of a Covid-19 crisis. Thousands of people in the country are now infected, pushing the local health system to the brink. Today, Jonathan Pearlman on the danger facing Papua New Guinea and whether it can be avoided.

Mar 15, 2021 • 16m 33s

The end of Hong Kong

On Thursday night the Chinese government passed new laws effectively stamping out democracy in Hong Kong, significantly strengthening the Communist Party’s grip on the territory. Today, Jonathan Pearlman on whether this is really the end of Hong Kong and what happens next to those who have been fighting for freedom.

Feb 8, 2021 • 17m 27s

The world's newest dictatorship

Myanmar’s democratically elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was arrested last week as part of a military coup. The country is now back under complete army control. Today, Jonathan Pearlman on what led to the coup, and what happens next in Myanmar.

Dec 8, 2020 • 17m 29s

What’s really behind China’s break-up with Australia?

This year we’ve seen relations between Australia and China plummet. But the story of Australia’s increasing friction with China goes back much further than the recent fracas over a tweet. Today, Jonathan Pearlman on how serious the current situation is, and whether there’s a solution to the tension.

Dec 2, 2020 • 16m 15s

Hostage diplomacy: Freeing Kylie Moore-Gilbert

In 2018 Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert was arrested and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment in an Iranian jail. Last week, she was released in a prisoner swap involving four different countries. Today, Jonathan Pearlman on what her freedom means for the other foreign citizens still jailed in Iran.

Nov 11, 2020 • 17m 56s

Who is Joe Biden?

After one of the most tumultuous periods in recent US history, voters have chosen Joe Biden to try and reunite a divided country. Today, Jonathan Pearlman on Joe Biden’s life, his upcoming presidency, and what it means for important issues like climate change.

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1422: Why the Murdoch succession drama isn’t over