Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Populist Takeover: Italy Approves Unprecedented Coalition


Italy is raising anchor and setting sail for unchartered waters, with Europe's boat rocked by an unprecedented populist coalition. President Sergio Mattarella is expected to approve law professor Giuseppe Conte as premier. The new government, led by the anti-establishment Five-Star Movement and the far-right League, is promising a flat tax, welfare payments to poor families, a pivot towards Russia and the deportation of migrants. Will this government be the kiss of death for a strong EU?

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

What If Iran Does Not Comply with US Demands? | Inside Story


Mike Pompeo has outlined America's tough new policy on Iran in his first major speech since becoming Secretary of State.

Tensions between the two countries grew considerably when President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 Iran Nuclear deal. But Pompeo’s hardline stance goes far beyond the nuclear issue, although he did threaten that America was ready to respond if Iran resumed its nuclear activities, refusing to elaborate.

The Iranian President Hassan Rouhani dismissed Pompeo's demands saying the world would no longer blindly follow America's lead.

One senior Iranian official said Pompeo's remarks showed the U.S. was seeking régime change in Iran.

Presenter: Elizabeth Puranam | Guests: Michelle Dunne, Senior Associate at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Mohamed Marandi, Head of American Studies Post-Grad. Program at the University of Tehran; Ali Vaez, Director of Iran Project at the International Crisis Group


British Royals Rebrand with Royal Wedding, but Critics Say White, Neoliberal Monarchy Needs to Go


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married Saturday at Windsor Castle in a ceremony that many heralded for celebrating black culture and history. Markle is biracial, divorced and a self-proclaimed feminist. The wedding featured a sermon about slavery, poverty and the enduring power of love by Bishop Michael Curry, the first African American to preside over the Episcopal Church. The British royal family is a “celebration of wealth, of elitism, of privilege in the hands of the few, of all the resources concentrated in the hands of a very small percentage of the country. In that sense it very much represents the current economic order in which we all live,” says Priya Gopal, a university lecturer in the faculty of English at the University of Cambridge.

Pompeo Threatens Iran With Strongest Sanctions in History, Speeding US March Toward War


On Monday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo used his first major policy address to threaten Iran with “the strongest sanctions in history.” Pompeo presented a list of 12 “basic requirements” for a new nuclear treaty with Iran, including “unqualified access” to all nuclear sites and an end to its interventions in Yemen. This comes just under two weeks after the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal. “Pompeo and Bolton have made the choice for the international community much, much easier,” says Trita Parsi, founder and president of the National Iranian American Council. “Either you collaborate with the Trump administration and go along with these sanctions, walk away from this nuclear deal and speed up this march toward war—or you resist.”

Monday, May 21, 2018

Pompeo Lays Out US List of Demands for Iran


Secretary of State Mike Pompeo laid out a list of demands for the Iranian regime for the country to achieve relief from sanctions and reach a new international agreement.

Petro-Euro? Tensions between EU & US Grow over Sanctions against Iran


The European Commission launched a process to prevent EU firms from being hit by US sanctions on Friday. European firms would also be able to get compensation and loans if they are affected. Shabbir Razvi, director of International Finance Solutions Associates shares his view on the possible outcome of tensions between EU & US.

Top US News & World Headlines — May 21, 2018


Saturday, May 19, 2018

The Royals Arrive at St. George's Chapel


Members of the royal family arrive at St. George's Chapel in Windsor for the marriage of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle

Imam Tawhidi Speaks with Pauline Hanson on Muslims in Australia and Those Seeking to Go There


Pauline Hanson caught up with Imam Tawhidi while he visited Brisbane to speak to his supporters in Queensland. He recognises the work Pauline Hanson is doing to try and prevent radical Islam from affecting those Muslims who want to carry on living in peace in Australia. Hanson thinks most people will appreciate the time Imam Tawhidi gave her to sit down and talk about the troubles Australia faces. | May, 17, 2018

US-North Korea Peace Talks: Trump Threatens Kim with Gaddafi’s Fate


Col. Larry Wilkerson: Trump’s threats, Bolton’s inexperience, combined with the military exercises in the region is putting the North Korean peace talks at risk. It is inexplicable form of diplomacy, unless you want the talks to fail

Friday, May 18, 2018

French and Noble in 2018: What Remains of France's Aristocracy?


A Message for Muslims in Europe by an Ex-Muslim


Top US News & World Headlines — May 18, 2018


With Friends Like Trump... What's Europe's Answer to 'America First'?


It's Donald versus Donald. The president of the European Council let loose on trade tariffs and the Iran nuclear deal ahead of an EU leaders' dinner in the Bulgarian capital on Wednesday. A fighting speech, but how does it help those trying to salvage the Iran deal? Already French giant Total has warned its new mega gas project with the Iranians is in jeopardy. How can the EU respond when the US owns the currency used to trade oil? What will Europe do?

The Jangmadang


Thursday, May 17, 2018

Trump Pursues Denuclearization in North Korea & Nobel Peace Prize, While Ramping Up US Weapons Sales


North Korea, Cold Feet and the US Deal – BBC Newsnight


Kim Jong Un has warned they are now reconsidering their summit with President Trump next month - and pointed the finger, in no unwavering terms, at Trump's National Security Adviser John Bolton. John Sweeney reports.

Planned US - North Korea Peace Talks in Jeopardy as Trump Adviser Bolton Pushes for Régime Change


Top US News & World Headlines — May 17, 2018


Trump’s Jerusalem Move Caters to Religious Extremists


The opening ceremony of the US Embassy in Jerusalem featured billionaire Sheldon Adelson prominent far-right evangelical Christian leaders John Hagee and Robert Jeffress. We discuss the alliance between Trump, Netanyahu, and far-right extremists in both the US and Israel with journalists Max Blumenthal and Dan Cohen

How Has Netanyahu Transformed Israel?


'There Is No Opposition in Israel' as Netanyahu Massacres Gazans, Israeli Journalist Says


Renowned Israeli journalist Gideon Levy says "the victims of Gaza hardly touch anybody in Israel," as the IDF mows down protesters. Hardline right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a stranglehold on politics and the left barely exists.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Norman Finkelstein: Outrage over Israeli Massacre Shows Power of Non-violent Palestinian Resistance


The United States is refusing to criticize Israel after Israeli forces shot dead at least 61 unarmed Palestinian protesters taking part in the Great March of Return in Gaza Monday. More than 2,700 Palestinians were injured. At the United Nations, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley has blocked a call for an international investigation into Israel’s actions. On Tuesday, she repeatedly blamed the violence on Hamas while praising Israel for showing restraint. During her remarks, Nikki Haley refused to place any blame on Israel. She later walked out of the Security Council chamber when the Palestinian ambassador to the U.N., Riyad Mansour, addressed the council. Since Palestinian protests began on March 30, Israel forces have killed at least 112 Palestinians and injured more than 12,000. On Tuesday, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said she was closely following the situation in Gaza and would “take any action warranted” to prosecute crimes. Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights office has condemned the “appalling deadly violence” by Israeli security forces in Gaza. For more, we speak with Norman Finkelstein, author and scholar whose most recent book is titled “Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom.

Top US News & World Headlines — May 16, 2018


Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Arms Industry Stocks Shoot Up after Trump Withdraws from Iran Deal


As soon as Donald Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal, and Israel bombed Syria, stocks of the top weapons corporations immediately increased. Author Andrew Feinstein says this sabotage of the JCPOA offers companies new opportunities for war profiteering

US Embassy Move Makes MidEast Peace Process 'Mission Impossible On Steroids'


Top US News & World Headlines — May 15, 2018


Journey through Iran


Inside Story - Is India Defying Western Sanctions on Iran? (2012)


India has been exploring trade opportunities with Iran, but is it willing to join in international efforts to prevent Iran's emergence as a nuclear power?

Guests: Sreeram Chaulia, Richard Weitz, Mohammad Marandi


The Secrets Donald Trump Doesn't Want You to Know About: Business, Finance, Marketing


David Cay Boyle Johnston (born December 24, 1948) is an American investigative journalist and author, a specialist in economics and tax issues, and winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Beat Reporting.

Rev. Barber Slams Anti-Muslim, Anti-Semitic Pastors Trump Chose to Open U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem


While tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered near the heavily fortified border with Israel for nonviolent protests against the U.S. Embassy’s opening in Jerusalem Monday, a new Poor People’s Campaign launched in the United States. Rev. Dr. William Barber II, a co-founder of the movement, is bringing together low-wage workers, clergy and community activists around the country to advocate for the rights of the poor. People in 40 states are participating in actions and events starting today that will culminate in a mass protest in Washington, D.C., on June 23. We are joined by Rev. Dr. William Barber, president of Repairers of the Breach and distinguished visiting professor of public theology at Union Theological Seminary, to discuss human rights from Gaza to Washington, D.C., and the anti-gay, pro-Trump pastor from Dallas chosen by the Trump administration to lead the prayer at the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

Monday, May 14, 2018

George Galloway Discusses Trump's Lunatic Threats To Sanction The USA's Allies


George Galloway Discusses Trump's Lunatic Threats To Sanction The USA's Allies.

Trump is clearly setting the wheels in motion not only for the possible economic destruction a global trade wa-r with the US would be for the US economy, but also putting into place the conditions to go into total conflict with Iran at the behest of Israel and Saudi Arabia.


Yanis Varoufakis on Iran Nuclear Deal Demise, US Trade Negotiations, Europe’s Far Right & Capitalism


Where Does the Middle East Conflict Go from Here? | Inside Story


Tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered at Gaza's border with Israel on the eve of the Nakba anniversary, the day they call "catastrophe".

Yanis Varoufakis on Lost US Credibility in Middle East, from Iran Deal to Israel Embassy Move



Tehrangeles: Why Are There So Many Iranians In Los Angeles?


Princess Diana Biographer Weighs In On Meghan Markle


Princess Diana biographer Andrew Morton weighs in on Meghan Markle after writing the unauthorized biography Meghan - A Hollywood Princess.

Top US News & World Headlines — May 14, 2018


Islamophobia Inc | Al Jazeera Investigations


Across the United States, there has been a growth in organizations that portray Islam as a threat. Over two years, the number of groups that make up what’s become known as the Islamophobia industry has more than tripled.

This investigation reveals the tactics these groups use to instigate a fear of Islam, including how they manipulate social media to create a false narrative that Muslims are trying to take over the country. Anti-Muslim messages proliferate social media with bought-in followers, fake accounts and robotic amplifiers.

The investigation also shows how these organizations try to suppress the rise of a Muslim political voice in America. It uncovers the “dark money” that has fuelled the rapid growth of Islamophobia Inc. - tens of millions of dollars, which are funnelled through secretive, anonymous donor funds. We unveil the donors of the dark money and ask; what do they ultimately hope to achieve?


Sunday, May 13, 2018

Is ISIL Expanding in Southeast Asia? | Inside Story


Indonesia's suffered a number of attacks in recent years. It has long struggled with rebel groups, particularly al-Qaeda affiliated Jemaah Islamiyah, and now ISIL, which has been recruiting in the region.

ISIL claimed responsibility for Sunday's attacks on three churches. Police say the suicide bombings were carried out by one family, including two children aged 9 and 12.

At least 13 people died and more than 40 wounded. ISIL has lost territory in Syria and Iraq, but it's been active in other countries. Can the group be stopped?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom | Guests Rahima Abdulrahim - Executive director of the Habibie Center; Olivier Guitta - Managing Director of GlobalStrat consultancy firm; Greg Fealy - author of " Voices of Islam in Southeast Asia: A Contemporary Sourcebook


Bernie Sanders Rips John Bolton, Trump over Iran


Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) ripped White House security adviser John Bolton over his role in US going to war in Iraq while criticizing President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the Iran nuclear deal.

Bolton: It's 'Possible' US Would Sanction European Countries


White House national security adviser John Bolton said that "it's possible" there will be secondary sanctions imposed on European companies as a result of the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.

Bolton said on CNN's "State of the Union" that he believes some European countries will end up supporting the United States despite comments from European leaders that they regret Trump's decision to withdraw.


Nicola Sturgeon – Extended Interview: Brexit and the Future for Scotland (2017)


Nicola Sturgeon's extended interview speaking about Brexit, her relationship with Prime Minister Theresa May, and another independence referendum for Scotland.

Europe: Scotland's Dilemma – BBC Documentary 2017


Scotland is coming out of the European Union with the rest of the UK. That's despite the fact Scots voted to remain. So what happens next?

Allan Little travels to the coast and whisky-producing glens of Moray, the part of the country which came closest to voting Leave. There, he finds out what that decision could mean for workers and business owners.

But there's a bigger question: what will it mean for the other union, that of the United Kingdom? Europe: Scotland's Dilemma asks whether Brexit could break up Britain too.


Saturday, May 12, 2018

Friday, May 11, 2018

Are Iran and Israel Itching for a Fight? - BBC Newsnight


Tensions between Iran and Israel have intensified - with Iran launching rockets into Israeli territory from their bases in Syria, and Israel responding in kind.

The Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Mark Regev, and the journalist and author, Azadeh Moaveni, discuss why the conflict erupted.


Israel-Iran Escalation: Could Syria Strikes Lead to All-out War?


Are Israel and Iran Inching Closer to War? | Inside Story


Israel has launched its most ferocious attack inside Syria, since the war of October 1973. But now the target is Iran, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad's ally.

Just a day after the Trump administration walked out of the Iran nuclear deal, Israel accused Iran of firing rockets on the Golan Heights, which Israel occupies. Tehran says those claims are baseless. Israel responded by striking dozens of Iranian positions in Syria.

The two sides have exchanged hostile rhetoric for years, but now there are signs of an open military conflict, putting the region on edge.

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom | Guests: Hamed Mousavi - Professor of Political Science at the University of Tehran and Head of the U.S. Department at the Iranian Institute for European and American studies; Robbie Sabel - Professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and former legal adviser to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ali Vaez - Director of the Iran project at the International Crisis Group who was part of the negotiations that led to the Iran nuclear deal


Trump Withdrew from Iran Nuclear Deal. Now Israel May Be Trying to Provoke War


BBC Question Time – May 10, 2018


Question Time this week focuses on key issues such as the £10,000 pledge to 25 year olds and the customs union. Filmed in Kettering.

Panellists: Esther McVey MP (Conservative Party), Chuka Umunna MP (Labour Party), Alejandro Agag, Chloe Westley, Akala.

All rights go to the BBC and Mentorn Scotland.


Thursday, May 10, 2018

Can Europe Keep Iran Nuclear Deal Alive? - BBC Newsnight


Now that President Trump has announced his intention to withdraw the US from the Iran nuclear deal, what does it mean for the remaining powers? Gabriel Gatehouse has been looking at how the clash of strategies could play out.

Trump Withdraws from Iran Nuclear Deal - BBC Newsnight


As President Trump withdraws the US from the Iran nuclear deal, Kirsty Wark is joined by the president's former adviser Sebastian Gorka, journalist Nazenin Ansari and Jarrett Blanc from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to discuss the implications of this decision.

US Sanctions Against Iran and Its Consequences for European Allies


European allies scrambles to save the Iran nuclear deal, we explore the growing rift between the Trump administration and its European allies with syndicated columnist, James Dorsey

Ayatollah Khamenei Slams US Threats


The Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has blasted US President, Donald Trump, for threatening the Iranian nation.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the US president is in no position to threaten Iran and that the nation is standing firm. The Leader stressed that the hostile behavior of the US president was not unexpected. He added that such a behavior existed in the era of former presidents in different forms. Ayatollah Khamenei said neither the US nor the European countries can be trusted in regards to the nuclear agreement.


Wednesday, May 09, 2018

Trump Pulls United States Out of Iran Nuclear Deal, Dramatically Escalating Threat of War with Iran


European nations are scrambling to save the landmark nuclear agreement with Iran, one day after President Trump announced he would pull the United States out of the deal and reimpose sanctions on Iran. The 2015 agreement was worked out by the United States, five other world powers and Iran. Former President Obama described Trump’s decision to withdraw as a serious mistake and warned it could lead to another war in the Middle East. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani responded by saying Iran would continue to abide by the agreement and would not renew its nuclear program for now. For more, we speak with Trita Parsi, founder and president of the National Iranian American Council. His most recent book is titled “Losing an Enemy: Obama, Iran, and the Triumph of Diplomacy.” We also speak with Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CodePink. Her latest book is titled “Inside Iran: The Real History and Politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” She is also the author of “Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the U.S.-Saudi Connection.”

What Are the Ramifications of US Exiting Iran Nuclear Deal? | Inside Story


“A horrible one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made” - the words of President Trump after he withdrew the US from the international nuclear pact with Iran. And he’s re-imposing sanctions on Tehran.

Trump has the backing of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Israel. But not China, Russia, the UK, France or Germany...who all signed the deal and want it to survive.

So what will be the impact of Donald Trump’s decision? Will it - as feared - stoke more conflict in the Middle East.

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom | Guests Foad Izadi, Professor of Political Science at the University of Tehran; Reza Marashi, Research Director at the National Iranian American Council; Nicholas Fitzroy, Middle East Analyst for the Economist Intelligence


Yemen: The World Looks Away | DW Documentary


Trump Officially Breaks Iran Nuclear Deal


Trump is paving the way for war with Iran. Cenk Uygur, host of The Young Turks, breaks it down.

Tuesday, May 08, 2018

Obesity: Fed Up | 2014


Democracy Now! Tuesday, May 08, 2018


Democracy Now! is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program hosted by journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. Democracy Now!’s War and Peace Report provides our audience with access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S.corporate-sponsored media, including independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics and independent analysts. In addition, Democracy Now! hosts real debates–debates between people who substantially disagree, such as between the White House or the Pentagon spokespeople on the one hand, and grassroots activists on the /> other.

Dr. Mercola Interviews Dr. Robert Lustig | Full Interview


Natural health expert and Mercola.com founder Dr. Joseph Mercola and Dr. Robert Lustig, Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of California in San Francisco (USCF), discuss how sugar acts as a poison when consumed in excess.

Why Is Washington Re-activating Its Second Fleet? | Inside Story


The US has announced it is re-establishing its naval presence in the North Atlantic as Russia increases its patrols in the area. It's part of a military build-up from both sides that hasn't been seen in decades.

The Second Fleet was disbanded in 2011 after more than six decades of service. The reason? To save money, and as part of a restructuring operation. But what does this Cold War rhetoric mean? And how will Moscow respond?

Presenter: Hoda Abdelhamid | Guests: Olivier Guitta - Managing Director of GlobalStrat; Dmitry Babich - Political analyist at Russia Profile Magazine; Lawrence Korb - Former US Assistant Secretary of Defense


Geopolitics of Germany


Middle East Forecast: More Turbulence Expected


Monday, May 07, 2018

Boris Johnson Warns US against Ending the Iran Deal


British foreign secretary says the flaws in the Iran nuclear agreement need to be fixed.

Sunday, May 06, 2018

What Irish People Think about Breaking Away from UK


Are Americans Trashing the English Language? | The Economist


Britons often grumble that Americanisms are creeping into British English. Lane Greene, our language guru, asks where American words really come from—and whether they pose a threat to the Queen's English.

Compilation: Assad Giving Reporters a Hard Time


John Pilger Special – Beyond the Headlines on Syria, Salisbury, Yemen & North Korea


We speak to the legendary journalist and filmmaker John Pilger about the events behind the mainstream media headlines on Syria, Salisbury, Yemen and the Korean peninsula.

Saturday, May 05, 2018

Widowmaker | TV Version


Note that the fixes for cardiovascular disease primarily involve lowering hyperinsulinemia (mainly via a well-formulated LCHF diet), adequate magnesium, optimum Omega3:Omega 6 ratio, adequate sun exposure/vitamin D and many others. The movie here mainly mentioned meds, a very small part of the risk-reversal story

What Happened to Dubai's Princess Latifa? - BBC News


Sheikha Latifa, the daughter of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has not been seen since March 2018.

It's claimed she was snatched while trying to escape the country with the help of a former French spy and a Finnish martial arts instructor. Gabriel Gatehouse investigates.


Is Your Cardiologist Killing You? Mind-blowing Interview with Dr. Jack Wolfson


Friday, May 04, 2018

BBC: Question Time – May 3, 2018


Question Time tackles topics such as the Windrush scandal, and whether Donald Trump should be given the Nobel Peace Prize.

Wednesday, May 02, 2018

Fmr IAEA Inspector: Netanyahu’s Cartoons about Iran’s Nuclear Program Are 'Baseless and Childish'


In a ‘show and tell’ type talk, Netanyahu claimed that Iran is developing a nuclear weapons program and tried to provide evidence that Iran is violating the JCOPA. Former US IAEA Nuclear Weapons Inspector Robert Kelley tells TRNN Netanyahu’s claims are baseless, self-serving, and childish

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

French Politicians Shift Blame for Anti-Semitism onto Muslims


French politicians and celebrities signed a manifesto blaming French Muslims for anti-semitism in France. Yasser Louati addresses the hypocrisy in France’s human-rights discourse.

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Is Peace on the Horizon between North and South Korea? | Inside Story


It was just one small gesture, one small step forward, but the significance of the move by North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un is certainly historic, and will be remembered for years to come.

Kim became the first North Korean leader to visit South Korea since the end of the war between the two countries in 1953. He was warmly welcomed and embraced by South Korea's President Moon Jae-In.

Both leaders were relaxed and smiling during small talk. But big and complicated issues need to be negotiated. After decades of military standoff between the two sides, their leaders made a declaration of peace and promised a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. So, is peace coming to the Korean peninsula?

Presenter: Laura Kyle | Guests: Aidan Foster Carter - Honorary Senior Research Fellow in Sociology and Modern Korea at Leeds University; Tong Zhao - Fellow at the Nuclear Policy Programme at Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy; Jasper Kim - Director for Conflict Management at Ewha Womans University in South Korea.


Friday, April 27, 2018

BBC: Question Time – April 16, 2018


Question Time's topics this week focus on the Windrush scandal and the customs union. Filmed in Bury St Edmunds.

Panellists: Matt Hancock MP (Conservative Party), Diane Abbott MP (Labour Party), Caroline Lucas MP (Green Party), Jennifer Johnson, Simon Evans.

All rights go to the BBC and Mentorn Scotland.


Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Will the US Withdraw from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal? | Inside Story


France and the United States have a long history that goes back centuries. From the American revolutionary war to the Statue of Liberty - the two countries have had strong cultural and political ties.

French President Emmanuel Macron is hoping to build on that special bond, during his three-day state visit to Washington DC. And Donald Trump has rolled out the red carpet. But beyond the handshakes, smiles and lavish ceremonies, there are serious policy disagreements including the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which could threaten to put a strain on the special relationship.

Trump says he wants to withdraw from the agreement, while France and other European nations are urging him to stick with the deal. Iran, for its part, says if the US withdraws, it too will likely abandon the agreement. So, can Macron convince Trump to remain in the Iran deal?

Presenter: Jane Dutton | Guests: Hamed Mousevi - Assistant Professor of Political Science at Tehran University; Hillary Mann Leverett - A former State Department diplomat who negotiated with Iran; Oliver McGee - A former White House Senior Science & Technology Policy Advisor


Thursday, April 19, 2018

Will a New President Mean Change for Cuba? | Inside Story


Who will succeed the Castros - Fidel and Raúl - has been the subject of intense speculation in Cuba for decades. We now know it is Miguel Diáz-Canel, the 57-year-old Vice President. He was sworn in as president on Thursday, replacing Raúl Castro. But Raul, who is 87, will continue to play a big role in policy decisions as head of the ruling Communist party.

The biggest challenges the new president faces are economic. Although unemployment stands at less than three percent, earnings are low. The government is the main employer and state salaries average 30 dollars a month. Reforms to boost private enterprise introduced by Raúl Castro have been accompanied by cuts in subsidies and pensions. And Cuba has a dual currency system that distorts the economy. One is used to pay wages and local goods; the other in tourism and foreign trade. Unifying the two would raise the price of imports.

Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault | Guests: Carlos Alzugaray, former Cuban Ambassador to the EU; Vicki Huddleston, former US Chief of Mission in Havana; Andrew Otazo, Executive Director of the Cuba Study Group


Prince Eddy, The King We Never Had


This revealing film uses newly discovered letters written by Prince Eddy himself to explore whether his early death saved Britain from a monster, or cheated the nation of a good king. For the first time, Eddy's own words serve in his defence in a fresh investigation of the remarkable kind Britain never had.

Out of the Closet, Off the Screen: The Life of William Haines (2001 Documentary)


What price Hollywood? was the title of an early George Cukor film, but is a question every closeted movie star has probably asked himself. In 1930, the top box office star was a gay man. Billy Haines lived with his lover, Jimmie Shields, and never posed on the red carpet with a beard on his arm. By 1933, he was washed up in show business; and by 1936, he had become hugely successful in an entirely new line of work-interior decorator. Out of the Closet, Off the Screen: the Life of William Haines details the extraordinary life of Billy Haines, the only matinee idol who ever decided that Hollywood’s price was too high and walked away from film stardom.

Cuba without a Castro: A New Country on the Horizon?


Sunday, April 15, 2018

Im Zentrum: Großmächte auf dem Kriegspfad – Kein Ende der syrischen Tragödie


Can Arabs Solve Their Problems? | Inside Story


Arab heads of state discussed a wide range of issues from the wars in Yemen and Syria to Israel's role in the UN Security Council. But they were clear about what they will not be talking about. The air strikes by the US, UK and France in Syria are not on the agenda. Nor is the GCC crisis and the Saudi-led blockade on Qatar.

US President Donald Trump's plan to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem topped the agenda. Yemen is also on the table, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia heavily involved in the war and the humanitarian crisis there.

What can Arab leaders offer? And do these summits serve any purpose at all?

Presenter: Richelle Carey | Guests: Sami Nader, Director of the Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs; Mkhaimer Abu Sada, Professor of Political Science at Al Azhar University in Gaaz: Hakim Al Masmari, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher of the Yemen Post


Something Strange Is Going On In Saudi Arabia


Saturday, April 14, 2018

Will Strikes Deter Assad from Using Chemical Weapons? | Inside Story


The US, the UK and France launch air strikes on Syria, targeting suspected chemical weapons sites. In what is the biggest military action against President Bashar.

Al Assad since the start of Syria's war 7 years ago, the US, UK and France have bombed multiple government facilities. The air strikes targeted a research centre outside the capital Damascus and two suspected chemical weapons storage sites near the city of Homs. The action was in response to an alleged chemical attack by Syria on civilians in the town of Douma last week.

The Syrian government claims to have shot down many of the more than a hundred missiles launched – and in Damascus people celebrated on the streets, honking their car horns in a show of defiance. Russia says the strikes are an act of aggression and warns of consequences. But what does this mean for the war in Syria? And will the strikes stop chemical attacks against civilians?

Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault | Guests: Alexey Khlebnikov, Middle East specialist at Russian International Affairs Council


Friday, April 13, 2018

The World This Week: To Strike or not to Strike: US and Allies Mull Response to Apparent Syria Chemical Attack


First came the horrific images reportedly out of the besieged Syrian rebel enclave of Eastern Ghouta and claims of at least 40 dead. Then came Donald Trump's tweet warning Russia that he would fire missiles at Syria. But with the deadline for action passed, is striking Syria still a good strategy? Also on the program, Facebook's founder apologized before Congress for privacy breaches and agreed to some regulations. And Hungary's Viktor Organ's landslide election victory.

Professor Ian Kershaw - "Hitler's Place in History"


Will Trump End the Iran Nuclear Deal? | Al Jazeera English


In May, Trump faces a bigger deadline on whether to waive sanctions on Tehran; and, given his very public displeasure with the nuclear agreement, the prospects do not look good.

Observers believe the tensions between the two countries are driven largely by domestic US politics. Trump has recently replaced members of his administration that advocated the nuclear deal with hardliners who are calling for scrapping it. Iran, in turn, has indicated that it would not feel bound by the deal at all if the US walks away from it.

Al Jazeera's John Hendren reports from Washington.


Thursday, April 12, 2018

Is Putin Still In Full Control in the Kremlin? – BBC Newsnight


As tensions heighten between Vladimir Putin and Western leaders, Gabriel Gatehouse takes a look into Russia's power structure and how much control President Putin really has over the factions that surround him. The film does contain some flashing images.