The Inside Story Podcast

The Malaysian government is facing accusations of forcibly deporting Rohingya refugees, a charge the government denies. It says the process is voluntary and coordinated with Myanmar’s government. But human rights groups say this process violates international law by sending refugees to countries where they risk facing persecution or torture. So, will this concern stop the Rohingya being sent back to Myanmar?
In this episode:
Phar Kim Beng, Director of the Institute of International and ASEAN Studies and Geopolitics Professor at the University of Malaysia

Lucky Karim, Democracy and Human Rights Advocate and Founder of Refugee Women for Peace and Justice

Maung Zarni, Genocide Scholar and Co-Founder of the scholar-activist network, Forces of Renewal Southeast Asia

Host: Imran Khan
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The last remaining US troops have left Iraq, ending a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion to oust Saddam Hussein. After years of conflict and instability, Iraq is entering a new phase without US forces on the ground. Is the Iraqi government ready? And who stands to gain from the US withdrawal?
In this episode:
Ahmed Rushdi, President of the House of Iraqi Expertise Foundation
Kenneth Katzman, Senior Fellow at The Soufan Center
Abdullah AlShayji, Professor at Kuwait University
Host: Dareen Abughaida
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Unacceptable. That was the immediate reaction from US President Donald Trump to Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran says it's still awaiting what it called a "definitive response" from Washington through mediators. But Trump has said Iran needs a deal because, in his words, it's "losing badly." So, is his rejection of the proposal an effort to pressure Tehran for more concessions?
In this episode:
Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies
Henry Ensher, former US diplomat and former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
Zeidon Alkinani, Founding Director of the Arab Perspectives Institute
Host: Mohammed Jamjoom
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Fighting is intensifying between Yemen's Ansar Allah Houthis and Saudi Arabia. For the first time since a ceasefire in 2022, the Houthis have fired missiles towards the capital, Riyadh. The Iran-backed group says it will respond to any escalation with an escalation of its own. But it also risks dragging the wider region into conflict. What will it take to stop the attacks?
In this episode:
Nawaf Obaid, Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London and former advisor to the Saudi government
Muhanad Seloom, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs
Ibrahim Jalal, Yemeni affairs analyst who specialises in regional security and armed groups
Host: Rob Matheson
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Climate change has contributed to major melting in the Arctic, making it navigable for greater stretches of the year. Some countries are already taking notice. The first South Korean container ship to transit the Arctic route arrived in the UK on Saturday. But can it become a viable alternative to existing shipping corridors?
In this episode:
Mads Frederiksen, Executive Director at the Arctic Economic Council
Vyacheslav Mishchenko, Russia energy expert
Jimmy Suroto Huang, Founder of Nava Analytics and Research
Host: Neave Barker
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