Two days on from Donald Trump’s extraordinary capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the dust has barely begun to settle.Maduro is appearing today in a New York court where he will be charged with “narco-terrorism” and conspiracy to import cocaine, which can carry life sentences under US law.But Maduro is not the only loser in all of this. Iran, Russia and China have all lost a valuable client - one who sold them oil, bought their weapons, and provided them with a beachhead on America's doorstep. Venetia is joined by Dr Carlos Solar, a Latin American Security at RUSI, and Adrian Blomfield, The Telegraph's senior foreign correspondent, to discuss the downsides - and upsides - for America's enemies, the Monroe Doctrine's renewed relevance, and what will happen next. Pic credit: Marcelo GARCIA/AFPRead Adrian's analysis of what the capture of Maduro means for China and Russia: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/03/venezuela-regime-change-russia-china-impact/Venezuela becomes Trump’s energy superweapon against China: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/01/05/venezuela-becomes-trumps-energy-superweapon-against-china/Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early hours of this morning, US President Donald Trump gave the order for the Pentagon to bomb Venezuela’s capital Caracas and capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife. Trump has just given a press conference in Mar-A Lago sharing fresh details. In this emergency bonus episode of Battle Lines, Venetia is joined by The Telegraph's Chief US Correspondent Rob Crilly to cover everything we know so far about how it all unfolded, why Trump has done this, and what might happen next. Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Taiwan to Estonia and Latvia, the prospect of World War Three feels closer than ever - that is unless you're one of those people who thinks it's already begun.Peter Apps, Reuters' Global Defence Commentator, is not one of those people, but he does think there is a 30-35% chance of it erupting in the next decade. He talks to Roland and Venetia about what it might look like, where it might start, when and how to prevent it.Peter is a British Army reservist and one of the most plugged in voices on modern warfare. He has reported from around the world, served in the British Army during the Covid pandemic and the Ukraine war, and has just written a new book, The Next World War: The New Age of Global Conflict and the Fight to Stop It.Peter will be speaking about his book at the 2026 Oxford Literary Festival in partnership with The Telegraph. Tickets: oxfordliteraryfestival.org; Telegraph readers can save 20% with the code 26TEL20Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bird-flu, bombs and asteroids: are we heading for disaster in 2026? What are the biggest threats to global health security in 2026? Is it bird flu? Or the rising threat posed by nuclear weapons? Could we even be hit by an asteroid?Dr Becky Alexis-Martin, a Lecturer in Peace Studies at the University of Bradford and an expert on nuclear weapons, argues that the threat they pose will continue to rise in the new year.Paul Nuki, the Telegraph’s Global Health Security Editor, warns that numerous diseases linked to conflict are likely to continue to spread in 2026 – in particular cholera and HIV.Meanwhile, the possibility of H5N1 bird flu making the jump to humans and causing a pandemic remains a primary threat, as does the continued spread of mpox around the world.Lord Martin Rees, the former Astronomer Royal and a founder of the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, assesses the risk of space-based threats.Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan Searle► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode goes straight to the jugular of modern air power and asks a brutally simple question: has the last great manned fighter already been born?Roland is joined by Tom Withington of Royal United Services Institute and Sophy Antrobus from King’s College London, two people who actually know what they’re talking about when it comes to fighter jets. They unpack the mystery and the hype surrounding the sixth generation fighters. These are not just faster jets with shinier wings. They are flying data centres, designed to hoover up information, evade the most lethal air defences on the planet, and command swarms of drones doing the truly dangerous work.We cut through the fog of acronyms to explain what sixth generation really means, how it differs from the F-35, and why programmes in the US, Britain, Europe and Asia are racing ahead despite eye watering costs. This is air dominance, power politics and future war rolled into one. Picture credit: United States Air ForceProducer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This has been a year when the world lurched from crisis to crisis at breakneck speed. Trump back in power. America wavering on Europe and Ukraine. China strutting with new confidence. Russia grinding on. Iran bombed. Gaza paused. If you feel dizzy you are not alone.Venetia is joined by Adelie Pojzman-Pontay from Ukraine the Latest and Asia correspondent Allegra Mendelson to take a sharp eyed look back at the moments that mattered and the ones you may have missed but cannot afford to ignore. We focus on the three powers shaping everything China, Russia and the United States.Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant@amendelson_@adeliepjz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of Battle Lines Global Health Security, international photojournalist Simon Townsley joins Arthur Scott-Geddes and Sophie O’Sullivan to share his most memorable photographs of 2025. From visiting mpox quarantine zones in Sierra Leone, to bat caves infected with marburg virus, Simon explains the value and pitfalls of ‘parachute’ journalism.  This year alone, Simon has traveled to Sierra Leone, Guyana, Sudan, Chad, Zambia, Honduras, Kazakhstan, and Burundi. He reflects on how the world has changed in his nearly 40 years of work, and why now people often mistake him as Chinese.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X5p4hvB_cSAView Simon's images:Guyana’s oil bonanza: Will the vast wealth it is generating ever trickle down?https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/guyana-oil-boom-wealth-inequality/‘It’s all dead now... nothing will grow’: Fish and hippos dissolve in polluted acid riverhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/climate-and-people/zambia-river-pollution-china-industrial-investment/Inside the Red Zone: Sierra Leone’s terrifying mpox outbreakhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/inside-sierra-leones-terrifying-mpox-outbreak/Atomic bombs destroyed their lives – now they want Russia to payhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/soviet-union-nuclear-testing-atomic-bomb-kazakhstan/‘I poured gasoline then set fire to my clothes – the flames shot up my body’https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/women-and-girls/kurdistan-iraq-suicide-self-immolation-domestic-violence/‘My child is gone... life is empty’: agony of Ukrainian mother collecting her son from the morguehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/child-gone-life-empty-agony-ukrainian-mother-collecting-son/Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan Searle► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@ascottgeddes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special festive edition of Battle Lines, Roland Oliphant and Dominic Nicholls cut through the tinsel to tell a story that actually matters.In aid of, The Not Forgotten, a charity born out of the carnage of the First World War, they are joined by Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha veteran who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan. From a remote village in Nepal to the battlefields of Afghanistan, Harry recounts the moment an IED changed his life and how he rebuilt it again.Join Roland, Dom and Hari for dark humour, blunt honesty and genuine inspiration.Read Jack Rear's profile of Hari Budha Magar: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/christmas-charity-appeal/2025/12/02/first-double-amputee-to-summit-everest/The Not Forgotten is one of The Telegraph’s four Christmas charity appeal charities, the others are Motor Neurone Disease Association, Prostate Cancer Research and Canine Partners. You can donate by visiting telegraph.co.uk/appeal2025 or call 0151 317 5247.Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former UK ambassador Laurie Bristow speaks to Roland and delivers a blunt and unsettling warning about the state of the world and Britain’s place in it. Drawing on more than three decades at the heart of the Foreign Office, including some of the most dangerous postings of modern times, he argues we are living through the most volatile and complex global moment of our lifetimes.From war returning to Europe and the rise of China, to artificial intelligence, pandemics and the collapse of old assumptions about power, nothing is stable and nothing is simple. Speaking candidly about Vladimir Putin, he explains why the west misread Moscow for years and why there are no easy deals or quick endings ahead.This is a forensic, unsparing account of a world in turmoil and a challenge to Britain to wake up before it is too late.Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever been scammed? If you have, the chances are that it happened somewhere in Asia. Often overseen by Chinese criminal gangs, the places where these scams are happening have become hubs for people trafficking, drugs trade, and prostitution.On today's episode, Venetia speaks to Global Health Security Correspondent Sarah Newey, who has visited Sin City in Laos, a scam centre hotspot. She tells us about what happens inside these compounds.We also hear from political analyst and Myanmar adviser to Crisis Group, Richard Horsey about why power vacuums are creating the perfect conditions for these criminal activities.Watch the visualised episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6nRBG037FT0Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan Searle► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@ascottgeddes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Britain’s MI6 chief delivered a chilling message: the frontline is now everywhere.Look around the world and the evidence is overwhelming. From Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan, violence is spreading fast and growing more lethal by the month. New data from ACLED shows that Europe is now the most intense conflict zone on the planet - a fact that should shock anyone in the West still clinging to the idea that war happens elsewhere. Plus, with drone strikes now accounting for more than a quarter of all attacks worldwide, war is only a short flight away. This is not a bad patch, this is a dangerous new era. And next year will be even bloodier still. The warning signs are screaming at us. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data organisation, known as ACLED, has been tracking all of this data and more. Venetia speaks to their CEO Clionadh Raleigh to find out more.Read ACLED's report: https://acleddata.com/conflict-index-2026-watchlistProducer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain's military has seen better days - that much everyone can agree on. Enter ex-Royal Marine Commando Colonel Alistair Scott Carns, aka Wee Al, the UK's brand new Minister for Armed Forces. Part of the fresh batch of Labour MPs who entered Parliament in 2024, he has risen quickly through the Ministry of Defence and is considered "one to watch". Carns sat down with The Telegraph's associated defence editor Dominic Nicholls to talk about his plans to get the military into shape, the UK's commitment to Ukraine, and the ongoing Ajax debate. Plus he shared his views on Reform leader Nigel Farage and the legacy of Stakeknife in Northern Ireland. Read Dom's profile of Al Carns: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/d/dk-do/dominic-nicholls/For backgrounders on the tensions between Trump and Venezuela: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/24/is-trump-about-to-invade-venezuela/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11/17/trump-builds-case-for-venezuela-war-as-worlds-biggest-aircr/Listen to Venetia's dispatch from Sweden's Gotland Island: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/17/the-tiny-swedish-island-regiment-tasked-protecting-europe/Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As global landmine casualties reach a four-year high, Venetia is joined by Major General James Cowan, former British Army commander in Iraq and Afghanistan and now CEO of The HALO Trust.He lays out why he believes foreign aid and defense are inseparable, how clearing weapons post-conflict shapes global health and security outcomes, and why Britain’s safety begins far beyond its own borders.From minefields in Ukraine and Syria to unexploded bombs in Gaza, Cowan argues that true security relies not only on military strength, but on the stability created through development and humanitarian action.Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan Searle► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@ascottgeddes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has detonated a political earthquake with a National Security Strategy that doesn’t just tweak America’s global role, it torches seven decades of US foreign policy. In a move that’s left European allies stunned and scrambling, Trump’s new blueprint casts Europe as weak, directionless and on the brink of “civilisational erasure,” while pointedly avoiding calling Russia a threat. And guess who’s absolutely thrilled? The Kremlin. Vladimir Putin’s spokesman practically applauded the document, hailing it as “largely consistent” with Moscow’s own vision. While EU leaders warn the strategy dangerously rewrites reality and echoes far-right rhetoric, Trump is pushing ahead, embracing “patriotic” parties across Europe and accusing the EU of holding back peace in Ukraine. It’s a bold, brash, America-First gambit and one that’s left America’s closest allies wondering if Washington has just switched sides. To find out more, Roland talks to former British Ambassador to the United States Kim Darroch. ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ajax was meant to be the British Army’s modern embodiment of the mighty Greek warrior, strong, unbreakable, unstoppable. Instead, it’s become a national embarrassment. This week the Army suspended the entire fleet after 31 soldiers fell ill inside vehicles that were supposed to protect them. We’re talking tingling hands, ringing ears and troops vomiting on Salisbury Plain. It’s a £6.3 billion “world-beating” programme that’s been spiralling into chaos for two decades. To make matters worse, a whistleblower claims the manufacturer, General Dynamics, tried to shift the blame onto soldiers which was followed by an astonishing Facebook outburst from a company employee. With inquiries now launched and Parliament demanding answers, Roland is joined in the studio by The Telegraph’s Dom Nichols and Ben Barry from The International Institute for Strategic Studies.Read Tom's story: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/04/defence-boss-mocks-troops-deafened-ajax-armoured-vehicle/For blow-by-blow coverage of the peace talks, follow Ukraine the Latest: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/03/02/russia-ukraine-war-listen-daily-podcast/► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigeria is facing a security crisis. Extremist violence, mass kidnappings and deepening food insecurity has created what the UN has called the country’s worst emergency in a decade.Recent weeks have seen a spate of high profile abductions, including 300 schoolgirls and teachers from Niger state. Security officials now fear these pupils could be used as human shields to deter a military intervention being threatened by the United States.At the same time, aid is being slashed, and extremist groups and criminal gangs have disrupted food supplies, leaving 35 million people projected to face “severe food insecurity” next year.This week, Arthur and Venetia speak to Chi Lael, Head of Communications for the World Food Programme in Nigeria to get a clearer picture of the crisis.Plus Global Health Reporter Lilia Sebouai explains how tensions have worsened since she visited the area last year. Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan Searle► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@ascottgeddes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the return of military service in the country, 25 years after mandatory national service was phased out. And he's not alone, with the German parliament set to vote on similar measures, while Belgium and the Netherlands have already introduced voluntary military service.But what do the measures entail exactly? How effective, or even necessary are they, and will the UK follow suit?To discuss all of this Venetia Rainey is sits down with Dr Lynette Nusbacher, a military historian and strategist, and James Crisp, The Telegraph’s Europe editor, to hear more.► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump’s latest effort to end the war in Ukraine unleashed a week of diplomatic turmoil.And some of the most dramatic diplomatic twists and turns bear the finger prints of one man: Jonathan Powell, the British national security advisor, not only led a diplomatic rescue mission to recast Donald Trump’s original Russian-inspired proposals in Ukraine and Europe’s favour. His influence can also be seen in Anglo-French plans for a “coalition of the willing,” and even earlier this year in Donald Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan.He is a low-profile figure who wields real influence. So can the man who some have called Britain’s Henry Kissinger guide the war in Ukraine to a peaceful and palatable conclusion? Is his philosophy of engagement suited to grappling with Putin’s Kremlin? And have the week’s acrobatics brought Ukraine and Russia any closer to peace?David Blair, the Telegraph’s chief foreign affairs commentator, and Orysia Lutsevych, the head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House, joins Roland Oliphant on this edition of Battle Lines.David Blair on Jonathan Powell:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11/25/jonathan-powell-britains-kissinger-ukraine/For blow-by-blow coverage of the peace talks, follow Ukraine the Latest: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/03/02/russia-ukraine-war-listen-daily-podcast/► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With conflicts raging around the world, aid budgets are being slashed in favour of defence spending. But experts are warning that cutting aid may not just hurt the world’s most vulnerable, it could make life in Britain more dangerous.This week, Lord Dannatt, the former head of the British Army, tells Venetia and Arthur why cutting aid to boost defence actually makes us less safe. Plus we hear from the author of a new Chatham House report, Olivia O'Sullivan, about the risk of China filling the power gap and the impact on global health. Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan SearleRead Lord Dannatt's Telegraph article here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11/24/britain-invest-security-sudan-dangerous-world/► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@ascottgeddes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xi Jinping is the most authoritarian and longest serving Chinese leader since Mao - and probably the most powerful man on earth. But what makes him tick, and what does is upbringing tell us about his behaviour today?Joseph Torigian spent nine years researching this question. The result is The Party's Interests Comes First - a biography of Xi's father, Xi Zhongxun. Torigan sat down with Roland Oliphant to discuss what he discovered about Xi's family history, and how it's shaping China and the world today.► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TNT, the unglamorous but indispensable ingredient of modern warfare, is now in critically short supply and Britain is feeling the consequences. A new parliamentary report warns that the UK’s war-fighting readiness is being eroded not only by dwindling stockpiles but by its failure to meet Nato Article 3 obligations to maintain the capacity to resist armed attack.The shortage of TNT is particularly alarming: Europe and the United States currently rely on a single Polish factory, a fragility that exposes the entire alliance to strategic risk. Ministers insist they are responding, with Defence Secretary John Healey outlining plans for up to 13 new British factories to produce munitions and explosives. But the pace remains slow.In this episode, Venetia speaks to Joakim Sjöblom, CEO of Sweden Ballistics, about his bid to build Europe's next TNT plant and gets reaction from The Telegraph’s acting defence editor Tom Cotterill on how serious the crisis really is.► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesCredit: Sgt Robert Weideman / MoDContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More children are being killed by explosive weapons than at any other time in history, according to a major new report by Save the Children and Imperial College London.It’s clear there has been a shift in the way wars are being fought, and children are being caught in the crosshairs. In this exclusive interview, Arthur and Paul ask George Graham, Executive Director for Global Impact at Save the Children, and Shehan Hettiaratchy, from the Centre for Paediatric Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London why have wars become so much more deadly for civilians and children in particular? Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan Searle► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorPicture credit: MAHMUD HAMS / AFPContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@ascottgeddesHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America is flexing its muscles in the Caribbean and the world is holding its breath. Washington has trained its sights on Socialist-run Venezuela, and the arrival of the colossal USS Gerald Ford has sparked the biggest military buildup since the Cuban Missile Crisis. Operation Southern Spear is now under way: a dozen warships, thousands of troops, and a barrage of so-called “anti-narco” strikes that have already left scores dead. The White House insists it’s about drug traffickers, but few believe that. With President Nicolás Maduro about to be officially labelled a terrorist and Trump accusing him of heading a major cartel, the scent of regime change is hard to ignore. Maduro says America is inventing a war. So what’s really happening? Venetia is joined by former British Royal Navy officer Tom Sharpe and RUSI Senior Research Fellow Carlos Solar.Three possible scenarios: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/13/donald-trump-venezuela-nicolas-maduro-options/Tom Sharpe on his time fighting drug smugglers in the Caribbean: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09/08/ive-gone-up-against-drug-smugglers-in-the-caribbean/► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Syrian civil war raged for years, wrecked a nation, and then quietly vanished from the headlines. Last December, a jihadist faction once aligned with Al-Qaeda toppled Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorship. Their leader, al-Sharaa is now President of Syria and he met Donald Trump this week in the Oval Office, yes, really.Al-Sharaa is calling it a “new era” for Syria, no enemies, just friends. He’s courting everyone: Russia, Israel, Iran, the Gulf, even Turkey. But can a man with blood on his hands truly change? Or is this a master of reinvention pulling off the biggest PR stunt in modern history?So who really is Ahmed al-Sharaa? Joining Roland for Battle Lines we have Jerome Drevon, co-author of “Transformed by the People Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s Road to Power in Syria” and The Telegraph’s very own Adrian Blomfield.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/10/ahmed-al-sharaa-syrian-president-donald-trump-white-house/► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more than two years a vicious civil war has been raging in Sudan. It’s been defined by massacres, rapes, displacement, and starvation. As the UN has long said, it is one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century.Most media didn’t pay attention until Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab published satellite images of bodies and bloody sand. Suddenly, there was hard visual evidence of the scale of the slaughter.This week, we speak to Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of Yale's Humanitarian Research Lab about how satellites are being used to track wars and war crimes from space.We also hear from Shashwat Saraf, Norwegian Refugee Council's Country Director to get an on the ground update from near El Fasher.Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan Searle► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorPicture credit: AP / Airbus DS 2025Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@ascottgeddesHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sanctions, nationwide protests, even Israeli airstrikes haven’t broken the Iranian regime. Could a drought finally bring the Islamic Republic to its knees?Iran is running out of water and now the president has warned that if the rains don’t come, all of Tehran may have to be evacuated. This isn’t a war fought with bombs or bullets, it’s far more devastating. Roland Oliphant is joined by The Telegraph’s Iran correspondent, Akhtar Makoii and former Iranian politician Kaveh Madani to unpack how things got so bad and what it might mean for the regime.Credit: Geoff Pugh/The Telegraph► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany is rearming, and fast. A sentence that once sent shivers down Europe’s spine is now a shocking reality. This isn’t the Germany of old; it’s a nation powering up for a new era of danger. With Putin’s war machine grinding on, Berlin’s gone from pacifist to powerhouse, pledging a staggering 3.5% of GDP to defence by 2029, outpacing the UK. So what’s behind this dramatic transformation? And is it enough to protect Europe from another Russian rampage? Venetia is joined by The Telegraph’s Berlin correspondent James Rothwell and defence expert Ulrike Franke to find out about Germany’s great rearmament.Read Matt Oliver's deep dive into Germany's rearmament: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/11/02/germany-wants-to-arm-itself-to-the-teeth-is-the-world-ready/Credit: AFP/Genya Savilov► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Ukraine, tens of thousands of soldiers have returned from the frontlines without limbs. Most of them will require support in some form for the rest of their lives. But not all of those amputations are purely the result of direct hits on the battlefield. Ukraine’s Chief Military Surgeon has said the improper use of tourniquets could be responsible for as many as one in four lost limbs. Have medics become too reliant on the tourniquet? And what does this enormous burden of injury mean for Ukraine in the long term?To find out, Arthur and Venetia are joined by two former military medics, Captain Rom Stevens and Eddie Chanoler. Did you know, you can watch this podcast? Just click here to watch on on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YWbRNvfZhFsProducer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan SearleRead more about this issue:‘Cult’ of tourniquets causing thousands of unnecessary amputations and deaths in Ukraine, say surgeonsHow Ukraine rehabilitates its war wounded will define it as a nation► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorPicture credit: Jose Colon/Anadolu via Getty Imageshttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@ascottgeddes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump’s been on a triumphant tour of Asia, shaking hands, signing peace deals, and lapping up royal treatment fit for, well, himself. From Tokyo Tower lit in red, white and blue to 250 cherry trees gifted in his honour, it was a spectacle of ego and diplomacy rolled into one. In South Korea, they even played YMCA as he strutted past a military band. Trump’s “12 out of 10” meeting with Xi Jinping was big on smiles but is it enough to combat Beijing's increasingly confident posture in the Pacific? Plus, beyond the fireworks and photo ops, what did this Asia trip actually achieve? Were the rare earth and critical mineral deals Trump struck enough to protect Western militaries from China’s stranglehold on this key industry? Venetia is joined by Ben Bland from Chatham House and Steve Tsang from The School of Oriental and African Studies to find out.Trump may already be losing the economic war for the Asia-Pacific: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/11/03/trump-may-already-be-losing-war-china-asia-pacific/Air Force One is stuffed with golden gifts but the promises remain paper-thin: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/30/air-force-one-stuffed-gifts-trump-trade-deals-uncertain/► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a rhythm to wartime atrocity. First come the warnings, ignored, dismissed. Then the whispers, the shaky videos, the satellite images that no one can quite believe. And finally, the horrific truth. That’s where we are today in el-Fasher, Sudan, where the militia calling itself the Rapid Support Forces is perpetrating a massacre that can literally be seen from space. The crime has refocused attention both on Sudan's war, and the RSF's regional backers. Who are they, and why are they bankrolling such bloodshed? And why is such a vast and visible atrocity drawing such a muted reaction from the international community? Battle Lines is joined by Sudanese analyst Kholood Khair from think tank Confluence Advisory and terrorism and conflict specialist Michael Jones from Royal United Services Institute.A massacre visible from space: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/28/sudan-bloodied-sands-massacre-thousands/Attack on El Fasher hospital: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/hundreds-die-in-el-fasher-hospital-massacre-darfur-sudan/► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorCredit: AFP PHOTO / HO / SUDAN RAPID SUPPORT FORCES (RSF) TELEGRAMhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been over two weeks since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect in Gaza. While the full-blown war has stopped, the World Health Organisation is warning that Gaza is experiencing a health "catastrophe" that will last for "generations to come".How do we make Gaza healthy again? How do you heal a city that’s been under siege and rebuild a health system destroyed by war?To find out, Arthur and Venetia are joined by Professor Paul Spiegel, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, and Nick Maynard, a consultant surgeon at Oxford university hospital who’s regularly been into Gaza during the war.Did you know, you can watch this podcast? Just click here to follow our playlist on YouTube.Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan Searle► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorPicture credit: OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFPhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@ascottgeddes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Arctic ice melts, a new Cold War is heating up. Russia and China are rewriting the rules of global power, testing missiles, flexing muscles, and pushing into the world’s last frontiers. A 294-metre container ship has just blazed through the Arctic route from China to Europe in record time. If trade can flow through, what’s to stop warships? Are we watching the start of a polar power grab? Should NATO be bracing for a Chinese fleet in the North Atlantic, or even Antarctica next? Military historian Caroline Kennedy-Pipe and Arctic expert Dr Elizabeth Buchanan plunge into the freezing front line to expose what’s really happening beneath the ice.► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorCredit: Anthony Upton/Telegraphhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Caribbean is heating up and Trump’s fingerprints are all over it. U.S. warships, stealth fighters, elite troops… and whispers of regime change. Is Donald Trump about to launch a full-scale invasion of Venezuela? Behind the “war on drugs” rhetoric, Washington has been quietly building up military power near Maduro’s shores, reopening bases and even authorising covert CIA operations. Venezuela’s leader says America is trying to overthrow him. Trump insists it’s about stopping criminals and cartels. So who’s telling the truth? And how close are we to another Cold War-style showdown in America’s backyard? Senior Adviser at International Crisis Group, Brian Finucane, joins us to expose what’s really happening on the edge of the Caribbean.► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorCredit: AFP/Federico Parrahttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, Donald Trump raised the spectre of biological weapons at the UN, calling on the world to help him end their development.He said AI could help enforce the ban on these weapons.But scientists are increasingly concerned that technologies like AI and gene editing tools could also make them more accessible – and even more dangerous.So we’re asking: has the threat of biological weapons returned?We are joined by Dr Brett Edwards, Senior Lecturer in Security and Public Policy at the University of Bath. His research focuses on both the history and contemporary threat posed by biological and chemical weapons.Plus we speak to Dr Ken Alibek, Former Deputy Chief of the Soviet Union's Biological Weapons, who lifted the lid on their secret bioweapons programmes to find out what threat Russia poses today.Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan SearleFor more insights and exclusive content, sign up to the Global Health newsletter: https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/global-health-security/Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk@TelGlobalHealth@venetiarainey@ascottgeddesDr Brett Edwards hosts the Poisons and Pestilence Podcast on the history of biological and chemical weapons and warfare.Dr Ken Alibek is the author of 'Biohazard'.Credit: UN clip - ABC News. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here’s a sobering reality: China could bring America’s military to its knees — without firing a single shot. The weapon? Rare earth minerals. These hidden elements power everything from fighter jets and submarines to missiles and drones. If Beijing pulled the plug tomorrow, Western stockpiles would run dry within weeks — and rebuilding them wouldn’t be easy.Now, with China tightening export controls and Trump hitting back with 100% tariffs, the global standoff is escalating fast. This week on Battle Lines, Samuel Olsen from Sibylline and Neha Mukherjee from Benchmark Minerals expose the fight beneath the surface — the battle for the world’s rare earths.► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphantCredit: Getty/ US Navy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We surface a story that’s been making waves. A Russian diesel-electric submarine, The Novorossiysk, is being trailed through the North Sea by NATO ships, sparking headlines about a “crippled” vessel and “embarrassment for Moscow.” But is it really in trouble? Or are we, once again, jumping to Cold War-style conclusions?Yes, it leaked fuel last month. Boats do that. It’s now heading home. They do that too. It’s been politely shadowed by eleven ships from six nations—Britain, France, the Dutch—all watching closely, all behaving exactly as they should. And it’s on the surface? Perfectly normal for a diesel-electric sub. These boats run on a mix of diesel and battery power—surfacing to recharge before diving again.The truth is, diesel-electric submarines are both silent hunters and noisy neighbours. On battery, they’re whisper quiet; on diesel, they roar like thunder.So, could The Novorossiysk simply be recharging, not retreating? Is NATO flexing its muscles for show, rather than necessity? And in an age of nuclear subs and high-tech stealth—are diesel-electrics just relics running on borrowed time? Former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe dives deep into the story.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/15/russia-navy-putin-mediterranean-naval-threat/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/14/broken-russian-submarine-novorossiysk-channel-north-sea-tug/► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

War is the perfect petri dish for disease. In the conflicts of the 18th and 19th centuries, many more troops died of illnesses than in battle. And, at the start of the 20th century, the Spanish Flu pandemic emerged out of the chaos of the First World War.With anti-microbial resistance on the rise and HIV cases soaring among Russian soldiers, might ‘Disease X’ – the mystery pathogen that could cause the next pandemic – be lurking in Ukraine, or Gaza, or Sudan? In the first episode of a brand new Global Health Security Series for Battle Lines, Venetia Rainey is joined by Arthur Scott-Geddes to ask: Could war spark the next pandemic?  We hear from Amesh Adalja, Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security about pandemic preparedness and how war zones breed disease. Plus, Laura Spinney, author of best selling book, Pale Rider, explains how the First World War paved the way for the Spanish Flu to kill up to 100 million people.  Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan SearleContact us with feedback or ideas: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @TelGlobalHealth@venetiarainey @ascottgeddes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China isn’t just spying — many Western security officials believe it’s waging a full-blown, whole-of-government campaign against the West. From hacking our systems to manipulating elections and social media, Beijing’s playing the long game to undermine Britain, America, and their allies. We speak to former FBI agent Michael Feinberg who quit under very controversial circumstances — he lifts the lid on how China’s outsmarting the FBI, America, and the entire Western intelligence machine. Rooted in centuries of pride and grievance, he says that China sees itself on a divine mission to topple Western dominance. And while our governments talk tough, we’ve tied ourselves to China economically — a dangerous bind.► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorCredits: Steven McDowell / Science Photo Library RFhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this explosive episode of Battle Lines, Venetia Rainey is asking the question everyone else is too afraid to: is Britain ready for a Russian-style drone onslaught? Drones have been spotted across Europe — Poland, Germany, Denmark, Belgium — sparking fears of a new kind of hybrid war. Could the UK defend itself if those drones turned up on our shores? To find out, Venetia is joined by ex-RAF pilot and CEO of FlyBy Technology, Jon Parker, and The Telegraph's senior foreign correspondent, Memphis Barker. Their verdict? Britain’s readiness score — a pitiful two or three out of ten. This is a wake-up call.Read Memphis' Wales drone dispatch:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/14/britains-best-attack-drones-are-stuck-chasing-sheep/► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorCredits: Mariusz Burcz / Alamy Stock Photohttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years on from October 7th, Donald Trump is on the cusp of brokering a fragile peace deal between Israel and Hamas. But with Hamas showing signs of reconstituting itself and Israeli forces still in control of much of the Strip, few believe the war is truly over.In this episode, we hear from The Telegraph’s Jerusalem correspondent Henry Bodkin, fresh from an Israeli army embed inside Gaza City, about what he saw on the ground and why Hamas’s resilience could shape what comes next. Venetia also speaks to Dalia Horn, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is one of around twenty hostages believed to be alive in Gaza out of the 48 not yet released. Plus, Sophia Yan catches up again with two close friends from the Oasis of Peace — one Jewish Israeli, one Palestinian — who she has spoken to throughout the conflict about their friendship and whether they still believe in the two-state solution. ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorRead Henry’s dispatch: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/04/inside-gaza-city-idf-face-younger-braver-hamas/Read El Sharabi’s book extract: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/04/eli-sharabi-hamas-hostage-book-extract-2/Listen to Sophia’s previous conversations with the best friends: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/02/14/battle-lines-israel-oasis-of-peace-palestine/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/10/09/israels-oasis-of-peace-one-year-later/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump delivered extraordinary speeches to top military generals this week, declaring a war on the "enemy within" and signaling a radical transformation of the US armed forces.To decode what it all means, Roland Oliphant speaks with Mark Cancian, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a former Marine Corps colonel. Are American soldiers lazier than before? Is there any chance the US Navy will start building battleships again? And how significant is Trump's call for cities to be used as "training grounds"?They also discuss the ongoing redrafting of the National Defense Strategy and what it means for America's allies and enemies.https://linktr.ee/BattleLines Contact us with feedback or ideas: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey @RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss bringing an end to the conflict in Gaza. Last week, he was giving a fiery speech at the UN General Assembly denying the accusation of genocide levelled at Israel following a UN report. In response to an earlier Battle Lines interview with one of the report's authors, Venetia gets the other side of the argument with Dr. Eran Shamir-Borer, a former head of the International Law Department in the Israel Defense Forces and part of Israel's team at the International Court of Justice defending the country's against a genocide case there. He is now director of the Center for Security and Democracy at the Israel Democracy Institute and shares his legal perspective on why the UN Commission of Inquiry's report was wrong and Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza. Plus he discusses how Hamas' operating tactics makes the Gaza war one of the most morally and legally complex in modern history.https://linktr.ee/BattleLines Contact us with feedback or ideas: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey @RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the darling's of the global populist movement, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, has recently been sentenced to over 27 years in prison in his native country. So what does that tell us about the possible fortunes for other political leaders of the same ilk across the globe, and where does the South American country go from here?Roland hears from the Telegraph's senior foreign correspondent Adrian Blomfield, who has just returned from Brazil, about his meeting with Bolsonaro's wife and the extraordinary phenomenon of one of the world's largest Catholic majority countries being set to become majority Evangelical Christian in the coming years.Also in the programme, Roland speaks to Moldovan policy analyst Andrei Curăraru about the country's historic parliamentary elections this Sunday, and how Russia is trying to influence the result.Read Adrian Blomfield's interview with Mrs Bolsonaro: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/24/michelle-bolsonaro-rise-like-lioness-husband-languish-jail/https://linktr.ee/BattleLines Contact us with feedback or ideas: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey @RolandOliphantSign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the UN still relevant? The organisation faces numerous unresolved conflicts, a cash crisis, deep polarisation among its members, a bloated bureaucracy and the waning interest of its biggest backer, the US.Venetia Rainey speaks to Richard Gowan, veteran UN watcher and UN director for the US think tank International Crisis Group. He says the body is “rotting from the top” and questions if parts of it will survive another 10 years.Plus, a wave of Western countries including the UK, Canada, France and Australia have recognised the state of Palestine in the hope of preserving the two-state solution. But that option is long dead, according to The Telegraph's chief foreign affairs commentator, David Blair.Read David Blair's analysis: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09/20/starmers-middle-east-madness-in-recognising-palestine/https://linktr.ee/BattleLines Contact us with feedback or ideas: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey @RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What links Elon Musk, Steve Bannon and Tommy Robinson? They all believe England is on the cusp of civil war. As US President Donald Trump wraps up his second state visit to the UK, hosts Venetia Rainey and Roland Oliphant examine the darker side of the transatlantic “special relationship” — from American support for the British far-right to the spread of populist extremism across borders.They’re joined by Rob Crilly, The Telegraph’s chief US correspondent, who explains MAGA-world’s obsession with the idea of British decline, Trump’s surprisingly friendly ties with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and what the president’s visit means for US-UK relations and the defence industry.They also discuss Musk’s speech at Robinson's "free speech" rally in London, Steve Bannon’s influence, and the rise of political violence in America following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.Read Roland's analysis: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09/17/conservative-america-turn-britain-musk-vance-charlie-kirk/Read Rob's analysis: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/09/18/trump-inspects-troops-war-brewing-at-home/Credits: X/@TRobinsonNewEra; National Conservatism via YouTube; Charlie Kirk via YouTube; White House via YouTubehttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk@venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a bombshell report, the UN has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza for the first time. Chris Sidoti, one of the report's authors and a human rights law expert, explains why on this bonus episode of Battle Lines. Speaking to host Venetia Rainey and Telegraph reporter Lilia Sebouai, he delves into the report's findings, how his team reached their conclusions, and concrete examples of Israeli genocidal acts and genocidal intent in Gaza. They also discuss criticisms of the report, its authors and the UN at large - including Israel's allegations of anti-Semitism. https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk@venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk marks more than a shocking act of political violence - it is a symptom of America’s accelerating era of violent populism, and it will continue to escalate without intervention. That's according to Robert Pape, one of the world’s foremost experts on political violence, terrorism, and national security and director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats.Roland speaks to Pape about what next after Kirk's murder, the deeper forces driving America’s unrest and what lessons other countries in the West should take from it. Plus, Venetia speaks to The Telegraph's Samaan Lateef about the historic protests in Nepal and how Gen Z demonstrators overturned a government by using new online technology such as Discord and Chat GPT.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk@venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a week of big developments, with Nato planes scrambled after Russia sent more than a dozen drones into Polish airspace, and Qatar on high alert after Israel bombed a Hamas negotiating team in the centre of Doha. Roland and Venetia unpack the significance of the events and what might happen next. Plus, the team spends a day at DSEI, one of the world's largest arms fairs, to look at how the UK is getting its armed forces ready for the next war. They catch up with a veteran British tank commander on the pros and cons of the upcoming Challenger 3, the managing director of Ukrspecsystems, Ukraine’s largest drone manufacturer, on why they’re investing in the UK, and Hamish de Bretton-Gordon on chemical warfare and the importance of good defensive kit.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphantImage: Petty Officer Joel Rouse © Crown copyright 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For three generations the Kim dynasty has ruled North Korea with ruthless precision. Now Kim Jong Un appears to be grooming his 12-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his heir—a bold move in a country where women have never held power. At the same time, reports surface of a disastrous US Navy SEALs mission to bug Kim’s communications, ending in civilian deaths. So what does all this tell us about the Hermit Kingdom’s future, its ties to China and Russia, and the grip of one family dynasty? We are joined by leading North Korea analyst Rachel Minyoung Lee to cut through the mystery, the propaganda, and the paranoia.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphanthttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09/04/kim-jong-un-daughter-kim-ju-ae/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew and Jihi Bustamante aren’t your average married couple — they met inside the CIA and their romance played out under the shadow of espionage. In this gripping conversation, they reveal how they fell in love during training, the reality of life inside America’s most secretive agency, and how a mole within the CIA blew their cover. Love, lies, and life on the frontline of the new spy war.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphantAndrew’s CIA book ‘Shadow Cell’: https://geni.us/ShadowCellBookIf you want to hear more from Andrew, you can follow him on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Andrew-Bustamante Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China's biggest ever military parade boasted sophisticated new weapons, thousands of goose-stepping troops, and a guest list designed to put the West on notice. The footage of Chinese President Xi Jinping walking in between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in particular was a clear message to the US, Europe and its democratic allies: Beijing now officially heads up a new world order of authoritarian states. Venetia is joined by former Russia correspondent Roland Oliphant and former China correspondent Sophia Yan to explain everything you need to know about the new weapons unveiled, the leaders who were and weren’t there, and what it means for the West.Read Sophia's exclusive drone investigation: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/03/how-china-is-secretly-arming-russia/Read Sophia's analysis: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/03/china-parade-xi-putin-kim/Listen to our mini series on the rise of China's military: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/08/battle-lines-podcast-inside-the-rise-of-chinas-military/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the war for Sudan's Darfur region heats up, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are stepping up their brutal siege on the last remaining army stronghold of El Fasher, with new satellite pictures showing a wall being built around the northern city.The RSF have been accused of genocide for conducting a campaign of violence, rape and murder against Darfur's non-Arab communities. Famine has been declared in the region and millions have been displaced.To understand what is going on in El Fasher, Venetia speaks to the head of the Darfur Human Rights Network, Mohammed Adam Hassan, who is Darfurian and in contact with people on the ground.Plus Amnesty's head of crisis research, explosives expert Brian Castner, explains why he believes the UAE is arming the RSF, including with sophisticated Chinese weapons.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the old cliché goes, the first casualty when war comes is truth.In the past week, Israel has denied that it has caused a famine in Gaza, accusing the UN-backed body behind the report of a “blood libel”, and killed five more journalists in a widely condemned double-tap attack on a hospital. It is part of a wider trend that has made getting to the facts of the war in Gaza difficult. To understand how a war on truth is being waged in Israel, Venetia speaks to UNICEF’s Tess Ingram in Gaza City, Phil Chetwynd, global news director of news agency AFP, and Israeli information warfare specialist Tal Hagin.READ MORE:What really happened with Israel’s ‘double-tap’ strike on Gaza hospital? https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/27/what-really-happened-with-israel-double-tap-gaza-hospital/Seven common tropes used to deny Gaza’s famine: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/seven-common-tropes-used-to-deny-gazas-famine-debunked/Listen to our mini series on the rise of China's military: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/08/battle-lines-podcast-inside-the-rise-of-chinas-military/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk@venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can Nato make itself future-ready? What are the biggest threats facing Western democracy? And what black swan event helped change the course of the First World War?To find out, Venetia chats to Dr Gabriele Rizzo, a defence futurist and foresight strategist whose job is to imagine different possibilities and help his clients prepare for them. He has years of experience working with the US Space Force, NATO, the Italian Government, the European Defense Agency, and the United Nations.In 2022, UNESCO elected Dr. Rizzo as a UNESCO Chair in Futures Studies and Foresight, making him the youngest recipient ever. He is also in the process of writing the Handbook of Foresight, Strategy, and Futures Studies for Defense and Security, which looks at how foresight strategies can be used in government and policy.Listen to our mini series on the rise of China's military: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/08/battle-lines-podcast-inside-the-rise-of-chinas-military/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk@venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his desperate attempt to win the Nobel Peace Prize, President Trump claims to have ended at least six wars around the world. But how does that stack up in reality? In this episode Roland Oliphant hears from Telegraph correspondents Adrian Blomfield and Sarah Newey alongside Caucasus expert James Kilner about Trump’s actual involvement, or not, in halting these conflicts and how likely it is that he’ll win the prize he seemingly covets above any other…Listen to our mini series on the rise of China's military: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/08/battle-lines-podcast-inside-the-rise-of-chinas-military/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eighty years on from Victory over Japan day in 1945, the contribution of British and Commonwealth soldiers in a brutal battle against the Imperial Japanese armed forces is often overlooked. The fact that the dropping of two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki saved the lives of many in prisoner of war camps is even less discussed. Featuring voicenotes from readers whose family fought in Asia and the Pacific, Venetia and Roland dive into this tangled history and reflect on the legacy they have left behind. Plus, The Telegraph's Gareth Corfield gives the inside scoop on the story behind the biggest British data leak in history - the Ministry of Defence's Afghan list - and how Iran is using it to hunt for MI6 spies. Read David Blair's piece: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/06/the-bombing-of-hiroshima-saved-my-grandfather/Read more VJ Day veteran accounts: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/15/vj-day-80th-anniversary-veterans-who-were-there/Listen to our mini series on the rise of China's military: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/08/battle-lines-podcast-inside-the-rise-of-chinas-military/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As US President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin get ready to meet in Alaska, there has been lots of talk about what Washington, Moscow and even Europe want from the historic summit.But what about Ukrainians? What do they want? To find out, Roland speaks to former Ukrainian defence minister and chairman of the Center for Defence Strategies Andriy Zagorodnyuk and veteran frontline soldier Max Kuzmenko.Plus, Ukraine: The Latest host Dominic Nicholls and acting deputy US editor Connor Stringer dial in from Anchorage to talk about international expectations ahead of the meeting. Read Roland's analysis about the options available on the table in Alaska: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/14/ukraine-russia-alaska-summit-donald-trump-putin-zelensky/Listen to our sister podcast Ukraine: The Latest for a special bonus episode on Friday after the Trump-Putin summit: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/03/02/russia-ukraine-war-listen-daily-podcast/Listen to our mini series on the rise of China's military: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/08/battle-lines-podcast-inside-the-rise-of-chinas-military/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australia holds a unique position in global geopolitics - on the other side of the world but still very much a 'Western' country.To that end, Roland Oliphant speaks with former Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne about the delicate balancing act his country faces in dealing with an increasingly sharp-elbowed China; and whether President Trump will stand by the AUKUS nuclear submarine pact with Australia.Also in this episode, Roland looks at developments in Gaza. Nearly 200 journalists have been killed while reporting in the strip, but for the first time, Israel has publicly stated that the death of one on Sunday - Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif - was an assassination by its own forces...The Telegraph’s Jerusalem correspondent Henry Bodkin discusses why the strike happened now and what it means for journalists either already in Gaza and those still trying to enter.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nuclear weapons are back. This week, Moscow announced that it would no longer abide by the once hugely significant Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Last week, President Donald Trump announced that he had moved nuclear submarines towards Russia.From growing stockpiles in China and North Korea, to growing cooperation between the UK and France, the direction of travel is clear. As Japan marks the 80th anniversary of the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Venetia talks to Dr Sidharth Kaushal, a senior fellow in military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute in London.What’s driving this new nuclear arms race? Which country will be the next to go nuclear? And is there an argument that it actually makes the world safer? https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid growing international outrage over an unfolding famine in Gaza, lack of aid supplies and the high death toll in the ongoing war, Israel is increasingly isolated on the world stage. Last week, several of Israel's major Western allies - the UK, France and Canada - set out a timetable for recognising a Palestinian state. In the following days, an apparently emboldened Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad both released fresh videos of hostages they kidnapped on October 7th, showing the two men in shocking conditions. Venetia speaks to Gili Roman, brother of a released hostage and brother-in-law of a murdered hostage, about the pain of the videos and the mood on the ground in Israel amid fresh anti-government protests. Plus, The Telegraph's chief foreign affairs commentator David Blair looks at whether recognising a Palestinian state is the right move and what other options were available to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will China invade Taiwan? If so, when and what signs should we look for that will show it is imminent? How exactly could Beijing seize the island? And what would the US do in response? These questions have been at the core of Indo-Pacific security concerns for decades, but in recent years, the threat has become more tangible - and the questions more urgent. In the final episode of this three-part series on China's military, Venetia Rainey looks at different analyses of whether Beijing is getting ready to invade the self-ruled island it claims as its own. Plus, she examines the different scenarios that could unfold and crucially, what that would mean for a conflict with the US and a potential Third World War. This series dives into the strengths and weaknesses of China’s military and its remarkable transformation over the last few decades from obsolete to world-class.How significant is China’s military buildup? What does Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge mean for the People’s Liberation Army? And how likely is an invasion of Taiwan in the next few years? As the US pivots to the Indo-Pacific and the threat of a truly global war looms, understanding the evolving role of China’s military on the world stage has never been more important.With thanks to Dr Phillip Saunders and Joel Wuthnow from the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, Oriana Skylar Mastro from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University, Meia Nouwens from the China Programme at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Timothy Heath at RAND, Amanda Hsiao at Eurasia Group, and The Telegraph’s Asia Correspondent Allegra Mendelson.  Archive used: WION, SBS News, PBS News Hour, Channel 4, NATO, DRM News, CCTV, Weibo/social mediaContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China’s military is not a real army - it’s the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party. Ideology is paramount and corruption is endemic. Plus, the People’s Liberation Army hasn’t fought a war since 1979. Xi Jinping calls it “the peace disease”. In episode two of this three-part series, Venetia Rainey looks at the PLA’s weaknesses and how the Chinese president Xi is trying to fix them, from endless purges of top generals to a specially built training centre in Mongolia and live-fire drills around Taiwan. This series on China’s military dives into the strengths and weaknesses of China’s military and its remarkable transformation over the last few decades from obsolete to world-class.How significant is China’s military buildup? What does Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge mean for the People’s Liberation Army? And how likely is an invasion of Taiwan in the next few years? As the US pivots to the Indo-Pacific and the threat of a truly global war looms, understanding the evolving role of China’s military on the world stage has never been more important.With thanks to Dr Phillip Saunders and Joel Wuthnow from the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, Oriana Skylar Mastro from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University, Meia Nouwens from the China Programme at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Timothy Heath at RAND, and Amanda Hsiao at Eurasia Group. Archive used: WION, SBS News, PBS News Hour, Channel 4, NATO, DRM News, Shortwave Radio Audio Archive, Reuters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the strengths and weaknesses of China’s military and its remarkable transformation over the last few decades from obsolete to world-class in a new special series on Battle Lines.How significant is China’s military buildup? What does Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge mean for the People’s Liberation Army? And how likely is an invasion of Taiwan in the next few years? As the US pivots to the Indo-Pacific and the threat of a truly global war looms, understanding the evolving role of China’s military on the world stage has never been more important.In episode one of this three-part series, Venetia Rainey uncovers the strengths that define the PLA today, from its vastly modernised Navy, now the largest globally, to its Air Force equipped with stealth fighters and advanced drones.Plus, a look at China’s potent non-conventional forces, such as its highly sophisticated cyber warfare units, its independent aerospace and counter-space capabilities, and the secretive Rocket Force, responsible for a fast-expanding nuclear arsenal.With thanks to Dr Phillip Saunders and Joel Wuthnow from the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, and Oriana Skylar Mastro from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University.Archive used: WION, SBS News, PBS News Hour, Channel 4, NATO, DRM News, CGTN, GettyContact us with feedback or ideas: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk@venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What exactly is going on inside the Gaza strip? Amid growing reports of children starving to death and fears of full-blown famine, the international community appears to be becoming more critical of Israel. Roland Oliphant hears from a UNICEF staffer with recent on the ground experience in Gaza about why mass starvation is setting in - but is still avoidable. Tess Ingram shares the latest from the area and how it is now nothing short of a ‘hellscape’.Plus, in a dramatic escalation of tensions, Thailand bombed its neighbour Cambodia on Thursday with F16 fighter jets. But how did it come to this and why now?Roland speaks to the Telegraph’s Bangkok-based correspondent Sarah Newey to get the latest from the region.Exclusive footage showing acute malnutrition in Gaza: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/gaza-starvation-child-malnutrition-israel-hamas-war/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid growing speculation around China’s invasion of Taiwan, the island nation has held its largest ever military exercises. Fresh from reporting on live fire drills off the Taiwanese coast, The Telegraph’s Asia correspondent Allegra Mendelson shares the latest on Indo-Pacific tensions with Roland Oliphant.Also, Roland speaks to Neal Urwitz, close friend of the US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy - Elbridge A. Colby - to discuss the latter’s push to dramatically refocus America’s military might purely on Taiwan.Read Allegra's dispatch here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/14/taiwan-forgotten-front-line-defensive-drills-may-not-matter/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphantRead Allegra's dispatch here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/14/taiwan-forgotten-front-line-defensive-drills-may-not-matter/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump—never one to shy away from controversy—has done another dramatic U-turn. After flatly refusing to send any more Patriot missiles to Ukraine, he’s now decided to send them anyway. So what’s changed? And why do these missiles matter so much?Let’s cut through the noise. Are Patriot missiles genuinely game-changers on the battlefield, or are they just a powerful symbol in modern warfare? To get to the truth, we’re speaking to someone who’s actually been there—Air Marshal Edward Stringer. He spent 39 years in the RAF, flew combat missions over Iraq, and went up against anti-aircraft systems himself. If anyone knows what Patriot missiles can really do, it’s him. https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

General Sir Patrick Sanders has a stark warning: Britain must prepare for war with Russia within five years and start building bunkers and better air defences.Speaking exclusively to our Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan, the former head of the British army points to the Nordic countries and says we need to start taking a leaf out of their book.He also discusses why an Iron Dome couldn’t work in the UK, his thoughts on the recent Israel-Iran war, and why he didn’t encourage his son to join the army.General Sanders stood down as head of the British army last summer. The former rifleman had been tipped to be the next Chief of the Defence Staff but fell out of favour with the Government for being too outspoken about the extent of troop cuts.Our defence editor Danielle interviewed him in his garden at his home in rural Wiltshire, with his blonde Labrador Fargo by his side.You can read her write-up and see some pretty extraordinary photos of General Sanders here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/11/britain-must-prepare-for-war-with-russia-next-five-years/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump has called out Vladimir Putin's "bullshit" and appears to be getting ready to back major US sanctions against Russia. Could this be the end of Trump's soft spot for the Russian dictator? Venetia chats to veteran army officer and chemical and nuclear weapons expert Hamish de Bretton-Gordon about what might happen next and why we can't trust either Trump or Putin. They also discuss Russia's campaign of chemical weapons in Ukraine, the dangers of not supporting Syria's new Islamist government, and the significance of the new French-British nuclear weapons deal. https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets American President Donald Trump to try to hash out a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, a new Middle East is emerging from the ashes of years of war. Iran's nuclear programme has been bombed, Syria's new leader is re-establishing diplomatic relations with the West, and the Gulf is considering normalising relations with Israel. Roland talks to journalist Adrian Blomfield about how people across the region feel about these tectonic shifts and why Israel is emerging as the winner. Plus, veteran interviewer Mick Brown reflects on the significance of the Dalai Lama's recent announcement on his reincarnation and why Beijing is furious. https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the Pentagon unveiled a jaw-dropping $47.3 billion plan to supercharge its fleet with 19 brand-new battleships. That’s right—nineteen. Up from a paltry five last year. And let’s not kid ourselves: this isn’t just about flexing maritime muscle, it’s a direct message to China—loud and clear.Enter Commander Tom Sharpe, a man who’s not only been there and done it, but practically wrote the manual. A retired Royal Navy heavyweight who’s commanded four warships and earned an OBE for saving HMS Endurance from a catastrophic flood, Sharpe joins us to tear into what this seismic shift really means.Are we gearing up for World War Sea? Has the age of battleship brinkmanship returned? Expect sharp analysis, no-nonsense truth bombs, and a few jaw-dropping tales from the frontlines of naval warfare.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, something a bit different: a special dispatch from the Swedish island that has become a Nato bulwark against Russian aggression in the Baltic Sea. Although all troops were removed in 2005, Gotland Island has since been remilitarised and is now home to the Swedish Armed Forces’ newest outfit: the Gotland Regiment.The troops are charged with protecting this hugely strategic Baltic outpost from Russia - and they are clear-eyed about the threat Moscow once again poses in northern Europe.Venetia Rainey takes us inside some of Sweden's trademark CV90s, chats to the regiment's commander about the challenges of defending the island, and embeds with elite British paratroopers practicing recapturing the territory from Moscow.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For several weeks, two Chinese aircraft carrier battle groups have been conducting unprecedented drills in the Western Pacific, sailing further from Beijing than ever before.What message is China trying to send to the world and what can we learn about its Navy’s capabilities? Venetia chats to RUSI's Philip Shetler‑Jones, who specialises in Indo-Pacific security.Plus, a rare journey through Gaza with UNICEF's chief spokesman James Elder and a look at an explosive story accusing Israeli soldiers of firing on unarmed Gazan civilians at aid sites they describe as "killing fields".https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in Trumpland: Trump bombed Iran on Saturday, declared its nuclear programme "obliterated" by Sunday, shrugged off Iranian missile strikes on Monday, and by Tuesday had single-handedly forced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel—only for it to nearly collapse hours later. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, he turned up at the NATO summit in The Hague and strong-armed allies into a staggering 5% defence spending target, all while barely mentioning Ukraine.Was this the art of the deal or the brink of disaster? Venetia Rainey speaks to Brussels correspondent Joe Barnes for the inside track on NATO, and we ask KT McFarland, former Deputy National Security Advisor, the question gripping America: are we safer today, or just one bad call away from another endless war?https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United States has just pulled off one of the most audacious bombing campaigns of the 21st century — attacking Iran’s nuclear sites in a stunning show of military might. The Pentagon is calling it a surgical strike. Donald Trump? He’s calling it a “obliteration.” Either way, it’s one hell of a moment in global history.But this didn't come out of nowhere. This is part of a full-blown war that started just ten days ago, when Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran. Since then, it’s been chaos. Missiles flying back and forth, and now — the world’s most powerful military dropping bunker-busting bombs with chilling precision. And while Israeli officials are tight-lipped about regime change, Trump certainly isn’t. Last night on Truth Social he posted: “If the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn’t there be regime change?” Then he added “MIGA” — yes, Make Iran Great Again. Subtle, it is not.To cut through the spin and propaganda, Venetia speaks with Dr Shany Mor a Senior Research Fellow at the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre, Darya Dolzikova from RUSI and co-host Roland Oliphant.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/20/replace-khamenei-leader-of-iran/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/22/trump-stealth-bombers-mission-obliterate-iran-nuclear/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel and Iran are trading missiles. A hospital’s been hit. Thirty injured. Israel’s fired back — hard — targeting Iran’s nuclear sites. Inside Iran? Chaos. Power’s out. Hackers hijack state TV, urging revolt. And Donald Trump? He’s green-lit Pentagon war plans — but is holding fire. For now.We’ve got The Telegraph’s best on the ground: Sophia Yan in Beirut, Paul Nuki in Tel Aviv, and David Blair in the studio. Lebanon’s on edge. Israel’s braced. And the big question — will Trump strike? Or let Israel go it alone? The team also debates the broader stakes: Can Israel halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions without American help? Could the regime in Tehran collapse? And what happens if Hezbollah stays silent? With so many moving parts, this episode dives deep into the decisions and dangers shaping what may become the defining war of the decade.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a bumper, bonus edition of Battle Lines, we are talking to Iranians themselves, those both inside and outside the country, pro and anti regime, to get a sense of how the nation is responding to these missile strikes, what the war could mean for both the regime and ordinary people, and what comes next.Emotions on the ground and among the diaspora are running high, and the stakes are even higher. Israeli strikes have hit targets across the country, in populated parts of Tehran and other cities. Huge traffic jams have formed as people have tried to flee the capitol. There are petrol shortages and shops are closed. Iran hasn't seen this kind of attack since the war with Iraq in the 1980s.Fereshteh Sadeghi is a freelance Iranian journalist based in Tehran, who considers herself a supporter of the regime. She shares the conversations she's had on the streets of her city about this war. Giving a very different perspective, we hear from Holly Dagres, author of The Iranist, a foreign policy newsletter for Iran watchers.Plus we hear from Ali Vaez, the Iranian born Director of the Iran programme at Crisis Group,who tells us why the diplomacy had fallen apart so suddenly and dramatically, and whether there is any hope it could restart. And author of What Iranians Want, historian Arash Azizi, joins us to attempt to explain exactly that; what do the Iranian people want?https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s day four of Israel’s relentless bombing campaign against Iran, and the death toll is spiralling. Iran says 224 of its citizens are dead. Israel reports 24 lives lost and over 500 injured in a barrage of Iranian retaliatory strikes. And this war is only just getting started. The Israeli airstrikes have gone far beyond nuclear sites. Government buildings, intelligence headquarters, the ministries of justice and foreign affairs—obliterated. Tehran is being shaken to its core. Is this really just about nukes? Or are we watching an attempt to bring the regime to its knees?On the streets of Israel, the mood is grim but defiant. Iranian missiles have struck Tel Aviv and other cities hard. So how much more can Israel’s famed Iron Dome take? We speak to The Telegraph's man in Jerusalem, Henry Bodkin, who’s been reporting from the sites of the Iranian attacks. His frontline insights give us a chilling look at the damage—and the determination of a country under fire.Then we hear from two men who know what they’re talking about. David Albright has spent years analysing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He tells us how close they really are to the bomb—and whether Israeli jets can stop it. And Frank Ledwidge, former intelligence officer and expert on air campaigns, tells us why this war will drag on, and what Israel’s real endgame might be. https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded before the strikes on Iran — a major development we’ll be discussing in detail in Monday’s episode.Los Angeles has descended into chaos. A wave of ICE immigration raids has sparked mass protests, violent clashes with police, and nights of looting, fires, and fear. Now, President Trump has overridden Governor Gavin Newsom using a little-known legal loophole to send in the National Guard — and Marines are on the way.The move has ignited a fierce political battle between California and the White House, raising questions about federal power, state rights, and the limits of presidential authority.The Telegraph’s U.S. correspondent Susie Coen has spent the week in LA, documenting the unrest and capturing the mood of a city on the edge. And LA author Ryan Gattis joins us to reflect on how today’s turmoil compares to the 1992 riots — and what history tells us about what comes next.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, we confront the brutal realities of two of the world’s most controversial flashpoints.First, our man on the ground, Jerusalem correspondent Henry Bodkin, joins Israeli troops in Gaza for a rare and eye-opening embed. He takes us inside the tunnel where Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar was allegedly hiding before an Israeli airstrike on May 13th — one that struck the entrance of the European Hospital, sparking outrage and headlines around the world. We cut through the noise and get straight to what really happened.Then, we turn to the pariah state of North Korea. Despite suffocating sanctions, Pyongyang is now in its strongest strategic position in decades, doubling its nuclear arsenal and quietly amassing the world’s fourth largest military. How did that happen — and why isn't the West doing more about it? Our new Asia correspondent Allegra Mendelson explains all.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/08/inside-khan-younis-tunnel-gaza-european-hospital-sinwar/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/08/hamas-last-man-standing-faces-fight-keep-control-gaza/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/07/west-tried-make-north-korea-pariah-but-now-never-stronger/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord George Robertson, former Nato Secretary General and lead author of the UK's new Strategic Defence Review, talks to Roland about what it will take for Britain to be warfighting ready. His message is a vital clarion call for the British government and general public to wake up to the very real threat posed by Russia and the scale of change that needs to be undertaken: "This is not business as usual."But with President Donald Trump's call for spending 5% of GDP on defence likely to be adopted by Nato later this month, is a commitment of 2.5% and an ambition of 3% by 2034 enough? And are ordinary British people ready for the sacrifices involved in creating a credible deterrence to protect the UK?https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After nearly a year of waiting, the UK's Strategic Defence Review has been published. If that means nothing to you - don’t worry, we explain it all on today’s show. The SDR was intended to be a root-and-branch review of the UK Armed Forces that would provide a road map to keep the country safe for decades to come - especially in the face of the growing threat of Russia.But already there are questions over funding and how to boost recruitment. Venetia chats to Lord Richard Dannatt, former chief of the army, about what the review is missing, and Alistair Carns, minister for people and veterans at the Ministry of Defence. Plus Roland Oliphant goes through the report's highlights and the outstanding questions. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/02/strategic-defence-review-royal-navy/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/01/strategic-defence-review-lord-robertson-fiona-hill-barrons/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode has it all — political drama, military build-ups, and yes, Elon Musk with a chainsaw.We kick off with Musk’s big exit from his headline-hogging political role. He endorsed Trump, handed out millions to get out the vote, ran DOGE and even made time for a little on-stage lumberjacking. But now? He’s out. We’re playing some of his highlights.Then we’re off to Washington, where things are heating up in more serious ways. Fiona Hill, Russia expert and former Trump adviser, gives US reporter Cameron Henderson a rare glimpse into how Putin plays the game — and why a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine still feels a long way off.And if that’s not enough international intrigue for you, we’re off to Poland, where the country’s been rearming at a record pace. Why? Our Berlin correspondent James Rothwell is in Warsaw and will explain all. Plus, Trump’s making waves again — this time in Poland’s crucial presidential election runoff.Read Cameron Henderson's full interview with Fiona Hill: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/05/25/fiona-hill-interview-trump-terrified-putin-seen-firsthand/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Battle Lines, we’re joined by Lally Snow — a seasoned war reporter and photographer who has spent years covering conflict zones around the world. From the frontlines of Afghanistan to other war-torn regions, Lally has witnessed the brutal realities of war. But amidst the chaos, she discovered something unexpected: people tending to gardens.Her fascination with this quiet act of resilience led to her 2018 book, War Gardens, where she explored how individuals in the midst of conflict use gardening as a form of solace and survival. Now, years later, Lally returns to some of the same places and people to see how their stories — and their gardens — have endured.Tune in as Lally shares her unique perspective on conflict, resilience, and the human instinct to create beauty in the darkest of times.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, we explore Donald Trump’s bold new vision for a space-based missile defence system — a futuristic project dubbed the Golden Dome. Announced in the Oval Office with his defence secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump claims the system will protect the U.S. from missile attacks launched from anywhere on Earth — or even from space.Featuring cutting-edge technologies deployed across land, sea, and orbit, the Golden Dome is billed as the most advanced missile shield ever imagined. But is it real science or just science fiction? What would it cost — and would it actually work? To help us unpack the reality behind the rhetoric, we speak to Julia Cournoyer, from Chatham House’s International Security Programme.Plus, Venetia Rainey goes to Sweden’s Gotland island to see the British and American armies conduct the first ever simultaneous live fire drill with HIMARS and MLRS. She asks if Donald Trump’s hostile attitude towards European security is affecting military cooperation on the ground.Read Venetia's dispatch here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/26/trump-withdraw-troops-from-europe-army-has-other-ideas/Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Israel launches a new offensive in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares the goal is full control of the Strip, a move that could signal the war’s final phase. We speak to The Telegraph’s David Blair about what this means for Israel’s military strategy, international support, and the deepening humanitarian crisis.Plus: Britain and the EU sign a new trade and defence pact that could open the door to billions in European defence funding — and as centrists outperform expectations in European elections, questions rise over whether the populist wave is finally losing steam.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Donald Trump completed his first official trip abroad, a bling-filled tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE that was punctuated by lots of his favourite things: lucrative deals. He also announced he would be lifting sanctions on Syria and that a deal with Iran is close. It was a trip designed to focus on positive headlines, alliances, and good vibes - a rare narrative in the Middle East these days.Venetia talks to Saudi policy analyst Dr Najah Al-Otaibi about how the trip went down in the Gulf, some of the deal highlights, and why Trump has such a close 'bromance' with Saudi leader Mohammed Bin Salman. There was one area where things weren't so positive - the Gaza war, which is set to intensify in the coming weeks despite growing warnings of famine amid an Israeli aid blockade. Jonathan Crickx, Unicef's chief of communications in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, shares his insights and experiences from his recent trip to the Strip. Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After four days of airstrikes and artillery duels, India and Pakistan have called a truce. But how long will the peace last, who won, and what lessons have their generals learned?Roland Oliphant talks to Dr Chietigj Bajpaee, senior research fellow for South Asia at Chatham House, about the real war, the propaganda war and the role of China and the US.Plus, chief foreign commentator David Blair discusses the bromance between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on display in Moscow last week, and asks whether the US's wedge policy to drive the two countries apart is working.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid the election of the first ever American Pope, Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, Roland Oliphant looks at the rise of a new force in American politics: MAGA Catholics.Vice President JD Vance, First Lady Melania Trump, and of course Steve Bannon - Trump’s first term chief of staff - are among the best known names in Washington. Tim Stanley, The Telegraph’s “weapons-grade Catholic” sketch-writer, joins from Rome to discuss what unites Catholics and the MAGA movement, how much influence they wield in Washington, and whether they can influence the choice of the next Pope.Plus, as Donald Trump prepares to go to the Middle East for the first official foreign trip of his second term, program director at the Institute for Global Affairs at Eurasia Group Jonathan Guyer explains what is on the agenda and what may actually be achieved. Rob Crilly's interview with Marjorie Taylor Greene: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/05/08/marjorie-taylor-greene-trump-needs-to-focus-on-america/Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will there be a Ukraine peace deal this year? What's it like to be a reporter in China? Is Labour too wishy-washy on defence? And which conflicts should we be paying more attention to?Venetia Rainey is joined by defence editor Danielle Sheridan, senior foreign correspondent Sophia Yan and Ukraine: The Latest host Adelie Pojzman-Pontay to discuss the biggest stories of the year so far. Plus, they reflect on what it’s like to be a foreign correspondent and the unique advantages and challenges of being a woman reporting on war and defence, including why can’t pregnant women go on Royal Navy ships.https://www.justgiving.com/page/rhcc-vs-lwcc?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA&utm_campaign=015https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marked 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term. And what a hundred days it’s been. From cosying up to Vladimir Putin and closing USAID, to a trade war with China and effectively ending illegal migration into America, he has been busy.Venetia Rainey is joined by co-host and chief foreign analyst Roland Oliphant and US editor Rob Crilly to assess everything Trump has done in terms of foreign policy, and what the consequences might be going forward. They also look at everything Trump hasn’t done despite promising to - from ending the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to annexing Canada. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/04/30/we-have-no-proof-kilmar-abrego-garcia-is-a-gangster-el/https://www.justgiving.com/page/rhcc-vs-lwcc?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA&utm_campaign=015https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wherever you look, we’re living in a world of increasing conflict and tensions.That’s certainly the conclusion of the highly respected Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which found an unprecedented rise in global military spending, the steepest increase since the end of the cold war.SIPRI senior researcher Diego Lopes da Silva joins Venetia Rainey to look at who the biggest spenders are and what's driving the spike in spending. Plus, South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman looks at the growing tensions between nuclear foes India and Pakistan following a brutal attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed a military response, prompting fears of an all-out war. How likely is it and can anyone stop it from escalating?Germany overtakes Britain to become Europe’s largest defence spenderThe most dangerous river in the world: Why the Indus could spark WWIIIContact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphanthttps://linktr.ee/BattleLines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's defence secretary Pete Hegseth shared classified information on an unsecured group chat - not once but twice, according to new details that emerged this week. But the real turbulence shaking the Pentagon isn’t just about loose digital lips. It’s deeper: a toxic mix of internal rivalries, leadership clashes, and a crumbling sense of morale at the very top of America's defence hierarchy.To unpack the chaos, we speak to Kathleen McInnis, senior fellow in the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, former Pentagon staffer and author of a novel about life inside the defence department. She explains why encrypted apps like Signal are favored in Hegseth’s circles — and what life is really like behind the walls of the Pentagon.https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the past century, war has been fought in three domains: land, sea, and air. But now, there is a fourth.As America and China rush to establish bases on the Moon and Mars, Ukraine and Russia try to jam one another's satellite signals, and middle sized powers are learning how to protect themselves from enemy space weapons. Many countries now field Space Forces alongside armies, navies and airforces. How close are we to the first space war? And what will it look like? And who would win?Roland Oliphant speaks to Juliana Suess, a space specialist at Germany's Institute for International and Security Affairs and Namrata Goswami, an author, professor and consultant specializing in space policy, about the era of war in the heavens.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord Kim Darroch, former UK ambassador to the US, joins Venetia Rainey to talk Trump 1.0 vs 2.0, trade wars and Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The Telegraph revealed this week that the US could finalise a trade deal with the UK within three weeks. That comes on the back of comments from JD Vance about how much Trump loves the UK and that a deal is highly likely. So what could that deal look like? And what would the potential costs be for the UK?While he was ambassador to the US between 2016 and 2019, Lord Darroch also had direct experience of Trump’s first trade war with China. He talks about how this one might go and what it would mean for Britain.Plus, Lord Darroch shares his insights on why we need a new Iran nuclear deal, how Nato can survive the US’ shift away from Europe, and why Trump loves Churchill - even if members of his circle increasingly don’t.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Troubles was a major period of conflict right here in the UK within living memory that continues to echo today, yet very few people know much about it. There is even less awareness about a clandestine network of spies that the British state was running - right in the heart of terror groups on both sides, including Stakeknife in the IRA.On this bonus episode of Battle Lines, Venetia Rainey sits down with The Telegraph's investigative audio journalist Cara McGoogan to hear all about her new podcast, which digs into the spies, terrorists and collusion that became a hallmark of the conflict. Was it a civil war? What was the UK trying to achieve with its agents? What was the cost of letting them kill to stay undercover? Could the Troubles be reignited if they're not properly addressed? And is the state getting away with murder?You can listen to the full season now on The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/31/bed-of-lies-new-series-conflict/Or search for 'Bed of Lies' wherever you get your podcasts.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has launched fresh talks with Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal, vowing that there will be “all hell to pay” if Tehran does not agree to disarm. As foreign reporter Akhtar Makoii tells Venetia Rainey, it comes amid a major buildup of American military assets in the Middle East. Israel has repeatedly pushed for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, would the US go through with it if Iran refuses to compromise?Meanwhile, China recently completed some surprise live-fire drills around Taiwan. Former diplomat, historian and author Kerry Brown explains how worried we should be and gives his assessment of the landing barges that have recently been revealed.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What began as Donald Trump’s sweeping trade war against much of the world has sharpened into a tense standoff between two global giants: the United States and China. While Trump eased or delayed tariffs on many countries, China remained the outlier — and the economic tensions have only intensified. In this episode, we trace how the trade war has evolved, why China is still firmly in the firing line, and what the economic implications could be for both nations.We’ll hear from Kelly Ann Shaw, who advised President Trump on global trade during his first term, to understand the thinking behind the White House’s strategy. And with The Telegraph’s senior foreign correspondent, Sophia Yan, we’ll explore what Beijing wants out of this moment — and how it’s trying to project strength. Sophia lived in China during the height of the last trade war and brings rare, on-the-ground insight into how much has changed. The big question: is Xi Jinping open to striking a deal?Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Trump bring peace to the Middle East? Should the UK recognise Palestine as a state? Should the West work more closely with China? Is the FCDO doing enough to help citizens detained abroad?Known for being straight-talking and forthright, Emily Thornberry is chair of the influential Foreign Affairs Committee and the long-serving Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury. She joins Venetia Rainey for a special bonus episode of Battle Lines to answer all those questions and more. She discusses why she thinks frozen Russian assets need to be given to Ukraine, who should be sanctioned in the current "outrageous" Israeli government, and why the UK is right to give the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius. Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A newly released video casts doubt on Israel’s initial account of the deadly attack on a convoy of ambulances and a fire truck in Gaza, leaving 15 rescue workers dead. Roland Oliphant speaks with co-host Venetia Rainey about the footage and the broader implications of the collapse of the ceasefire.Plus, we turn to Sudan, where the Sudanese Armed Forces have regained control of Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces. Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator David Blair explains why the ongoing conflict in Sudan is currently the deadliest crisis in the world.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the controversial decision surrounding the Chagos Islands, with Donald Trump reportedly signing off on a deal to return them to Mauritius. Venetia Rainey sits down with Associate Political Editor Tony Diver to discuss the potential security implications for the UK, US, and Asia, and why Trump might have suddenly backed this move. We also explore the possibility of Trump serving a third term, as political expert Bruce Peabody breaks down the legal options that could make it feasible. He outlines six scenarios that have been around for decades and explains why Trump's camp are not the first to hint at such a move.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/31/iran-urged-to-strike-diego-garcia-base-immediately/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/04/01/donald-trump-signs-off-keir-starmer-chagos-deal/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/01/mauritius-chagos-islands-agalga-indian-ocean-india-china/Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Myanmar is reeling from a major earthquake that has hit residents who are already struggling to survive amid a brutal four-year civil war. Venetia Rainey speaks to Asia correspondent Sarah Newey about her recent reporting trip from inside the country about how this will affect the junta’s grip on power and why things are likely to go from bad to worse. Plus, we look at a major debate underway in Australia about the growing risk posed by China after Beijing sent an unprecedented naval flotilla to circle the country. With snap elections now called for May, Sam Roggeveen, Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, explains why there is a tussle over the defence budget and how well equipped the Australian Defence Force is.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we discovered that recent US airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen were coordinated over the unsecured Signal messaging app, where officials accidentally added Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor of The Atlantic, to the group chat. This astonishing security lapse offered a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into America’s top national security figures as they make high-stakes decisions. So, what did we learn?Plus: As Vice President J.D. Vance visits America’s air base in Northern Greenland following Donald Trump’s declaration that he will do whatever it takes to assert control over the island, we examine what a potential US annexation means for Denmark, Greenland, and the broader Arctic.Roland Oliphant is joined by David Blair, former foreign policy speech writer at No10, Curt Mills, Executive Editor of The American Conservative, Danish politician and MEP Anders Vistisen, and Charly Salonius-Pasternak, CEO of Nordic West Office.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Turkey and Israel: two Middle Eastern democracies in crisis. Venetia Rainey talks to Süddeutsche Zeitung journalist Raphael Geiger in Istanbul about why President Recep Tayyep Erdogan's arrest of the city's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sparked rare protests, and what might happen next. Henry Bodkin, our correspondent in Israel, explains how the sacking of Ronen Bar, the head of the internal security agency Shin Bet, has sparked fears that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is consolidating unprecedented power and removing critics.Read:'Netanyahu spy scandal leaves PM fighting on two fronts' by Henry Bodkin:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/22/netanyahu-spy-scandal-leaves-pm-fighting-on-two-fronts/Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canadians are angry, very angry. US president Donald Trump is not backing down from his annexation plans - and this week he even called the country "nasty".On last week's episode, we looked at a small minority of Canadian separatists who said they would welcome Trump's plan to turn Canada into the 51st state. It caused quite a stir among our Canadian listeners. So on today's episode, we go back to Canada and look at the majority's view on Trump's expansionist plans and how the current crisis is affecting politics there in unusual ways ahead of new Prime Minister Mark Carney calling a snap election expected in April.We hear first-hand from some of our Canadian listeners and Roland Oliphant is joined by Mark MacKinnon, senior international correspondent at Canadian broadsheet, The Globe and Mail.Read:'We want to live in America’s 51st state: The Canadians pledging their loyalty to Trump' by Memphis Barker:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/03/15/the-canadians-who-want-trump-to-turn-canada-into-51st-state/Listen:Trump Edition: Annexing Canada, negotiating with Russia and containing Chinahttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/trump-edition-annexing-canada-negotiating-with-russia/id1712903296?i=1000699135822Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After just two months of a shaky ceasefire deal, the Israel Hamas war has restarted. On Tuesday morning, Israel launched a series of what it described as "extensive strikes" right across the entire Gaza Strip.The death toll currently stands at more than 400, including many children, with nearly 600 more people wounded, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. That number is expected to rise as more bodies are pulled from the rubble.  A spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry said this morning that Israel was left with no choice after Hamas refused a US-Israeli proposal to extend the ceasefire, which technically elapsed at the beginning of this month.To make sense of all this, Venetia Rainey speaks to a Palestinian aid worker for MSF in Gaza, the cousin of Israeli slain hostage Tal Haimi, whose body is still held by Hamas, and The Telegraph's Jerusalem correspondent Henry Bodkin.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the weekend, the United States launched what it called 'powerful and decisive' airstrikes against the Houthis, the Iranian backed rebel group that controls much of Yemen. The Houthis say the death toll so far stands at 53, including two children. American officials said the strikes aimed at the Houthi leadership and came in response to the group's threat to resume strikes on shipping in the Red Sea. But it's not just about Yemen. On Monday afternoon, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that 'Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, and from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of Iran.'Iran, he said, will be held responsible and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire. So what does this new wave of strikes mean for the people of Yemen and for the wider Middle East? Roland Oliphant speaks with Farea Al-Muslimi, research fellow at Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa program.Plus: as a UN helicopter is attacked in South Sudan raising fears of a return to civil war, we hear diary extracts from Dr Ryan McHenry who spent three months working with MSF in the country's arduous circumstances.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has long expressed a desire to make Canada the 51st state of the US, with tensions rising as the two countries engage in a trade war. Canada has implemented retaliatory tariffs against Trump’s policies, and outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused Trump of trying to weaken the Canadian economy to make annexation easier. Polling suggests 90% of Canadians say they would oppose becoming part of the US, but not everyone shares that view. Telegraph foreign correspondent Memphis Barker meets with those who believe joining the US might not be such a bad idea.Plus: Thomas Wright, strategic and national security advisor in the Biden White House, speaks with Roland Oliphant about Trump's approach to Russia and China, and the surprising continuity between the Biden and Trump administrations.For more context on the issue of Canada, listen to the episode 'Trump edition: The Canadians fighting back against annexation'https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/trump-edition-the-canadians-fighting-back-against/id1712903296?i=1000700229713Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Bonus episode, Roland Oliphant speaks with Reza Pahlavi, the son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran who was overthrown in 1979. The Crown Prince has lived in exile ever since, but he now believes the regime could be heading for collapse and is positioning himself as the potential figurehead of a democratic transition. We asked him why he thinks Iran is headed for a revolution like the one that overthrew his father, why he believes he could lead such a change, and what he thinks Western governments should do in this delicate moment in Iranian history.This episode is part of a new series of regular bonus material that Battle Lines will be releasing every month. From extended interviews with key political and defence figures to deep dives into the state of the world's biggest militaries, all you need to do to hear these episodes as soon as they're released is subscribe to The Telegraph and link your subscription in Apple Podcasts. For more information, click here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/contact-us/telegraph-subscription-bonus-content-apple-podcasts/Read more'Iran’s Crown Prince: My country is on the brink of a revolution like that of 1979' by Roland Oliphant:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/02/23/crown-prince-reza-pahlavi-iran-on-the-brink-of-revolution/Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Iran carries out military drills with Russia and China, Venetia Rainey chats to Telegraph reporter Akhtar Makoii about the country's attempts to build up its army with new weapons and new capabilities. They also discuss Iran's renewed attempts to strike a nuclear deal, and why Donald Trump's threatening letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei might backfire. Plus: The war in Sudan continues to rage with no sign of resolution. The Telegraph's global health reporter Lilia Sebouai and photographer Simon Townsley gained rare access to Sudan's Nuba Mountains. They tell Roland Oliphant the stories they heard first-hand, including the way mass rape is being used as a weapon of war by the Rapid Support Forces.Read more'Iran unveils new ‘stealth fighter’ drone for bombing and reconnaissance' by Akhtar Makoii:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/04/iran-unveil-stealth-fighter-drone/'Putin agrees to help Trump start direct talks with Iran' by Akhtar Makoii:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/04/putin-agrees-help-trump-direct-talks-with-iran/'Dispatch: Children reduced to skin and bones in war-torn Sudan’s forgotten famine' by Lilia Sebouai and Simon Townsley:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/sudan-war-famine-nuba-malnutrition-starvation-conflict/Children as young as four among victims of gang-rape and ethnic cleansing in war-torn Sudan by Lilia Sebouai and Simon Townsley:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/child-victims-of-gang-rape-and-ethnic-cleansing-sudan-war/Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, following unsuccessful attempts by Volodymyr Zelensky to repair the damage done during last week's Oval Office row, Donald Trump cut all American military aid to Ukraine. It was a huge move that made clear once and for all that Zelensky is no longer in favour in Washington. The decision divided America, provoked widespread criticism in Europe, and was heartily cheered by Russia. So what has led to this? Trump's apparent dislike for Zelensky has not come out of nowhere, nor has his embrace of Vladimir Putin's view of the war in Ukraine and NATO.There is a long and hugely contested history that's crucial to understanding the events of the last few weeks, and whatever will unfold in the coming months and years of Trump's presidency. On today's episode Venetia Rainey speaks with Orysia Lutsevych from Chatham House about the history of Trump's relationship with Zelensky, from Hunter Biden to the mysterious server, and Roland Oliphant looks at Trump's embrace of Putin, from KGB asset rumours to the Mueller investigation.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following President Trump and JD Vance's public row with Volodymyr Zelensky, Sir Keir Starmer hosted the Ukrainian leader and vowed to put together a coalition of 'the willing', saying we are at a 'crossroads in history'. So what must Britain do now to survive in Trump’s new world order? The Telegraph's David Blair, former foreign policy speech writer at No10, talks us through the six steps the British Prime Minister should take to adapt.Plus: As the first stage of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire expired over the weekend, The Telegraph's Israel correspondent Henry Bodkin speaks with the sister-in-law of hostages Iair and Eitan Horn. Iair was recently released but Eitan is still in Gaza. She talks about her fears for Eitan's life if the ceasefire collapses.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As US President Donald Trump reshapes the Pentagon, Roland Oliphant speaks with Missy Ryan, National Security Correspondent at The Washington Post, to uncover the reasons behind the dismissal of top military officers and the potential impact of an 8% Pentagon budget cut. Plus: The Telegraph's Jerusalem correspondent, Henry Bodkin, talks us through the controversial AI-generated video envisioning "Trump’s Gaza."Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today marks three years since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine began. As Europe prepares to boost its defence in preparation for a future possible war with Russia, we ask: what has the British army learned from the Ukraine war? To find out, Venetia Rainey went to visit one of the host camps for Operation Interflex, a mammoth operation that has seen the UK and 13 partner nations train up tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers since June 2022. Plus: James Rothwell brings us the election results from Germany and explains what Friedrich Merz's upcoming leadership means for European defense and what the East-West election divide reveals about German society today.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week a very public spat erupted between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Vlodomoyr Zelensky after Washington took the unprecedented step of starting peace negotiation talks with Moscow - but without Kyiv. After Zelensky accused Trump of disinformation, Trump retorted by branding Zelensky a dictator, something that has been roundly condemned by European leaders. So why has Trump turned against Zelensky, what is behind his embrace of Russia and is his view shared by Americans?Plus: How do you end a war? Do they always end in negotiations, as the cliche goes? And is there a fair way to do it - particularly if neither side has been militarily defeated?Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, the Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King's College London, looks to history to discuss all these questions and more.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire-hostage deal enters its final weeks, the region is on tenterhooks to see what will happen next. Will the rest of the hostages be released and aid continue to enter Gaza? Or will the deal be blown up and fighting restart? And as we mark 500 days since the October 7th massacre, we’ll be asking to what extent Israel has achieved its original war aims. Plus, we go behind the scenes at the most dramatic Munich Security Conference yet, and look at why deputy US vice president JD Vance’s speech left European leaders speechless.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a recent address to NATO in Brussels, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the U.S. is no longer "primarily focused on Europe's security." He emphasised that the U.S. would not send troops to Ukraine and would 'no longer tolerate an imbalanced relationship which encourages dependency'. With the American commitment to global peace since 1945 now over, what does this shift mean for European security? Can Europe defend itself without American troops, funding, and intelligence support? Plus: is the Trump administration signalling a move towards a multipolar world, where global power is divided into three distinct spheres of influence?Roland Oliphant is joined by Ed Arnold, Senior Research Fellow for European Security at RUSI, and by Michael Ignatieff, the former leader of the Canadian Liberal Party and leader of the Opposition.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

USAID is dead. From Ukraine to Vietnam, the knock-on effect from Donald Trump and Elon Musk's dramatic shuttering of one of the largest aid agencies in the world is being felt around the world. Why has it been shuttered and what does it mean for American soft power?Roland Oliphant speaks to Sera Koulabdara, CEO of Legacies of War, about the halt of de-mining work in southeast Asia and why it is essential for American influence in China's backyard. Plus he talks to The Telegraph’s senior foreign correspondent Memphis Barker about why Kyiv is especially worried and whether this might prompt a rethink of the international aid system.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a shock announcement this week Donald Trump said he would ‘take over’ Gaza, ‘own’ it and called for Palestinians to be 'resettled' in neighbouring countries, prompting concerns over ethnic cleansing. Venetia Rainey catches up with The Telegraph’s woman in Washington Katie O'Neill about it and asks military expert Linda Robinson about the feasibility of Trump’s proposed plan.Plus: The Telegraph’s former Beijing correspondent Sophia Yan explains why China retaliated to US tariffs and what lessons were learned from dealing with Donald Trump in his first term.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid news of Iran developing new ballistic missiles and unveiling an underground missile city, we look at the truth behind this show of force. With its axis of resistance across the Middle East in tatters and ongoing internal issues over women's rights, the economy and the environment, we ask - can the Iranian regime survive 2025?Plus: We catch up with exiled Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof about his new film The Seed of the Sacred Fig and ask what he thinks will happen to the Iranian regime.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump has called Chinese AI company DeepSeek a "wake up call" - and he's right. As shock waves continue to reverberate through the US tech industry, The Telegraph’s AI and cybersecurity expert Gareth Corfield explains why a new AI Cold War is developing and what it means for Western security. Plus, we speak to a Doomsday Clock scientist about why AI means humanity is closer to disaster than ever before, and look at what the Trump administration's approach will be to the conflict in Congo and the African continent at large.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Middle East correspondent Henry Bodkin talks to Venetia Rainey about his recent trip to Syria where he went out on the road with ruling party Hayat Tahrir al-Sham looking for former Assad regime loyalists. He also discusses the stories behind the biggest headlines from the Middle East, including what the latest hostage release tells us about Hamas’ remaining strength in Gaza and why one Israeli woman was left off the list. Plus, Roland Oliphant explains why Congo's foreign minister has accused its neighbour Rwanda of declaring war and the role 'blood minerals' are playing in the conflict.Read:'On the road with Syria’s new ‘terrorist’ leaders' by Henry Bodkin:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/01/23/syria-young-rebels-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-justice-purge-hts/'The teeth and bones that hold the key to this century’s worst chemical weapons attack' by Henry Bodkin:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/01/11/teeth-bones-hold-key-centurys-worst-chemical-weapons-attack/Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Donald Trump returns to the White House, the world braces for what comes next. Every Friday, Battle Lines will turn its focus to the US and look at how Trump’s foreign policy decisions are reshaping the world.On today’s episode, we look at Donald Trump's first week in office. Roland Oliphant is joined from Washington by The Telegraph's Katie O'Neill to get the latest, and speaks with the author and historian Robert Merry about the 19th century President William McKinley, who appears to be the inspiration for Trump's new American expansionism. Plus: former soldier Chris Purdy tells us why many veterans are alarmed at Donald Trump's pick for Defense secretary Pete Hegseth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal comes into effect, we speak with Jotam Confino to hear why he thinks the deal is unlikely to hold and why Israelis are angry with Netanyahu’s government. We also hear from Rosalia Bollen, UNICEF Communications Specialist, who describes the scale of the humanitarian challenge in the Gaza strip where 1. 8 million people are in urgent need of emergency shelter, food and essential household items. Plus: on Donald Trump's first day back in the White House, Brussels correspondent Joe Barnes examines just what he wants from the world, and whether he'll get it. Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roland Oliphant and Venetia Rainey discuss the Gaza ceasefire, how the deal happened and what it means for Israel, Hamas, and the world. Plus: reactions from Ruwaida Amer on the ground in Gaza and from Gil Dickmann, the cousin of Carmel Gat, one of the hostages killed by Hamas.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former British Army colonel and chemical weapons expert tells Venetia Rainey about his recent trip to Syria, his optimism about the country’s future, and the efforts to find the evidence of Assad’s use of chemical weapons. Plus: Can negotiators get a Gaza ceasefire deal over the line before Donald Trump’s inauguration next Monday? Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With no end in sight to conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and many more places, 2025 promises to be at least as tumultuous as last year. So what is the biggest threat to security for Britain, and its Western allies? From complacency and our underfunded army to China and Russia, we get the views of Alicia Kearns MP, former chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and now Shadow Minister for National Security; General Lord Richard Dannatt, former head of the British army; and John Bolton, former foreign security advisor to Donald Trump and ambassador to the UN.Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In late December Israeli forces raided the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, forcibly evacuating its wards of patients and medical staff and arresting the hospital’s prominent director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. Venetia Rainey catches up with The Telegraph’s Middle East correspondent Jotam Confino to find out more.Plus: the inside track on a migrant smuggling network that reaches from Afghanistan’s Herat to the French port of Calais. Our foreign correspondent Akhtar Makoii infiltrated the network for The Telegraph. Contact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On another special episode of Battle Lines, Roland Oliphant and guests look at the war memoir. How have war memoirs shaped our understanding of wars? Has the art and the role of the memoir changed over time? And will the ones written today similarly influence how future generations will remember the wars of our time?ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (The Telegraph’s Assistant Comment Editor)Dr. Matilda Greig (Historian at the National Army Museum in London, specialising in the Napoleonic period)Colin Freeman (Journalist and author)'Dead Men Telling Tales, Napoleonic War Veterans and the Military Memoir Industry, 1808-1914' by Matilda Greig, is available here:https://global.oup.com/academic/product/dead-men-telling-tales-9780192896025?cc=es&lang=en'Curse of the Al Dulaimi Hotel : And Other Half-Truths from Baghdad', by Colin Freeman, is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curse-Al-Dulaimi-Hotel-Half-Truths/dp/1906308020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special end of year episode, Roland Oliphant is joined by The Telegraph's Chief Film Critic Robbie Collin to look back at the best war films of the year. Plus: Are we seeing an era of growing conflict reflected on film? And what do the films we make say about our attitudes to these unsettling times? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In another special episode looking back at history, Venetia Rainey talks with the author of ‘Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs’, a book that came highly recommended by David Knowles. It’s a new look at how the Aztecs dealt with internal conflict, how they lost the war with the Spanish, and how history has misremembered them.'Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs’, by Camilla Townsend, is available here:https://global.oup.com/ukhe/product/fifth-sun-9780197577660  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special episode of Battle Lines, Roland Oliphant and guests tackle the late David Knowles’ favourite conversational gambit: Who is your favourite of Napoleon’s Marshals? As they ponder their own choice they look back at who the generals were, what made them ‘great’, and why they continue to capture the imagination.ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (The Telegraph’s Assistant Comment Editor)Dr. Matilda Greig (Historian at the National Army Museum in London, specialising in the Napoleonic period.Dr. Zack White (historian and host of 'The Napoleonic Wars Podcast')The Napoleonic & Revolutionary War Graves CharityTo learn more about the charity that aims to provide similar care to the dead of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars to that we see from more recent conflicts, visit:https://www.nrwgc.com/'Napoleonic Objects and their Afterlives', edited by Matilda Greig, is available here:https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/napoleonic-objects-and-their-afterlives-9781350415072/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As mysterious drone sightings near US military bases continue to unsettle anxious citizens, we look into what a new drone age means for the future of warfare. The flying objects have been defining the battlefield for a while, dominating the wars in Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East. But now, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, anyone can build an autonomous killer drone. So could this herald a new age of assassinations and mass destruction? How can it be controlled? And can it be kept out of the wrong hands?The Telegraph’s Arthur Scott-Geddes tells Roland Oliphant how he turned a toy into an assassination device and why more conversation around containing this technology is needed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of our special holiday series taking a left-field look at conflict and war, we hear personal stories from two countries that have had to grapple with multiple crises in recent years: Lebanon and Afghanistan. Journalist Sune Engel Rasmussen lived and worked in Afghanistan for nearly a decade. He spent hundreds of hours interviewing everyone from Taliban fighters to female activists for his book “Twenty Years: Hope, War, and the Betrayal of an Afghan Generation”   He talks about the lasting impact of America’s post 9/11 invasion in 2001 on young Afghans and how the Taliban managed to make such a startling comeback.Plus: Victoria Lupton, founder and CEO of charity Seenaryo on how Lebanon is faring post-ceasefire deal and their film Tilka, which follows five women navigating the collapse of the country prior to the war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode we speak to Farouq Habib from Syria’s White Helmets about returning to his home city of Homs for the first time in over a decade. He tells us about the devastation Bashar al-Assad wreaked across Syria, and how the country can heal now that the regime has fallen. Plus: The Telegraph’s senior foreign correspondent Sophia Yan has been on the Turkish-Syrian border. She’s been speaking to refugees excited to finally be able to go back, but also to Turkish Alawites who continue to have an affinity for Assad. ReadSyrians stream across border from Turkey as guards open crossings, by Sophia Yan:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/12/10/syrians-flood-across-border-from-turkey-open-crossings/It’s too soon to return to Syria – its new rulers were al-Qaeda members just a few years ago, by Abdulrahman Bdiwi:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/12/10/first-person-too-soon-go-back-syria-al-qaeda-few-years-ago/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Within the space of 10 days, opposition forces have toppled the Assad regime, ending five decades of the family’s authoritarian rule. In the streets of Damascus, Hama, Homs and Aleppo, Syrians are celebrating, saying this is a new dawn for their country. Venetia Rainey and Roland Oliphant discuss how we got here, and what happens next. Plus: renowned war photographer Paul Conroy shares his reflections on the fall of Assad, nearly 13 years after the Syrian regime injured him and killed his colleague veteran reporter Marie Colvin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roland Oliphant speaks with The Telegraph’s senior correspondent Sophia Yan about her analysis of satellite images showing Russia ramping up its military presence in the African state. Plus: The Telegraph’s James Rothwell on how children are being recruited to carry out gang killings in Sweden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How has a Syrian rebel lightning offensive managed to seize Aleppo from Bashar al-Assad's regime? Who are the leaders, Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham? And could it reignite the civil war? Venetia Rainey is joined by Dr Haid Haid, Syrian columnist and consulting fellow at Chatham House, to answer all those questions and more.Plus: an Israeli conscientious objector tells her story of why she spent three months in prison for refusing to serve her compulsory military service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode we get two rare insides from the ground. Our team of reporters just returned from the frontline in Kharkiv and Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council witnessed the humanitarian crisis unravelling in Sudan as a result of the ongoing war. Venetia Rainey catches up with both of them.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lebanon and Hezbollah have struck a ceasefire deal - but how will it work and is Gaza next? For this emergency podcast, Venetia Rainey is joined by Maya Gebeily, Reuters Beirut Bureau Chief, and Jotam Confino, The Telegraph’s correspondent in Israel, to take the temperature on the ground. Plus, as thousands of displaced people in both Lebanon and Israel return home to survey the damage of 14 months of war, we look at why the deal is being treated with caution on both sides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One year on from the last Gaza hostage deal, Venetia Rainey speaks with Sharone Lifschitz, whose father was kidnapped on October 7th and is still being held hostage by Hamas. We also hear from Amani Ahmed, a Palestinian academic from Gaza, who was at the University of Edinburgh when the war began and after a long ordeal managed to be reunited with her family. Plus: an update of the last week's big news stories from the Middle East, including the ICC arrest warrants, Israel's attempt to assassinate another senior Hezbollah official, and Lebanon ceasefire talks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roland Oliphant is joined by The Telegraph’s Sarah Newey to talk about her interview with one of the international combatants fighting in Myanmar’s brutal civil war. Plus: as violence escalates in Haiti, MSF are suspending activities in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince until further notice. We hear from their head of mission about the decision and what the mood is like on the ground. ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Host)Sarah Newey (Global Health Security Correspondent)Christophe Garnier (MSF’s Head of Mission in Haiti) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Con Coughlin, the Telegraph’s defence and foreign affairs editor, joins Venetia Rainey to discuss Israel’s strike on Hezbollah’s spokesman Mohammad Afif, the pope’s calls for an investigation into potential genocide in Gaza and how the geopolitical landscape might shift under Donald Trump’s new cabinet. Plus: Sir Keir Starmer’s upcoming meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping.ContributorsVenetia RaineyCon Coughlin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, President-elect Donald Trump made key appointments to his diplomatic and security cabinet. What do his picks for Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Director of National Intelligence reveal about the direction of his foreign policy? In this episode, we take a closer look at the backgrounds and ideologies of these key figures and explore the potential impact on global issues, from the war in Ukraine to the conflict in Gaza and the US-China relationship. Plus: who might the British government choose to send as its next ambassador to Washington?ContributorsRoland OliphantTony Diver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel has said there is progress in talks about a ceasefire and indicated Russia could play a part. On today’s episode of Battle Lines, Venetia and Roland look at what this means and go over the latest news updates from around the region, including a voicenote from an aid worker fleeing northern Gaza and meetings between Iran and Saudi Arabia.They also chat to Reuters’ Beirut Bureau Chief Maya Gebeily about how Lebanese politicians and citizens are coping with the fighting, what is behind Israel’s increasing attacks on Syria, and why the conflict in Lebanon is her most difficult reporting assignment yet.ContributorsVenetia RaineyRoland OliphantMaya Gebeily (Reuters Beirut bureau chief) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What will Trump's second term look like? On today's episode of Battle Lines we discuss Donald Trump's re-election and its implications for both the US and the wider world.ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Host)Robert Mendick (Chief Reporter)Edward Arnold (Senior Research Fellow at RUSI) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Iran preparing another attack on Israel? On today's episode of Battle Lines we discuss what's next for Iran as they look to retaliate for recent strikes from Israel. Plus we hear from Kamal Mouzawak, a Lebanese social entrepreneur who runs a community kitchen to help displaced Lebanese.ContributorsVenetia RaineyRoland OliphantKamal Mouzawak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Battle Lines we speak to Deputy US Editor Rozina Sabur to find out what the mood is like on the ground before the US election. Then we talk to the directors of a new documentary, War Game, which had former US government officials simulate a contested election that led to insurgents taking the capital.ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host)Rozina Sabur (Deputy US Editor)Tony Gerber (director of War Games)Jesse Moss (director of War Games) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will Iran respond to Israel's attack? On today's episode of Battle Lines we'll update you on everything you need to know about Israel's retaliatory strike on Iran. We'll also be chatting to Karin Huster, a Médecins Sans Frontières doctor in Gaza to get an in depth look at what's really going on in the north of the Strip amidst Israel's ongoing siege.Contributors Venetia RaineyRoland OliphantKarin Huster Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Battle Lines we check in with Russia correspondent James Kilner about why dozens of world leaders are meeting in Russia and what it says about Vladimir Putin's plans for a new world order. Then we chat to East Asia correspondent Nicola Smith about how North Korean troops in Ukraine could have major implications in the Western Pacific. ContributorsRoland OliphantJames KilnerNicola Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who will lead Hamas now that Yahya Sinwar has been killed? On today's episode we get the latest from the Middle East including the significance of the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Hezbollah's attempted assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We also talk to our veteran defense and foreign affairs editor, Con Coughlin, about his time in Beirut reporting on the war with Israel back in 1984. ContributorsVenetia RaineyBen FarmerCon Coughlin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is China threatening to take action in Taiwan? On today's episode of Battle Lines we'll be looking at China's aggressive war games around Taiwan and what it tells us about their plans to 'reunify' the island with the mainland. Plus, a behind the scenes look at a British royal's trip to the Sudanese-Chad border.ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host)Nicola Smith (Asia correspondent) Henry Bodkin (Senior reporter)Just 10 miles from a war zone, the Duchess of Edinburgh finds a ‘complete atrocity’ by Henry Bodkin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does Netanyahu want UN peacekeepers removed from Lebanon and what does the strengthening of ties between Russia and Iran mean for the war in Gaza? On today's special bonus episode of Battle Lines we update you on the latest from the Middle East with our hosts Venetia Rainey and Roland Oliphant.ContributorsVenetia RaineyRoland Oliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Israel's conflict with Iran go nuclear? On today's episode, we speak to foreign correspondent Ben Farmer for the latest updates from Lebanon, where Israel is expanding its ground offensive against Hezbollah. Then we speak to US academic Henry Sokolski about fears a direct conflict between Israel and Iran could escalate to a nuclear war. ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Host)Ben Farmer (Telegraph contributor)Henry Sokolski (Executive Director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of Battle Lines, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan checks back in on year later with two friends, Adam Ben-Shabbat and Nadim Tali, who grew up in a village known as the 'Oasis of Peace'. This village, situated between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, is the only village in Israel where Palestinians and Jewish Israelis choose to live together. How is the village dealing with the ongoing war and how do the two friends feel things have changed?Contributors:Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.Adam Ben-ShabbatNadim TaliReadDispatch: Inside the only place in Israel where Jews and Arabs choose to live together by Sophia Yan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One year on from the Hamas massacre of October 7, Israel is still struggling to recover from the trauma of that day. We share three different Israeli perspectives: Telegraph correspondent Jotam Confino, who has reported on the shifts in Israeli society and politics; Yifat Zailer, whose cousin Shiri Bibas is still being held hostage along with her two red-headed young children and husband; and Joel Carmel, a former IDF soldier who examines the reality of the Israeli military's methods through his work for advocacy group Breaking the Silence.ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host)Jotam Confino (Telegraph correspondent)Yifat Zailer (relative of Israeli hostages)Joel Carmel (Breaking the Silence Advocacy Director, former IDF solider) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will Israel respond to Iran's historic missile attack? On today’s emergency episode of Battle Lines we speak to the Telegraph’s Paul Nuki who was in Tel Aviv as Iran launched 180 missiles at Israel. We’re also joined by the Telegraph’s Adrian Blomfield to discuss Israel’s invasion of Lebanon and what comes next.Contributors Venetia Rainey (Host)Paul Nuki (Global Health Security EditorAdrian Blomfield (Telegraph contributor)I dodged death on historic day for Israel and Middle East by Paul Nuki Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this emergency episode of Battle Lines we get the latest on the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah. What does this mean for Iran's 'axis of resistance' and will this be the tipping point of a full-scale war throughout the region?ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host)Roland Oliphant (Senior foreign correspondent)Adrian Blomfield (Telegraph contributor)Paul Nuki (Global Health Security editor) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Battle Lines we speak to the Telegraph's Adrian Blomfield in Beirut, and photographer Heathcliff O'Malley in Tel Aviv about the possibility of a ground war in Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces top general has told his troops to be ready to enter Lebanon to fight Hezbollah on their own turf for the first time since 2006. While American diplomats rush to broker a ceasefire, the Middle East stands on the brink of unlikely peace or an even bloodier war.ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Host)Adrian Blomfield (Telegraph contributor)Heathcliff O'Malley (Telegraph photographer)ReadSchools turn to shelters as thousands flee across Lebanon by Adrian Blomfield Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode we have a special round table with co-hosts Venetia Rainey and Roland Oliphant who are joined by senior foreign correspondent, Sophia Yan. We'll be talking about the attack on Hezbollah, what it's like reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the challenges of being a foreign correspondent.ContributorsVenetia RaineyRoland OliphantSophia Yan ReadLong arm of China looms over one of the world’s last Uyghur bookshops by Sophia Yan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sudan has suffered a brutal conflict that has killed nearly 20,000 people, displaced over 10 million, and left around 25 million facing acute hunger. Sudan's cities have been turned into battlefields. Fighting has been marked by mass rape and murder, hospitals have been attacked, one in five people have now fled their homes, and cholera is on the rise.The scale of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan far outstrips Gaza and Ukraine, yet it receives almost no attention. So how did things get so bad? Why isn't it being covered more? And is there any prospect of peace? ContributorsVenetia RaineyAsil SidahmedBasma KhalifaDr Jennifer HulseResources to find out more about the war in Sudan and how you can help:https://x.com/MadaniyaSDGhttps://linktr.ee/londonforsudanhttps://x.com/khartoumkitchen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode we pay tribute to David Knowles, creator of Battle Lines. David tragically passed away at the age of 32 on September 8th, 2024. We've put together some highlights of David's brilliant work for the Battle Lines Podcast. You can leave a message of condolence on David's obituary page using the link below.David Knowles, journalist behind Telegraph’s Ukraine war podcast, dies aged 32Battle Lines: A war reporter reacts to the film ‘Civil War’Battle Lines: Could Iran be due for yet another revolution?Battle Lines: Naval lessons from the Black Sea & how China’s enormous new invasion mothership rewrites the rules of warBattle Lines: 'If there is one Hamas guy without a right arm, but with his left hand makes a victory sign – we lost'Battle Lines: The future of the Israel-Gaza war & the geopolitics of the Olympic GamesBattle Lines: 'The children ask me, Santa, are you coming, despite the war?' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Battle Lines we speak to Middle East correspondent Jotam Confino for the latest updates from Israel, where Israelis took to the streets as Hamas executed more hostages. Then, we speak to our Europe editor James Crisp on the rise of the far right in Germany.Contributors David Knowles (Host)Jotam Confino (Middle East correspondent)James Crisp (Europe Editor) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

In this episode of Battle Lines we speak to Tony Diver about his conversation with families of the Israeli hostages who are desperate for a ceasefire deal. Then we speak to Akhtar Makoii who reports on the Taliban soldiers longing for a battle. ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Host)Tony Diver (US editor)Akhtar MakoiiRead‘Sitting in an office is boring’: Taliban soldiers long for war by Akhtar Makoii Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this bonus episode of Battle Lines we talk to Peter Schwartzstein, author of the upcoming book The Heat and the Fury. From ISIS training grounds in Iraq to the pirate-ridden waters of Bangladesh Peter discovers the unexpected ways in which climate change is feeding global unrest and conflict. ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host)Peter Schwartzstein (Author, The Heat and the Fury)Pre-order The Heat and the Fury HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, Global Health Editor Paul Nuki joins me from Tel Aviv to report on the mammoth diplomatic effort to avert a full scale war between Israel and Iran. Then we talk to Associate Editor Dominic Nicholls about Ukraine's operation in Kursk, the first foreign incursion into Russia since the Second World War and how it could tip the balance of the conflict in Ukraine.ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent, Host)Paul Nuki (Global Health Security Editor) Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor Defense) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we look at how Israel is preparing for a possible war with Iran and a deep dive into how Hamas fights with Middle East Correspondent Jotam Confino. We also pop over to Paris to talk to the Telegraph's Henry Samuel's and see how the French have been covering the riots and what advice they would give the UK. Plus we get an explainer of the political turmoil in Bangladesh with Sarah Newey.ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host)Jotam Confino (Middle East correspondent)Henry Samuels (Paris correspondent)Sarah Newey (Global Health Security correspondent)ReadHow Hamas fights by Jotam Confino Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Battle Lines we look at the assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders in the Middle East that are raising fears of a wider war throughout the region amid chaos in the state of Israel. Then we look at the controversial Venezuelan elections that President Maduro claims to have won despite a disputed outcome. ContributorsDavid Knowles (Host)Venetia Rainey (Host)James Rothwell (Berlin correspondent) Paul Nuki (Global Health Security Editor)Simeon Tegel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tyrant was once thought to be an endangered species. From Vladimir Putin to Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un, there is a new generation of leaders for life. But are they as strong as they look? Marcel Dirsus has written a book looking at that exact question. How tyrants fall. Is there a way to help them along the way? And is it always a good idea to do so?ContributorsRoland OliphantMarcel Dirsus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode we examine the situation in Gaza and Israel, asking whether the war could spread beyond its current limits. Then, with the opening ceremony of Paris 2024 just a few hours away, we look at the links between geopolitics, identity, and the Olympic Games throughout historyContributorsDavid Knowles (Host)David Hearst (Editor in Chief, Middle East Eye)Professor Matthew Andrews (University of North Carolina) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's special episode of Battle Lines we speak to International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi. As China rapidly expands its nuclear arsenal and Iran inches closer to a bomb than ever before, Raphael Grossi is possibly the individual most responsible for holding it together. We asked him how dangerous this moment really is, how scared we should be and what, if anything, we can do about it.ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Host)Rafael Grossi (IAEA) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, we check in with Deputy US Editor Rozina Sabur about what the assassination attempt against Donald Trump tells us about political extremism in the United States. Then Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan reports on a secret military base in Tajikistan at the heart of China's plans to challenge Russia for dominance in Central Asia. ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Host)Rozina Sabur (Deputy US Editor)Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent)ReadChina constructs secret Tajikistan military base amid fears of Taliban by Sophia Yan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Navy frigate commander and a British submarine captain on playing cat and mouse in a ‘little bubble of GCHQ’"When a torpedo starts coming straight at you, there’s only one thing a submarine crew can do – snap into “full evasion” mode. Captain Ryan Ramsey issues swift orders. His crew responds immediately, twisting the Royal Navy’s Trafalgar-class submarine to manoeuvre the boat beneath the waves in an effort to shake off the weapon bearing down fast on their position."In this exclusive conversation between The Telegraph's Associate Editor Dom Nicholl's and Captain Ryan Ramsey (retired) and Captain Tom Sharpe (retired) listen to how top naval commanders think about their work at sea, the issues, problems and rewards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Battle Lines, we look at the UK's new Labour government and its defence policy with our defence editor Danielle Sheridan. We also pop over to the NATO summit and ask Brussels correspondent Joe Barnes how NATO can "Trump proof" the alliance? Finally we speak to Europe editor James Crisp about the shock French election result and what it means for President Macron.ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host)Danielle Sheridan (Defense Editor) Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent) James Crisp (Europe Editor) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Battle Lines, we speak to US editor Tony Diver on the state of the presidential race after a disastrous debate for Joe Biden and the Supreme Court's presidential immunity ruling. Then, we catch up with correspondent Nicola Smith about the healthcare crisis in the West Bank, and her reflections after a month covering the Israel Hamas war. Finally, we talk to Defense Editor Danielle Sheridan about her recent trip to Kiev and hear about pole dancing in a nation at war.ContributorsDavid Knowles (Host) @djknowles on XTony Diver (US Editor) @Tony_Diver on XNicola Smith (Asia Correspondent) @niccijsmithDanielle Sheridan (Defense Editor) @SheridanDani on XReadOlena Zelenska interview: War has pushed me close to psychological burnout Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines we're going to explore the impact of WikiLeaks from a conflict and security perspective and ask the Telegraph's Gordon Rayner and journalist Colin Freeman what founder Julian Assange's intentions really were. We also hear from journalist Dorjee Wangmo about Chinese oppression in Tibet and get an update on the dire situation in Gaza from Nicola Smith.ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host)Colin FreemanGordon Rayner (Associate Editor)Nicola Smith (Asia Correspondent) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's bonus episode of Battle Lines, we speak to Professor Ali Ansari, author and founding director of the Institute of Iranian Studies at the University of St. Andrews. With the recent death of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, Iranian politics is set for yet another shift. With an increasingly youthful secular population suffering through a dire economic situation, some say the stranglehold of the Iranian clerics known as the ulama is waning. Could Iran be due for yet another revolution?ContributorsDavid Knowes (Host) @djknowles22 on XProfessor Ali Ansari (University of St. Andrews) @aa51_ansari on X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, we speak to journalist and author Fareed Zakaria about why he believes America and the West are entering a new age of revolution. We then check in with Nicola Smith, our correspondent in Israel, about how domestic political turmoil and the ongoing war in Gaza is threatening Benjamin Netanyahu's government. ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Host) @rolandoliphant on xFareed Zakaria (CNN political correspondent, author ) @fareedzakaria on XNicole Smith (Asia correspondent) @niccijsmith on XReadAge Of Revolutions by Fareed Zakaria Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode we check in with Telegraph correspondent Nicola Smith about the controversy surrounding Israel’s hostage rescue, the latest ceasefire talks and could a full scale conflict break out with Lebanon. Then we spoke with Europe editor James Crisp about the surprising gains by the far right in the EU elections. Finally Senior foreign correspondent Sophia Yan explains why three judges have quit the courts in Hong Kong this week.ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Host) @rolandoliphant on xNicola Smith (Asia correspondent) @niccijsmith on XJames Crisp (Europe editor) @jamescrisp6 on XSophia Yan (Senior foreign correspondent) @sophia_yan on X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

On today's episode, we chat with Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan, who tells us how Labour and the Conservatives differ in their views on defence spending. Then we speak to Paul Nuki, editor of Global Health and Security, who gives us the latest on the dire situation in Rafah as Israeli airstrikes kill dozens. Finally, we speak to Ben Farmer, our South Africa correspondent, about the elections there this week.ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host) @venetiarainey on XDanielle Sheridan (Defence Editor) @sheridandani on XPaul Nuki (Global Health and Security Editor) @paulnuki on XBen Farmer (South Africa crrespondent) @benfarmerDT on xFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Battle Lines we speak to The Telegraph's Paris correspondent Henry Samuel about the unlikely link between Azerbaijan and pro independence riots in France's Pacific island of New Caledonia. Then, Africa correspondent Ben Farmer describes the dire humanitarian situation in the besieged Sudanese city of El Fashir. Finally, we speak to Energy Editor Jonathan Leake about how the discovery of oil near Antarctica could spark a rush for resources at the South Pole.ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent) @RolandOliphant on XHenry Samuel (Paris Correspondent) @H_E_Samuel on XBen Farmar (Africa Correspondent) @benfarmerdt on XJonathan Leake (Energy Editor) @jonathan__leake on xReadRussia finds vast oil and gas reserves in British Antarctic territory by Jonathan LeakeMacron flying to New Caledonia in bid to end violent insurrection by Henry Samuel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to Europe editor James Crisp about the attempted assassination of Slovakian PM Robert Fico. Then we speak to Gia Japaridze, a former Georgian diplomat who was beaten up in what he believes was punishment for his opposition to a controversial foreign agent's law. And finally, we speak to Robin Forestier Walker, a British filmmaker who lives in Tbilisi, about how protesters have reacted to the law.  ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Senior foreign correspondent) @rolandoliphant on XJames Crisp (Europe Editor) @JamesCrisp6 on XGia Japaridze @giajapar on XRobin Forestier Walker @robinfwalker on XFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, we speak to senior foreign correspondent Roland Oliphant, who recently saw the film Civil War, directed by Andrew Garland. Roland, as a war reporter, had some thoughts on the film and he shares them with us.ContributorsDavid Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.Roland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @rolandoliphant on X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, we speak to our Middle East correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva in Jerusalem on Israel's impending assault on Rafa and Biden's threats to halt weapons supplies to Israel. Then, we hear from Jumana Shahin, a Gaza resident who's fled to Egypt to protect herself and her young daughter. Then, we speak to our economics reporter Melissa Lawford on the dire state of Iran's economy. And finally, I talk to senior foreign correspondent Roland Oliphant, who recently saw the film Civil War, directed by Andrew Garland. Roland, as a war reporter, had some thoughts on the film and he shares them with us.ContributorsDavid Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Jumana Shahin @jumana.shahin on InstagramMelissa Lawford (Economics Reporter) @Melissalawford on XRoland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @rolandoliphant on XRead‘Iran is broke’: How clerics crippled the Islamic Republic by Melissa LawfordFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we join The Telegraph's Asia correspondent, Nicola Smith, for a special dispatch on board a Filipino ship patrolling the simmering conflict in the South China Sea. Then we speak to economics reporter Melissa Lawford about China's gold buying binge and why it means tensions in East Asia could be on the cusp of heating up even further.ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on XNicola Smith (Asia correspondent) @niccijsmith on XMelissa Lawford (Economics Reporter) @Melissalawford on XRead Nicola's report here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/30/onboard-filipino-ship-attacked-by-china/Melissa's report is here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/04/30/china-launches-gold-buying-spree-amid-fears-o/ For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this bonus episode of Battle Lines we speak to Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon about the state of the army in 2024. What should an army look like in the 21st century? What equipment is needed? How much should countries be spending? ContributorsDavid Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.Hamish Stephen de Bretton-Gordon OBE  @HamishDBG on XFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to The Telegraph's Middle East correspondent, Natalia Vasilyeva, about why the invasion of Rafah is back on the agenda, and what we know about Israel's attack on Iran one week on. Then we catch up with Russia and Caucasus correspondent James Kilner to hear about the mass protests in Georgia and how a shadowy billionaire figure with links to the Kremlin is driving the unrest.ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on XNataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.James Kilner (Russia and Caucasus correspondent) @jkjourno on XHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to the Telegraph’s Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about how Israel will retaliate against Iran for their recent missile strikes. Then we speak to Holly Dagres, senior fellow with the Atlantic Council's Middle East Program and writer of the substack The Iranist, about how Iran and Israel's relationship has developed from a shadow war to the brink of a full-scale conflict.ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @rolandoliphant on XNataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Holly Dagres (The Iranist) @hdagres on XHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to the Telegraph’s Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about Iran's weekend strike on Israel. We ask; did Iran achieve its objectives? How will Israel respond? And does this mean full-scale war in the Middle East is inevitable? ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on XNataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to the Telegraph’s Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about Iran's potential plans to strike on Israel, then our Asia Correspondent Nicola Smith explains why the rebels are winning the war in Myanmar. Finally, Europe Editor James Crisp reflects on his interview with NATO's Deputy Secretary General.ContributorsVenetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on XNataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Nicola Smith (Assia Correspondent) @niccijsmith on XJames Crisp (Europe Editor) @JamesCrisp6 on XReadUS needs Europe to stand up to Russia and China threat, says Nato deputy by James CrispFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we reflect on the upcoming 6 month anniversary of the October 7th attacks in Israel that sparked an invasion of Gaza. We speak to the Telegraph’s Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan as they reflect on the past 6 months and what the future holds for Israel, Hamas, and a Palestinian state.ContributorsDavid Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on XNataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X. Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent) @sophia_yan on XRead‘I tried to scrub the smell of death off my body...’: A war reporter’s Israel-Hamas diary by Nataliya VasilyevaFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to the Telegraph’s Chief Political Correspondent Camilla Turner and US Editor Tony Diver on an alleged Chinese hacking plot against the UK and the US. Then we speak to Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan on her visit to Latvia to understand how the Baltic nations are mobilising to counter any future attack by the Russian Federation. Finally, we speak to Senior Foreign Correspondent Roland Oliphant on the rising tensions after decades of conflict, between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Contributors David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on XCamilla Turner (Chief Political Correspondent) @camillahmturner on XTony Diver (US Editor)@Tony_Diver on XSophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent) @sophia_yan on XRoland Oliphant (Roland Oliphant) @RolandOliphant on XReadThe Latvian sandwich makers training to push Putin’s army into ‘kill zones’ by Sophia YanFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's bonus episode of Battle Lines James Rothwell speaks to Professor James Davis, a former advisor to Angela Merkel's government and the head of a new research group, the European Nucleus Study Group. which has been launched to advise experts and European leaders on the current nuclear crisis between Russia and NATO. They discuss what the west reaction would be to a nuclear attack by Russia and what precedent that would set for countries like India, Pakistan and North Korea.Contributors:David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent) @jamesErothwell on XProfessor James Davis (Founder, European Nuclear Group) @profjdavis on XFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Battle lines we talk to our Middle Eastern correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about the second raid on Gaza’s Al Shifa hospital. We’re also joined by our Global Health reporter Lilia Sebouai to discuss this week’s stark famine warning and what can be done to prevent thousands of Palestinians from dying of hunger. Then we hear from our Asia correspondent Nicola Smith about one of her most intrepid reporting trips yet - to the steppes of Mongolia. She also talks about a new national security law in Hong Kong - and why it means troubles for newspaper lovers and priests alike.Contributors:Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on XNataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X. Lilia Sebouai (Global Health Reporter) @liliasebouai on XNicola Smith (Nicola Smith) @niccijsmith on XFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Battle lines we talk to South America correspondent Mat Charles about meeting child gang members at the forefront of an explosion of violence in Ecuador. Then we hear from our Africa correspondent Ben Farmer about why the nearly year-long war in Sudan might be entering a new phase. Finally, Brussels correspondent Joe Barnes takes us into a recreation of the Hamas tunnels where Israelis were kept and we hear from a hostage about what it was like. Contributors:Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on XMat Charles (South American correspondent) @mat_charles_ on XBen Farmer (Africa correspondent) @benfarmerDT on XJoe Barnes (Brussels correspondent0 @Barnes_Joe on XWatch:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/03/02/ecuador-noboa-gangs-drugs-police-crackdown-prisons/ by Matthew CharlesFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Battle lines we talk to our US editor Tony Diver about Super Tuesday and why it could mean unrest in America and abroad. Then we hear from Nataliya Vasilyeva, our Middle Correspondent, who has been revisiting the south of Israel to reflect on what has changed since those dark days following the October 7 attack by Hamas. Finally, South America correspondent Simeon Tegel gives us the lowdown on what’s happening in Haiti and why the man at the centre of the violence is known as Barbecue.Contributors:Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on XNataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X. Tony Diver (US Editor) @Tony_Diver on XSimeon Tegel (South America Correspondent) @SimeonTegelRead:Haiti’s ‘Barbecue’ gang leader warns of genocide unless prime minister Ariel Henry steps down by Simeon TegelFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East correspondent in Jerusalem Nataliya Vasilyeva talks to Venetia Rainey about ongoing ceasefire talks and whether a deal is really as close as Joe Biden claimed. Then we hear from Jumana Shahin, a mother of one who is stuck in central Gaza and facing the hardest decision of her life: should she try to escape with her family or stay behind to help her people?Contributors:Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on XNataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X. Jumana Shahin https://www.instagram.com/jumana.shahin/For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Bonus episode of Battle Lines, The Telegraph's David Knowles speaks to Professor Sergrey Radchenko to discuss his upcoming book 'To Run The World: The Kremlin's Cold War Bid for Global Power'. Professor Radchenko's shares with us what he discovered about the psychology of the Kremlin's decision-making during the Cold War and what this can tell us about Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.Contributors:David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.Sergey Radchenko (Wilson E. Schmidt Distinguished Professor @KissingerCenter@SAISHopkins) @DrRadchenko on XFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan tells us about Israel's plans for an invasion of Rafah, the humanitarian crisis in the north, and where China stands on a ceasefire. Then we speak to Deputy US Editor Rozina Sabur about the US push for a ceasefire. Finally we check in with David Knowles who is in Kyiv as the second year anniversary of the Russian invasion is upon us.Contributors:Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on XSophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.Rozina Sabur (Deputy US Editor) @Rozinasabur on X.David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Foreign correspondent Ben Farmer updates us on Pakistan's elections and what they mean for the country's political and economic future. Then we speak to Middle East correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about talks of a US peace plan involving a Palestinian state, while Israel plans an imminent invasion of Rafah in the south.Contributors:David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Ben Farmer (Foreign Correspondent) @BenFarmerDT on X.Read Pakistan army chief hails election success despite unrest and vote-rigging allegations by Ben Farmer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of Battle Lines, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan speaks to two friends, Adam Ben-Shabbat and Nadim Tali, who grew up in a village known as the 'Oasis of Peace'. This village, situated between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, is the only village in Israel where Palestinians and Jewish Israelis choose to live together. Adam and Nadim's friendship faced challenges after Adam decided to join the Israel Defence Force as a reservist in the wake of the October 7th attacks. Nadim meanwhile has had family members killed in Gaza. Despite the tensions, Adam and Nadim remain close friends.Contributors:Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.ReadDispatch: Inside the only place in Israel where Jews and Arabs choose to live together by Sophia Yan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva bring us updates from the war in Gaza as Israel rejects peace talks. Plus Berlin Correspondent James Rothwell details the drone missile developed by the Iranians setting fire to the Middle East. Finally, we go to our Economics Correspondent Melissa Lawford, who tells us about the causes of the economic slowdown in China.Contributors:David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent) @JamesERothwell on X.Melissa Lawford (Economics Correspondent) @MelissaLawford on X.ReadHow the ‘AK-47 of Tehran’ changed warfare and set fire to the Middle East by James RothwellFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva gives us the latest from Israel with reports of a buffer zone being secretly built by Israel, Global Health Security Correspondent Sarah Newey tells us about a Thai farmer in Israel who was taken hostage by Hamas on the October 7th attacks, and David Knowles speaks to Professor Alex DeWaal about the unraveling civil war in Sudan.Contributors:Roland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @RolandOliphant on XDavid Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Sarah Newey (Global Health Security Correspondent) @sneweyy on XProfessor Alex DeWaal @WorldPeaceFdtn on XReadRevealed: Israel's new Gaza border by Natalie VasilyevaFifty days in chains: The Thai hostage who survived Hamas by Sarah NeweyFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan discusses her agenda setting front page story about how a top British General believes the British Army is too small and that the government may need to ‘mobilise the nation’ in the event of conflict with Russia. Then we hear from Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan about the latest news from Israel and the region. Finally, Economics Reporter Melissa Lawford gives us her take on the impact of the attacks in the Red Sea on global trade and the economy.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.Melissa Lawford (Economics Correspondent). @MelissaLawford on X.Danielle Sheridan (Defense Editor) @SheridanDani on X.ReadSunak forced to rule out conscription as Russia war threat rises by Danielle SheridanWorld faces second wave of disruptions from Red Sea crisis, warns shipping giant by Melissa LawfordFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan and Middle East Correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva bring us updates from the region as Iran and Pakistan trade missile strikes and the war in Gaza continues. Plus Senior Foreign Correspondent Roland Oliphant looks at the Houthi rebel movement in Yemen, and explains where they come from and who their friends are.Finally, we go to our Asia Correspondent, Nicola Smith, who analyses the continuing civil war in Myanmar as a rebel alliance pushes back the military junta's troops. Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.Nicola Smith (Asia Correspondent). @niccijsmith on X.ReadPakistan cuts ties with Iran after missile attack kills two children, by Sophia YanThe Houthis: inside the powerful militia’s enigmatic mindset, by Roland Oliphant, Nataliya Vasilyeva and Sophia YanFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of Battle Lines, we take a look at the Taiwanese election, and what it means for the region, with Asia Correspondent Nicola Smith and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan. Taiwan, which the Chinese Communist Party claims as its own territory, represents one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints, with the potential to ignite a global war.The general election is one of the most consequential of the 70+ polls being held around the world this year, determining how the island of 23.5 million people will manage its ties with China over the next four years.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.Nicola Smith (Asia Correspondent). @niccijsmith on X.ReadChina must ‘win the hearts’ of the Taiwanese, says Xi, by Nicola Smith Nauru cuts ties with Taiwan as China accused of bribery, by Nicola SmithFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan and Telegraph writer Tom Sharpe bring the latest news and analysis from the Red Sea, as Britain and America strike Houthi positions after months of attacks on civilian and military vessels. Then Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva updates us from Israel as the IDF continues to battle Hamas across Gaza, and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan describes how the Chinese state forced ethnic Kazakhs to round up Muslim families in Xinjiang who were then never seen again.Finally, journalist and academic Mathew Charles speaks about the internal conflict in Ecuador, where government forces battle drug gangs for control of the country. Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on X.Tom Sharpe (former Royal Navy officer). @TomSharpe134 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.Mathew Charles (Foreign Reporter and academic). @mat_charles_ on X.ReadThe Telegraph's Live Blog on the Red SeaWest is united against Houthi threat, says Biden as Britain and US launch air strikes in Yemen, by Danielle Sheridan‘We did it to our own people’: How China forced Kazakhs to implement its ethnic crackdown, by Sophia YanHow Ecuador’s 36-year-old leather jacket-wearing president took on the drug cartels – and lost, by Mathew CharlesFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For months, Iranian backed Houthi rebels have been attacking merchant shipping in the Red Sea. In response, an international task force patrols the waters to protect the civilian vessels. In this episode of Battle Lines we speak to former warship commander and Telegraph writer Tom Sharpe about operation Prosperity Guardian, naval strategy and life at sea.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Tom Sharpe,  former Royal Navy officer, @TomSharpe134 on X.Read: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/t/tk-to/tom-sharpe/For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we hear from Foreign Correspondent Lizzie Porter in Jerusalem, who brings up to date on the war in Gaza. Then we look South, with The Telegraph’s Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan, at the tensions rising in the Red Sea as Houthi rebels continue to target a busy shipping lane with missiles and drones.Finally, with our Asia Correspondent Nicola Smith, we travel to Taiwan a week ahead of presidential election in the embattled island nation that could have profound consequences for the country, the region and the world.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Lizzie Porter (Foreign Reporter). @lcmporter on X.Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on X.Nicola Smith (Asia Correspondent). @niccijsmith on X.Read: Navy has so few sailors it has to decommission ships, by Danielle SheridanFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva joins us from Israel to give us this week's update on the fighting, the diplomacy, and the unprecedented events in the Red Sea as Houthi rebels target international shipping. Then we stay with Nataliya for a special dispatch from Jerusalem, as she interviews the only licensed Santa in the city, ahead of a Christmas full of worry for the region's Christian population. Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Read: Jerusalem’s only accredited Santa Claus vows to keep entertaining children despite war, by Nataliya VasilyevaFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva joins us from Bethlehem in the West Bank to bring us up to date with the news from the Israeli assault on the Gaza strip, and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan talks us through her analysis of Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and asks how the war has impacted his chances of political survival. Plus more than a month on from the start of Israeli ground operations in Gaza, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon shares his thoughts on the tactics and effectiveness of the IDF. Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.Hamish de Bretton Gordon, former British Army Colonel. @HamishDBG on X.Read: Netanyahu fighting on two fronts – in Gaza and for his own survival, by Sophia YanFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Children think that their father is a superhero, but I cannot do anything for them': a dispatch from GazaIn this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan both join us from on the ground in Israel, and Sophia guides us through the experience of Gazan journalist Sami Abu Salem and how his life has altered forever after October 7th.Plus we hear from Ilay David, who is calling for the world not to forget the Hamas hostages still waiting to be released, like his brother Evyatar.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.We were joined by Sami Abu Salem.You can watch Ilay David talk about his brother Evyatar here: https://youtu.be/YUa3A7t3c4UFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life in Gaza.For weeks now, we've been covering the deteriorating situation in Gaza, as Israeli strikes and fierce fighting between the IDF and Hamas destroyed buildings, infrastructure, and lives. To get an idea of what life is like on the ground, we contacted our journalist and fixer, Siham Shamalakh who lives in Gaza. Sending us her thoughts via WhatsApp voice notes, Siham reflects on her personal journey of having to flee her home and considers what the future might hold for the Palestinian people.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Siham Shamalakh reporting from Gaza.For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the ceasefire ends, we reflect on the hostage releases - and those left behind. In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva and Senior Reporter Henry Bodkin join us from on the ground in Israel, where they reflect on a week of hostage releases, and consider what the West Bank settlement of the Israeli finance minister can tell us about Gaza's future.Plus we hear from Orit Meir, whose son Almog is a hostage of Hamas, as she makes a heartfelt plea to get him back. Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Henry Bodkin (Senior Reporter). @HenryBodkin on X.We were joined by Orit and Aviram Meir. You can watch their interview here: https://youtu.be/rcPehC4sd2sFor 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The view from LebanonIn this bonus episode of Battle Lines, Sophia Yan brings us her interview with Lebanon's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Abdallah Bou Habib. They discuss how the war in Israel and Gaza is impacting his country and the wider region, and what role the US and Britain have to play in resolving the conflict. Contributors:Sophia Yan (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.Abdallah Bou Habib (Lebanon's Minister for Foreign Affairs).Read: Britain must take more responsibility for Israel-Hamas war, says Lebanon, by Sophia Yan: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/11/27/uk-responsible-israel-hamas-war-balfour-declaration-lebanon/For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel waits for Hamas to release hostagesIn this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva looks at the highly anticipated hostage release and temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, after weeks of bloody fighting. She also talks about the rollercoaster of emotions being experienced by the families of hostages, desperate to find out if their loved makes will make the lists of those being released.Plus Foreign Reporter Verity Bowman on the dire public health situation in Gaza as disease stalks the streets. Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on Twitter.Verity Bowman (Foreign Reporter). @VerityBowman on X.For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of Battle Lines, we hear from Naomi Greenaway, Deputy Editor of the Telegraph Magazine, who tells the story of Adi Efrat.Adi Efrat was taken from her home on Kibbutz Be’eri and held hostage by Hamas for over 12 hours. Naomi explains that for Adi, her life will forever more be split in two – before and after October 7th, recounts that day, and explains how Adi is still full of hope for peace.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Naomi Greenaway (Deputy Editor, Telegraph Magazine). @naomisamuelsgreenaway on X.Read: October 7 survivor: ‘I was alone with 15 terrorists – I knew at any second they might kill me’, by Naomi Greenaway: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/11/12/adi-efrat-hostage-israel-hamas-terrorist/For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A warning this week that this episode contains graphic language that some listeners might find distressing. In this episode of Battle Lines, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan, analyses some of the diplomatic moves made by Middle Eastern states close to the conflict.Telegraph Global Health Reporter Lilia Sebouai updates us on the conditions In Gaza’s hospitals, and Foreign Reporter Verity Bowman talks us through the Israeli assault on the Al-Shifa hospital. Plus Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan explains how the war in Israel and Gaza impacted British society on Armistice Day.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on X.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.Lilia Sebouai (Reporter, Telegraph Global Health team). @liliasebouai on X.Verity Bowman (Foreign Reporter). @VerityBowman on X. Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on X.Read: Coca-Cola out, Egyptian soda in as anti-Western boycott sweeps Middle East, by Sophia Yan: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/11/12/coca-cola-mcdonalds-boycott-israel-spiro-spathis-egypt/Read: ‘Drone snipers’ firing at targets around Gaza hospitals, says trapped British doctor, by Lilia Sebouai: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/armed-drones-israel-hamas-war-gaza-hospitals-gunshots/Read: Poppy sellers forced to move stand after pro-Palestinian gathering, by Danielle Sherdian: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/11/12/poppy-sellers-move-stand-pro-palestinian-gathering/For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A warning this week that this episode contains graphic language that some listeners might find distressing. In this episode of Battle Lines, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan brings us up to date on the major news of the week from the region, Telegraph Global Health Reporter Lilia Sebouai speaks about the devastating plight of Gaza’s hospitals and Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva explains the bad blood between Israel and the UN.Plus Assistant Comment Editor Francis Dearnley gives a potted history of the now infamous Balfour Declaration. Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on Twitter.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on Twitter.Lilia Sebouai (Reporter, Telegraph Global Health team). @liliasebouai on Twitter.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on Twitter.Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on Twitter.Read: ‘Bodies scratched, bleeding and full of flies’: Infections plague Gaza’s hospitals, by Lilia Sebouai: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/hospital-infections-gaza-medical-supplies-clean-water/For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of Battle Lines we hear from Telegraph Contributor Hamish de Bretton-Gordon.As a former soldier, we wanted to hear his views on the kind of conflict Hamas and The IDF are fighting in Gaza, what the challenges are, and the similarities and differences between this war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on Twitter.Hamish de Bretton Gordon, former British Army Colonel. @HamishDBG on Twitter.For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A warning this week that this episode contains graphic language that some listeners might find distressing. In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan, Middle East correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan.Danielle speaks about the Israeli forensics teams searching through ash as they look for teeth to identify Hamas victims, Sophia takes us inside her investigation into Hamas assets in Turkey, and Nataliya explains her reporting into the experiences of the Israeli Bedouin. Plus Assistant Comment Editor Francis Dearnley takes on the difficult task of trying to sum up the history of the region.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on Twitter.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on Twitter.Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on Twitter.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on Twitter.Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on Twitter.Read Inside the gleaming developments that made Hamas a $1bn terror group, by Sophia Yan: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/30/property-developments-hamas-1bn/Read Israeli police sift through ash as they look for teeth and bones to identify Hamas victims, by Danielle Sheridan: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/11/01/israel-victims-body-bags-ash-hamas-gaza/Read I’d rather be back in Ukraine, say refugee children sent to Israel, by Danielle Sheridan: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/31/ukrainian-refugee-children-israel-kfar-chabad/Read ‘They came out of the sea shooting us’: How Israel’s Bedouin Arabs became Hamas targets, by Nataliya Vasilyeva: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/11/05/israel-hamas-bedouin-attack-arab-muslim-gaza-jews/For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of Battle Lines we'll hear from The Telegraph's Economics reporter, Melissa Lawford.Melissa has been writing about the economic impact of the war in Israel and Gaza on key regional actors - Saudi Arabia and Qatar.As Saudi Arabia desperately courts investment and Qatar is busy striking LNG deals with states around the world, what does the war mean for them and how might their great economic involvement with the West impact international diplomacy? Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on Twitter.Melissa Lawford (Economics reporter). @MelissaLawford on Twitter.Read Israel-Hamas conflict casts a shadow over Saudi Arabia’s ‘Davos in the Desert’, by Melissa Lawford:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/10/25/israel-hamas-conflict-shadow-saudi-arabias-davos-desert/For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of Battle Lines we'll hear from James Rothwell, The Telegraph's Berlin Correspondent who until recently was our Middle East Correspondent based in Jerusalem.James tells us about his reporting on life and death in the Gaza Strip, of Palestinian journalists battling to tell the story, and what impact this war will have on the future of the region.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on Twitter.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on Twitter.For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NB: This episode of Battle Lines contains descriptions of extreme violence and murder, plus details of antisemitism. We would not advise listening to this episode with children present.In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan and Middle East correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about their reporting on the ground in Israel and the West Bank.They talk about the harrowing experience of watching a screening of Hamas murders, speaking to locals in the West Bank where tension with Israel and clashes with settlers is increasing & attending a Shabbat dinner in Tel Aviv with empty chairs for those kidnapped into Gaza. Also, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan brings us the latest from Turkey and reports on a wave of anti-semitism in China and Brussels Editor Joe Barnes explains some of the lessons the IDF are taking from the war in Ukraine. Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on Twitter.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on Twitter.Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on Twitter.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on Twitter.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on Twitter.For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first episode of Battle Lines, The Telegraph's leading journalists bring you analysis on the war taking place in Israel and the Gaza Strip, after a surprise attack of Hamas Terrorists a few weeks ago, from what it's like reporting on the ground to what we know about the other global actors keeping a close eye on the war.Contributors:David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on Twitter.Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on Twitter.Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on Twitter.Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on Twitter.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Battle Lines, a new podcast from The Telegraph, combines on the ground reporting with analytical expertise and will be a crucial resource for anyone hoping to better understand what’s happening in Israel-Gaza.First episode out soon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.