Bashar al-Assad’s dark return to the world stage

FromToday in Focus

Start listening View podcast show

Bashar al-Assad’s dark return to the world stage

FromToday in Focus

ratings:

Length:

31 minutes

Released:

May 30, 2023

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

For almost a decade the murderous actions of the Syrian president meant he was shunned but now he is being embraced by Arab leaders once more. What does this mean for the millions of refugees who fled from his brutal regime?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Released:

May 30, 2023

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Hosted by Anushka Asthana and Rachel Humphreys, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining personal storytelling with insightful analysis, this podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday

Skip carousel

Is artificial intelligence getting out of control?: Hundreds of tech industry leaders have signed a letter proposing a six-month pause on the development of systems more powerful than OpenAI’s GPT-4. Alex Hern reports by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Erdoğan survives, but will Turkish democracy?: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the president of Turkey, has moulded the country in his image during his two decades in power. Now he faces a run-off election to stay in power by Today in Focus
32 min listen
The Pentagon leaks: how did US security files end up on Discord? – podcast: Earlier this year, hundreds of top secret Pentagon documents were posted on the social media platform Discord. Manisha Ganguly and Julian Borger report by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Embracing a childfree life by Today in Focus
35 min listen
The ‘nice, ordinary’ family suspected of being Russian spies: When a new couple and their children moved into a sleepy suburb of Slovenia’s capital, their neighbours thought they seemed very normal. But were they really who they seemed? by Today in Focus
33 min listen
Hosting Ukraine’s Eurovision party: Hannah Moore reports from Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena where Britain is preparing to host the Eurovision song contest on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine by Today in Focus
34 min listen
Cost of the crown part 5: the coronation of Charles III: Charles III will be crowned in Westminster Abbey on Saturday in a ceremony steeped in centuries of history. Jonathan Freedland examines what the event means to the modern-day UK by Today in Focus
35 min listen
The court case pushing Indian democracy to the brink – podcast: Critics have long accused Narendra Modi of eroding the world’s biggest democracy. Now, ahead of next year’s general election, his main political rival could be jailed – for defaming everyone with the name Modi. What’s going on? by Today in Focus
32 min listen
A bullying politician or snowflake civil servants? The downfall of Dominic Raab: The former deputy prime minister may have resigned but he remains defiant after an inquiry into bullying allegations. What does the scandal tell us about the relationship between ministers and Whitehall? by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Why has the Labour party turned nasty?: The party’s latest ad campaign launches personal attacks on Rishi Sunak. What’s behind its new ruthless approach? by Today in Focus
27 min listen
What is the UK government hiding from the Covid inquiry?: The government has launched legal action to prevent the independent Covid inquiry demanding disclosure of thousands of WhatsApp messages. What does it have to hide, asks Aubrey Allegretti by Today in Focus
29 min listen
National Conservatism: a Tory fringe or the party’s future?: A conference run by a rightwing American thinktank attracted Tory MPs and influencers this week. Is its Trumpish populist philosophy a taste of where the Conservative party is heading? by Today in Focus
25 min listen
Sudan’s warring generals: Fighting Sudan is continuing despite an internationally brokered truce. At the heart of the conflict is a power struggle between two powerful generals in a country permanently in the grip of its military. Nesrine Malik reports by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Investigating alleged sexual misconduct at the CBI | podcast: Police have launched an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct at the Confederation of British Industry in the wake of a recent Guardian investigation. Anna Isaac reports by Today in Focus
30 min listen
Did distress calls go unanswered in the run-up to a fatal Channel disaster?: In November 2021 a dinghy crossing from France to the UK overturned, and at least 27 people drowned. Questions are being asked over whether distress calls were effectively ignored in run-up to worst Channel disaster in 30 years by Today in Focus
27 min listen
Cost of the crown part 4: calculating the king’s wealth by Today in Focus
37 min listen
Cost of the crown part 2: Duchies, diamonds and Dalis: Maeve McClenaghan sets off to uncover what is held by the crown and what belongs to the royal family privately by Today in Focus
38 min listen
Why are London’s schools disappearing?: London schools in areas such as Lambeth and Camden are having to close their doors as pupils leave. Why are numbers dropping so fast – and why does it matter so much? by Today in Focus
30 min listen
Cost of the crown part 3: the hidden history of the monarchy and slavery: Documents recently unearthed by historians have shown how the British royal family had ties to transatlantic slavery. Maeve McClenaghan reports by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Funding, forensics – and a fridge freezer? The investigation into the SNP: Just a few months ago the SNP, with Nicola Sturgeon at the helm, looked almost untouchable. Now a fraud investigation into the party has caused that image to dramatically unravel by Today in Focus
32 min listen
Are we facing a summer of sporting protests?: High-profile protests at the Grand National and the World Snooker Championships have made headlines. The London Marathon could be next by Today in Focus
30 min listen
Why are British audiences suddenly so out of control?: From fights at the Bodyguard musical to wild drunken antics at comedy clubs and even heckling at the opera, performers and theatre staff say crowds are getting out of hand. What’s going on? by Today in Focus
26 min listen
Is Suella Braverman speeding towards a government exit?: Having set herself up as a rival to the prime minister, the home secretary is now facing allegations that she broke the ministerial code. Aubrey Allegretti reports by Today in Focus
23 min listen
Prince Harry and the return of the phone hacking scandal: This week, Prince Harry’s case over alleged phone hacking by the publisher of the Sun and News of the World reached the high court. Jim Waterson reports by Today in Focus
31 min listen
How a killing on New York subway exposed a broken system – podcast: When Jordan Neely, a homeless Michael Jackson impersonator, died at the hands of a fellow passenger this month, it shocked the world. But what does it reveal about the city? by Today in Focus
35 min listen
Can Imran Khan really take on the Pakistani army and win?: The former prime minister has blamed the country’s powerful military for his arrest last week, and his supporters have attacked military buildings. With Khan’s home surrounded by police yesterday, has he picked a battle he’s destined to lose? by Today in Focus
34 min listen
How the Windrush generation shaped British culture: The authors Colin Grant and Patrice Lawrence and the publisher Sharmaine Lovegrove reflect on the cultural legacy of Windrush by Today in Focus
35 min listen
Cost of the crown part 1: valuing the royal family: Maeve McClenaghan sets off on the trail to uncover how much public money is spent on the royal family – and what they do in return by Today in Focus
33 min listen
The killing of Shireen Abu Akleh – and another ordinary day in the West Bank: A year ago the journalist was shot. It was not the only news story in Palestine that day. Kaamil Ahmed looks into the stories Abu Akleh never got to report by Today in Focus
34 min listen
Why ‘godfather of AI’ Geoffrey Hinton thinks humanity at crossroads: In an interview with the Guardian’s Alex Hern, Hinton says he now fears the advances he helped usher in could pose an existential threat to humankind by Today in Focus
30 min listen

More Episodes from Today in Focus

Skip carousel

Put it down! Should children be allowed smartphones?: Almost all children have them by the time they are 11 years old – and some get them at four. But are they ruining childhoods? by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Rishi Sunak staggers on – but for how long?: Guardian political correspondent Kiran Stacey tells Helen Pidd what heavy local election losses mean for the PM, and looks at what calculation Keir Starmer made in taking in rightwing Tory Natalie Elphicke by Today in Focus
24 min listen
Escaping Rafah: on the ground in Gaza’s last refuge: We hear from two Palestinians living in tents in the city of Rafah. As the threat of an Israeli invasion hangs over them, they decide whether to stay or leave by Today in Focus
24 min listen
The London Bridge ‘hero’ who could go to prison for 99 years podcast: In 2019, ex-offender Marc Conway helped hold down a knifeman who killed two people in a terror attack. But by doing so he risked being recalled to prison. Simon Hattenstone reports by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Non-doms are threatening to leave. Should they be convinced to stay?: Multi-millionaire Bassim Haidar says ending the non-dom tax status is a mistake. He plans to leave the UK and says other non-doms will do the same. Should the government change their mind? by Today in Focus
21 min listen
How do we protect teenagers from sextortion scams?: Murray Dowey, a 16-year-old from Dunblane, was targeted by a sextortion scammer in the hours before he took his own life. Now his parents are raising awareness of this increasingly prevalent crime. Libby Brooks reports by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Politics Weekly Westminster: local elections special: In the first of our Politics Weekly Westminster episodes, the Guardian’s political editor Pippa Crerar and political correspondent Kiran Stacey go over the big wins and losses from the local and mayoral elections by Today in Focus
30 min listen
Are we on the brink of a ceasefire deal for Gaza? Podcast: With the threat of famine and the invasion of Rafah looming over Gaza, the leaders of Israel and Hamas are discussing a ceasefire deal. Julian Borger reports by Today in Focus
30 min listen
Has Elon Musk driven Tesla off track?: The electric carmaker’s Cybertruck was recalled last month after safety concerns emerged over the accelerator pedal. Kari Paul reports by Today in Focus
24 min listen
Is Labour about to win a local election landslide?: Councillors, mayors and police commissioners across England and Wales are facing voters this week. What’s at stake? Helen Pidd reports by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf resigns: On Monday, Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf announced his resignation. What does this mean for the Scottish National party? Severin Carrell and Libby Brooks report by Today in Focus
27 min listen
Have open marriages gone mainstream?: From therapy sessions to bookshelves, interest in non-monogamous relationships seem to be soaring by Today in Focus
26 min listen
The US college protests and the crackdown on campuses: Police have arrested dozens of students across US universities this week after a crackdown on pro-Palestine protests on campuses. Erum Salam and Margaret Sullivan report from New York by Today in Focus
29 min listen
What Ukraine needs to change the course of the war: Ukraine has been granted a multibillion-dollar lifeline in military aid. But it will need more than that to prevail in the conflict with Russia. Dan Sabbagh in Kyiv and Shaun Walker report by Today in Focus
27 min listen
Could a row over a council house bring down Angela Rayner? – podcast: Keir Starmer’s deputy is facing questions over the sale of her former home. But do voters care? Gaby Hinsliff reports by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Sudan’s forgotten war: While conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have captured global attention, the civil war in Sudan has been largely ignored. That can’t be allowed to continue, says the Guardian’s Nesrine Malik by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Where does the Cass report leave trans teenagers?: Dr Hilary Cass’s review of NHS gender identity services has been published. Amelia Gentleman reports on what it means for children at the centre of it all by Today in Focus
37 min listen
The chilling policy to cut Greenland’s high birth rate: In the 1960s the birthrate in Greenland was one of the world’s highest. Then it plunged. Women are now speaking out about what happened by Today in Focus
31 min listen
Can Rishi Sunak create a smoke-free generation?: MPs voted this week to ban anyone aged 15 or younger in 2024 from buying cigarettes. If the legislation passes and is enacted, it would be a world first. Ben Quinn reports by Today in Focus
24 min listen
Liz Truss and her plan to ‘save the west’: Liz Truss is back – kind of. The former PM of just 49 days has published a book, Ten Years to Save the West. The Guardian’s political correspondent Eleni Courea and breaking news correspondent Martin Pengelly discuss her seeming lack of regret by Today in Focus
27 min listen
Is the Middle East on the brink? podcast: After Iran launched an attack on Israel, is the region heading for all-out war? Emma Graham-Harrison reports by Today in Focus
25 min listen
How Swiss women won a landmark climate case for Europe: Last week a group of older women successfully challenged the Swiss government’s climate policies at the European court of human rights. Isabella Kaminski reports by Today in Focus
26 min listen
Why are so many carers being prosecuted by the UK government?: George Henderson was convicted of fraud and had to repay £19,000 in carer’s allowance years after ticking the wrong box. Patrick Butler looks at why thousands face similar prosecutions by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Stormy Daniels, Donald Trump, and the start of the hush money trial: Hugo Lowell talks through the law and the politics of a case starting this Monday against Donald Trump – the first ever criminal trial of a former or sitting US president by Today in Focus
27 min listen
Profits over pipes: who should own our water?: Thames Water owes hundreds of millions of pounds in debt, and the UK government is concerned about its potential collapse. Helena Horton reports by Today in Focus
26 min listen
The devil walking on Earth part 2: Annie Kelly reports on the story of Sosa Henkoma, who was exploited by drug gangs as a child and now mentors young people at risk of gang violence by Today in Focus
23 min listen
The devil walking on Earth: part 1: Annie Kelly reports on the story of Sosa Henkoma, who was exploited by drug gangs as a child and now mentors young people at risk of gang violence by Today in Focus
30 min listen
Should the UK stop arming Israel?: The killing of six international aid workers and their Palestinian driver this week has brought new scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in its war in Gaza. Peter Beaumont and Patrick Wintour examine the growing backlash by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Scotland’s new hate crime law: The Scottish government has introduced a hate crime law that broadens protections for marginalised groups but critics say it limits freedom of speech. Libby Brooks reports by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Israel divided: Netanyahu’s coalition crisis: A cabinet split over military service and protests demanding the release of hostages are threatening the PM’s grip on power, Bethan McKernan reports by Today in Focus
25 min listen

Related podcast episodes

Skip carousel

The Murdochs' real-life succession drama | Podcast: Who will take over Rupert Murdoch’s media empire after he dies, and why does it matter? by Today in Focus
31 min listen
The killing of Shireen Abu Akleh – and another ordinary day in the West Bank: A year ago the journalist was shot. It was not the only news story in Palestine that day. Kaamil Ahmed looks into the stories Abu Akleh never got to report by Today in Focus
34 min listen
Sudan’s warring generals: Fighting Sudan is continuing despite an internationally brokered truce. At the heart of the conflict is a power struggle between two powerful generals in a country permanently in the grip of its military. Nesrine Malik reports by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Why the rest of the world can’t afford to ignore the coup in Niger: The Sahel region, sometimes called Africa’s ‘coup belt’, has just seen another government ousted. Peter Beaumont and Nesrine Malik on what it means for African – and global – security by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Why wasn’t Lucy Letby stopped sooner?: The nurse is the most prolific child serial killer in modern British history. Could the NHS have prevented her committing so many crimes? by Today in Focus
35 min listen
Erdoğan survives, but will Turkish democracy?: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the president of Turkey, has moulded the country in his image during his two decades in power. Now he faces a run-off election to stay in power by Today in Focus
32 min listen
The Quest for the Israel-Palestine Holy Grail: UNRWA, Israeli Arab citizens and the war, Biden's segregated therapy sessions for staffers, and decades of U.S. Middle East peace efforts by What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead
32 min listen
Why does the US always side with Israel?: This was the top question we got from Today, Explained listeners. Joel Beinin, Middle East history professor emeritus at Stanford, has answers. by Today, Explained
25 min listen
A stretch and a run: Brazil’s ex-president returns: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva left office with a sky-high approval rating, having raised millions from poverty—but was then convicted of corruption. Now he wants his old job back. Forced labour in Uzbekistan’s cotton fields, once widespread, is swiftly van... by The Intelligence from The Economist
22 min listen
Why the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Pushes People’s Buttons: Biden's oval office address, Iranian attacks on US targets in the Middle East, Attacks of Synagogues, and the people who hate Israel by What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead
29 min listen
Who are the far-right extremists?: Can understanding the roots of far-right extremism help us to tackle it? by The Real Story
49 min listen
Episode 50, Iraq: Sangar Khaleel: Drinking Life Water with the Man to Know in Mosul by The Trip
66 min listen
Biden Bear Hugs Israel and Ukraine: Missouri v. Biden, Milei in Argentina, trouble in Korea, and Biden's support for Ukraine and Israel by What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead
28 min listen
The Hidden Economics of Female Genital Mutilation | From: "The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women" podcast: We present an episode of the Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women podcast, which is now in its third season. Each episode tells the story of how women are creating change through economic empowerment. In this new season, the Hidden Economics of... by Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
26 min listen
Have open marriages gone mainstream?: From therapy sessions to bookshelves, interest in non-monogamous relationships seem to be soaring by Today in Focus
26 min listen
Blood will out: Russian mercenaries: Russian forces advancing on Kyiv have stalled. Ukraine has refused the demand to surrender Mariupol. But it’s not just Russian regular troops fighting: we look at Russia’s use of mercenaries. Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office in ... by Economist Podcasts
22 min listen
Khazaria...A Jewish Empire In Europe? by Jewish History Nerds
35 min listen
Who are Russia’s friends?: How Russia cultivates relationships around the globe by The Real Story
49 min listen
Not-so-safe house: America kills al-Qaeda leader by Economist Podcasts
24 min listen
Trading and crusading in the Middle Ages: Mike Carr reveals how there was more to Muslim-Christian relations in the medieval era than the Crusades by History Extra podcast
35 min listen
An Escalating Cycle of Violence in Israel and Palestine: We are in the midst of an escalating cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine. On Thursday, January 26 Israeli forces killed at least 9 people in a raid in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. The following evening, a Palestinian gunman killed... by Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
28 min listen
So I elected an autocrat: Noel King traveled to Hungary to talk to people who voted for Viktor Orbán, people being persecuted by his government, and an American just along for the ride. by Today, Explained
27 min listen
Putin’s war spills into space: Russia has threatened to let the International Space Station plummet. The Verge’s Loren Grush explains the Star Wars. by Today, Explained
26 min listen
The Coup in Niger and What Comes Next?: On July 26th, the democratically elected president of Niger Mohamed Bazoum was deposed in a military coup. This coup seemingly came out of nowhere. Now, a country that had been a key US ally and a French ally in the region is suddenly in turmoil.... by Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
34 min listen
White flagged: Cuba’s muted protests: White roses, white sheets hung from homes, even white t-shirts: a movement’s symbolic colour was not much in evidence after officials quashed national protests. Part of Saudi Arabia’s plan to wean its economy off oil is to entice lots of tourists; we a... by The Intelligence from The Economist
20 min listen
Russian rush-out: Ukraine’s stunning gains by Economist Podcasts
27 min listen
Is the US stealing Afghanistan’s money? by The Take
20 min listen
Form-annex trick: Russia’s Ukraine-seizure bid by Economist Podcasts
23 min listen
Defrost setting: the Xi-Biden summit: The meeting between superpower presidents was cordial and careful, but it will take far more than a video call to smooth such frosty relations. Europe once had an enviable international rail network—one it must revive if the bloc is to meet its climate... by The Intelligence from The Economist
20 min listen
Science and the causes behind Pakistan’s floods: A new report demonstrates the impact of global warming on flooding in Pakistan. by Science In Action
30 min listen

Discover this podcast and so much more

Bashar al-Assad’s dark return to the world stage

Bashar al-Assad’s dark return to the world stage

Description

Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from Today in Focus

Related podcast episodes