Tug of War

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Introducing: Civilian or Spy Aug 15, 2026

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When a Russian-born American citizen named Ilya Beloozerov is gunned down by the FBI in 2024, the authorities refuse to say why they’d killed him. CNN’s Isabelle Chapman embarks on a sprawling investigation that takes her from the Mississippi parking lot where he died to Washington, D.C. to unravel the mystery: Why did Ilya abruptly leave his family and his job and head for the border with laptops and cash? Why is there still no official explanation of his death? And maybe most importantly: Was Ilya a spy?

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How Long Will the Gaza Deal Stop the Fighting? Jan 17, 2025

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Hamas and Israel have reached an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, providing hope to war-weary Palestinians and family members of Israeli hostages. However, implementation could prove challenging and grim.

Guest: Jeremy Diamond, CNN Jerusalem Correspondent

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Did Israel Just Kill a Key Ceasefire Negotiator? Aug 01, 2024

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The Middle East is on edge following the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh inside Iran. While Israel hasn’t commented on the strike, it came just hours after the Israeli military took credit for the assassination of a senior Hezbollah military commander in Lebanon. In this episode, we look at the impact of Haniyeh’s death on Gaza ceasefire negotiations and whether the region is about to tip into all-out war.

Guest: Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Senior Investigations Writer

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One War, Two Stories of Pain & Frustration May 29, 2024

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Israel’s seven-month war against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians while reducing much of the enclave to rubble. Meanwhile, Israel believes about 125 hostages remain in Gaza after being captured on October 7th. In this episode, we hear from two people dealing with the fallout of this unprecedented war. First, 19-year-old Mahmoud Jarousha tells us about being displaced multiple times inside Gaza and his frustration with not being able to attend school. Then, CNN’s Bianna Golodryga tells us how the mother of a kidnapped Israeli soldier is coping with the unknown.

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Why the ICC Wants to Arrest Netanyahu and Sinwar May 22, 2024

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On Monday, the International Criminal Court announced it was seeking arrest warrants against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among other figures, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. In this episode, CNN’s Christiane Amanpour tells us about her exclusive interview with the court’s chief prosecutor and explains why the news has outraged both Israeli and US leaders.

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The Complications of Covering the War in Gaza (Live) May 17, 2024

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As the war in Gaza continues, independent media outlets remain barred from entering the enclave without IDF escort, complicating efforts to paint a full picture of the reality on the ground. In this episode, CNN’s Nada Bashir explains how she and her colleagues have been covering the war from afar and the role brave Palestinian journalists on the ground play in that work.

Recorded live at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival on May 4, 2024.

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How Gaza's Wounded Are Trying to Heal May 15, 2024

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Note: this episode contains graphic descriptions of injury.

As the Israeli military campaign in Gaza continues, the toll on Palestinian women and children is coming into clearer focus. In this episode, CNN's Jomana Karadsheh and Sarah Sirgany tell us about their trip to a special hospital in Qatar where some of the most vulnerable Palestinians are being treated for war wounds.

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Biden’s Weapons Warning to Israel May 10, 2024

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US President Joe Biden says Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if it launches a major invasion of Rafah. It comes as his administration is set to deliver a report to Congress on whether Israel has violated international humanitarian law during its war in Gaza. In this episode, CNN's Kylie Atwood explains how this moment could be a turning point for US-Israel relations.

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Israel Enters Rafah. Is a Ceasefire Deal Off the Table? May 08, 2024

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On Tuesday, Israel's military seized the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, warning its military operation in the southern city would move forward, even as ceasefire talks continue. Airstrikes have rocked eastern Rafah, displacing many fearful Palestinians yet again. Israel meanwhile says the terms of a ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas were "far from" meeting its demands. In this episode, CNN's Jeremy Diamond explains how the military pressure is impacting the ongoing talks.

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A Rare Look Inside Iran May 03, 2024

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Around the world, some students have staged protests in solidarity with pro-Palestinian protestors on US college campuses – including in Iran. Anger against Israel and the US is still simmering after an unprecedented aerial attack from Iran on Israel was foiled. In this episode, CNN's Fred Pleitgen joins us from Tehran and explains how Iranian military officials are evaluating the latest escalation.

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