The Inside Story Podcast

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How fragile is the US healthcare system? Jan 02, 2026

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How fragile is the US healthcare system? Millions of Americans face a sharp increase in their insurance premiums. That's after Congress failed to renew subsidies provided by Obamacare. So, what's the impact for those in need? And how much politics is involved?

In this episode:

Lindsay Allen - Health Economist and Policy Researcher at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.
Neel Shah - Physician and Chief Medical Officer of Maven Clinic as well as Founder of the Costs of Care non-profit organisation.
Rinah Shah - Political Strategist and Geopolitical analyst.

Host: James Bays

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Why is there a wave of public anger in Iran? Jan 01, 2026

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Angry protests across Iran as the country faces economic turmoil. The president is calling on the government to hear the protesters' demands. But who's to blame for Iran's deep economic crisis? And how far will the demonstrations go?

In this episode:

Ali Akbar Dareini - Researcher at Center for Strategic Studies.
Marzie Khalilian - Political Analyst and Academic Researcher.
Stephen Zunes - Professor of Politics and Founding Chair of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of San Francisco.

Host: James Bays

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After a decade of alliance between Saudi-UAE, what's triggered a rupture? Dec 31, 2025

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From close allies to rivals. The United Arab Emirates says it's pulling its troops out of Yemen. That's after an ultimatum by the Saudi-backed presidential council of Yemen. After a decade of alliance, what's triggered this rupture? And where does it leave its plans in war-torn Yemen?

In this episode:

Abdul-aziz Al Ghashian, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at Gulf International Forum.
Alkharder Sulaiman, the Southern Transitional Council Foreign Affairs Community Liason.
Andreas Krieg, Associate professor at the School of Security Studies King's College London.

Host: James Bays

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Can the growing tensions between China and Taiwan be contained? Dec 30, 2025

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Tension is running high between China and Taiwan. Beijing is carrying out its biggest-ever military drills off the island, saying they're a warning to what it calls separatist forces. So what's behind this show of power? And would China use force against Taiwan?

In this episode:

Shaun Rein, Founder & Managing Director of China Market Research Group.
Chen Shen Yen, Research Fellow Institute of International Relations.
Ja Ian Chong, Associate Professor of political science at the National University of Singapore.

Host: Adrian Finighan

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Are the sectarian tensions in Syria a threat to President al-Sharaa? Dec 29, 2025

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Renewed sectarian anger grips parts of Syria. Alawite protesters confront government supporters and masked men attack security forces. Alawites say they're being marginalised. How serious is this latest threat to President al-Sharaa's effort to unify the country?

In this episode:

Fadel Abdulghany, Founder & Executive Director, Syrian Network for Human Rights.
Gamal Mansour, Specialist, Comparative Politics and International Relations.
Labib Nahhas, Director, Syrian Association for Citizens' Dignity.

Host: Adrian Finighan

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What's the significance of Israel recognising Somaliland? Dec 28, 2025

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Israel has become the first country to recognise Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia. That's angered Mogadishu, as well as African and Arab states. Why are they upset? And how will it affect politics in the region?

In this episode:

Adam Matan, Independent Horn of Africa Consultant.
Alon Pinkas, Former Ambassador and Consul General of Israel in New York.
Xavier Abu Eid, Political Scientist.

Host: Adrian Finighan

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Do Donald Trump's strikes in Nigeria serve any purpose? Dec 27, 2025

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The US President says they are against ISIL, claiming it targets Christians in the country.But are his allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria justified?And could his administration have other motives?

In this episode:

Malik Samuel, Senior Researcher at Good Governance Africa.
Ebenezer Obadare, Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.
David Otto, Deputy Director of Counterterrorism Training at the International Academy for the Fight Against Terrorism.

Host: Adrian Finighan

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Has the fight against al-Shabab failed? Dec 26, 2025

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UN experts say the group remains a major threat to stability in Somalia and neighbouring countries. And it is still able to carry out attacks repeatedly. So what does it mean for security in this part of Africa?

In this episode:

Ismael Tahir, Research Fellow at Hilin, an organisation committed to development, governance and politics in the Somali Peninsula.
Afyare Elmi, Research Professor at City University of Mogadishu.
Abdullahi Halakhe, Horn of Africa Security Analyst.

Host: Dareen Abughaida

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Does occupied West Bank land seizure undermine peace? Dec 25, 2025

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Israel is escalating the confiscation of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank and approving new illegal settlements at an unprecedented scale. Its actions have drawn condemnation. But what are the consequences on the ground? And how does this hinder prospects for peace?

In this episode:

Xavier Abu Eid - Political analyst and former adviser to the P-L-O negotiation team
Daniel Levy - President of the U.S. / Middle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator
Yariv Oppenheimer - Israeli human rights activist and board member of Peace Now movement

Host: Dareen Abughaida

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Is peace on the horizon for Sudan in 2026? Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

After another year of fighting, is peace on the horizon for Sudan in 2026? Khartoum has come up with a plan to end the conflict, but the UN warns the violence is worsening. Where does this leave the country's future and the millions affected by the fighting?

In this episode:

Ahmad Ibrahim, Independent Sudan Analyst.
Cameron Hudson, Former Director, African Affairs, US National Security Council.
Khalid Medani, Chairperson, African Studies Program, Canada's McGill University.

Host: Sami Zeidan

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