Battle Lines (The Telegraph)

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 Vasilyeva

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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 Sheridan

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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/

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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.

Read

The Telegraph's Live Blog on the Red Sea

West 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 Yan

How Ecuador’s 36-year-old leather jacket-wearing president took on the drug cartels – and lost, by Mathew Charles

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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.

Read

China must ‘win the hearts’ of the Taiwanese, says Xi, by Nicola Smith

Nauru cuts ties with Taiwan as China accused of bribery, by Nicola Smith

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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.

Read

Pakistan cuts ties with Iran after missile attack kills two children, by Sophia Yan

The Houthis: inside the powerful militia’s enigmatic mindset, by Roland Oliphant, Nataliya Vasilyeva and Sophia Yan

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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.

Read

Sunak forced to rule out conscription as Russia war threat rises by Danielle Sheridan

World faces second wave of disruptions from Red Sea crisis, warns shipping giant by Melissa Lawford

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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 X

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Sarah Newey (Global Health Security Correspondent) @sneweyy on X

Professor Alex DeWaal @WorldPeaceFdtn on X

Read

Revealed: Israel's new Gaza border by Natalie Vasilyeva

Fifty days in chains: The Thai hostage who survived Hamas by Sarah Newey

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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.

Read

How the ‘AK-47 of Tehran’ changed warfare and set fire to the Middle East by James Rothwell

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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.

Read

Dispatch: Inside the only place in Israel where Jews and Arabs choose to live together by Sophia Yan

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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

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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 X

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on X.

Rozina Sabur (Deputy US Editor) @Rozinasabur on X.

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

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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 X

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Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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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 X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Jumana Shahin https://www.instagram.com/jumana.shahin/

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Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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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 X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Tony Diver (US Editor) @Tony_Diver on X

Simeon Tegel (South America Correspondent) @SimeonTegel

Read:

Haiti’s ‘Barbecue’ gang leader warns of genocide unless prime minister Ariel Henry steps down by Simeon Tegel

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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 X

Mat Charles (South American correspondent) @mat_charles_ on X

Ben Farmer (Africa correspondent) @benfarmerDT on X

Joe Barnes (Brussels correspondent0 @Barnes_Joe on X

Watch:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/03/02/ecuador-noboa-gangs-drugs-police-crackdown-prisons/ by Matthew Charles

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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 X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Lilia Sebouai (Global Health Reporter) @liliasebouai on X

Nicola Smith (Nicola Smith) @niccijsmith on X

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Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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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 X

Professor James Davis (Founder, European Nuclear Group) @profjdavis on X

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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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 X

Camilla Turner (Chief Political Correspondent) @camillahmturner on X

Tony Diver (US Editor)@Tony_Diver on X

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent) @sophia_yan on X

Roland Oliphant (Roland Oliphant) @RolandOliphant on X

Read

The Latvian sandwich makers training to push Putin’s army into ‘kill zones’ by Sophia Yan

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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.

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

Read

‘I tried to scrub the smell of death off my body...’: A war reporter’s Israel-Hamas diary by Nataliya Vasilyeva

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Nicola Smith (Assia Correspondent) @niccijsmith on X

James Crisp (Europe Editor) @JamesCrisp6 on X

Read

US needs Europe to stand up to Russia and China threat, says Nato deputy by James Crisp

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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?

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

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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.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @rolandoliphant on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Holly Dagres (The Iranist) @hdagres on X

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

James Kilner (Russia and Caucasus correspondent) @jkjourno on X

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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?

Contributors

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

Hamish Stephen de Bretton-Gordon OBE  @HamishDBG on X

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host, Weekend Foreign Editor) @venetiarainey on X

Nicola Smith (Asia correspondent) @niccijsmith on X

Melissa Lawford (Economics Reporter) @Melissalawford on X

Read 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/

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Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk 

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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.

Contributors

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.

Jumana Shahin @jumana.shahin on Instagram

Melissa Lawford (Economics Reporter) @Melissalawford on X

Roland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @rolandoliphant on X

Read

‘Iran is broke’: How clerics crippled the Islamic Republic by Melissa Lawford

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Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk

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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.

Contributors

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles22 on X.

Roland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @rolandoliphant on X

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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.  

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Senior foreign correspondent) @rolandoliphant on X

James Crisp (Europe Editor) @JamesCrisp6 on X

Gia Japaridze @giajapar on X

Robin Forestier Walker @robinfwalker on X

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Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk

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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.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent) @RolandOliphant on X

Henry Samuel (Paris Correspondent) @H_E_Samuel on X

Ben Farmar (Africa Correspondent) @benfarmerdt on X

Jonathan Leake (Energy Editor) @jonathan__leake on x

Read

Russia finds vast oil and gas reserves in British Antarctic territory by Jonathan Leake

Macron flying to New Caledonia in bid to end violent insurrection by Henry Samuel

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host) @venetiarainey on X

Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor) @sheridandani on X

Paul Nuki (Global Health and Security Editor) @paulnuki on X

Ben Farmer (South Africa crrespondent) @benfarmerDT on x

For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |

Email: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk

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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. 

Contributors

David Knowles (Host)

Tony Diver (US Editor)

Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor)

Ken Hay (Veteran)

Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent)

Nicola Smith (Asia correspondent)

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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.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host) @rolandoliphant on x

Nicola Smith (Asia correspondent) @niccijsmith on X

James Crisp (Europe editor) @jamescrisp6 on X

Sophia Yan (Senior foreign correspondent) @sophia_yan on X

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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. 

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host) @rolandoliphant on x

Fareed Zakaria (CNN political correspondent, author ) @fareedzakaria on X

Nicole Smith (Asia correspondent) @niccijsmith on X

Read

Age Of Revolutions by Fareed Zakaria

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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?

Contributors

David Knowes (Host) @djknowles22 on X

Professor Ali Ansari (University of St. Andrews) @aa51_ansari on X

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host)

Colin Freeman

Gordon Rayner (Associate Editor)

Nicola Smith (Asia Correspondent)

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.

Contributors

David Knowles (Host) @djknowles on X

Tony Diver (US Editor) @Tony_Diver on X

Nicola Smith (Asia Correspondent) @niccijsmith

Danielle Sheridan (Defense Editor) @SheridanDani on X

Read

Olena Zelenska interview: War has pushed me close to psychological burnout

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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.

Contributors

Venetia 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, 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. 

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host)

Rozina Sabur (Deputy US Editor)

Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent)

Read

China constructs secret Tajikistan military base amid fears of Taliban by Sophia Yan

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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.

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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.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host)

Rafael Grossi (IAEA)

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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 history

Contributors

David Knowles (Host)

David Hearst (Editor in Chief, Middle East Eye)

Professor Matthew Andrews (University of North Carolina)

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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?

Contributors

Roland Oliphant

Marcel Dirsus

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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.

Contributors

David Knowles (Host)

Venetia Rainey (Host)

James Rothwell (Berlin correspondent)

Paul Nuki (Global Health Security Editor)

Simeon Tegel

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host)

Jotam Confino (Middle East correspondent)

Henry Samuels (Paris correspondent)

Sarah Newey (Global Health Security correspondent)

Read

How Hamas fights by Jotam Confino

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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.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent, Host)

Paul Nuki (Global Health Security Editor)

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor Defense)

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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. 

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host)

Peter Schwartzstein (Author, The Heat and the Fury)

Pre-order The Heat and the Fury HERE

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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.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host)

Tony Diver (US editor)

Akhtar Makoii

Read

‘Sitting in an office is boring’: Taliban soldiers long for war by Akhtar Makoii

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey

Sophia Yan

Ben Farmer

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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.

Contributors

David Knowles

Tom Sharp

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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)

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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 32

Battle 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 war

Battle 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 Games

Battle Lines: 'The children ask me, Santa, are you coming, despite the war?'

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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? 

Contributors

Venetia Rainey

Asil Sidahmed

Basma Khalifa

Dr Jennifer Hulse

Resources to find out more about the war in Sudan and how you can help:

https://x.com/MadaniyaSDG

https://linktr.ee/londonforsudan

https://x.com/khartoumkitchen

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey

Roland Oliphant

Sophia Yan 

Read

Long arm of China looms over one of the world’s last Uyghur bookshops by Sophia Yan

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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.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host)

Adrian Blomfield (Telegraph contributor)

Heathcliff O'Malley (Telegraph photographer)

Read

Schools turn to shelters as thousands flee across Lebanon by Adrian Blomfield

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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?

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host)

Roland Oliphant (Senior foreign correspondent)

Adrian Blomfield (Telegraph contributor)

Paul Nuki (Global Health Security editor)

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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 Editor

Adrian Blomfield (Telegraph contributor)

I dodged death on historic day for Israel and Middle East by Paul Nuki

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host)

Jotam Confino (Telegraph correspondent)

Yifat Zailer (relative of Israeli hostages)

Joel Carmel (Breaking the Silence Advocacy Director, former IDF solider)

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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-Shabbat

Nadim Tali

Read

Dispatch: Inside the only place in Israel where Jews and Arabs choose to live together by Sophia Yan

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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. 

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host)

Ben Farmer (Telegraph contributor)

Henry Sokolski (Executive Director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey

Roland Oliphant

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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.

Contributors

Venetia 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

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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. 

Contributors

Venetia Rainey

Ben Farmer

Con Coughlin

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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. 

Contributors

Roland Oliphant

James Kilner

Nicola Smith

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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 Rainey

Roland Oliphant

Karin Huster

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey (Host)

Rozina Sabur (Deputy US Editor)

Tony Gerber (director of War Games)

Jesse Moss (director of War Games)

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey

Roland Oliphant

Kamal Mouzawak

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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.

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host)

Robert Mendick (Chief Reporter)

Edward Arnold (Senior Research Fellow at RUSI)

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey

Roland Oliphant

Maya Gebeily (Reuters Beirut bureau chief)

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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?

Contributors

Roland Oliphant

Tony Diver

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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.

Contributors

Venetia Rainey

Con Coughlin

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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. 

Contributors

Roland Oliphant (Host)

Sarah Newey (Global Health Security Correspondent)

Christophe Garnier (MSF’s Head of Mission in Haiti)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

Read

Syrians 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/

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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.

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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.

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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.

Contributors

Francis 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 Charity

To 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/ 

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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 

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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?

Contributors

Francis 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

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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

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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

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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? 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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/

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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