The Inside Story Podcast

Russia and China voice support for Venezuela after Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Nicolas Maduro. The US blockades sanctioned oil tankers in the midst of a major military build-up in the region. What are the dangers - and what might happen next? In this episode: Paul Dobson - Independent journalist and political analyst in Venezuela Elias Ferrer - Founder of Orinoco Research, a consulting company based in Caracas Temir Temir Porras - Former foreign policy adviser to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and former Venezuelan deputy foreign minister Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Millions of people in Afghanistan face acute food insecurity, the UN warns. The crisis is exacerbated by sharp cuts in global aid funding and the forced deportation of Afghans from neighbouring countries. So, who could step in to avert a catastrophic hunger crisis? In this episode: Kiana Alavi, Norwegian Refugee Council's advocacy manager in Afghanistan Zeeshan Salahuddin, Director Advisory of the Centre for Regional and Global Connectivity at Tabadlab Obaidullah Baheer, Adjunct Lecturer at the American University of Afghanistan Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Chileans have elected their most conservative leader in decades. Jose Antonio Kast's victory is another sign South America is veering to the right. But what's behind this shift? And what are the political implications, both across the region and beyond? In this episode: Claudio Barrientos, Professor, School of History, Diego Portales University. Jose Ragas, Historian and Assistant Professor, Catholic University of Chile. Christopher Sabatini, Senior Fellow, Latin America, Chatham House. Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

How will the US respond to the killing of three of its soldiers in Syria? Washington blames the Islamic State for the attack and vows retaliation. So, does that mean direct military involvement? And if so, what role would the new Syrian government play? In this episode: Colin Clarke, Executive Director, The Soufan Center. Dareen Khalifa, Senior Adviser, International Crisis Group. Orwa Ajjoub, Syria Expert and PHD Candidate, Global Politics. Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

US president Donald Trump eases sanctions on Belarus after it frees more than 100 political prisoners. Stiff European sanctions remain in place against the close Russian ally. So, why's the deal been struck now, and what's the reaction in Russia, Ukraine and the EU? In this episode: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarus Opposition Leader. Franak Viacorka, Non-resident fellow, Atlantic Council Mark Episkopos, Research Fellow, Quincy Institute’s Eurasia Program. Andrey Kortunov, Russian Foreign Affairs Analyst. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook