Podcast: Beyond the Headlines

The US military launched large-scale strikes against ISIS targets in Syria in retaliation for an attack on its personnel. Reuters.

How serious is the ISIS threat in Syria?

Violent extremism has flared in the country, leaving Damascus and Washington on edge

DAMASCUS, SYRIA - DECEMBER 08: People watch soldiers and military vehicles parade through the streets to mark one year since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2025 in Damascus, Syria. The first anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime in Syria is being marked today across the country. Former leader Bashar al-Assad was granted asylum in Russia after he fled the country and his government collapsed on December 8, 2024. The fall of the regime, which ended over five decades of the Assad family's rule, came after a rapid offensive by opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). A transitional government, headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly the HTS leader), is now in place and working on the country's reconstruction and political transition. (Photo by Chris McGrath / Getty Images)

The year in impact: our episodes that resonated the most in 2025

How Yemen’s power balance is shifting again

What’s stalling phase two of the Gaza ceasefire?

Egypt

Hamza Ismail at the Red Bull King Of The Air Tarifa Qualifier. Photo: Jason Broderick

Hamza Ismail, the Bedouin kiteboarder lifting Egypt on to the world stage

The athlete stays true to his roots as he chases records, recognition and representation

Lifestyle

Egypt's military increasing support to Lebanon’s army, sources say

MENA

UAE humanitarian ship carrying essential aid for Gaza arrives at Al Arish

UAE

Sudan heads into 2026 with shifting front lines and no end to war in sight

MENA

Lebanon

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam review an honour guard at the Government Palace in Beirut last December. EPA

Egypt's military increasing support to Lebanon’s army, sources say

Advisers have been sent and weapons to follow as part of efforts to strengthen the Lebanese state

MENA

Israeli army fires 115 machinegun rounds near UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon

MENA

Prague's Savarin district to be reimagined by Arab architect Omar Koleilat

Art & Design

An artist-led exhibition reckons with Lebanon’s trauma

Art & Design

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