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?

UAE news

Damien Martyn's meningitis diagnosis shows the disease can hit healthy adults, medics have warned. AFP

Doctors call for greater meningitis awareness as cricket star battles disease

Retired batter Damien Martyn is in an induced coma after contracting the potentially deadly illness

UAE

President Sheikh Mohamed and Emir of Qatar review efforts to boost ties

UAE

Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Mansour set out hopes for UAE progress at New Year talks

UAE

UAE lowers age of adulthood to 18 in modernisation drive

UAE

People power: UAE unveils government authority to be led by citizens

UAE

As revellers ring in new year, families across the UAE welcome newborns

UAE

Mid-air fault forces Emirates flight to circle over London for more than an hour

UAE

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