Death and destruction after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. The disaster comes just months after U.S. forces abducted the former president. So, how may that impact the flow of aid from Washington? And what kind of politics are at play?

In this episode:

• Jan Eagland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council
• Chris Gilbert, Professor at the Bolivarian University of Venezuela
• Michael Shifter, Adjunct Professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University
• Paul Dobson, political analyst and independent journalist

Host: James Bays

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has wrapped up his three-day tour of the Gulf. Regional states want a greater say in security--after coming under attack during the Iran war. So, can Washington rebuild trust with its regional allies? And will Gulf states be able to steer the future of the Strait of Hormuz?

In this episode:

• Abdulla Banndar Al Etaibi, Assistant Professor of International Relations at Qatar University
• Gordon Gray, Former U.S. Ambassador and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs
• Sina Toossi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy, focusing on U.S.-Iran relations

Host: James Bays

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Benjamin Netanyahu says he's grateful to the US for its military aid but that it's time for Israel to build its own weapons-production capacity. The Israeli prime minister's announcement comes as tensions grow over the US agreement with Iran. But demand soars for Israel's weapons — its arms exports hit a record $19 billion last year. Supporters say that it strengthens Israel's ability to stand on its own. Can Israel afford to lose its greatest ally?

In this episode:

• Alexandre Vautravers, Security and defence policy specialist
• Michael Mulroy, Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East
• Antony Loewenstein, Author of 'The Palestine Laboratory'

Host: Folly Bah Thibault

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