Podcast: Beyond the Headlines

A member of the Syrian government forces looks towards the empty Al Hol camp. AFP

What will happen to the thousands who were held in Al Hol?

Concerns grow over sleeper cells and ISIS recruitment after the detention centre was emptied this week

A man in Tehran reads an Iranian newspaper, as nuclear talks between the US and Iran have resumed. EPA

What does the US want from a deal with Iran?

Where is the 'red line' in the occupied West Bank?

Is it time for serious reform of the UN and humanitarian law?

Egypt

About $28 billion of Egypt's debt must be repaid in the first quarter of 2026. AP

Debt pressures cast shadow over Egypt’s economy in crossroads year

With the IMF set to end its mission, economists warn that maintaining fiscal discipline is vital

Economy

Why an Egyptian former BBC boss turned to stand-up comedy at 63

MENA

Security of Red Sea exclusive to coastal states, insists Egypt

MENA

Egypt unlocks $2.3bn in funding after IMF completes review

Economy

Lebanon

Syrians wait with their belongings at the Masnaa border crossing as they prepare to enter Lebanon. EPA

Lebanon citizens linked to ISIS 'remain imprisoned in Syria'

No clear process on how to bring them back, security official says

MENA

Woman and child killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon's Baalbek

MENA

CommentHezbollah's refusal to disarm would be a strategic blunder

Comment

Depleted Hezbollah signals restraint as US warns war could spill into Lebanon

MENA

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