Saudi Arabia wants to take the fight to the Houthis, so why is Washington so reluctant to help? Christiane and Jamie unpack what's holding the US back, and what it means for the relationship if America is no longer willing to act as Saudi Arabia's security guarantor. Could Riyadh start looking to Europe, or even China, for better protection from Iran and its proxies?

They also tackle a challenge from a listener who asks why Jamie is so focused on the threat from China and Russia - when the US and Israel stand accused of devastating actions of their own.

Then, to Afghanistan, where the question is whether the international community has any real leverage left. Could diplomatic, trade and economic engagement, or the easing of targeted sanctions, be made conditional on genuine improvements in women's rights and their place in Afghan society? And is there any prospect the Taliban would accept that bargain?

Plus, after another dreadful set of election results, is Chancellor Merz's position in Germany now untenable? And did the far-right AfD do better or worse in the state elections than Christiane and Jamie expected?

Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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