Fighting is intensifying between Yemen's Ansar Allah Houthis and Saudi Arabia. For the first time since a ceasefire in 2022, the Houthis have fired missiles towards the capital, Riyadh. The Iran-backed group says it will respond to any escalation with an escalation of its own. But it also risks dragging the wider region into conflict. What will it take to stop the attacks?

In this episode:

• Nawaf Obaid, Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London and former advisor to the Saudi government
• Muhanad Seloom, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs
• Ibrahim Jalal, Yemeni affairs analyst who specialises in regional security and armed groups

Host: Rob Matheson

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NATO says it is ready to fight as it unveils a new defence strategy using low-cost drones, artificial intelligence and rapid strikes to deter potential attacks. With the US planning to withdraw thousands of troops from Europe and concerns growing over Russia, European leaders are increasing military spending. Will NATO’s new strategy be enough to address the perceived Russian threat and protect its members?

In this episode:

Ray Wojcik, Senior Research Fellow at The Saratoga Foundation

Marina Miron, Researcher in Defence Studies at King’s College London

Alexander Bratersky, Political analyst specialising in Russian foreign policy

Host: Rishaad Salamat

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Joseph Kabila, who ruled DR Congo for almost two decades, is making a comeback. He will lead the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a political-military alliance with M23 fighters that opposes President Felix Tshisekedi's government in Kinshasa. Several attempts at a peace deal between government forces, rebels and armed groups have already failed, and many fear the move will worsen the fighting in eastern DR Congo. Is this coalition likely to escalate the conflict?

In this episode:

• Henry-Pacifique Mayala, Co-ordinator of the Kivu Security Tracker at Ebuteli institute
• Ovigwe Eguegu, Policy Analyst at Development Reimagined, specialising in African geopolitics and great power competition
• Vincent Rouget, Head of Political Risk for Africa at Control Risks, a global consultancy

Host: Dareen Abughaida

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