Why Western democracies are struggling against Russia's and China’s 'hybrid war'

The 20 surviving Israeli hostages who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza, have finally been released.The Israeli Defence Force has released the first images of freed hostages, including the embrace of twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman. The pair were reportedly separated on their first day of captivity in Gaza.Meanwhile, American president Donald Trump has declared the war in Gaza is over. But the truth is far more complicated. Today, Amin Saikal, emeritus professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies and founding director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the ANU, on what we can expect in the next few days. And the likelihood that this ceasefire and Trump’s 20-point plan, will lead to lasting peace.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is one of the most unspeakable crimes a parent can be accused of – shaking their vulnerable baby so badly, that they sustain brain damage, or in the worst cases, die.Diagnosing Murder is a new investigative podcast by senior writer Michael Bachelard, and producer Ruby Schwartz, that questions whether we can trust the science behind shaken baby syndrome.Today, Bachelard explains why the diagnosis is in question and whether innocent people are being locked up for a crime they never committed. And just a warning, some listeners may find the contents of this episode distressing. Diagnosing Murder is out now. Listen on Apple, Spotify and wherever you listen to your podcasts.  This episode mentions the case of a Texas man who was due to be executed this week. Since we recorded this interview, the man - Robert Roberson - has been granted a reprieve. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The member for Goldstein, Tim Wilson, is a guest on the podcast this week during a very interesting time for the Liberal Party. Last week, home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie quit the front bench, followed by infighting and internal leaking.Wilson talks about his relationship with Hastie and the former frontbencher's 'fraught' decision to step back, and where the party's soul-searching could possibly lead.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan is preparing for its first ever female prime minister. Sanae Takaichi, the 64-year-old hardline right-wing conservative, likens herself to Margaret Thatcher, and was a drummer in a metal band in her youth. Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher on whether Takaichi's ascension marks progress for Japan, and what her leadership could mean for China, Donald Trump’s impact in the Indo-Pacific, and Australia.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re lucky enough to be on a plane these days, flying somewhere, it’s so easy to feel ungrateful. Does anyone need to watch the film Red 2, again? And why do we get so sweaty? But sitting way up high in the air for a long time, you can experience actual peace of mind. To concentrate, work, relax. Or - here’s a surprising benefit - just be … bored.  Today, senior reporter Chris Zappone, on the joys of his recent 17-hour long-flight from Singapore to New York City. And the new technology that might bring this to a halt.  Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can we trust food labels? As in, is the chicken in the supermarket fridge really free-range like it says it is? Are the "local" prawns from a fishmonger at the market really Australian?Today, science reporter Angus Dalton talks about new technology developed by Australian scientists that can uncover where food truly comes from, and the results may well lead you to question what you’re buying on your weekly shop.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost seven years ago to the day, on the NRL grand final weekend, a bizarre set of events unfolded.An injured woman knocked on the door of a stranger, saying she was escaping from two men, and that she needed help.The 19-year-old air force cadet who answered the door let the woman in and called emergency services before the men forced their way into the home.The slightly built teenager armed himself with a knife, and the end result? The two men were killed.It seems like a case of self-defence, but a new podcast called 'Alva Beach: Death at the Door' - from 60 Minutes reporter Adam Hegarty - says there are still holes in the story that need to be answered.And just a warning, listeners may find the contents of this episode distressing.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The prime minister has just returned from 10 days of high-wire diplomacy, initially at the United Nations in New York before swinging through London and stopping by Abu Dhabi on his way home. He’s claimed some credit for helping push along a potential peace plan for Gaza, spruiked Australia’s social media ban on the global stage, and drummed up interest in Australia’s green transition and critical minerals reserve. Foreign affairs correspondent Matthew Knott was on the PM’s plane and, with Jacqueline Maley away this week, he joins chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, families in Australia and overseas, have been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable – child abuse. Diagnosing Murder is an investigative podcast about parents who've had their children taken away, sat in the dock and even done time in prison. All for something they insist they didn't do – shake their baby. Can we trust the science behind shaken baby syndrome? Or are innocent people being locked up for a crime they never committed? Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/diagnosing-murder/id1843555473Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LqYqSCZHW4vtA0yhiaJKB?si=f8c56f4b638b4a24Listen on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax358g-04ndbBaBg3ED4Dnyv0S&si=CVXIqoUI6AJ6DD5xSubscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the weekend, Denmark reported unidentified drones had appeared above its major military bases. It was the country’s third drone alarm in a week and one of five European nations in a month to experience incursions - from either drones suspected of Russian origin or from the Russian Air Force itself. So why is Russia violating Europe’s skies, seemingly with impunity? Political and international editor Peter Hartcher says it’s all part of a "hybrid war", and one that Australia is no stranger to. And, Hartcher argues, the West has been blind to these attacks.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.