Why did the Taliban switch off the internet? And why does Trump want Bagram back?

After more than two years in captivity, all 20 living hostages are returned by Hamas. Plus: Why Cuba is denying its military’s participation in Russia’s war against Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As France’s president meets with party leaders to discuss the next French prime minister, Monocle’s Paris bureau chief explains why Macron might take an unexpected approach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Israeli cabinet votes on a deal that would bring a ceasefire to Gaza and see the hostages returned, we discuss how successful this agreement might be in the long term. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the French PM remains optimistic about a budget, despite his resignation, we discuss the likelihood of a snap election. Plus: National Guard troops in Chicago, Everest hikers are saved and have you ever called in sick after work drinks?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the course of the war in Gaza two years on from the Hamas attacks and the best-case scenario from here. Plus: The centre-right’s struggle against populists. And: Have we lost the ability to read long works?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Panellists John Everard and Erin O’Halloran on the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, France’s prime minister resigns and a judge blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Portland. Plus: ‘Human History on Drugs’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Chris Cermak and Laura Kramer look at the US government shutdown as it enters its third day. Plus: perks airlines use to keep customers happy and we visit Taybeh Brewing Co in the West Bank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We consider whether Hamas has begun conducting international operations as Berlin claims to have arrested members. Then: Gen-Z led protests rise worldwide. Plus: are cities becoming too dog friendly?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our panel discusses the latest news from Afghanistan amid an internet blackout. Plus: Trump’s demands to reclaim Bagram airbase and the EU summit latest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EU leaders’ plans to step out of Russia’s shadow. Then: Pete Hegseth speaks to the US’s top generals, the rise of digital IDs and a European sleeper train is hit by cuts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.