Syria Crisis : Will HTS leader al-Jolani be a reformist or Al-Qaeda lite? | Geeta's World, Ep 112

On December 20, tragedy struck Magdeburg's Christmas market when a black SUV ploughed through holiday shoppers. Four women and a nine-year-old boy died, while 200 others were injured, including seven Indians. The suspect, Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist, has been arrested. He had been granted asylum in Germany in 2016 and was critical of the “Islamism of Europe.” He is also a staunch supporter of the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. And Nancy Faeser, Germany’s interior minister, said after the attack that he was “obviously Islamophobic”. So, what do we know of this man, and was this attack political? And, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces backlash over alleged security lapses, as Saudi Arabia had flagged Al-Abdulmohsen’s radical views as early as 2007 and had requested extradition. Germany refused, fearing for his safety. So, why did Germany ignore Saudi warnings? In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat Chapters: 7:47 — The curious case of the accused 13:24 — Only AFD can save Germany? 19:06 — Berlin freezing asylum applications from Syrians 21:50 — Why did Germany ignore Saudi's alerts? 29:57 —  Rise of Islamist terror in Europe 39:21 — Proliferation of the far-right in Europe

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by the National Assembly, making him the third president in the country to face suspension through such a vote. The impeachment was triggered by Yoon's decision to impose martial law. Although the martial law lasted only six hours, it plunged the nation into political chaos. But why did Yoon resort to such a drastic measure in the first place? The impeachment now moves to South Korea's Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to decide its outcome. However, formally removing Yoon from office will not be an easy task. Why is the path to his formal impeachment so challenging? In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat

On December 8, rebel forces stormed Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who had been ruling Syria since 2000. Reports suggest Assad has fled to Russia, where he has sought asylum. For over 53 years, the Assad family—first Hafez, then Bashar—has governed Syria. So how did the Assads, an Alawite Shia family, a minority in Syria, maintain control in a predominantly Sunni country? Now, the question is: who will govern Syria? One potential leader is HTS chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. He has pledged to protect minorities and women and says he has no intentions to impose strict Islamic law. However, his complex past suggests he could shift his political stance as needed. Will al-Jolani emerge as a reformist, or will he follow a path akin to Al-Qaeda? Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat Chapters: (4:25) — Shia rule over Sunni majority for 53 years (12:57) — How rebel forces toppled the govt (17:05) — Will Al-Jolani govern Syria? (25:26) — Syria, a fragmented country (28:46) — Arab world's dynamics (30:29) — Russia and Iran abandoned Syria? (40:04) — Is the Assad dynasty long gone?

On November 25-26, Islamabad witnessed chaos as around 10,000 PTI supporters defied a government ban, leading to violent clashes. According to Reuters, nearly 1,000 protesters were arrested, five security personnel lost their lives, and 22 police vehicles were set ablaze. The protesters demanded the release of Imran Khan and other “political prisoners” and sought to repeal a constitutional amendment that boosts the government's power over judicial appointments in political cases. Despite Khan urging supporters to “fight to the end,” PTI called off the protests after three days, citing "government brutality." Was this a strategic retreat or symbolic messaging? Did it achieve the desired impact or fall short of Khan’s vision? Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, has unexpectedly emerged in the spotlight. Some say her involvement in party affairs is deepening PTI's internal divisions and that Khan downplayed her role, claiming she merely conveyed his messages. But could there be more to the story? If Khan is displeased with her influence, what’s driving his unease? Listen in! Also, listen to our episode on Hindus in Bangladesh here: https://podcasts.indiatoday.in...&-history/geetas-world/hindus-in-bangladesh-are-attacks-on-minorities-political-or-communal-or-both-geetas-world-ep-110-1123934-2024-11-20 Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat Chapters: (1:37) — Introduction (3:56) — Demands of PTI supporters (11:37) — Army's brutal usage of live rounds (16:30) — What did the protest achieve? (23:54) — Bushra Bibi's role (29:35) — Sectarian violence

Tens of thousands of Hindus recently protested in Chattogram and across Bangladesh, demanding protection from escalating violence against them.A counter-narrative suggests these attacks are more political than communal. The Diplomat reported that of over 1,000 minority-owned properties attacked post-Hasina’s ouster, over 500 belonged to Awami League members. So, is this violence targeting Hindus or political rivals? What are the ground realities for religious minorities in Bangladesh?Also, Awami League leader Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury has filed a complaint at the ICC against Muhammad Yunus and 61 others under Article 15 of the Rome Statute, alleging brutal genocide against Awami League members, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and the Bangladeshi police. What role does the ICC play in addressing such cases? How does it decide on such matters?Listen in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th U.S. president, becoming the first convicted criminal to win the White House. At 78, he is also the oldest person ever elected to office. With his election, a new world order is to set in. Was this victory more a choice for Trump or a rejection of Kamala Harris and the Democrats? What factors led to her loss? In his speech, Trump vowed, “I will stop wars,” citing his prior term without new conflicts. What will his approach look like regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. Can he achieve what the Biden administration couldn’t? In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss! Chapters: 2:21 - 5:21 — On-ground insights 5:21 - 11:13 — Democrats allowed the Republicans to thrive 11:13 - 13:18 — Biggest player was Joe Biden? 13:18 - 19:38 — How PM Modi is going to deal with Trump 19:38 - 20:54 — What’s next for the US and the world 20:54 - 25:29 — Can Trump stop the wars 25:29 - 28:55 — Abortion rights Listen in! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi  

Last week, after over four years of tensions on the border, India and China reached a significant agreement to resume military patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), in key areas, including Depsang and Demchok, in eastern Ladakh.Why now, though? What might be driving China’s sudden openness to negotiate a truce? And does this development suggest that we are truly on the cusp of a détente or perhaps even a rapprochement, with China?In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss!Listen in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

India-Canada relations have hit rock bottom, with both countries expelling diplomats. It all began in September 2023, when Canadian PM Justin Trudeau told his country’s parliament that intelligence agencies were actively pursuing “credible allegations” tying agents of the Indian government to the Sikh separatist’s death. India rejected them as “absurd and motivated”.A year later, Trudeau has yet to present concrete evidence despite intelligence reports, both Signal Intelligence and Human Intelligence, suggesting Indian links. So, why hasn’t he made this intel public yet?Given Khalistan poses no real threat to India, was this a diplomatic failure? Could this public spat have been avoided through engagement? And does it cast doubts on India's aspirations as a global power?In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss!Listen in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Israeli forces have launched a ground offensive into southern Lebanon, escalating their conflict with Hezbollah and Iranian-backed groups. This follows intense airstrikes, including attacks on Hezbollah’s communication systems and the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on Beirut. So, why is Israel attacking Lebanon? What does this ground invasion mean for the country and the region? What is Israel’s ultimate goal? Iran, with its network of militias like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and groups in Syria and Iraq, could escalate attacks on Israel and US bases. But, Iran faces economic struggles and can’t afford to lose Hezbollah, its key ally in the region. So, where does Iran stand in all of this? Should Iran get involved? In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss! Listen in! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Kapil Dev Singh

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, or AKD as he's popularly known, has just been sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new president. He represents the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and its broader front, the National People’s Power (NPP).Dissanayake defeated incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Dissanayake secured 42.31% of the vote, Premadasa trailed 34%, and Wickremesinghe placed a distant third with just 17%. Namal Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, garnered less than 3% of the vote.This election marked the first time since the creation of the executive presidency in 1977 that the race went to a second round, with preferential votes deciding the outcome after no candidate secured the required 50%.After his victory, Dissanayake said, “We can turn this country around, build a stable government... and move forward. For me, this is not a position but a responsibility."Many observers believe that Sri Lankans “voted in anger because they were really fed up of the ‘corrupt Rajapaksha brothers’. So, was this a vote against the establishment, fueled by public frustration, or was this a mandate for Dissanayake?Many think Dissanayake would be a proxy for the staunch Marxist leaders within his National People’s Power alliance. So, can he distance himself from the party's old guard, or will his party’s historical baggage influence his policy decisions?In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss!Listen in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound Mix by Nitin Rawat