Beyond the Headlines

Is Belarus using migrants to get back at the EU?

As winter approaches, thousands of refugees are stranded at the Belarus-Poland border. From young children to the elderly, all wrapped up as best they can be to cope with the deteriorating conditions as they wait for sanctuary in the European Union before the weather worsens.

Some are chopping down trees in the forest to make fires for heat. At least 10 have already died in these freezing conditions. But the worst of the winter is still ahead of them.

But this is no ordinary case of refugees seeking asylum. Accusations from the EU are that Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko is using these people as pawns to put pressure on the bloc. Lukashenko denies this claim. 

On this week's Beyond the Headlines, we look at how thousands of people have become caught up in the crossfire of European power politics.

Hosted by James Haines-Young

Produced by Ayesha Khan and Arthur Eddyson

The Middle East water crisis and regional stability

Across the Middle East countries are struggling with the impact of climate change. Temperatures are higher and water more scarce. As populations grow, global warming and bad management have given rise to tensions between nations for what may one day become the world's most precious resource. 

On this week's Beyond the Headlines, host Leila Gharagozlou looks at how water scarcity is threatening not just the environment but the political stability of the region. 

Hosted by Leila Gharagozlou
Produced by Ayesha Khan and Arthur Eddyson

How Sudan’s political tensions escalated into a national crisis

On October 25, soldiers in Sudan arrested Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, announced the dissolution of the government and declared a state of emergency.

As the news got out, protesters flooded Khartoum and other cities, demanding his release and a return to the power-sharing agreement between a civilian political alliance, led by Hamdok, and the military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Then came a deadly crackdown on the mass rallies in the capital Khartoum, killing at least 12 people. But the protests have continued. 

On this week's Beyond the Headlines host Ahmed Maher looks at how Sudan’s political tensions escalated into a national crisis.

How the Gulf is getting serious about climate change

Saudi Arabia, the word’s largest oil exporter, has announced it is going net zero on carbon emissions by 2060. A day later Bahrain followed suit and the UAE has already committed to doing so by 2050

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also pledged $186 billion dollars towards cutting carbon emissions.

Over 100 countries have so far made the promise that experts say is vital for all countries if humanity is to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Only two small nations – Bhutan and Suriname – have so far managed to achieve net zero. For larger economies, it will prove more of a challenge.

On this weeks Beyond the Headlines, James Haines-Young looks at how the Gulf is getting serious about climate change.

Hosted by James Haines-Young

Produced by Ayesha Khan and Arthur Eddyson

Will shooting shatter hopes for Beirut blast justice?

On October 14, another protest began on the streets of Beirut. An angry crowd marched with purpose, blocking traffic and yelling slogans. It is a city where such demonstrations have become an almost daily occurrence – but this one would be different. All of a sudden, shots rang out. Chaos ensued. And in the violent exchanges, seven people were killed and dozens more injured. 

Unlike the popular protests in 2019, these demonstrations were not against political corruption, unemployment, taxes or the economic crisis. The anger here was against a high-profile judge, who is, so far, refusing to be intimidated.

Tarek Bitar is rocking the status quo in Lebanon. His job is to investigate the Beirut port blast. Over a year after it happened, still nobody has been held to account. Bitar has boldly called some of Lebanon’s biggest political players in for questioning. And the people out marching that day want him removed. 

In this week's Beyond the Headlines host Gareth Browne looks at how the investigation into the Beirut port explosion is opening up wounds - both old and new.

Hosted by Gareth Browne
Produced by Ayesha Khan, Arthur Eddyson and James Haines-Young

Will the Iraq elections bring change?

Iraqis went to the polls on October 10, 2021. Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi had promised an early election when he came to power in last May amid mass protests, which began in 2019. People had taken to the streets against government corruption, failing public services and unemployment. But as the ballots were counted it appeared that only about a third of the Iraqi population turned up to vote. Will the Iraqi elections bring a change? asks host Leila Gharagozlou on this week's Beyond the Headlines.

Hosted by Leila Gharagozlou

Produced by Ayesha Khan, Bob Tollast, Mina Al Droubi and Arthur Eddyson

Does Expo 2020 Dubai give us a glimpse into the future?

World Fairs, or Expos as they are now more commonly known, have been showcasing the future of technology since the first was held in London in 1851. Predictions of flying cars, a colony on the moon and personal jetpacks are yet to come true but there have also been visions of the future that have guided humanity to building a path forward. As Dubai hosts Expo 2020, Future Editor Kelsey Warner hosts this week's Beyond the Headlines and asks: how do we see our future?

Hosted by Kelsey Warner

Produced by Ayesha Khan and Arthur Eddyson

Exiled Afghans dream of returning to a free homeland

Even before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the UN’s refugee agency estimated that 2.6 million people had already fled the country. The diaspora has grown over decades of military campaigns and fighting. In the latest exodus are men, women and children mourning the loss of their homes, their communities and two decades of freedom. 

In this week's Beyond the Headlines, host Sulaiman Hakemy speaks to some of those who left Afghanistan and asks: what comes next?

Hosted by Sulaiman Hakemy

Produced by Taylor Heyman, Ayesha Khan and Arthur Eddyson

On Saudi National Day, women reflect on a changing kingdom

From the sidelines to the front lines, women in Saudi Arabia are joining the military for the first time in recent history.

In September, photos of these determined women in service uniforms made a splash in media outlets, in the latest display of just how far Saudi women have come since the ban on driving was lifted two years ago and the floodgates of opportunity opened.

Announced in 2016, Vision 2030 aims to transform the kingdom’s social and economic model and open it up to the world. But it was really in 2019 that major and long-awaited changes to guardianship laws took place.

Women were able to take more ownership of their careers, finances, education and marital status.Legal, social and economic reform overcame traditions that had resisted change for many years.

On this week's Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher marks Saudi National Day by speaking to the women who were once spectators but have become leaders and trailblazers of social change.

Lights out in Lebanon‘s schools as crisis hits

Every year, for millions of parents, pupils and teachers around the world, September means the summer holidays are coming to an end and it is time to go back to school. 

But in Lebanon, the mix of fuel shortages, economic inflation, power cuts and the Covid-19 pandemic means the country's education system may not be able to handle the influx of pupils, potentially leaving thousands of children without proper schooling.

On this week's Beyond the Headlines, host Finbar Anderson examines the effects of Lebanon’s crises on the country’s education system.