Global News Podcast

Afghanistan five years after the Taliban return

Fri, 14 Aug 2026

Our chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet meets Afghan women and girls who face severe restrictions. Girls can only attend school until grade six - around the age of 12 - and women are barred from university and many jobs. There are even rules over visiting public parks and gyms. But many women and girls are still determined to keep learning and working, despite what some call "gender apartheid".
Also: Democratic lawmakers in the US are calling for an investigation into allegations of suicide attempts, food shortages and deteriorating conditions on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for what's believed to be a record 200 days. For the first time in the US in 16 years, three people have been executed in one day. Gay people flee Ghana after parliament votes to jail them and anyone who "promotes homosexuality". As rescue workers in Colombia try to reach survivors of Monday's earthquake, we talk to the cousin of a 10-year-old boy who's trapped in the rubble with his mother and grandmother. Scientists in London claim they have invented the world's first fully biodegradable party balloon that breaks down within just nine months. A new study finds that pushing a buggy or stroller while running can help prevent injuries. And why Japan's rugby team coach is showing players videos of geese ahead of their game against Australia this weekend.

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Photo: The BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet in Afghanistan, five years after the Taliban regained power.
Credit: BBC

Israeli soldiers evacuate Palestinians besieged by settlers

Thu, 13 Aug 2026

The army said it was acting to protect residents in Qusra and that it had demolished two illegal settler outposts. The mayor of Qusra says the village in the occupied West Bank has been declared a closed military zone. Also: Russia's president Vladimir Putin visits an island claimed by Japan - causing sharp criticism from Tokyo; Romania shuts down its only nuclear power plant because of low water levels in the Danube; why vultures are becoming endangered in West Africa; and Cameroon and Malawi make the final of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, as the hosts Morocco crash out.

BBC speaks to Nobel laureate Russian journalist

Thu, 13 Aug 2026

Russian journalist, television presenter and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 talks exclusively to the BBC. The former editor-in-chief of the now banned independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta tells our Russia editor Steve Rosenberg about life under Vladimir Putin. Also: US Vice-President JD Vance reportedly intervenes to halt Ukrainian strikes on oil tankers using Russian port of Novorossiysk. Karoline Leavitt to step down as White House Press Secretary but will retain role as adviser to President Trump. Millions of people across Europe wowed by once-in-a-generation solar eclipse. Immigration agents in the US could soon be issued with gloves that deliver electric shocks. Eurovision Song Contest changes rules for countries at war. Brits could face dynamic prices to use public toilets. And the magnetic espadrilles helping pétanque players pick up their balls.

Photo: Dmitry Muratov, editor of the now banned independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Credit: REUTERS/Yulia Morozova

Israeli settlers trap Palestinians in their West Bank homes

Wed, 12 Aug 2026

Two Palestinian families remain trapped in their homes by settlers who moved into their village in the occupied West Bank on Sunday. The first Israeli soldiers who arrived at the scene were filmed praying with the extremist settlers. But after clashes they left and the settlers have returned. The Palestinian families say their water and power have been cut and they have dwindling food supplies. Also, has the war in Iran eroded Donald Trump's support in one of his key strongholds? Zhu Rongji, the former Chinese premier who championed free market reforms, has died at the age of 97. And we hear from
the British driver Andy Green, who's set a new world speed record, in a hydrogen- powered vehicle.

Getting ready for solar eclipse

Wed, 12 Aug 2026

People across the world are eagerly awaiting a solar eclipse, with the Moon set to block out our view of the Sun. The BBC's science correspondent reports from northern Spain - one of the areas expecting a rare total eclipse. Also: rescue efforts continue after the earthquake in Colombia; a Syrian court sentences the ousted president, Bashar al-Assad, to death for crimes against humanity; Donald Trump defends swapping planes due to a reported security threat, despite anger from journalists left on Air Force One; the Winter Olympics sport of curling finds new fans in sunny Italy; and the American TV channel Hallmark celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Photo: Solar eclipse viewing preparations in the Netherlands. A woman wears eclipse glasses in Almelo. 11 August 2026.
Credit: Vincent Jannink. EPA/Shutterstock