When Assad's Iranian and Russian protectors were distracted by wars closer to home, an alliance of rebel fighters launched an astonishing offensive, sweeping across northern Syrian and taking the prized city of Aleppo. But who are they, who backs them, and could they topple the regime?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory

Host: Manveen Rana.

Guest: Mark Urban, Writer and Columist, The Sunday Times.

Clips: Channel 4 News, SkyNews, ABC News, The Telegraph.

Image credit: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk

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Last week, Australia became the first country to block under 16s from social media. Age verification AI could be a crucial tool in the ban, so we spoke to our journalist who has been to the industry-leader’s HQ to find out if the technology actually works. And we ask, could the UK follow suit?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests:

• Mark Sellman, Technology Correspondent, The Times.
• Helen Rumbelow, Feature Writer, The Times.

Read Helen’s report: Can AI tell if a teen lies about their age?

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: ABC News, 10 News First Australia, BBC Radio 4.

Photo: Getty Images

Further listening: The myth of the X exodus

The Times and The Sunday Times starter pack on Bluesky

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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Gregg Wallace, the presenter of one of the BBC's most popular programmes 'MasterChef' has stepped back from the show while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated. Over the weekend, he said complaints came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age” - a comment he has now apologised for. His lawyers say he denies behaviour of a sexually harassing nature but as the BBC faces pressure to pull the programme from the schedules, and even Downing Street has waded in, what now for the presenter - and for the BBC?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor, The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: BBC, Gregg Wallace, Times Radio.

Photo: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It started two years ago, when Elon Musk bought Twitter, now X. People fled the social media platform, citing a change in the algorithm and concerns over the unchecked spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories and hate speech. Following the US election and Musk's appointment to Donald Trump's team, millions more have departed - including The Guardian newspaper. So, does this signal a sea change in our social media habits? Or is this just a momentary tiff?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Danny Fortson, US West Coast Correspondent, The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: CNN, MSNBC, NBC News, TalkTV.

Photo: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ireland went to the polls in a general election where for the first time in the history of the republic, immigration was among the leading issues in voters’ minds as they cast their ballots. In August we looked at the rise of a new political movement in Ireland, inspired by American far-right groups and fuelled by anger over immigration.

This episode was first broadcast on 20 August 2024.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: John Mooney, Investigative Reporter, The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana

Further listening: Inside the Kinahan crime cartel and their €1 billion empire

Clips: Gript Media, Irish Mirror, Cllr Gavin Pepper, RTE News, Irish Times, Euronews, The National Party — An Páirtí Náisiúnta, Tucker Carlson, ,

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a bonus episode, we’re bringing listeners of The Story an episode from Off Air with Jane & Fi podcast from The Times.

General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA, discusses global security, amongst many other things...

If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radio

Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfi

Podcast Producer: Eve Salusbury

Executive Producer: Rosie Cutler

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Observers of Britain today might think of it as a more meritocratic and socially equal society than ever before. But, while the narratives have certainly moved on, the elites who run the political, economic and cultural life of the country remain much the same.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Sam Friedman, sociologist and co-author of “Born To Rule: The Making and Remaking of the British Elite.”

Host: Luke Jones.

Clips: BBC.

Photo: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tomorrow, MPs will vote on a Bill that, if passed, would allow terminally ill people with less than six months to live the right to take their own lives - a radical departure from the status quo. The debate has split parliament and the public. So, is it a kindness or the beginning of a dangerous and slippery slope?

If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide, support and advice can be found with the Samaritans or SANE.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest:

• Mark Mardell, broadcaster and writer, Movers and Shakers podcast and assisted dying correspondent, Prospect.
• Kaya Burgess, science reporter and religious affairs correspondent, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: Times Radio, ITV News, Two Women Chatting.

Photo: Getty Images/Times illustration

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.