The Global Story

The Taliban's decision to ban women from attending midwifery and nursing courses ends their last hope of gaining an education. When the Taliban returned to take control of Afghanistan in 2021 it imposed a hardline vision of Islamic rule – but there was some hope, that perhaps, women and girls’ education would be spared. However, girls were soon barred from attending school and university - leaving only the option to attend nursing and midwifery courses. Now, that choice has been taken away, making Afghanistan the only country in the world that explicitly stops women from being educated. On today's episode, Azadeh Moshiri speaks to a 20-year-old woman we are keeping unnamed to protect her safety. She was training to be a midwife and has now lost her last route to education. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Beth Timmins, Annie Brown and Alice Aylett RobertsSound engineer: Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Lab-grown meat is often touted as the solution to climate-friendly meat production. But in some parts of the world, governments are introducing laws to stop it from being produced. Why are some countries trying to ban it, before it’s even on the shelves?Host Lucy Hockings speaks with Graihagh Jackson host of The Climate Question programme on the BBC World Service and our Asia business reporter Nick Marsh, about whether cultivated meat is a potential solution to the climate crisis or just a gimmick.At the moment, we’re sharing some of our most popular episodes from the past twelve months, including this one. All of these episodes and many more are available to watch on the BBC World Service’s YouTube channel. Just search for “The Global Story” on YouTube to find us.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth TimminsSound engineers: Ben Andrews and Hannah MontgomeryAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sam Bonham

2024 is expected to be a record-breaking year for tourism, with more travellers going on holiday than ever before. But hotspots like Venice, Hawaii and Bali are also struggling from overtourism. Rajan Datar, host of the BBC's Travel Show, has been meeting people who live in some of the world's tourism hotspots and tells Lucy Hockings about the impact huge numbers of visitors are having on communities and the environment. At the moment, we’re sharing some of our most popular episodes from the past twelve months, including this one. All of these episodes and many more are available to watch on the BBC World Service’s YouTube channel. Just search for “The Global Story” on YouTube to find us. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Johnny Hall Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

In countries across the world women are deciding to delay motherhood. Increased access to education, more career opportunities and less financial stability means that more and more women are having children later in life. But fewer babies now, could mean more economic pressures on the rest of us in the future. Katya Adler explores this complex topic with the BBC's population correspondent Stephanie Hegarty and Joyce Harper, professor of reproductive science at University College London.At the moment, we’re sharing some of our most popular episodes from the past twelve months, including this one. All of these episodes and many more are available to watch on the BBC World Service’s YouTube channel. Just search for “The Global Story” on YouTube to find us.We need you to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email ideas and thoughts to theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Beth Timmins and Miriam QuayyumSound engineers: Mike Regaard and Hannah MontgomeryAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Jonathan Aspinwall

A new BBC investigation has found that Myanmar's once-formidable military now controls less than a quarter of the country's territory. The surging resistance movement has been fuelled by young pro-democracy activists who fled to jungle camps following a brutal crackdown by the ruling junta in 2021. As the BBC witnesses the activities of one key militia group up close, we reveal their secret weapon — spies who are bringing down the army from the inside.On today's episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by BBC Burmese editor Soe Win Than and Rebecca Henschke, one of the journalists behind the investigation. They recount the events which inspired these fighters and explain why, despite their success, victory still feels a long way off.To listen to the full investigation, search for The Documentary wherever you get your BBC podcasts. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Laurie Kalus and Annie BrownSound engineers: Ben Andrews and Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

BBC correspondents forecast the leading news stories for the year ahead. If 2024 was the year of elections - around half the world’s population went to the polls this year alone - then 2025 will be the year the election winners try and deliver on their promises. Among them, incoming US president Donald Trump — who has criticised the status quo domestically, and abroad.The world will also enter 2025 with wars in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan showing no signs of ending - could there be any breakthroughs? And - in the fight against climate change - is 2025 the year greenhouse gas emissions peak?On this episode Azadeh Moshiri asks the BBC’s top correspondents for their predictions on what they think will happen in the next 12 months.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producer: Ben CarterSound engineers: Ben Andrews and James BeardAssistant editors: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Richard Fenton-Smith

How the Democrats are recalibrating after November’s loss, and how the new Trump administration will deal with environmental issues. On this episode, we also examine the key role that media has had in shaping the incoming president’s cabinet and agency leadership picks. Host Caitríona Perry is joined by Sumi Somaskanda and by Supervising Editor at the BBC’s Washington DC bureau, Courtney Subramanian.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. And every Saturday until the inauguration of Donald Trump on the 20th of January, we bring you an update on his Path to the Presidency. If you don’t want to miss an episode, follow or subscribe to The Global Story wherever you get your BBC podcasts. You can email us at theglobalstory@bbc.comProducers: Tom Kavanagh and Charlie JonesSound engineer: Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

The BBC's Jeremy Bowen has been speaking to HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. In just a matter of weeks, he has gone from governing the province of Idlib, to leading a rebel offensive on Damascus, to becoming the de facto leader. After interviewing al-Sharaa at the presidential palace which until recently was the heart of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Jeremy speaks to Lucy Hockings for this episode of The Global Story. So, is he really a reformed radical? Will he respect the rights of women? And even if these are his intentions, is he the man who can make it happen?The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Richard Moran, Tom Kavanagh and Alix PicklesSound engineers: Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

The BBC has spoken to Israeli reservists who are refusing to return to the war in Gaza. Imbued with a sense of national duty following the October 7th attack by Hamas, but now troubled by the things they’ve witnessed in Gaza, some Israeli soldiers say they won’t return to the army.We hear from one soldier who compares the devastation inflicted by Israel’s military in the Gaza Strip to an apocalypse, and said his colleagues would routinely loot and vandalise Palestinian houses, claims denied by the Israeli military authorities.BBC special correspondent Fergal Keane has spoken to several of them, and tells our presenter Azadeh Moshiri why their stories reflect deep political divisions which exist within Israeli society.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Alix PicklesSound engineers: Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

For months a court room in the small French town of Avignon has demanded the world’s attention and shaken attitudes towards sexual violence and consent. Throughout the trial, Gisèle Pelicot has faced the 50 men accused of her rape and sexual assault while she was unconscious, drugged by her husband.On today's episode Caitríona Perry speaks to the BBC's Paris correspondent Andrew Harding about Gisèle Pelicot and how she refused to carry the shame of the 51 men she faced in court.If you need support with the issues we’ve been talking about, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org. In the UK, you can find a list of organisations that can help at bbc.co.uk/actionline The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Richard Moran, Alix Pickles, Mhairi MacKenzie, Eleanor SlySound engineers: Rohan Madison and Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara WadesonPicture credit: EPA

Next year, Mexico will become the first country in the world to begin electing all its judges by popular vote. The radical judicial reform was passed by the Senate in September, where the ruling Morena party hold a commanding majority. They argue the change will promote transparency and accountability in a justice system which has faced accusations of corruption, nepotism, and bowing to political and criminal pressure. But critics say it is a direct threat to democracy which weakens the ability of the judiciary to hold the government to account - including the Supreme Court.On today's episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's correspondent in Mexico, Will Grant. They examine the politics behind this shakeup, and discuss why many members of the legal community are protesting the measures.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Mariana Hernández Carrillo and Laurie KalusSound engineer: Rohan MadisonAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Donald Trump's return to the White House is seen as a potential threat to European security. Some believe he could abandon the transatlantic military alliance Nato - but the organisation's new secretary general Mark Rutte seems convinced he will be persuaded to stay.On this episode of The Global Story, Katya Adler speaks with the BBC's defence correspondent Jonathan Beale about what impact losing the alliance’s biggest financial backer would have on the war in Ukraine - and the reasons why the incoming US President might be convinced to remain in Nato.Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Laurie Kalus and Eleanor SlySound engineer: Philip BullAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Trump's immigration plans, their effect on agriculture, and social media clashes. On this episode, Caitríona Perry is joined by Sumi Somaskanda and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. They discuss Donald Trump's key policy priorities as it gets closer and closer to his inauguration. This week the president-elect vowed to end automatic citizenship for anyone born in the United States on his first day in office. Mr Trump reiterated his plans for mass deportation for undocumented immigrants. What impact would that have on agriculture - a sector that relies heavily on migrant labour? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. And every Saturday until the inauguration of Donald Trump on the 20th of January, we bring you an update on his Path to the Presidency. If you don’t want to miss an episode, follow or subscribe to The Global Story wherever you get your BBC podcasts. You can email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com

In 2022, mass protests erupted in Iran after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. Those protests dissipated after a fierce crackdown. But individual acts of defiance and stories that tell the cost of activism have been making the headlines in recent weeks.In this episode, Parham Ghobadi tells Azadeh Moshiri about the life of Kianoosh Sanjari, a young man who faced the brunt of government oppression, and took his own life in an apparent final act of defiance against the regime.Producers: Richard Moran and Alix PicklesSound engineer: Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Is artificial intelligence making social media more dangerous? With online personalities increasingly dictating the way many of us live our lives, we are firmly in the age of the influencer. And with the advent of AI influencers, longstanding concerns about unrealistic beauty standards or unattainable lifestyle goals, are being argued even more strenuously by critics of the industry. But are the feeds of these AI-generated models any less 'real' than the enhanced profiles we have been exposed to for years?On today's episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's cyber correspondent Joe Tidy. He reveals all on his recent trip to meet the creators of one of the world's most successful AI influencers, Aitana...Producers: Laurie Kalus and Mariana Hernández CarrilloSound engineer: Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

This episode contains descriptions of violence and sexual violence.When Bashar al-Assad’s power was challenged in 2014, the Islamic State group filled the vacuum in Syria. Now the Assad regime has fallen, ending 50 years of rule by the family. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group who toppled the president, are now faced with governing a country occupied by various factions.On today's episode, Azadeh Moshiri speaks to Barry Marston, the head of the BBC's jihadist media team, to ask how much of a threat the Islamic State group is today, and whether this new power vacuum could present them with a new opportunity for their brand of terror?The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Richard Moran and Eleanor SlySound engineer: Phillip BullAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Syria’s notorious Saydnaya prison is one of many that have been liberated as rebels take control of the country. We hear from our correspondent Barbara Plett Usher who has been inside the prison where thousands of opposition supporters are said to have been tortured and executed under the Assad regime. Family members rushed in to see if their relatives were among those released. But will these people find answers in their search? And what will this mean for Syria’s future?On this episode Azadeh Moshiri is joined by the BBC’s Middle East regional editor Sebastian Usher who compares the collapse of the regime to the start of the civil war, which began in 2011.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth TimminsSound engineer: Ben AndrewsAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

President Bashar al-Assad has fled Syria, ending 50 years of authoritarian rule by his family. Over the weekend, rebels who had already taken Aleppo and Hama began to close in on the city of Homs and set their eyes on the capital Damascus.As it became clear that Assad had fled, the BBC's Lina Sinjab crossed the border from Lebanon, becoming the first western journalists to report from Damascus as a new era began. She tells Azadeh Moshiri how some Syrians celebrated while others looted the president's former home. And our Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, explains what the future might hold for Syria, now that everything has changed.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Richard Moran and Sergi Forcada FreixasSound engineer: Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

In a week of high-stakes diplomacy, President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, has sparked intense debate. On this episode, Caitríona Perry is joined by Sumi Somaskanda and North America correspondent Nada Tawfik. They examine the implications of Biden’s decision on the future of presidential pardons and discuss how Donald Trump’s incoming administration plans to reshape America’s role on the global stage.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. And every Saturday until the inauguration of Donald Trump on the 20th of January, we bring you an update on his Path to the Presidency. If you don’t want to miss an episode, follow or subscribe to The Global Story wherever you get your BBC podcasts. You can email us at theglobalstory@bbc.comProducers: Eleanor Sly and Charlie JonesSound engineer: Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Australia will ban children under 16 from using social media, after its parliament approved the world's strictest laws. Tech companies could be fined up to A$50m ($32.5m; £25.7m) if they don't comply. But as many parents know, keeping teenagers off social media is a challenge. So, can a ban like this really work? And how might it be implemented?In this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC's cyber correspondent Joe Tidy and our correspondent in Australia, Katy Watson.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Richard Moran and Beth TimminsSound engineer: Dafydd EvansAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson