372. Syria, al-Sharaa, and the future of the Middle East

What does al-Sharaa's rise to power mean for Syria? Given his surprise takeover, how will today’s CIA analysts be changing the way they think about the country and what happens next? Will S... Continue

15 February 2025

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Europe needs to get real on defence; Britain needs to get real on Europe

Below is the text of a speech I am making this evening to the Labour Movement for Europe, urging a change in approach by Labour, to be bolder in the terms of the "reset" that is promised, clearer in ... Continue

13 February 2025

Posted by Alastair Campbell

371. Question Time: Buying Gaza, Macron’s AI Stunt, and Europe on a Knife’s Edge

How does Trump’s controversial plan impact Middle Eastern relations? Can President Macron combat AI deep fakes in France? How does Canada plan to fight a trade war with the US?Join Alastair... Continue

13 February 2025

Posted by Alastair Campbell

370. Starmer’s Silver Bullet and Trump’s War on the Poor

Will Musk’s Washington power grab increase global poverty? Has Keir Starmer lost control of his cabinet? Is now the perfect moment for Britain to join the customs union?Join Rory and Alasta... Continue

12 February 2025

Posted by Alastair Campbell

120. The New President of Syria: Trump, Palestine, and having a $10 million bounty on your head (Ahmed al-Sharaa)

How did Ahmed al-Sharaa go from an imprisoned al-Qaeda fighter to the leader of Syria? What is the psychological impact of living a secret life for over twenty years? What is the future of Sy... Continue

10 February 2025

Posted by Alastair Campbell

369. Question Time: China’s DeepSeek, Ambassador Mandelson, and misogyny in politics

What’s the danger of China’s DeepSeek? Why are male and female politicians still treated differently? Are politicians right to appease leaders they don’t agree with?Join Rory and Alasta... Continue

7 February 2025

Posted by Alastair Campbell

368. Trump’s Plan for Gaza

What exactly does Trump mean by "taking over" Gaza? How have others reacted to Trump's proposals? How serious is he?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more in an em... Continue

6 February 2025

Posted by Alastair Campbell

367. Rory vs JD Vance, recording from Damascus, and Trump’s tariffs

Why are Rory and Alastair in Damascus? What’s going on with JD Vance? Has there been a twist in the German election?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more.The Re... Continue

5 February 2025

Posted by Alastair Campbell

119. Tommy Vietor: How Democrats can fight Trump

How did Barack Obama become President? What was Hillary Clinton's huge mistake in 2016? How corrupt really is American politics today?Pod Save America host and former Barack Obama speechwrite... Continue

3 February 2025

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Alastair Campbell is a writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Still active in politics and campaigns in Britain and overseas, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, broadcasting, charities and consultancy.