Explainers
Has the war in Ukraine given NATO new purpose?
The war in Ukraine seems to have galvanised the NATO alliance, with a renewed focus on newer members along its eastern flank. In this special episode, Sandra Gathmann takes #AJStartHere on the road to Lithuania, and explains what’s happening and why.
Why the Russia-Ukraine crisis just got much worse
Russia has recognised two breakaway areas in eastern Ukraine and sent in soldiers. It’s got the world worried about a full-blown war. #AJStartHere with Sandra Gathmann explains what’s going on.
Will Russia invade Ukraine?
Russia has massed thousands of soldiers along Ukraine’s border and it’s got people talking about a possible war. What’s President Putin’s strategy? And where does NATO fit in? Here’s five things you need to know to understand this story.
Why Lebanon is so hard to fix
Lebanon is in crisis. The economy is collapsing, there are big shortages of basics like fuel and medicine, and there’s little faith that the new government will turn things around. How did it get so bad and why is it so hard to fix?
How the Taliban Took Over Afghanistan. Again.
On July 8, President Biden said a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan was “highly unlikely”. On August 15, they were in the presidential palace in Kabul. Many Afghans fear the Taliban will revert to the brutal way they ruled Afghanistan in the 1990s. Women are afraid that the rights they’ve gained in the last 20 years will be lost. And thousands are trying to get out. So how did this takeover happen so fast? And what does this mean for the Afghan people?
