Today US President Donald Trump landed in Saudi Arabia, the first stop on his first major foreign trip since returning to office. After Riyadh, he'll go on to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Notably absent from his itinerary is Israel. On Monday, the US went around Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to secure the release of Edan Alexander, the final living American hostage out of Gaza. It appears to be part of a larger pattern, with America also engaging in direct talks with Iran, indirect talks with Hamas and agreeing to a ceasefire deal with the Houthis in Yemen. To assess all this, former US Ambassador to both Egypt and Israel, Daniel Kurtzer joins the show to discuss.
Also on today's show: author Jordan Thomas; actor Kelsey Grammer
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58:15
American Hostage Released, But Others Remain
Hamas has released Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, saying it's part of steps towards a ceasefire deal and an end to the Israeli blockade that has lasted more than two months. Edan’s release is a moment of hope for Israel but there are still hostages trapped in Gaza and their loved ones continue to live in this nightmare. Among them is the family of Israeli-American Omer Neutra. Murdered by Hamas on October 7th, in the 583 days since, Omer’s remains have been held in Gaza. Omer's parents Ronen and Orna Neutra join the program.
Also on today's show: NPR International Correspondent Emily Feng & Axios Chief Financial Correspondent Felix Salmon; Cardinal Michael Czerny; American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten
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58:11
Europe Marks VE Day as Trump Tests Transatlantic Alliance
Eighty years since Nazi Germany surrendered, Europe marks VE Day as the once unbreakable transatlantic bond faces new pressure under the "America First" president of Donald Trump. Christiane speaks with Finland's President, Alexander Stubb, about his relationship with Trump, the future of NATO and Ukraine, and the Russia-China anti-Western alliance. Them, with the fate of both the people of Gaza and the Israeli hostages still on the line, Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel, talks to Christiane about the humanitarian crisis and the latest military escalation. Marking 25 years of Vladimir Putin's rule over Russia, Fred Pleitgen brings us a rare and highly stage-managed look at the Russian president's life at the Kremlin. Christiane also speaks with award-winning and best-selling novelist Isabelle Allende about her new book, "My Name is Emila Del Valle." From her archives, in honor of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Christiane's conversation with 102-year-old WW2 veteran Jake Larson at the American Cemetary in Normandy. Papa Jake, as he is known, has become an unlikely TikTok star with over one million followers. And finally, as country music celebrated its biggest night of the year at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards this week, Christiane revisited her conversation with industry titan and seven-time nominee Rosanne Cash, daughter of the legendary Johnny Cash.
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42:40
Finnish President Alexander Stubb
As Europe celebrates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Ukraine is still under brutal Russian attack. And while Donald Trump vowed to end the war in 24 hours, three months into his second term the negotiations have stalled. Christiane speaks with a man who might have an insight into Trump's tactics: Finnish president Alexander Stubb. He spent hours golfing with Trump in March and was seated next to him at Pope Francis' recent funeral.
Also on today's show: journalist Christo Grozev and "Antidote" Producer-Director James Jones; NYT Technology Reporter David Yaffe-Bellany
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57:41
Assessing America's Role 80 Years After WWII
Today's 80th anniversary of victory over the Nazis in Europe feels like an occasion for reflection, as threats escalate in India and Pakistan and Russia’s brutal war of aggression in Ukraine drags on. So, is America still the indispensable nation, able to facilitate peace? Or has that historic role evaporated? Leon Panetta has been Congressman, White House Chief of Staff, Defense Secretary, CIA Director, and more. He speaks with Christiane from California.
Also on today's show: Christopher Bellito, Specialist in Church History and Reform at Kean University in New Jersey; historian Margaret MacMillan
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