Geeta's World

On December 20, tragedy struck Magdeburg's Christmas market when a black SUV ploughed through holiday shoppers. Four women and a nine-year-old boy died, while 200 others were injured, including seven Indians. The suspect, Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist, has been arrested. He had been granted asylum in Germany in 2016 and was critical of the “Islamism of Europe.” He is also a staunch supporter of the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. And Nancy Faeser, Germany’s interior minister, said after the attack that he was “obviously Islamophobic”. So, what do we know of this man, and was this attack political? And, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces backlash over alleged security lapses, as Saudi Arabia had flagged Al-Abdulmohsen’s radical views as early as 2007 and had requested extradition. Germany refused, fearing for his safety. So, why did Germany ignore Saudi warnings? In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat Chapters: (7:47) — The curious case of the accused (13:24) — Only AFD can save Germany? (19:06) — Berlin freezing asylum applications from Syrians (21:50) — Why did Germany ignore Saudi's alerts? (29:57) —  Rise of Islamist terror in Europe (39:21) — Proliferation of the far-right in Europe

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by the National Assembly, making him the third president in the country to face suspension through such a vote. The impeachment was triggered by Yoon's decision to impose martial law. Although the martial law lasted only six hours, it plunged the nation into political chaos. But why did Yoon resort to such a drastic measure in the first place? The impeachment now moves to South Korea's Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to decide its outcome. However, formally removing Yoon from office will not be an easy task. Why is the path to his formal impeachment so challenging? In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat

On December 8, rebel forces stormed Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who had been ruling Syria since 2000. Reports suggest Assad has fled to Russia, where he has sought asylum. For over 53 years, the Assad family—first Hafez, then Bashar—has governed Syria. So how did the Assads, an Alawite Shia family, a minority in Syria, maintain control in a predominantly Sunni country? Now, the question is: who will govern Syria? One potential leader is HTS chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. He has pledged to protect minorities and women and says he has no intentions to impose strict Islamic law. However, his complex past suggests he could shift his political stance as needed. Will al-Jolani emerge as a reformist, or will he follow a path akin to Al-Qaeda? Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat Chapters: (4:25) — Shia rule over Sunni majority for 53 years (12:57) — How rebel forces toppled the govt (17:05) — Will Al-Jolani govern Syria? (25:26) — Syria, a fragmented country (28:46) — Arab world's dynamics (30:29) — Russia and Iran abandoned Syria? (40:04) — Is the Assad dynasty long gone?

On November 25-26, Islamabad witnessed chaos as around 10,000 PTI supporters defied a government ban, leading to violent clashes. According to Reuters, nearly 1,000 protesters were arrested, five security personnel lost their lives, and 22 police vehicles were set ablaze. The protesters demanded the release of Imran Khan and other “political prisoners” and sought to repeal a constitutional amendment that boosts the government's power over judicial appointments in political cases. Despite Khan urging supporters to “fight to the end,” PTI called off the protests after three days, citing "government brutality." Was this a strategic retreat or symbolic messaging? Did it achieve the desired impact or fall short of Khan’s vision? Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, has unexpectedly emerged in the spotlight. Some say her involvement in party affairs is deepening PTI's internal divisions and that Khan downplayed her role, claiming she merely conveyed his messages. But could there be more to the story? If Khan is displeased with her influence, what’s driving his unease? Listen in! Also, listen to our episode on Hindus in Bangladesh here: https://podcasts.indiatoday.in...&-history/geetas-world/hindus-in-bangladesh-are-attacks-on-minorities-political-or-communal-or-both-geetas-world-ep-110-1123934-2024-11-20 Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat Chapters: (1:37) — Introduction (3:56) — Demands of PTI supporters (11:37) — Army's brutal usage of live rounds (16:30) — What did the protest achieve? (23:54) — Bushra Bibi's role (29:35) — Sectarian violence