The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim

In this special Christmas episode, Richard and Yalda answer your questions. After a huge year in international news, the two reflect on the year that has been and what might be coming up in 2026.Questions include: What was the defining story of 2025? If you weren’t a journalist, what would you be? And how do you adjust to life after covering conflict?They also answer some more light hearted questions and reveal their favourite cocktails, cities and best cures for jet lag.You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.If you have a question for Richard and Yalda, write to them at [email protected]

What's next for Australia after the deadly Bondi Beach terrorist attack? Yalda grew up in Sydney and tells Richard about why Bondi is such a special place for her and Australians, as well as sharing how the country might recover after the horrific events. Yalda has also been speaking exclusively to the sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who give her an update on the conditions their father is in. To hear the full interview with the sons, click here. To hear what the Pakistan government says about the claims Kasim and Sulaiman make, click here. Richard also gives an update on the peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump says a deal is closer than ever. But how true is that? You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at [email protected]

What is the truth behind that deepfake of Yalda? Why was it so inflammatory? A deepfake of Yalda and her guest went viral after it made the two women say something completely false. Yalda tells Richard exactly what happened and why these types of videos can be so dangerous. Yalda also gets to grips with the new powers granted to Pakistan’s military chief Asim Munir with the help of journalist and human rights activist, the British Pakistani woman Gul Bukhari. Richard and Yalda also break down America’s new national security strategy. Why was Russia happy with it? And why did European leaders reject it? Yalda also spoke to Donald Trump’s son, Don Junior, who revealed whether or not his father might walk away from the war in Ukraine. You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at [email protected]

Is Pakistan slipping into military rule? Why is the UN sounding the alarm about new changes to the country’s constitution? Will Imran Khan ever be released? Yalda breaks down exactly what is going on in Pakistan and speaks to one of Imran Khan's close advisors Zulfi Bukhari to get the latest on the former Prime Minister. Richard is in Ukraine and has an update as negotiations on a possible peace plan continue between America, Ukraine and Russia. But will President Putin accept the amendments President Zelenskyy has made to the plan that appeared last week? You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at [email protected]

What is actually in the detail of the Ukraine plan? Will Russia agree to the EU and Ukraine's amendments? The leaked 28-point plan for peace in Ukraine which emerged last week was seen by many as capitulation to Russian demands. In response, European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted their counter demands. Richard has been at the peace talks happening in Geneva and breaks down the US plan with Yalda. They go through the main sticking points: territory, military and NATO membership. They also recap the corruption scandal engulfing the heart of Zelenskyy's government, which is putting extra pressure on the need for a ceasefire with Russia. You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here. Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at [email protected]