Ghida Fakhry is Host and Executive Producer of the monthly global affairs program Bigger than Five on TRT World. In a rapidly changing world, the traditional influence of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council is being challenged by new emerging forces. Through original reports, news-making interviews, and expert analysis, Bigger Than Five offers a critical look at the issues that matter. As calls for a change in the global world order intensify, veteran broadcaster Ghida Fakhry poses tough questions to those in power and offers a sharp analysis of the people and politics that shape our world. Bigger Than Five airs twice a month, on Thursdays at 20:30GMT.
ICC Warrant: Will Netanyahu Face Justice?
December 13, 2024
Benjamin Netanyahu is facing an international arrest warrant for war crimes in Gaza. It marks the first time the International Criminal Court is going after a Western-backed leader. The ICC says it found "reasonable grounds to believe that" the Israeli PM is responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of war and intentionally directing an attack against civilians, as well as crimes against humanity. With several ICC member-states facing political pressures, will Netanyahu evade international justice? The Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, warns that if the ICC fails this test, it would be ‘a failure of the entire international legal system.’ And Geoffrey Robertson, a former United Nations war crimes judge, says that Mr. Netanyahu must be held accountable and brought to The Hague, otherwise he would be an international fugitive.
The Olmert – Al-Kidwa Plan: A Realistic Peace?
December 6, 2024
Ehud Olmert and Nasser Al-Kidwa are proposing a joint initiative for Israelis and Palestinians to end the bloodshed in Gaza and pave the way towards a Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders. They say their plan will also allow for Gaza’s reconstruction but does it provide accountability? The two former top Israeli and Palestinian policy-makers say the current leadership is failing, the situation cannot continue as it is, and an alternative must be found. But is their proposal realistic?
Israel-Palestine: Peace without Accountability?
December 2, 2024
As Gaza lies in ruins with tens of thousands killed, calls for accountability for the crimes committed against Palestinians are growing more urgent. Following the international arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his former Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, we speak to two former top Israeli and Palestinian policy-makers. Ehud Olmert and Nasser al-Kidwa join us to discuss their joint proposal for ending the violence – but will it provide justice?
Trump’s Return: A Win For Israel?
November 18, 2024
What does Donald Trump's emphatic victory in the US presidential election mean for the Middle East? Will Israel’s assault on Gaza and Lebanon be allowed to continue virtually unchecked? Or will the new president be able to rein in Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and prevent a wider regional war with Iran? Former US State Department official Hala Rharrit calls Donald Trump ‘unpredictable’ and questions whether he can hold off the massive donors ‘trying to influence him’. But Trump ally Bill Bazzi, a Muslim mayor from the swing state of Michigan, says the incoming president wants to ‘end all wars’
‘America’s War’?
October 25, 2024
As Israel’s war on Gaza extends into Lebanon, the US boosts its military support for the Netanyahu government. In October, the US deployed 100 troops to Israel to help operate America’s advanced anti-missile system. We speak to Major General Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon Press Secretary, about the aim of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system (or THAAD), as well as the implications of Israel’s continued disregard for humanitarian law. We also hear from Daniel Levy, president of the US/Middle East Project, who tells us, “this is not just Israel’s war, but it’s America’s war.”
War On Gaza: One Year On
October 8, 2024
October 7 marks a year since the events that sparked Israel’s relentless assault on Gaza that has left a trail of death and destruction that risks sparking a wider conflagration in the Middle East. In this special episode, we look at the deadly realities of life in Gaza – what UNICEF describes as a “war on children” – and scrutinize the role of Western powers in fueling Israel’s wars in Palestine and Lebanon.
Karim Khan: ICC Under Pressure
October 3, 2024
Karim Khan, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, sits down with Bigger than Five at the UNGA in New York to discuss the challenges facing the ICC in the pursuit of justice for the victims of war crimes in Gaza and around the world. How much political pressure is the Court and its Prosecutor facing? We ask the ICC Prosecutor on this week’s Bigger than Five
Humza Yousaf: Justice For Gaza
September 27, 2024
Almost a year after Israel’s onslaught on Gaza began, Western governments stand accused of facilitating war crimes. As the UK continues to supply arms to Israel, will it be held accountable for violating international laws? We speak to Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s former First Minister.
Estonia On The Frontline
September 13, 2024
As both the European Union and NATO call for enhanced military support in Ukraine, Estonia stands on the frontline of a regional conflict with Russia. Is this small Baltic nation’s history under Soviet occupation shaping its strategic stance to the east? We speak to Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, to find out.
America, Iran and Israel: A Wider War?
August 23, 2024
A dangerous game is unfolding as Israel, the US, and Iran stand at the brink of a potentially devastating regional war. What are the key factors driving this recent escalation? How influential is the pro-Israel lobby and the military industrial complex in steering America’s foreign policy and wars in the region? We speak with US army veteran James Carafano, from the conservative Heritage Foundation, who says America’s military buildup in the Middle East is aimed at deterrence. We also hear from American peace activist and co-founder of Code Pink, Medea Benjamin, who says AIPAC and other pro-Israel groups have too much influence and leverage on US politics and members of Congress.
Paris 2024: Olympic Hypocrisy
August 8, 2024
Israel’s participation at the Paris Olympic Games has led to accusations of favoritism and double standards leveled at the International Olympic Committee. While Russia was swiftly banned for its human rights violations, Israel has been allowed to compete despite the relentless assault on Gaza and the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice denouncing its system of apartheid. We speak with former Olympic swimmer Nikki Dryden who accuses the IOC of ‘selective implementation of its own charter’. And Dima Youssef, former captain of the Palestinian women’s football team, tells us why every international sporting event is a testament to the resilience of Palestinian athletes.
Israel’s War on Gaza: Media Complicity?
July 26, 2024
The media's role in wartime is fraught with the consequences of biased reporting. This has been highlighted once more during Israel’s assault on Gaza. A recent report found pro-Israeli sources are quoted far more often, and go unchallenged, in comparison to Palestinian sources. British activist Fiona Lali tells Ghida Fakhry mainstream media is ‘completely complicit’ in covering up Israel’s crimes and allowing politicians to repeat lies. Investigative Journalist Jeremy Scahill says the powerful media outlets are panicking and ‘they know their days are numbered’ because people are increasingly turning away.
Tipping Point: Europe’s Surge to the Right
July 12, 2024
Far-right parties made significant gains at the European Parliament elections in June. From France, to Germany, Hungary to the Netherlands voters rejected left-wing parties and embraced the nationalistic policies of the far-right. Former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, whose left-wing party lost at the election, tells Ghida Fakhry the European Union is a clear and present danger to democracy in Europe. While Marco Campomenosi, a member of a right-wing coalition in the EU, says the rightward shift has happened because voters are dissatisfied with Brussel’s leadership and policies.
Stoltenberg's Legacy: More NATO Allies
June 27, 2024
As NATO turns 75, its confrontational stance with Russia is under scrutiny. With a modernized military arsenal and nuclear deterrent, is NATO provoking unnecessary tensions? Could the Western alliance’s strategy lead to a wider war? With 500,000 troops at ‘high readiness’, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg insists ‘it is not to wage war but to preserve peace’, but is this hardline approach justified?
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg tells Ghida Fakhry about the alliance’s long-term strategy for Ukraine and how its core responsibility is to prevent an armed attack on member states.
Edi Rama’s Albania: A Pivot to Europe
June 14, 2024
The Western Balkan nation of Albania is an increasingly strategic partner for the West. On key issues including Europe's immigration challenges and NATO's military alliance, the small country is drawing big power interest whilst it navigates the hurdles of becoming an EU member state. We travel to Tirana where Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama tells Ghida Fakhry of his country's 'blind love' for Europe and warns of the rising nationalism on the continent.
Campus Revolt: Palestine’s Global Movement
May 23, 2024
From the US and Asia to Europe, student protesters are condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and calling out their universities for their silence and complicity. In London, a group of students tell Ghida Fakhry it’s time to dismantle the colonial legacies of the past and fight for the liberation of the Palestinian people, as one faculty member says freedom of speech on UK university campuses is under attack.
Student Power: Freedoms under threat in the U.S
May 9, 2024
As well as calling for a ceasefire, students across America are demanding their universities cut all ties with Israel over its actions in Gaza. But their peaceful protests have been met with a brutal crackdown leading to hundreds of arrests. U.S. presidential candidate Jill Stein tells Ghida Fakhry the pro-Israel lobby’s grip on American politicians is a challenge to democracy. While economist and Columbia professor Jeffrey Sachs denounces the “authoritarian” approach that violates the norms of university life and goes against the will of the American people.
Arms to Israel: Is the U.S. breaking its own laws?
April 25, 2024
A spiraling death toll in Gaza fuels calls for weapons supplies to Israel to be disrupted. As pressure mounts on the U.S. - Israel’s main supplier of arms - Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Patrick Ryder tells Ghida Fakhry that Washington’s support for Israel is ‘iron clad’. And former State Department official Annelle Sheline explains why, faced with mounting evidence of war crimes and atrocities in Gaza, she ultimately made the decision to resign and go public.
Gaza: Human Rights Under Attack
April 13, 2024
Dozens of conflicts are now raging across the world, including Israel's brutal war on Gaza. With atrocities and human rights violations happening daily, Ghida Fakhry sits down with Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to find out whether the human rights framework which emerged from the Second World War, is fit for purpose and able to hold Israel to account?
Gaza: Can South Africa Hold Israel To Account?
March 22, 2024
In the first episode of Bigger than Five filmed in our new studio space in London, we speak with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor. She explains why her country decided to take Israel to the International Court of Justice and why ‘the real test will be will the most powerful join or do more?’ She tells Ghida Fakhry why she believes this should be a ‘turning point’.
