The Blast Episode 1: The Russian and the Rhosus (Re-run)
Beyond the Headlines28 Heinä 2025

The Blast Episode 1: The Russian and the Rhosus (Re-run)

In the summer of 2020, Lebanon had already been experiencing some of its worst days, due to a deepening financial crisis and the global pandemic. On August 4, things took a much darker turn. Hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate detonated at the Beirut port, ripping through the capital and wreaking havoc. More than 200 people were killed and thousands injured. It destroyed homes, overwhelmed the city and shattered livelihoods.

This week, to mark the fifth anniversary of the Beirut explosion, Beyond the Headlines is revisiting a mini-series published in 2021, a year after the incident. It’s a four-part investigation that follows the events before, during and after that fateful day.

So how did the dangerous material end up in Beirut’s port in the first place? It starts with a ship and its Russian captain, Boris Prokoshev. In the first episode of the series, Prokoshev speaks about the ill-fated voyage from the start, how a detour brought him and his crew to Beirut, and how they got stuck there.

Editor’s Note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our two-minute listener survey. Click here.

Jaksot(476)

Can mediation cut through conflict in the Middle East?

Can mediation cut through conflict in the Middle East?

In Gaza, a fragile ceasefire comes with great uncertainty for the future. In Yemen, the Houthis are abducting humanitarian workers and journalists in a witch hunt for alleged spies. And in Syria, a ne...

29 Loka 202531min

Violence, gunfire and annexation: Palestinian olive farmers under attack

Violence, gunfire and annexation: Palestinian olive farmers under attack

Palestine’s olive harvest season started this month, and quickly became the target of Israeli settler attacks. A viral video this week showed a mob violently chasing Palestinian olive pickers in an oc...

24 Loka 202522min

Who will fill the security vacuum in Gaza?

Who will fill the security vacuum in Gaza?

World leaders gathered in Sharm El Sheikh on Monday to sign a declaration of peace in Gaza. But the resurgence of armed militias brings a new threat to the strip. Clashes have broken out between these...

17 Loka 202519min

What we know so far about the Gaza ceasefire breakthrough

What we know so far about the Gaza ceasefire breakthrough

Palestinians in Gaza took to the streets overnight to celebrate the prospect of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. They welcomed the news of a deal to pause the fighting and release Israeli hostage...

9 Loka 202510min

Stolen moments: Two years of war in Gaza

Stolen moments: Two years of war in Gaza

Almost 70,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war in Gaza began two years ago after Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel. About 90 per cent of residential buildings have been damaged or ...

7 Loka 202520min

Reading between the lines of Trump’s Gaza plan

Reading between the lines of Trump’s Gaza plan

US President Donald Trump’s strategy to end the war in Gaza and prepare for the day after has divided opinion. After two years of failed ceasefire talks, it is the only prospect within reach now that ...

3 Loka 202522min

Vote for Beyond the Headlines in the Signal Awards

Vote for Beyond the Headlines in the Signal Awards

Follow the link to vote for Trending Middle East: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting?utm_campaign=signal4_finalists_finalistnotification_092325&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio#/2025/[…]odcast F...

2 Loka 202530s

The question of Palestine: Is recognition the answer?

The question of Palestine: Is recognition the answer?

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly marks a milestone for the region. After years of being the exceptions, several western countries have joined more than 140 others in recognising...

23 Syys 202523min

Suosittua kategoriassa Politiikka ja uutiset

aikalisa
rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
tervo-halme
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
politiikan-puskaradio
viisupodi
rss-podme-livebox
rss-vaalirankkurit-podcast
otetaan-yhdet
et-sa-noin-voi-sanoo-esittaa
rss-asiastudio
the-ulkopolitist
linda-maria
rss-kaikki-uusiksi
rss-merja-mahkan-rahat
io-techin-tekniikkapodcast
rikosmyytit
rss-mina-ukkola
rss-pykalien-takaa
rss-kuka-mina-olen