hello. i'm shaun ley. welcome to the programme which brings together columnists from leading journals, bbc specialists and the reporters who write, broadcast and blog for folks back home from the dateline: london. this week — biden�*s back and bibi's out. what changes will follow from a united states administration re—engaged on the world stage and an israel led by its first new prime minister in more than a decade? to discuss that and more, i'mjoined byjeffrey kofman, who hails from canada and anchored programmes there and in the united states. he's also served as a foreign correspondent in war and peace. russian—born arkady ostrvosky reports on the country of his birth, as well as eastern europe, for the economist. the bbc�*s chief

international correspondent, lyse doucet, also canadian by birth, is with me here. there are canadian by birth and nationality. we are glad to have you here. thank you for being with us. pasties in cornwall, pate in brussels, petite arvine by the glass on lake geneva. us presidentjoe biden has had a busy week, encompassing multi—national diplomacy with g7 and nato and a bi—lateral with vladimir putin. more than once, in the folksy style honed by five decades in america's national politics, mr biden declared, "america is back". it isa it is a metes phrase, some might even say it is a grab phrase but america is back in what way and where? , ., , , , where? the question is exhibit x is auoin to where? the question is exhibit x is going to sell _ where? the question is exhibit x is going to sell a _ where? the question is exhibit x is going to sell a bank _ where? the question is exhibit x is going to sell a bank or— where? the question is exhibit x is

going to sell a bank or aspirational| going to sell a bank or aspirational america is back? the answer is it is a bit of both. the fact is that donald trump took america out of international organisations and that america and threaten to get out of nato and really affected the western alliance. whatjoe biden is saying is we are back in reston alliance and we are back as a collective but that aspirational part of it is that donald trump and the american democracy has really been tested and the legitimacy of american democracy is not where it was a decade or two ago and so it becomes an aspirational america is back. america wants to be notjust economic but the more more leader of the world. joe biden is key to restoring that but there is a lot of work to do and domestically the us is not fair. nonetheless, america is back at the table. and that really is the take away from this past week. in is the take away from this past week. ., , . , is the take away from this past week. ., , ., , ., week. in european terms, what might america is back _ week. in european terms, what might america is back mean? _ week. in european terms, what might america is back mean? i _

week. in european terms, what might america is back mean? i think- week. in european terms, what might america is back mean? i think this - america is back mean? i think this is the moment _ america is back mean? i think this is the moment that _ america is back mean? i think this is the moment that everybody - america is back mean? i think this is the moment that everybody has | is the moment that everybody has been _ is the moment that everybody has been waiting for ralph some trepidation and whose anticipation after the _ trepidation and whose anticipation after the psychodrama of donald trump _ after the psychodrama of donald trump and his relationship with vladimir— trump and his relationship with vladimir putin. i thinkjust a sense of america — vladimir putin. i thinkjust a sense of america returning to its former self in_ of america returning to its former self in terms of the month —— diplomacy— self in terms of the month —— diplomacy and in of institutions and in terms _ diplomacy and in of institutions and in terms of— diplomacy and in of institutions and in terms of maria parra predictable statements and policies and that in itself _ statements and policies and that in itself has _ statements and policies and that in itself has brought some relief and of course — itself has brought some relief and of course if we give up russia has been _ of course if we give up russia has been one — of course if we give up russia has been one of— of course if we give up russia has been one of the main worries particularly since 2014 when ukraine, _ particularly since 2014 when ukraine, the term wire in belarus. so ukraine, the term wire in belarus. 50 this— ukraine, the term wire in belarus. 50 this is— ukraine, the term wire in belarus. 50 this is a — ukraine, the term wire in belarus. so this is a very important moment for you _ so this is a very important moment for you to _ so this is a very important moment for you to see american leadership because _ for you to see american leadership because for— for you to see american leadership because for many years, for the past four years _ because for many years, for the past four years a —

because for many years, for the past four years a lot of europeans particularly in eastern europe were not sure _ particularly in eastern europe were not sure where they stand. in terms of president — not sure where they stand. in terms of president putin, _ not sure where they stand. in terms of president putin, he _ not sure where they stand. in terms of president putin, he stroked - not sure where they stand. in terms of president putin, he stroked his . of president putin, he stroked his ego with his invitation to meet one—on—one at 53 to review and two superpowers need to break old days. but when joe biden superpowers need to break old days. but whenjoe biden says we will return what you do in kind unless you co—operate on things like cyber attacks, does president putin really have cause to take that seriously? president putin understands power and understands force to stop for the past — and understands force to stop for the past two years he has been able to claim _ the past two years he has been able to claim escalation dominance partly or largely— to claim escalation dominance partly or largely in that knowledge that they would be no place back. they will be _ they would be no place back. they will be no — they would be no place back. they will be no place back after the reset — will be no place back after the reset of— will be no place back after the reset of americans relationship with russia _ reset of americans relationship with russia in_ reset of americans relationship with russia in 2008 by barack obama. they will say— russia in 2008 by barack obama. they will say to— russia in 2008 by barack obama. they will say to me be no real pushback

from _ will say to me be no real pushback from donald trump. i think in his press _ from donald trump. i think in his press conference they had individual press _ press conference they had individual press conferences, it's quite interesting thatjoe biden press conferences, it's quite interesting that joe biden tried to walk a _ interesting that joe biden tried to walk a very tight line here. on the one hand — walk a very tight line here. on the one hand as— walk a very tight line here. on the one hand as you say not so much to massage _ one hand as you say not so much to massage his— one hand as you say not so much to massage his ego but to meet him face—to—face and try to mitigate whatever— face—to—face and try to mitigate whatever he can buy at not giving him an _ whatever he can buy at not giving him an opportunity to have a joint press _ him an opportunity to have a joint press conference. but as i said, putting — press conference. but as i said, putting understands what power means and when _ putting understands what power means and when somebody is prepared to push back— and when somebody is prepared to push back and aping joe biden and he's very— push back and aping joe biden and he's very calm terms has made it incredibly— he's very calm terms has made it incredibly clear that cyber attacks on american infrastructure will be retaliated — on american infrastructure will be retaliated. he gave him a list of things— retaliated. he gave him a list of things that and a list of infrastructure sites that should not be touched. he delivered a thinly veiled _ be touched. he delivered a thinly veiled threats and how would you like if _ veiled threats and how would you like if your— veiled threats and how would you like if your pipeline was attacked and he _ like if your pipeline was attacked and he said all the things on

ukraine _ and he said all the things on ukraine i_ and he said all the things on ukraine i think which was important to state _ ukraine i think which was important to state particularly following russia's build—up of troops on the ukrainian — russia's build—up of troops on the ukrainian border that the country should _ ukrainian border that the country should not— ukrainian border that the country should not go further in military terms — should not go further in military terms i— should not go further in military terms. i think putin did take it seriously _ terms. i think putin did take it seriously i_ terms. i think putin did take it seriously. i think replicating it's important — seriously. i think replicating it's important to get a sense so he can concentrate — important to get a sense so he can concentrate on things at hand which unfortunately means suppression of opposition, courage is of the political— opposition, courage is of the political system and getting himself back into _ political system and getting himself back into power in 2024. how should allies measure _ back into power in 2024. how should allies measure his _ back into power in 2024. how should allies measure his words _ back into power in 2024. how should allies measure his words and - back into power in 2024. how should allies measure his words and againstj allies measure his words and against his actions because in place to talk about afghanistan where there was a consultation but not much of a consultation but not much of a consultation before america announced we are off. i consultation before america announced we are off. i think he's riuht. announced we are off. i think he's right- there _ announced we are off. i think he's right. there was _ announced we are off. i think he's right. there was a _ announced we are off. i think he's right. there was a palpable - announced we are off. i think he's right. there was a palpable sigh l announced we are off. i think he's| right. there was a palpable sigh of relief. you could hear a plan president biden won the election and when he was inaugurated. he had been waiting for you to stay and could

meet face—to—face. they left the fact that america is back. he used the phrase stable and predictable. president biden said i want a stable and predictable relationship with president putin. europeans want a stable and unpredictable relationship with the united states as well. if only to use the phrase he could have been in the room where it happened. we are told that when that that the nato partners that down together there was the quotes president biden a consensus in the room. that he had made the right decision. there was no good time to put out the last of the nato—led forces but now is the time he had to pull them out. yes, there was to use the british phrase very concealed frustration. europeans had not been consulted and nato allies had not been consulted but there is that expression that we went in together we are going out together and they are showing a public show of strength and unity. but there is clearly a lot of scrambling going on. where will they base us forces

in the region? where will they train afghan national security forces? because they're all saying, i would troops are leaving afghanistan but we are not leaving afghanistan. we are going to help you and they still need to help as the taliban inched closer district by district back into power. so there seems to be a lot of scrambling going on when that weeks are counted before the last of the forces leave.— the forces leave. when you hear a uuote the forces leave. when you hear a quote like — the forces leave. when you hear a quote like this _ the forces leave. when you hear a quote like this from _ the forces leave. when you hear a quote like this from the _ the forces leave. when you hear a quote like this from the defence l quote like this from the defence secretary who says he possibly could take two years for international terrorist groups to regroup, regenerate inside afghanistan and pose a threat to the us. that almost sounds like speaking against the administration. brute sounds like speaking against the administration.— administration. we are told the defence secretary _ administration. we are told the defence secretary actually - administration. we are told the defence secretary actually gave j administration. we are told the . defence secretary actually gave his advice to the president that they actually should leave some kind of residualforce actually should leave some kind of residual force and counterterrorism voice and i think you may have heard that from other senior commanders as well. joe biden thought very

carefully as he wants to do and he decided now is the time to go. what president biden said publicly was is 2021 is now 2001, the terrorism threat is different. we don't need to have a huge footprint in order to deal with it. and as he put it, it's notjust deal with it. and as he put it, it's not just afghanistan, deal with it. and as he put it, it's notjust afghanistan, exterior, ate some of can make a rock, eight many other places where there is a terrorism threat and he feels this is the optimistic view that they could deal with it. but there is clear concern and the secretary—general of nato has me back as well. publicly. fine secretary-general of nato has me back as well. publicly.— back as well. publicly. one of a sub'ect back as well. publicly. one of a subject we _ back as well. publicly. one of a subject we should _ back as well. publicly. one of a subject we should not - back as well. publicly. one of a subject we should not avoid - subject we should not avoid mentioning at this point is tainted because it was specifically singled out in both the g7 and the g7 communique at the end of the summit and also in the talks in nato. we are told thatjoe biden and xi jinping have a relationship whenjoe biden was vice president. we are told they can have a dialogue with

one another but is there much for china to fearfrom one another but is there much for china to fear from the other remaining superpower in the world? i think it's interesting that china is now so— think it's interesting that china is now so high on the agenda. if you look a _ now so high on the agenda. if you look a few— now so high on the agenda. if you look a few years ago it was all about— look a few years ago it was all about russia but clearly the balance of power _ about russia but clearly the balance of power in — about russia but clearly the balance of power in the world has changed. i think— of power in the world has changed. i think it's _ of power in the world has changed. i think it's not — of power in the world has changed. i think it's not a question of what that china — think it's not a question of what that china has something to fear, china _ that china has something to fear, china dismissed day g7 as a critic of which — china dismissed day g7 as a critic of which western countries and nothing — of which western countries and nothing to be afraid of but i think unity— nothing to be afraid of but i think unity within the g7 and unity with makeup— unity within the g7 and unity with makeup is— unity within the g7 and unity with makeup is really important power balance _ makeup is really important power balance against china's power which is very— balance against china's power which is very effective for economic and international aid. is very effective for economic and internationalaid. i'mjoe biden international aid. i'm joe biden saying — international aid. i'm joe biden saying he — internationalaid. i'mjoe biden saying he is back and leaving that coalition, — saying he is back and leaving that coalition, that very much is what he is after— coalition, that very much is what he is after is _ coalition, that very much is what he is after is a — coalition, that very much is what he is after is a unified voice against

china _ is after is a unified voice against china to — is after is a unified voice against china to speak out at human rights. to say— china to speak out at human rights. to say hey— china to speak out at human rights. to say hey if— china to speak out at human rights. to say hey if you want to be an international player that's fine but there _ international player that's fine but there is— international player that's fine but there is basic standards of civility on the _ there is basic standards of civility on the international stage that you have to _ on the international stage that you have to around freedoms and suppression of people within your country. — suppression of people within your country, around human rights and forced _ country, around human rights and forced labour and taiwan and around hon- forced labour and taiwan and around hong kong — forced labour and taiwan and around hong kong. the only way that is going _ hong kong. the only way that is going to — hong kong. the only way that is going to be effectively heard is if china _ going to be effectively heard is if china really is shamed into this and by a western clinician to do something. should we ask concrete responses — something. should we ask concrete responses and for china to back down immediately? request not, that is not going — immediately? request not, that is not going to happen. these are incremental beings but it's clear that a _ incremental beings but it's clear that a unified western voice will have _ that a unified western voice will have much more impact. china has been _ have much more impact. china has been very— have much more impact. china has been very discreetly spending trillions— been very discreetly spending trillions of dollars in developing countries — trillions of dollars in developing countries but a hundred countries have _ countries but a hundred countries have received eights road and bridge

aid and _ have received eights road and bridge aid and infrastructure projects and highways— aid and infrastructure projects and highways in kenya and ports in brazit — highways in kenya and ports in brazil. these are countries starved for more _ brazil. these are countries starved for more during infrastructure as the west— for more during infrastructure as the west has become more parsimonious about supporting developing countries, china has taken _ developing countries, china has taken the — developing countries, china has taken the opposite track and has effectively through soft power and hard infrastructure i started it implements massively on a global scale _ implements massively on a global scale and — implements massively on a global scale and one of the things that came _ scale and one of the things that came out— scale and one of the things that came out of this is a commitment to content _ came out of this is a commitment to content that — came out of this is a commitment to content that western countries. let's _ content that western countries. let's check back on that because that means they have to spend real dollars _ that means they have to spend real dollars on— that means they have to spend real dollars on places where they are not voluntary— dollars on places where they are not voluntary and that is always hard. thank _ voluntary and that is always hard. thank you — voluntary and that is always hard. thank you very much. it was an understandable error by benjamin netenyahu. just after the vote during sunday's special session of the knesset approved the new government formed without him, the now ex—prime minister returned to his seat. a parliamentary seat he had first occupied 25 years before — almost to the day, in fact — and where this oft—described israeli hawk had been entitled to perch for the last twelve years. entitled no longer. his seat was that designated

for the leader of the opposition. he seemed not quite able to believe it. quite a lot of other people are not able to believe in israel without netanyahu in charge. it's an extraordinary situation and one does not mean that government replaces him is going to be very long either? start with america is back, he is biding his time and i don't think anyone can rule out bb and he's morning i've been in opposition and he's already using every podium he came to talk about this dangerous left—wing government that he is going to try to bring down. even by the standards of electoral politics and coalition politics of israel, this is a very rickety one. it goes from the far right, the nationalist parties to the secular left—wing and including an error that is amazed who could not get more of a motley

collection and what is the glue that holds them together? to get benjamin netanyahu out of power. m'bengue. but they are going to be tested. they've already been tested. israeli air strikes into gaza coming in from the gaza strip and there has been an ultranationalist market —— martz —— march through the streets of jerusalem and they will be tested again. because benjamin netanyahu will continue to make it clear that he is waiting in the rings, perhaps thatis he is waiting in the rings, perhaps that is something that will help them together. i think everyone is already wondering when will the next action be? fine already wondering when will the next action be? . , action be? one thing that might is that it and they _ action be? one thing that might is that it and they share _ action be? one thing that might is that it and they share force - action be? one thing that might is that it and they share force of- action be? one thing that might is that it and they share force of his l that it and they share force of his personality because he's an interesting political character himself isn't he? he interesting political character himself isn't he?— interesting political character himselfisn't he? , ., himself isn't he? he is fascinating. this is a really _ himself isn't he? he is fascinating. this is a really interesting - himself isn't he? he is fascinating. this is a really interesting story - this is a really interesting story to watch — this is a really interesting story to watch. then it has to be a contortionist to survive. he has this clinician in which he only has

seven— this clinician in which he only has seven feet — this clinician in which he only has seven feet and yet he heads the clinician— seven feet and yet he heads the clinician as he pointed out of base push _ clinician as he pointed out of base push and — clinician as he pointed out of base push and the israel politics for the first time — push and the israel politics for the first time far right from his part the test — first time far right from his part the test centre at the far left and that i_ the test centre at the far left and that i islamic party. for him to hold _ that i islamic party. for him to hold it — that i islamic party. for him to hold it together, it's going to be extraordinary. a former aide to netanyahu and he has turned on his boss _ netanyahu and he has turned on his boss he _ netanyahu and he has turned on his boss he is — netanyahu and he has turned on his boss. he is against a two state solution — boss. he is against a two state solution and said very clearly does not support the traditional peace process— not support the traditional peace process that he had been watching back and _ process that he had been watching back and forth for the last number of decades. and yet he says is a liberal— of decades. and yet he says is a liberal on— of decades. and yet he says is a liberal on gay rights and you want to work— liberal on gay rights and you want to work with the union hold on the israeli _ to work with the union hold on the israeli economy and he picks and chooses — israeli economy and he picks and chooses what he believes and but the important _ chooses what he believes and but the important thing is in his relationship —— initial stage i have to talk— relationship —— initial stage i have

to talk together and we have to work together~ _ to talk together and we have to work together~ it — to talk together and we have to work together. it would be very interesting to see whether he can hold that — interesting to see whether he can hold that correlation where he genuinely believes that. he hold that correlation where he genuinely believes that. he had a very direct _ genuinely believes that. he had a very direct message _ genuinely believes that. he had a very direct message in _ genuinely believes that. he had a very direct message in his - genuinely believes that. he had a | very direct message in his opening address to russia and the other members of the security council and germany negotiating with iran at the moment, don't sign a nuclear deal. what crowds do you think he has in that context this weekend we will see a change of president in iran? these are not redirections. —— we had elections _ these are not redirections. —— we had elections. these _ these are not redirections. —— we had elections. these are - these are not redirections. —— we had elections. these are pretty. these are not redirections. —— we - had elections. these are pretty much staged _ had elections. these are pretty much staged the — had elections. these are pretty much staged the idea _ had elections. these are pretty much staged. the idea of— had elections. these are pretty much staged. the idea of iran— had elections. these are pretty much staged. the idea of iran coming - had elections. these are pretty much staged. the idea of iran coming back| staged. the idea of iran coming back into abo _ staged. the idea of iran coming back into a50 is _ staged. the idea of iran coming back into a50 is very— staged. the idea of iran coming back into abo is very important _ staged. the idea of iran coming back into abo is very important for- into abo is very important for clearly— into abo is very important for clearly something _ into abo is very important for clearly something that - into abo is very important for. clearly something that president biding _ clearly something that president biding has — clearly something that president biding has thought _ clearly something that president biding has thought through. - clearly something that president biding has thought through. the| biding has thought through. the timing _ biding has thought through. the timing was _ biding has thought through. the timing was very— biding has thought through. the timing was very interesting - biding has thought through. the timing was very interesting of. biding has thought through. the. timing was very interesting ofjoe bidens— timing was very interesting ofjoe biden's iran — timing was very interesting ofjoe biden's iran diplomacy— timing was very interesting ofjoe biden's iran diplomacy because . timing was very interesting ofjoe biden's iran diplomacy because itj biden's iran diplomacy because it came _ biden's iran diplomacy because it came before _ biden's iran diplomacy because it came before g7 _ biden's iran diplomacy because it came before g7 and _ biden's iran diplomacy because it

came before g7 and it— biden's iran diplomacy because it came before g7 and it became i biden's iran diplomacy because it- came before g7 and it became before his meeting _ came before g7 and it became before his meeting with— came before g7 and it became before his meeting with russia _ came before g7 and it became before his meeting with russia and - came before g7 and it became before his meeting with russia and with- his meeting with russia and with russian — his meeting with russia and with russian president _ his meeting with russia and with russian president right- his meeting with russia and with russian president right putin. ii russian president right putin. i don't _ russian president right putin. i don't think. _ russian president right putin. i don't think, of— russian president right putin. i don't think, of course - russian president right putin. i don't think, of course prime i don't think, of course prime minister— don't think, of course prime minister bennett— don't think, of course prime minister bennett has- don't think, of course prime minister bennett has to - don't think, of course prime minister bennett has to say| don't think, of course prime - minister bennett has to say this is one of— minister bennett has to say this is one of the — minister bennett has to say this is one of the lines _ minister bennett has to say this is one of the lines of— minister bennett has to say this is one of the lines of attack- minister bennett has to say this is one of the lines of attack on - minister bennett has to say this is one of the lines of attack on bb. i one of the lines of attack on bb. look, _ one of the lines of attack on bb. look, iran — one of the lines of attack on bb. look, iran should _ one of the lines of attack on bb. look, iran should rejoice - one of the lines of attack on bb. look, iran should rejoice now. one of the lines of attack on bb. i look, iran should rejoice now that we had _ look, iran should rejoice now that we had this— look, iran should rejoice now that we had this change _ look, iran should rejoice now that we had this change of— look, iran should rejoice now that we had this change of power, - look, iran should rejoice now that. we had this change of power, being very sarcastic. _ we had this change of power, being very sarcastic, and _ we had this change of power, being very sarcastic, and mr— we had this change of power, being very sarcastic, and mr bennett - we had this change of power, being very sarcastic, and mr bennett willi very sarcastic, and mr bennett will not be _ very sarcastic, and mr bennett will not be able — very sarcastic, and mr bennett will not be able to _ very sarcastic, and mr bennett will not be able to stand _ very sarcastic, and mr bennett will not be able to stand up _ very sarcastic, and mr bennett will not be able to stand upjoe - very sarcastic, and mr bennett will not be able to stand upjoe biden.| not be able to stand upjoe biden. there _ not be able to stand upjoe biden. there are — not be able to stand upjoe biden. there are huge _ not be able to stand upjoe biden. there are huge interest— not be able to stand upjoe biden. there are huge interest on- not be able to stand upjoe biden. there are huge interest on the - not be able to stand upjoe biden. there are huge interest on the us| there are huge interest on the us side and _ there are huge interest on the us side and every— there are huge interest on the us side and every side _ there are huge interest on the us side and every side bring - there are huge interest on the us side and every side bring it- there are huge interest on the us| side and every side bring it around and continue — side and every side bring it around and continue the _ side and every side bring it around and continue the nuclear- side and every side bring it around and continue the nuclear deal. - side and every side bring it aroundl and continue the nuclear deal. one country— and continue the nuclear deal. one country that — and continue the nuclear deal. one country that actually— and continue the nuclear deal. one country that actually might - and continue the nuclear deal. onel country that actually might descend to israel— country that actually might descend to israel more — country that actually might descend to israel more interestingly- country that actually might descend to israel more interestingly i - country that actually might descend to israel more interestingly i think. to israel more interestingly i think is russia — to israel more interestingly i think is russia not _ to israel more interestingly i think is russia. not out _ to israel more interestingly i think is russia. not out of— to israel more interestingly i think is russia. not out of great - to israel more interestingly i think is russia. not out of great love i to israel more interestingly i think| is russia. not out of great love for israel— is russia. not out of great love for israel though— is russia. not out of great love for israel though president— is russia. not out of great love for israel though president putin - is russia. not out of great love for. israel though president putin seemed to think— israel though president putin seemed to think that— israel though president putin seemed to think that is— israel though president putin seemed to think that is you _ israel though president putin seemed to think that is you that _ israel though president putin seemed to think that is you that is _ israel though president putin seemed to think that is you that is an - to think that is you that is an example _ to think that is you that is an example and _ to think that is you that is an example and how _ to think that is you that is an example and how to - to think that is you that is an example and how to stand i to think that is you that is anl example and how to stand for to think that is you that is an - example and how to stand for your

own and _ example and how to stand for your own and how — example and how to stand for your own and how to— example and how to stand for your own and how to take _ example and how to stand for your own and how to take critical - example and how to stand for your own and how to take critical action| own and how to take critical action and etc _ own and how to take critical action and etc but — own and how to take critical action and etc. but because _ own and how to take critical action and etc. but because russia - own and how to take critical actionj and etc. but because russia might not want _ and etc. but because russia might not want you — and etc. but because russia might not want you with _ and etc. but because russia might not want you with the _ and etc. but because russia might not want you with the us, - and etc. but because russia might not want you with the us, for- and etc. but because russia might not want you with the us, for the. and etc. but because russia might. not want you with the us, for the us to have _ not want you with the us, for the us to have a _ not want you with the us, for the us to have a deal— not want you with the us, for the us to have a deal with— not want you with the us, for the us to have a deal with iran _ not want you with the us, for the us to have a deal with iran because - to have a deal with iran because that will— to have a deal with iran because that will bring _ to have a deal with iran because that will bring a _ to have a deal with iran because that will bring a rundbland - to have a deal with iran because that will bring a rundbland and i to have a deal with iran because i that will bring a rundbland and gas back and _ that will bring a rundbland and gas back and they — that will bring a rundbland and gas back and they will _ that will bring a rundbland and gas back and they will give _ that will bring a rundbland and gas back and they will give much - that will bring a rundbland and gas. back and they will give much greater leverage _ back and they will give much greater leverage to — back and they will give much greater leverage to president _ back and they will give much greater leverage to president biding - back and they will give much greater leverage to president biding and - back and they will give much greater leverage to president biding and thej leverage to president biding and the european _ leverage to president biding and the european powers— leverage to president biding and the european powers over— leverage to president biding and the european powers over russia - leverage to president biding and the i european powers over russia because if iran— european powers over russia because if iran gas— european powers over russia because if iran gas and — european powers over russia because if iran gas and oil— european powers over russia because if iran gas and oil come _ european powers over russia because if iran gas and oil come back- european powers over russia because if iran gas and oil come back to- if iran gas and oil come back to that— if iran gas and oil come back to that site — if iran gas and oil come back to that site any _ if iran gas and oil come back to that site any media _ if iran gas and oil come back to that site any media essays - if iran gas and oil come back to. that site any media essays russia plus plus — that site any media essays russia plus plus ability— that site any media essays russia plus plus ability to _ that site any media essays russia plus plus ability to blackmail- plus plus ability to blackmail europe _ plus plus ability to blackmail euro e. ., . plus plus ability to blackmail euroe. ., . , ,, ., europe. how much is russia interested — europe. how much is russia interested because - europe. how much is russia interested because so - europe. how much is russia interested because so manyj europe. how much is russia - interested because so many russians actually moved to israel after the collapse of the soviet union. there is a strong eastern european —— diaspora in modern israel. is a strong eastern european -- diaspora in modern israel. that's ri . ht. diaspora in modern israel. that's right- russia _ diaspora in modern israel. that's right. russia is _ diaspora in modern israel. that's right. russia is the _ diaspora in modern israel. that's right. russia is the second - diaspora in modern israel. that's right. russia is the second most| right. russia is the second most used _ right. russia is the second most used language _ right. russia is the second most used language in— right. russia is the second most used language in israel. - right. russia is the second most used language in israel. there l right. russia is the second most| used language in israel. there is right. russia is the second most . used language in israel. there is a huge _ used language in israel. there is a huge diaspora _ used language in israel. there is a huge diaspora. russia _ used language in israel. there is a huge diaspora. russia is— used language in israel. there is a huge diaspora. russia is very- huge diaspora. russia is very interested _ huge diaspora. russia is very interested in— huge diaspora. russia is very interested in israel. - huge diaspora. russia is very interested in israel. it - huge diaspora. russia is very interested in israel. it has i huge diaspora. russia is very interested in israel. it has anj huge diaspora. russia is very- interested in israel. it has an easy relationship — interested in israel. it has an easy relationship. hysterically- interested in israel. it has an easy relationship. hysterically the - relationship. hysterically the soviet —

relationship. hysterically the soviet union— relationship. hysterically the soviet union was _ relationship. hysterically the soviet union was very - relationship. hysterically the soviet union was very muchl relationship. hysterically the - soviet union was very much against israel— soviet union was very much against israel on _ soviet union was very much against israel on the — soviet union was very much against israel on the homicide _ soviet union was very much against israel on the homicide and - israel on the homicide and leadership— israel on the homicide and leadership still— israel on the homicide and leadership still needs - israel on the homicide and . leadership still needs hamas israel on the homicide and - leadership still needs hamas in moscow— leadership still needs hamas in moscow but— leadership still needs hamas in moscow but somebody - leadership still needs hamas in moscow but somebody who - leadership still needs hamas in. moscow but somebody who likes leadership still needs hamas in- moscow but somebody who likes to go after his— moscow but somebody who likes to go after his opponents _ moscow but somebody who likes to go after his opponents abroad _ moscow but somebody who likes to go after his opponents abroad and - moscow but somebody who likes to go after his opponents abroad and out. after his opponents abroad and out and putin— after his opponents abroad and out and putin has— after his opponents abroad and out and putin has this _ after his opponents abroad and out and putin has this institution - after his opponents abroad and out and putin has this institution and l and putin has this institution and former— and putin has this institution and former kgb— and putin has this institution and former kgb that _ and putin has this institution and former kgb that runs _ and putin has this institution and former kgb that runs the - and putin has this institution andj former kgb that runs the country now _ former kgb that runs the country now putting _ former kgb that runs the country now. putting himself— former kgb that runs the country now. putting himself is— former kgb that runs the country now. putting himself is not- former kgb that runs the country now. putting himself is not as i l now. putting himself is not as i said _ now. putting himself is not as i said i_ now. putting himself is not as i said i think— now. putting himself is not as i said i think he _ now. putting himself is not as i said i think he has _ now. putting himself is not as i said i think he has admiration. now. putting himself is not as i i said i think he has admiration for is really's — said i think he has admiration for is really's i — said i think he has admiration for is really's i baselli _ said i think he has admiration for is really's i baselli and _ said i think he has admiration for is really's i baselli and i- said i think he has admiration for is really's i baselli and i to- said i think he has admiration for is really's i baselli and i to hit. is really's i baselli and i to hit out and — is really's i baselli and i to hit out and look— is really's i baselli and i to hit out and look at _ is really's i baselli and i to hit out and look at it _ is really's i baselli and i to hit out and look at it on - is really's i baselli and i to hit out and look at it on people l is really's i baselli and i to hit. out and look at it on people and is really's i baselli and i to hit- out and look at it on people and i think— out and look at it on people and i think it's — out and look at it on people and i think it's something _ out and look at it on people and i think it's something that - out and look at it on people and i think it's something that he - out and look at it on people and i think it's something that he doesj think it's something that he does very much— think it's something that he does very much admire _ think it's something that he does very much admire and _ think it's something that he doesl very much admire and appreciate. could _ very much admire and appreciate. could this — very much admire and appreciate. could this make _ very much admire and appreciate. could this make any— very much admire and appreciate. could this make any difference - very much admire and appreciate. could this make any difference to| could this make any difference to the departure of netanyahu on the palestinians? ida. the departure of netanyahu on the palestinians?— the departure of netanyahu on the palestinians? ., , , , , ., ., palestinians? no. they simply do not auree palestinians? no. they simply do not aaree at palestinians? no. they simply do not a . ree at all palestinians? no. they simply do not agree at all and _ palestinians? no. they simply do not agree at all and anything _ palestinians? no. they simply do not agree at all and anything to - palestinians? no. they simply do not agree at all and anything to do - palestinians? no. they simply do not agree at all and anything to do with l agree at all and anything to do with the palestinian issue. they will try to work on the israeli issues which

are really urgent but then it has been on the record saying he opposes the palestinian state. there are members of his clinician who are strong proponents, still the two state solution, so that is not going to be an issue where we are expecting to see much progress but the palestinians will say that has not been any progress on the palestinian issue before. for as long as they can remember. just timer, before we go, for each of you to mark our cards about a story you think jhasn'ty received enough attention — arkady, first. i think this story that has not, it receives attention sporadically when it's into the means for a very unfortunate reason is that a release. that idea that people are being tortured and suppressed this way and the plane has been hijacked as we know and the opponents have been snatched off the plane and it's

tragic it's happening in europe in the 21st century. this story has also much wider importance for the world. notjust for humanitarian reasons although they should not be underestimated but let us and it's a small european country that has been in the midst of tragedies of the 20th century and it's really important for how the relationship changes between the west and russia. they are watching that as a potential theatre of action. russia considers its backyard and the only reason lukashenko is in power is because of russia's backing. it's all the more important for america and europe to impose sanctions now for his regime which will serve as a message to russia. it's also a message to russia. it's also a message to russia. it's also a message to it's a small country which including china has a

traditional backer of lukashenko. a lot of things could be decided, a lot of things could be decided, a lot of things could be decided, a lot of decisions can be made, a lot of calculations made on the basis of what happens next in belarus. i think it's a country we must watch very carefully and we should learn whatever support we can give to very brave people who are in jail, whatever support we can give to very brave people who are injail, in terrible conditions. brave people who are in “ail, in terrible conditionsh brave people who are in “ail, in | terrible conditionsfi i brave people who are in “ail, in - terrible conditionsfi i am terrible conditions. thank you. i am auoin to terrible conditions. thank you. i am going to take _ terrible conditions. thank you. i am going to take a _ terrible conditions. thank you. i am going to take a different _ terrible conditions. thank you. i am going to take a different approach. | going to take a different approach. ithink— going to take a different approach. i think the — going to take a different approach. i think the story that does not receive — i think the story that does not receive enough attention but only in its authors — receive enough attention but only in its author's eyes and that's dominic cummings, — its author's eyes and that's dominic cummings, we need revelation about health _ cummings, we need revelation about health secretary and boris johnson and their— health secretary and boris johnson and their utter mismanagement of the covid-i9 _ and their utter mismanagement of the covid—19 crisis early on. a year ago johnson's _ covid—19 crisis early on. a year ago johnson's on — covid—19 crisis early on. a year ago johnson's on lack of confidence in matt— johnson's on lack of confidence in matt hancock. in another era that might— matt hancock. in another era that might have been resignations about this stuff— might have been resignations about this stuff but it shows you howl

might have been resignations about this stuff but it shows you how i of politicians — this stuff but it shows you how i of politicians has changed in the last number— politicians has changed in the last number of— politicians has changed in the last number of years. like donald trump, it's acceptable that people just accept — it's acceptable that people just accept that boris johnson it's acceptable that people just accept that borisjohnson is kind of chaotic— accept that borisjohnson is kind of chaotic and — accept that borisjohnson is kind of chaotic and incompetent and now he says he's— chaotic and incompetent and now he says he's on— chaotic and incompetent and now he says he's on health secretary ace and the _ says he's on health secretary ace and the story had no impact, itjust kind of— and the story had no impact, itjust kind of dissipated and so we moved on. kind of dissipated and so we moved oh do— kind of dissipated and so we moved on. ., ., this kind of dissipated and so we moved on-_ this storyi on. do move on indeed. this story about one — on. do move on indeed. this story about one of _ on. do move on indeed. this story about one of the _ on. do move on indeed. this story about one of the les _ on. do move on indeed. this story about one of the les granotes - on. do move on indeed. this story about one of the les granotes of l about one of the les granotes of syria _ about one of the les granotes of syria which — about one of the les granotes of syria which is _ about one of the les granotes of syria which is now _ about one of the les granotes of syria which is now controlled - about one of the les granotes of syria which is now controlled byl syria which is now controlled by president — syria which is now controlled by president assad's _ syria which is now controlled by president assad's forces. - syria which is now controlled byl president assad's forces. people syria which is now controlled by- president assad's forces. people put it —— president assad's forces. people put it -- people — president assad's forces. people put it -- people living— president assad's forces. people put it —— people living in— president assad's forces. people put it —— people living in the _ president assad's forces. people put it —— people living in the northwest. it —— people living in the northwest corner— it —— people living in the northwest corner are — it —— people living in the northwest cornerare being— it —— people living in the northwest cornerare being kept— it —— people living in the northwest corner are being kept alive - it —— people living in the northwest corner are being kept alive by- it —— people living in the northwest corner are being kept alive by a - corner are being kept alive by a lifeline — corner are being kept alive by a lifeline which _ corner are being kept alive by a lifeline which is _ corner are being kept alive by a lifeline which is a _ corner are being kept alive by a lifeline which is a border- corner are being kept alive by a i lifeline which is a border crossing from _ lifeline which is a border crossing from turkey— lifeline which is a border crossing from turkey and _ lifeline which is a border crossing from turkey and that _ lifeline which is a border crossing i from turkey and that cross—border operation — from turkey and that cross—border operation is — from turkey and that cross—border operation is at _ from turkey and that cross—border operation is at risk _ from turkey and that cross—border operation is at risk and _ from turkey and that cross—border operation is at risk and it - from turkey and that cross—border operation is at risk and it would i operation is at risk and it would expire — operation is at risk and it would expire july— operation is at risk and it would expire july the _ operation is at risk and it would expire july the 10th. _ operation is at risk and it would expire july the 10th. presidentl expire july the 10th. president biden— expire july the 10th. president biden said _ expire july the 10th. president biden said he _ expire july the 10th. president biden said he discussed - expire july the 10th. president biden said he discussed it- expire july the 10th. presidentj biden said he discussed it with president _ biden said he discussed it with president putin— biden said he discussed it with president putin at _ biden said he discussed it with president putin at their - biden said he discussed it with. president putin at their meeting biden said he discussed it with - president putin at their meeting but no decision— president putin at their meeting but no decision was _ president putin at their meeting but no decision was made _ president putin at their meeting but no decision was made in— president putin at their meeting but no decision was made in president. no decision was made in president putin— no decision was made in president putin and — no decision was made in president putin and he — no decision was made in president putin and he did _ no decision was made in president putin and he did not _ no decision was made in president putin and he did not confirm - no decision was made in president putin and he did not confirm that. putin and he did not confirm that russia _ putin and he did not confirm that russia would _ putin and he did not confirm that russia would not _ putin and he did not confirm that russia would not again _ putin and he did not confirm that russia would not again veto - putin and he did not confirm that russia would not again veto that| russia would not again veto that last border— russia would not again veto that last border crossing. _ russia would not again veto that last border crossing. it's - russia would not again veto that last border crossing. it's now- last border crossing. it's now because _ last border crossing. it's now because of— last border crossing. it's now because of the _ last border crossing. it's now because of the veto - last border crossing. it's now because of the veto by - last border crossing. it's now because of the veto by china| last border crossing. it's now- because of the veto by china and russia _ because of the veto by china and russia and — because of the veto by china and russia and it's _

because of the veto by china and russia and it's down _ because of the veto by china and russia and it's down to - because of the veto by china and russia and it's down to one - because of the veto by china and russia and it's down to one and i because of the veto by china and i russia and it's down to one and so the fate _ russia and it's down to one and so the fate of— russia and it's down to one and so the fate of millions _ russia and it's down to one and so the fate of millions of— russia and it's down to one and so the fate of millions of people - russia and it's down to one and so the fate of millions of people in i the fate of millions of people in that un — the fate of millions of people in that un security— the fate of millions of people in that un security council- the fate of millions of people in that un security council next i the fate of millions of people in - that un security council next month. just briefly— that un security council next month. just briefly on — that un security council next month. just briefly on the _ that un security council next month. just briefly on the russia, _ just briefly on the russia, continuing concern in russia about what's happening in syria? where has this conflict been parked? mater; what's happening in syria? where has this conflict been parked?— this conflict been parked? now, the conflict has — this conflict been parked? now, the conflict has not _ this conflict been parked? now, the conflict has not been _ this conflict been parked? now, the conflict has not been parked, - this conflict been parked? now, the| conflict has not been parked, russia will use whatever cards it's got. the confrontation with the us has not ended. if a bargaining chip input and's relationship withjoe biden. what putin wants most of all, this meeting has been with what we began with has been all about firming up blinds and clarifying rules of engagement. for putin, the most important thing is thatjoe biden and america keeps out of russian politics which russia sees as interference and essence of a conspiratorial mind and keeps out of russian's backyard i'm in return for

that syria is a very important bargaining chip that russia thinks it can trade. he does not really care about aside, it does not care about rebuilding the date in syria. it's purely a transactional term. thank you all very much. thank you for your company. thank you all very much. thank you foryour company. i hope thank you all very much. thank you for your company. i hope you have a good night. it has been a real day of contrast with lots of sunshine and warmth in the north and west. for some eastern areas a month's worth of rain with low pressure on the scene. they had

the rain and thunder is clearing overnight. it's tricky if you are in there with standing water on the roads. it has turned marsh hourly through the evening but still some of the virus and the odd rumble of thunder before it clears out of the way. a fine evening with some late sunshine and 30 skies temperatures dipping away. —— as they rank there is only able to take higher humidity so it looks like it will be more comfortable for sleeping in and eastern areas and dryer but it could be misty and fog early on. it looks like a promising day for dry and bright weather across england. elsewhere a fine start but it will be my shower surround here and there because of the strength of the sunshine and low pressure is approaching both the west and the south. the wind will be like so if you're outside those heavy downpour as it will feel pleasant but not if you saw —— suffer from hay fever because been able to attend to high

if not very high across most of england for the day tomorrow. and some strong sunshine as well. that goes without saying at this time of year. it will feel warm enough in central and southeastern areas of my sunshine but equally there could be some heavy showers because as through the evening and overnight we have a low pressure coming up from the south and joining forces with low pressure from the it will be complicated, another heavy rain and similar areas to that but also it could be more widespread and it's tricky to put the details on at this stage is a statement to the forecast if you have plans. it looks like it will be an unsettled day of the weekend. in between the chalets it will feel warm enough with strong june sunshine but it's looking like a more unsettled day of the week. further afield we have got it to be taking on rails in rome on sunday and late afternoon and it looks warm here and it should be dry. as we

move into next week back here in the uk we will keep a low pressure caused by at least for the start of the weeks of the potential for showers around. there's more on the website.

this is bbc news — i'm kasia madera — with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. people in iran have been voting for their next president — but leading reformist candidates have been barred from standing. both sides are claiming victory after a verdict in a case between the eu and the drug company astrazeneca. public health officials injapan lock horns with politicians over whether to allow spectators into the olympics. translation: since holding the olympics has already decided i hope that it will be held in a way that the infection will not spread, that my personal and expert view. that my personal and expert view.

and... would you punch a crocodile in the face? we speak to a woman who did just that to rescue her twin sister.