US threatens to walk away from Ukraine peace talks

Summary

Global News Podcast Summary
BBC World Service | Episode: "US threatens to walk away from Ukraine peace talks"
Release Date: April 18, 2025

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1. US Threatens Withdrawal from Ukraine Peace Talks

Overview:
The United States is signaling a potential withdrawal from ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns about the future of the conflict resolution efforts.

Key Points:

• Marco Rubio's Warning:
  US Senator Marco Rubio stated that if significant progress isn't achieved shortly, the US might abandon peace talks. Speaking after a day of discussions in Paris with European leaders, Rubio emphasized the urgency:
  “...we’re prepared to do whatever we can to facilitate that and make sure that it happens... if we’re so far apart... then I think the President is probably at a point where he’s going to say, well, we’re done.” [02:15]

• Implications for Ukraine:
  Rubio highlighted the precarious situation for Ukraine, suggesting that the US might impose more punitive measures on Moscow or cease military aid altogether. This would leave Ukraine vulnerable, as European support alone may not suffice to counter Russia's military strength.

• Russian Response:
  Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the US threat, asserting that some progress has been made, such as a temporary halt to strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which Russia claims has now expired. Peskov redirected the accountability to the White House, stating, “... it’s up to the White House to answer that question.” [03:19]

• Long-Term Diplomatic Activity:
  Despite the current tension, Rubio noted ongoing high-level diplomatic efforts, including engagements between Trump’s envoy and Putin. However, frustrations remain within the Trump administration over unmet expectations for a swift end to the war.

Notable Quote:
"If it's not possible, if we're so far apart that this is not going to happen... we’re not going to continue with this endeavor for weeks and months on end."
— Senator Marco Rubio [02:15]

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2. Escalating Conflict in Gaza

Overview:
The Israeli military continues its offensive in Gaza, facing resistance from Hamas. Recent airstrikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Key Points:

• Casualties and Strikes:
  At least 23 people were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas positions in Gaza. Israeli military officials have reiterated that they are focusing on Hamas’s terror targets, having hit over 100 such sites recently.

• Displacement and Humanitarian Impact:
  The Al Mawasi camp, a major refuge for displaced individuals in southern Gaza, has faced repeated airstrikes despite Israeli advisories to seek safety there. Dr. Muhammad Abu Muhasib described the dire conditions:
  “People are running... there is no food, no drinkable water... everyone's face reflects the huge stress and trauma.” [07:43]

• Political Stance in Israel:
  Far-right Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocates for a comprehensive military occupation of Gaza, rejecting partial ceasefire deals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on dismantling Hamas to secure the release of hostages, despite public support in Israel for a ceasefire.

• Hamas’s Position:
  Hamas leader Khalil Al Hayy has rejected Israel's latest ceasefire proposal, insisting on the release of all hostages and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. This stance creates a significant hurdle for mediators attempting to broker peace.

Notable Quotes:
"It's a madness what's going on. People don't know where to go..."
— Dr. Muhammad Abu Muhasib, Al Mawasi Camp [07:43]

"Hamas would engage in what he called comprehensive package negotiations for a ceasefire that would release all the remaining hostages and would bring a full end to the war..."
— Hamas Negotiator Khalil Al Hayy [06:48]

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3. US Strikes in Yemen Kill Nearly 60

Overview:
The US intensified its military campaign in Yemen, conducting strikes on a key oil terminal controlled by the Houthi rebels. This marks one of the deadliest attacks since the escalation of US actions against Houthi targets.

Key Points:

• Details of the Strike:
  A significant attack targeted the Rasiza port’s fuel terminal, resulting in approximately 58 deaths and 120 injuries, as reported by the Houthis. The US aimed to disrupt Houthi fuel supplies and funding sources.

• Iran’s Condemnation:
  Iran, a supporter of the Houthis, condemned the US strikes as "barbaric" and a violation of the UN Charter. Hamas, also backed by Iran, labeled the attacks as war crimes.

• Strategic Context:
  The US military's increased presence in Yemen follows the Houthis' declaration to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping, reacting to Israel’s aid blockade of Gaza. President Trump declared that US strikes would continue until the Houthis no longer pose a threat to shipping lanes.

Notable Quote:
"Iran... has called this barbaric and a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter."
— Senator Marco Rubio [11:15]

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4. Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan’s Zamzam Camp

Overview:
Sudan's largest displaced persons camp, Zamzam, has been devastated by attacks from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in North Darfur.

Key Points:

• Destruction of Zamzam Camp:
  Satellite imagery revealed that Zamzam camp was almost entirely destroyed in recent RSF attacks. Another camp, Abu Shuk, was also targeted, leading to mass displacement and severe hardships for residents.

• Atrocities Committed by RSF:
  The RSF has been accused of widespread abuses, including extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and theft, causing immense suffering among the civilian population.

• Humanitarian Response:
  Humanitarian agencies report being overwhelmed by the influx of refugees fleeing the violence. Many displaced individuals are in critical need of medical care, food, and shelter. Testimonials from survivors highlight the desperate conditions: “Some of them are deaf upon arrival... children are actually dying because of lack of water and lack of food.” — Marion Ramstein, Doctors Without Borders [13:37]

Notable Quote:
"It's a free for all. It became this looting mentality."
— Flavio Volpe, Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association [16:04]
(Note: This quote is likely misplaced in the transcript and should relate to Zamzam's chaos if applicable.)

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5. US-Canada Tariffs Impacting Auto Industry in Windsor

Overview:
The imposition of 25% tariffs by the US on the auto industry, followed by Canadian retaliation, has led to the temporary closure of Stellantis' assembly plant in Windsor, Michigan, affecting thousands of workers.

Key Points:

• Plant Closure:
  Stellantis announced a two-week shutdown of its Windsor plant, the town’s largest employer with over 4,000 workers. Although production resumed on Monday, the future remains uncertain.

• Economic and Community Impact:
  The closure has heightened anxiety among workers and their families, as well as suppliers dependent on the plant’s operations. Flavio Volpe expressed concern over the long-term viability of the plant:
  “...none of us in the business has ever modeled for the fact that the president would use the powers of the Oval Office to turn the business upside down.” [18:10]

• Political Ramifications:
  President Trump hinted at a possible temporary reprieve from tariffs if automakers agree to produce more domestically. However, industry experts argue that more time is needed to adapt, warning that impending tariffs on auto parts could severely disrupt production unless significant changes are made.

Notable Quote:
"If you’re making a Jeep in Ohio and the seats don’t show up from London, Ontario, well, you’re not making a Jeep."
— Flavio Volpe, Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association [18:23]

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6. New Islamist-Led Government in Syria and Minority Rights

Overview:
Eight years after the fall of the Assad regime, Syria now has an Islamist-led transitional government. While there have been initial freedoms, concerns are rising about potential restrictions on religious and social liberties.

Key Points:

• Cultural Shifts:
  Director Leith Hajjour of the popular Syrian soap opera "Al Batal" noted increased support from new authorities, but recent violence targeting Alawites and other minorities raises fears of a more repressive Islamic order.

• Impact on Social Freedoms:
  Despite no new laws imposing strict religious restrictions, there have been attempts to enforce Islamic norms, such as segregating public spaces and advocating for full-face veils. In Christian neighborhoods like Babsharki in Damascus, authorities have intermittently shut down bars serving alcohol, citing licensing issues.

• Community Response:
  Locals, including Muslims, express dissatisfaction with the push towards stricter Islamic practices. Imam Muhammad Ala Ad Din Al Sayed reassured that Syrian society values diversity and religious freedom, citing the Quranic principle of no compulsion in religion:
  “Our society will not accept it. We have lived in harmony with different sects for years... No compulsion in religion.” [24:25]

• Fear of Radicalization:
  The increasing presence of Salafi influences within the new government is causing concern among minority communities about the potential erosion of established social freedoms.

Notable Quote:
"We are not just Muslims in Syria. It is a diverse society... It is more important than building a mosque."
— Local Student Zahra Mazar [22:39]

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7. Medical Breakthrough: Artificial Heart Transplant in China

Overview:
Chinese doctors in Wuhan have successfully implanted one of the world’s smallest and lightest artificial hearts into a seven-year-old boy, marking a significant advancement in pediatric heart care.

Key Points:

• Innovative Technology:
  The artificial heart weighs just 45 grams and measures under 3 centimeters in diameter. This miniaturization is crucial for fitting such devices into young children, providing them with more time while awaiting a heart transplant.

• Global Context:
  This achievement follows a 2012 case in Italy where doctors implanted an 11-gram device into a 16-month-old boy. Such innovations are pivotal in addressing the global shortage of donor hearts for pediatric patients.

Notable Quote:
"This tiny piece of technology will critically give the child more time to wait for a transplant."
— Rebecca Wood, Correspondent [25:14]

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8. Fyre Festival 2: Billy McFarland’s Latest Attempt

Overview:
Billy McFarland, convicted for the disastrous Fyre Festival of 2017, is attempting to revive his infamous event with Fyre Festival 2. However, early signs suggest challenges reminiscent of the original failure.

Key Points:

• Festival Plans:
  Fyre Festival 2 aims to offer an exclusive luxury experience in Mexico, featuring high-end packages priced up to a million dollars. Despite the extravagant plans outlined in McFarland’s 50-page festival manifesto, local authorities have raised concerns about planning permissions, leading to indefinite postponement.

• Potential Risks:
  Reflecting on the original festival’s collapse, which left attendees stranded and led to McFarland’s imprisonment, there is skepticism about the feasibility and sincerity of Fyre Festival 2.

• Public Reception:
  Despite the notorious legacy, there appears to be a notable demand for the sequel. However, the lack of proper planning and regulatory approvals casts doubt on its success.

Notable Quote:
"Save yourself mode kicked in, right?... It became this looting mentality."
— James Waterhouse [15:53]

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Conclusion

This episode of the Global News Podcast delved into several critical global issues, from geopolitical tensions affecting peace talks in Ukraine and escalating conflicts in the Middle East to humanitarian crises in Sudan and Yemen. Additionally, the podcast highlighted significant developments in technology and the repercussions of international trade policies on local communities. Each story was enriched with on-the-ground reports and expert analyses, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current global landscape.

Notable Closing Quote:
"We have lived in harmony with different sects for years, even during difficult times."
— Imam Muhammad Ala Ad Din Al Sayed [24:25]

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Transcript

[Jannat Jalil]

This is the global news podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Jannat jalil and at 13 hours GMT on Friday 18th April, these are our main stories. The US threatens to walk away from Ukraine peace talks if real progress isn't made. Within days, US strikes on a key oil terminal in a Houthi controlled part of Yemen are reported to have killed nearly 60 people. Sudan's biggest camp for displaced people is destroyed by RSF rebels. Also in this podcast, what will the new Islamist led government in Syria mean for religious minorities?

[James Waterhouse]

We are not just Muslims in Syria, it is a diverse society. The priority for us is to learn music, theatre, how to film. It is more important than building a mosque.

[Jannat Jalil]

And could it be a game changer? The artificial heart transplanted into a small boy in China. But first time is running out to agree a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Donald Trump famously promised to end the war within a day if he became US President. But having failed to extract any major concessions from Russia, Mr. Trump has recently been showing growing signs of frustration and this week again blamed Ukraine for starting the war. Now, his top diplomat, Marco Rubio, has warned that if there isn't real progress soon, America will simply walk away. This despite Ukraine taking the first step towards signing a controversial minerals deal with the US. After a day of talks in Paris with European leaders, Mr. Rubio sounded this warning.

[Marco Rubio]

So we came here yesterday to try to figure out very soon, and I'm talking about a matter of days, not a matter of weeks, whether or not this is the war that can be ended. If it can, we're prepared to do whatever we can to facilitate that and make sure that it happens, that it ends in a durable and just way. If it's not possible, if we're so far apart that this is not going to happen, then I think the President is probably at a point where he's going to say, well, we're done. We'll do what we can on the margins. We'll be ready to help whenever you're ready to have peace. But we're not going to continue with this endeavor for weeks and months on end.

[Jannat Jalil]

So what could this mean for Ukraine? Our correspondent there is James Waterhouse.

[Marco Rubio]

It's a perilous political juncture for Ukraine because it could mean that America brings in more punitive measures for Moscow in terms of further sanctions to try and bring it to the table. But hearing Mr. Rubio there, that seems like America would turn its back. And when you consider that American military aid for Ukraine is just going to dry up. The Trump administration hasn't signed off any further packages. None have been put in front of Congress. He hasn't used any presidential drawdown powers to sign off military aid that would amount to leaving Ukraine to continue to fight this war with the Europeans still working out what kind of troop presence they could provide, what kind of weapons manufacturing they could uphold. And it's widely accepted that that collective weight of Europe and Ukraine is still insufficient to keep Russia at bay in the long term. Despite all of the positive sounds coming from Paris with the meeting of European, American and Ukrainian officials, it seems that actually we are more on a knife edge in regards to the course of this war.

[Jannat Jalil]

James Waterhouse, well, the Kremlin spokesman was asked for his response to the US Threat to abandon the Ukraine peace talks. Dmitry Peskov said it was up to the White House to answer that question, but insisted that some progress had been made. For instance, a temporary moratorium on striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which Russia now says has expired.

[Marco Rubio]

Contacts going on are quite complicated because naturally the topic of peace settlement in Ukraine is not. Russia is committed to resolving this conflict, ensuring its own interests, and is open to dialogue. We continue to do this.

[Jannat Jalil]

So what could this latest US Threat mean for Moscow? Our Russia editor is Steve Rosenberg.

[Marco Rubio]

Well, just listening to Dmitry Peskov there, he doesn't seem to be overly concerned by the warning from Marco Rubio. There's no sense that Russia is changing its position. What the Russians are saying is, yep, things are not going very easily in negotiations, but he said it was up to America to decide whether to pull out or not. So I don't think there's any change in position there. But I think it's important to realise, to keep in mind that we're only seeing the tip of the iceberg here. We are not privy to all the conversations that have been going on around the tables, and that includes the conversations between Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Vladimir Putin a few days ago in St Petersburg. That includes the conversations that went on in Paris yesterday. Clearly, there's a lot of diplomatic activity going on, high level diplomatic activity. So I think we need to wait and see what happens in the next few days. But there does seem to be a frustration on the part of the Trump administration that this deal that Donald Trump thought he could get in 24 hours, well, he hasn't got it yet.

[Jannat Jalil]

And there's a lot of fear from Ukraine. As we were just hearing, we heard President zelenskyy talking about Mr. Wyckoff of spreading Russian narratives. If the US was to walk away from the peace talks. Surely that would suit Russia, given that it has such a bigger military machine.

[Marco Rubio]

Well, I think Ukraine has more to worry about this than Russia does, Certainly. You mentioned Russian narratives. Yes. For months now, we've seen senior US officials, particularly Mr. Witkoff, repeating Russian narratives. He's been effusive in his praise of Vladimir Putin. And clearly the Trump administration wants to get on and repair relations with Russia. There's talk about potential lucrative deals, economic partnership. So while the Ukraine peace talks have been going on at the same time, the US And Russia have been getting on separately, trying to repair their relations. And there's no suggestion that if the Trump administration was to walk away from the Ukraine peace talks, that it would stop its bilateral discussions with Russia.

[Jannat Jalil]

Steve Rosenberg, the Israeli military is continuing to attack Gaza as Hamas resists its attempts to renegotiate the original ceasefire deal that saw hostages released earlier this year. Hospital officials say at least 23 people were killed in the latest overnight strikes on the strip. Hamas says it will accept a deal that sees all the remaining hostages in Gaza released in exchange for an end to the war, but it won't accept a partial deal that serves the Israeli prime Minister's political agenda. Our correspondent in Jerusalem, Yolandonel, gave us this update.

[Yolandonel]

The latest we've heard from reports from local hospitals of at least 23 people killed in different parts of the Gaza Strip, particularly in the south and in the north in the latest strikes. We've not had new comments from the Israeli military on what it was targeting. It did say a day ago that it was hitting Hamas targets and had hit more than 100 of them, what it called terror targets. In the past couple of days, there was a lot of attention that was being given towards the end of Thursday to these shocking scenes that came out from the Al Mawasi camp, this sprawling tent city for displaced people which is on the coast in southern Gaza. This is where the Israeli military has repeatedly told people to flee to for their own safety as they've been leaving Rafah and other locations in the south. But it has seen repeated airstrikes. Dr. Muhammad Abu Muhasib is currently based in Al Mawasi and he contacted the BBC to describe what life is like there.

[Marco Rubio]

It's a madness what's going on. It's people don't know where to go. People are running. Hundred thousands of people are moving from one place to another.

[James Waterhouse]

I mean, they don't know where to go. There is no safe place at all.

[Marco Rubio]

There is no food There is no drinkable water anymore. The remaining food are not as high prices. You see their faces in the street, you see the patients, you see your colleagues even. I mean, everyone's face reflects the huge stress and trauma that they are facing. The effect of these bombs, I mean, the ground is shaking. It's like an earthquake.

[Jannat Jalil]

And this comes as a far right Israeli minister has said it's time to open the gates of hell on Hamas after it rejected Israel's latest ceasefire offer.

[Yolandonel]

That's right. This is Bezalel Smotrich, the Finance minister. He's also calling for Israel to continue its fighting in the Gaza Strip, to go for a full military occupation there. And ultimately he is somebody who advocates the re establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza. And you can see how there is this hard line government in Israel with the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu part of that, really insisting that the fighting should continue to dismantle Hamas in terms of its governmental and military capabilities, saying that's the only way to bring home hostages. While Israeli opinion polls suggest there is actually wide public support for a ceasefire deal to bring home the remaining hostages, it's thought there are 24 still alive in Gaza being held by Hamas. And there's an acknowledgement that that will involve hard decisions and ending war. Really a lot more focus on this in the Israeli and Palestinian media after we heard from the chief Hamas negotiator, Khalil Al Hayy, in this televised address, basically making clear that Hamas would not accept the latest Israeli proposal for another 45 day ceasefire. We understand Khalil Al Hayy saying Hamas would engage in what he called comprehensive package negotiations for a ceasefire that would release all the remaining hostages and would bring a full end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Israel, we understand, has been pushing now for the complete disarmament of Hamas to be part of a new ceasefire deal. That's a red line for the group. And it's now very clear there is just this big gap that mediators are really struggling to bridge.

[Jannat Jalil]

Yoland Nel in Jerusalem as we record this podcast. U.S. strikes on a key oil terminal in a part of Yemen controlled by the Houthis are reported to have killed nearly 60 people. It's one of the deadliest attacks since President Trump ordered US Forces to intensify their bombing campaign last month in response to Houthi assaults on Red Sea shipping. Iran, which backs the Houthis, has condemned the US Attacks, which come a day before Washington resumes negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program. Our Middle east regional editor Mike Thompson told us more.

[Marco Rubio]

This was a very big strike on the Rasiza port's fuel terminal. We had TV pictures coming in from that's Huthibun tv, pictures of fireballs lighting up the sky and thick columns of black smoke and burning vehicles and bodies being taken from the scene. And as you'd mentioned there, 58 people are believed to have died, according to the houthis, and another 120 injured. And the aim of all this, the US says, is to hit the Houthis fuel supplies and also dent their funding.

[Jannat Jalil]

And we've had this strong condemnation from Iran. What have they been saying?

[Marco Rubio]

Well, Iran, which of course backs the Houthis, has called this barbaric and a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. Even Hamas has weighed in too, of course, also backed by Iran, saying it's a fully fledged war crime.

[Jannat Jalil]

And tell us about the broader picture here, why the US Military has stepped up its attacks on the Houthis in Yemen.

[Marco Rubio]

Well, it follows the Houthis saying they were going to resume attacks against shipping following Israel's aid blockade of Gaza. And that's been going on for more than six weeks now. And the Houthis, of course, had stopped these attacks during the two month ceasefire from January to mid March. The US has resumed its strikes on almost a daily basis since then. And President Trump has said these will continue until the U.S. considers that the Houthis are no longer a threat to shipping.

[Jannat Jalil]

Mike Thompson, Hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the civil war in Sudan have sought refuge in Zamzam camp. But now satellite photographs from the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab show that the camp has been almost completely destroyed after attacks by the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group that has been trying to seize power. The RSF also attacked another camp, Abu Shuk. Both are in North Darfur, near the regional capital of Al Fashr, the last major city in Darf controlled by the Sudanese army but which has been under siege for months. Both sides have been accused of appalling abuses, including extrajudicial killings of civilians and sexual violence. Our Africa correspondent Mahony Jones has this report.

[James Waterhouse]

Almost half a million people are still fleeing after Zamzam, Sudan's largest camp for the internally displaced, was attacked by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. After losing the capital, Khartoum, to the Sudanese army, many RSF fighters have retreated to their stronghold of Darfur, where they've taken over camps for the internally displaced on the outskirts of the town of El Fha. They're accused of killing thousands of civilians and of raping women as they tore through the camps. Those fleeing walked for days across 60 km of arid land to the nearest safe haven of Tawila.

[Leena Sinjab]

What we are witnessing is really hard to describe.

[James Waterhouse]

Marion Ramstein is the project coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in North Darfur.

[Leena Sinjab]

It's truck full of people arriving every five minutes, and the people who arrive, some of them are deaf upon arrival. Some of them are lacking water, food. They didn't have a drip of water, drop of water for two days, and children are actually dying because of lack of water and lack of food.

[James Waterhouse]

Humanitarian agencies in Teruila say they were overwhelmed by the number of new arrivals in the day following the attack on Zamzam. Since then, the flow of people has slowed down. Those fleeing the violence say RSF fighters are preventing people from leaving and distributing food to make them stay. But many of those who manage to get to Tehwhila are injured and in desperate need of urgent medical care. Issa Abdullah Ahmed used to live in Zamzam and fled to Teruila with six other people. He has a large bandage covering his mouth.

[Marco Rubio]

On the road here, we encountered the rapid support forces. Three vehicles opened fire on us. They beat us, humiliated us and took everything we had, even our belts. A bullet hit me by the mouth.

[James Waterhouse]

Fethiyeh walked for four days carrying two children and her belongings. She says she's hungry and has no clothes, but her biggest wish is for the war to stop. Saadia says the RSF fighters burned down her home and her sheep. She was robbed by other fighters as she fled with her two toddlers and her donkey. She says they have nothing left and are exhausted. The RSF says it set up a parallel government that will serve all Sudanese people. But those who've witnessed the violence of the past week have been left traumatized. The group wants to overtake Al Fasha, the last state capital in Darfur under the control of the Sudanese armed forces. If they're successful. Their fears, the worst is still to come.

[Jannat Jalil]

That report by Myene Jones. Still to come on this podcast. The Fire Festival eight years ago was a disaster.

[James Waterhouse]

Oh, my God.

[Flavio Volpe]

The save yourself mode kicked in, right?

[James Waterhouse]

It's a free for all. It became this looting mentality, but its.

[Jannat Jalil]

Organizer has not given up, despite having to serve a jail term and is trying to hold it again. You're listening to the Global news podcast. When President Trump brought in 25% tariffs on the auto industry earlier this month and Canada retaliated, Stellantis, the car making giant that owns brands such as Chrysler Dodge and Jeep announced it would close its assembly plant in the Canadian town of Windsor for two weeks. Windsor is just a bridge away from the American state of Michigan and the plant is the town's largest employer with more than 4,000 workers. On Monday, production will start again. But for how long? Flavio Volpe is the president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association. He told Luke Wilson about the impact of the two week closure.

[Flavio Volpe]

Well, you know, there's thousands of people that work at that plant that are, you know, multi generational auto workers who've got some real anxiety. But also there's about three times as many people that work at the supplier plants that make the components that go into that final assembly who've had the same experience. We're watching the plant reopen after a two week shutdown in April, which is unprecedented in this business. And the company has promised that it'll be up and running for the next couple of weeks and then we'll see what happens. So that anxiety isn't lifting.

[Marco Rubio]

So we don't know the source of long term future of the plant?

[Flavio Volpe]

No, we don't. And what's interesting is Stellantis and the brands that they make, their Chrysler, Dodge, they've been making cars in Windsor for 99 years. It's a critical part of the culture and the identity of that city and has been a wonderful investor and employer. It's just the front line of this idea that none of us in the business has ever modeled for the fact that the president would use the powers of the Oval Office to turn the business upside down.

[Marco Rubio]

And there have been some suggestions. Earlier this week, President Trump saying that automakers might be getting some kind of temporary reprieve from these tariffs. He said that they need a little bit of time because they're going to make them here. What do you make of that?

[Flavio Volpe]

I've always said automakers don't need a little bit of time. You know, they need a lot of time. If he actually wanted to have these companies move to the US which will fight tooth and nail for to wind up a plant to set up the same capacity on some willing site. If as planned, tariffs go through on May 3 for auto parts, I've been saying for months it will grind the industry to a halt. You can't make the cars without all of the parts. So if you're making a Jeep in Ohio and the seats don't show up from London, Ontario, well, you're not making a Jeep. And if you put a 25% tariff on parts that have a 7% profit margin. Someone's not going to ship.

[Marco Rubio]

Taking it back to the Stellantis plant and to Windsor. What does it mean for the people there? You know, the mood of the workers, the people in that community, Flavio, you.

[Flavio Volpe]

Know, in a practical sense, you go to work at that plant, you go on your shift and you're not on your phone and they don't have TVs or a radio running. So you go in to work for eight hours and you're working with the person beside you and the other person beside you in a place where you earn your living to feed your kids and pay your rent or pay your mortgage. People that are starting to get used to television cameras recording them on their way in and on the way out is not what people sign up for. And they're in a car town. You're in a car town contemplating that your car employer may not be there two weeks from now, two months from now, two years from now. I sympathize very much with that. Because what we've seen throughout the Midwest, when car companies pick up and leave, these are two billion dollar capital investments. When they leave, they don't come back. And usually what that means is if you want prosperity, if you want the next generation to have what you had, they have to move. And somehow your job is political. I don't think any of those people signed up for that.

[Jannat Jalil]

Flavio Volpe Four months on from the fall of the Assad regime and the end of decades of repressive rule, Syria has a new transitional government. Syrians have been enjoying their new political and social freedoms after more than half a century in which they could be incarcerated, tortured or disappeared for the most minor of offenses. But some fear that those freedoms could be lost once again under the new Islamist led government. Leena Sinjab sent this report from Damascus.

[Leena Sinjab]

This is a scene from the most popular Syrian soap opera during Ramadan, Al Batal, the Hero. The story reflects the reality of the past 14 years. War, bombing, displacement, corruption and killing. Director Leith Hajjour is instructing actors from behind his monitor. He faced difficulties obtaining filming permits from the old regime, but says the new authorities have given him their full support.

[James Waterhouse]

I received all the support and facilitation from the people in charge of the.

[Leena Sinjab]

Media and the new government.

[Marco Rubio]

But that doesn't mean anything in the long run.

[James Waterhouse]

I am not optimistic at all about.

[Marco Rubio]

The coming period regarding what we are seeing or experiencing.

[Leena Sinjab]

Recent violence in coastal cities saw more than 1,400 civilians killed, many of them Alawites, part of Assad's minority sect. The violence has also affected filming.

[James Waterhouse]

Unfortunately, the line between drama and life.

[Leena Sinjab]

Has started to blur to the point.

[Marco Rubio]

Where our own events are repeated with our characters. The characters in the series found themselves.

[Leena Sinjab]

Trapped in their place.

[James Waterhouse]

Some actors in the series couldn't come.

[Yolandonel]

To the filming because they were trapped in the mountains.

[Leena Sinjab]

At Damascus University, students represent Syria's mixed and diverse society. Now again, a new mosque is being built on campus without notice and without building permission. Students like Zahra Mazar don't think this is a priority.

[James Waterhouse]

We are not just Muslims in Syria. It is a diverse society with different sects. The priority for us is to learn music, theater, how to film. It is more important than building a mosque.

[Leena Sinjab]

There have been no new laws or rulings imposing restrictions on social life. But Syrians have seen several attempts to enforce Islamic rule with some public institutions separating entry for men and women and some men seen distributing flyers asking women to wear full faced veils on public buses. And in Christian neighborhoods in Damascus, some cars were filmed driving through the streets with preachers advocating for Islam over loudspeakers. Locals are not happy, including Muslims. In the predominantly Christian neighborhood of Babsharki in Damascus, several bars were shut down for serving alcohol. A few days later, under public pressure, they were allowed to open again, provided they obtain a license. The fear is that they will never be able to get the name. In the heart of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, the call for prayer has started. Damascus is known for its tolerant type of Islam. But many fear that among the new authorities there is a more Salafi background that could affect social freedoms. At this mosque they are attacking Sufi worshippers and and calling them infidels. I spoke to Imam Muhammad Ala Ad Din Al Sayed and asked if he worries a more radical Islam will take over.

[James Waterhouse]

It is impossible.

[Marco Rubio]

Our society will not accept it. We have lived in harmony with different sects for years, even during difficult times. The Quran says it clearly. No compulsion in religion.

[Leena Sinjab]

Syrians have been through a lot over the past decades. While the majority live in poverty, they do enjoy religious and social freedoms. But some fear that these two are in the grip of a new repressive Islamic order.

[Jannat Jalil]

That report was by Leena Sinjab in Damascus. It's been hailed as a potential game changer in pediatric heart care. Doctors in the Chinese city of Wuhan say they've implanted one of the world's smallest and lightest artificial hearts into a seven year old boy.

[James Waterhouse]

Rebecca Wood reports paediatric heart failure. When a child's heart isn't able to pump as well as it should remains a serious medical challenge worldwide. The answer can be surgery, medication. Sometimes a heart transplant is required, but with a shortage of donor hearts, the wait can be long and worrisome. One option is to have a temporary artificial heart fitted, but the issue here is that most current models are designed for adults, and that's something doctors at Union Hospital in the Chinese city of Wuhan wanted to address. Teaming up with a medical technology company, they developed a special artificial heart. And now doctors say they've had a significant medical breakthrough. A seven year old boy suffering from end stage heart failure has had what the hospital says is the smallest and lightest version of the device fitted. Weighing just 45 grams, less than 3 centimeters in diameter, it's around the same size as the cap of a plastic water bottle. This tiny piece of technology will critically give the child more time to wait for a transplant. China isn't alone in trying to tackle this problem. Back in 2012, doctors in Italy implanted a device weighing just 11 grams into a 16 month old boy. It's hoped that such advancements could help future young heart patients around the world.

[Jannat Jalil]

Rebecca Wood A Netflix documentary called it the Greatest Party that Never Happened. Billed as a luxury festival experience, it was meant to offer the finest food, music and art on a remote island in the Bahamas. But the fyre festival in 2017 didn't quite turn out like that. Its American creator, Billy McFarland, ended up being jailed for fraud after serving his sentence. He's now having another go, but so far, that's also not really going to plan. Here's Alfie Habersham.

[Marco Rubio]

$10,000 is a lot to pay to haul a mattress through a car park in the rain as screaming people fight over cheese sandwiches. But there's a surprising appetite for Fyre Festival 2. Will it be any different to number one?

[Jannat Jalil]

All these models. Like in the Bahamas, the most insane.

[Yolandonel]

Festival the world has ever seen.

[James Waterhouse]

Island getaway turned disaster. It became very barbaric.

[Marco Rubio]

Well, the Netflix document entry told the story of that spectacular demise. Bill McFarland and his team were left with about six weeks to throw together a lavish experience that became a dystopian flop.

[James Waterhouse]

Oh my God. Turn this.

[Flavio Volpe]

Save yourself mode kicked in, right?

[James Waterhouse]

It's a free for all. It became this looting mentality.

[Marco Rubio]

People were left stranded in disaster relief tents. And in a Moment of desperation, McFarland urged his event planner to offer sexual favors to secure water, which was in critically short supply. But he's had six years in prison to think about how to fine tune Fire 2.0, a 50 page festival manifesto drawn up in solitary confinement, has put Mexico as the destination, with the top package on sale for a million dollars. But now a stumbling block. The local government says it has no record of any requests for planning permission, so it's been indefinitely postponed. Perhaps an oversight from the irrepressible McFarland, but he says he's not going to give up on relighting the fire.

[Jannat Jalil]

Alfie Haberson there. And that's all from us for now. But there will be a new edition of the Global News Podcast later. If you want to comment on this podcast, you can send us an email. The address is globalpodcastbc.co.uk. this edition was mixed by Nora Hoel. The producer was Oliver Burlau. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Janat Jalil. Until next time. Goodbye.