The Iran conflict may be America's and Israel's war of choice, but the fallout hits allies in Europe particularly hard. As their countries invest billions to rebuild their militaries in the face of a growing Russian threat, European leaders are standing up to US pressure. Wolfgang Ischinger was Germany's Ambassador to the United States. Now he's Chair of the Munich Security Conference, and he joins the show.  Also on today's show: Cochav Elkayem-Levy, Lead author, report on Sexual and Gender-based violence on October 7th; Ben McKenzie, Writer-Producer-Director of the new documentary "Everyone is Lying to You for Money"

May 12, 2026

Four months after the US invaded Caracas and captured leader Nicolas Maduro, what has become of the promise of democratic elections? It’s a question on the mind of our first guest. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is now in exile after a risky departure to accept her Nobel Peace Prize late last year — a prize she promptly gave to Trump. She joins Christiane from Washington.  Also on today's show: Omer Bartov, Author, “Israel: What Went Wrong”; journalist/author Bob Davis

May 11, 2026

This week we remember when giants strode this earth - the life and legacy of CNN founder Ted Turner. First our conversation from his Montana ranch in 2015, where he told me about the uphill battle to make 24-hour news, his fight to conserve the planet and banish nuclear weapons, and his difficult relationship with his father. Then memories from veteran journalist and author Walter Isaacson, about his years as Chairman and CEO of CNN under our founder. We also discuss his new book on America’...Show mores founding principles and the greatest sentence ever written. Plus, we turn to Christiane’s archive, as Britain’s broadcasting legend David Attenborough celebrates his 100th birthday. We hear about his greatest moments bringing the wonders of the natural world into our living rooms.         Air date: May 9, 2026 Guests: Ted Turner (archive) Walter Isaacson David Attenborough (archive)

May 9, 2026

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the country is confronting deep political division and growing questions about its identity. In his new book, “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written,” former CNN Chairman Walter Isaacson joins the show to re-examine the second line of the Declaration and how its ideals continue to shape what it means to be American today. He also reflects on CNN’s founder Ted Turner, who passed away earlier this week.  Also on today's show: naturalist Sir David Attenborough; author Sherrie Rollins Westie

May 8, 2026

At today's meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo, the two discussed their "shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity." Human dignity is often one of the first casualties of war: Iran reports more than three thousand people were killed during the US and Israeli attacks.  Very few reporters or Western officials have been permitted into Iran to see the devastation, making the experience of today’s first guest all the more important. Mirjana Spoljaric, the presi...Show moredent of the International Committee of the Red Cross, recently visited Tehran to meet with government officials.  Also on today's show: Alexander Gabuev, Director, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center; US House Democrat Shomari Figures; actor/musician Rita Wilson

May 7, 2026

CNN founder Ted Turner has died at the age of 87. An innovator and an icon, he revolutionized the television business by creating the first 24-hour news channel. Much more than a media mogul, Turner also was an environmentalist, a peace activist, a champion sailor, and a philanthropist. Christiane worked closely with him and joins the show to discuss his life and legacy.  Also on today's show: Danny Citrinowicz, former head of Iran branch of Israel’s military intelligence; author Rhae Lynn Barnes

May 6, 2026

Experts assess whether the US-Iran ceasefire is holding as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz and “Project Freedom,” with analysis from F. Gregory Gause III on regional dynamics involving Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The World Food Programme warns of a growing global hunger crisis tied to the conflict, while Nancy Northup discusses the Supreme Court’s move to preserve access to abortion pills. Plus, Barbara F. Walter examines the rising tide of political violence in the United States.

May 5, 2026

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have led to U.S. forces destroying Iranian boats after attacks on naval and commercial ships, with diplomacy stalled as the conflict enters its third month. Meanwhile, civil rights leaders criticize a recent Supreme Court decision weakening the Voting Rights Act. Energy experts warn Iran’s blockade is causing a historic global oil supply disruption, with broader impacts still unfolding.

May 4, 2026

From the war in Iran, to the global economy, to shifting international alliances - is the old world order gone for good? Former deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Iranian-American academic Vali Nasr on the latest in the war with Iran. Then, as the war's ripple effects seem to play into Putin's hands, the European perspective with Czech President Petr Pavel. CNN reporter Abeer Salman takes us to the West Bank, where Palestinian schoolchildren are protesting after Israeli settlers surroun...Show moreded their school with razor wire. Then, Christiane speaks to former Israeli diplomat Colette Avital about how she is speaking out against her country's government. For World Press Freedom Day, we go back to 2007, when Christiane visited Moscow and discovered many journalists living in fear. And finally, how King Charles' first state visit to the U.S. has been centuries in the making. Air date: May 2, 2026 Guests: Wendy Sherman & Vali Nasr Petr Pavel Colette Avital

May 2, 2026

Alix Didier Fils-Aimé describes Haiti’s ongoing crisis, where gang violence has dominated much of Port-au-Prince despite recent government efforts and a U.N.-backed international intervention to restore order; Natalie Livingstone highlights overlooked female figures who contributed to justice during the Nuremberg Trials; and Sarah Isgur discusses the current controversies surrounding the Supreme Court of the United States, arguing that public perceptions often misunderstand its role and offering ideas for reform amid growing political tensions.

May 1, 2026