The New Arab Voice

Last week we looked back at the first six months of 2023, and this week, we're completing the year with refresher on the last six months of the year. We remember the arguments at the UN Security Council over Syrian aid delivery, the release of Patrick Zaki, the deadly wedding fire in Iraq, the COP28 in Dubai, and of course, the deadly Hamas attack of 7 October and the following war in Gaza. As well as looking back, we look forward to the next 12 months in the Middle East and North Africa, with the help of The New Arab's finest journalists, correspondents, and editors. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023 is drawing to a close and we’re spending our last two episodes of the year to look back over the past twelve months and the stories that have shaped the Middle East. For our first episode of our review, we look at the months from January to June, with help from some of The New Arab’s journalists, correspondents, and editors. We remember the earthquake in Turkey, the normalisation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the protests in Israel, Erdogan’s victory, and much more. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Hamas attack of 7 October shook Israel to its core. It was a horrifying day that left at least 1,200 people dead, saw hundreds taken hostage, and a country deeply traumatised. Israel responded with a deadly barrage of airstrikes and bombardment. This assault continues to this day, and has so far killed over 17,000 people, and turned huge areas of Gaza into desolate wasteland. The stated aims of Israel is to destroy Hamas, remove them from power in Gaza, and secure the release of the hostages. This week on The New Arab Voice we assess Israel’s invasion of Gaza. How are they progressing? What have been their losses? And is there as risk that Israel will secure a tactical win, but a strategic defeat. Also, we explore how the ongoing Israeli assault is being viewed by Israelis, and what this all means for the future of Prime Minister Benjamin and Israeli thinking with regards to Palestinians. Do Israelis support the conflict, and do they support the manner in which the assault is being is being conducted? Can Netanyahu survive, and if he’s on the way out, then who will take his place? To help us understand the current state of Israel’s assault on Gaza, we speak with Tobias Borck (@tobiasborck), the senior research fellow for Middle East Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute (@RUSI_org).Also, we speak with Dr. Nimrod Goren (@GorenNimrod), a senior fellow for Israeli affairs at the Middle East Institute (@MiddleEastInst)You can sign up for our newsletter here. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ceasefire in Gaza didn’t last, but seven days without experiencing intense Israeli bombardments is certainly welcome. During the seven days when the worst of the violence was stopped, aid was able to get to the desperate people of Gaza, but additionally it allowed for the release of hostages, held by Hamas.In exchange, Palestinians held by Israel would also be released from Israeli prisons. During the ceasefire 110 hostages were released by Hamas, and 240 Palestinians have been released. This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at the details of the deal, those who have been released, how they have been released, and how Israel has controlled the release of the prisoners, and the families and communities welcoming home those released. Also we look at how the conditions in Israel’s prisons have deteriorated since the start of the conflict. Joining us, we speak with Tala Nasir. Tala is a lawyer for Addameer who has been monitoring the releases carefully. Addameer (@Addameer) is an NGO that advocates for prisoners held by Israel, offers free legal aid, works to end torture and other violations of prisoners rights, through monitoring legal procedures and solidarity campaigns. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death toll from the conflict in Gaza passed 14,000 this week. With a ceasefire starting on Friday evening, international diplomacy is happening, but so is the conflict. The recent four-day ceasefire and prisoner swap was negotiated by Qatar and Israel’s closest ally, the US. This week on The New Arab Voice, we look over the recent events in Gaza, including the siege of Al-Shifa Hospital, the humanitarian catastrophe that has a firm grip on the besieged strip, and the recently announced four-day ceasefire and prisoner and hostage swap. Also, we examine the US relationship with Israel and the view of the conflict from Washington. Did they US expect such a brutal response by Israel? Can the US hold Israel back, and can it lead the way over the political horizon to a settlement in the future. And what does the conflict mean for the Abraham Accords?Joining us to talk about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we speak with Kristyan Benedict (@KreaseChan), Amnesty International UK Crisis Response Manager (@AmnestyUK), and to guide us through US policy surrounding Gaza, we speak with Charles W. Dunne (@CharlesWDunne), adjunct professor at the Elliott School of International Studies (@ElliottSchoolGW) at the George Washington University, and also a non resident scholar at the Arab Center Washington, DC (@ArabCenterWDC).Find our newsletter here.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Violence in Gaza has continued to intensify. The death toll passed the grim milestone this week, with over 10,000 now killed. In addition to the ongoing violence in Gaza, the West Bank is also seeing an increased level of attacks by Israeli settlers and increased oppression by the Israeli occupation forces. This week on The New Arab Voice, why is violence rising in the West Bank, how are Palestinians in the West Bank feeling about the conflict in Gaza, and what is the Palestinian authority doing?Joining us to explain the situation on the ground, we’re joined by The New Arab’s West Bank correspondent, Qassam Muaddi (@QassaMMuaddi). Also, we speak with Nur Arafeh, a fellow at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center (@CarnegieMEC).Sign up to our newsletter here.  This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Israeli bombardment of the people of Gaza has unleashed horrors. Thousands have been killed, including thousands of children. There’s no end in sight, and Israel does not look like it will step away from its path. The past 27 days in Gaza have been punctuated by war crimes of almost every nature.This week on The New Arab Voice we look at the past 27 days, the crimes that have been committed, the tragedies endure by the people, and the lives lost in senseless massacres. We examine the intense humanitarian crisis the has gripped the Gaza Strip, in light of the tightened siege, and the failure to get aid to the people. We inspect the ceasefire options that are open to Israel, and the prospect of a ceasefire being implemented. Additionally, we look at Hamas, their military strength, the tactics they will use when Israel launched its full ground assault, and the value of their tunnels. Joining us, we speak with Kristyan Benedict (@KreaseChan), Amnesty International UK Crisis Response Manager (@AmnestyUK), and Merissa Khurma (@MerissaKhurma), the Program Director of the Middle East program at the Wilson Center (@TheWilsonCenter). Also, we hear directly from The New Arab's Gaza correspondent, Sally Ibrahim. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The attack by Hamas on 7 October has changed the region and the world in ways that are still yet to be completely understood. In response to the attack, which killed over 1,400 Israelis, and took 200 hostage, Israel has unleashed a brutal and indiscriminate campaign of airstrikes. So far, thousands of Palestinians have been killed. This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at Hamas' attack, why they decided to attack, what they hoped to achieve, the Israelis intelligence failings that allowed for the attack, how Israel is responding, the war crimes being committed today, and what war crimes might be committed in the future. Joining us to discuss Hamas' attack and what it means for Israel and the Israeli response in Gaza, we speak with Joost Hiltermann (@JoostHiltermann) the program director for the Middle East in North Africa, at the International Crisis Group (@CrisisGroup); and Lara Friedman (@LaraFriedmanDC) the President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace (@FMEP).You can sign up to our newsletter here. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The residents of the Libyan city of Derna are sadly no strangers to tragedy. They have seen war and violent militant groups ravage their town. But the recent environmental disaster that struck was a new terrifying horror.In the early hours of 11 September, after hours of torrential rain, the two dams outside Derna broke, sending a torrent of water in the heart of the city. Entire buildings were washed away. Thousands were killed, and thousands more simply disappeared.This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at the flood that destroyed a city, and the moments that were missed, when tragedy could have been avoided. Joining us, we speak with Johr Ali (@JOHRALI), a Libyan journalist from the city of Derna who now lives in exile in Istanbul.a Libyan journalist from the city of Derna who now lives in exile in Istanbul.Also, Emadeddin Badi (@emad_badi), a Libyan researcher and a non-resident senior fellow with the Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council (@AtlanticCouncil).And Malak Altaeb (@MalakLibya1), a Libyan environmental researcher and non-resident fellow at the Middle East Institute (@MiddleEastInst) in Washington.This podcast is written by Nadine Talaat (@nadine_talaat) and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talk of normalisation between Saudi Arabia and Israel is hotting up. Israel signed the Abraham Accords with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco in 2020, and were deemed to be a major development in the region.Israel is now looking to Saudi Arabia for a normalisation deal, which if achieved would have a major impact on the Middle East. But the deal is proving more difficult than the first normalisation deals. There are three main stumbling points. A Saudi security pact. Saudi nuclear ambitions. And the Palestine issue. This week on The New Arab Voice, we ask why Israel and Saudi Arabia are seeking normalisation? Can the Saudis get the security pact they want? Will the US agree to work with the Saudis on a civilian nuclear programme? Can the Palestinians get concessions from Israel, as part of the deal? And can the government of Benjamin Netanyahu's government survive a deal with Saudi Arabia?Joining us to talk all things normalisation, we have Gerald Feierstein, a distinguished senior fellow on US diplomacy at the Middle East Institute (@MiddleEastInst), and Director of its Arabian Peninsula Affairs programme.Also, Joe Macaron (@macaronjoe), a Global Fellow with the Wilson Centre's Middle East Program (@TheWilsonCenter) and research analyst primarily focusing on US strategy, conflict analysis, and international relations in the Middle East.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a year since Mahsa Amini was killed. She was taken from the streets by Iran's morality police in September 2022. They beat her mercilessly, resulting in the young women falling into a coma, and later dying. The protests against her killing, the morality police, and Iran's mandatory hijab law were instant and persisted for several months. However the violent response by the Iranian state eventually forced people off the streets. They killed over 500 people and arrested tens of thousands in the process. In the 12 months that have passed since Mahsa's killing, the state has reasserted itself. The morality police are back. New laws have been established that punish hijab offenders with new lengthy sentences. This week on The New Arab Voice, we examine how the state has responded over the past 12 months, why they have returned the morality police, why they have upped the sentence and fines. Additionally, we explore the thinking of the state and why they feel it necessary to ignore the protesters. Why they respond with violence, and what the moves to be the successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mean. To help us understand the past 12 months in Iran, we speak with Sussan Tahmasebi (@sussantweets). Sussan is an Iranian feminist, activists, and he director of FEMENA (@FemenaNet), an organisation that supports women human rights defenders their organisations, and feminist movements in the MENA and Asia regions.Also, we speak with Dr. Sanam Vakil (@SanamVakil). Dr. Vakil is the Director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House (@CH_MENAP) and the author of Action and Reaction: Women and Politics in Iran.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Protests are back in Syria. Twelve years since the start of the uprisings against the Assad regime, Syrians are still protesting. In the southern province of Suweida huge protests have erupted, in part, fuelled by the continuing fall in living standards across the country, but also for the same reasons that brought people out to the streets in 2011. They have now entered their fourth week, and so far, look set to continue. This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at the protests in Suweida. What do they want? What are their demands? Who is protesting, and are they the same people from 2011, or new people? And why have the protests seemingly been permitted to continue with their defiance?Also, we look at the August 10th Movement. The August 10th Movement announced their formation just before the protests in Suweida, and declared themselves to be peaceful and non-sectarian. We ask, who they are? What do they want? And what prospects do they have to challenge the regime?Joining us to talk about the protests, we have Jospeh Daher, (@JosephDaher19). Joseph works at the University of Lausanne and is a co-director is the Syrian Trajectory Project.And, Wafa Ali Mustafa (@WafaMustafa9). Wafa is a Syrian journalist and activist, who now lives in Berlin. For a decade now, Wafa has campaigned tirelessly for Syria’s disappeared.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been off for a few week, but now we're back!While we were on holiday, Jordan took the opportunity to implement a new cybercrime law that has set alarm bells ringing among human rights defenders. The cybercrime law contains some incredibly vague language, which critics say will allow the government to target free speech, and effect the basic rights of Jordanians. It will also limit the ability of Jordanians to call out corruption or human rights abuses in the country. This week on The New Arab Voice, what’s in Jordan’s new cybercrime bill? How will it impact Jordanians? Why are the cracking down in this way and what does King Abdullah have to gain from this? And what does it mean for democratic hopes in the country. To help guide us through Jordan's cybercrime bill, we're joined by Marwa Fatafta (@marwasf) a digital rights advocate and works as the MENA policy and advocacy manager at Access Now (@accessnow), a global digital rights organisation.We also speak with Jamal Al Tahat (@JamalAlTahat1) to guide us through the thinking of the Jordanian state. Jamal is  is a senior consultant at Democracy for the Arab World Now or DAWN (@DAWNmenaorg). He has spent decades advocating for democratisation in Jordan.And finally, we speak with Issam Ureiqat (@IsamUraiqat). issam is the Director of Al-Hudood (@AlHudoodNet), an online satire publication that was recently blocked in Jordan because of jokes the website made about the royal family. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iraq is known for its high temperatures. But with the impacts of climate change becoming ever more pronounced, the summer heat in Iraq has become unbearable for many, and also threatens to make large areas of the country uninhabitable. As Iraq inches towards this unbearably hot future, its ability to adapt is decreasing year after year. The Iraqi population has been growing while the water supply is dwindling and in most cities, public electricity is already too unreliable to guarantee access to air conditioning for all.This week on The New Arab Voice, we ask how are Iraqi cities being impacted by climate change? Who is most affected by it? What resources do Iraqis have to deal with increasing heat? And beyond climate change, what factors are fuelling climate injustice in the country?To help us understand these issues, we speak with Dr Biyar Zaza, a resident doctor working the largest public hospitals in Erbil, the Rojhalat hospital. Zeinab Shuker (@zfshuker), a sociologist and visiting climate fellow at Century International (@TCFdotorg). Nabil Musa, the founder of Waterkeepers Iraq (@WaterkeepersIQ) - a global network of activists advocating on behalf of the world’s rivers. And Khaled Suleiman (@ksulaiman), a Kurdish Iraqi environmental journalist.This podcast is written by Lyse Mauvais (@lyse_mauvais) and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Riad Salameh spent 30 years at the top of Lebanon’s Central Bank. Some called him a magician. But in recent years, his tricks have been revealed to devastating effects.In 2019 the Lebanese economy dramatically collapsed and many inside and outside the country pointed the finger of blame at Riad Salameh. Despite the economic problems, he stayed on. But on the last day of July, Riad Salameh walked out of Lebanon’s Central Bank for the last time. This week on The New Arab Voice, we sat down with Karim Bitar (@karimbitar) to discuss the departure of Riad Salameh, his time at the Central Bank, the accusation that have been levelled at him by people in Lebanon, and abroad, and what the future holds for the Lebanese Central Bank. Sign up to our newsletter here. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The release of Patrick Zaki was some rare good human rights news from Egypt. After being sentenced to three years in jail, he was then pardoned the next day by President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi, and was able to return to Italy. Patrick had been hanging in legal limbo since 2020, when he was first arrested, and subsequently charged with “disseminating false news” and “inciting to protest”.His release was warmly welcomed by human rights defenders and lead to questions as to whether we could see more releases and presidential pardons, particularly as the work of the National Dialogue builds up. The National Dialogue was first announced by the president last year, but was then delayed, only starting work this year. It has been tasked with discussing political, economic, and social issues in Egypt. Some opposition members in Egypt are hoping that it could serve as platform to steer the country back to democracy. Others are more skeptical.This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at the case of Patrick Zaki and why he was arrested, the state of human rights in Egypt, and the National Dialogue and whether it will be able to make an impact. Joining us to discuss human rights in Egypt is Dr. Aida Seif el-Dawla, a retired professor of psychiatry, and one of four founders of the El Nadim Center for the Psychological Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence and Torture, an Egyptian independent NGO, founded in 1993.And to help us understand the National Dialogue, we speak with Mirette Mabrouk, a senior fellow and the Director of the Egypt and Horn of Africa programme at the Middle East Institute. Sign up to our newsletter here. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The people of northern Syria were recently dealt a terrible blow. At the UN Security Council, on 11 July, permanent member Russia vetoed the extension of UN deliveries through the Bab al-Hawa crossing. It had served as a vital lifeline for the over 4 million people who live in the north west, and are in desperate need of help. Following the Russian veto, the Assad regime stepped in and said that they would grant permission to the UN for the delivery of aid. This offer was quickly and firmly rejected by opposing members of the Security Council, who are all to aware of the Assad regime's history of weaponising aid. This week on The New Arab Voice, we examine the humanitarian needs in northern Syria, why the cross border aid is so vital, what alternatives might be available, and the terms of the Assad regime's offer and why it is so unacceptable. Also we explore the diplomacy of the United Nations Security Council. Why is the council making decisions about aid? How is Russia using the issue of aid at the UN? How does the veto work, and should it be abandoned? And is it time for reforms at the UN?To guide us through aid efforts and issues in northern Syria, we're joined by Natasha Hall (@NatashaHallDC), senior fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (@CSISMidEast).And to untangle UN diplomacy, we speak with Richard Gowan (@RichardGowan1), UN Director for the International Crisis Group (@CrisisGroup).Find our newsletter here. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The recent violence in the Jenin refugee camp was a shocking and violent development. The incursion left 12 dead, over a hundred wounded, and a trail of destruction to infrastructure that will make life in the camp even more difficult. As Israeli soldiers made their way through the camp, Palestine activists in London took to the streets to express their anger and opposition to the events in the West Bank, and to the British government's relationship with the government in Israel. This week on The New Arab Voice we look at the state of Palestine activism is the UK. What are Palestine activists doing to get their message across? Are they seeing any success? How might legislation like the 'Anti-Boycott Bill' effect the work of Palestine activists? And should the movement seek greater cooperation with the UK government. The struggle for Palestine in the UK is ongoing, but there is a precedent in the country for successful campaigns.The former apartheid regime in South Africa was an appalling crime, and during the life of this regime, campaigns in the UK, through intense efforts, manage to raise awareness and effect real change in South Africa, via the UK. This week, we look at how that anti-apartheid campaign managed to achieve its success, and what lessons can be learnt, to help those fighting against Palestinian oppression.Joining us to talk about the recent events in Jenin, we speak with Qassam Muaddi (@QassaMMuaddi), The New Arab's West Bank correspondent.To explain the state of Palestine activism in the UK, we're joined by Jeanine Hourani (@jeaninehourani), a Palestinian organiser and a PhD candidate at the University of Exeter looking at women’sresistance and mental health in Palestine.And to remind us of the struggle face by anti-apartheid campaigners , we speak with famed activist Lord Peter Hain (@PeterHain).This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the prison at Guantanamo Bay was opened, it was announced that it would hold terror suspects, picked up by the US in their War on Terror. It quickly became a dungeon that tortured its inmates and violated some of the most basic principles of humanity. Subsequent presidents, although not all, have said that they will close down the site and release the prisoners. However this task has been fraught with difficulties. While the vast majority have been never been found guilty, or even been charged with a crime; those that have been charged, have claimed that the evidence against them was extracted by torture, and was only given to make the abuses stop. Such is the case of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri.In May, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention condemned his continued detention, and the torture that he suffered in prison, and how he had been denied rights to guarantee and fair trial. This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at the case of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, how the torture he endured at the hands of his captors is playing into his trial, how efforts to close the prison have failed, and what needs to happen to ensure that victims of Guantanamo get justice. We speak with Katie Carmon, a lawyer for the Military Commissions Defense Organization, and one of the lawyers representing Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri.Also, Andy Worthington (@GuantanamoAndy), an investigative journalist, activist, and author of The Guantanamo Files.And Mansoor Adayfi (@MansoorAdayfi), a Yemeni national who was picked up by the US 2002, accused of being a member of a terrorist organisation and sent to Guantanamo, where he would remain until 2016. Adayfi has accused the US of torturing him during his interrogations  Sign up to the newsletter here. This podcast is written by Nadine Talaat and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The golfing world was upturned at the start of June, with the news that a deal had been struck between the PGA and the Saudi-funded LIV Golf. After months of warring words and a flurry of lawsuits the two sides agreed to come together and put hostiles aside. The deal will see a return of some of the biggest names in golf and also see a huge investment into the game by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.Like the initial creation of LIV Golf, this investment has created controversy and prompted claims of sportswashing. The PGA has been accused of ignoring the appalling human rights abuses of the Saudi regime and whitewashing the reputation of the like of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at the recent deal between the PGA and LIV Golf, the implications for human rights and sportswashing, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, and what the Gulf nation hopes to achieve with such spending. To talk about Saudi Arabia and human rights, we’re joined by Joey Shea (@joey_shea), a Human Rights Watch (@hrw) researcher in the Middle East and North Africa Division investigating human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. And to explain all about the Saudi PIF and what they hope to achieve, we speak with Imad K. Harb (@harb3imad), the Director of Research and Analysis at Arab Center Washington DC (@ArabCenterWDC)This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a report by Amnesty International, titled Apartheid Automated, the human rights group laid out how the Israeli government is using technology as a tool of oppression. This technological tyranny is perhaps best seen at the many checkpoints that Palestinians are forced to traverse as part of their daily lives. Cameras and algorithms are permanently watching every Palestinian who passes through; monitoring their movements and activities. This constant surveillance creates part of what is know as the 'chilling effect'.It is also believed to work hand in hand with other technologies used by soldiers on the ground. This week on The New Arab Voice we delve into the latest Amnesty report, and examine how technology is being used, what it means for Palestinians, and how it fits into a wider system of apartheid.Joining us is Dr. Matt Mahmoudi (@DocMattMoudi), a researcher at Amnesty Tech (@AmnestyTech), and the author of Apartheid Automated. Also, Jalal Abukhater (@JalalAK_jojo), a Palestinian writer and activist. And Mona Shtaya (@Monashtayya), who until recently, worked as an advocacy and communication manager for 7amleh (@7amleh), a non-profit organisation aimed at enabling Palestinian and Arab civil society to effectively utilise the tools of digital advocacy through professional capacity building, defending digital rights and building influential digital media campaigns.Sign up to our newsletter here. This podcast is written by Nick McAlpin and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After two rounds of voting in Turkey, President Erdogan is back as the president. Going into the first round of voting there were high hopes that the opposition had a real chance of dislodging the Turkish strongman; however these hopes failed to materialise at the ballot boxes. Back in office, Erdogan will have a long list of urgent matters that will need his attention, including a failing economy, foreign policy, growing anger over refugees, and domestic issues.This week on The New Arab Voice, we examine why they opposition failed to live up to the hopes that were pinned on them, how Erdogan was able to use the state to secure victory, what the main issues of the election were, and what we can expect to see from Erdogan over the next five years. Joining us to talk Turkey and elections, we're joined by Howard Eissenstat (@heissenstat). Howard is an associate professor at St. Lawrence University and a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute (@MiddleEastInst). Also speaking this week is Soner Cagaptay (@SonerCagaptay), a senior fellow and the director of the Turkish Research Program at The Washington Institute (@WashInstitute), and author of The New Sultan: Erdogan and the Crisis of Modern Turkey.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was returned to the Arab League this month. Twelve years after Syria was suspended, in response to their brutal crackdown against civilians protesters, the group of nations, led by Saudi Arabia welcomed back the Assad regime. The move signalled a major shift in diplomacy in the region, and simultaneously a continuation of other diplomatic moves in the region, and in particular by Saudi Arabia.Along with Syria, Saudi Arabia sets to be a big winner from the deal. It will further cement their new relationship with Iran, and Iran's allies, including Russia and China. Furthermore it will help to cover the backs of Saudi Arabia as the US moves back from the region. Those set to lose out most from the deal is Syrian refugees in the region. Spread out across a number of neighbouring Arab states, these communities now face increased levels of hostilities, and a greater potential for forced deportations back to Syria, where they face terrible conditions.This week on The New Arab Voice, why has Syria been readmitted to the Arab League? Who stands to gain from the normalisation? And what does this mean for the Syrian people, both inside and outside the country?Joining us to discuss Syria's return to the Arab League, we speak with Malik al-Abdeh, conflict resolution expert focused on Syria and managing director of Conflict Mediation Solutions. Also Reva Dhingra (@Reva__D), a postdoctoral fellow at the Brookings Institution in the Foreign Policy Division (@BrookingsFP) and works with the Center for Middle East policy, with a particular focus on issues related to Syrian refugees.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year and a day have passed since the killing of veteran Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in the occupied West Bank. Forensic Investigations, as well as investigations from multiple media organisations and the Palestinian Authority, have concluded that the Palestinian-American was shot by an Israeli sniper while covering a raid in Jenin. Video evidence, eyewitness testimony, spatial analysis, autopsy reports and other sources, have been used to confirm this conclusion. But in spite of the wealth of evidence, no one has been held accountable for her death. This week, The New Arab Voice looks at the detailed forensic investigations into Shireen’s death and how they were able to piece together the story of what happened on that tragic day.The episode also examines responses from the Israeli and American authorities, and explores what efforts have been made to hold the killers - both the individual who pulled the trigger and those up the chain of command - to account. We speak with Jumanah Bawazi, a researcher at Forensic Architecture (@ForensicArchi) - a multidisciplinary research group that partnered with Palestinian human rights organisation Al Haq to produce a 3D reconstruction of the crime scene. Rodney Dixon KC from Temple Garden Chambers (@TG_Chambers) - Al Jazeera’s legal counsel - discusses the formal request submitted to the International Criminal Court to conduct a thorough and independent investigation. UK Labour MP Kim Leadbeater (@kimleadbeater) explains why a thorough and independent investigation into the journalist’s death is “long overdue” and recounts her experience when meeting Shireen’s brother Anton. Lastly, Lamis Andoni (@LamisAndo) friend of Shireen and a Palestinian journalist speaks about what the Palestinian-American was like as a person and what motivated her to cover events in the occupied territories, as well as what justice may look like in the long-term. This podcast is written and produced by Rosie McCabe with help from Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Turkish citizen will be voting in a highly anticipated and consequential election on 14 May. The two frontrunners for the office of president, are incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the main opposition candidate Kemel Kilicdaroglu.They have both been holding rallies, attempting to reach as many voters as possible. Opposition candidate Kemel Kilicdaroglu did cause a stir at a campaign event, when he questioned the private nature of Turkey's drone manufacturers, and asked whether there should be more state control. With a backlash brewing, he quickly changed direction, pledging full support to the industry. The incident did raise some questions. What's so special about Turkey's drones? How do the private manufacturers and the state work together? How does the state us the drones? And what impact will the upcoming election have on the domestic drone industry?Joining us to discuss Turkey's drones is Soner Cagaptay (@SonerCagaptay), a senior fellow and the director of the Turkish Research Program at The Washington Institute (@WashInstitute). This podcast is written by Ali Abbas Ahmadi and produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The past few weeks in Sudan have been exceptionally violent. Two feuding generals, in charge of the biggest armed groups in the country, have launched their own personal war in Sudan. Nearly 500 people have died, and thousands have been forced to flee. The culprits are Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s armed forces, and Mohamad Hamdan Dagalo - popularly known as Hemedti - who heads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Both Burhan and Hemedti rose under the rule of autocratic President Omar al-Bashir, when they were commanders during counter insurgency operations in Darfur in the early 2000s - what many now deem a genocide. Since then, the two leaders worked together, even ruling the country together since 2019. But theirs has only ever been a marriage of convenience. Internal rivalries and political disagreements eventually exploded earlier this month, and the RSF and the army have unleashed a war on Sudan - catching the country's helpless population in the crossfire. This week on The New Arab Voice, we examine the generals behind the violence in Sudan. Who are they? Why are they fighting? And will they ever make peace? For this episode, we sat down with Jihad Mashamoun (@ComradeJihad), an expert and analyst on Sudan; and David Shinn (@AmbShinn), the former US ambassador to Ethiopia and Burkina Faso.Sign up for the newsletter here.This podcast is written by Ali Abbas Ahmadi and produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During his most recent campaign to become Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu promised that he would overhaul the judiciary. When the elections came around, the fourth in five years, his Likud Party, with the help of some far-right allies, were able to command a majority in the Israeli Knesset. Netanyahu quickly started his plans to reform the judiciary, and almost as quickly Israelis took to the street to protest against the planned changes. Week after week, and month after month, the protests intensified and the pressure grew on Netanyahu and his government. Eventually, the pressure became too great, and Netanyahu announced that he would suspend the bill and attempt to seek a consensus. This week on The New Arab Voice, we examine the protest movement that rocked Israel. What prompted the protests? Who was on the streets protesting? What were the demands of the protesters? Why did Netanyahu change course and suspend the reforms? And what is the state of the bill today?For this episode, we sat down with Amjad Iraqi (@aj_iraqi). Amjad Iraqi is a senior editor at the Israeli publication +972 Magazine (@972mag); and also serves as a policy analyst at the think tank Al-Shabaka (@AlShabaka), and was previously an advocacy coordinator at the legal center Adalah.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the start of Spring we also saw the start of new diplomatic relationships being born. After years of intense rivalry, and to the surprise of many, Iran and Saudi Arabia announced that they had normalised relations. The two countries hadn't been on speaking turns since the Saudis executed a Shia cleric in 2016, and Iranian protesters had responded by burning down the embassy. With the restorations of relations, a new future awaits the two countries, which is likely to have a big impact on the region. Additionally, the deal was highly notably due to the involvement of China, who brokered the deal, and had the deal signed in their capital. This week on The New Arab Voice, we ask why have they chosen to normalise now? What is each side getting from the deal? And what’s the significance of China brokering the deal?Joining us to discuss Iran and Saudi Arabia, is  Vali Nasr, (@vali_nasr) Professor of International Affairs and Middle East Studies at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies; and Dr. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen (@Dr_Ulrichsen), Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.Find our newsletter here.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three years into President Kais Saied’s rule and Tunisia is on the brink of an economic meltdown and widespread social collapse. Hundreds of thousands of Tunisians are barely surviving as standards of living plummet. Amid this climate of hopelessness, Saied has taken aim at opposition figures and other scapegoats, such as black African migrants. Arrests and attacks are becoming commonplace in the north African country, which slips ever further towards autocracy. This week, The New Arab Voice looks at what has happened in President Kais Saied’s Tunisia and who he has chosen to blame for the country’s ill fate. We speak with Seifeddine Ferjani (@Ferjani9arwi), the son of Said Ferjani, a Tunisian opposition figure currently detained in Tunisia. We include audio from a press conference with Kaouther Ferjani (@TheKaouther), Said’s daughter, and Temple Garden Chambers (@TG_Chambers) who filed an appeal to the UK foreign secretary to sanction top-ranking Tunisian officials, including the president. We also discuss creeping populism and social grievances in Tunisia with Fadil Aliriza (@FadilAliriza) founder and editor-and-chief of Meshkal; as well asTharwa Boulifi (@TharwaBoulifi) a young journalist in Tunisia. This podcast is written and produced by Rosie McCabe. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The settler attacks in the Palestinian town of Huwara were as shocking as they were brutal.Homes and businesses were set a blaze in a series of attacks that were described as a pogrom, and were the latest in a long list of Israeli violations of human rights and international law. The attacks in Huwara drew intense condemnation for government around the world, including in the US. The US is a long standing and traditional partner of the Israel and has consistently defended, ignored, or excused away their actions. But as the world becomes ever more away of the apartheid in Israel, this relationship is facing closer scrutiny from the voting public. This week on The New Arab Voice we explore how have relations between the two countries changed? Does Israel still enjoy unwavering support among Jewish Americans? And will the US stick with an increasingly far-right and openly racist government?We're joined by Lara Friedman (@LaraFriedmanDC), the President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace (@FMEP), Iman Abid (@imanabid_), the Director of Advocacy and organizing at the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (@USCPR_), and Robert Lipton (@wiremother), a Jewish American research scientist and poet from California and campaigner for Jewish Voice for Peace (@jvplive).This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Arab Voice we're joined by journalist Ali Abbas Ahmadi to examine the deadly floods that hit Pakistan six months ago. The rains started to fall in June and would not stop until August, during which time, the might Indus River would flood, spreading devastation ; particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan.The floods killed 1,700 people and left tens of millions of Pakistanis homeless. The flood waters would also wash aways the livelihoods of millions; laying waste to farms, killing livestock, and destroying stores of grain and seeds.This week, we speak with one of the farmers who lost their land and livelihood, and ask what are the major challenges facing those affected? How has Pakistan dealt with food shortages, and how has the political instability added to the failure to provide support. We speak with Dr Zaffar Mahmood (@DrZaffarMehmoo1), an independent expert on food safety and food security, who has worked as a consultant with the Pakistani government and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation. And Marvin Pervez, the regional director of an NGO called Community World Service Asia (@communitywsasia). Him and his team work with people on the ground in Pakistan.Sign up for our newsletter here.This podcast is written by Ali Abbas Ahmadi and produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week on The New Arab Voice we looked at the aftermath of the recent immense earthquake in Syria. This week, we're over the border in Turkey, which experience some of the worst devastation and the highest number of casualties. Immediately following the earthquake, the state's response was slow. The agency responsible for disasters, AFAD, missed the crucial window when the most number of people can be saved.It quickly became apparent to observers that there was a serious problem, and that these problems were being exposed at the worst possible time. As people questioned the response of AFAD, people also surveyed the devastation and asked why so many buildings had pancaked; trapping people inside. Soon, stories of buildings that don't meet regulatory codes and payoffs started to emerge. These questions have put a huge amount of pressure on the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was rumoured to be considering a delay for the scheduled parliamentary and presidential elections. This week on The New Arab Voice, we ask whether the state’s response to the earthquake was adequate? Why did so many buildings, that were built in a known high-risk earthquake area, collapse with such ease? And can the country move forward under President Erdogan’s leadership, or is it time for a change. Joining us to talk Turkey is Ömer Özkizilcik (@OmerOzkizilcik), an independent foreign policy and security analyst based in Ankara; and Mustafa Gurbuz (@Mustafa__Gurbuz) a nonresident Fellow at Arab Center Washington (@ArabCenterWDC) and a senior adjunct faculty in the Arab World Studies program in the Department of Critical Race, Gender, and Culture at American University in Washington, DC.Sign up to our newsletter here. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a short break The New Arab Voice is back and we're picking up where we left off. The 6 February earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria remains the most pressing humanitarian issue in the region.The death toll rises everyday, and simultaneously the need for aid also increases. This week on The New Arab Voice, we're focusing in on the northwestern region of Syria, which bore the brunt of the damage and deaths in Syria.Before the earthquake hit the region, a catastrophic humanitarian crisis had a firm grip on the north west. Over a decade of war and displacement, the spread of disease, and an ever worsening economic situation had push the more than 4 million people who live the northwestern Syria to the brink. The earthquake pushed them over the edge. For this episode, we're examining the response to the earthquake in Syria, and asking whether enough was done to save as many lives as possible. We look at what the Assad regime did to help the region, and ask how they are exploiting the crisis for their own gains. And we take a critical look at the aid delivery mechanism in northwestern Syria and how they might be improved. Joining us to discuss the north west is Hazem Rihawi (@HRihawi82), the senior programs manager at the American Relief Coalition for Syria (@ARC4Syria), a secular, non-political coalition of Syrian diaspora led humanitarian organisations that provide multi-sector relief inside of Syria. And Natasha Hall (@NatashaHallDC), a senior fellow with the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (@CSISMidEast).Sign up to our weekly newsletter here. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Arab Voice, we're looking back on a week that has changed Turkey and Syria forever. On Monday morning, as people slept in their beds, a massive earthquake erupted in southern Turkey. It was felt as far off as Iraq, but at the epicentre and the surrounding area, the devastation was almost immediate. The New Arab's Levant Correspondent Will Christou (@will_christou) rushed to the scene, where he witnessed widespread destruction, brief moments of joy as survivors where pulled from the rubble, and ultimately tragedy and grief. On this week's episode, we speak with Will about what he's seen, where he's been, and what his experience has been.Also, we speak with Kristyan Benedict (@KreaseChan), Crisis Response Manager for Amnesty International UK, about the unfolding crisis in Syria, and the desperate situation of the people who were already experiencing a humanitarian crisis before the earthquake. If you want to help relief efforts in Turkey and Syria, you can find information about donating below.International Red CrossMolham TeamUNICEFYou can subscribe to our newsletter here.This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Arab Voice, we're casting a look over the Egyptian economy and its recent fiscal troubles.Earlier in January, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) signed off on a $3 billion loan for Egypt; the fourth loan the country had received since 2016. The loan was granted following continued anaemic growth and a dramatic fall for the Egyptian pound, which lost over half its value. The economic problems have severely impacted the people of Egypt, with a third of the country's population now living in poverty, and another third on the brink of poverty. At the heart of the reforms demanded by the IMF, is an end to the control of the Egyptian military over large swathes of the national economy. This week, we're asking: Why is the economy in such a bad way? What the terms of the IMF deal? Can Egypt implement the reforms to bring about a stronger growth outlook? How much control does the military have over the economy? And how will they respond to the strict conditions that could undermine its position?Joining us, we have Umberto Profazio (@profazio), a Maghreb Analyst at the NATO Defence College Foundation (@NATOFoundation), and Associate Fellow for the Conflict, Security and Development Program at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (@IISS_org).Also joining us, we speak with Marina Ottoway, a Middle East Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center (@WilsonCenterMEP) and a long-time analyst of political transformations in Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Previously, Marina worked at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, during which she played a central role in launching the Middle East Program.Sign up to our newsletter here.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Arab Voice, we’re looking at the Afghan economy under the Taliban. We examine the economic trade between the hardline group and the Chinese, who this month signed a major oil extraction deal to start tapping into Afghanistan’s vast natural reserves. The Taliban have welcomed this foreign investment, claiming new injections of cash will help revitalise the faltering, crisis-riddled economy. Beijing, it would seem, is strengthening its control over the regional trade of rare earth minerals and emboldening its leverage over the Taliban, furthering its own security ambitions. However, given the history of unsuccessful mining projects, chronic instability and billions in frozen Afghan funds, will the acclaimed rewards of this deal ever be reaped? The New Arab Voice sat down with Jeffrey Grieco, president and CEO of the Afghan American Chamber of Commerce (@AAchamberofcomm) to discuss the current state of the Afghan economy and China’s growing role. We also speak with researcher Jiayi Zhou (@jzyhou) from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (@SIPRorg) about China’s historic relations with Afghanistan and the rationale behind its continued involvement. And Shah Mehrabi, an economics professor (@montgomerycoll) and co-chair of the Afghan Trust Fund about the role of the West in Afghanistan and the critical issue of releasing the country’s frozen foreign reserves. This podcast is written and produced by Rosie McCabe. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Arab Voice, we're looking at the trial of the volunteers who helped migrants on the Greek island of Lesvos.Last week, a group of volunteers appeared in court, facing numerous charges related to voluntary work they undertook to help migrants that were arriving on the island by boat. Despite the long history of cooperation between the organisations and the Greek authorities, they were arrested, charged, and many were detained for long periods of time. One of those arrested and charged was Seán Binder (@sean_binder_). Seán sat down with The New Arab Voice this week to talk about his work on Lesvos, his arrest and detention, the build-up and his eventual trial, and how the targeting of volunteers, like him, will affect vital search and rescue work at sea. Also joining us this week is Serhat Çubukçuoğlu (@suhac), a senior fellow in the Department of Strategic Studies at Trends Research and Advisory. We speak with Serhat about the historical relationship between Greece and Turkey, the points of contention, how migrant issues affect their relationship, and what the future may hold. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New Arab Voice is back for a brand new season!For our first episode, we examining the troubling news that unfolded at the start of the new year. When Israel's new National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, went to the Al-Aqsa compound on 3 January, it was seen as a provocation by a far-right religious nationalist, intended to anger the Palestinians, muslims, and incite resentment and tensions. The Al-Aqsa compound has a lengthy history, that some believe dates back to the time of the early Old Testament. It has seen wars, conquests and earthquakes. It is a site that holds a significance of the three main Abrahamic faiths. With his incursion at Al-Aqsa, many accused Ben-Gvir of seeking to disrupt the status quo of the ancient and holy site. But what is the status quo? Why does it exist? When did it come into play? Is it time for a new status quo? What are the risks associated with tampering with the status quo? Joining us to talk about Al-Aqsa and the politics of the status quo, we have Nur Arafeh, a fellow at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center (@CarnegieMEC), where her work focuses on the political economy of the MENA region, business-state relations, peacebuilding strategies, the development-security nexus and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Also, Dr. Nimrod Goren (@GorenNimrod), the Senior Fellow for Israeli Affairs at the Middle East Institute (@MiddleEastInst) and the founder and head of Mitvim (@Mitvim) - The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies. Sign up to our newsletter here.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're coming to the end of 2022 and so is this season of The New Arab Voice.On this episode, we're looking back at some of the biggest events that hit the region over the past 12 months.Do you remember the currency crisis in Turkey? The Taliban's talks in Oslo? The murder of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh? Efforts to revive the JCPOA? Egypt's imprisonment of political activist Alaa Abdel Fatah? The political crisis in Iraq? The war crimes trial of a Syrian colonel in Germany?If you've forgotten, we'll be reminding you of all the key details this week. To look at 2022 in the MENA region, we're joined by a host of journalists, editors, and correspondents from The New Arab.The New Arab Voice will be back with a brand new season and brand new stories on 13 January 2023.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge, with additional help from Rosie McCabe.Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Arab Voice we're examining MENA representation in TV, film and gaming. Communities from the region have historically been demonised on screen, condemned to either silence or sterotypes. However, the past year has brought major release that have diversified who we see on screen and the stories that are shared on global platform. We explore a number of these releases include Netflix comedy series Mo and the film Farha about Palestine during the 1948 Nakba. We also delve into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, looking at what they've done well in terms of representation and what they can do better.Also in this episode, we plug in and have a look at the mistakes that video games have made, when it comes to the representation of Arabs and Muslims, and also the cultural errors that video game publishers have made. On this episode, we speak with Saeed Taji Farouky (@saeedtaji), a Palestinian-British filmmaker and film educator, Tariq Raouf (@tariq_raouf), a Palestinian-American freelance writer based in Seattle, Swara Salih (@spiderswarz), a Kurdish-American writer, podcaster, and the co-hosts the Middle Geeks podcast (@TheMiddleGeeks), and finally, Nazih Fares (@nazihfares), the head of communication and localization at Four Winds Entertainment (@The4winds_Ent).Sign up to the weekly newsletter here.This podcast is written and produced by Rosie McCabe and Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Arab Voice we’re looking at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Middle Eastern and North African teams have made history during the tournament, causing major sporting upsets like Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina and Morocco's victory against Belgium. While Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia didn’t progress to the knock-out stages, Morocco remains in the running for the coveted trophy - just three games away from footballing glory. During the tournament, we’ve witnessed a tidal wave of support from fans across the region, not just for their national teams but for fellow Arab and African nations. This pan-Arab solidarity has been expressed through mass celebrations inside and outside the stadiums, as well as the waving of the Palestinian flag. On the episode, The New Arab Voice speaks to Moroccan football fans Amine Hafed (@amine.elhafid) and Mehdi Merin (@yomehdi4reel) about their experiences after the Atlas Lions clinched a spot in the final eight. We asked them what lies behind this success and whether having a World Cup in the Middle East has made a difference for Arab teams on the pitch. Joining them are Algerian football journalist Maher Mezahi (@mezahimaher) and The New Arab’s Shahla Omar (@shahlasomar), who assess the football we’ve seen so far, displays of pan-Arab solidarity and give their predictions on what we’ll see happen next. Finally, we spoke to Emile Badarin, a Palestinian research fellow based at the College of Europe, Natolin Campus in Warsaw about the visibility of the Palestinian cause during the tournament and the football fans who refused to speak to Israeli journalists. You can sign up for our newsletter here. This podcast is written and produced by Rosie McCabe, with help from Hugo Goodridge and Basma Elatti. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Arab Voice were examining the ongoing protests in Iran and how they have developed, 77 days on from when they began. Since Iranians took to the streets, following the tragic murder of Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran's morality police, protesters have demanded change and an end to the Islamic Republic. Their peaceful protesters have been met with bloody repression. The Iranian regime's security services have repeatedly beaten and opened fire on unarmed Iranians. Over 400 hundred have been reported as killed, but it believed that the true number is higher. During the recent protests, Iran's Kurdish community have borne the worst of the regime's revenge, including a massacre in city of Zahedan, which killed over 90 people.As Iranian have been killed on the streets, the international community has condemned the violence, but so far has failed to formulate a cohesive and comprehension plan to help Iran secure a fair and representative democracy. On this episode of The New Arab Voice, we exploring how the protest movement has changed over the past 77 days, why the country's Kurdish communities are being targeted so heavily, what the international community is doing about the violence, and whether they could be doing more to help. Joining us this week is Dr. Allan Hassaniyan (@AllanHassaniyan), a lecturer in Middle East politics at the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter (@UniofExeter), and Dokhi Fassihian (@DokhiFassihian) an expert on issues of human rights and democracy and a member of the Middle East Institute’s Iran Program Advisory Council (@MiddleEastInst).You can sign up to our newsletter here. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Arab Voice, we're examining the takeover of Twitter by tech billionaire Elon Musk, and the implications that it will have on human rights. Elon Musk officially took control of Twitter on 27 October, and immediately started implementing changes. The biggest changes were related to staffing, that saw around half the company's employees sacked or resign.The changes alarmed human rights defenders, who witnessed a spike in hate speech on the platform and raised concerns, that if Musk continued with his stated intentions, then the wildly popular platform might no longer be a safe place for those calling out abuses.On this episode, we explore what Musk's changes mean for the platform, why human rights defenders are worried by Musk's stance on free speech, what international governments can do to prevent abuses, and what the future of the platform looks like. Joining us on this episode, we have Alia Al-Ghussain (@little_a91), a campaigner at Amnesty International (@AmnestyTech) working on big tech and human rights. and Imran Ahmed (@Imi_Ahmed) the founder & CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDHate).This podcast is by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Arab Voice, we have a special audio version of an investigation from The New Arab. In March 2022, a group of wild Namibian elephants landed in the UAE. The New Arab's investigation reveals that the sale serves only to simulate an African safari experience in Emirati zoos with no benefit for the animals and Namibian locals.This investigation tracked the elephants, from the initial auction and sale, to their removal, and ultimate transfer to facilitates in the UAE, whose suitability has been questioned.Along the way, the investigation team looked at the people involved in the transfer, the status of the elephants and the habitats from which they came, and how their removal might threaten the existence of the species. You can read the investigation in full here. This podcast is by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, on The New Arab Voice we’re exploring what’s happening at Egypt’s COP27 and what this means for climate justice in the Middle East and North Africa. With the world’s attention on Sharm el-Sheikh, the episode unpicks the main points of discussion among delegates and activists; namely, climate financing and civic participation. It looks at the solutions presented to help developing nations tackle climate change and whether these solutions can be effective given systematic restrictions on civic spaces. We speak to a whole range of climate campaigners, including Dan Hodd, a violin-playing activist who decided to travel to COP27 without flying (aroundwithoutwings); Zeina Hajj, Head of Global Campaigning at 350.org (@zeinaalhajj), and Ahmed El Droubi, the Regional Campaigns Manager for Greenpeace MENA (@Greenpeace). We also reached out to researchers and activists who decided to boycott the conference. Achref Chibani, a non-resident fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy and a regular contributor to the Arab Centre Washington DC (@ChibaniAchref), told us why COP27 can’t be legitimately viewed as an “African COP”. Finally, Richard Pearshouse from Human Rights Watch (@RPearshouse) is on the podcast discussing whether this event - given the widespread attention given to Egypt’s poor human rights record - could be a turning point when it comes to understanding the importance of civic society in a just green transition. This podcast is written and produced by Rosie McCabe with help from Lyse Mauvais and Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Arab Voice, we examining the fallout from the latest Israeli elections and the settler violence that blighted Palestinian communities in the West Bank over October. Israelis went to the polls on Tuesday to elect a new parliament, following the collapse of the Naftali Bennett government. Once the votes had been cast and countered, the country emerged to find that Benjamin Netanyahu had managed to pull himself back from political obscurity and secure another electoral win. His next term in office is set to be propped by far-right Israelis from the Religious Zionist Party. Netanyahu's choice of coalition partner has prompted fears that political violence and even ethnic cleansing could become genuine realities of his government. This political violence has already been witnessed during a particularly bloody month for the West Bank. Gang of Israeli settlers have embarked on a campaign of violence and destruction. This destructive wave has occurred under the watchful eye, and in many instances, with the support and help, of the Israeli army.This week, we examine what the rise of the far-right means for Israel, what illegal settlers are doing in the West Bank, and what Netanyahu's next term in office might hold.We speak with Issa Amro (@Issaamro), a Palestinian activist based in Hebron, and the founder of the grassroots group Youth Against Settlements. Also on this week's episode is Haggai Matar (@Ha_Matar), an Israeli journalist and the executive director of +972 Magazine (@972mag).This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New Arab Voice is back!For our fifth season, we're starting with a look at the recent upheaval witnessed in US-Saudi relations. Saudi Arabia sparked the ire of the US earlier in October, when it was announced that OPEC+ would be cutting oil production by 2 million barrels a day. Such a move is sure to keep prices at the pumps high, and threaten the electoral chances of Democratic candidates at the upcoming midterm elections. In Washington there is also concern that the decision signals a Saudi shift towards Russia, and that any increase in the price of oil, could aid the invading nation with their war in Ukraine. Why have OPEC+ opted to cut productions? What does Saudi Arabia have to gain? Why is the US so angered by the production cut? Can Saudi Arabia really survive without US support?On this week's episode, we speak with Imad K. Harb (@harb3imad), the Director of Research and Analysis at Arab Center Washington DC (@ArabCenterWDC), and Joanne Held Cummings (@PoJoCummings), Distinguished Senior Fellow on National Security at the Middle East Institute (@MiddleEastInst) and a retired Foreign Service Officer from the US Department of State.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini has sparked mass protests across Iran. In at least 86 towns and cities, people - from different classes, backgrounds, and genders - have taken to the streets. Demands for accountability after Mahsa’s brutal death, which occurred while she was in the custody of the so-called morality police, have morphed into a wider challenge to the Iranian state. Despite the use of disproportionate force and live ammunition by authorities, the protesters are not backing down - risking their lives for the hope of a better future. This week on The New Arab Voice looks at Mahsa's brutal killing and why this has struck a chord with thousands of Iranians. Is this Iran’s tipping point? Can the Islamic Republic ever go back to the way it was? This episode features Sussan Tahmasebi (@sussantweets), director of FEMENA, an organisation which supports women’s organisations in the MENA region; Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE (@sanambna), Founder and CEO of International Civil Action Network ICAN and Hadi Ghaemi (@hadighaemi), executive director of the Centre for Human Rights in Iran. This podcast is written and produced by Rosie McCabe with help from Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the Palestinian group Hamas announced that they would reconcile with the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad.The announcement marks a change in the policy of the Palestinian group, who in 2012 offered support to the Syrian rebels that were seeking to throw Assad from office. Since then, Assad has re-established, with Russian and Iranian help, some sort of control over Syria, and secured his future. To reach this point, approximately half a million Syrian died, and tens of thousands were thrown in the regime prisons. The recent announcement by Hamas, followed similar moves by Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called on the Syrian opposition to normalise with the Assad regime, sparking anger and consternation among Syrian groups in the north of the country. This week on The New Arab Voice we asking why are the likes of Hamas and Turkey moving back to Syria and what does this mean for the revolution and those that continue to struggle for a life free from cruel and barbaric control.We're also looking at a different form of normalisation: the travel bloggers have secured Syrian regime sponsored visas, and have produced videos that are normalising the idea of a Syria ruled over by the brutal Assad regime. On this episode, we speak with Joseph Daher (@JosephDaher19), academic and researcher at the European University Institute (@EUI_EU) and the author of Syria After the Uprisings: The Political Economy of State Resilience; and with Ayman Abdel Nour (@aabnour) the founder of the Syrian Christians’ Initiative for Rights and Dialogue.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, Google workers took to the streets to protest against their own company. In New York City, San Francisco, Durham, and Seattle they protested against Google, the tech giant's collaboration with Israel, and Project Nimbus. Project Nimbus is part of $1.2 billion contract between Israel, Amazon, and Google, to provide cloud computing services to the Israeli government, and it's feared that with this technology, Israel's intense surveillance and persecution of the Palestinian people will be rapidly increased and expanded. The San Francisco protest last week was led by Ariel Koren. Ariel is a former worker at Google and left the company in August, after publicly speaking out against Project Nimbus. Ariel maintains that she was forced from her job by Google, because of her activism.This week on The New Arab Voice, we speak with Ariel Koren (@ariel_koko) about her experience at Google and her efforts to raise the alarm about Project Nimbus. We also spoke with Nadim Nashif (@NadimNashif), the founder and director of Palestinian NGO 7amleh (@7amleh) about the digital weapons being used by Israel against Palestinians. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge. Theme music by Omar al-Fil. 4Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.