Essential Middle East

"For now, it's goodbye"

Is there racism in the Middle East?

Slavery was prevalent in many parts of the world and it left scars to this very day. The Middle East had its own share of enslavement that was fueled by superiority, greed and power. In this episode: Eve Trout Powell, Professor of History and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania Episode credits: This episode was co-produced by Khaled Soltan and Salem Al Yafiei. Sound design was by George Al Wer. Our engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and our assistant engagement producer is Munera...

How obese is the Middle East?

The World Health Organization is warning that obesity is on the rise, not just in the Middle East but around the world. The WHO says obesity in children and adults is a public health concern in almost all regions of the world. An estimated 38.9 million children under five years old are moderately or severely overweight. In this episode: Joyce Moawad, teaching assistant of human nutrition at Qatar University Episode credits: This episode was co-produced by Khaled Soltan and by our interns Nada Sh...

Is the representation of Arabs in Hollywood changing?

From the earliest days of silent film to today's biggest Hollywood blockbusters, vilifying depictions of Arabs and Muslims have persisted in Western cinema, unchallenged. Yet, with the rise of streaming services, filmmakers of different ethnicities are now being afforded a chance to represent their own stories. In this episode: Anne Sobel ( @slicepassion ), screenwriter, writer for Netflix's The Exchange Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. The sound design was by George ...

Why was international aid slow to reach Syria?

As deadly tremors continue to shake Turkey and Syria, international aid has been slow to reach Syria, where decades of civil war have hindered efforts to reach survivors. According to the United Nations, close to nine million people have been affected by the earthquake, and humanitarian needs are at their highest levels. The head of the UN emergency relief operations, Martin Griffiths, said the international community has failed the people of northwest Syria. In this episode: Dr. Ubeyd Sakin ( @...

Turkey mourns as it grapples to recover

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Turkey nearly two weeks after two deadly earthquakes rocked the country and left a trail of destruction. The death toll is already staggering, while the desperate hunt for more survivors continues in freezing temperatures. Thousands of buildings have collapsed and millions of people have been displaced. Despite receiving humanitarian assistance from countries around the globe, Turkey faces enormous recovery challenges ahead. In this episode: Didem Demircan, ...

New Digital IDs in Kashmir raises surveillance concerns

As India undertakes a vast digitisation push across the country, the government is now planning to roll out new digital IDs in Indian-administered Kashmir. While authorities say the new database would improve access to social welfare benefits, many Muslim Kashmiris see it as an attempt to exert further control over their lives. In this episode: Farhan Mujahid Chak ( @fchak ), Chairperson of Kashmir Civitas, a Canadian NGO and associate professor of political science and international relations a...

Is Israel pushing Palestinians to the brink of Intifada?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up his visit to ease tensions in the Middle East after pledging an “ironclad” US support for Israel. His trip came amid violence between Israelis and Palestinians, with the Israeli military carrying out deadly raids in the occupied West Bank. Israel has also announced punitive measures against Palestinians after a gunman killed seven Israelis in occupied East Jerusalem. The attack came a week after Israel’s deadly military raid in Jenin refugee ca...

‘Killing spree’ in Iran as government crushes dissent

Iran has recently executed a British-Iranian national, Alireza Akbari, a former deputy defence minister, on charges of spying for Britain. Akbari’s execution comes as Iranian authorities have crushed anti-government protests and carried out four other executions. Western countries, including the US and the EU, have denounced Iran’s death sentences and trials as flawed. Nationwide anti-government demonstrations erupted in Iran in September after the death of Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Amini, who...

Who is smuggling weapons to Yemen?

In recent weeks, the United States Navy intercepted a fishing vessel smuggling more than 2,000 assault rifles in the Gulf of Oman on a maritime route from Iran to Yemen. Reports suggest the weapons were bound for the Houthi rebels who have controlled most of Yemen since 2014. Iran has long supported the Houthis in their conflict in Yemen and abroad but has denied supplying the group with arms. Meanwhile, Oxfam said that United Kingdom and US weapons provided to Saudi Arabia were directly used in...

Why does Israel’s new far-right government matter?

As Israel's new government headed by Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn into office, his cabinet has gathered the most right-wing ministers in Israel's history. With ultranationalists and ultra-orthodox Jewish parties placed in notable positions, the new cabinet has pledged to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right Israeli minister, has even kicked off international condemnation by entering the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, a move many Palestinians described as '...

Digital surveillance in the Middle East

For many of the authoritarian regimes in the Middle East, technology has long been a tool to enable digital repression. These states are increasingly using information technology to suppress the flow of information, censor content, and even surveil citizens. In this episode: Marc Owen Jones ( @marcowenjones ), associate professor of Middle East Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Research done by our intern Nada Shakir. Our sound d...

Racial profiling and surveillance of Arabs in the US

A recent Arab American Action Network report in Illinois analyzed more than 200 police documents. It found that suspicious activity reports have criminalised Arabs and Muslims under the guise of "public safety". Further investigation by the community group has revealed a crisis in racial profiling and surveillance of Arabs and Muslims in the United States. In this episode: Muhammad Sankari, lead organiser at the Arab American Action Network ( @aaanmarkaz ) Episode credits: This episode was produ...

Why is the halal economy booming?

The word "halal" in Arabic refers to something that is religiously permissible to consume or do. But today, it has become a huge industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars. The global Islamic economy report projects halal trade to be more than $330bn in 2025. In this episode: Jonathan A.J. Wilson ( @drjonwilson ) , halal branding expert Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our sound designer is George Alwer. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assista...

Will Tunisia's political crisis ever end?

Tunisia’s parliamentary elections are to take place on Saturday as the country is in the middle of its worst economic crisis. President Kais Saied has been accused of staging a coup in 2021 when he suspended parliament and sacked the prime minister. The main opposition parties are boycotting the vote. So where is Tunisia headed now? In this episode: Elizia Volkmann ( @EliziaVolkmann ), freelance journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Salem Alyafie and Khaled Soltan. Research wa...

What’s behind China’s growing interest in the Middle East?

Over the past few years, China has been cementing ties with Gulf states and investing heavily in their infrastructure deals. Now, Beijing is expanding its footprint in the region as Saudi Arabia hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping for a Saudi-Chinese summit. Xi’s long-awaited visit comes against the backdrop of strained United States-Saudi relations over energy supplies and concerns over growing Chinese influence in the Middle East. In this episode: James M Dorsey ( @mideastsoccer ), senior fello...

Why is Turkey carrying out air strikes in Syria and Iraq?

Turkey has launched a wave of air raids in northern Syria and Iraq, after a deadly bombing on Istanbul’s Istiklal Avenue. The country blames the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and groups it claims are PKK-affiliates in Syria and Iraq, for the bombing. The US and Russia have warned against a ground operation. In this episode: Taha Ozhan ( @TahaOzhan ), Research director at Ankara Institute Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Salem Alyafei and our intern Nada Sha...

World Cup 2022: What does football mean to the Middle East?

For the first time World Cup history, the tournament is hosted in the Middle East. Football has always been more than just a game in the Middle East. Seen sometimes as a symbol of decolonisation and regime legitimisation, it also plays a role in fostering national identities. In the region, the beautiful game is intertwined with culture, politics and history. As the World Cup in Qatar is now underway, we explore the culture in history of football in the region. In this episode: Abdullah Al-Arian...

Qatar’s security plans for the World Cup

The clock is ticking for the world’s biggest football tournament all set to begin in Qatar this week. One of the smallest countries to host a World Cup, Qatar is expected to welcome approximately 1.2 million fans for one of the world's most-watched sporting events. From security threats to cyberattacks, to crowd management and potential hooliganism - the challenges are enormous for the host nation. So how is Qatar planning to ensure the security of millions of fans expected to attend the World C...

Wars over water in the Middle East

We know water as a source of life. But dwindling resources could also be the reason for future wars in the Middle East. This precious commodity is slowly becoming scarce for several reasons. And there are worrying signs that our freshwater supplies in the region are running out fast. In this episode: Duried Mahasneh , a specialist in hydrology and marine sciences Episode Credits: This episode was produced by Hayat Mongolian and Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is the sound de...

Trafficking of artifacts from the Middle East

According to the Clooney Foundation For Justice, the destruction and plunder of the Middle East's cultural heritage are being committed on a scale not seen since World War II. Hundreds of thousands of artifacts are stolen from countries such as Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, smuggled through neighbouring states, and eventually sold to the highest bidder in the EU, the US, and worldwide. A portion of these profits is known to be used to finance conflicts and global terrorism. In this episode: Vasiliki K...

Why is Islamophobia on the rise in France?

France is home to one of western Europe's largest Muslim populations, estimated at 5.7 million. Since the nation held presidential and legislative elections, Muslims in France have endured a rise in discrimination, from bans on burkinis and Muslim headscarves to accusations of offending the values of the secular republic. Many Muslims feel the elections have stigmatised their faith and increased populist and right-wing attacks on their way of life. In this episode: Nacira Guenif , Professor of S...

Can protests in Iran bring change?

Iran’s brutal crackdown on protests has failed to stop people from protesting for a fifth week. The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini last month for violating the strict dress code angered many Iranians. She became an icon and her death led to the biggest anti-government protests in years. In this episode: Mahmoud Amiry-Moghaddam ( @iranhr ) , director of Iran Human Rights and professor of neuroscience at the University of Oslo in Norway Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan...

Why is OPEC+ cutting oil production?

The OPEC+ alliance of oil-exporting countries has announced reducing oil production by 2 million barrels per day, one of its largest supply cuts since the coronavirus pandemic. The decision comes at a time when many countries are grappling with soaring energy prices-fuelled inflation. So what is behind the new decision of OPEC+ to reduce oil production, and what could that mean for consumers? In this episode: Nikolay Kozhanov ( @KozhanovNikolay ), Research Associate Professor at Qatar University...

The digital occupation of Palestine

Palestinian activists and common users claim their content is deliberately suppressed, and accuse social media companies of double standards. In this episode: Eliza Campbell ( @elizaecampbell ), journalist and former director of the cyber programme at the Middle East Institute . Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. Our research was done by intern Nada Shakir. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Mune...

Fear of war in Bosnia as election looms

An election in Bosnia is set to take place on October 2, as fear and uncertainty grip the country. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has only bolstered fears that Russia might try to use its good relations with Republika Srpska to prompt another conflict with Bosnian Muslims - to hit back at NATO. In this episode: Dr. Adnan Huskic, CSS Professor of International Relations and Politics at University Sarajevo School of Science and Technology Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. ...

Lebanon: Rob your savings?

Since 2019, banks in Lebanon have imposed draconian controls on deposits, effectively locking millions of customers out of their foreign currency savings. As a result, bank heists in Lebanon have become a growing trend – but in this case, these armed “robbers” are not stealing anyone else’s money. They are just demanding access to their own savings. In this episode: Nizar Ghanem ( @nizarghanem ), Director of Research at Triangle, co-founder of the depositors union Episode credits: This episode w...

Why does Israel keep bombing Syria?

Israel has carried out new missile attacks in Syria at the warehouse in the airport compound used by an Iran-backed militia. Though Israel has been bombing hundreds of different targets across Syria in the last few years, it rarely acknowledges such operations. So what is behind the continuing Israeli air raids in Syria and what does it mean for the rest of the region? In this episode: Hassan Barari ( @barari_hassan ), Professor of International Relations at Qatar University Episode credits: Thi...

Is there an arms race in the Middle East?

Middle Eastern countries spent $168bn on buying weapons last year. So who are the biggest military spenders, and is there an increase in military spending? In this episode: David B. Des Roches, associate professor at the Near East South Asia Center for Security Studies Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar ...

Pakistan hit by floods and political crisis

Pakistan is facing catastrophic flash floods. But it’s also witnessing a political showdown between the government, the military on one hand, and the populist former Prime Minister Imran Khan on the other. In this episode: Mosharraf Zaidi ( @mosharrafzaidi ), CEO of Tabadlab, a think tank based in Islamabad Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is the sound designer. Nada Shakir is our intern supporting on research. Aya Elmileik is the...