A recent US drone strike, in the heart of the Afghan capital of Kabul, killed the head of Al-Qaeda. Ayman al-Zawahiri had led the group since 2011, following the death of Osama bin Laden, and during that time the jihadist terror organisation underwent a number of significant changes. Some changes were by choice, others were forced upon them. This week on The New Arab Voice , we examine what the killing of Ayman al-Zawahiri means for Al-Qaeda, and how significant is it that he killed in Kabul. We...
Sep 02, 2022•25 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Six months have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine. The war has significantly disrupted global food chains, cutting off vital supplies of wheat, corn and other goods to communities across the Middle East. Already dealing with currency crises, climate change and Covid-19, MENA communities are now contending with recording breaking price inflation and growing food insecurity. In this increasingly tense political and economic environment, what are the solutions to the looming food catastrophe in t...
Aug 26, 2022•20 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In the final part of our three-part special on Lebanon, we're examining the stagnant nature of Lebanon. Lebanon's recent history has pushed the country to the limit and left it crippled and uncertain. Today, Lebanese citizens remain unsure about what the future may hold for them. Can the country be rescued from its economic problems? Will a new raft of independent MPs be able to implement political change? Can the judiciary every be reformed? On the latest episode of The New Arab Voice , we spea...
Aug 12, 2022•29 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Lebanon marked the second anniversary of the Beirut port blast on 4 August. The blast was a devastating tragedy for the city and the country. It left at least 231 people dead, over 7,000 injured, and over 300,000 homeless. The port blast left a permanent scar on the capital city. For the latest episode of The New Arab Voice , and part two of our three-part special on Lebanon, we look back at the deadly blast and the investigation that followed. What happened on that fateful day? How did the auth...
Aug 05, 2022•36 min•Season 4Ep. 6
This week on The New Arab Voice , we're kicking off a new three-part special that's diving deep into Lebanon. The past few years have been transformational for the small Mediterranean country. The citizens of Lebanon have been pushed to its limits by a series of crises. In part one, we look back at the uprisings of October 2019 and the central bank's Ponzi scheme that brought the country's economy to its knees. Protesters took to the streets in 2019 as Lebanon's economy started to crumble and th...
Jul 29, 2022•32 min•Season 4Ep. 5
On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled to Tehran for meetings with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This week on The New Arab Voice , we're exploring the relations between Russia and Iran. What is the current state of relations between the two countries? How has the Russian invasion of Ukraine affected the relationship? Are Russia and Iran now competitors in the black market for oil? Will Iran provide Russia with its domestically produc...
Jul 22, 2022•25 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Motivated by the recent killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in occupied Palestine and what many have described as double standards in international media narratives on Ukraine versus the Middle East, The New Arab's States of Journalism series is a sustained, ongoing exploration of freedom, repression, and accountability in MENA and beyond, in global media landscapes. On this week's episode of The New Arab Voice , we're examine two stories from the Middle East and the ongoing struggle to secu...
Jul 15, 2022•32 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Iraq's parliament has been stuck in political deadlock for months following October's general election. Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr - who clinched the largest share of seats in the election - failed to form a government despite joining a triple alliance with Sunni blocs and Kurdish groups. So instead, to the surprise of many hawk-eyed political analysts, the maverick cleric ordered a mass resignation among his supporters - throwing Iraqi politics further into disarray. On this week's episode of ...
Jul 08, 2022•27 min•Season 4Ep. 2
The New Arab Voice is back for a new season! On our first episode of season four, we're exploring the recent diplomatic visits of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), and looking ahead to the upcoming visit by US President Joe Biden to the Gulf nation. Earlier in June, MbS visited Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey, where a host of new deals were struck and steps were taken to get relations that had previously taken a hit, back on track. Perhaps the most notable visit by the Crown ...
Jul 01, 2022•27 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Turkey is planning a new military operation in northern Syria. President Erdogan has said the incursion is intended to combat PKK/YPG “terrorists” and will facilitate the “voluntary” transfer of Syrian refugees back to their homeland. At the same time, Ankara has blocked Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership bids on grounds that the Nordic states provide support to the outlawed Kurdish militants. As Russia is distracted by the invasion of Ukraine and America is bogged down by the tranche of sanct...
Jun 10, 2022•25 min•Season 3Ep. 15
On the week that Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating 70 years on the throne, The New Arab Voice is looking at monarchies in the Middle East and North Africa. Of the ten surviving ruling monarchies that exist around the world, eight of them can be found in the Middle East and North Africa. While some have the vestiges of democratic institutions, they all have a monarch at the top who wields immense power and influence. On this week's episode, we examine the characteristics of an Arab monarchy, what...
Jun 03, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 14
On this week's episode of The New Arab Voice , we're remembering the life of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The renowned Al Jazeera journalist was shot dead as Israeli forces stormed the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. It quickly became apparent that Shireen had been killed by Israel, and her name was added to the long list of other Palestinian journalists who have been killed by Israel. Her years of diligent work earned the respect of both other journalists and Palestin...
May 27, 2022•36 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Lebanon held parliamentary elections on 15 May, and saw a raft of new independent candidates secure seats, in addition to Hezbollah losing its parliamentary majority. On this week's episode of The New Arab Voice , we explore the results of the recent vote, and what it means for Lebanon. Can the new independent members of parliament bring about change in the country? What does the loss for Hezbollah mean for the traditionally strong party? What are the prospects for Lebanon now securing a financi...
May 20, 2022•22 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Any hopes that the Taliban in Afghanistan had softened in their hardline attitudes were quickly dispelled when, on 23 March, 2022, they announced that girls would not be permitted to attend school. The sudden u-turn by the Islamist group was a devastating blow to the thousands of young girls who had hoped they would be given their fundamental right to attend school and secure a vital education. Today, almost 80 percent of girls in Afghanistan are out of education. Following the ban, the Taliban ...
May 13, 2022•18 min•Season 3Ep. 11
This week on The New Arab Voice , we explore the difficulties of reconstructing in Gaza following Israeli attacks. One year ago, Israel launched a devastating attack on the narrow strip, killing hundreds and injuring hundreds more. Additionally, thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed or badly damaged. When the ceasefire was reached, those who lost homes or businesses were unable to rebuild, due to the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The blockade was put in place by Israel in 2007, and since ...
May 06, 2022•24 min•Season 3Ep. 10
This week on The New Arab Voice , we examine the recent developments in the war in Yemen. On 19 April, Yemen's new leaders took a ceremonial oath of office under tight security, completing a major shake-up aimed at ending seven years of war with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Earlier in the month, a UN-brokered ceasefire gave the embattled citizens of the Gulf state a respite from years of intense and deadly fighting. We explore if these two events could pave the way for peace in Yemen. Can the ...
Apr 29, 2022•25 min•Season 3Ep. 9
On this week's episode of The New Arab Voice, we sit down with Anoosheh Ashoori. British-Iranian Anoosheh was arrested in Tehran in 2017. He was accused of espionage and sentenced to 12 years in prison. It was widely agreed that Anoosheh, with other dual nationals, was being held hostage by Iran, who were demanding that the British government return the money that was paid to them for tanks, prior to the 1979 Iranian revolution. During his time in prison he helped to form a poetry society. The i...
Apr 22, 2022•22 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Hello! No new episode this week, but we do have some exciting news. Starting from April 22nd, 2022, The New Arab Voice will be publishing episodes weekly. Rate and review on Apple podcasts, and don't forget to follow us. https://twitter.com/TheNewArabVoice https://www.instagram.com/thenewarabvoice/ This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge ( @hugogoodridge ). Music by Omar al-Fil ( @elepheel ). Other music by Blue Dot Sessions . To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNe...
Apr 15, 2022•2 min
This week on The New Arab Voice, we explore the growing trend of cooperation between Arab states and the Chinese government in the persecution of Uyghur Muslims. Why are Arab states cooperating with the Chinese government in the persecution of Uyghur Muslims? What form does this cooperation take? And what can be done to protect Uyghur Muslims? Featuring interview with Bradley Jardine ( @Jardine_bradley ), Research Director at the The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs ( @OxusSociety ), and U...
Apr 08, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 7
On this weeks episode of The New Arab Voice, we the Israeli response to Amnesty International’s apartheid report, and how they are using the internet to spread accusations and misinformation. And also speak with the pro-Palestine activists threatened by accusations of anti-semitism. Featuring interviews with Kristyan Benedict ( @KreaseChan ), Marc Owen Jones ( @marcowenjones ), and Shahd Abusalama ( @ShahdAbusalama ). And then, Lyse Mauvais ( @lyse_mauvais ) dives into the rock climbing scene in...
Mar 25, 2022•38 min•Season 3Ep. 6
This week on The New Arab Voice, we explore the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the impact that it is having in the Middle East. We examine how Middle Eastern countries have responded to the crisis and how relations with the likes of Russia and Ukraine have been shaped by events. Featuring interviews with , Inna Melnykovska from the Central European University ( @ceu ) Gerald M. Feierstein from the Middle East Institute ( @MiddleEastInst ), Murat Aslan ( @dr_murat_aslan ), Steven A. Cook ( ...
Mar 11, 2022•38 min•Season 3Ep. 5
On this week's episode of The New Arab Voice, we examine the Algerian Hirak, three years on from the first protests. Where did it succeed? Where did it fail? And what does the future hold for the pro-democracy movement? Featuring interviews with Andrew Farrand ( @AndrewFarrand ), author of The Algerian Dream , Zine Ghebouli ( @GheZinou ) from the University of Glasgow, and Salsabil Chellali ( @SaChellali ), researcher at Human Rights Watch. And then, we're joined by Benjamin Ashraf to discuss th...
Feb 25, 2022•39 min•Season 3Ep. 4
On this week's episode of The New Arab Voice we explore the search for post-conflict justice, and examine what the conviction of Anwar Raslan means for the victims of Syrian war crimes, what mechanisms are currently being used to secure justice, and what could be used in the future. We speak with international human rights barrister from Guernica37 ( @Guernica37Group ) Toby Cadman ( @tobycadman ), Kristyan Benedict ( @KreaseChan ) from Amnesty International, and Naya Skaf from the podcast Branch...
Feb 11, 2022•43 min•Season 3Ep. 3
This week on The New Arab Voice, Rosie McCabe ( @RosieMcCabe3 ) examines Saudi Arabia's takeover of football team Newcastle United and ask, why did Saudi Arabia decide to invest millions in a football club in the north of England? And what are the consequences of this deal? We also explore the role of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, and what Mohammed bin Salman hopes to achieve with it. And then, we speak with journalist Mariam Elsayeh ( @mariamelsaieh ) about the film Amira, whose sperm-smugg...
Jan 28, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 2
This week on The New Arab Voice, we examine the problems with inflations and the Turkish lira, and President Erdogan's dangerous obsession with low interest rates. We ask how the problems came about, what it means for the country's population, and whether it might threaten the president's rule. Featuring interview with Enver Erkan ( @raenver ) and Asli Aydintasbas ( @asliaydintasbas ). And then, Rosie McCabe ( @RosieMcCabe3 ) speaks with the organisers and artists participating in the upcoming S...
Jan 14, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 1
This week on The New Arab Voice, we look back at the biggest events of 2021. We explore the events and news that shaped the region and drove news coverage. Joining us to discuss 2021 is, Rosie McCabe, Paul McLoughlin, Will Christou, Diana Al-Ghoul, Benjamin Ashraf, Karim Traboulsi, and Nick McAlpin. This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge ( @hugogoodridge ). Music by Omar al-Fil ( @elepheel ). To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge...
Dec 17, 2021•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 16
This week on The New Arab Voice , Rosie McCabe ( @RosieMcCabe3 ) joins us to discuss the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus and the steps being taken to by governments in the Middle East to prevent further infections. And then, we examine the recent coup in Sudan, and ask what's next for the country, and why does it experience so many military coups. Interviews with Kholood Khair ( @KholoodKhair ), Yezid Sayigh ( @SayighYezid ), and Jihad Mashamoun ( @ComradeJihad ). And finally, producer Ai...
Dec 03, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 15
This week on The New Arab Voice, we discuss the recent visit of the Israeli ambassador to the UK to the London School of Economics, and the protests that erupted following her appearance. And then, producer Rosie McCabe ( @RosieMcCabe3 ) explores the cruelty of hostage diplomacy, speaking with experts, and the families who are waiting for the return of their loved ones, including Richard Ratcliffe and Sherry Azadi. And finally, Aisha Aldris ( @aishaaldris ) explores new age spirituality and the ...
Nov 19, 2021•33 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Our speakers will make the case for why climate change mitigation should be given equal priority, by addressing questions such as: What are the imminent risk factors for countries in MENA? How is it that some states, fragile as they are, have taken steps to mitigate climate change while others remain lagging behind? What is the role of the media and how can we better integrate climate change into regular reporting in the region? Dr. Laurent A. Lambert is Asst. Professor at the Doha Institute for...
Nov 12, 2021•1 hr 1 min
This week on The New Arab Voice, Rosie McCabe ( @RosieMcCabe3 ) speaks with The New Arab's Amr Salahi ( @Amr_Salahi ) about recent events in Sudan, and whether the country can survive and return to civilian government. And then, we explore climate change in the Middle East and North Africa, and ask what are the dangers that the region is facing, can Gulf countries end their reliance on oil, and how can climate change be mitigated while under occupation. And finally, Nick McAplin ( @NickGMcAlpin ...
Nov 05, 2021•43 min•Season 2Ep. 13
