Podcasts about Iraqi Kurdistan

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Two weeks into the war against Iran, the Islamic Republic has made good on its threats and attacked all the Gulf Arab states. But while the focus on reporting has been on those countries, players on Iran's northern border are also under fire. Iran has fired two missiles at Turkey, a major regional power; has hit targets in Azerbaijan; continues to pound Iraqi Kurdistan; and Iran's proxy Hezbollah even attacked British zones in Cyprus. The northern theater should not be overlooked. Each of these actors has a complex relationship not only with Iran, but also with Israel. Some, like Cyprus and Azerbaijan, are close allies, while Turkey has turned into a leading adversary and a backer of Hamas. Gallia Lindenstrauss, a leading Turkey expert, examines how each is reacting to the outbreak of war, and what might lie ahead in their ties with Israel. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subscribe now for the full episode. Danny and Derek welcome back historian Djene Bajalan to talk about the Iran War and whether the U.S. and Israel are attempting to destabilize the Iranian state by opening a Kurdish front. They discuss debates over Israeli strategy being aimed at regime collapse, whether the United States and Israel are pursuing different objectives in the conflict, and the strategy behind attempts to destabilize Iran through peripheral pressure. They also get into reporting about a potential Kurdish front, including the roles of Iraqi Kurdish authorities, Iranian Kurdish militias in Iraqi Kurdistan, and the limits of Kurdish military capacity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For review:1. Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands will send naval assets to protect Cyprus in the coming days, Rome's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told parliament on Thursday. Crosetto said the deployment would occur in the coming days.2. The Washington Post reported Friday that Russia has been assisting Iran in its war with the US and Israel by providing intelligence on the locations of American military assets in the Middle East. The report cited US officials familiar with the details.3. A massive Israeli strike Friday morning destroyed the underground Tehran bunker of Iran's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, which was being used by senior regime officials.4. US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he needs to be “involved” in selecting Iran's next leader, days after Israeli strikes killed the country's longtime supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.5. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set the goal of assassinating Iran's late supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, back in November, Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday night.6. According to the IDF, more than 550 aerial refuelings have been carried out over the skies of the Middle East since the war began, allowing hundreds of IAF fighter jets to operate in Iran, located over 1,500 kilometers (nearly 1,000 miles) from Israel.7. Iran will target the Israeli nuclear site of Dimona if Israel and the US seek regime change in the Islamic Republic, semi-official ISNA news agency reported Wednesday, citing an Iranian military official.8. Iran said Thursday it had attacked Kurdish forces in Iraqi Kurdistan to prevent them from launching an assault on its western borders, amid reports that such an attack was coming or had even begun.The Iranian claim came as Kurdish officials told The Associated Press and The Washington Post that US President Donald Trump had personally spoken to their leaders in recent days and requested their assistance in the campaign. 9. Israel has been holding its own talks with Iranian Kurdish insurgent groups based in the semi-autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan for around a year, two Iranian Kurdish sources said, while an Israeli source said talks had been “long-term.”10. The Israel Defense Forces has advanced further into southern Lebanon in recent days.The developments came as Israel appeared to expand its offensive into Beirut's southern suburbs Thursday night, launching a series of strikes on the Hezbollah stronghold, of the densely populated area known as the Dahiyeh, after ordering all residents  to evacuate.11. Hezbollah spent months restocking its arsenal of rockets and drones, using support from Iran and its own weapons factories to prepare for a new war with Israel, six sources familiar with the Lebanese terror group's preparations said.12. Saudi Arabia has intensified direct engagement with Iran to help contain a war in the Middle East, Bloomberg News reported Friday, citing several European officialsSaudi officials in recent days have used their diplomatic backchannel to Iran with increased urgency to ease tensions and keep the conflict from worsening, the report said.  It added that several regional and European nations are backing the Saudi efforts, the officials quoted in the report said.13. The Trump administration plans to meet executives from the biggest US defense contractors at the White House on Friday to discuss accelerating weapons production, as the Pentagon works to replenish supplies drawn down by US strikes on Iran and other recent military operations, sources said.Companies including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon and parent RTX, along with key suppliers, have been invited to attend the meeting. 

Federico Borsari is a Non-Resident Fellow with the Transatlantic Defense and Security Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis, or CEPA for short.  The Center for European Policy Analysis is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institution headquartered in Washington, DC, with hubs in London and Brussels. The organization focuses on strengthening the transatlantic alliance through research, analysis, and programs. CEPA provides insight on trends affecting democracy, security, and defense to government officials and agencies, helps transatlantic businesses navigate changing strategic landscapes, and builds networks of future leaders committed to transatlantic cooperation. At CEPA, Federico focuses on issues at the intersection of technology and international security, with particular emphasis on unmanned systems and autonomy. His work also covers NATO and transatlantic defense and security. He has authored several analyses and publications on the use and security implications of unmanned aerial systems by both state and non-state actors, and recently co-authored the first-ever report on drone warfare and its implications for NATO. Federico previously served as a Pan-European Fellow and later a Visiting Fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations, and until October 2021 he worked as an analyst and project officer at the International Institute for International Political Studies in Milan, where he also helped organize the last three editions of the Mediterranean Dialogues Conference. He holds a BA in History from the University of Modena and an MA in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Bologna. He also earned a second MA in Middle Eastern Studies from the Catholic University in Milan, and conducted fieldwork in Iraqi Kurdistan for a research project on the institutionalization and depoliticization of the Peshmarga. Federico is a frequent commentator on defense and drone technology in national and international media, and he regularly participates in conferences on defense technology and the use of drones. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Federico talks about how uncrewed systems are being used in the Arctic, and the challenges and opportunities they present for security, monitoring, and protecting critical infrastructure in this increasingly strategic region.

President Donald Trump welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the White House Monday, the first Syrian President to visit in decades, in what officials describe as a historic step in U.S.-Syria relations. The visit focused on counterterrorism cooperation, economic development and advancing regional peace and security. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, with more nations expected to follow in normalizing relations with Israel. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Dr. Qanta Ahmed, journalist, expert on Muslim radicalism and a NYU Langone sleep disorder specialist, who was just in the Iraqi Kurdistan region meeting with leaders who may have an important role in U.S.-Syria relations. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the White House Monday, the first Syrian President to visit in decades, in what officials describe as a historic step in U.S.-Syria relations. The visit focused on counterterrorism cooperation, economic development and advancing regional peace and security. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, with more nations expected to follow in normalizing relations with Israel. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Dr. Qanta Ahmed, journalist, expert on Muslim radicalism and a NYU Langone sleep disorder specialist, who was just in the Iraqi Kurdistan region meeting with leaders who may have an important role in U.S.-Syria relations. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the White House Monday, the first Syrian President to visit in decades, in what officials describe as a historic step in U.S.-Syria relations. The visit focused on counterterrorism cooperation, economic development and advancing regional peace and security. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, with more nations expected to follow in normalizing relations with Israel. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Dr. Qanta Ahmed, journalist, expert on Muslim radicalism and a NYU Langone sleep disorder specialist, who was just in the Iraqi Kurdistan region meeting with leaders who may have an important role in U.S.-Syria relations. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kurdish designer Lara Dizeyee is preparing a couture collection for Milan Fashion Week. Dizeyee fled Iraqi Kurdistan as a child, grew up in the US, and later returned to Erbil. Her designs draw on traditional Kurdish dress - layered garments, capes, and ornate headpieces - reimagined as bold evening wear. Her work is celebrated in Kurdistan, across the diaspora, and in the Arabian Gulf. Yet despite her growing profile, she lacked the funds to stage a show on the scale Milan demands. Arts journalist Melissa Gronlund follows her as she secures backing and races against time to source fabrics, sketch and sew designs, and collaborate with Kurdish artisans on jewellery and bespoke accessories. More than 30 outfits are completed and packed into suitcases carried by her extended family. On the big day, Dizeyee fits each model and navigates last-minute crises - models too short, earrings that won't fit, designs that misfire. But as the models walk out in her reimagined Kurdish looks, the emotion in the room is unmistakable. And in that final moment, as the Kurdish flag is symbolically recreated on the runway, Dizeyee presents her culture to the world.

WPLN's Rose Gilbert dives headlong into one family's migration odyssey from Iraqi Kurdistan to Nashville.To really understand what this family — and so many others — were fleeing from, we need to go back to one terrible, pivotal day in 1988. And to do that, we need to go to Kurdistan.The Country in our Hearts is the story of how Nashville became home to the largest Kurdish diaspora in America is an epic one. A tale of bloody genocide, of freedom fighters, of stunning perseverance.But the story of the Kurdish people, no matter where they are, is a story about a country that only exists in the hearts of its people. And the lengths they'll go to make it real. Rose Gilbert, host and reporter of the podcastSeries Credits:The Country In Our Hearts was reported and produced Rose Gilbert, who also produced the visual trailer. Meribah Knight edited and co-produced the series. Sound design by Martin Cruz, and traditional music is by Arkan Doski. The original logo artwork is by Nuveen Barwari.Special thanks to Paul McAdoo, Jennifer Nelson, Namo Abdulla, Luqman Abdulqadir and the Halabja Chemical Victims Society.Audio of interviews with victims of al anfal chemical attacks came from the Kurdish Memory Programme. Audio of the interview with a Halabja chemical attack victim is courtesy of Kurdistan 24. 

Researcher and trainer Hardy Merriman: After ‘No Kings Day' Protests, New Strategies & Tactics Needed to Resist Trump's Authoritarian AgendaYale School of Public Health associate professor Gregg Gonsalves: Defend Public Health Organizes Opposition to Trump-RFK Jr.'s Destruction of US Public HealthTask Force on the Americas' member David Paul: Trump Deploys U.S. Aircraft Carrier Strike Group to Caribbean in Preparation for Possible Venezuela AttackBob Nixon's Under-reported News Summary• Sudanese army fails as rebel paramilitary RSF captures western city of el-Fasher• Kurdish cousins' political party rivalry erupting into Iraqi Kurdistan civil war• Human rights organization's Fair Food Program fights to provide ethically-sourced cropsVisit our website at BTLonline.org for more information, in-depth interviews, related links, transcripts and subscribe to our BTL Weekly Summary and/or podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday at 12 noon ET, website updated Wednesdays after 4 p.m. ETProduced by Squeaky Wheel Productions: Scott Harris, Melinda Tuhus, Bob Nixon, Anna Manzo, Susan Bramhall, Jeff Yates and Mary Hunt. Theme music by Richard Hill and Mikata.

Researcher and trainer Hardy Merriman: After ‘No Kings Day' Protests, New Strategies & Tactics Needed to Resist Trump's Authoritarian AgendaYale School of Public Health associate professor Gregg Gonsalves: Defend Public Health Organizes Opposition to Trump-RFK Jr.'s Destruction of US Public HealthTask Force on the Americas' member David Paul: Trump Deploys U.S. Aircraft Carrier Strike Group to Caribbean in Preparation for Possible Venezuela AttackBob Nixon's Under-reported News Summary• Sudanese army fails as rebel paramilitary RSF captures western city of el-Fasher• Kurdish cousins' political party rivalry erupting into Iraqi Kurdistan civil war• Human rights organization's Fair Food Program fights to provide ethically-sourced cropsVisit our website at BTLonline.org for more information, in-depth interviews, related links, transcripts and subscribe to our BTL Weekly Summary and/or podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday at 12 noon ET, website updated Wednesdays after 4 p.m. ETProduced by Squeaky Wheel Productions: Scott Harris, Melinda Tuhus, Bob Nixon, Anna Manzo, Susan Bramhall, Jeff Yates and Mary Hunt. Theme music by Richard Hill and Mikata.

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne cover a wide range of pressing topics in the anti-money laundering and financial crime compliance space. They discuss the UK's latest sanctions targeting Russian energy giants, the European Banking Authority's report on crypto asset risks, and the Charity & Security Network's concerns about IRS scrutiny of nonprofits. The hosts also explore a revealing OCCRP investigation into corruption linked to Iraqi Kurdistan's ruling family and break down FinCEN's new FAQs on suspicious activity reporting. Plus, updates on GTO extensions and staffing concerns in EU regulators.

Greece's government recently tabled its budget for 2026, a budget that foresees a jump in spending, growth for the economy, and a drop in Greece's debt. Yiannis Mouzakis, the co-founder of Macropolis.gr, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into Greece's budget, looking at some of the positive trends like increased revenue from electronic payments and Greece's declining debt, while breaking down some of the potential challenges Greece still needs to pay attention to.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:State spending to jump €5 bln next yearGovernment budgeting on a late RRF sprintLawmakers in fervent clash over 13-hour workdayIn EU first, Greece set to introduce 13-hour workdayPKK leader Ocalan appeals to Iraqi Kurdistan president for help in Turkey peace talks

Last week's arrest of Lahur Talabani in a violent raid that left four dead set a dangerous precedent, one that could undermine PUK leader Bafel Talabani and the Kurdistan region as a whole, says independent analyst Shayan Talabany.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Syrian government has evacuated Bedouin families from Sweida. Turkey is ending an oil export agreement with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Israel is continuing its offensive on Houthi targets in Yemen. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Syrian authorities evacuate Bedouin civilians from Sweida as fragile truce holds Turkey to end oil pipeline deal with Iraqi Kurdistan Israeli army strikes Houthi targets at Yemen's Hodeidah port This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; Fareed Rahman, Senior Business Reporter; and Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

WPLN recently released Rose Gilbert's four-part podcast series, “The Country In Our Hearts,” telling the story of how Nashville became home to the largest Kurdish population in the United States. Host Marie Cecile Anderson sits down with Gilbert and cultural advisor Dilman Yasin to learn more about the strife that led families to flee Iraqi Kurdistan in 1988, how they've rebuilt community in our city, and why the Trump administration's anti-immigrant stance is endangering the systems that brought them to safety in the first place. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We dive headlong into one family's migration odyssey from Iraqi Kurdistan to Nashville.To really understand what this family — and so many others — were fleeing from, we need to go back to one terrible, pivotal day in 1988. And to do that, we need to go to Kurdistan.The Country in our Hearts is the story of how Nashville became home to the largest Kurdish diaspora in America is an epic one. A tale of bloody genocide, of freedom fighters, of stunning perseverance.But the story of the Kurdish people, no matter where they are, is a story about a country that only exists in the hearts of its people. And the lengths they'll go to make it real.Guest Rose Gilbert, host and reporter of the podcastSeries Credits: Reported and produced by Rose Gilbert Edited and co-produced by Meribah Knight Additional editing by Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner, and Rachel Iacovone, with help from Marianna Bacallao, Char Daston and Justin Barney Mack Linebaugh is Nashville Public Radio's Vice President of Audience – and supported this project in many ways Our community and cultural advisors on this project were Dr. David Romano and Dilman Yasin Sound Design was done by Martin Cruz Fact checking by Daniel Potter And Original logo artwork is by Nuveen Barwari Traditional music by Arkan Doski With additional music from Blue Dot Sessions Special thanks to Paul McAdoo, Jennifer Nelson and to the village of Chalke, and the people there who showed Rose so much hospitality.

Nicole F. Watts's Republic of Dreams: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Struggles, and the Future of Iraqi Kurdistan (NYU Press, 2025) is a harrowing portrait of Iraqi Kurdistan and its history, as it weathers Hussein's genocidal campaign against the Kurds, a civil war, the US invasion of Iraq, the Arab Spring, and the sustained neglect of the city of Halabja. Watts, a former journalist and now professor of political science, has spent over a decade researching the struggles of the Kurdish people in Iraq, and in vivid, lyrical prose, she tells their story through the eyes of Peshawa, a young Muslim Kurd whose family barely survived the bombing and then fled for their lives.Throughout the book, the thread of Peshawa's story immerses readers in the everyday and extraordinary world of Iraqi Kurds between the late 1980s and 2022, exploring the meaning of home and dislocation in the wake of war and genocide.Based on over a hundred in-depth interviews with Iraqi Kurdish activists, journalists, elected officials, and community organizers, and hundreds of hours of conversations with Peshawa and his family, Republic of Dreams brings to vivid life the story of modern Kurdistan, and the Kurdish national dream to have their own homeland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Nicole F. Watts's Republic of Dreams: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Struggles, and the Future of Iraqi Kurdistan (NYU Press, 2025) is a harrowing portrait of Iraqi Kurdistan and its history, as it weathers Hussein's genocidal campaign against the Kurds, a civil war, the US invasion of Iraq, the Arab Spring, and the sustained neglect of the city of Halabja. Watts, a former journalist and now professor of political science, has spent over a decade researching the struggles of the Kurdish people in Iraq, and in vivid, lyrical prose, she tells their story through the eyes of Peshawa, a young Muslim Kurd whose family barely survived the bombing and then fled for their lives.Throughout the book, the thread of Peshawa's story immerses readers in the everyday and extraordinary world of Iraqi Kurds between the late 1980s and 2022, exploring the meaning of home and dislocation in the wake of war and genocide.Based on over a hundred in-depth interviews with Iraqi Kurdish activists, journalists, elected officials, and community organizers, and hundreds of hours of conversations with Peshawa and his family, Republic of Dreams brings to vivid life the story of modern Kurdistan, and the Kurdish national dream to have their own homeland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Nicole F. Watts's Republic of Dreams: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Struggles, and the Future of Iraqi Kurdistan (NYU Press, 2025) is a harrowing portrait of Iraqi Kurdistan and its history, as it weathers Hussein's genocidal campaign against the Kurds, a civil war, the US invasion of Iraq, the Arab Spring, and the sustained neglect of the city of Halabja. Watts, a former journalist and now professor of political science, has spent over a decade researching the struggles of the Kurdish people in Iraq, and in vivid, lyrical prose, she tells their story through the eyes of Peshawa, a young Muslim Kurd whose family barely survived the bombing and then fled for their lives.Throughout the book, the thread of Peshawa's story immerses readers in the everyday and extraordinary world of Iraqi Kurds between the late 1980s and 2022, exploring the meaning of home and dislocation in the wake of war and genocide.Based on over a hundred in-depth interviews with Iraqi Kurdish activists, journalists, elected officials, and community organizers, and hundreds of hours of conversations with Peshawa and his family, Republic of Dreams brings to vivid life the story of modern Kurdistan, and the Kurdish national dream to have their own homeland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies

Episode 1 of WPLN's new series “The Country In Our Hearts” is out now! We travel from a market in South Nashville to the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan to discover what happened on one terrible, pivotal day in 1988.

The Kurdistan Workers Party, the PKK, has announced the end to its more than forty-year fight against Turkey, a conflict that claimed more than 40,000 lives. But the declaration, called historic by Turkish officials, is being met by public skepticism with questions remaining over disarmament and its calls for democratic reforms. Upon hearing the news that the PKK was ending its war and disarming, Kurds danced in the streets of the predominantly Kurdish southeast of Turkey. The region bore the brunt of the brutal conflict, with the overwhelming majority of those killed being civilians, and millions more displaced.From armed struggle to political arena"It is a historic moment. This conflict has been going on for almost half a century," declared Aslı Aydıntaşbaş of the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank."And for them [the PKK] to say that the period of armed struggle is over and that they are going to transition to a major political struggle is very important."The PKK, designated as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and most of Turkey's Western allies, launched its armed struggle in 1984 for Kurdish rights and independence. At the time, Turkey was ruled by the military, which did not even acknowledge the existence of Kurds, referring to them as “Mountain Turks.”Nearly fifty years later, however, Turkey is a different place. The third-largest parliamentary party is the pro-Kurdish Dem Party. In its declaration ending its armed struggle and announcing its dissolution, the PKK stated that there is now space in Turkey to pursue its goals through political means.However, military realities are thought to be behind the PKK's decision to end its campaign. “From a technical and military point of view, the PKK lost,” observed Aydın Selcan, a former senior Turkish diplomat who served in the region.“For almost ten years, there have been no armed attacks by the PKK inside Turkey because they are no longer capable of doing so. And in the northern half of the Iraqi Kurdistan region, there is now almost no PKK presence,” added Selcan.Selcan also claims the PKK could be seeking to consolidate its military gains in Syria. “For the first time in history, the PKK's Syrian offshoot, the YPG, has begun administering a region. So it's important for the organisation to preserve that administration.“They've rebranded themselves as a political organisation.” Turkish forces have repeatedly launched military operations in Syria against the YPG. However, the Syrian Kurdish forces have reached a tentative agreement with Damascus's new rulers—whom Ankara supports.Kurdish leader Ocalan calls for PKK disarmament, paving way for peace Erdoğan's high-stakes gambleFor Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is trailing in opinion polls and facing growing protests over the arrest of his main political rival, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, on alleged corruption charges, this could be a golden opportunity. “This is a win for Erdoğan, no doubt,” claimed analyst Aydıntaşbaş.Along with favourable headlines, the PKK's peace announcement offers a solution to a major political headache for Erdoğan. The Turkish president wants to amend the constitution to remove term limits, allowing him to run again for the presidency.The pro-Kurdish Dem Party holds the parliamentary votes Erdoğan needs. “Yes, Erdoğan, of course, will be negotiating with Kurds for constitutional changes,” said Aydıntaşbaş.“Now we are entering a very transactional period in Turkish politics. Instead of repressing Kurds, it's going to be about negotiating with them. And it may persuade the pro-Kurdish faction—which forms the third-largest bloc in Turkish politics—to peel away from the opposition camp,” added Aydıntaşbaş.However, Aydıntaşbaş warns that Erdoğan will need to convince his voter base, which remains sceptical of any peace process with the PKK. According to a recent opinion poll, three out of four respondents opposed the peace process, with a majority of Erdoğan's AK Party supporters against it.For decades, the PKK has been portrayed in Turkey as a brutal terrorist organisation, and its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, is routinely referred to by politicians and much of the media as “the baby killer.” Critics argue the government has failed to adequately prepare the public for peace.“In peace processes around the world, we see a strong emphasis on convincing society,” observed Sezin Öney, a political commentator at Turkey's PolitikYol news portal. “There are reconciliation processes, truth commissions, etc., all designed to gain public support. But in our case, it's like surgery without anaesthesia—an operation begun without any sedatives,” added Öney.Turkey looks for regional help in its battle against Kurdish rebels in IraqPolitical concessions?Public pressure on Erdoğan is expected to grow, as the PKK and Kurdish political leaders demand concessions to facilitate the peace and disarmament process.“In the next few months, the government is, first of all, expected to change the prison conditions of Öcalan,” explained Professor Mesut Yeğen of the Istanbul-based Reform Institute.“The second expectation is the release of those in poor health who are currently in jail. And for the disarmament process to proceed smoothly, there should be an amnesty or a reduction in sentences, allowing PKK convicts in Turkish prisons to be freed and ensuring that returning PKK militants are not imprisoned,” Yeğen added.Yeğen claimed that tens of thousands of political prisoners may need to be released, along with the reinstatement of Dem Party mayors who were removed from office under anti-terrorism legislation.Turkey's Saturday Mothers keep up vigil for lost relativesErdoğan has ruled out any concessions until the PKK disarms, but has said that “good things” will follow disarmament. Meanwhile, the main opposition CHP Party, while welcoming the peace initiative, insists that any democratic reforms directed at the Kurdish minority must be extended to wider society—starting with the release of İmamoğlu, Erdoğan's chief political rival.While the peace process is widely seen as a political victory for Erdoğan, it could yet become a liability for the president, who risks being caught between a sceptical voter base and an impatient Kurdish population demanding concessions.

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) declared a cease-fire last month in its war with Turkey, opening the door to a possible peace agreement between the two sides. Some 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which has gone on for decades. A deal would be a major win for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan—but it's not at all clear he can pull it off. In fact, he seems to have undermined his own chances by imprisoning the leader of Turkey's political opposition, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, triggering widespread protests. On this episode of Counterpoint, we're posing the question: Can the Turkish-Kurdish peace process succeed? Making the case that it can succeed is Galip Dalay, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House and researcher at the University of Oxford's St. Antony's College. Taking a more pessimistic view is Arzu Yilmaz, an associate professor of politics and international relations at the University of Kurdistan Hewler in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. Counterpoint is a production of Foreign Policy, in partnership with the Doha Forum. It is hosted by FP deputy editor Sasha Polakow-Suransky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raising Expectations with Pastor Joe Schofield, Stefanie and Dr Craig Thayer, Dr Paul Hall, and Ron Greer With Guests, Charles Lingerfelt Editor of Christian Times Magazine and Paul Antaby, Master Chief from the USS Cole We are delighted to have our friend and beloved Texas Republican Congressional Candidate Charles Lingerfelt with us! God has used Charles in so many ways in changing lives here and globally! He was born and raised in the state of Tennessee, where he graduated from high school and became an alumnus of Lee University. But in 1969, Charles and his family moved to the state of Texas, and has resided here ever since. He has made 29 trips to Iraqi Kurdistan, teaching American English and government. He is currently the editor-in-chief of Christian Times Magazine which is now being read globally around the world in 178 countries. Charles is an expert on so many national and international political situations and is a man of great Christian Faith in the Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. *On a special note Charles will be joined by Alan Abney and his wife Jan from the USS COLE who he interviewed for the International Christian Times Magazine.

On December 8, the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime was widely celebrated across Syria, but also in neighbouring countries that have been home to millions of Syrian refugees for more than a decade. Although Assad's departure has revived hopes of a return from Iraqi Kurdistan, where almost 300,000 Syrian Kurds still live mostly in camps, the question of the Kurds' place in the new Syria is not yet clear. They have high expectations of the negotiations with Damascus, at a time when a union is taking shape between Kurdish political groups, which had until now been deeply divided. FRANCE 24's Josh Vardey, Marie-Charlotte Roupie and Stella Martany report.

Syrian rebels have set fire to the tomb of ex-President Bashar al-Assad's father in his former hometown in the western Syrian Latakia province. Meanwhile, shops are reopening and people are returning to work in Damascus as day-to-day life gradually resumes. We look at the impact of returning refugees on the Syrian economy, examine concerns over a precarious security situation with a possible resurgence of Islamic State and in doing so, we hear from Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, and from Damascus itself.Also on the programme: South Korea deals with the fallout from last week's short-lived period of martial law; and one humpback whale appears to have made one of the longest and most unusual migrations ever recorded.(Photo: A man rides in the open trunk of a car in Aleppo, Syria. Credit: Reuters/Karam al-Masri)

Iraq, which has witnessed wars, embargoes and Islamic State rule, is a traumatised country with Eastern Christians among the first victims. Under Saddam Hussein, there were one and a half million of them in the country, but today only 150,000 remain. Many Iraqi Christians in exil dream of returning. We meet members of the diaspora who have chosen to rebuild their lives in Iraqi Kurdistan. 

Arab Digest editor William Law is joined by the Kurdish American journalist Sirwan Kajjo. A recent parliamentary election in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq featured a high turnout and a strong showing by a new party, both indications that the grip of the two families that have controlled the region for decades is beginning to slip. Meantime Iraqi Kurdistan continues a delicate balancing act as the war in the Levant between Israel and Iran's proxies burns on. Sign up NOW at ArabDigest.org for free to join the club and start receiving our daily newsletter & weekly podcasts.

Writers Salon: Bohemia Theme – Brought to You from the Colony Room Green, London Welcome to the first-ever Writers Salon, hosted at the Colony Room Green, an artist-run bar in London. The theme was Bohemia, with tales of 1980s art models, 19th-century stage acts, clubbing in Tenerife, and a famous musician dying in hospital. Thanks to all the amazing writers who participated; our next event will be on November 11th. Featured Writers: Kristin Burniston Kristin Burniston, an MA Screenwriting graduate from University of the Arts London, has had her short film scripts TREE and HAIRY MARY selected by festivals like City of Angels and Best-Script London. Kristin is working on a children's animation, a crime fiction TV series, and a feature film based on her novel. Lindsay Gillespie Lindsay Gillespie, from South Wales, now resides in the South Downs. She has lived in New Delhi, Washington DC, France, and Tokyo, where she taught English. A Costa 2021 Short Story Award finalist, she was also a finalist for the 2022 Bridport Short Story Prize, with stories shortlisted in Fiction Factory, Exeter, and Oxford Flash Fiction. Find her on Twitter @LindsGillesp14. Darren Coffield Darren Coffield, an artist and author, studied at Goldsmiths, Camberwell School of Art, and Slade School of Art. His exhibitions have appeared at the Courtauld Institute and National Portrait Gallery. His books include Tales from the Colony Room and Queens of Bohemia, which celebrates the brilliant women of Soho. He shared readings from Queens of Bohemia. Goran Baba Ali Goran Baba Ali, a writer and journalist, has published in Kurdish, Dutch, and English. His debut English-language novel The Glass Wall draws from his experience as an ex-refugee from Iraqi Kurdistan. He is the founder of Afsana Press. Miki Lentin Miki Lentin completed an MA in Creative Writing at Birkbeck and was a finalist for the 2020 Irish Novel Fair with Winter Sun. His short stories have been published in Litro and Story Radio. He released his short story collection Inner Core in 2022, and his debut novel Winter Sun was published by Afsana Press. Martin Nathan Martin Nathan's short fiction and poetry have appeared in various journals. His novel A Place of Safety is published by Salt Publishing. His dramatic writing has been shortlisted for the Nick Darke Award and the Woodward International Prize. Tabitha Potts Tabitha Potts is a short story writer and novelist, recognised with an Honourable Mention in the Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize. Her debut novel will be published by Rowan Prose Publishing in 2026. Simon Roberts Simon Roberts, based in West London, writes short stories and flash fiction. His story Dirty Chicken & Rice was a 2024 Plaza Prizes finalist, and his adaptation of The Slaves of Solitude was produced by Questors Theatre in 2024. He was longlisted for the 2022 Fish Short Story Prize. Photos courtesy of Miki Lentin. Some sexual swearwords are used in these readings so the episode has been marked as Explicit.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Joel David Bond, author of the book As Large As Your Spirit: A Reverse Refugee Memoir.  A born explorer, Joel has spent over two decades living and working around the world, from farm work in Italian vineyards to jet-setting as a London-based flight attendant. His recent work in Iraqi Kurdistan built bridges between some of the region's most elite students and the locally marginalized refugee community through service-learning. He holds a Master's in Education from the University of Nottingham, UK. His essay, “Amazing Grace,” was shortlisted for the 2022 Annie Dillard Award for Creative Nonfiction. Bond is available for interviews as well as speaking engagements and events on topics of refugee rights, education in post-conflict societies, life & culture in Iraqi Kurdistan, or travel-related topics. In my book review, I stated As Large as Your Spirit looks at Joel's life during a five-month forced stay on a Greek Island during the pandemic. Although at first glance, being stranded on a Greek Island sounds idyllic, readers soon realize that being trapped anywhere against your wishes is difficult. Though the setting is beautiful, Joel finds himself without friends, without access to funds, and with limited access to the internet during a time when governments limited a person's ability to travel or even interact outside their own home. In essence, Joel found himself a refugee, but one wishing to go back to the east while most refugees were leaving the east to head west. The book is about finding a place to call home - both physically and within oneself. It showcases the plight of refugees, unlike Joel, who had to flee from their home and must now find ways to make new lands their own. We even get a peek at Roma's, people who, though they live in a country, are not accepted as true citizens. This is a great memoir that will make you think about what it means to be a refugee and what you can do to eliminate your own biases. Great read. You can follow Author Joel David Bond: Website: joeldavidbond.com FB: @joeldavidbond IG: @joeldavidbond LinkedIn: @joeldavidbond   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #joeldavidbond #aslargeasyourspirit #memoir #refugee #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Hello, and welcome to number 142. This week, I am joined by Joel David Bond, who has just returned from living in Kurdistan, Iraq, for the last seven years. The FBI/CIA evacuated Joel in October 2023, and we talk about that story but also Joel's love for the country, his life there, what he learned from being in that culture, and the shocking ending to his stint. In COVID, Joel was stranded on a Greek Island that housed hundreds of asylum seekers an hour's bus ride from his resort apartment; we talked about those two worlds coming together in the most unlikely scenario and some uncomfortable truths. Also nestled into the conversation is Joel's two-year stint at British Airways, and we hear some funny tales about a career that is not so seemingly dreamy.A lot is packed into this one, and we barely touched the sides with Joel's other travels, which are hitting the 90-country mark. Right now, Joel is back in the USA figuring out his next moves, and there are many funny stories, reflections and laughs in this episode. Check out Joel's stuff below.Enjoy. Be inspired!Joel David BondWebsite - https://www.joeldavidbond.comAs Large As Your Spirit Memoir - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW31G8LR?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_RX0AY2RP3FFQ65K1NEM6Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joeldavidbondPatreon Shout-OutThanks to Laura Hammond for supporting this podcast. She does so by purchasing a monthly membership on my Patreon. You can support me, too, by checking out the details below!Winging It Travel PodcastWebsite - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.comWinging It Travel Podcast YouTube ChannelWeekly travel episodes, interviews and Vancouver.YouTube - HereWinging It Travel Podcast CreditsHost/Creator/Writer/Composer/Editor - James HammondProducer - James HammondPodcast Art Design - Swamp Soup Company - Harry UttonContact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com Social Media - follow me on:Instagram - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.instagram.com/wingingittravelpodcast/TikTok - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.tiktok.com/@wingingittravelpodcastFacebook - Winging It Travel Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/jameshammondtravelReview - Please leave a review and rating wherever you get your podcasts!Support My Podcast - MembershipsPatreon - HereBuy Me A Coffee - HereSupport My Podcast - Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.Use Revolut - HereBook Your E-Sim With Airalo - HereBook Hostels With Hostelworld - HereBooking.com - Here Book Experiences With Viator - HereDiscovery Car Hire - HereBook Buses With Busbud - HereBook Trains With Trainline - Here Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - HereBook Flights With Expedia Canada - HereBook Hotels with Hotel.com - HereBook Hotels With Agoda - HereBook Hotels With Trivago - HereBook Accommodation With Vrbo - HereBooking Events With Ticketmaster - HereMerch Store - Here Buy my Digital Travel Planner - HereThanks for supporting me and the podcast! Happy travels and listening!Cheers, James.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/winging-it-travel-podcast--4777249/support.

I'm Joel David Bond, and I specialize in creating experiences that promote cross-cultural understanding and empathic connection. As both a seasoned traveler and educator, my work is built on over two decades of overseas living and cross-cultural immersion. Joel David Bond is dedicated to helping people navigate their cultural world with mindful intention, fostering empathy and understanding across borders. With a profound belief in the power of travel to create a more empathic world, Joel brings a unique perspective to every journey, drawing from over 20 years of overseas living and cross-cultural experience, as well as a master's degree in education and a background as a global flight attendant. Specializing in providing travel presentations to schools and associations, Joel's offerings are not just about destinations; they're immersive experiences crafted to ignite curiosity, broaden perspectives, and inspire mindful exploration. With a background in education and counseling, Joel's presentations delve deep into the cultural nuances and human stories that make each destination truly extraordinary. Choosing Joel David Bond means embarking on a journey of discovery, empathy, and connection. With a commitment to excellence and a wealth of experience and expertise, Joel ensures that every presentation leaves a lasting impression, sparking meaningful conversations long after the event. He holds a Master's in Education from the University of Nottingham, UK. His recent book, “As Large as Your Spirit: A Reverse Refugee Memoir,” was a finalist in the Best Indie Book Awards 2023. His recent work in Iraqi Kurdistan built bridges between some of the region's most elite students and the locally marginalized refugee community through service-learning.@https://www.joeldavidbond.com/ #LivingLarge #UnexpectedPlaces #JoelDavidBond #Conversation #Exploration #Adventure 

Author Of "As Large As Your Spirit: A Reverse Refugee Memoir"#author #travel #nomad #education #culture #refugees A born explorer, Joel David Bond has spent over two decades living and working around the world, from farm work in Italian vineyards to jet-setting as a London-based flight attendant.His recent work in Iraqi Kurdistan built bridges between some of the region's most elite students and the locally marginalized refugee community through service-learning.He holds a Master's in Education from the University of Nottingham, UK. His recent book, “As Large as Your Spirit: a reverse refugee memoir,” was a finalist in the Best Indie Book Awards 2023.Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS1VW6TLWebsite: https://www.joeldavidbond.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bondventuresInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeldavidbond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeldavidbondLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeldavidbond/Thanks for tuning in, please be sure to click that subscribe button and give this a thumbs up!!Email: thevibesbroadcast@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/listen_to_the_vibes_/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevibesbroadcastnetworkLinktree: https://linktr.ee/the_vibes_broadcastTikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeuTVRv2/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheVibesBrdcstTruth: https://truthsocial.com/@KoyoteI'm Sorry Zero Points ~ Eurovision podcast with Adrian & Seamus.It's season 3 of I'm Sorry Zero Points. Adrian & Seamus bring...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyFor all our social media and other links, go to: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_vibes_broadcastPlease subscribe, like, and share!

In this episode of the Patrick Henningsen Show on TNT Radio which aired on January 18, 2024, Patrick talks with veteran Middle East journalist Leila Hatoum, about Iran's recent missile strikes against alleged western and Israeli-run terrorist operations in Pakistan and Iraqi Kurdistan, as well as a long-range strike on HTS/Al-Qaeda and ISIS targets in Idlib, Syria. This bold move by Tehran has tested the geopolitical fault lines in the Middle East, as well as sending a strong message to Washington and Tel Aviv. Also, is Israel drawing down its assets in Gaza to prepare for a war against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon? All this and more. More from Leila: X/Twitter  TUNE-IN LIVE to TNT RADIO for the Patrick Henningsen Show every MON-FRI at 11AM-1PM (NEW YORK) | 4PM-6PM (LONDON) | 2AM-4AM (BRISBANE): https://tntradio.liv

Did the map of the Middle East suddenly just get bigger? On Tuesday, Iran hit points in Iraqi Kurdistan, Syria.and all the way over on its eastern border, separatist militants in Balochistan province. It was payback for recent attacks targeting police in its own Sistan-Balochistan province. Hitting nuclear-armed Pakistan came as the neighboring countries were carrying out joint naval exercises. 

Has Iran just opened a new front? On top of support for Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, now come tit-for-tat strikes with Pakistan to the east. Both sides say they targeted separatist Baloch insurgents, but the sudden escalation between usually friendly neighbours adds a whole new layer of uncertainty to a region that's already close to boiling point.  Since October 7, critics have portrayed Iran as a puppet master, as evidenced by Kal's cartoon in The Economist, with the caption "I prefer a hands-off approach".Recently, Iran has had to contend with terror at home: the targeting of police stations by radical Baloch separatists and the twin bombings in Kerman at the start of the month in a ceremony honouring late Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani. On Tuesday, Tehran hit targets in Pakistan, but also Iraqi Kurdistan and Syria. On that score, just as we've asked if the United States is overstretched patrolling in both the Mediterranean off Israel and Lebanon, and now off the coast of Yemen amid Houthi strikes on shipping, can the same be said of Iran?Produced by Juliette Laurain, Rebecca Gnignati and Imen Mellaz.

PREVIEW: Excerpt from a conversation with Gregory Copley of Defense & Foreign Affairs about the report that Iran has fired missiles into Iraqi Kurdistan near Irbil in order to destroy what is alleged to have been an Israeli Mossad Headquarters -- and how this could lead to major difficulties for the Tehran Regime now that it has tangled direstly and unambiguously with Jerusalem and Washington. More later for what this alos may mean for Russia. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/01/16/iran-allegedly-attack-mossad-israeli-spy-hq-iraq/  1925 Persia

After Trump's Blowout Victory in Iowa, He is All But Certain to be the GOP's Presidential Nominee | As MAGA World Celebrates Trump's Lawlessness, Is the Rule of Law Itself on Trial in This Election? | A Report From Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan on an Iranian Missile and Drone Strike backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia facebook.com/ianmastersmedia

I love starting things. I love ideas, I love creating. And America provides the best opportunity for the realization of human potential there is. - Jim Hake .In this episode of "Building the Base," hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome Jim Hake, the founder of Spirit of America, a unique nonprofit organization. The podcast delves into Jim's fascinating background as an entrepreneur and the inception of Spirit of America in response to the 9/11 attacks. The conversation explores the organization's role in providing private assistance to support national security objectives and filling gaps that government alone cannot address. Jim shares insights into the evolution of these gaps over two decades and emphasizes the importance of private philanthropy in enhancing national security. The discussion touches on Spirit of America's global impact, focusing on regions like Ukraine, Taiwan, West Africa, and Iraqi Kurdistan. Jim reflects on the challenges of navigating legal frameworks, building trust, and creating a collaborative ecosystem between private citizens and government entities. The episode concludes with a discussion on talent acquisition for nonprofit endeavors and the crucial role of a diverse, values-driven team. Jim also expresses optimism about the growth of entrepreneurial ventures in the national security space. Key Takeaways:1. Flexible Mission-Driven Capability: Spirit of America operates as a flexible, mission-driven capability that supports national security objectives through private assistance, emphasizing the relevance of this approach against evolving threats.2. Filling Gaps in National Security: Jim discusses how the organization fills gaps in national security objectives, highlighting the role of private assistance in areas where government efforts fall short.3. Nonprofit Impact in Global Relations:  The episode underscores how nonprofits like Spirit of America contribute to building trust, fostering partnerships, and delivering on commitments, thereby positively influencing global perceptions of American values.4. Talent Acquisition for Nonprofits: Jim emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people for nonprofit endeavors, focusing on values, openness, and a collaborative culture to drive success.5. Evolving Industrial Base: The podcast touches on the growth of entrepreneurial ventures in the national security space and the need for a diverse network, combining nonprofit and for-profit entities, to effectively address security challenges.

- Get 20% OFF SHEATH UNDERWEAR (PROMO CODE: “JULIAN”): http://sheathunderwear.com  - Julian Dorey Podcast GEAR: https://www.23point5.com/creator/Julian-Dorey-9826?tab=Featured  - Support Our Show on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey - JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/4KRvKvsa  - Hosted, Produced & Edited by Julian D. Dorey (***TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ Eric Czuleger is a Diplomat, Author, & Renegade Country Explorer. For the past 11 years, Czuleger has lived and traveled across Europe, Asia, and Africa –– getting himself into wild situations that include managing diplomatic relationships between unrecognized countries. Eric insists he is *not* in the CIA –– but absolutely no one believes him. His life memoir, “You are Not Here” came out earlier this year.  EPISODE LINKS BUY “You Are Not Here” by Eric Czuleger: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Here-Countries/dp/B0C87SH7Q8  Danny Jones Podcast w/ Eric: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2eMKUAR2A0&t=3765s  JULIAN DOREY PODCASTS MENTIONED IN THIS EP: 1) Episode 134 - Joby Warrick: https://youtu.be/Xaz7JfTLFQE  2) Episode 107 - Andrew Bustamante: https://youtu.be/7jNz3-WPV5I  3) Episode 150 - Andrew Bustamante: https://youtu.be/dUlc2d6fDzg  ***TIMESTAMPS*** 0:00 - Is Eric a CIA plant? 5:09 - Is it strange coming back to US?; Carl Sagan Questions Theory 11:50 - Intentions; Hanlon's Razor; Probing people's politics 16:40 - Conspiracy Theories have exploded; “Countries are stories” 22:00 - Eric recounts living in Kurdistan 26:46 - How Eric joined Peace Corps in Albania; Fearing cultures 33:01 - Eric using acting skills internationally 36:14 - Eric's road to writing his book 41:57 - Eric's terrifying near-death in South Africa (STORY) 59:30 - The aftermath of Eric's attack 1:07:10 - Bloody clothes 1:10:21 - The “War Tourist” in Iraqi Kurdistan; Kirkuk background 1:17:06 - Eric gets arrested in Turkey 1:24:56 - Kosovo background; Countryless Ethnicities 1:28:26 - Middle Eastern Borders are INSANE; Sykes-Picot Agreement 1:35:36 - The Modern History of Kurdistan 1:44:51 - Criticizing your own country 1:47:55 - Modern Religious Movements; Human Fallacies 1:51:39 - The “Wicked Problem”; Evolutionary Negativity 1:56:25 - Schismogenesis EXPLAINED; Max Tegmark & “Moloch” 2:02:15 - The road to AI; “We need an enemy” 2:09:42 - The death of the Nation State; Goverments and Money 2:12:32 - Eric gets connected to Smallest Unrecognized country 2:17:21 - Eric visits Liberland for the first time; Jersey (England!) 2:24:30 - Liberland's Background, Eric's wild first meeting w/ Liberland President (STORY) 2:35:32 - Eric offered Liberland Ambassador to Somaliland position; Eric “not” in CIA 2:39:46 - Eric's next story on Somaliland expedition ~ Get $150 Off The Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress / Mattress Cover (USING CODE: “JULIANDOREY”): https://eight-sleep.ioym.net/trendifier Julian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey ~ Music via Artlist.io ~ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 163 - Eric Czuleger

Mehiyar interviews Co-Investigator Dr Rohzen Kamal Mohammed-Amin on the Nahrein Network funded project 'A Cultural Heritage Network for the Kurdistan Region: Challenges and Opportunities' Date of episode recording: 2019-01-28 Duration: 31:24 Language of episode: English Presenter:Mehiyar Kathem Guests: Rozhen Mohammed-Amin Producer: Mehiyar Kathem

This event was the launch of the paper 'Art and Activism in Iraqi Kurdistan: Feminist Fault Lines, Body Politics and the Struggle for Space' by Dr Isabel Käser and Houzan Mahmoud. This paper is the outcome of a project run under the LSE Middle East Centre's Academic Collaboration with Arab Universities Programme. Meet the speakers: Isabel Käser is a Visiting Fellow at the LSE Middle East Centre and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Social Anthropology at the University of Bern. She gained her PhD at SOAS, University of London, and is the author of 'The Kurdish Women's Freedom Movement: Gender, Body Politics and Militant Femininities' (Cambridge University Press, 2021). Houzan Mahmoud is a Kurdish feminist writer, public lecturer, activist and the editor of 'Kurdish Women's Stories' (Pluto Press, 2021). For over 25 years, she has been an advocate for women's rights in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan. She holds an MA in Gender Studies from SOAS, and is the co-founder of the Culture Project, a platform dedicated to raising awareness about feminism, art and gender in both Kurdistan and the diaspora. Müjge Küçükkeleş is a teaching fellow at SOAS and a research associate at Global Partners Governance (GPG). She is currently working on her book manuscript entitled 'Governing Iraqi Kurdistan: Self-rule, Political Order and the International'. Her research interests include humanitarianism, development, neoliberalism, sovereignty and political imaginaries beyond the state. Polly Withers is a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at the LSE Middle East Centre, where she leads the project “Neoliberal Visions: Gendering Consumer Culture and its Resistances in the Levant”. Polly's interdisciplinary work questions and explores how gender, sexuality, race, and class intersect in popular culture and commercial media in the global south.

American journalist Eric Czuleger dives into the twilight zone of statecraft by living in unrecognized nations in order to discover what a country really is. He begins his journey as a third-grade teacher in Iraqi Kurdistan at the height of the Kurdish independence movement. Banned by Turkey, he pivots to Kosovo where he reports during the nation's 10 year anniversary celebration. Moving on to The Black Hole of Europe, Transnistria, he arrives in time for the Russian election. Finally, Czuleger infiltrates the world's first crypto-anarchist nation, Liberland, where he parties with Bitcoin millionaires and falls into his most challenging position yet: Liberland Ambassador to Somaliland. There, in the never ending desert, he discovers the real cost of drawing a new line in the sand.   BEK LOVER OFFICIAL WEBSITE Bek Lover's Instagram

In this episode I explore Central and Northern Iraq, visiting the capital of Baghdad and Mosul. I also enter into Iraqi Kurdistan and visit the city of Erbil, one of the oldest, continually inhabited cities, in the world. As I wrap up my time in this incredible country, hopefully I leave you with some piqued interest and a curiosity into visiting it yourself!

Kate Adie introduces stories from Iraqi Kurdistan's Yazidi community, the streets of Marseille, the former USSR and the Caribbean island of Nevis. From 2011 to 2017, the Yazidi minority in Iraq lived in terror, as the community was targeted by Islamic State's fighters for especially brutal repression. There were fears of genocide - that the whole community might be wiped out. That didn't happen - but as Rachel Wright has seen, Yazidis who survived captivity and slavery under IS are still finding life extremely tough today, trying to eke out a living in tented cities of refugees. After the mass civil disorder across France, there's passionate debate over the root causes of the revolt on the streets, and what the rioters really wanted. Jenny Hill reports from Marseille on what she heard from residents of the city's vast and decaying Frais Vallon housing project. Ibrat Safo reveals a personal story of childhood in the former USSR - and making contact again with the woman who helped to raise him. His family were Uzbek, while his nanny was of Uzbek and Ukrainian descent. They grew up together speaking Russian in a provincial Soviet town. So when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, he felt an urgent need to track her down, and find out where life has taken her. And Rob Crossan reveals why the Caribbean island of Nevis hasn't turned much of a profit from its connection with one of America's Founding Fathers - the celebrated Alexander Hamilton. Producer: Polly Hope Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Co-Ordinator: Gemma Ashman

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow 1900 Rio Grande Valley #Gaza: The IDF firefight with Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Lazar Berman, Times of Israel. Malcolm Hoenlein @Conf_of_pres @mhoenlein1 Lazar Berman- Lazar Berman is the diplomatic correspondent at the Times of Israel, and is a Phd candidate in the War Studies program at King's College London. Prior to this role, he was the Head of Joint Learning at the IDF's General Staff think tank, the Dado Center. During his IDF service, he was an infantry officer in the Givati Brigade and the Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion, and is currently a reserve captain in the Commando Brigade. Lazar also taught at Salahuddin University in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-gaza-conflict-militants-rockets-airstrikes-a495136841d4d74af008f5eb3a401066 https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-undeterred-sat-on-the-sidelines-as-islamic-jihad-and-israel-slugged-it-out/

Concern is growing about Elnaz Rekabi, the 33-year-old Iranian athlete who competed in South Korea on Sunday without a mandatory hijab. On social media today, Rekabi said there was a problem climbing with the covering, apologized, and said she was returning to Iran. Now rights groups based abroad are raising the alarm about what might happen to her once she's home. It comes amid ongoing protests by Iranian women and male allies, sparked by the death of police custody of Mahsa Amini. Amini was an Iranian Kurd, and that community has borne the brunt of the regime's crackdown. Now some are fleeing across the border to Iraqi Kurdistan and joining armed opposition groups. Correspondent Nima Elbagir traveled there to learn more about this budding insurgency.  Also on today's show: British MP Crispin Blunt, the first Conservative Member of Parliament to call for new Prime Minister Liz Truss' ouster; author Anand Giridharadas; Gina Kim, executive producer of Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Photo:  Nahal Paran, Negev #Israel: Abraham Accords meeting in the Negev Summit.  Lazar Berman @Lazar_Berman @TimesofIsrael @KingsCollegeLon  is diplomatic correspondent at the Times of Israel. Malcolm Hoenlein @Conf_of_pres @mhoenlein1 https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-negev-summit-allies-calmed-somewhat-by-us-recommitment-to-the-region/ https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-hadera-attack-mood-and-attention-quickly-shifts-at-negev-summit/ https://www.axios.com/negev-summit-isreal-uae-egypt-morocco-blinken-5b6dc3ec-70a2-4396-a5c2-729b0f7a30bb.html Lazar Berman @Lazar_Berman @TimesofIsrael @KingsCollegeLon  is diplomatic correspondent at the Times of Israel, and is a Ph.D. candidate in the War Studies program at King's College London. Formerly, he was head of Joint Learning at the IDF's General Staff think tank, the Dado Center. During his IDF service, he was an infantry officer in the Givati Brigade and the Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion, and is currently a reserve captain in the Commando Brigade. Lazar also taught at Salahuddin University in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan.

At least 35 people killed and dozens injured in missile attack in Yavoriv. Both sides say talks to try to end the war could make further progress within days. Also: Iran's Revolutionary Guards say they carried out a missile attack near US consulate in Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, American actor William Hurt dies aged 71 and a western takes top honours at Britain's Bafta film awards.