Podcasts about mena middle east north africa

In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP's 2025 Palestinian Non-residential Fellow Ahmed Moor speaks with Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director of DAWN, a research and advocacy organization focused on U.S. policy in the MENA (Middle East/North Africa) region. They discuss DAWN's approach to analyzing U.S. interests and policy as well as a range of mechanisms for accountability, including this December 2024 lawsuit regarding U.S. military support for Israel.  Ahmed Moor is a Palestinian-American writer born in Gaza. He is an advisory board member of the US Campaign for Palestinian rights, co-editor of After Zionism (Saqi Books) and is currently writing a book about Palestine. He also currently serves on the board of the Independence Media Foundation. His work has been published in The Guardian, The London Review of Books, The Nation, and elsewhere. He earned a BA at the University of Pennsylvania and an MPP at Harvard University. Sarah Leah Whitson is the Executive Director of DAWN. Previously, she served as executive director of Human Rights Watch's Middle East and North Africa Division from 2004 – 2020, overseeing the work of the division in 19 countries, with staff located in 10 countries. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and Harvard Law School. Whitson is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and is on the boards of the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, Artistic Freedom Initiative, Freedom Forward, ALQST for Human Rights, Sinai Foundation for Human Rights, Action for Hope and the Armenian Bar Association. Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.

From Libya and Egypt to Syria and Yemen, the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region is undergoing unprecedented tumult and chaos. We are now approaching the five year anniversary of the so-called “Arab Spring.” This pivotal event laid the groundwork for MENA's unfolding collapse of nation-states. That the mainstream narrative of this wave of revolts has never been substantially challenged makes new trenchant exploration of this event indispensable. In a newly released book, Fall of the Arab Spring: From Revolution to Destruction,I propound a maverick thesis on this far-reaching Arab unrest. The book views this widespread Arab upheaval, not as authentic grass roots movements for democracy, but as an ambitious iteration of yet another US-engineered destabilization. Facing an incipient tendency toward multipolarity (multiple centers of world power) against US hegemony—while continuing the status quo of buttressing Israel—Washington manufactured the “Arab Spring.” Eschewing George W. Bush's crude and bellicose approach, the Obama administration leaned on a synergy of soft and hard power: so-called smart power—all under the veil of lofty romantic platitudes of “democracy” and “human rights.”Christopher L. Brennan is an independent political analyst and activist based in New York City. He is the author of the newly released book Fall of the Arab Spring: From Revolution to Destruction. He has previously written articles under his pseudonym “Chris Macavel.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

For this first 3dpbm Pulse podcast of 2022, our guest is Pir Arkam, Founder & CEO of Proto21. Proto21 is a 3D printing service based in Dubai which is behind some of the most fascinating and interesting application and volume production cases for the use of 3D printing across a multitude of industrial segments. The company was founded in 2018 by Arkam, a mechatronics professional with 9 years of expertise and industry knowledge in additive manufacturing. Thanks to his hard work, determination and commitment, Proto21 has rapidly become a leader and one of the fastest-growing companies in 3D printing for the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region. We are here to understand how Arkam built a successful 3D printing company in such a short time and his outlook is for the growth of 3D printing in MENA and beyond.

Sometimes we are exposed to opportunities and we are scared of taking advantage of the opportunity because we fear change. Not everyone is a risk-taker. But have you ever thought of all the great things that could have happened if you just had a positive outlook in life and seize that opportunity? You have one life. Learn as much as you can and use it to improve yourself first and then make an impact on the world after.In this episode, Coach Danny speaks with Tash Jefferies, the founder of Diversa.work. Her tech startup specializes in helping women and people of color get hired in tech roles. She is most-recently an Entrepreneur-In-Residence with 500startups.com and was based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she worked with founders across the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region.In this episode she talks about being a black woman in the Tech industry and shares advice and stories that will help you move through challenges you may have in your life. She also tackles her experiences living in the Middle East and how it wasn’t a hindrance in reaching her goals. Tash talks about the power of developing your positive mindset and being patient. Maybe that's what you need too. If you have self-doubt, fear or other challenges in your life, you need to list to this episode with Tash.[4:38] Ultimately, that’s why we buy things. You’re giving some kind of value, whether it’s intangible and something perceived.[5:33] Whether you’re online and it’s a downloadable guide for something related to what you’re doing, that’s value.[6:16] Value is key at every step.[6:24] We’re living in the information age. People can get information, but the problem is it’s not packaged up in a way that they understand.[7:33] When people start seeing how your brain is working, they get a sense of how you work and are more likely to close a sale.[8:25] 500 Startups overall, are venture capital firms, so they fund startups in varying sizes anywhere from pre-seed all the way up to I believe we’ve got some startups in the Series A, B, and sequential range. Usually, we find people when we’re at the startup phase or the pre-seed or seed-stage, and what we also do is we have various accelerator programs globally where we take and incubate startups and help them to raise their seed round.[9:18] It’s the reason why I started to go to work in Saudi Arabia. So that’s an ecosystem that’s new and up-and-coming. I call it the “Silicon Desert” because I think it has the potential to be a huge hub, especially for people of color and women. [13:35] I’m a risk-taker, and I think that’s a huge thing. Being an entrepreneur and a startup founder, you have to be. Because even for the fact you’re trying to build something that has not existed before and the way that you’re building it, you’re a pioneer. [15:30] Don’t listen to everything you hear because people can talk all they want, but if they don’t have the experience and they’ve never been there, they're just talking out of thin air.[16:38] It took getting used to, but it opened my eyes to understanding a whole new culture, a whole new way of life. And again, it gives me exposure on how to deal with startups in that portion of the world because things operate differently.[22:59] People will take anything out and try to hurt you.[23:21] I need to follow my gut in life because when I do, really awesome things happen.[27:09] I got one life. If I get an opportunity, I don’t care what it is. I’m going to say yes. If I think I only got 50% of what it takes to do, I’m going to say yes. And if they give it to me, I’m going to take it. [28:39] Many programs are built to help you get out of your own way, understand where your blind spots are in life and move forward to be your best self.[28:51] If you know that there’s something in you, that’s just not expressed or not fully self-expressed, or something is holding you back, find a really good life coach. Somebody who can help you to bring out the best in you and understand where your blind spots are. [31:25] You have to wake up in this morning ritual. The way that you talk to yourself in the mornings and the way that you start your day. Like when you look in the mirror, you have to talk yourself up.[31:50] I think it’s important for people to know that we had to grow into confidence, and that’s through a lot of self-talk, coaching, and surrounding ourselves with people that lift us.[32:21] If you can’t tell yourself you’re beautiful, who do you think is going to tell you that you’re beautiful?[32:56] When you’re looking your best, you can feel your best, and you can bring out your best.  [33:12] I do it for none of you all. I do it for me, and if that’s something that I need to do on any given day so that I can be a reminder to myself that I am beautiful, worthy, amazing, and special, then I do it.[33:35] I am my own soulmate. Like you have to fall in love with yourself.[34:28] We expect other people to make us happy, successful, to give us joy, to give us peace of mind. But you own your own happiness. You’re the owner of your story.[35:10] You have to fill up your own cup first. You shouldn’t be giving to others when your cup is half full or is almost empty.[36:25] If you’re not bringing it why would somebody else want to? Bring your A-game all the time. Be ready.[37:20] Start giving back to yourself before you try to run out there and be everything to everyone or live this lifestyle that you think people want you to live. [39:40] Reach out for help. Some people are always here to help you make sure you get the resources, and please don’t let a horrifying health incident be the driver for your life, for getting back in control in your life. [40:19] You have to put yourself and your family first. Your career and your business are second.[43:58] Think about the good things that you have around you. [44:34] When you’re stuck, and all you can see is the problem, and you can’t find a solution, until when? Until you calm your mind until you relax your mind and then when you’re in that relaxed state, now you can get into the solution mode.[44:58] If you’re a very pessimistic person, you miss opportunities, relationships, and blessings because your mind focuses on all the things that aren’t working. [46:41] Sometimes, you just need grounding. You just need to reconnect with the world and the energy and just be settled.[48:21] The whole goal in life is to play more in a happy place than every other place.[48:56] We’re born to serve.[50:49] Know the difference between giving and serving and underselling and undervaluing yourself. [52:32] If you’re going to become a founder and start working for yourself, please don’t jump on the first thing you think will make you a million dollars or make you a million bucks.[53:47] If you’re going to take that journey to become an entrepreneur, please let there be passion involved.[56:14] If only people across the world build up that ability to have empathy by 1%, I think our world would look completely different.[1:00:05] Life is not guaranteed. Where I’m going to be at is not guaranteed either. Stuff is going to happen, and so I’m just open to the experiences and what life is going to bring me, and I’m not attached to how that’s supposed to look.[1:00:59] We have to stop being tied to the outcome of things and the way we want things to work.[1:03:49] If you feel like you’re being pulled towards something, you have to answer that call.[1:05:06] Reach out and ask for help.[1:05:34] Make sure that you have people you can call on and remind you of how amazing you are, and you need to cultivate, love, and cherish those relationships.[1:06:21] Grind means you do whatever it takes to make sure that you hit that goal that you’re going after.[1:07:03] Gratitude is life. Gratitude is what helps you stay on track.  Links:Danny Stone WebsiteDanny Stone FacebookDanny Stone InstagramDanny Stone TwitterDanny Stone LinkedIn Tash Jefferies InstagramDiversa Website

PR executive Maha Gaber knows more than most about how to connect to consumers in different markets to get across a message, a brand, or an idea. Maha has a unique understanding of how to help companies strategize about making an impact through storytelling and strong messaging techniques.  As the former Head of Communication in the Middle East for Google, and a current advisor to executives like VaynerX founder, Gary Vaynerchuk, Maha helps instruct brands and people about how to leverage new trends in digital media to win over consumers. Maha also hosts SavvyTalk, a weekly podcast about communication strategies for businesses with a focus on the MENA (Middle East/North Africa) region. We caught up over some coffee to talk about tips for startups, the top places to travel in the Middle East, how to use PR to your advantage, and more.

PR executive Maha Gaber knows more than most about how to connect to consumers in different markets to get across a message, a brand, or an idea. Maha has a unique understanding of how to help companies strategize about making an impact through storytelling and strong messaging techniques.  As the former Head of Communication in the Middle East for Google, and a current advisor to executives like VaynerX founder, Gary Vaynerchuk, Maha helps instruct brands and people about how to leverage new trends in digital media to win over consumers. Maha also hosts SavvyTalk, a weekly podcast about communication strategies for businesses with a focus on the MENA (Middle East/North Africa) region. We caught up over some coffee to talk about tips for startups, the top places to travel in the Middle East, how to use PR to your advantage, and more.

I introduce this week's topic of America in the Middle East by hewing a little more closely to the news cycle than usual in the podcast, and that's because the last couple of weeks have seen some pretty incredible developments in the Trump administrations approach to the MENA region. Of greatest focus in the US, is Turkey's invasion of northern Syria and the withdrawal of American forces in the contested space, opening up Kurdish fighters to Turkish aggression and causing a general realignment not only in the Syrian conflict, but in how Americans talk about the Middle East. If you had told me 10 years ago that Republicans would (largely) be arguing to get troops out of the Middle East and Democrats would be arguing to keep them, I would've laughed. No longer. In the general upheaval, the really big question is, "Just why does America get so invested in the Middle East and its conflicts?" Critics of US foreign policy will say it's because of the oil, "No blood for oil," being a common slogan heard when the deployment of US troops to the region is in question. But is America in the Middle East just for the oil? And if so, why is that even the case? This is a short, introductory primer to America's interest in the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region. Get the show notes at www.timtalkspolitics.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/timtalkspolitics/support

Deep down, do you harbor a horrible little suspicion  that accepting most migrants or refugees, (whatever you want to call citizens of other countries who want to live in America) is more moral than building a wall or stopping them at the border in any other way?  Deep down do  you suspect that it is more moral to help beggars in Bombay and derelicts in Djibouti than helping  your own sister?   Do any of the 535 legislators on Capitol Hill know of any moral framework defending national integrity?  Does any State Dept. bureaucrat know of any moral framework validating border control?  It sure doesn’t look like it, does it?  And if you don’t believe in the morality of it, how can you accomplish it?  No decent person can succeed at any enterprise that deep in his heart he considers morally reprehensible.  Deep down they and their European counterparts believe that any South American has the right to live in Texas or Arizona and they believe that any MENA (Middle East North Africa) resident has the right to reside in France, Italy, Germany or anywhere else in Europe. Yet, there is one moral response to uninvited immigrants; one blindingly clear and compelling approach to the problem that is entirely moral and which your rabbi imparts in this episode detailing what happened when they poured into his house. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deep down, do you harbor a horrible little suspicion that accepting most migrants or refugees, (whatever you want to call citizens of other countries who want to live in America) is more moral than building a wall or stopping them at the border in any other way? Deep down do you suspect that it is more moral to help beggars in Bombay and derelicts in Djibouti than helping your own sister? Do any of the 535 legislators on Capitol Hill know of any moral framework defending national integrity? Does any State Dept. bureaucrat know of any moral framework validating border control? It sure doesn't look like it, does it? And if you don't believe in the morality of it, how can you accomplish it? No decent person can succeed at any enterprise that deep in his heart he considers morally reprehensible. Deep down they and their European counterparts believe that any South American has the right to live in Texas or Arizona and they believe that any MENA (Middle East/North Africa) resident has the right to reside in France, Italy, Germany or anywhere else in Europe. Yet, there is one moral response to uninvited immigrants; one blindingly clear and compelling approach to the problem that is entirely moral and which your rabbi imparts in this episode detailing what happened when they poured into his house.

The Dubai Wave Podcast returns with a special episode! This time we present a conversation about the Dubai podcast scene with two of Dubai’s most influential podcasters, The Dukkan Show, (featuring the one and only OT), and The Learning Curve, (featuring Nicholla Henderson Hall, champion of women entrepreneurship in the Middle East).Produced by Dr. Spencer Striker, Digital Media Professor at the American University in Dubai, the show is created with the help of a talented student production team at AUD. About the Dukkan ShowDukkan Show is a podcast that is the brainchild of Omar OT Tom, Feras Toofless Ibrahim, and Irshad Jibberish Azeez. Dukkan Show a show about perspectives from the point of view of 3rd culture kids in the UAE.Drawing parallels from fabled stories of social gatherings at trade hubs and weekend markets, the hosts find that a similar experience is had when neighborhood friends group outside of their local grocery store to just hang out and talk for a while.In essence, Dukkan is the simple joy of companionship and spirited discussion.About The Learning CurveThe Learning Curve Podcast is awesome.  We are a young show aimed at sharing the stories of awesome women working and living in the MENA (Middle East & North Africa). We share their business stories and find out about how they achieve their goals and what kept them going.  We find out what has inspired them and where their business ideas come from.  The women of the MENA are strong, vibrant entrepreneurial women who have a strong belief system that they can achieve success in their work.  Nicholla has lived and worked in this region all her life and she's met and worked with some talented ladies who don't see walls, barriers and red tape. They see opportunity, possibilities and outcomes. They too have this innate energy to be the best they can be and make their dreams come true. Would you like to hear from these women?  Would you like to be helped along your own entrepreneurial path or dream?  Well you can be inspired with these podcasts.  These women open up and will help your path to success.  About the Dubai Wave PodcastThe concept with Dubai Wave is to look at big picture Dubai. Each episode focuses on a unique topic, such as Dubai Fitness; Dubai Social Media; Dubai Food Scene; Dubai Music, etc., with the goal to illuminate a 360-degree viewpoint of all the exciting things happening here, the gem of the Middle East. The impressive guest list to date includes the founders of two of Dubai’s most popular food blogs (Dubai Foodie Scene); the founder of Dubai’s most influential MMA gym, Tam Khan (Dubai MMA); successful entrepreneur, Anas Bukhash (Dubai Entrepreneurship); the editor of What’s On Dubai, Laura Coughlin (Dubai Magazines); and the host of Virgin Radio Dubai, Brent Black, (Dubai Radio). Previously, Dr. Striker, with help from talented Digital Media and MBRSC students, launched a successful podcast called Digital Media & Tech in Dubai, focused on the Dubai tech industry, with eight episodes to date, featuring some of Dubai’s most exciting digital thought leaders.  Hosted by:Spencer Striker, PhD, Digital Media professor at the American University in Dubaihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerstriker& Basma Choucri, Digital Media Student at AUDSpecial Guests:Omar Tom (“OT”): Founder of the Dukkan Show, one of Dubai’s leading podcasts.Website: http://www.dukkanshow.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dukkanshow/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dukkanshow/Nicholla Henderson Hall: Founder of the Learning Curve Podcast, champion of women entrepreneurship in the Middle East. Website: http://www.thelearningcurvepodcast.comEdited by: Dina Bashaireh, AUD Digital Media student Audio engineering by:AUD Digital Media’s own Anil Mathew JamesSpecial thanks to the AUD Marcom Team.

Do any of the 435 national legislators on Capitol Hill know of any moral framework defending national integrity? Does any State Dept. bureaucrat know of any moral framework validating border control? It sure doesn’t look like it, does it? And if you don’t believe in the morality of it, how can you accomplish it? No decent person can succeed at any enterprise that deep in his heart he considers morally reprehensible. Deep down they and their European counterparts believe that any South American has the right to live in Texas or Arizona and they believe that any MENA (Middle East North Africa) resident has the right to reside in France, Italy, Germany or anywhere else in Europe. Yet, there is one moral response to uninvited immigrants; one blindingly clear and compelling approach to the problem that is entirely moral and which your rabbi imparts in this episode detailing what happened when they poured into his house.Follow Rabbi Daniel Lapin on Twitter @DanielLapinMore information on The American Alliance of Jews & Christians is available here: www.rabbidaniellapin.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices