Podcasts about middle east program

What does the future of the Middle East look like? Zachary and Emma speak with Dr. Jon Alterman, senior vice president and director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he holds the Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy. They discuss the complexities of achieving peace between Israel and Palestine, the evolution of a new Syria, and the socioeconomic growth of many Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia. Dr. Alterman also touches on the resilience of the Iranian regime and other regimes fueled by oil. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate. For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information, visit: theprogressnetwork.org Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theprogressnetwork And follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @progressntwrk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For today's episode, Lawfare Foreign Policy Editor Daniel Byman interviewed Natan Sachs, the Director of the Middle East Program of the Brookings Institution, to discuss Israel's turbulent domestic situation and the renewal of the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Sachs explains Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political tactics, the controversies over the budget, judicial reform and the resulting protests, and the sacking of figures like Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Sachs also discusses why Israel has decided to renew operations in Gaza and Lebanon and why strikes on Iran are more likely than in the past. To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After over a year of devastating conflict, Israel and Hamas reached a three-phase ceasefire agreement in January 2025, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The deal allowed for significant increases in humanitarian aid deliveries, prisoner and hostage exchanges, and discussions for a potential permanent ceasefire.This episode was recorded on March 11, ten days after the scheduled completion of Phase 1. Since then, the ceasefire has remained in limbo—Israel is pushing to extend Phase 1, while Hamas wants to advance to Phase 2 negotiations, under which a permanent ceasefire would be established. With talks stalled and a spike in resumed violence on March 18, the road ahead remains uncertain, especially as U.S. policy under President Trump continues to shift.In this episode, Sophia Besch sits down with Zaha Hassan, a Fellow in Carnegie's Middle East Program and a human rights lawyer. She previously served as the senior legal advisor to the Palestinian negotiating team during Palestine's bid for UN membership and is a regular participant in track II peace efforts. Together, they explore the fragile ceasefire in Gaza—its implications, challenges and delays with implementation, and the evolving role of the United States in the region under President Donald Trump's administration.Notes:Zaha Hassan and H. A. Hellyer, Suppressing Dissent: Shrinking Civic Space, Transnational Repression and Palestine-Israel, (Oneworld, 2024).

John Allen Gay and A.J. Manuzzi interview Rose Kelanic, Director of the Middle East Program at Defense Priorities, discussing why Washington should take a "wait-and-see" approach to Syria's new government, President Trump's new Executive Orders on energy security, and whether the U.S. military needs to be in the Persian Gulf for oil. This episode was recorded on January 30, 2025. Dr. Kelanic's Defense Priorities explainer: https://www.defensepriorities.org/briefs/wait-and-see-a-post-assad-syria/

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Merissa Khurma, Director of the Wilson Center's Middle East Program, to explore the evolving geopolitical landscape of the region and what it means for the new administration. From shifting alliances to economic opportunities and humanitarian challenges, this conversation provides key insights for policymakers navigating the Middle East.

Newt talks with Adam Weinstein, Deputy Director of the Middle East Program at the Quincy Institute, about the tragic event on New Year’s Day when a speeding pickup truck, driven by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, killing 14 and injuring 30. The incident, now considered a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, raises concerns about the threat of lone wolf actors in the U.S. Weinstein provides insights into ISIS's tactics, recruitment strategies, and the broader implications of such attacks. Their conversation also focuses on the challenges of combating radical Islamist groups, the mental health crisis among veterans, and the need for a more diplomacy-focused U.S. foreign policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Syrians continue to celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the dictator whose decades-long rule was marked by terror and violence against his own people. But the situation on the ground is fluid and complex. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, one of the key rebel groups controlling Damascus, has former ties to Al-Qaeda and is currently labeled a terrorist group by the United States government. Its leader, Mohammed al-Bashir, was appointed Syria's caretaker prime minister and said Tuesday he'll run a transitional government until March. Meanwhile, Israel launched dozens of airstrikes Tuesday targeting Syrian military installations and weapons stockpiled by the Assad regime. We'll talk about what's next for Syria and the alliances that kept Assad in power and get reactions from Syrians in California. Guests: Ruth Michaelson , journalist based in Istanbul, The Guardian Natasha Hall, senior fellow with the Middle East Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies Sammy Hajomar, Los Angeles resident of Syrian descent Marwan Chehadeh, San Diego resident of Syrian descent

Tommy and Ben discuss President Yoon Suk Yeol's sudden declaration of martial law in South Korea, how Trump and his team will approach the Syrian civil war, and why Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead the FBI, is so dangerous. They also talk about Trump's nepotism hires, more troubling news reports about Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, Trump's threats to levy tariffs on BRICS countries, UNRWA closing a crucial aid route into Gaza due to looting, a former Israeli defense minister's declaration that Israeli is engaging in ethnic cleansing, protests in Georgia, and elections in Romania and Ireland. Finally, Tommy speaks with Natasha Hall, Senior Fellow in the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, to unpack what's happening in Syria, who all the players are, and how we got here. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. 

As the second Trump administration's national security and foreign policy policy shapes up, critical strategic issues are expected to define the future of Turkish-American relations. Bilateral defense cooperation, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the U.S. strategy in northern Syria, instability in the Middle East, and the U.S. competition with China will be central to discussions between the Türkiye and the U.S. How will the incoming Trump administration approach these long standing challenges? What impact will Trump's foreign policy priorities have on Turkey's security and strategic position in the region? What are the opportunities for cooperation between the two NATO allies? The SETA Foundation in Washington DC is pleased to convene a distinguished panel of experts to discuss the Turkish-American relations in the second Trump administration.   Speakers Amb. James Jeffrey, Chair of the Middle East Program, The Wilson Center Col. (Ret.) Rich Outzen, Nonresident Senior Fellow, The Atlantic Council Kadir Ustun, Executive Director, The SETA Foundation at Washington DC   Moderator Kilic Kanat, Research Director, The SETA Foundation at Washington DC --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seta-dc/support

Jim Jeffrey, the director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center and former Syria Envoy under the first Trump administration, says in his new term Trump could pull US forces out of Syria.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, we are joined by Merissa Khurma, Director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center.  We discuss the latest developments with widening conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, possible implications from Israel's retaliation for the October 1st missile attack by Iran, and where US diplomatic efforts stand in the region. Note: This interview was recorded prior to the killing of Yahya Sinwar.

During the past two weeks, the possibility of a major Middle East multi-front war has increased significantly. Israel's campaign against Hezbollah and Iran's launching of ballistic missiles against Israel has created the potential of an escalatory ladder that both Iran and Israel might climb with dangerous consequences. Iran's role and what they do next will be decisive.  Join Aaron David Miller as he sits down with Karim Sadjadpour, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's Middle East Program, and Suzanne Maloney, vice president and director of the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution, to discuss how Iran perceives the current landscape and may act as the crisis unfolds. 

Earlier this week marked one year since Hamas attacked Israel. Hamas militants invaded Israel, killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped another 250 people, making it the deadliest attack in Israel's history. About 100 hostages have not been returned. Israel's retaliation in Gaza has killed more than 41,000 people and wounded more than 96,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and resulted in mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis.As the war in the Middle East continues with no immediate cease-fire deal in sight, the situation will pose difficulties for the next U.S. president. Jon Alterman, author of the piece “Middle East Challenges Will Vex Not Only the First 100 Days but the First 1,000,” sums up the complex challenges that await. It's part of a new report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies on the global impact of the 2024 election, where Alterman serves as the senior vice president. He also directs the Middle East Program.  MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with Alterman about the dynamics in the Middle East and where the leading presidential candidates line up. Later, a peer-led, follow-up conversation with two Generation Z voters about their feelings toward the election after a summer of unprecedented political events.

Following Sunday's controversial presidential election, Kais Saied has secured his second term in office. While this result was widely anticipated, it raises deeper questions about the trajectory of Tunisia's democracy. Tunisia was once seen as the shining success of the Arab Spring – a beacon of democratic hope. But now, like several of its neighbors, it finds itself grappling with rising authoritarianism, weakened institutions, and disillusioned voters.Today, we're not just looking at Tunisia's election results, but also exploring what these trends tell us about the state of democracy in the wider region. How did Tunisia arrive at this point in its democratic trajectory? What does this mean for the future of political reform, governance, and stability in North Africa and beyond? In this episode, Sophia Besch discusses these questions and more with Sarah Yerkes, a senior fellow in Carnegie's Middle East Program and expert on Tunisia's political and economic reforms.Notes: Sarah Yerkes, "How Tunisia's President Has Used the Law to Secure His Election Victory," Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, September 24, 2024.

The International Risk Podcast is a weekly podcast for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. In these podcasts, we speak with experts in a variety of fields to explore international relations. Our host is Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's leading risk consulting firms. Dominic is a regular public and corporate event speaker, and visiting lecturer at several universities. Having spent the last 20 years successfully establishing large and complex operations in the world's highest-risk areas and conflict zones, Dominic now joins you to speak with exciting guests around the world to discuss international risk. Many of our recent guests have posited that we are witnessing the rise of a new ‘axis of evil' in international relations, forming between Russia, China, and Iran. Whilst Russia and China are rarely out of the mainstream media, Iran's role in this rising anti-west military and ideological front remains more nuanced. Whilst the death of President Raisi on May 19th, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas have brought Iran into the news more, many questions still go unanswered, and more importantly, unasked. That is why we are thrilled to have been joined by Johnathan Panikoff today. Jonathan Panikoff is the director of the Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council's Middle East Program. A former career US intelligence officer, who served as the deputy national intelligence officer for the Near East at the National Intelligence Council (NIC) from 2015 to 2020. Jonathan Panikoff's Linked In and Atlantic Council pages.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.

Masoud Pezeshkian recently won the runoff election to replace Iran's late president, Ebrahim Raisi. This week, Leah Hickert speaks with Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program at CSIS, about Pezeshkian and the election's impact on regional politics. A new Analysis from the CSIS Middle East Program. Jon Alterman, "The Impacts of Raisi's Death," CSIS, May 20, 2024.

This week, Leah Hickert speaks with Jon Alterman, director Middle East Program at CSIS, about the impacts of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash, and how it will affect Iran's foreign and domestic policy. A new Analysis from the CSIS Middle East Program. Jon Alterman, "The Impacts of Raisi's Death," CSIS, May 20, 2024.

Tensions across the Middle East, recently rose to worrying highs. It started on 1 April, when Israel launched an attack on Iran's consulate building in the Syria capital of Damascus. Iran responded to this by firing hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel. In turn, Israel conducted strikes in Iran. Voices from abroad, desperately called for calm, as fears grew that the region was about to be plunged into a regional conflict. This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at the recent Iranian strike against Israel and Israel's response. What did Iran hope to achieve, and were they successful? Why did Arab nations take part in the defence of Iran? What did Israel want to achieve in Iran, and why was their response so muted? How close did the region come to war, and has the threat now passed?Joining us to discuss this and more, we speak with Merissa Khurma (@MerissaKhurma). Merissa Khurma is the program director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center (@WilsonCenterMEP). And, Trita Parsi (@tparsi), the Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute (@QuincyInst), and author of Losing an Enemy: Obama, Iran and the Triumph of Diplomacy. And finally, Hamidreza Aziz (@HamidRezaAz), a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International Security Affairs (@SWPBerlin) in Berlin. This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email podcast@newarab.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leah Hickert speaks with Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program at CSIS, about the tensions rising between Iran and Israel, as well as the potential for regional escalation. A new Analysis from the CSIS Middle East Program.

Newt discusses the escalating tensions in the Middle East with Adam Weinstein, Deputy Director of the Middle East Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. They discuss the recent Iranian attack on Israeli soil, the assassination of a top Iranian General by Israel, and the ongoing hostility between the two nations. Weinstein suggests that the Iranian regime's hostility towards Israel is rooted its desire to assert itself as a regional power. He also discusses the role of the United States in the region and the challenges of achieving peace and stability, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to the Telegraph's Middle East Correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about how Israel will retaliate against Iran for their recent missile strikes. Then we speak to Holly Dagres, senior fellow with the Atlantic Council's Middle East Program and writer of the substack The Iranist, about how Iran and Israel's relationship has developed from a shadow war to the brink of a full-scale conflict.ContributorsRoland Oliphant (Host, Senior Foreign Correspondent) @rolandoliphant on XNataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent) @Nat_Vasilyeva on X.Holly Dagres (The Iranist) @hdagres on XHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the late hours of Saturday, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles in an unprecedented direct attack on Israel. There was limited damage as Israel and its allies intercepted most of them before reaching Israeli airspace. Now, the United States and allies have urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint in its response to avoid further escalation. But with the conflict in Gaza still ongoing, this latest attack from Iran is causing many to fear that a wider regional war is coming. Joining The World Unpacked's new host Sophia Besch is Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow in Carnegie's Middle East Program and one of the leading experts on Iran, to unpack Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel and what comes next. 

A volatile session for stocks as investors weigh more comments from Fed Chair Jay Powell and tensions in the Middle East. Earnings from United, Interactive Brokers and JB Hunt. Interactive Brokers founder Thomas Peterffy on the latest quarter and what it means for the broader economy. Oakmark's Bill Nygren on his top value picks. Plus, Jon Alterman, Center for Strategic and International Studies Director of Middle East Program, on the latest signals from Israel and Iran.

In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, we highlight the 5th anniversary of the Middle East Program's blog, Enheduanna with Merissa Khurma and Faria Nasruddin.  The blog seeks to “inspire diverse women contributors from the Middle East to voice their thoughts and express their ideas about the state of women in their countries and their often ignored yet important work to advance women's issues across the region.” 

Jon Alterman, senior vice president, Zbigniew Brzezinski chair in Global Security and Geostrategy and director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and Khaled Elgindy, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and director of MEI's Program on Palestine and Israeli-Palestinian Affairs, talk about the calls for cease-fire in Gaza, why it means different things to different groups, and how it could work.  

Calls for a 'ceasefire' in Gaza mean different things to different stakeholders. On Today's Show:Jon Alterman, senior vice president and director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Khaled Elgindy, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and director of its Program on Palestine and Israeli-Palestinian Affairs, discuss what a ceasefire could look like, and why it's not just a simple question of making peace.

Calls for a 'ceasefire' in Gaza mean different things to different stakeholders. On Today's Show:Jon Alterman, senior vice president and director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Khaled Elgindy, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and director of its Program on Palestine and Israeli-Palestinian Affairs, discuss what a ceasefire could look like, and why it's not just a simple question of making peace.

You may have heard the name before, when they burst onto the international scene in the wake of the Arab Spring, challenged the central government and eventually a Saudi led international response. However, with the civil war winding down in Yemen, the Houthis name recognition seemed on the decline. The war in Gaza has brought this group back to the forefront of the world's mind, as they began firing rockets and drones at cargo ships in the Red Sea, stating that they would stop only when the war in Gaza came to an end. So who are the Houthis and what do they stand for? This group has an interesting background that brought them from a local political party, based on a historical Zaydi Islamic kingdom that ruled North Yemen for around 1,000 years to an international disruptor who has changed the way that upwards of 12% of global trade occurs. In this episode we talk with Sarhang Hamasaeed, Director of the Middle East Program at the US Institute of Peace, to learn more about the history of this group, what they are looking to accomplish, and why they were so successful in capturing and maintaining critical territory from the internationally recognized government. It is important to understand global issues and the people driving it, as we look to understand potential policy responses. 

This week, Zeid Qiblawi speaks with Natasha Hall, senior fellow with the Middle East Program at CSIS, about the reversal of human rights norms in an increasingly multipolar world. A new Analysis from the CSIS Middle East Program. Natasha Hall, "Breaking Point: Human Rights in a Multipolar World," CSIS, November 30, 2023.

The Israel-Hamas war has exposed Europe's declining diplomatic clout in the Middle East, where Arab countries and the United States are taking the lead to find durable solutions for the region's peace and security.Pierre Vimont, senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, and Amr Hamzawy, senior fellow and director of the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, take stock of Europe's role in this troubled region and discuss the EU's potential room for maneuver in the conflict.[00:00:00] Intro, [00:02:00] The EU and the Israel-Hamas War, [00:09:54] Rebooting the Peace Process [00:16:44] A New Role for the EU?Amr Hamzawy, December 6, 2023, “The Political Impact of the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.Amr Hamzawy, Nathan J. Brown, November 17, 2023, “Arab Peace Initiative II: How Arab Leadership Could Design a Peace Plan in Israel and Palestine,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.Amr Hamzawy, November 1, 2023, “Pay Attention to the Arab Public Response to the Israel-Hamas War,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.Amr Hamzawy, Rafiah Al Talei, Nathan J. Brown, Yasmine Farouk, Mohanad Hage Ali, Zaha Hassan, Marwan Muasher, Sinan Ülgen, Maha Yahya, Sarah Yerkes, October 13, 2023, “Arab Perspectives on the Middle East Crisis,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.Pierre Vimont, October 10, 2023, “Europe's Moment of Powerlessness in the Middle East,” Carnegie Europe.

Bloomberg Washington Correspondents Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz deliver insight and analysis on the latest headlines from the White House and Capitol Hill, including conversations with influential lawmakers and key figures in politics and policy. On this edition, Joe and Kailey speak with: Chair of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center James Jeffrey about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the potential for further escalation in the region. Bloomberg Politics Contributors Rick Davis and Jeanne Sheehan Zaino about Mike Johnson's first national TV interview as Speaker of the House and a new Democratic candidate for President. Republican Congressman Tim Burchett of Tennessee about Congress' priorities now that a Speaker has been elected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, we are joined by Merissa Khurma of the Wilson Center's Middle East Program, and Izabella Tabarovsky, Kennan Institute Senior Advisor on Regional Partnerships and Programming. They discuss the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the threat of the war expanding to neighboring states, and the Biden administration's shuttle diplomacy in the region.

Just over two weeks after Hamas invaded Israel, Leah Hickert speaks with Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program at CSIS, about the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas war. A new Analysis from the CSIS Middle East Program. Transcript, "The Outlook for Israel's Military Campaign against Hamas," CSIS, October 23, 2023. Jon Alterman, "President Biden Heads to Israel," CSIS, October 17, 2023. Jon Alterman, "Hamas and Israel: The Current Situation and Looking Ahead," CSIS, October 11, 2023.

Bloomberg Washington Correspondents Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz deliver insight and analysis on the latest headlines from the White House and Capitol Hill, including conversations with influential lawmakers and key figures in politics and policy.   On this edition, Joe and Kailey speak with: Chair of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center, Former US Ambassador to Iraq, Turkey, and Albania, and Former-Deputy National Security Advisor James Jeffrey talks about why Israel will go into Gaza. U.S. Rep. for Virginia's 6th Congressional District & Member of the Freedom Caucus Ben Cline says he backs Chairman Jim Jordan and believes there is a consensus. Bloomberg Politics Contributor Jeanne Sheehan Zaino & Former Director of White House Legislative Affairs, former Chief of Staff to the House Republican Conference Marc Short discuss political support for Israel and the House speaker saga. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen now to the latest on the situation in Israel and the war that it has prompted; what to anticipate in the days ahead; and the repercussions for businesses and investors across the globe. In this newly released episode, our host Kevin Kajiwara gleans insights from experts Jon Alterman, Teneo Senior Advisor and Director of the Middle East Program at CSIS and Ambassador Dennis Ross, Senior Advisor at Teneo's partner firm WestExec Advisors and former White House National Security Council Senior Director for the Central Region.

Five Americans have been released from prison in Iran. In exchange, the U.S. released five Iranian prisoners and gave Iran access to $6 billion in oil revenues that were previously frozen under sanctions. Borzou Daragahi, journalist and nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council's Middle East Program, joins us. And, American cyclist Sepp Kuss has won Vuelta A España, the Spanish version of the Tour De France. He is the first American to win in more than a decade. Kuss joins us to talk about the victory. Then, some of the Supreme Court's recent decisions have spurred comparisons to the decisions of the late 1800s. Randall Kennedy, a professor at Harvard Law School, joins us to talk about these comparisons ahead of the new term beginning next month.

The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was detained by Iran's so-called ‘morality police' - enforcers of Iran's Islamic dress code - sparked widespread anti-government protests across the country. Thousands of mostly young Iranians took to the streets. Women burnt their headscarves in a defiant act of resistance and cut their hair in solidarity. Next week marks a year since the death of Ms Amini who allegedly had hair visible under her headscarf when she was arrested in Tehran on the 13 September. She fell into a coma shortly after collapsing at a detention centre and died three days later in hospital. The force denies reports officers beat her head with a baton and banged it against one of their vehicles. Despite the protests, the Iranian parliament are currently debating a Hijab and Chastity Bill that could impose a raft of new punishments on women who fail to wear the headscarf. At the same time, President Ebrahim Raisi is under mounting domestic pressure to deal with Iran's economy dogged by ongoing sanctions, spiralling living costs and rampant inflation. So, a year on, what has changed? What do the protests reveal about the complexity of Iranian society? How much of a factor is Iran's economic troubles? Despite the unrest, many still support Iran's conservative government so what are their views on the situation? Shaun Ley is joined by: Azadeh Moaveni, Director of Global Journalism at New York University Sanam Vakil, Director, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House Haleh Esfandiari, Director Emerita, Middle East Program, Wilson Center Also featuring: Dr Seyed Mohammed Marandi, Professor of English Literature and Orientalism at the University of Tehran An anonymous teacher in Tehran who attended the protests Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group Photo: Iranian women walk past a cleric in a street in Tehran, Iran, 19 September 2022. Credit: ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Bloomberg Washington Correspondent Joe Mathieu delivers insight and analysis on the latest headlines from the White House and Capitol Hill, including conversations with influential lawmakers and key figures in politics and policy.On this edition, Joe speaks with: Ambassador James Jeffrey, Chair of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center, former Ambassador to Iraq and Turkey, and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS on the latest in Ukraine, China and what world leaders will discuss at the G-7 summit Bloomberg Politics Contributors Jeanne Sheehan Zaino and Rick Davis for their insight on the G-7, Ukraine and China Plus, Joe and co-host Kailey Leinz speak with: Ambassador Marc Ginsberg, former Ambassador to Morocco, Founder and President of the Coalition for a Safer Web on Montana's TikTok ban Keith Noreika, Executive VP and Chairman of Banking Supervision and Regulation Group at Patomak Global Partners on the recent banking hearings and bank regulations  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What started as a job advertisement for a sandwich maker in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) quickly landed one firm in hot water last December. As the UAE pushes for companies in the private sector to hire more Emiratis, they're finding that there are some jobs that Emiratis may not want. A new Mezze from the Middle East Program.

After a tongue-twister of a Danish hangover cure, Chuck interviews Rasha Al Aqeedi about her New Lines Magazine article, "Living — and Reliving — the US Invasion of Iraq." Rasha Al Aqeedi, formerly a 2018-2019 Robert A. Fox Fellow in FPRI's Middle East Program, is Managing Editor of Irfaa Sawtak (Raise Your Voice) and a researcher and analyst of contemporary Iraqi politics and political Islam. She is also a non-resident fellow of George Washington University's Program on Extremism. Previously, Rasha was a researcher at the Al Mesbar Studies and Research Center in Dubai, and an analyst at Inside Iraqi Politics. Her work on Mosul and Sunni politics is frequently cited by The New York Times, Washington Post, AP and Buzzfeed. Rasha received an M.A. in Translation, a B.A. in Translation, and a B.A. in Computer Engineering from Mosul University. Check out Rasha's New Line Magazine article here: https://newlinesmag.com/first-person/living-and-reliving-the-us-invasion-of-iraq/

Saudi Arabia and Iran recently agreed to normalize ties between the two regional powers after seven years. The 966 speaks with three top voices to understand the deal and the potential road ahead for Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, the United States, and other regional and global players. First, the hosts speak with the top spokesperson for the Saudi embassy in Washington, Fahad Nazer, to discuss the recent announcement that the Kingdom and Iran would normalize relations after 7 years. The deal was agreed to and announced in China, raising eyebrows in Washington and heightening concerns that China's influence in the Middle East region is rising. But Nazer noted that the Kingdom's foreign policy is not a "zero-sum" game, and that relations with other regional and global actors are not reflective of its relationship with the United States, with which Saudi Arabia has a long and historic partnership. Next, the hosts welcome on Dr. Jon Alterman, senior vice president and director of the Middle East Program at CSIS in Washington about the surprise development. Dr. Alterman noted that the Saudi move with Iran is “part of a broader Saudi strategy to re-orient the relationship with the United States" and that the decision is a change for an emerging Saudi Arabia in the region. But Alterman also noted that Saudi Arabia will likely still be relying on American security guarantees. Then, the hosts welcome on Dr. Abdulaziz Alghashian, a scholar and researcher with a focus on Saudi-Israeli relations, who discusses the regional view on the recently-announced, China-brokered Saudi-Iran deal to normalize relations. What's the view from Riyadh and what are the implications for Israel and other regional actors? The 966 welcomes Dr. Abdulaziz back onto the program to answer these questions and chat about the implications for the region going forward. 

In Lebanon, neighboring communities are looking to connect and build off one another's initiatives, but a dysfunctional environment makes capitalizing on that opportunity a challenge for international donors and Lebanese communities alike. A new Mezze from the CSIS Middle East Program. This Mezze episode was adapted from a vignette in the Middle East Program's latest report, Powering Recovery: Reform, Reconstruction, and Renewables in Conflict-Affected States in the Middle East, written by Will Todman.

This week on Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with the Middle East Program's Will Todman to break down Will's new report, Powering Recovery: Reform, Reconstruction and Renewables in Conflict-Affected States in the Arab World. They talk about how governments and politicians in conflict-affected states can actually benefit from broken electrical systems, what the United States and international donors miss when they ignore those dynamics, and how renewable energy can offer a better pathway forward for donors and conflict-affected societies in the region. Then, Jon continues the conversation with Lubna Yousef and Caleb Harper, diving into Lubna's chapter on Libya and her experience on the ground before and after the revolution, and what key lessons donors should take away from Will's report.  Transcript, "Powering Recovery," CSIS, March 7, 2023.

This week, in a special episode of Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Middle East Program senior fellow Natasha Hall about the aftermath of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. They talk about the aid response, how governments are instrumentalizing the aid response to advance their own goals, and the challenges in delivering aid to areas of northwest Syria controlled by rebel groups. Natasha draws on her earlier study, “Rescuing Aid in Syria,” to argue that the United States and other donor governments need to rethink their aid response in Syria, better monitor where aid is going, and prepare for additional acute crises.  Transcript, "The Aftermath of Earthquakes in Syria," CSIS, February 21, 2023.

1. Julia Rock [@jul1arock], reporter at the The Lever, and Allison Fisher [@citizenfisher], director of the Climate and Energy Program for Media Matters for America, on why the Ohio derailment was a foreseeable disaster and how dearth of early media coverage, which failed to hold parties accountable, left space for distrust. Listen. 2. Gönül Tol [@gonultol], the founding director of the Middle East Institute's Turkey program and author of "Erdoğan's War: A Strongman's Struggle at Home and in Syria," on the impact of government corruption on Turkey's death toll after this month's earthquake. Listen. 3. Natasha Hall [@NatashaHallDC], a senior fellow at the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, on the ways politics have played into a delay in aid in Syria. Listen. 4. Keren Landman [@landmanspeaking], senior reporter covering public health and emerging infectious diseases at Vox, on the risks of bird flu and if we should be worried about another pandemic. Listen. Music:Fallen Leaves - Marcos CiscarInvitation to a Suicide - John ZornBerceuse In D Flat Major, Op. 57 - Ivan MoravecTime Is Late - Marcos CiscarWhen Doves Cry Airborne Toxic EventLachrymae Antiquae - Kronos QuartetWhite Man Sleeps - Kronos QuartetThe Old House - Marcos Ciscar

Tunisia's revolution in 2011 improved many things, but the odors of Tunis was not one of them. This Mezze was adapted from the Middle East Program's report, "Sustainable States: Environment, Governance, and the Future of the Middle East."

In this episode of Intelligence Matters, host Michael Morell speaks with Senior Fellow at the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Karim Sadjadpour about a potential new deal between the U.S. and Iran. Sadjadpour details that the Iranians do not believe the Biden administration has a plan B to the deal, leading Iran to not feel urgency to compromise. Sadjadpour provides an analysis of what a Iran deal would mean for the Biden administration in a domestic political context ahead of the midterm elections. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Egypt doesn't have the most famous Middle Eastern cuisine, but few would call it deadly. That may be changing. A new Mezze from the Middle East Program at CSIS.

The country of Tunisia is in the midst of a slow motion political crisis. The country's populist president has crafted a new constitution that gives him broad, unchecked powers and secured its approval by referendum, albeit a referendum in which most Tunisians did not participate. What's not clear is whether other factions will acquiesce to his exceptional actions, and whether those actions will prove to be the antidote for corruption that he has promised or the nail in the coffin for what had been the Arab Spring's last surviving democracy. To discuss these developments and what they might mean, Scott R. Anderson sat down with Sarah Yerkes, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's Middle East Program, and Sharan Grewal, an assistant professor of government at the College of William and Mary and a non-resident fellow at the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution. They discussed where the new constitution came from, what it may mean in practice, and how it will impact Tunisia and the broader region's future.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Babel, Jon speaks with Ambassador Beth van Schaack, the State Department's ambassador-at-large for Global Criminal Justice. They talk about holding perpetrators of atrocities accountable in Syria, how accountability and justice fit into U.S. foreign policy, and the ways in which accountability looks different the for winners and losers of conflicts. Then, Jon continues the conversation with Natasha Hall and Lubna Yousef, the Middle East Program's new Research Associate. Beth van Schaack, Imagining Justice for Syria (UK: Oxford University Press, 2020). Natasha Hall and Will Todman, "Lessons Learned from a Decade of Humanitarian Operations in Syria," CSIS, April 22, 2021. Beth van Schaack, “Good Governance Paper No. 13: Atrocities Prevention and Response,” Just Security, October 29, 2020.  Transcript, "Accountability in Syria," CSIS, August 9, 2022.