2024 is coming to an end and The New Arab Voice is bringing you our annual round up of the year's biggest stories from the Middle East and North Africa. 

We gathered a host of journalists and editors to look at the conflict, tragedies, confrontations, elections, and shocks that made the year so memorable. 

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

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President Donald Trump won a resounding mandate at the start of November, and he will return to the White House in January. 

This week on The New Arab Voice podcast we look at how a new Trump administration might approach the Middle East, what will they want to achieve, and how will the region’s governments deal with Trump this time round.

Can Trump end the ongoing war in Gaza? Will the Abraham Accord negotiations be restarted, and will Trump be able to get Saudi Arabia on board? And what will happen with Iran? Can a deal be done, or will it be a return to a campaign of maximum pressure?

We speak with Brian Katulis (@Katulis), a Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy at the Middle East Institute (@MiddleEastInst), and Imad K. Harb (@Harb3Imad), the Director of Research and Analysis at Arab Center Washington DC (@ArabCenterWDC).

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

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The New Arab Voice is on a break at the moment.

While you wait, why not check out the latest episode of The New Arab Weekly. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts.

This week on The New Arab Weekly podcast, we look at the fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese government forces in Darfur, a spat between Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the 'day after' plan in Gaza, and the upheaval created in Kuwait with the news that both parliament and the constitution had been suspended.

Joining us, we have The New Arab's journalist and reporter Oliver Mizzi (@OllyMizzi99), and journalist and reporter Assiah Hamed (@AssiahHamed).

Our Picks of the Week:

With €1bn bribe, the EU is rewarding Lebanon's bad behaviour

Nakba yesterday, Nakba today: The story of my grandmother's two keys

How Israel is defying Biden's 'red line' on Rafah

If you have any burning questions that you'd like the team at The New Arab Weekly to answer, then drop us an email at podcast@newarab.com. 

You can subscribe to the show on Apple, Spotify, Google, and wherever else you get your podcasts. 

This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). 

To get in touch with the producer, follow, then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts.

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This week on The New Arab Voice, we discuss the recent visit of the Israeli ambassador to the UK to the London School of Economics, and the protests that erupted following her appearance. 

And then, producer Rosie McCabe (@RosieMcCabe3) explores the cruelty of hostage diplomacy, speaking with experts, and the families who are waiting for the return of their loved ones, including Richard Ratcliffe and Sherry Azadi. 

And finally, Aisha Aldris (@aishaaldris) explores new age spirituality and the law of attraction, and how Muslims are incorporating it into their faith.

This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Music by Omar al-Fil (@elepheel). 

Other music by Kevin MacLeod and Serge Quadrado.

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk

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Our speakers will make the case for why climate change mitigation should be given equal priority, by addressing questions such as: What are the imminent risk factors for countries in MENA? How is it that some states, fragile as they are, have taken steps to mitigate climate change while others remain lagging behind? What is the role of the media and how can we better integrate climate change into regular reporting in the region?

Dr. Laurent A. Lambert is Asst. Professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, in Qatar, and at Sciences Po Paris. He has been working on the Water-Energy-Climate Nexus in the Middle East and Africa over the past 16 years. He is a former representative of the global research community at the United Nations and board member of the UN’s Climate Technology Center & Network.

Lea Kai is the Manager of UNDP’s climate change projects at the Ministry of Environment where she works closely with the Lebanese government on designing and implementing sectoral climate policies and promoting policy reforms. Through providing strategic support, she guided the development and implementation of various programs, laws and regulations in Lebanon.

Lina Yassin is a climate activist and journalist from Sudan. She has been covering climate change issues since she was 18. She is currently the Operations Manager at Climate Tracker, an international non-profit organization aiming to support, train and incentivise better climate journalism globally.

Moderator:

Will Christou is The New Arab’s Middle East correspondent covering the Levant from Beirut. Prior to working at The New Arab, he worked with Al Jazeera and Syria Direct.

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This week on The New Arab Voice, Rosie McCabe (@RosieMcCabe3) speaks with The New Arab's Amr Salahi (@Amr_Salahi) about recent events in Sudan, and whether the country can survive and return to civilian government.

And then, we explore climate change in the Middle East and North Africa, and ask what are the dangers that the region is facing, can Gulf countries end their reliance on oil, and how can climate change be mitigated while under occupation. 

And finally, Nick McAplin (@NickGMcAlpin) sits down with Palestinian activist Mohammed El-Kurd (@m7mdkurd), to discuss his new book of poetry, Rifqa.

Music from Maarten Schellekens and Ketsa.

This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Music by Omar al-Fil (@elepheel). 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk

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This week on The New Arab Voice, we speak with The New Arab's correspondent Will Christou (@will_christou) about the recent clashes in Beirut, and ask why they happened, and what it means going forward. 

And then, we explore the situation in Libya, ten years after the death of Muammar Gaddafi. We ask experts, what are the prospects for scheduled elections, what efforts are being made for state building, and will foreign mercenary forces ever leave the country. 

And finally, producer Rosie McCabe (@RosieMcCabe3) visits a new exhibition called ‘Stateless Heritage’ at The Mosaic Rooms in London (@TheMosaicRooms). The three-exhibition showcases the architecture, social fabric and cultural heritage of Dheisheh refugee camp in Palestine. Speaking to a head curator, visitors on opening night and a community organiser at the camp, Rosie unearths how the exhibition explores Dheisheh’s history and community as well as grappling with what home means for refugees.

This episode featured music by Lahcen Akil and Maarten Schell.

This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Music by Omar al-Fil (@elepheel). 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk

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This week on The New Arab Voice, we examine the recent leak of the Pandora Papers with Diana Alghoul and explore the big names from the Middle East who have been mentioned.

And then, Aisha Aldris looks at the Abraham Accords, one year on from the signing, and asks how relations between the UAE and Israel have changed, and what it means for the Palestinian cause. 

And finally, Nick McAlpin speaks with members of the Romani community in Turkey, and learns why music is such an important part of their culture, and how their lives have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Music by Omar al-Fil (@elepheel). 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk

Music feature: Mastika by Farzad Farhangi, Animir Roman Havasi by Farzad Farhangi, Arcadian Dreams (feat. Turhan Karadeniz) - Gypsy Caravan by Turhan Karadeniz.

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This week on The New Arab Voice we discuss Lebanon's new government with The New Arab's reporter in Beirut Will Christou. 

And then, Rosie McCabe discusses the hateful and discriminatory content that exists TikTok and asks, do they moderate this content effectively, or are extremist and far-right groups finding ways to break their Community Guidelines and evade punishment? 

And finally, Aisha Aldris speaks to our very own film critic Narjas Zatat who will be giving her thoughts on the award winning, and Oscar nominated, film ‘The Man Who Sold His Skin’, which is in cinemas now.

This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge), Rosie McCabe (@rosiemccabe3), and Aisha Aldris (@aishaaldris). Music by Omar al-Fil (@elepheel). 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk

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This week on The New Arab Voice, we discuss the Taliban's first weeks in power, as Afghanistan's new government, with Narjas Zatat (@Narjas_Zatat). 

And then, we dive into Tunisia's politics and explore the recent moves by President Kais Saied. We ask what his power grab means, what the future holds for journalists and the freedom of the press, and how the country's youth, raised on the dreams of the revolution are viewing the president's actions. Featuring interviews with Riccardo Fabiani (@ricfabiani, @CrisisGroup), Fadil Aliriza (@FadilAliriza, @MeshkalTn), and Sarah Anne Rennick (@SARennick, @ArabReform_ARI).

And finally, Nick McAlpin (@NickGMcAlpin) look at the legacy and impact of Lila Abu-Lughod's seminal work Veiled Sentiments, 35 years after its first publication.

This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Music by Omar al-Fil (@elepheel). 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk

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This week we discuss the crisis in Afghanistan with The New Arab's Kamal Afzali, and our US correspondent, Brooke Anderson.

Then we explore the issues surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and ask what the future holds for the mega project, and who could benefit the most.

And finally, we speak with leaders from the Mandaean community, to hear how their exodus has changed the religion, and how they are keeping traditions alive. 

This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Music by Omar al-Fil (@elepheel). 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk

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In this weeks episode we survey the situation in Tunisia, and the commemorations in Beirut. 
Then, we explore human trafficking in the Middle East. We examine the how it is able to flourish, the lack of laws, and speak to the people that trying to put an end to the practise. We also look at the case of British women who were trafficked to Syria and Iraq by the Islamic State, and who have now been abandoned by the British government. 

And finally, we discuss Limbo, a new film about asylum seekers on a remote Scottish island. 

This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Music by Omar al-Fil (@elepheel). 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk

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In this weeks episode of The New Arab Voice, we start with a discussion about the recent revelations of Iranian plots to kidnap an American journalist and the ongoing protests happening in Khuzestan province. 
Then, we explore Lebanon's economic nightmare and ask how the country ended up in such a state and what the future holds for the country. 
And finally, we remember British-Libyan artist, calligrapher, activist, and writer, Ali Omar Ermes, who passed away last week. 

This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge and Rosie McCabe. Music by Omar al-Fil, @elepheel. 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk

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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

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In this week's episode of The New Arab Voice, we discuss with Diana Alghoul (@SuperKnafeh)  the death of Palestinian activist Nizar Banat, who was killed by the Palestinian Authority, and the growing protests against Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas.

And then, we explore the story of the TikTok stars of Egypt who are facing lengthy prison sentences, for daring to create a following that the Egyptian state feels threatened by; featuring an interview with Rothna Begum (@Rothna_Begum), a senior women's rights researcher at Human Rights Watch.

Finally, The New Arab Voice sits down with Jordanian author Madian Al-Jazerah, to discuss his new book Are You This? Or Are You This?, and ask what it was like to open the first internet cafe in the Middle East.

This podcast is produced by Gaia Caramazza and Hugo Goodridge. Music by Omar al-Fil, @elepheel. 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk

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In this week's episode of The New Arab Voice, we will start by covering Iran's presidential election. Then, we will dive into the profile of Israel’s new prime minister, Naftali Bennet, and what his leadership will mean for Palestine. Finally, we will continue celebrating pride month by speaking to the founder of Takweer, an online archive trying to reshape narratives surrounding the queer community in the Middle East.

This podcast is produced by Gaia Caramazza and Hugo Goodridge. Music by Omar al-Fil, @elepheel. 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email Gaia.Caramazza@alaraby.co.uk

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On this episode of the The New Arab Voice we will start by looking at how a new parliamentary coalition is threatening Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership of Israel. Then, stay tuned to hear a report on why the upcoming Iranian elections will significantly change the political landscape of the country. Finally, we’ll be dedicating the last part of the show to pride month, and what it means for LGBTQIA+ Muslims to be celebrating queer history.

This podcast is produced by Gaia Caramazza and Hugo Goodridge. Music by Omar al-Fil, @elepheel. 

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email Gaia.Caramazza@alaraby.co.uk

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From Sheikh Jarrah to strikes in Gaza, in our first episode of the second season of The New Arab Voice we will cover the latest escalations between Israel and Palestine.

Then, on Saturday Palestinians around the world will remember the Nakba of 1948. We explore the legacy of this catastrophe and speak to experts about why it never really ended for the residents of the occupied territories.

Finally, stay tuned to hear our interview with British Egyptian author Yousra Imran, who spoke about how her book, Hijab and Red Lipstick, was a way to express the many intricacies of growing up as a woman between the Gulf and the West.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more.

(Produced by Gaia Caramazza and Hugo Goodridge. Music by Omar al-Fil, @elepheel. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email Gaia.Caramazza@alaraby.co.uk)

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10 years ago this month, protesters took to the streetss broke out across Syria the country demanding an end to the rule of Bashar Al-Assad. Inspired by similar protests in Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and across the region, Syrians sought a democratic and just society, free from oppression of the secret police and the rule of Assad family, who had controlled the country since the seventies.  Over the next ten years, Syria was torn apart, with no part of the country or its society left untouched.

In this episode of The New Arab Voice podcast, we're going to explore two aspects of the conflict and what they might mean for the future of the country. 

First, we will look at Syria’s economy and ask economists and policy experts what sectors have been affected, what it means for the people and also, how US sanctions could be doing more harm than good.

Then, stay tuned to hear the circumstances plaguing Internally displaced persons living in overcrowded and dangerous refuge camps. We’ll speak to Syria experts Noha Alkamcha and Diana Reyes, on how women IDPs face particular health, economic and psychological risks.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more.

(Produced by Gaia Caramazza and Hugo Goodridge. Music by Omar al-Fil, @elepheel. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email Gaia.Caramazza@alaraby.co.uk)

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Listen to the recorded live discussion on issues surrounding equal and transparent vaccine roll-out in the context of conflict, refugee crises and occupation. Speakers discussed the politics of vaccines and policy considerations for vaccine roll-out in MENA, prospects for conflict and emergency affected populations, and Israel’s refusal to vaccinate Palestinians living under its occupation.

Speakers:
Professor Fadi El-Jardali (PhD, MPH) is a recognized senior expert with extensive international and regional experience and multidisciplinary background in health policy, systems and management. He is a Professor of Health Systems and Policy, Founder & Director of the Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center; Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Evidence-Informed Policy and Practice; Co-Director of the Center for Systematic Reviews in Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK); and co-lead for the Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative (GESI) Secretariat at the American University of Beirut. 

Tammam Aloudat is a medical doctor and a public health practitioner from Syria. He has worked in medical humanitarian action for the past twenty years for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Doctors Without Borders (MSF). He worked on the ground in conflicts such as Syria, Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Iraq. His current focus now in his work for MSF Access Campaign is making life-saving medicines and vaccines available and affordable for people in low-resource and crisis situations.

Yara M. Asi, PhD, is a Post-doctoral Scholar at the University of Central Florida and a 2021-2023 US Fulbright Scholar to the West Bank. Her research agenda focuses on global health and development in fragile and conflict-affected populations and she has presented at multiple national and international conferences on topics related to global health, food security, health informatics, and women in healthcare.

Moderator:

Narjas Zatat is a journalist who has worked on several national publications including The Independent and Metro Online. She has written about US and British politics and covered refugee crises in Europe, as well as social affairs, including the impact of discrimination on minority communities in the UK. Currently she is a reporter for The New Arab and her areas of interest include women’s rights in the MENA, cyber warfare, diaspora culture and the environment.

Follow us on Facebook/Alaraby.en, Twitter/@The_NewArab, and Instagram/TheNewArab for more or visit our website newarab.co.uk

(The statements, analysis, opinions and conclusions in this Webinar, and any related written materials are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily represent those of The New Arab. The information and materials contained in the Webinar may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.)

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more.

(To get in touch follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email editorial-english@alaraby.co.uk)

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The recent local elections in Turkey did not go to plan for President Erdogan. 

The voters sent a clear message to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) party and the strongman president, when they voted in unprecedented numbers for the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). 

The CHP took control of Turkey's biggest cities and also managed to make significant headway into provinces that had been traditional AKP territory. 

Additionally, the AKP also lost out to the New Welfare Party (YRP), and Islamist party, who collected former AKP voters, who were angered by Erdogan's Gaza policy. 

The recent vote raises some big questions about the future of Turkey and Erdogan. 

This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at the recent Turkish elections. Why did the AKP and Erdogan do so badly? How big was the CHP victory? Has the path been set for Ekrem İmamoğlu to rise to the presidency? Can and will Erdogan run again? Will Erdogan start another crackdown? And what is the state of Turkish democracy?

Joining us this week, we speak with Gönül Tol (@gonultol), the founding director of the Middle East Institute’s (@MiddleEastInst) Turkey programme and a senior fellow with the Black Sea Program. Gönül's new book, Erdogan's War: A Strongman's Struggle at Home and in Syria, is out now. 

Also, Soner Cagaptay (@SonerCagaptay), the Beyer Family Senior Fellow and director of the Turkish Research Program at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy (@WashInstitute), and the author of A Sultan in Autumn.

his 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

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On October 17, middle school teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded in the Parisian suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine after showing cartoons of Islam’s Prophet Mohammed during a class on freedom of expression.  Stay with us to hear about how this terror attack reopened all-too-familiar wounds in France.

Then, Stay tuned to hear from one of Britain’s youngest imams on how he is tackling Islamophobia on social media.

Finally, we’ll be speaking to highschool students  Mena and Zena on why they decided to spend their teenage years fighting for more diversity in libraries.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more.

(Produced by Gaia Caramazza and Danya Hajjaji. Music by Omar al-Fil @elepheel. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email multimedia.english@alaraby.co.uk)

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A new poll from the Arab-American has found that 59% of Arab Americans say they’ll vote for Biden, and 35% for Trump. 74% view Biden favorably and 25% unfavorably; and more than 80% say they are very likely to vote. This has major implications in swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Florida, where Arab Americans comprise up to 5% of voters.

The New Arab has reached out to Arab-American voters in these states and beyond to find out about the issues that matter most to them, and why they will be casting their votes come November 3. The result is this emotional set of testimonies that shows just what it’s like to be an Arab American in 2020, in Trump’s America.

Follow The New Arab’s special election coverage on : https://www.thenewarab.co.uk/feature/us-election-2020/

Sign-up to our daily election newsletter here: https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/10/19/the-new-arab-us-election-2020-newsletter

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All eyes in America and the world are on the US presidential election this year. Incumbent President Donald Trump and the Democratic candidate former Vice-President Joe Biden represent two different visions for America but also its foreign policy. Amidst a climate of widespread disinformation, increasing polarization, a global pandemic and rising conflict and unrest, there is much at stake.

The outcome of the election will not only have an impact on domestic issues but could potentially result in even more grave consequences for US foreign policy in the Near and Middle East.

Join us as we discuss the many ways in which this election could impact the lives of Arab and Muslim communities within the US. Given many in the Arab and Muslim communities in America remain interested in, connected to, and concerned about their countries of origin, we’ll also examine how the results of the election could shape the direction of U.S. foreign policy towards the countries from which many in these communities originate.

Our speakers will delve into the issues facing these diaspora communities as they head to the polls, from critical legal issues concerning immigration and freedom of speech, to the domestic and foreign dimensions of Islamophobia. On the foreign policy front, our speakers will weigh in on the potential changes to US relations with the Near and Middle East if a new administration takes office, and what future policies we can expect surrounding Israel and the Palestinian cause.

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Speakers:

Dalia Fahmy is Associate Professor of Political Science at Long Island University, a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Global Policy in Washington DC, and a visiting scholar that the Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights at Rutgers University, and author of “The Rise of the Alt-Right: Understanding the Sociocultural Effects of Mainstreaming Anti-Muslim Sentiment."

Khaled A. Beydoun, a native of Detroit, is a leading scholar on national security, the War on Terror, and civil rights. He is Associate Professor of Law and Associate Director of Civil Rights and Social Justice at the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights, Wayne State University. Beydoun is the author of the critically acclaimed American Islamophobia: Understanding the Roots and Rise of Fear (University of California Press). He serves on the Michigan Advisory Committee of the US Commission for Civil Rights.

Joe Macaron is a fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC primarily focusing his research on US strategy and politics, international relations, and conflict analysis in the Middle East. Macaron’s previous analyst roles include the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point and the Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies. A former journalist, he also advised the International Monetary Fund on public engagement in the Middle East and served in different capacities in the United Nations system.

Omar Baddar is a Palestinian-American political analyst based in Washington, DC. Previously, he served as the deputy director of the Arab American Institute (AAI), Executive Director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Massachusetts, and was a digital producer and presenter with Al Jazeera’s The Stream. He holds a master’s degree in political science, with research focusing on U.S. policy toward Palestine and Israel.

Moderator:

Mobashra Tazamal is a Muslim-American researcher and writer on global Islamophobia. Her work has been published in The Independent, Al-Jazeera, Middle East Eye, Religious Response, & The New Arab.

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In this episode of The New Arab Voice, we will cover the issue of accountability for Saudi Arabia two years on from the murder of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as well as the rallying of the gay community against an influencer armed with an Instagram account. 

October 2 marked two years since the gruesome murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. A royal insider turned dissident, Khashoggi was lured into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to handle marriage paperwork before he was killed within minutes and his body was dismembered. 

The CIA and Agnes Callamard, the United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial, found “credible evidence” tying the crown prince and other senior Saudi officials to the killing. 

Since the outrage over the journalist's killing, Saudi Arabia's human rights record has only worsened. The kingdom has imprisoned and tortured multiple women's rights activists, journalists and dissidents. Exiled Saudi opposition figures have also been targeted. However, Riyadh is still welcomed on the world stage and set to host the upcoming G20 summit in November.

To commemorate the two-year anniversary of his death, Khashoggi's friends, colleagues and supporters officially launched Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN). The US-based activist group, which is dedicated to promoting human rights and democracy in the Arab world, was a project Khashoggi initiated before his untimely death.

Tune in to hear from Ines Osman, Director at MENA Rights Group, and Research Director for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates at DAWN, Abdullah Alaoudh.

Then we move onto Tunisia, where the gay community is under threat once more. Beauty influencer, Lady Samara, changed the tone of her Instagram live-streams when she started denouncing homosexuality. This sparked international outrage, which concluded in a wave of backlash from activists and rights groups fighting against hate speech online.

Tune in to hear from Rasha Younes, LGBT Rights Researcher at Human Rights Watch, and Rania, one of the members of Mawjoudine - one of Tunisia's only LGBT organisations.

Follow The New Arab on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more.

(Produced by Gaia Caramazza and Danya Hajjaji. Music by Omar al-Fil @elepheel. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email gaia.caramazza@alaraby.co.uk)

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In this episode, we examine the implications of the Bahrain-UAE-Israel normalisation deal and the aftermath of the fire that devastated the Moria refugee camp.

Tune in as we analyze how Bahrain joined the United Arab Emirates in normalising relations with Israel last week. President Donald Trump warned of similar US-brokered deals with "five or six" other unknown Arab nations.

With hundreds of Palestinians demonstrating against what they perceived to be Arab leaders selling out their quest for self-determination for narrow geopolitical interests, Emiratis and Bahrainis have also expressed their dissatisfaction with their governments’ decision, risking arrest in two countries with human rights records deplored by rights groups.

Then, hear how thousands of asylum seekers on the Greek island of Lesbos fled for their lives as a huge fire ripped through the camp of Moria, the country's largest and most notorious migrant facility. Hear from experts on the ground, and refugees who are struggling with yet another threat to their livelihood.

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(Produced by Gaia Caramazza and Danya Hajjaji. Music by Omar al-Fil @elepheel. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email multimedia.english@alaraby.co.uk)

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For this episode, we’ll be examining the recent escalation of attacks by Iran-backed militias against anti-corruption activists in Iraq following the widespread anti-government protests that rocked the country last year.

Anger and grief has resurfaced in Iraq in the past weeks, as the southern city of Basra experienced a pattern of killings of anti-corruption activists. On Aug. 20, prominent activist Reham Yacoub was gunned down inside a car by unidentified men carrying assault rifles on the back of a motorcycle. She was 29 years old. Yacoub, a doctor by profession, ran a women’s health and fitness centre in Basra. In 2018, she participated in anti-government protests, during which she led women’s marches. Yacoub has been receiving death threats since then. Reports suggest her name was on a hit list compiled by powerful Iran-affiliated militias that have led the crackdown on Iraqi civil society and political activism.

Visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for our compelling journalism from the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.

(Produced by Danya Hajjaji with Gaia Caramazza. Music by Omar al-Fil @elepheel. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email multimedia.english@alaraby.co.uk)

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The Palestinian Authority (PA) has a new government and a new Prime Minister.

An exciting and yet highly challenging time for them; but for the Palestinian people, optimism for real change is low. 

The Palestinian Authority has been in place since the 1990's, but satisfaction is low. There are systemic governance problems across Palestine, and the PA is no longer seen as the leaders of the liberation movement. 

This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at the Palestinian Authority and the problems with governance in the wake of the brutal war on Gaza. What is the Palestinian Authority doing to end the violence and promote Palestinian liberty? How do Palestinians feel about the ruling authority? And is it time for reforms, and for President Abbas to step aside, or for the institution as a whole to be dissolved?

Joining us, we speak with Omar Rahman (@omarrahman),  fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (@ME_Council), where he focuses on Palestine, Middle East geopolitics, and American foreign policy in the region.

Also, we speak with Obada Shtaya, the co-Founder and CEO of the Institute for Social and Economic Progress. Obada is a pollster and researcher, with interests in social psychology, political economy, and social movement theory.

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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

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This week, we tackle the aftermath of the massive explosion that shook Lebanon’s capital Beirut on August 4.

The cataclysmic blast at Beirut’s port claimed the lives of at least 171 people and injured around 6,500 others. About half the city was left damaged or destroyed, with hundreds of thousands made homeless. As the explosion sank Beirut even further into the depths of Lebanon’s economic crisis, few will be able to afford to repair or rebuild their homes.

The tragedy has revived anger at a political elite whose alleged negligence has been blamed for the blast, as reports suggest the authorities knew for years of the presence of dangerous stocks of ammonium nitrate that triggered the explosion, close to the residential, commercial and cultural heart of Beirut.

With the absence of a proactive government, Beirut’s residents assembled task forces to care for each other and rebuild their city. As the world mourned with Lebanon, donations poured in for NGOs engaging in direct relief efforts on the ground. One of them is London-based Impact Lebanon, a little known organisation that has quickly mobilised to lead the overseas appeal for aid to Beirut.

The New Arab spoke to to Impact Lebanon co-founder Diana Abbas, who says her organization felt a responsibility to take action amid the initial confusion of the devastating explosion.

At the time of this episode’s release, Impact Lebanon has already exceeded £5 million in donations on its fundraiser for Beirut. The organization has since raised its target to £7.5 million. Should our listeners want to make a donation, they can find the fundraiser on the websites of Impact Lebanon and JustGiving, or by clicking here.

To read The New Arab’s full profile of Impact Lebanon, click here

Make sure to follow The New Arab’s coverage of the Beirut blast on our website www.newarab.co.uk and social media channels

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This episode was hosted and produced by Danya Hajjaji, and researched by Narjas Zatat. Music by Omar al-Fil @elepheel. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email multimedia.english@alaraby.co.uk)

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The recent death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis has triggered ongoing outrage across the United States  with tens of thousands taking to the streets to protest against racism and police brutality against African Americans.

Floyd was a 46 year-old unarmed black man who was killed when a white police officer who put him in handcuffs and knelt on his neck for almost 9 minutes for simply using a counterfeit $20 bill. The brutality of this scene caught on camera triggered outrage and civil unrest in 140 American cities.

It is the latest in a string of incidents in the US involving white police officers using violence to subdue, and kill unarmed and often innocent African American men and women.

The role of art in revolutions is as old as time, and now George Floyd's portrait is overtaking the walls of cities across the globe. Find out how artists in the United States and the Middle East are standing in solidarity and raising awareness one artwork at a time. 

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Following on from last week’s episode focusing on how the Coronavirus is affecting the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, this week we will focus on the hardships that many across the Middle East and North Africa are facing during this month, especially vulnerable groups.

We will focus on how the region’s financial downturn coupled with the demands of Ramadan could fuel social unrest, and the effect on mental health and general well being. 

Next we will discuss why the outbreak of Covid-19 in war-torn Yemen is being ignored by many, even though an outbreak in the country could result in an unprecedented death toll.

Finally, we will find out why lockdown measures are producing life-threatening circumstances for women in the region.

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(Produced by Gaia Caramazza, Music by Omar al-Fil @elepheel. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice)

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In this episode of The New Arab Voice, we want to highlight how Muslims all over the world, are coping with the sudden change of circumstances and how they are finding creative ways to keep alive the sacred practices of their faith during the holy month of ramadan. 

We will also be speaking with UK-based General practitioner Dr. Milad Hilli who has all the answers to your health-related queries surrounding Ramadan and Covid-19.

At the end of this special Ramadan episode, I will speak to my colleagues from The New Arab newsroom who have been preparing earnestly for Ramadan, to understand how they are coping with the Loss of communal spaces and being cut off from extended families and communities.

Lastly, you’ll hear my chat with my colleague and vegan food aficionado, Diana Alghoul, about why food is important to keep your body and mind healthy during this ramadan.

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(Produced by Gaia Caramazza, Music by Omar al-Fil @elepheel. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice)

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At the start of March polling stations for Iran's legislative elections opened, and yet, very few Iranians turned up. 

It was a record low turnout, with just 40.64 percent of eligible voters casting their ballot.

The low turnout reflected the discontent in the country, and the poor quality of candidates on offer. 

This week on The New Arab Voice, we look at the Iranian elections. Why was the turnout so low, and what does it mean for the regime’s legitimacy. How did the Iranian regime seek to control the elections, and how do the different branches help to support the control of the deep state. And also, what can the recent election tell us about the plan to choose a successor for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. 

Joining this week, we speak with Alex Vatanka (@AlexVatanka) the founding Director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute (@MiddleEastInst), and Ali Vaez (@AliVaez), the Iran Project Director at International Crisis Group (@CrisisGroup). 

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And subscribe to The New Arab Weekly on Apple and Spotify.

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

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Visit our website on: https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/indepth/2020/4/16/how-the-lgbt-community-is-coping-with-the-coronavirus

Many LGBTQIA+ individuals are going suffering even more injustice during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

In this episode, we will be speaking to members of LGBT+ communities living in the Middle East and those who are part of the Arab or Muslim diaspora.

We will also speak with representatives of LGBT+ advocacy organisations in Lebanon and Tunisia to understand how they are adapting their activities to provide aid to their communities even during a pandemic.

Then we will speak to Sabah Choudrey, a youth trans worker, who will highlight the unique issues facing the trans community, and their relationship to the Islamic faith.

Finally, Aniqah Choudhri will explore why the feelings of isolation and loneliness many of us are experiencing during lockdown are not new for the Muslim LGBT+ community.

(Produced by Gaia Caramazza, Music by Omar al-Fil @elepheel. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice)

Resources:

Trans youth support from Sabah’s organisation, Gendered Intelligence: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/support/trans-youth 

Information on how to apply for emergency funding if you are LGBTQ POC: https://www.gofundme.com/f/nepjh-uk-qtibipoc-emergency-relief-amp-hardship-fund  

https://knock.houseofpride.co/covid-19  

https://www.stonewall.org.uk/about-us/news/covid-19-%E2%80%93-how-lgbt-inclusive-organisations-can-help  

https://www.outsavvy.com/event/4453/misery-meets-tickets   

Previous episodes

Episode 5 - Hope, strength, creativity: Middle Easterners taking the battle with the coronavirus into their own hands
Episode 4 - Paranoia, conflict, and resilience: The Middle East at war with the coronavirus

Episode 3 - Coronavirus plagues Iran, Arab citizens and the Israeli election, and 'Pharaoh' Mubarak dies-TNA Voice podcast

Episode 2 - Trump's 'Steal of the Century', Putin's bloodbath in Idlib, and Lebanon's 'feminist' cabinet-TNA Voice podcast

Episode 1 - Silencing love: How the religious police controls the most intimate moments of life in Malaysia

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In this episode we want to bring to light the heart-warming stories that have emerged from the tragedy of the Coronavirus pandemic: from the frontline medics and nurses, to creatives and activists, individuals across the globe have banned together to fight the virus that is changing the very fabric of our society. 

First, we'll discuss how doctors in Egypt are finding creative ways to give their patients medical advice, and how medics in Iran are keeping positive by busting a move in their medical wards. 

Then, we will speak to the founder of a Lebanese effort that is building life-saving equipment which is running in low supply in hospitals all over the world. We will also be speaking to the founder of Baytna Baytak, a Lebanese initiative to provide medics with homes so they can quarantine away from their families.

We will also find out how activists in Palestine and refugees in Lebanon are desperately trying to sow more face masks and encourage people to wear them. 

At the end of this episode, find out how an Egyptian immigrant is provide vital resources in one of the worst-hit areas of Coronavirus-plagued Italy.

(Produced by Gaia Caramazza, Music by Omar al-Fil @elepheel)

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In today’s episode we look at why the Egyptian government has threatened journalists after they suggested the real number of Coronavirus cases in the country may be far higher than those reported by the authorities.

Then, we analyse how countries hit by conflict in the region are at particular risk from the global pandemic, especially war-torn Syria and Yemen, and how they are dealing with the virus despite the odds.

But it’s not all bad news... in the last segment of our episode, we will look at how several countries in the region seem to be containing the outbreak of Covid-19 so far and flattening the curve of the epidemic’s spread.

(Produced by Gaia Caramazza, Music by Omar al-Fil @elepheel)

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