Podcasts

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The Middle East Explained Episode 13: The Middle East in 2016

In this latest episode of The Middle East Explained, we delve into what 2016 may bring in terms of the growing rift between Saudi Arabia and Iran, prospects for the defeat of ISIS, and how a durable political solution could come about in Syria.

The Middle East Explained Episode 12: Netanyahu, Abbas, and the UNGA

Dr. Ben-Meir discusses Netanyahu and Abbas’ speeches at the United Nations General Assembly in late September, as well as Russia’s increasing involvement in the Syrian conflict.

The Middle East Explained Episode 11: The Arab Peace Initiative

Alon Ben-Meir discusses the potential French resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Security Council, prior negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, and why the Arab Peace Initiative remains critical to resolving the conflict.

The Middle East Explained Episode 10: Susiya, Turkey, and ISIS

Dr. Ben-Meir surveys the controversy regarding the potential demolition of the Palestinian village Susiya, and also discusses the latest developments in the Syrian crisis including Turkey’s decision to permit the US to use Turkish air bases against ISIS, the effectiveness of the US-run Syrian rebel training program, and Turkey’s simultaneous campaign against both ISIS and the Kurds.

The Middle East Explained Episode 9: The Iranian Nuclear Deal

Dr. Ben-Meir discusses the Iranian nuclear deal – whether the deal is good or bad, its impact on Iran and throughout the region, and the potential for a warming of relations between the US and Iran.

The Middle East Explained Episode 8: Erdogan’s Fall From Grace and Iran’s Nuclear Talks

Dr. Ben-Meir discusses Turkey’s regional role, Erdogan’s fall from grace, and the Iran nuclear talks.

Atlas: The Psychological Dimension of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Lecture at Atlas (Antwerp, Belgium). Please note the introduction is in Dutch; the English lecture begins at 3:06.

The most puzzling aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is that after 65 years of mutual violence, enmity and suffering, it remains unresolved even when coexistence is inevitable and a two-state solution remains the only viable option. Although there are many contentious issues that must be specifically addressed, it is the psychological dimension of the conflict which directly impacts every conflicting issue and makes it increasingly intractable. To mitigate the conflict, we must first look into the elements that inform the psychological dimension and how to alleviate them as prerequisites to finding a solution.

The Middle East Explained Episode 7: Israel, the Kurds, and Iran

Alon Ben-Meir discusses a host of issues including the new Israeli government, the Kurds, the future of Iraq, anti-Semitism, and Iran’s nuclear program.