Jeremy Bowen: Making Sense of the Modern Middle East, Part One

13 snips

Nov 3, 2024

In a captivating discussion, Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's International Editor and author, shares his insights on the escalating tensions in the Middle East following the October 7 attacks. He explores the historical complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the impact of key events like the Balfour Declaration. Bowen touches on the rise of Hamas and its implications for Palestinian politics, while emphasizing the enduring human desire for connection amidst conflict. His deep understanding sheds light on the region's troubled past and present.

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ANECDOTE

Bowen's Absence and October 7th

Jeremy Bowen, unable to attend the meeting due to breaking news, apologizes for his unreliability.
He emphasizes the significance of October 7th for Israelis and Palestinians.

INSIGHT

Generational Conflict and Mistrust

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict spans generations, marked by deep mistrust.
Bowen highlights the lack of trust between young Israelis and Palestinians.

INSIGHT

A Deepening Conflict

The current situation is the worst Bowen has witnessed, comparable to 1948.
The Middle East war is escalating, with global implications.

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The October 7 Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Israel and the subsequent siege of Gaza by the Israeli military upended the Middle East. Can the conflict be contained or will the tensions between Israel, Hezbollah and Iran escalate and engulf the Middle East in a regional war? On October 27, 2024, Jeremy Bowen, the International Editor of the BBC, joined Intelligence Squared CEO Matt McAllester in conversation to reflect and make sense of what is happening in the region. Bowen has reported on all the most significant events that have shaped the region’s recent history – the long and ultimately failed Middle East peace process, the tragic events of 9/11 and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, plus most recently the Israel-Hamas war. Many of these events are covered in Bowen's recent book, The Making of the Modern Middle East. As a journalist and author, his deep understanding of the political, cultural and religious differences of its peoples makes him uniquely placed to explain its complex past and troubled present. This is a two-part discussion. Part Two, recorded on October 28, 2024, convenes Dr Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, and James Barr, a historian of the Middle East and the author of Lords of the Desert and A Line In The Sand, in conversation with BBC News presenter, Jonny Dymond.

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