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Nicholas Pelham

Middle East correspondent for The Economist.

Top 10 podcasts with Nicholas Pelham

Ranked by the Snipd community
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140 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 24min

A farewell to arms? Hamas considers its options

Nicholas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, dives into the shifting dynamics of Hamas amid internal and external pressures. He discusses the organization's potential disarmament and the significant risks involved in such a move, revealing hesitations among militants about surrendering their fight for liberation. Pelham also touches on the emotional factors impacting market behaviors, challenging traditional views of risk in investment strategies. Additionally, a historical look back to Japan’s surrender in 1945 reflects on the complexities of post-conflict recovery.
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120 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 23min

Confused unity: the mood in Iran

Nicholas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the turbulent mood in Iran. He discusses the regime's unpreparedness amidst escalating military conflicts and a growing discontent among civilians, especially the youth. The conversation shifts to Nayib Bukele's controversial rise in El Salvador, revealing the transformation from a Reformist to an autocratic leader. Pelham also touches on the urgent need for tiger conservation in India, blending wildlife struggles with political themes.
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18 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 24min

A farewell to arms? Hamas considers its options

Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, offers insights into the evolving dynamics surrounding Hamas. He discusses how shifting international and local sentiments might pressure Hamas to consider disarmament in exchange for Palestinian concessions. The podcast also dives into the psychological factors behind market movements, particularly the role of fear of missing out. Additionally, it reflects on Japan's WWII surrender and the emotional impact of peace declarations, giving listeners a deep historical and contemporary perspective.
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14 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 23min

Confused unity: the mood in Iran

Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, dives into Iran's unsteady mood amidst escalating military clashes. He reveals how the Iranian government struggles to cope, leading to rising discontent among citizens. The conversation also touches on Nayib Bukele's transformation from a reformist leader to an authoritarian figure in El Salvador, showcasing the implications for civil liberties. Additionally, Pelham highlights the broader themes of governance, societal change, and the challenging dynamics between power and public sentiment.
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12 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 26min

Deal them back in? What we heard in Iran

Nicholas Pelham, a correspondent who has reported from Tehran, shares firsthand insights on the evolving landscape of Iranian society, where the absence of morality police has introduced cautious social changes amid ongoing fear. Adam Roberts, digital editor, discusses a significant interview with Iran's foreign minister on the possibility of reviving nuclear negotiations. They explore the underlying political complexities in Iran, including factional struggles and the supreme leader's health, providing a nuanced look at a country in flux.
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Apr 6, 2024 • 54min

The Weekend Intelligence: The man who would lead Palestine

Marwan Barghouti, the imprisoned Palestinian politician and revolutionary, discusses his potential release and yearning to lead his people. Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, dives into Barghouti's transformative life behind bars, where he mentors fellow inmates and explores democratic ideals. They reflect on the impact of the Oslo Accords, the shifting Palestinian leadership landscape, and the emotional stories of Barghouti's family longing for his return amidst the ongoing conflict.
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Feb 8, 2022 • 23min

FAANGer danger: big tech takes a beating

Jan Petrovsky, The Economist's business editor, delves into the turbulent waters of the tech market, emphasizing how companies like Netflix and Meta face harsh scrutiny while others thrive. Nicholas Pelham sheds light on the shifting perceptions of Jews in the Arab world, revealing a surprising revival of Jewish life in unexpected places. Meanwhile, Shashank Joshi discusses how muddy terrain impacts military strategies in Ukraine, showcasing the historical and tactical challenges posed by the weather on the battlefield.
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Jun 17, 2021 • 21min

A hardline act to follow: Iran’s presidential election

Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, discusses the tightening grip of hardline clerics on Iran’s political landscape and the resulting voter disillusionment. Meanwhile, Natasha Loder, health policy editor, shares groundbreaking insights on monoclonal antibody therapies that significantly improve survival rates for severe COVID-19 patients. The conversation intertwines the state of Iranian democracy with advancements in healthcare, touching on the pressing need for effective treatments and the revival of cultural traditions.
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Aug 4, 2020 • 20min

Going old Turkey: a regional power spreads

Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, delves into Turkey's burgeoning regional influence since the Arab Spring. He discusses Turkey's assertive military actions in Libya, Syria, and Iraq, linking them to historical aspirations reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire. The conversation shifts to Tanzania, examining its dubious economic growth claims and the implications of its middle-income status amidst local governance challenges. Pelham also reflects on urban development controversies in Athens, highlighting concerns over preserving historical integrity.
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Jun 19, 2020 • 22min

Syria’s condition: Bashar al-Assad

Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, discusses the economic turmoil surrounding Bashar al-Assad's regime, focusing on the crippling sanctions and inflation affecting Syria. Callum Williams, a senior economics writer, dives into the complexities of reparations for American descendants of slaves, highlighting evolving public sentiment and moral imperatives. The conversation also touches on the role of corporate responsibility in addressing economic inequality and the unusual etiquette training for civil servants in South Asia, blending history and modern challenges.

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