Nicolas Pelham

Zani Minton-Beddoes, Editor-in-chief of The Economist, and Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent, engage with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's new transitional president. Al-Sharaa shares his unexpected journey from jihadist to ruler, hinting at a vision for Syria's future yet withholding key details. The conversation touches on skepticism surrounding promised democratic reforms, the challenges of post-conflict recovery, and the complicated landscape of foreign investments. Addressing Syria's dire state, they emphasize the urgency for economic revival amid ongoing insecurity.

Nicholas Pelham, a seasoned Middle East correspondent, and Kerry Richmond Jones, specializing in international economics, delve into Iran’s political landscape and Ukraine's financial turmoil. They discuss Masoud Pezeshkian’s challenges as a reformist president amid public desire for change. The duo highlights Ukraine's looming debt crisis while military aid struggles to make an impact. Additionally, they explore the trend of wealthy individuals moving to Dubai for its tax benefits and luxurious lifestyle, showcasing its growing allure as a global destination.

Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist and a former detainee in Iran, discusses the recent U.S.-Iran hostage exchange. He dives into the implications of unfreezing $6 billion in assets, shedding light on the historical use of hostages in negotiations. The conversation also explores the complexities of mortgage decisions in today's economy and highlights how chain restaurants like Olive Garden play a crucial role in promoting cross-class social interactions, emphasizing their importance in bridging socioeconomic divides.

Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent, and David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief, dive into the evolving social landscape of Iran and China. They discuss the disbandment of Iran's morality police amid ongoing protests for women's rights and freedoms. Pelham highlights public defiance and the struggle for reform, while Rennie contrasts state-controlled media narratives in China with the reality of widespread unrest. They also explore the surprising influx of women into the funeral services industry and how it reflects broader societal changes.

Nicholas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, dives deep into Iran's intricate geopolitical strategies. He discusses the recent American airstrikes on Iranian-linked Syrian bases, emphasizing Iran's proxy conflicts in the region. Pelham unpacks Iran's delicate balancing act as it maneuvers between tensions with the US and Israel. The conversations offer insights into the extensive implications these dynamics hold for international relations and the risk of a wider conflict.

Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, provides keen insights into the implications of Masoud Pezeshkian's election as Iran's reformist president. He explores the challenges Pezeshkian faces amidst public demand for change and the balancing act between hardliners and reformists. The discussion also includes Ukraine's impending debt crisis as a wartime financial reckoning, and why Dubai is increasingly attracting wealthy expatriates with its favorable tax policies and vibrant lifestyle.

Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, shares his insights into Iran's geopolitical strategies and its implications for the Middle East. He discusses recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian-linked bases in Syria and how Iran is expertly navigating rising tensions with the West, particularly regarding Israel. The conversation turns to the potential for increased international involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the dangerous game Iran is playing amid regional volatility.

Kinley Salmon, the Africa correspondent for The Economist, interviews Macky Sall, Senegal's president, discussing the fragile state of democracy amidst regional upheaval. Sall expresses concerns over upcoming elections and the tension they bring. Meanwhile, Nicholas Pelham dives into the mystery of Mohammed Daif, a shadowy Hamas commander influencing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conversation also touches on evolving meat consumption attitudes in France, spotlighting how political and societal factors intertwine with dietary choices.

Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, shares insights from his interview with Senegal's President Macky Sall, highlighting the country's precarious political landscape as elections approach. Despite being a relative outpost of stability, Sall expresses concerns about democracy in a region plagued by unrest. Nicholas Pelham delves into the shadowy figure of 'The Phantom,' a key Hamas commander, exploring his rise and the implications of his actions. The discussion also touches on the evolving cultural and political narratives surrounding meat consumption in France.

Join Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent, and Noah Snyder, Tokyo bureau chief, as they dissect Iran's explosive protests ignited by Masa Amini's death. Pelham reveals how women's defiance is reshaping the societal landscape, sparking a call for personal freedoms. Snyder connects the dots between the aftermath of Abe Shinzo's assassination and the political turmoil it may provoke in Japan. Together, they explore the intricate dynamics of protest, political legacy, and even innovative robotics inspired by nature.