How does a society like France grapple with the challenge of populist politics? I spoke to Thom Reilly, former British Ambassador to Morocco who was a candidate in the European parliamentary elections for Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance political party. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marika Mariashvili returns for a special bonus episode as Georgia faces a constitutional crisis - the existing president refusing to cede power after a stolen election, and a new puppet in place taking his order from Moscow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the fall of Assad mean for the mad Mullahs running Iran? I spoke to Charles Gammell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer at the Independent and author of 'States of Play,' dives into the fascinating interplay between geopolitics and football. He discusses the rising influence of Saudi Arabia in the sport, highlighting concerns over 'sportswashing' and human rights. Delaney reflects on China’s brief investment craze, contrasting it with Saudi ambitions. The chat also touches on the dichotomy between elite football and local clubs, alongside the holiday spirit, linking gift-giving to the ownership dynamics shaping the future of the sport.

There are literally a tiny number of people in this world who can speak with authority and insight on Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham - or HTS - the militant group that swept into Damascus a week ago. One of those people is Orwa Ajjoub, a Sweden-based academic of Syrian origin who has been studying this group for several years and who has direct contacts inside the group.I feel incredibly privileged to have had an extensive conversation with Orwa about HTS's origins, their evolving relationship with jihadism, their intentions and ambitions now in power and whether Al-Jolani is genuinely no longer part of a terrorist network. I found the whole discussion absolutely fascinating and I hope that you do too.You can follow Orwa's work here: https://x.com/OAjjoub and here https://www.mei.edu/profile/orwa-ajjoub and here https://bsky.app/profile/orwaajjoub.bsky.social If you feel able, please support the work of this podcast by becoming a paid subscriber of my substack arthursnell.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Barr, a historian specializing in the Middle East and currently researching regional conflicts, navigates the rich tapestry of Syria's history. He explores ancient legacies from the Pharaohs to 7th-century Arab conquests and their impact on modern Arab identity. The conversation delves into the complexities of Syria's colonial past under the French mandate, the rise of insurgencies, and the tumultuous relationship with Nasser during the Cold War. Barr also sheds light on the Assad regime's oppressive tactics and the broader geopolitical ramifications that continue to influence the region.

Marika Mariashvili, a prominent Georgian politician and foreign secretary for the DROA party, dives into her country's struggle for democracy amidst political turmoil. She discusses the massive protests against election rigging and police brutality, fueled by the public's desire for EU membership. Mariashvili highlights the psychological impact of state oppression on citizens and emphasizes the resilience of the democracy movement. She also explores the potential role the European Union could play in supporting reforms and combating corruption.

In this intense discussion, freelance reporter Thomas van Linge shares his frontline insights into the dramatic fall of Aleppo. He explores the unexpected resurgence of rebel forces and how social media is reshaping the conflict narrative. Van Linge dives into the Assad regime's connections to the Captagon drug trade, revealing its impact on Syria's economy. He also discusses Turkey's strategic maneuvers amidst shifting alliances and the ongoing refugee crisis, painting a complex picture of the region's dynamics.

Former MI6 officer Christopher Steele, renowned for his investigation into Trump's ties with Russia, shares insights from his book, Unredacted. He delves into Ukraine's pivotal role in U.S.-Russia tensions and the intricacies behind the Trump-Russia dossier's creation. Steele discusses Russian interference in the 2016 elections and its profound effects on U.S. politics, emphasizing the growing bipartisan divide. The conversation also touches on the implications of foreign influence and the fragility of American democracy in the current political landscape.

Charlie Gammell is a historian and Iran expert. His latest article on Iran can be found here: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-winds-of-change-are-blowing-in-iran/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.