Hindsight

Charming, gregarious, ready to please. These are the disarming traits of one of Africa’s most violent dictators. For eight years, Idi Amin ruled Uganda with terrifying consequences. Switching alliances became a game and the former boxing champion liked to play. *Some scenes might be disturbing to some listeners. Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

Evita Jai, an actress known for her portrayal of Indira Gandhi, delves into the extraordinary life of India's first female prime minister. She discusses Gandhi's political ascent, shaped by her legacy and personal struggles, emphasizing her drive for self-determination. The conversation highlights pivotal moments such as the Bangladesh liberation, the dramatic declaration of a state of emergency, and the turmoil of Operation Blue Star. Jai reflects on the complex legacy of Gandhi, marked by resilience and controversy, revealing the human side behind the political icon.

Muammar Gaddafi, the former Libyan leader, reigned for over 40 years, embodying contradictions as a revolutionary turned dictator. In this conversation, he reflects on his rise from a defiant student to a ruler with a controversial philosophy. Gaddafi's unique governance approach and tactics of oppression are discussed, alongside his tumultuous relationship with the U.S. and the aftermath of the Lockerbie bombing. His final moments reveal a man grappling with his identity amidst chaos, highlighting a complex legacy that still influences Libya today.

From the mother of radioactivity to the 'mad dog of the Middle East', hear from history's heroes and villains in season 3 of Hindsight. Charles Dance of The Crown and Game of Thrones returns as narrator. Have a listen to what's coming.New season begins January 25th. Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

Gibran Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese-American poet and artist, is celebrated for his timeless work, The Prophet. He shares his transformative journey from a war-torn childhood in Lebanon to his artistic evolution in the U.S., shaped by profound loss and a rebellious spirit. Gibran candidly discusses the impact of personal and political upheaval on his writing, the struggle for recognition, and the legacy of his work that continues to resonate today. His reflections on love, faith, and artistic freedom paint a vivid picture of the soul of a true literary rebel.

As an Iranian woman, writing poetry about her own love and lust launched Forough Farrokhzad into infamy. She broke the barriers of sex and society in her poetry, but would suffer for it during her short life. Sin would get her in trouble but it would also be her ultimate salvation. So too for those desperate to read about it. Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

Without knowing it, you have probably heard of or read Rumi’s words before. Perhaps you were between pain and letting go or wanting and finding love. Wherever you are, the story and words of this great 13th-century Persian poet still expresses what we feel today. “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there”. Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

In a single move, Huda Shaarawi cemented her legacy in Egypt's women's movement. She stepped down from a train in Cairo and before a crowd, pulled back her veil. For an upper-class woman in 1923, revealing her face was a daring and decisive act. But Huda wasn't afraid of pushing the social norms. Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

Omar Sharif's enchanting rise from a young boy in Egypt to a Hollywood icon is a captivating tale of charm and talent. His journey includes a passionate romance and the weight of family expectations. Despite monumental successes, like winning a Golden Globe, his life was also marked by struggles with gambling and identity. The discussion delves into the duality of fame, the impact of shifting Hollywood dynamics, and his complex legacy, highlighting both his triumphs and personal challenges.

How many entertainers can hold an audience’s attention for hours with a single song? Egypt’s Umm Kulthum could, but she was extraordinary - conservative, strategic and positively revered by the masses. This is the rags-to-riches story of the Star of the East. Umm Kulthum at the height of her fame was a magnet for Egypt’s upper class, preeminent poets, composers and politicians. But her rise to superstardom came with its stumbles.Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/