CONFLICTED

Matar Ismail, a documentary filmmaker and political activist from Masyaf, shares his gripping experiences from the Syrian Civil War. He discusses his early activism and the risks he faced while documenting protests, including imprisonment and torture. Matar vividly recounts the brutal Siege of Southern Damascus, detailing the dire humanitarian crisis and the complex dynamics between rebel factions and the Assad regime. His personal stories highlight the resilience of his community amidst unimaginable hardships, as well as the toll of war on civilians.

Hamza Howidy, a Palestinian activist from Gaza now in exile in Germany, shares his harrowing journey of protesting against Hamas. He recounts life under Hamas rule and the dual threats from both Hamas and Israeli military actions. Hamza reflects on his childhood during turbulent political shifts and discusses the rise of Hamas amidst internal divisions. He enlightens listeners about the harsh realities for teenagers in Gaza, the societal impacts of militarization, and the complex dynamics of foreign aid, all while envisioning a future free from Hamas's governance.

Khalil Sayegh, a Palestinian Christian political analyst and co-founder of the Agora Initiative, discusses his journey from Gaza to the U.S. Diving into the complexities of Palestinian identity, he shares his opposition to Hamas and the impacts of war on his life. The conversation examines the political dynamics between Hamas and Fatah, the critical historical roots of Palestinian nationalism, and ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians. Sayegh emphasizes survival amidst violence, addressing the importance of rights and the role of liberalism in this context.

Ronnie Hamada, a Syrian Kurdish civilian and humanitarian worker, shares his gripping experiences during the Syrian Civil War. He discusses the impact of the Battle of Aleppo on Afrin, revealing the challenges faced by the Kurdish community under siege, including food shortages and economic lockdowns. Ronnie recounts his harrowing escape to Turkey and highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The conversation also sheds light on the complex dynamics among Kurdish forces, the Assad regime, and Turkish military operations, emphasizing the future of Kurdish autonomy.

The hosts tackle the resurgence of violence in Syria, emphasizing the chaos and misinformation surrounding the conflict. They shed light on the precarious position of religious minorities, particularly Alawites and Christians, as sectarian tensions escalate. The implications of a new Syrian government and its amnesty policies for former regime members are explored. The discussion also extends to the geopolitical landscape, touching on the broader power struggles involving Russia and China, alongside the potential outcomes for Gaza under shifting U.S. foreign policy.

Ronnie Hamada, a Syrian Kurd, shares his gripping experiences as a civilian during the Syrian Civil War. He recounts the harrowing moments of witnessing classmates attacked during Arab Spring protests and the escalating violence in Aleppo. Ronnie reflects on a traumatic internet cafe robbery and the chaos leading to his family's decision to flee to Afrin. He discusses the rise of Kurdish armed groups and the profound impact of the war on civilians, offering an intimate perspective on survival and resistance amid turmoil.

This week for our Conflicted Community members, we return to Yemen for an interview with, Dr Elisabeth Kendall, an academic whose work has covered so many varied manifestations of the country’s culture, politics, and the conflict that has engulfed it for the past decade.Elisabeth is a professor of Arabic and Islamic studies at the University of Cambridge, where she is also the Mistress of Girton College. Her research explores how militant jihad groups use 'soft' culture (poetry, literature, song) and harness local grievances, to recruit and win toleration in the broader community, and she has spent significant time in Yemen, carrying out research, while also following the ongoing war.Thomas and Elisabeth discuss her journey into the field, and the complexities of Yemeni politics, particularly during the Arab Spring, emphasising the importance of primary sources in understanding jihadism and critiques the international community's role in Yemen's political landscape. They discuss the complex dynamics of the Yemeni conflict, exploring the roles of various international and regional actors, the evolution of the Houthis, and the challenges of achieving peace. And to end, they have a fascinating discussion on the significance of poetry in jihadist culture, illustrating how it serves as a tool for propaganda and emotional engagement.To listen to the full episode, you’ll need to subscribe to the Conflicted Community. And don’t forget, subscribers can also join our Conflicted Community chatroom, where you can interact with fellow dearest listeners, discuss episodes past and future, get exclusive messages from Thomas and Aimen, ask future Q&A questions and so much more.All the information you need to sign up is on this link: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/ Conflicted is proudly made by Message Heard, a full-stack podcast production agency which uses its extensive expertise to make its own shows such as Conflicted, shows for commissioners such as the BBC, Spotify and Al Jazeera, and powerfully effective podcasts for other companies too. If you’d like to find out how we can help get your organisation’s message heard, visit messageheard.com or drop an email to hello@messageheard.com!Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflictedAnd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflictedLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rani Hamadeh, a Syrian Kurd with a decade of experience in conflict data analysis, shares his gripping story of life under siege in Aleppo and Afrin. He dives into the historical context of Kurdish nationalism, exploring the interplay between Kurdish and Arab identities. The discussion highlights the cultural repression faced by Kurds and the rise of political consciousness amidst systemic oppression. With insights into the complexities of Kurdish politics during the Syrian Civil War, Rani challenges stereotypes and sheds light on the multifaceted Kurdish experience.

Join Dalia Ziada, an award-winning Egyptian writer and political analyst, as she shares her compelling journey of liberal activism against the backdrop of Egypt's turbulent political landscape. Dalia discusses her efforts in advocating for women's rights and addressing antisemitism. She reflects on the Arab Spring, the impact of community engagement, and the importance of shifting perspectives in the Middle East. With insights into the complexities of identity and political Islam, her story highlights both personal transformation and the pursuit of democratic ideals.

Wassim Nasr, a seasoned France24 journalist, provides deep insights into the Syrian Civil War. He discusses the unexpected rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, detailing its evolution from an Al-Qaeda affiliate to a formidable political force. The conversation highlights his pivotal meetings with Ahmed Al-Sharaa, drawing connections between personal narratives and broader socio-political changes. Nasr also unveils the complexities of tribal dynamics and shifting loyalties, illustrating the resilience of Syrian communities in a landscape marked by conflict.