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.

Recent discussions center around the ramifications of the Gaza ceasefire and what it means for peace in the region. The motivations of Israel and Hamas are dissected, alongside the troubling state of humanitarian crises affecting civilians. Casualty figures reveal the steep costs of conflict, while the complexities of Hamas's role are unraveled, challenging mainstream narratives. The conversation also touches on the future of settlements and the potential geopolitical influences, including Trump's plans and the Syrian regime's involvement.

Explore Ethiopia’s turbulent history from the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974 to the rise of the brutal Derg regime. Discover the horrifying Red Terror and its violent suppression of opposition, intertwined with Cold War politics and international intrigue. Learn about the catastrophic famine of the 1980s, driven by both natural disasters and authoritarian policies. The discussion also highlights the Ongoing Tigray War, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of Ethiopia's complex political landscape.

Andrew Fox, an ex-British Army soldier and war studies lecturer, provides an in-depth analysis of the recent Gaza ceasefire deal and its implications. He discusses the complexities of negotiations and the humanitarian consequences of the conflict. Fox shares insights from his military experience, focusing on civilian casualties and military strategies. The conversation also touches on the challenges of accurate casualty reporting and the psychological impact of warfare on soldiers. His unique perspective sheds light on the intricate dynamics at play in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

In the latest discussion, the hosts dive into the decline of baathism in Syria and the implications for the region. They analyze al-Julani's election delay and HTS's future in maintaining control. The conversation shifts to Hamas's surprising military capabilities and the fallout from recent terror attacks in the U.S. and Germany. This dynamic Q&A not only engages with pressing geopolitical issues but also brings personal insights, setting the stage for an intriguing look at the future of the Middle East.

In this engaging discussion, Tom Tugendhat, a Conservative British MP and veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, shares his insights on the current crises in the Middle East. He reflects on his personal experiences in the region and provides a critical look at the rise of Islamism. Tugendhat emphasizes the need for effective Western security strategies in a changing world. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by British Muslim communities and the complex interplay between cultural practices and foreign policy.