CONFLICTED

This week, we're giving our Conflicted listeners another taste of what they get by joining the Conflicted Community, with an old episode that didn't go out on our normal feed... As Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy seek to find a solution to war in Ukraine, we thought it would be good to throw back to our episode with British diplomat Alex Anastasiades, so you can hear some more about what it is actually like to be in the room when these big diplomatic decisions are made. Enjoy... -- For this week’s Conflicted Community bonus episode Thomas sits down with Alex Anastasiades, a British diplomat working for the Ministry of Defence in Riyadh, about Britain’s place in the Middle East. In a wide ranging interview, we discuss what life is actually like for British diplomats in the region, Britain’s historic place as a colonial power and now ally with countries in the Middle East, and how Britain's position might continue to evolve in the new multi-polar world. Alex is a diplomat with a background in international law and international relations, who has previously worked in Brussels and for NATO, before working for various positions within the British MOD. Now stationed in the Saudi capital of Riyadh at a fascinating and hugely consequential moment in the region’s history, Alex advises the defence secretary and government officials in the Foreign Office on geopolitical matters in Saudi and the wider Middle East.Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s Conflicted Community episode we're joined by Dr. Alick Isaacs, a lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and co-founder of Siach Shalom. Siach Shalom is am initiative that brings people from all walks of Israeli and wider Middle Eastern society—religious and secular, left and right—together to foster deep listening and dialogue. This conversation explores Dr. Isaacs' personal journey, from his upbringing as a religious Jew in the UK to his military service in Israel during the First Intifada, before exploring how his profound and sometimes difficult experiences shaped his commitment to peace and led him to a deeper spiritual calling grounded in Jewish tradition. This episode delves into the complex ideas behind the Israel-Palestine conflict, moving beyond the usual political talking points, to challenge common perceptions. The pair unpack the difference between the Western concept of "peace" and the Hebrew idea of "shalom" , while also discussing Alick’s book, ‘Putting God First’, and the idea of a Jewish politics of purpose. This is a conversation that goes to the heart of what it means to heal deep-seated divisions and find a way toward genuine, lasting peace in one of the world's most contested regions. 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/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Conflicted Community is delighted to welcome back on to the show Philip Cunliffe, Associate Professor of International Relations at UCL and co-host of BungaCast! In this insightful conversation, Thomas and Philip dive into his new book, "The National Interest: Politics After Globalization."  They trace the evolution of the national interest from medieval times to today, discussing its distinction from nationalism and how it can foster genuine international cooperation. The episode also explores the rise and fall of national interest politics in the 20th century, contrasting it with earlier and later forms of globalization. Philip and Thomas then unpack the surprising relationship between progressive neoliberalism and populism, showing how these seemingly opposing forces often reinforce each other. They then tackle the crucial challenge of building new nations in a diverse, post-industrial world, emphasizing the importance of shared political will and collective interest, and offering a compelling argument for why a renewed focus on the national interest is vital for navigating 21st-century politics and revitalizing democratic 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/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nour Salam, a human rights and women's rights activist from Suwayda, Syria, shares her insights on the complexities facing the Druze community amid ongoing violence. She discusses her family’s struggles under the Assad regime and her involvement in the revolution, revealing the evolving identity of the Druze amidst conflict. Nour sheds light on the response to ISIS attacks and the emergence of local factions, as well as the intricate relationship between the Druze and Israel. She envisions a future of governance and unity for Syria, despite the prevailing challenges.

Listeners dive into U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and the real impact of 'Bunker Buster' bombs. The discussion veers towards conditions needed for a Middle East peace deal, including Iran's nuclear ambitions. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is examined alongside the rise of Israeli-backed forces. Complex negotiations within Syria and Lebanon point to possible non-aggression pacts despite ideological barriers. The podcast also expands to the troubling situation in the Sahel region, where jihadist groups are increasingly gaining power.

Dive into the harrowing insights of a personal journey through the Syrian Civil War. Aimen shares his heart-wrenching story of his nephew, Ibrahim, who chose to fight at just 19, exploring the deep emotional impacts of such radicalization. The discussion broadens to cover Syria's post-war challenges, including food security and power struggles, while also reflecting on the role of foreign fighters and the complexities of integrating them into society. Finally, the conversation expands to Africa's evolving position in a multipolar world, highlighting globalization's ripple effects.

In July 2005, London faced an unprecedented tragedy as four coordinated bombings transformed a typical morning into chaos. Survivors recount their harrowing experiences while a former jihadist turned spy shares insights on the implications for national security. The contrasting emotions of celebration and fear highlight the day's impact on the city. Emergency responders displayed incredible courage amidst the devastation, fostering unity in the face of adversity. This poignant narrative sets the stage for exploring the long aftermath of the attacks and the evolution of domestic terrorism in the UK.

The discussion dives into the devastating 7/7 terrorist attacks in London, examining its profound impact on security, societal integration, and local perceptions of terrorism. Insightful interviews with security officials reveal how the event reshaped national security policies. The host also highlights the unique perspective of Aimen Dean, a former spy for Al-Qaeda, who played a crucial role in the UK’s response to these threats. This introspective narrative offers a gripping look at two decades of evolving security challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Nour Salam, a Druze human rights and women's rights activist from Suwayda, shares her compelling insights. She reflects on the unique identity of the Druze community amid the challenges of the Syrian civil war. Nour recounts her family's struggles under the Assad regime and highlights her activism during the revolution. The conversation delves into the complexities of local power dynamics, the impact of ISIS, and the ongoing quest for autonomy and stability in Suwayda. Her personal stories amplify the human experiences behind the war.

Dive into the riveting showdown between the Ayatollah and the Shah during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Explore the intense struggle between modernization and tradition that shaped Iran's future. Discover the indoctrination of children in Qom, steeped in apocalyptic fervor. Unpack the Shah's dilemmas as he attempted to modernize amidst rising dissent. Delve into the complexities of leadership lineage in Islam, and see how the Mahdi concept influenced post-revolutionary governance. Witness the historical roots that stirred this seismic shift in the Middle East.