

CONFLICTED
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An ex-Al Qaeda jihadi turned MI6 spy and a former monk turned filmmaker, have been embedded at the heart of conflicts in the Middle East. Together Aimen Dean and Thomas Small unpack the realities of war, fundamentalism and their global implications through first-hand experience.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 18, 2024 • 1h 7min
Q&A - Airstrikes on Yemen and the Future of the Middle East
The podcast discusses the recent airstrikes in Yemen and their potential impact on the future of the Middle East. Topics covered include the objectives of the Houthis, the Western military response, Iran's response, and the implications for Israel, Gaza, and the wider Middle East. The episode also introduces the launch of a new community platform for listeners to engage in discussions and access exclusive content.

Nov 29, 2023 • 1h 6min
Yemen: From Civil War to World War?
This podcast explores the current state of Yemen, from civil war to world war, and its implications for the Middle East. It discusses the intervention of Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies in the Yemen civil war, the Iranian tactic of deliberately allowing their own civilians to be targeted, the culture of mistrust within the GCC and among anti-Houthi forces, the oppressive nature of the Iranian regime, Houthis, and Hezbollah in Yemen, the corruption surrounding UN aid in Yemen, and China's interest and lobbying efforts in the region.

Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 17min
Yemen: From Revolution to Civil War
This podcast explores Yemen's journey from revolution to civil war, focusing on the breakdown of the GCC Initiative, the role of the insurgent Houthis, and the delicate art of Yemeni politics. The guest, Yemeni political activist Baraa Shaiban, shares his experiences trying to keep the peace and witnessing his country fall into conflict. The podcast also delves into the state of Yemen's civil war, the immunity granted to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, unexpected Houthi participation in the national dialogue, the impact of drone strikes on local communities, encounters with Al Qaeda members, the presence and actions of Houthi militants, and the events leading up to the civil war.

Nov 15, 2023 • 1h 12min
Yemen: The Arab Spring Revolution
This podcast explores the Arab Spring revolution in Yemen, delving into the background conflicts and political landscape. The speaker, a Yemeni journalist and activist, shares his experiences leading protests in Sanaa and the hopes of a new dawn. The episode discusses escalating tensions, a violent incident during the revolution, and the explosion in the president's mosque. It also touches on political maneuvers and the hopes for a peaceful Yemen.

Nov 8, 2023 • 1h 6min
Yemen: Dancing on the Heads of Snakes
The podcast explores the complex history of Yemen, focusing on President Ali Abdullah Saleh's challenge in governing a divided country. It covers topics such as the emotional impact of the union between North and South Yemen, Saleh's dilemma in choosing between admiration for Saddam Hussein and alliance with Saudi Arabia, the economic collapse and civil war, the influence of Salafism, and the rise of the Houthi movement. The podcast unravels the fractured relationships and conflicts that ultimately led to the Arab Spring and civil war in Yemen.

Nov 1, 2023 • 1h 12min
Yemen: In the Shadow of the Imam
This podcast explores Yemen's complex history and ongoing civil war, with a focus on the quest for unification. They discuss the entangled nature of Yemeni politics, the beauty and historical significance of Yemen, the origins of Zadism, ancestral connections and power struggles in Yemen, the impact of conflict and war, and the historical conflict and attempts at unification.

9 snips
Oct 25, 2023 • 1h 3min
Hezbollah: Israel's Menace or Lebanon's Defender?
In this podcast, they explore Hezbollah's influence on Lebanon, their impact on the politics of the country, and their ongoing conflict with Israel. They discuss the rise to power of Hezbollah and the role of their leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The podcast also examines Hezbollah's social services funded by Iran, their broken promises, and manipulative tactics. They highlight the group's dominance in the Lebanese government and the challenges faced by the rest of the country. The podcast concludes by discussing the possibility of future conflicts and Israel's role in preventing Hezbollah from taking over Lebanon entirely.

4 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 56min
Hezbollah: Rise of the Islamic Resistance
Explore the rise of Hezbollah during the Lebanese civil war, their alignment with Islamic ideology, and their establishment as a state within a state. Learn about their relationship with Iran, the origins of Hezbollah, and the politicization of the Shia population in Lebanon. Discover the influence of the Dawa Party on Hezbollah's co-founder and the rise of revolutionary Shia militant Islam. Delve into the divergent goals of Hezbollah and Amal, the infamous bomb attacks of 1983, and Hezbollah's history of attacks and influence on American and Israeli targets. Finally, learn about the truce and Taif Agreement negotiated with Hezbollah's involvement.

31 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 1h 6min
What Was Hamas Thinking?
Podcast discusses recent brutal assault by Hamas on Southern Israel, with a high death toll. It explores the motivations of Hamas, compares the death toll to 9-11, and questions intelligence failures. Additionally, it delves into the origins and radicalization of Hamas, Saudi Arabia's demands for normalizing relations with Israel, the ongoing struggle between Hamas and the PLO, geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, and recent developments in the Israel-Hamas-Hezbollah conflict.

Oct 4, 2023 • 59min
How Iran Works
This episode of Conflicted explores the Iranian system and the future of the country outside of the despotic regime. It discusses the protests, backlash, and rising death toll in Iran, the influence of Shia revolutionaries, the implementation of Sayad Kutub's ideas in the Iranian Revolution, and the powers of the Supreme Leader in Iran. The speaker also advocates for rationality in Iranian decision-making and a potential change in leadership.