Babel: Translating the Middle East

Jason Rezaian, former hostage and co-executive director of the CSIS Commission on Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention, discusses the rise of hostage-taking by hostile governments and groups. They explore the motivations behind it and the inadequacy of the international response. They also discuss the case of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a kidnapped Princeton grad student in Iraq, and the broader issue of wrongful detention. The podcast examines the reasons behind the increase in hostage-taking, the challenges faced by the US government in dealing with such situations, and the significance of values in advocating for foreign hostages.

Saudi Arabia is promoting a quiet revolution of walking through urban planning projects. The government faces challenges in improving mobility. Efforts include forming walking groups and initiatives to encourage citizens to walk more and improve step counts.

Dr. Shirin Hakim, Head of the Environment, Climate Security, and Public Health unit at the Center for Middle East and Global Order, discusses Iran's worsening environmental issues and the Iranian government's mismanagement of natural resources. They also touch on how Western sanctions play into the regime's environmental strategy. Later, the podcast explores the potential for environmental diplomacy in the Gulf region, the role of Saudi Arabia and the UAE in addressing environmental issues, and the importance of the US in facilitating solutions in the Middle East.

This podcast discusses the efforts of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to attract private investors in its renewable energy sector. They explore the integration of renewable energy into the electricity network, budgetary constraints, and challenges in accessing international finance.

In this podcast, Jon speaks with Dalia Hatuqa, a Ramallah-based journalist, about the state of politics in the West Bank and Gaza, Palestinian self-determination, and rising frustration with their government, the Israeli government, and the international community. They also explore the internal and external barriers to change in Palestinian politics.

Will Todman, Middle East LGBTQ+ advocate, discusses how Western LGBTQ+ advocacy in the Middle East can have negative consequences. They explore the rise of homophobia in the region and the potential exploitation of homophobia by political or religious leaders. The podcast also examines Western support for the LGBTQ+ community in the Middle East and the consequences of public external support.

A conversation with award-winning journalist and conflict reporter Christoph Reuter on Syria's war economy, including Captagon, criminal networks, and the intersection between criminal networks and war zones. They also discuss the complexities of the war economy in Syria, the smuggling and trade of Kaptagon, and the challenges in delivering humanitarian and development aid in conflict zones.

Iran accuses Israel and UAE of stealing their rain, but their severe water shortages point to poor water management. Also covers protests over drying up of Lake Ermia.

Writer and journalist Nicolas Pelham discusses the Moroccan monarchy, King Mohammed VI's friendship with a German kickboxer, and the future of Morocco. The conversation also compares the ruling strategies of Arab kings and explores leadership and stability in Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

As Egypt's economic crisis continues, a new proposition of introducing donkey meat to Egypt's cuisine causes public uproar amidst soaring food prices. A new Mezze from the CSIS Middle East Program.