Babel: Translating the Middle East
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Babel will take you beyond the headlines to discuss what’s really happening in the Middle East and North Africa. It features regional experts who explain what’s going on, provide context on pivotal developments, and highlight trends you may have missed. Jon Alterman, Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, hosts the podcast along with his colleagues from the Middle East Program. This podcast is made possible through the generous support of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. All views, positions, and conclusions expressed here should be understood to be solely of those of the speaker(s).
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 8, 2023 • 25min
Hana Al Omair: The Saudi Film Industry
Hana Al Omair, award-winning director and chairwoman of the new Saudi Cinema Association, discusses the rapid evolution of the Saudi film industry, portrayal of taboos in film, navigating audiences, support and regulation in the Saudi filmmaking industry, and the upcoming Saudi novel adaptation planned for production in 2024.
Aug 1, 2023 • 3min
A Mezze: Bride of the Beqqa
This podcast explores the story of Electricity Dizahal and its impact on Lebanon's power sector, discussing the Civil War and Israeli attacks, the rise of private generators, and ongoing power outages in Lebanon.
Jul 25, 2023 • 27min
Jason Rezaian: The Rise of Hostage Taking
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.
Jul 18, 2023 • 3min
A Mezze: Saudis Take to the Streets
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.
Jul 11, 2023 • 31min
Shirin Hakim: Iran’s Environmental Challenges
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.
Jul 4, 2023 • 3min
A Mezze: The Kurdistan Region of Iraq
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.
Jun 27, 2023 • 33min
Dalia Hatuqa: Palestinian Politics
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.
Jun 20, 2023 • 6min
Analysis: LGBTQ+ Advocacy in the Middle East Backfires
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.
Jun 13, 2023 • 32min
Christoph Reuter: Syria’s War Economy.
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.
Jun 6, 2023 • 3min
A Mezze: Iran's "Cloudy" Accusations
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.
