The Dig

Abdel Razzaq Takriti discusses the Syrian independence struggle, CIA-backed coups, Ba’ath and Communist movements. Topics include French suppression, Cold War dynamics, class struggles, Shishakli's dictatorship, and military coups in Syrian politics.

Abdel Razzaq Takriti delves into Arab radicalism, discussing the Nakba of 1948, Nasser's 1952 coup, and Soviet support for Palestinian partition. The episode explores the impact on Arab communist parties post-Nakba, British colonialism in the Middle East, and challenges faced by Palestinian politics. A fascinating look at 20th-century Arab revolutions and political ideologies.

The podcast delves into the historical emergence of post-colonial Arab states, examining the complexities of state formation after British and French colonial rule. It explores the impact of colonialism in the Gulf region, the strategic importance of Aden, Yemen's trading networks and resistance against British colonialism, the origins of the Saudi state, and Egypt's struggle against colonial powers. The narrative also addresses the interplay between Egypt and Sudan, showcasing oppression and resistance under colonial era conscription and taxation.

Explore birth of Arab nationalism, anti-colonialism, Ba'athism, and Islamic resistance in 20th century Middle East. Discuss early revolts, key thinkers in Arab nationalism, British imperial strategies, impact of White Paper on Palestine, rise of nationalist organizations, Islamist politics, religious resistance, and ideologies of Arab nationalism.

Delve into Arab radicalism with a focus on European imperialism in the 20th century. Explore the consequences of World War I on Arab territories. Unpack the evolution of Arab political modernity and the impact of British colonial control in the Gulf region. Investigate imperialist actions and settler colonialism in Palestine. Introduction to Tharwa and Arab politics with historian Abdullah Razakhtukriti.

The podcast delves into the detrimental effects of medical debt on individuals in the US, highlighting the aggressive debt collection practices in hospitals. It discusses the disparities in access to care and health outcomes, the need for comprehensive public healthcare, and the potential for leveraging medical debt as a catalyst for social and economic change. The conversation also explores the evolution of healthcare systems, patient rights, challenges faced by physicians, and movements advocating for structural changes in the financial system.

Emily Dische-Becker, expert on Germany's anti-Palestinian policies and Israeli proxy nationalism, discusses Germany's complex relationship with anti-Semitism, suppression of pro-Palestine speech, memory culture, the rise of the far right, rejection of the colonialism-Holocaust connection, and potential for Jewish migrant solidarity.

Helen Lackner, expert on Yemen and the Houthis, discusses the complex history of Yemen, the Houthis' motivations in relation to Israel and their disruption of the shipping industry. It explores the rise and ideology of the Houthi movement, US involvement in counter-terrorism, Iranian support during the civil war, the status of negotiations for ending the war, Aden's importance to the British Empire, and the rise of Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Explore the extravagant world of VIP nightclubs and the labor conditions for models. Delve into the social dynamics and rationality within exclusive nightclubs and the role of luxury consumption. Examine the complexities of race and advantage in the industry. Uncover the dynamics of high-end hostessing and the transformation of clubs in New York City. Discuss the concept of pleasure and exploitation in exclusive spaces and reflect on the possibilities of creating a more inclusive VIP club.

Ussama Makdisi, expert on Western colonialism and Zionism, discusses how these forces exploited and imposed sectarianism in the Arab Middle East. Topics include the impact of Western imperialism, the divergence between Turkey and Arab Mushryk, Arab political radicalisms, the emergence of the Arab identity, early Palestinian opposition to Zionism, consequences of colonialism and Zionism, the Farhud and colonial Zionist project, and demystifying violent events in the Middle East.