Slavery was prevalent in many parts of the world and it left scars to this very day. The Middle East had its own share of enslavement that was fueled by superiority, greed and power. In this episode:  Eve Trout Powell, Professor of History and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania Episode credits: This episode was co-produced by Khaled Soltan and Salem Al Yafiei. Sound design was by George Al Wer. Our engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and our assistant engagement producer is Munera AlDosari. Our recording engineer is Hamdi Aoun. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh and head of audio is Ney Alvarez. Our host is Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

The World Health Organization is warning that obesity is on the rise, not just in the Middle East but around the world. The WHO says obesity in children and adults is a public health concern in almost all regions of the world. An estimated 38.9 million children under five years old are moderately or severely overweight.  In this episode:  Joyce Moawad, teaching assistant of human nutrition at Qatar University Episode credits: This episode was co-produced by Khaled Soltan and by our interns Nada Shakir and Reyan Al Jaafri. Sound design was by George Al Wer. Our engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and our assistant engagement producer is Munera AlDosari. Our recording engineer is Hamdi Aoun. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh and head of audio is Ney Alvarez. Our host is Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

From the earliest days of silent film to today's biggest Hollywood blockbusters, vilifying depictions of Arabs and Muslims have persisted in Western cinema, unchallenged. Yet, with the rise of streaming services, filmmakers of different ethnicities are now being afforded a chance to represent their own stories. In this episode:  Anne Sobel (@slicepassion), screenwriter, writer for Netflix's The Exchange Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. The sound design was by George Al Wer. Our engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and our assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our Executive producer is Omar Al Saleh and Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

As deadly tremors continue to shake Turkey and Syria, international aid has been slow to reach Syria, where decades of civil war have hindered efforts to reach survivors. According to the United Nations, close to nine million people have been affected by the earthquake, and humanitarian needs are at their highest levels. The head of the UN emergency relief operations, Martin Griffiths, said the international community has failed the people of northwest Syria. In this episode:  Dr. Ubeyd Sakin (@ubeydsakin), Country Director of Human Appeal in Turkey Episode credits: This episode was co-produced by Khaled Soltan and our intern Nada Shakir. The sound design was by George Al Wer and our recording engineer is Michel Bou Dagher. Our engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and our assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our Executive producer is Omar Al Saleh and Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Turkey nearly two weeks after two deadly earthquakes rocked the country and left a trail of destruction. The death toll is already staggering, while the desperate hunt for more survivors continues in freezing temperatures. Thousands of buildings have collapsed and millions of people have been displaced. Despite receiving humanitarian assistance from countries around the globe, Turkey faces enormous recovery challenges ahead.  In this episode:  Didem Demircan, Deputy Executive Director of Oxfam Turkey Episode credits: This episode was co-produced by Khaled Soltan and our intern Nada Shakir. The sound design was by George Al Wer. Our engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and our assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our Executive producer is Omar Al Saleh and Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

As India undertakes a vast digitisation push across the country, the government is now planning to roll out new digital IDs in Indian-administered Kashmir. While authorities say the new database would improve access to social welfare benefits, many Muslim Kashmiris see it as an attempt to exert further control over their lives. In this episode:  Farhan Mujahid Chak (@fchak), Chairperson of Kashmir Civitas, a Canadian NGO and associate professor of political science and international relations at Qatar University Episode credits: This episode was co-produced by Salem Alyafei and our intern Nada Shakir. The sound design was by George Al Wer and our recording engineer is Hamdi Aoun. Our engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Adam Abou-Gad. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh and the head of audio is Ney Alvarez. Our show is hosted by Sami Zeidan. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up his visit to ease tensions in the Middle East after pledging an “ironclad” US support for Israel. His trip came amid violence between Israelis and Palestinians, with the Israeli military carrying out deadly raids in the occupied West Bank. Israel has also announced punitive measures against Palestinians after a gunman killed seven Israelis in occupied East Jerusalem. The attack came a week after Israel’s deadly military raid in Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank and the killing of 10 Palestinians. In this episode:  Dr. Mustafa Barghouti (@MustafaBarghoti), Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and our intern Nada Shakir. The sound design was by George Al Wer and our recording engineer is Hamdi Aoun. Our engagement producer is Aya Elmileik, and assistant engagement producer, Munera Al Dosari. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh and head of audio is Ney Al Varez. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Iran has recently executed a British-Iranian national, Alireza Akbari, a former deputy defence minister, on charges of spying for Britain. Akbari’s execution comes as Iranian authorities have crushed anti-government protests and carried out four other executions. Western countries, including the US and the EU, have denounced Iran’s death sentences and trials as flawed.  Nationwide anti-government demonstrations erupted in Iran in September after the death of Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Amini, who morality police had detained for violating the country’s dress code.  In this episode:  Tara Sepehri Far (@sepehrifar), Iran and Kuwait Senior Researcher, Middle East and North Africa Division at Human Rights Watch Episode credit: This episode was produced by our intern, Nada Shakir. The sound design was by George Al Wer and our recording engineer is Hamdi Aoun. Our engagement producer is Aya Elmileik, and assistant engagement producer, Munera Al Dosari. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh and head of audio is Ney Al Varez. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

In recent weeks, the United States Navy intercepted a fishing vessel smuggling more than 2,000 assault rifles in the Gulf of Oman on a maritime route from Iran to Yemen. Reports suggest the weapons were bound for the Houthi rebels who have controlled most of Yemen since 2014. Iran has long supported the Houthis in their conflict in Yemen and abroad but has denied supplying the group with arms. Meanwhile, Oxfam said that United Kingdom and US weapons provided to Saudi Arabia were directly used in attacks on civilians in Yemen. In this episode:  Abubakr Al-Shamahi (@ShamahiAbubakr), Al Jazeera English Digital’s Middle East and North Africa editor Episode credits: This episode was produced by our intern Nada Shakir. Our sound designer is George Alwer. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our recording engineer is Hamdi Aoun. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh. Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

As Israel's new government headed by Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn into office, his cabinet has gathered the most right-wing ministers in Israel's history. With ultranationalists and ultra-orthodox Jewish parties placed in notable positions, the new cabinet has pledged to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right Israeli minister, has even kicked off international condemnation by entering the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, a move many Palestinians described as 'unprecedented provocation.'  In this episode:  Daniel Levy, President of the US Middle East Project Episode credit: This episode was produced by our interns Reyam Al Jaafari and Nada Shakir.Our sound designer is George Alwer. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh. Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

For many of the authoritarian regimes in the Middle East, technology has long been a tool to enable digital repression. These states are increasingly using information technology to suppress the flow of information, censor content, and even surveil citizens. In this episode:  Marc Owen Jones (@marcowenjones), associate professor of Middle East Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Research done by our intern Nada Shakir. Our sound designer is George Alwer. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh. Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

A recent Arab American Action Network report in Illinois analyzed more than 200 police documents. It found that suspicious activity reports have criminalised Arabs and Muslims under the guise of "public safety". Further investigation by the community group has revealed a crisis in racial profiling and surveillance of Arabs and Muslims in the United States. In this episode:  Muhammad Sankari, lead organiser at the Arab American Action Network (@aaanmarkaz) Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our sound designer is George Alwer. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh. Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

The word "halal" in Arabic refers to something that is religiously permissible to consume or do. But today, it has become a huge industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars. The global Islamic economy report projects halal trade to be more than $330bn in 2025.  In this episode:  Jonathan A.J. Wilson (@drjonwilson), halal branding expert Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our sound designer is George Alwer. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh. Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Tunisia’s parliamentary elections are to take place on Saturday as the country is in the middle of its worst economic crisis. President Kais Saied has been accused of staging a coup in 2021 when he suspended parliament and sacked the prime minister. The main opposition parties are boycotting the vote. So where is Tunisia headed now? In this episode:  Elizia Volkmann (@EliziaVolkmann), freelance journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Salem Alyafie and Khaled Soltan. Research was done by our intern Reyam Al Jaafari. Our sound designer is George Alwer. The recording engineer is Hamdi Aoun. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh. Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Over the past few years, China has been cementing ties with Gulf states and investing heavily in their infrastructure deals. Now, Beijing is expanding its footprint in the region as Saudi Arabia hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping for a Saudi-Chinese summit. Xi’s long-awaited visit comes against the backdrop of strained United States-Saudi relations over energy supplies and concerns over growing Chinese influence in the Middle East. In this episode:  James M Dorsey (@mideastsoccer), senior fellow at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Episode credits: This episode was produced by Salem Alyafei, Khaled Soltan and our intern Nada Shakir.  Our sound designer is George Alwer. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh. Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Turkey has launched a wave of air raids in northern Syria and Iraq, after a deadly bombing on Istanbul’s Istiklal Avenue. The country blames the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and groups it claims are PKK-affiliates in Syria and Iraq, for the bombing. The US and Russia have warned against a ground operation. In this episode: Taha Ozhan (@TahaOzhan), Research director at Ankara Institute Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Salem Alyafei and our intern Nada Shakir.  Our sound designer is George Alwer. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh. Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

For the first time World Cup history, the tournament is hosted in the Middle East. Football has always been more than just a game in the Middle East.  Seen sometimes as a symbol of decolonisation and regime legitimisation, it also plays a role in fostering national identities. In the region, the beautiful game is intertwined with culture, politics and history. As the World Cup in Qatar is now underway, we explore the culture in history of football in the region. In this episode:  Abdullah Al-Arian (@anhistorian), author and associate professor at Georgetown University in Qatar. Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and our intern Nada Shakir.  Our sound designer is George Alwer. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh. Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

The clock is ticking for the world’s biggest football tournament all set to begin in Qatar this week. One of the smallest countries to host a World Cup, Qatar is expected to welcome approximately 1.2 million fans for one of the world's most-watched sporting events. From security threats to cyberattacks, to crowd management and potential hooliganism - the challenges are enormous for the host nation. So how is Qatar planning to ensure the security of millions of fans expected to attend the World Cup? In this episode:  Osama Bin Javaid (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera English Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was co-produced by Salem Alyafei and our intern Nada Shakir. Our sound designer is George Alwer. Our lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and our assistant engagement producer is Adam Abou-Gad. The executive producer is Omar Al Saleh and the head of audio is Ney Alvarez. Our host is Sami Zeidan. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

We know water as a source of life. But dwindling resources could also be the reason for future wars in the Middle East. This precious commodity is slowly becoming scarce for several reasons. And there are worrying signs that our freshwater supplies in the region are running out fast. In this episode:  Duried Mahasneh, a specialist in hydrology and marine sciences Episode Credits: This episode was produced by Hayat Mongolian and Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera English’s head of audio. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

According to the Clooney Foundation For Justice, the destruction and plunder of the Middle East's cultural heritage are being committed on a scale not seen since World War II. Hundreds of thousands of artifacts are stolen from countries such as Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, smuggled through neighbouring states, and eventually sold to the highest bidder in the EU, the US, and worldwide. A portion of these profits is known to be used to finance conflicts and global terrorism. In this episode: Vasiliki Kynourgiopoulou, the dean of Academic Affairs at Georgetown and UNESCO’s chief adviser for Heritage Management and Sustainable Development Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera English’s head of audio. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

France is home to one of western Europe's largest Muslim populations, estimated at 5.7 million. Since the nation held presidential and legislative elections, Muslims in France have endured a rise in discrimination, from bans on burkinis and Muslim headscarves to accusations of offending the values of the secular republic. Many Muslims feel the elections have stigmatised their faith and increased populist and right-wing attacks on their way of life. In this episode:  Nacira Guenif, Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Paris 8 Episode credits: This episode was produced by Hayat Mongodin and Khaled Soltan and hosted by Sami Zeidan. Research by our intern Nada Shakir. Our sound designer is George Alwer. Our lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera AlDosari. Omar Al-Saleh is our executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera English’s head of audio. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Iran’s brutal crackdown on protests has failed to stop people from protesting for a fifth week. The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini last month for violating the strict dress code angered many Iranians. She became an icon and her death led to the biggest anti-government protests in years. In this episode:  Mahmoud Amiry-Moghaddam (@iranhr), director of Iran Human Rights and professor of neuroscience at the University of Oslo in Norway Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and hosted by Sami Zeidan. Research by our intern Nada Shakir. Our sound designer is George Alwer. Our lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera AlDosari. Omar Al-Saleh is our executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera English’s head of audio. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

The OPEC+ alliance of oil-exporting countries has announced reducing oil production by 2 million barrels per day, one of its largest supply cuts since the coronavirus pandemic. The decision comes at a time when many countries are grappling with soaring energy prices-fuelled inflation. So what is behind the new decision of OPEC+ to reduce oil production, and what could that mean for consumers? In this episode: Nikolay Kozhanov (@KozhanovNikolay), Research Associate Professor at Qatar University Episode credits: This episode was produced by Salim Alyafei. Research was done by our intern Nada Shakir. Our host is Sami Zeidan. Our lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and our assistant engagement producer is Munera AlDosari. Omar Al Saleh is the executive producer and Al Jazeera's head of audio is Ney Alvarez.  Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Palestinian activists and common users claim their content is deliberately suppressed, and accuse social media companies of double standards. In this episode: Eliza Campbell (@elizaecampbell), journalist and former director of the cyber programme at the Middle East Institute. Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. Our research was done by intern Nada Shakir. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

An election in Bosnia is set to take place on October 2, as fear and uncertainty grip the country. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has only bolstered fears that Russia might try to use its good relations with Republika Srpska to prompt another conflict with Bosnian Muslims - to hit back at NATO. In this episode: Dr. Adnan Huskic, CSS Professor of International Relations and Politics at University Sarajevo School of Science and Technology Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. Our research was done by intern Nada Shakir. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Since 2019, banks in Lebanon have imposed draconian controls on deposits, effectively locking millions of customers out of their foreign currency savings.  As a result, bank heists in Lebanon have become a growing trend – but in this case, these armed “robbers” are not stealing anyone else’s money.  They are just demanding access to their own savings. In this episode: Nizar Ghanem (@nizarghanem), Director of Research at Triangle, co-founder of the depositors union Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. Our research was done by intern Nada Shakir. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Israel has carried out new missile attacks in Syria at the warehouse in the airport compound used by an Iran-backed militia. Though Israel has been bombing hundreds of different targets across Syria in the last few years, it rarely acknowledges such operations. So what is behind the continuing Israeli air raids in Syria and what does it mean for the rest of the region? In this episode: Hassan Barari (@barari_hassan), Professor of International Relations at Qatar University Episode credits: This episode was produced by Salim Alyafei. Our host is Sami Zeidan. Our research was done by intern Nada Shakir. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Middle Eastern countries spent $168bn on buying weapons last year. So who are the biggest military spenders, and is there an increase in military spending? In this episode:  David B. Des Roches, associate professor at the Near East South Asia Center for Security Studies Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Pakistan is facing catastrophic flash floods. But it’s also witnessing a political showdown between the government, the military on one hand, and the populist former Prime Minister Imran Khan on the other.  In this episode:  Mosharraf Zaidi (@mosharrafzaidi), CEO of Tabadlab, a think tank based in Islamabad Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is the sound designer. Nada Shakir is our intern supporting on research. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Human Rights Watch said Rohingya Muslims are still awaiting justice and protection of their rights five years after the Myanmar military began a sweeping campaign of massacres, rape, and arson in 2017. The anniversary comes after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that The Gambia's legal case to hold Myanmar accountable over allegations of genocide against the Rohingya can go ahead at The Hague in the Netherlands.  Rohingya activists say this is the first step in the fight for justice and accountability, but it could take years. In this episode: Dr Ronan Lee (@Ronan_Lee), Doctoral Prize Fellow at Loughborough University London Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

What comes to mind when you think of Libya? Maybe the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, the 2011 revolution, or perhaps the western military intervention that toppled the longtime leader. But how about a failed state? It is split between two governments, plenty of armed militias, and thousands of foreign fighters. On top of that, the UN is warning that mercenaries and foreign fighters pose a threat to the country. In this episode: Sasha Toperich (@SashaToperich), Executive Vice President of Transatlantic Leadership Network (@TLN_DC) Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

At least 45 people, including 16 children, were killed after Israel launched air strikes on the Gaza Strip in the occupied territories. The health ministry in Gaza said 360 people were injured in the attacks. Now a truce is in effect after regional mediation efforts led by Egypt paid off. Israel and the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine agreed to cease attacks and ease humanitarian conditions on the Gaza Strip. But with an air, land and sea blockade by Israel, life in Gaza is difficult, and the humanitarian situation is alarming. What lies ahead for the people living in the world's largest open-air prison? And will this truce last? In this episode: Mariam Barghouti (@MariamBarghouti), Senior Palestine Correspondent at Mondoweiss (@Mondoweiss) Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our host is Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Political deadlock to a power struggle. Leaks, protests, and sit-ins at parliament. One would have thought Iraq had seen it all. There is a crisis brewing in the country, with fears of serious bloodshed yet to come. In this episode: Rasha Al-Aqeedi (@RashaAlAqeedi), Middle East deputy editor at New Lines Magazine (@newlinesmag) Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is the sound designer. Aya Elmileik is the lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is the assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is the executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Cryptocurrencies have defied a lot of norms around the world. Its value climbed last year to more than 2.3 trillion dollars. But in the Middle East, cryptocurrency trading is not as popular. In this episode:  Glen Goodman (@glengoodman), Crypto expert and author of The Crytpo Trader Credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Hayat Mongodin, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik is our lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is our assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is our executive producer.

The leaders of the two most powerful countries, the US and Russia, were in the Middle East. Of course, each of them is trying to pursue their interests. President Joe Biden and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin didn’t meet with each other, but why were these two leaders there? And how will the outcome of their visits impact the region? In this episode:  Mahjoob Zweiri (@Profmzweiri), Director of the Gulf Studies Centre at Qatar University Credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Hayat Mongodin, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik is our lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is our assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is our executive producer.

Russia and Ukraine account for about 29% of global wheat exports, almost a third of the world supply. The main customers are from the Middle East and North Africa. In fact, some countries like Egypt receive a quarter of their wheat from Ukraine, Libya almost half, and Lebanon more than 60%. What could this massive disruption in the supply chain entail for many countries in the region? In this episode: Patrick Mardini, CEO of Lebanese Institute for Market Studies (LIMS) Credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Hayat Mongodin, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik is our lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is our assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is our executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

There’s a humanitarian crisis happening in China. Over a million Uighur and other Muslim minorities are forcibly held in mass detention camps in the Xinjiang province where they face countless human rights abuses from forced labor, coerced sterilization, and destruction of their culture and religious identity.  Recently, unknown hackers broke into Xinjiang police servers leaking thousands of photographs and documents that provide solid evidence of Chinese government policy targeting the Uighur population.  In this episode, Sami Zeidan speaks with an Uighur American activist who has several missing family members, including her sister, who has been detained.  In this episode: Rushan Abbas (@RushanAbbas), Director of Campaign for Uyghurs (@CUyghurs) Credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Hayat Mongodin, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik is our lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is our assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is our executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Just two years ago, the idea of having Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Emir of Qatar visiting Turkey and Egypt, would have been a crazy fantasy. Now, it became a reality. In this episode: Jamal Elshayyal (@JamalsNews), Senior Correspondent, Al Jazeera English  Credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Hayat Mongodin, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik is our lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is our assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is our executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

The UAE, Bahrain and Morocco are shaping up a new alliance with Israel. The Palestinian Authority rejected the move and described it as a free gift to Israel which continues to occupy Palestinian land. In this episode: Joost Hilterman (@JoostHiltermann), the Director of MENA program at the International Crisis Group Credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Hayat Mongodin, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik is our lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is our assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is our executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Finland and Sweden want to join NATO after Russia invaded Ukraine. But Turkey was quick to object and even threatened to block their bid. So why is Turkey rejecting this and what could happen? In this episode: Galip Dalay (@GalipDalay), Researcher and Turkey Analyst  Credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Hayat Mongodin, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik is our lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is our assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is our executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

International backlash has been growing against India’s governing Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), after the party’s national spokeswoman Nupur Sharma and Delhi media operation head Naveen Kumar Jindal made disparaging remarks about Prophet Muhammad. Meanwhile, Muslims in India have been going through uneasy times - from violence, persecution, to repeated calls to literally wipe them out. So why is this happening in the world’s biggest democracy and who is behind it? In this episode: Salil Shetty (@SalilShetty), Former Secretary-General of Amnesty International Credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Hayat Mongodin, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik is our lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is our assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is our executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Tunisia is the birthplace of the Arab Spring. The country inspired a wave of protests in the region that toppled at least four Arab presidents. But now the country has a serious constitutional crisis, some are even calling it a coup. In this episode: William Lawrence (@WillLawrence111), Professor at the American University. Credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan, Hayat Mongodin, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik is our lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is our assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is our executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Russia’s war on Ukraine is forcing the European Union to look for alternatives to Russian gas imports which amount to about 40 percent of consumption every year. Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries can play a crucial role. In this episode: Henning Gloystein (@hgloystein), the director of energy at Eurasia group in London. Credits: This episode was produced by Hayat Mongodin, Khaled Soltan, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik is our lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is our assistant engagement producer. Omar al-Saleh is our executive producer. Connect with us at: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

The killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has brought mainstream media outlets under the spotlight. We look at why mainstream media have been accused of dropping their objectivity, impartiality, and accuracy when they cover stories related to Palestine and Palestinian lives and deaths. In this episode: Ali Abunimah (@AliAbunimah), Executive Director of the Electronic Intifada This episode was produced by Hayat Mongodin, Khaled Soltan, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik is our lead engagement producer and Munera AlDosari is our assistant engagement producer. Omar Al-Saleh is our executive producer. Connect with us at @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Defense for Children International Palestine says 500 to 700 Palestinian children are arrested and prosecuted in the military courts each year. In this episode, we take a closer look at their detention in Israeli prisons. In this episode: Brad Parker (@baparkr), Senior Adviser, Policy and Advocacy at @DCIPalestine, based in New York.  This episode was produced by Hayat Mongodin, with Khaled Soltan, and host Sami Zeidan. George Alwer is our sound designer. Aya Elmileik and Munera AlDosari are our engagement producers. Omar Al-Saleh is our executive producer. Connect with us at @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

This is the premiere episode of the Essential Middle East podcast.  The war in Russia-Ukraine has attracted thousands of foreign fighters fighting on both sides from around the world including the Middle East. Some call them mercenaries while others call them volunteers. So why are they joining the fight? In this episode: Wael Al Zayat, CEO of Emgage, a national Muslim American civic organization and Middle East policy expert based in DC Connect with us at @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Dissecting the news and current affairs in one of the world’s most misunderstood and complicated regions. Join host Sami Zeidan, every Thursday.