Political Bark

The more we hear, the less we understand. Get your facts checked with this episode!

🇺🇸 🇺🇸 Today I had interesting conversations and a podcast recording with Gladdin Pappin.We talked openly about the goal of the US government and the mandate of MAGA. We talked about the meetings in Washington last week between PM Orban and Pres Trump, and about why the President finds it easier to relate to state leaders like Orban, or leaders outside Europe right now. One thing we have not yet caught on in the West is that the United States in 2025 cares very much about values - traditional values, nation-building and cooperation with like-minded state leaders and countries. That is, we are facing not only an economic shift globally from the West to the East, but also to a large extent a return to conservative, traditional views on state, life and nation, where the family is the main element of society, and not the individual, for example. To a large extent, these changes will be reflected in cooperation as well - as we see now, Washington has less interest in the EU, or Norway, and, although some economic agreements are still important to the president.

How can we change the narrative and strive for peace instead of war in Europe?

The great debate: My article that went viral in NorwayThe initial article that sparked the debate:https://klassekampen.no/artikkel/2025-06-24/debatt-mye-a-laere-av-ungarnOne of my replied to critics: https://www.nettavisen.no/norsk-debatt/aps-pr-godtepose-for-pride-motstandere/o/5-95-2500937

Dear listener, In this week’s episode I have the great pleasure of speaking with Nabila Freidji, Moroccan Ambassador to Norway. She informs and tells me about the Moroccan - Norwegian relations, both in the past and present: About how our two governments can work together in a variety of different areas, and industries, and create more dynamic and powerful cooperations. Tune in!

In this conversation we discuss Afghanistan in 2023, the Pashtun way of life, Norway’s failed policy with the Taliban - and the future for Afghan women onwards 🇦🇫

Welcome to a episode of PB; Great with the Israeli Ambassador to Norway. We discussed the ongoing protests in Israel against the governments changes to the judiciary system and appointment of judges, the war in Europe and it’s impact on Israel as well as the Israeli-Palestine conflict. Tune in 💯

Amal has dedicated her life and career to breaking stereotypes about Arabs (especially Arab women) from her native country of Lebanon. This fall, she is releasing a new book that gives the world an intimate glimpse into the “silent” Arab generation that came of political age in the 1980s. Read more about miss Ghandour here: https://amalghandour.com

Dear listener, thank you for tuning in again to Political Bark, for an interesting and important interview with the Hungarian Ambassador to France. We discuss French-Hungarian relations, the war in Europe, economic changes and political unity in Europe. Most importantly we also discuss what “to tell the youth” about the multiple crisis’ that are ongoing, in light of the Ambassadors late father, Otto Von Habsburg, and his wisdom both in life and politics. To know more about what advice Von Habsburg might have given, and what the Ambassador says - make sure to tune in!

“The EU and Türkiye partnership in 2022”

Racism and discrimination are sadly common occurences in France in 2022. Here is an insider conversation on this topic and a snapshot into the life of Algerian born Iskander Ramadan, live from Marseille, France. Tune in!

In this episode of Political Bark I speak with the Egyptian Ambassador to Norway about the Ukraine/Russia War and Egypt's more pragmatic position.  As I discuss with H.E the Ambassador, right now, in this intense and volatile global climate, it is required that we look for solutions that lead to peace and communication instead of those leading to war.  In order to get new and refreshing perspectives on solutions t we need to hear from those countries that are acting and positioned more neutrally in this war.  Egypt is such a country - that has a strategically very interesting position right now; being a neutral actor, thriving on important bilateral agreements and relations with both the Kremlin, Ukraine, the EU and Washington today. Together we also discuss the detrimental consequences the war is having on third countries, such as those in the Middle East and in North Africa where the price of wheat and other commodities has doubled these last weeks. Tune in for an interesting and important episode! 

In this week's episode of Political Bark I am speaking with the Hungarian Ambassador to Norway, H.E. Eszter Sandorfi. We are discussing the Hungarian responses to the Ukrainian - Russian war, and the ongoing refugee inflow coming across the border from Ukraine. In only 3 weeks, we see more than 200.000 refugees entering Hungary from Ukraine. This inflow has naturally caused a need for an immediate and elevated effort from both the Hungarian government and its people. In this 'Snapshot from Hungary' - episode we get first hand insights into these responses from the ambassador, whom recently returned from Budapest. If you are interested in donating to organizations that work at the border and in Hungary right now, please donate to: Magyar Maltai Szeretetszolgalat - Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta: IBAN: HU34 11763842 0014881 000 0000 swift: OTPVHUHB  Tune in!

With the Chairman of the Political Science Youth organization of Bulgaria, Sergey Petrov, Political Bark tackles the topic of the ongoing crisis between Ukraine, Russian and the West. In this conversation we discuss a weakened EU, and a tactical and strategic strong Kremlin. The biggest loser is Ukraine, which since the war in 2014 contines to suffer from a weakened economy and society due to external pressures. Tune in!

Hvordan kan vi hjelpe unge ut av gjengmiljøer og ut av kriminelle miljøer? I denne episoden av Political Bark snakker jeg med Usman Ali (Oslo Kommune) som jobber med ungdomskriminelle hver dag, og som vet veldig mye om gjengmiljøer i Oslo etter ti-års erfaring som Politibetjent der (PB3), som vokst opp på Grorud i en Norsk-Pakistansk familie, og som har jobbet lenge i det offentlige med unge kriminelle. Usman kan alt om verktøyene som vil bidra til å hjelpe unge ut av kriminelle miljøer - da han bruker disse hver da -  og han vet hva samfunnet trenger å gjøre nå.   Slik vi diskuterer og kommer frem i denne uformelle samtalen, er det verdi-problemer i det norske samfunnet som gjør at unge blir med i gjenger: De unge lever utenfor 'det normale' og det er ingen som ønsker å ta dem med videre heller, inn i stor-samfunnet. Det at unge marginaliseres og hele bydeler marginaliseres noe skaper utenforskap og negative konsekvenser - slik som gjengkriminalitet. Unge søker seg til gjenger fordi de føler mening, spenning og trygghet der. Og så lenge storsamfunnet ikke kan bidra med stabilitet, glede og motivasjon, vil unge forsette å bli med i gjenger og søke ut kriminelle miljøer. Når familien ikke kan ta vare på sine unge, er det samfunnet som skal gjøre det, men når samfunnet ikke ønsker det heller, så blir gjengen en ideell løsning.  Hvordan kan vi så hjelpe de unge?  -Vet at vi erkjenner at vi ikke kan tilsidesette hele bydeler og hele minoritetsgrupper, kun fordi de ikke ligner oss selv - i storsamfunnet - det hjelper ikke å pøse millioner inn i fotballbaner og fritdsklubber på østkanten hvis viljen og respekten ikke er der: Når vi erkjenner at våre minoriteter også er 'som oss' vil problemet forsvinnet, gradvis. Ikke fall for at disse unge som ser annerledes ut enn oss ikke er som oss - de trenger å bli sett, hørt og verdsatt.

Are you curious about the future of the EU? Then you should listen in to this conversation with Politicking me Off (Kaniskh, University of Mumbai), as we discuss potential scenarios for the future of the EU, and the ongoing crisis between Brussels/Von Der Leyen and Poland - Hungary. As all political issues are, this is also a highly complicated and conflictual one that needs  a great deal of attention and care right now. We both hope for a smooth solution to the crisis, and an EU where member states and their sovereignty remains respected, while states enjoy taking part in an economic and social union also. We discuss the role of the USA and Russia in today's crisis, and try to come to a (ambitious) agreement on what the EU might look like in year 2100. 

Hi listeners! Are you curious about events happening in Afghanistan and in Kabul from a local’s perspective? Then please make sure to listen to this episode where we discuss the Taliban, women’s situation today, every day life with the Taliban, the economy, and how recent events have changed Afghanistan, in just some months. My guest is Karim Kakar, PHD student at Punjab University.

Are you looking for a full picture of Afghanistan in 2021? Are you looking to get an understanding of the local population, their views on the Talibans & their relation to them? Do you know who the stakeholders in the region are? What about the national interest of Turkey, Qatar and Pakistan in the conflict? Afghan women and the Taliban, or how they will be treated onwards? What about the US’s quick pull out, and the damage done to its reputation as a key security & peacekeeper internationally? Hear this, and more, in Afghanistan 2.0 🇦🇫, 20 years after 9/11.

Welcome to a new episode of Political Bark ! In this episode of Political Bark I speak with writer and presenter Sandra Gathmann (Al Jazeera) about her life, career and perspectives on journalism in 2021. This conversation is a relaxed, informal and friendly chat that I hope you enjoyed listening to it as much as I did recording it!  Photo credit: AJ EN

Join me in this week's episode of Political Bark straight from the square outside the Norwegian Parliament where I speak with my good friend Lea, from Beirut. We are gathered today on the 04 of August 2021 to commemorate  the tragic event that happened a year ago in Beirut, where 200+ lost their lives and 6500+ were injured. Lebanon is in a deep crisis; political, economic, social. And the future is dark. With mismanagement and corruption being the norm for decades, the future of the country is simply put, depressing.  The only solution now is a strong French plan for the country and for the corrupt elite, as well as potential UN involvement. International reactions against the corrupt elite in power are much needed from abroad, so spread the word! Following is a brief but en-lighting  peak into Lea's story, enjoy!