It’s been just over two weeks since the American electorate made their voices heard, with Donald Trump securing a commanding victory in the presidential race. On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from former Senior CIA Operations Officer and Middle East expert Norman Roule to break down what this means for the future of US foreign policy. Can President-Elect Trump deliver on his promises to swiftly end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza? What will his victory mean for the crisis in Gaza and the future of US-Saudi relations? And how will his approach to the Middle East reshape America’s role on the global stage?
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from Dr Varsen Shahin, Palestine’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. With a new US administration and Saudi Arabia leading a global coalition in support of a two-state solution, could this mark a new turning point for peace and stability in the Middle East? How does the Palestinian leadership view these developments and what is their impact on the ground? Plus, if the conflict does come to an end, who will govern Gaza and what will it take to rebuild?
On this episode we hear from veteran US Ambassador and Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC, Robert Ford. As a former Ambassador to Syria, Iraq, Algeria and more, he has detailed insights into some of the world's most complex conflicts and foreign policy challenges. What is the impact of Donald Trump returning to the White House. Is the President-Elect’s plans to swiftly end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine truly achievable or simply campaign rhetoric? Plus, what does America’s shift in power mean for the Middle East?
On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from Richard Attias, the CEO of FII, often dubbed the ‘Davos in the Desert.’ It’s the annual event where the world’s most powerful leaders, businesspeople and entrepreneurs come together to shape the future. We ask him what it takes to craft events that define the global agenda, who the headline figures are for this year’s gathering, and how FII is showcasing that Saudi Arabia not only deserves a seat at the global table but is actively reshaping the conversation on the future of investment.
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from Firas Maksad from the Middle East Institute. With the US election just days away, we ask if the Arab-American vote can truly impact the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump for the White House. Plus, as the crisis deepens in the Middle East, what’s next for Lebanon? With most of Hezbollah’s leaders gone, is this the end or could they return more dangerous than ever? And will the international community allow another Israeli occupation of Lebanon, or are they powerless to stop it?
On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from Ambassador Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations. As the conflict intensifies, we ask – is the world turning its back on Gaza, much like it has forgotten Ukraine? Can international courts ever hold Israel accountable? And what role does Saudi Arabia's bold new coalition play in the pursuit of a two-state solution?
On this episode we hear from renowned CNN journalist and political analyst Fareed Zakaria as we discuss the escalating conflict in Gaza and the growing tensions in Lebanon. Can the situation spiral further into chaos, or is there hope for resolution? What insights did Iran's new president share with him in a revealing interview this week? And with US elections just one month away, can Kamala Harris or Donald Trump offer any real solutions to the crises gripping the Middle East?
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we turn our attention to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has brought Lebanon to the brink of a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands displaced, and critical infrastructure in ruins. We hear from Lebanon’s Minister of Health, Dr Firass Abiad, who has activated a war emergency plan and accuses Israel of deliberately targeting healthcare workers. As the crisis deepens, we ask - has Beirut become the new Gaza? And can Lebanon withstand yet another chapter of devastation and despair?
On this episode, we sit down with British Conservative MP, former minister, and businessman of Arab origin, Nadhim Zahawi. We ask him about his time in politics, his take on the current Labour government, and what’s next for him in his business career. We also discuss his recently released biography, The Boy from Baghdad, which documents his fascinating rise from an 11-year-old Iraqi refugee to one of the most prominent Tory politicians today.
Relentless bombardments on hospitals, a blockade on humanitarian aid and more than 100,000 casualties from Israel's assaults have plunged Gaza's health system into a desperate crisis. On this episode we hear from Dr. Hanan Balkkhy, the World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Is the situation in Gaza hopeless? Can a famine be averted, or is the WHO bracing for the worst? Plus, what are the ramifications if the conflict spills over into Lebanon? Are other crises, like those in Sudan, Yemen, or Syria, at risk of being overshadowed by the war in Gaza?
US polls have former President Trump surging ahead with a commanding lead over President Biden following this week's presidential debate. The two political titans clashed fiercely over the economy, the war in Gaza, Trump's legal troubles, and even their golf handicaps, leaving the nation with more questions than answers. On this episode we hear from Firas Maksad, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute. Was there a decisive victor in the high-stakes showdown? How will the unfolding crisis in Gaza impact the November vote? And can either contender bring lasting peace to the Middle East?
On this episode we speak with Samuel Žbogar, the Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council. Slovenia has become the latest European nation to recognise Palestinian statehood, but how will this be put into practice? Plus, despite the UN Security Council backing President Biden’s ceasefire plan, neither Hamas nor Israel will sign on the dotted line. Can this deadlock be broken, and who is to blame? And as tensions rise, what measures is the Security Council taking to prevent the conflict from engulfing Lebanon?
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from Lebanese Presidential Candidate Ziad Hayek who is on a mission to shatter Lebanon's political deadlock and forge a path to a stable government. Can he triumph without Hezbollah's backing, or will he be forced to join forces with them? What strategies does he have to end Lebanon’s economic turmoil and wipe out corruption for good? Plus, can he avert a full-scale war with Israel, or is Lebanon teetering on the brink of a devastating conflict with multiple regional powers?
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from Michael Ratney, the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Will a historic security deal between the US and Saudi be announced within weeks, or is the pact impossible without Israel agreeing to Palestinian statehood? Plus, will the US exert more pressure on Israel to end the atrocities in Gaza? We'll also explore the profound transformations he’s witnessed in Saudi Arabia and new areas of cooperation between the two nations.
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from Fabrizio Carboni, the Middle East Director of the International Committee of the Red Cross. We discuss his reaction to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s pending arrest warrant and explore if both sides will ever respect human rights in the midst of war. Plus, can the ICRC help bring the hostages home? And why civilians could bear the greatest burden if the conflict escalates to other parts of the region.
On this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from Dr Hala Al Tuwaijri, the first woman to lead the Human Rights Commission in Saudi Arabia. We ask about the progress she’s witnessed firsthand during her time in office and confront the critiques levelled by Western nations that scrutinise the authenticity of Saudi Arabia's advancements in human rights. Plus, are there any lingering imperfections and mistakes within the system? And what are the proactive measures underway to address them head-on?
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from His Excellency Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League, to discuss their efforts to halt Israel’s deadly assault on Gaza and the diminishing prospects for a two-state solution. Plus, should Arab nations offer to house Palestinian refugees? And will they help Gaza eventually rebuild?
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we hear from Malaysia's Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, after he addressed fellow leaders at the World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting in Riyadh. We ask him why he's advocating for Saudi Arabia to assume a larger role in world affairs and the current state of Malaysian-Saudi relations, drawing from his personal relationship with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince. We also explore his critique of Western hypocrisy in the ongoing crisis in Gaza and address ongoing reports concerning high level Malaysian government corruption.
On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we’re joined by UNICEF Spokesperson James Elder to delve into the implications of the ceasefire for Gaza. Can it effectively halt Israel's deadly assault and what does it signify for the ongoing war? Plus, while Israel claims that plenty of aid is reaching those who need it, humanitarian agencies say children are dying of dehydration and famine. We’ll seek clarity from Mr Elder on what he’s witnessed firsthand. And with more than 20 years working in the world’s biggest crisis zones, does he think the international community has failed Gaza’s youngest victims?
In this episode of Frankly Speaking we hear from His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal, former Chief of General Intelligence Directorate in Saudi Arabia and former US and UK Ambassador. We ask him whether the crisis in Gaza can be resolved, if he believes that Israel’s military actions should be considered a genocide, and if a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel is forever off the table.