Middle East Week

Michael Knights comes back on the show to discuss issues related to Kurdish independence. Topics covered include: Kurdish autonomy through the 1990’s and 2000’s The Kurdish economy and the importance of oil Unity and cooperation amongst various Kurdish political parties and organizations The potential future importance of Kurdish natural gas How the international community has approached the issue of Kurdish independence What the future could hold for Kurdish political and economic independence Links: Michael Knights - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Iraq’s future: It’s the oil, stupid - Al Jazeera English Resetting the U.S.-Kurdish-Baghdad Relationship - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Michael Knights (@Mikeknightsiraq) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter

Adam Baron comes on the show to discuss the ongoing political chaos in Yemen. Topics covered include: Who the Houthis are, and where they get their power and influence Saleh’s continued grip on power and recent connections to the Houthis The Islamist Islah party’s current status How AQAP fits into the current chaos What president Hadi has been able to accomplish over the past two years The importance of local politics in Yemen The relevance of the international community (including the recent sanctions) on Yemeni politics Problems with viewing the situation in Yemen through a sectarian lens Links: Yemen’s political transition at risk of collapse | European Council on Foreign Relations BBC News - Yemen: Fragility underlies UN-backed peace deal Yemen’s fragile truce in tatters | Al Jazeera America Yemen: On brink of civil war or dissolution? - Opinion - Al Jazeera English Adam Baron on Myths of the “Yemen Model” of US Counterterrorism Policy | Just Security Adam Baron (@ad

Yasmine Ryan comes back on the show to talk about the recent elections in Tunisia. We talked about the major political parties in Tunisia (going beyond Islamist vs. secular), the level of participation and interest in the political process, economic challenges facing Tunisia, the upcoming presidential election, and more. Yasmine Ryan — Beacon Tunisia offers a rarity in North Africa: calm after an election - LA Times Tunisians hope new leaders tackle pollution, development - Al-Monitor Yasmine Ryan (@yasmineryan) on Twitter Karl Morand (@KarlMorand) on Twitter Sponsor: Scrivener - a powerful content-generation tool for writers that allows you to concentrate on composing and structuring long and difficult documents.

Humera Khan comes on the show to discuss countering violent extremism (CVE) and deradicalisation. We talked about CVE strategies, how CVE differs from counter-terrorism, the role of social media in CVE, and much more. Muflehun Humera Khan (@khanserai) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Sponsor: Scrivener - a powerful content-generation tool for writers that allows you to concentrate on composing and structuring long and difficult documents. Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

Jeffrey Lewis comes on the show to discuss Iran’s nuclear program. We cover many arms control issues related to the ongoing negotiations. We Don’t Want to See Iran’s Full Monty - Foreign Policy The Problem With Stopwatches and Centrifuges - Foreign Policy Arms Control Wonk • an arms control blog network iTunes - Podcasts - Arms Control Wonk Podcast by Jeffrey Lewis Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) on Twitter Karl Morand (@KarlMorand) on Twitter Sponsor: Scrivener - a powerful content-generation tool for writers that allows you to concentrate on composing and structuring long and difficult documents.

Aaron Zelin comes back on the show to discuss the Khorasan group, US-led airstrikes on Jabhat al-Nusra targets in addition to ISIS, the potential for JaN-ISIS reconciliation, jihadis in Gaza, and more. Jenan Moussa on Twitter: “U.S calls them “Khorasan” but document we spotted btwn rubble shows Khorasan is in fact “Wolf Unit of Jabhat AlNusra” The deadly cycle of terror that has Iraq and Syria in its grip - Daveed Gartenstein-Ross in The Spectator Will Gaza be the global jihadists’ next ‘ground zero’? - Aaron Zelin in Haaretz Aaron Y. Zelin (@azelin) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Sponsor: Scrivener - A powerful content-generation tool for writers that allows you to concentrate on composing and structuring long and difficult documents.

Michael Stephens comes on the show to discuss the recent ISIS attack on Kobani, the US-led airstrikes in Syria, long-term issues related to the conflict in Syria, and much more. Michael Stephens (MStephensGulf) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Recent articles by Michael: Blurred lines, IS and the rise of autonomous enclaves | Middle East Eye Obama’s strategy beyond an abnormal war | openDemocracy BBC News - Islamic State: Where does jihadist group get its support? Analysis: YPG - the Islamic State’s worst enemy - IHS Jane’s 360 Subscribe to the podcast: iTunes Stitcher

Joel Wing comes back on the show to discuss recent developments in Iraq. We talked about IS executions, Iraq’s economic problems, Kurdish and Iraqi forces ability to work together, shelling of civilian areas, and more. MUSINGS ON IRAQ: Government Shelling Of Civilian Areas In Iraq Continues Despite Premier Abadi’s Pledge Not To MUSINGS ON IRAQ: Islamic State Mass Executions In Northern Iraq Since Summer Offensive Started Joel Wing (JoelWing2) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Subscribe to the podcast: iTunes Stitcher After a couple weeks of traveling the show is now back to releasing new episodes regularly. To make sure you always have great shows to listen to you should also subscribe to Sources & Methods, a great new podcast that launched recently “in which interesting people doing interesting things get to talk about the what, how and why of what they do.”

Mary Fitzgerald comes on the show to discuss the ongoing turmoil in Libya. We discussed the current status of the Libyan government, the variety of groups and individuals involved in the conflict, the role of tribes in Libya, and much more. Libya’s New Power Brokers? | Foreign Policy Libya: Anarchy looms | The Economist Mary Fitzgerald (MaryFitzger) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter

Imad Mesdoua comes back on the show to discuss Algeria. We talked about the evolving power dynamics in Algeria, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the country. Imad Mesdoua (ImadMesdoua) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes Subscribe to the podcast in Stitcher

Charles Lister comes on the show to discuss the ongoing conflict in Syria, Jabhat al-Nusra’s evolution and current strategy, and the status of moderate rebel groups. The ‘Real’ Jabhat al-Nusra Appears to Be Emerging | Huffington Post Inside the Rise of ISIS | Losing Iraq | FRONTLINE | PBS As ISIS nears, is it game over for Syria’s opposition in Aleppo? - CNN.com Charles Lister (Charles_Lister) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Subscribe to Middle East Week in iTunes Subscribe to Middle East Week in Stitcher Radio

Fadi Al-Qadi, director of advocacy and communication in the Middle East and North Africa for Human Rights Watch, comes on the show to discuss HRW’s latest report on the killings of protestors in Egypt. All According to Plan | Human Rights Watch Fadi Al-Qadi (fqadi) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Middle East Week podcast on iTunes Middle East Week podcast on Stitcher Radio

Hussein Ibish comes on the show to discuss the recent conflict in Gaza, Hamas’ relationship with the Palestinian Authority, and ongoing negotiations to end the conflict. Ibishblog | the blog of Hussein Ibish The American Task Force on Palestine Hussein Ibish (Ibishblog) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Middle East Week podcast on Stitcher Radio Sponsor: Squarespace - Everything you need to create an exceptional website. Use the offer code “Middle East” to support the show & receive a 10% discount.

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross comes back on the show to discuss jihadist groups’ ability to govern territory they control. The jihadist governance dilemma - The Washington Post Gartenstein-Ross (DaveedGR) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Middle East Week | Listen via Stitcher Radio On Demand Sponsor: Squarespace - Everything you need to create a professional website. Use offer code “Middle East” to save 10% and help support the show.

Nathaniel Rabkin, the managing editor of Inside Iraqi Politics, comes on the show to discuss the Iraqi Security Forces. We discussed major problems that they face, such as corruption and the lack of strategic skills, as well detailed information about the fall of Mosul and what could potentially be done to improve the ISF. Bellingcat, for and by citizen investigative journalists — Kickstarter Turkey Wonk podcast - iTunes Brown Moses podcast - iTunes The Loopcast Arms Control Wonk podcast - iTunes

Thomas Hegghammer comes back on the show to discuss the ISIS caliphate declaration, including the risks and rewards of the declaration, and the reactions thus far from the jihadi community. Lawfare › The Foreign Policy Essay: Calculated Caliphate 5 Questions with Thomas Hegghammer on Jihad and Jihadi Cocktails Storify: Jihadi reactions to the ISIS caliphate declaration Thomas Hegghammer (Hegghammer) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Bellingcat.com - information about the new site and the Kickstarter campaign to support it.

Kirk Sowell comes on the show to discuss the Iraqi political system, its major parties and blocs, Maliki’s tenure as PM, potential PM candidates, and more. Inside Iraqi Politics twice monthly newsletter published by Kirk with extensive information and analysis on Iraqi politics Kirk H. Sowell (UticensisRisk) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Bellingcat Radio - information about the network and ways to contribute

Michael Knights comes on the show to discuss Kurdish issues related to recent developments in Iraq. - Policy Analysis by Michael Knights - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy - Michael Knights (Mikeknightsiraq) on Twitter - Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter

Elizabeth Dickinson comes back on the show to discuss Gulf funding for jihadi groups in light of recent advances by ISIS in Iraq. ISIS advance in Iraq forces Gulf donors to rethink their patronage - CSMonitor.com Private Gulf Donors and Extremist Rebels in Syria | Brookings Institution Wealthy Qatar, a backer of Syria’s armed rebels, makes room for displaced students - CSMonitor.com Middle East Week Podcast — Gulf Politics & Jihadi Internet Forums Elizabeth Dickinson (dickinsonbeth) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Subscribe to the podcast

Imad Mesdoua comes on the show to discuss the security and political situation in Libya and the impact it has on its neighbors. Imad’s writing for the Huffington Post Libya’s Rogue ‘War on Terror’ by Mary Fitzgerald Imad Mesdoua (ImadMesdoua) on Twitter Karl Morand (KarlMorand) on Twitter Subscribe to the podcast