CSIS Babel
Podcast

Babel: Translating the Middle East

Babel will take you beyond the headlines to discuss what’s really happening in the Middle East and North Africa. It features regional experts who explain what’s going on, provide context on pivotal developments, and highlight trends you may have missed. Jon Alterman, senior vice president, Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy, and director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies hosts the podcast along with his colleagues from the Middle East Program. This podcast is made possible through the generous support of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. All views, positions, and conclusions expressed here should be understood to be solely of those of the speaker(s). Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast Series by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , and Natasha Hall

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Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: Saudi Arabia's New Anime Journey

Imported entertainment options have flourished under MBS, helping erode the Saudi state’s ability to shape public culture. But now, Saudi state-owned firms are using the growing popularity of anime to shape their own narrative, at home and abroad. A new Mezze from the CSIS Middle East Program.

Podcast Episode — March 28, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Iraq 20 Years Later with Marsin Alshamary and Hamzeh Hadad

In a special episode of Babel to mark the 20th anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war, Jon sits down with Marsin Alshamary and Hamzeh Hadad to talk about the aftermath of the U.S.-led invasion. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , and Lubna Yousef — March 21, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: Going Green with Envy

In Lebanon, neighboring communities are looking to connect and build off one another's initiatives, but a dysfunctional environment makes capitalizing on that opportunity a challenge for international donors and Lebanese communities alike. A new Mezze from the CSIS Middle East Program.

Podcast Episode — March 14, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Will Todman: Powering Recovery

Jon Alterman speaks with Will Todman about his new report on the relationship between electricity and politics in conflict-affected environments and what donors should do differently.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , Lubna Yousef , and Caleb Harper — March 7, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: From Beijing to Jerusalem

Before the pandemic, Chinese tourism to Israel was growing the fastest out of any country. As Chinese tourists begin to return to the market, Israel may continue to be a popular destination.

Podcast Episode — February 28, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Natasha Hall: The Aftermath of Earthquakes in Syria

This week, in a special episode of Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Middle East Program senior fellow Natasha Hall about the aftermath of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman and Natasha Hall — February 21, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: On the Hook

Egypt's fish farmers have been struggling for years now. Media and industry groups claim its due to climate change and Cairo's growing pollution, but farmers say the Egyptian military is to blame. 

Podcast Episode — February 14, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Bilahari Kausikan: The Middle East in a Multipolar World

Jon speaks with Bilahari Kausikan about how states in the Middle East can navigate complexity in the U.S.-China competition.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , and Caleb Harper — February 7, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: Salmon Farming in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) doesn’t seem like the ideal place for a salmon farm, but aquaculture is becoming an increasingly large part of the UAE's food security strategy.

Podcast Episode — February 1, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Hanna Notte: Russia in the Middle East After Ukraine

Jon Alterman speaks with Hanna Notte about Russia's interests in the Middle East and where they stand after the invasion of Ukraine, Russia's growing economic and defense relationship with Iran, and how Arab states view Russia's war in Ukraine.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Natasha Hall , and Daniel Sharp — January 24, 2023

CSIS Babel