This Week in the Middle East
192 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, discusses the new political issues of the week, with a particular focus on developments in the Middle East.
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Episodes
Gaza now - and then
June 15, 2024 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBThe Gaza war continues and Premier Netanyahu retains power and there is little prospect of change. But what if there were a new tomorrow? What then? Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Ayatollah Safavi on the Sufi Approach to Prayer
April 06, 2024 14:00 - 1 hour - 70.9 MBPrayer is one of the common aspects of all religions. The form and verbal content of prayer may be different in some cases. Sufi Definition of prayer: Prayer is one of the ways of spiritual interaction with God. Prayer is an expression of love to return to God. "Prayer" is the essence of worship. Prayer means God, I love you. Prayer means that human is not alone. Prayer means God's door is open to everybody. Prayer, God hears his voice. Prayer means that God has given permission...
Paul Gutteridge with a message for Easter
March 27, 2024 19:00 - 6 minutes - 4.68 MBThis week Paul Gutteridge, Senior Fellow of the Next Century Foundation; Honorary Fellow, The Edward Cadbury Centre, Birmingham University; and a leading member of Initiatives of Change, UK gives us an Easter message in which he remembers the ideology of Frank Buchman, founder of the Moral Rearmament movement that subsequently evolved into Initiatives of Change Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Further Reflections for Ramadan and Lent
March 18, 2024 23:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBThe Ramadan fast is concurrent with Lent this year. This is the second in a series of Ramadan reflections: William Morris LL.D. discusses the implications of forgiveness, sin, trespass and debt in this reflection for the Muslim month of Ramadan and the Christian fast of Lent. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
A message for Ramadan, and Lent
March 14, 2024 07:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBFor Moslems it is Ramadan, for Christians it is Lent, and for Jews it is a time of reflection as we approach Passover. This comes from William Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, and is rather longer than the usual podcast. In it he addresses the question of the nature of God, and the consequences of a belief in God. We hope you find it helpful, or at least interesting. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the ...
What Hope for a World Going to Hell in a Hand Cart?
March 03, 2024 22:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBOn the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and the Red Sea and the confused international response with discussions on the political situation, international support, and potential future scenarios. The podcast emphasises the importance of peace negotiations and the need for continuous efforts toward peace. It also discusses the potential roles of China and Russia in mediating conflict. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next ...
Gaza: an existential trauma that consumes both Palestine and Israel
February 12, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 8.82 MBOn the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with discussions on the political situation, international support, and potential future scenarios getting nowhere. The podcast emphasises the importance of peace negotiations and the need for continuous efforts toward peace. It also discusses the potential role of the international community in mediating the conflict, mired as it is in confusion. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Found...
The War in Ukraine becomes a stalemate
February 01, 2024 23:00 - 12 minutes - 8.39 MBOn the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with discussions on the political situation, international support, and potential future scenarios. The podcast emphasises the importance of peace negotiations and the need for continuous efforts toward peace. It also discusses the potential role of China in mediating the conflict. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Gaza - the real truth about what happens next
January 18, 2024 22:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBThe international force is being put in place to protect Israel as a consequence of the stalemate that is the Gaza War. And then what for Gaza? William discussed the difficulties of establishing an international force to protect Israel from Gaza, emphasizing Israel’s reluctance and the potential challenges. He suggested Canada’s potential involvement and the United Arab Emirates’ potential funding, while mentioning Saudi Arabia’s potential role in building a port. William also touched upon ...
A message as we walk forward into 2024
January 06, 2024 00:00 - 5 minutes - 3.9 MBWilliam Morris LL.D. reflects on our duty during the coming year Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
A Christmas Message for 2023
December 21, 2023 23:00 - 6 minutes - 4.22 MBWilliam Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, shares a Christmas message and suggests that "We are Noah's Ark" Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Gaza - now is the time to start over
December 20, 2023 15:00 - 5 minutes - 4.1 MBIn this episode, we are discussing the ongoing situation in Gaza that demands urgent attention from the international community. The recent killing of three Israeli boys, who were held hostage, by the Israel Defense Forces has deeply saddened and shocked us. The manner in which these killings were carried out is not only disturbing but also inhumane. However, we firmly believe that forced depopulation of Gaza is not the solution. To move forward, we emphasize the need to reform the corrupt ...
Sudan: War and Peace and Misery and Intransigence
December 19, 2023 13:00 - 8 minutes - 5.67 MBWilliam Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, examines the ongoing civil war in Sudan and prospects for peace between the RSF and the SAF. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
As I see it: Gaza today, What happens Now?
December 02, 2023 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBSo you are not going to have an international force. And Israel won't stay. Nor can you get rid of the Gazans. So what then? Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
As I See It: Gaza today, Keeping hold of perspective?
November 23, 2023 23:00 - 8 minutes - 6.04 MBNext Century Foundation Secretary General William Morris LL.D. reflects on the current Gaza War and suggests an imposed solution may be the only answer. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
The War in Ukraine goes Ballistic
May 14, 2023 19:00 - 12 minutes - 8.62 MBThe delivery of the massive Storm Shadow cruise missile to Ukraine by Britain marks a seminal moment in the history of this grinding war Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Understanding the reasons for the war in Sudan
May 04, 2023 04:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBThe Sudan war is bloody and brutal. Two great warlords slug it out for dominion. Chances that one or other can win outright are slim. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, popularly known as Hemedti, the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), compete with one another to exert control over Sudan. The NCF has a detailed blog on the subject. However, Next Century Foundation Secretary General gives his mo...
A Message for Eid al Fitr
April 19, 2023 22:00 - 8 minutes - 5.8 MBRamadan is over and this is a time of celebration and of feasting or "Eid". However much is not right with the world and we need to set aside our troubles to truly celebrate this brave new dawn. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
A message for Ramadan, Passover and Easter
April 05, 2023 11:00 - 8 minutes - 5.5 MBThis year Ramadan, Passover and Easter all fall together. And we need above all else to find reasons to hope in this broken world. NCF Secretary General, William Morris shares a few thoughts in this message. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Why No Earthquake Aid for Syria
February 13, 2023 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.55 MBWhere is the aid for Aleppo, Latakia, Homs and Homa? Where are the big aid organisations like International Rescue or the Disasters Emergency Committee? Where are the Western Governments. Turning their backs on a country in ruins. That's where. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
A New Year's Message for 2023
December 30, 2022 11:00 - 9 minutes - 6.63 MBWe live in tough times, and they may continue to be tough times. What is required of us as we walk forward together into 2023, is Strength. We need to lift our eyes from the furrow and see the stars. If only because so many others depend on us, and they may not be as strong as we are, and what they need, and we can offer, is unconditional love. But if we are weak and broken ourselves and have not yet found a way to carry hope in our hearts, it becomes difficult to generate hope in the hearts...
Danger in Ukraine
November 12, 2022 16:00 - 4 minutes - 2.88 MBAn assessment of the Russian position on Ukraine and the dangers that position represents Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Danger in Ukraine
November 12, 2022 16:00 - 4 minutes - 2.88 MBAn assessment of the Russian position on Ukraine and the dangers that position represents Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Of Atonement and New Beginnings
October 10, 2022 02:00 - 7 minutes - 5.48 MBWe have just had the Jewish New Year, swiftly followed by the iconic and emotionally important "Day of Atonement". The Next Century Foundation's Secretary General offers a few reflections on the occasion. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
So What's going to happen in Baghdad?
September 29, 2022 20:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBNext Century Foundation Secretary General, William Morris, is in Baghdad, where the streets are in turmoil once again. What hope for Iraq? William reflects on the current situation. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Ukraine - Russia's new agenda
September 23, 2022 13:00 - 11 minutes - 8.15 MBWilliam Morris, NCF Secretary General, argues that even for Russia, the Ukraine issue is an existential issue Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Iraq Inches toward Civil War
September 17, 2022 08:00 - 10 minutes - 6.89 MBThe denial of the opportunity to Muktadr Sadr's victorious candidates to take a lead in the formation of a government, indeed the action of the courts in stalling and inhibiting the appointment of a new president, has led Iraq to the brink of a Shiite-Shiite civil war, as militia leaders who did badly in the elections seek to retain their power. The prospect of a new election is slim and even then, would a rerun of the parliamentary elections actually provide a way forward. Next Century Foun...
God rest the Queen, Long live the King
September 09, 2022 16:00 - 7 minutes - 5.02 MBNext Century Foundation Secretary General, William Morris, reflects on the death of Regnant Queen Elizabeth the Second and the accession of King Charles the Third. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Bye Bye Boris and then what?
July 17, 2022 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.57 MBThere's not much to inspire in the contenders for the crown: Rishi Sunak Sunak was behind the UK Government’s abandonment of its commitment to spending 0.7% of its GDP on developmental aid. Cutting this budget will have a detrimental effect on countries that receive British foreign aid, such as Yemen and Afghanistan. As already mentioned, these countries are likely to struggle even more this year, and it is unlikely as a candidate he will commit to repealing these reforms as lowering foreig...
A message for Eid Al Adha 2022
July 10, 2022 21:00 - 12 minutes - 8.82 MBIt is Eid in a year in which hatred has reached new levels. And there is so much pain in the world. Now a mere word can lift us and a mere word can destroy us. William's Eid message is about coping, in a world in which there is far too much despair. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
On ending the war with Russia
July 04, 2022 04:00 - 9 minutes - 6.78 MBThe grain harvest from last year is in the silos in Ukraine. Unless it is shifted this year's harvest will have to be burnt in the fields and children in Africa will starve. Surely now is the time for action for peace? But what deal will Russia accept and can Ukraine endure? Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
On Duty
June 13, 2022 18:00 - 6 minutes - 4.61 MBI declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong. That was what the Queen said on her 21st birthday in 1947. But what is duty? Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Ukraine - what you don't want to hear
May 30, 2022 13:00 - 17 minutes - 12.4 MBNCF Secretary General, William Morris, gives insights into the war in Ukraine based on information gleaned from unusual sources Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
On the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh
May 16, 2022 03:00 - 7 minutes - 4.9 MBThe killing of Shireen Abu Akleh has, understandably, generated a lot of hatred. But she was a Christian. And would she have wanted this response? I am by no means certain. James the brother of Jesus in what is arguably the earliest of the gospel passages wrote, "Mercy triumphs over Justice". God deals out judgement and punishment. But then he offers mercy. So too with us. We should forgive those that trespass against us. Or at the very least attempt to do so. And the man that killed Shireen...
The Ukraine War Heralds a New World Order
May 05, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 5.44 MBIf Russia succeeds in Ukraine the consequence is a New World Order with an emergent Russo-China power bloc. Or so argues William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation. The West has a lot riding on the outcome of this war. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
A message for Easter, Passover, and Ramadan
April 15, 2022 16:00 - 5 minutes - 3.94 MBThe Next Century Foundation's Secretary General, William Morris, shares a few thoughts on the importance of hope in these troubled times, and expresses the belief that the world is indeed turning a corner in regard to some of its most acute crises, Ukraine, the Middle East Peace Process, Covid, and Climate Change. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
And will China copy Russia and take Taiwan?
April 08, 2022 11:00 - 10 minutes - 7.29 MBA high western and China military presence in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea has fuelled the tension between Taiwan and China. In early October of last year, over 150 Chinese aircraft were sent into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, which aroused worldwide attention. Similarly, the US has increased their presence by sending more navy ships to the Taiwan Strait, including a nuclear submarine. Regarding the US’s presence, China condemned the US’s recent activity which it said wa...
Ukraine: overcoming evil with good
March 30, 2022 23:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBWhy is Mariupol, the sea port for Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine’s Donbas region so important for Putin? Putin’s formal recognition of the Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic signaled the start of a new war. But how do we get it to end. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Western Culpability in the Middle East
March 20, 2022 18:00 - 13 minutes - 9.59 MBNext Century Foundation Secretary General, William Morris, examines the degree to which the West is responsible for the Middle East's misery Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
How to Wage Peace in Ukraine
March 11, 2022 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.68 MBRussian President Vladimir Putin’s avid interests in Ukraine right now include two points. First, Putin wants Kyiv to accept the autonomous status of the Donetsk and Luhansk republics in Donbas. Second, he wants a guarantee that Ukraine will not join both NATO and the EU. Even though Putin explicitly expressed that Russia would not annex the Donbas region, recent actions of Russia raised grave concern. On the 21st of February, Russia recognized the independence of the Donetsk People’s Repu...
What hope for Bahrain in this its election year?
March 04, 2022 18:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBThe Kingdom of Bahrain is negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Human Rights Council as it faces the process of Universal Periodic Review. But more importantly, there will be elections in Bahrain at the end of this year. Now has to be the moment for the Kingdom of Bahrain to make further progress on the road to democracy. And perhaps all that is needed for a more stable Bahrain is for the new US ambassador to take a genuine interest - so great - potentially - is t...
Understanding Putin, Ukraine’s nemesis
February 25, 2022 22:00 - 9 minutes - 6.67 MBAs President Putin takes Ukraine, what makes him tick? Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Understanding Putin, Ukraine’s nemesis
February 25, 2022 22:00 - 9 minutes - 6.67 MBAs President Putin takes Ukraine, what makes him tick? Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Ukraine, the Plaything of the Hegemonic Powers
January 28, 2022 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBAs the clouds of war darken on the horizon, the NCF Secretary General, himself riven with Covid, complains about everyone engaged in promoting the Ukraine fiasco. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Ukraine, the Plaything of the Hegemonic Powers
January 28, 2022 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBAs the clouds of war darken on the horizon, the NCF Secretary General, himself riven with Covid, complains about everyone engaged in promoting the Ukraine fiasco. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
A New Year's Message for 2022
January 01, 2022 20:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBWilliam Morris, the Next Century Foundation's Secretary General, gave this New Year's message for 2022. His podcast focuses on: Though there are troubles in the Middle East, in Iraq, Palestine, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and Afghanistan, there's hope Though the great powers are predatory, there's hope Though the environment is under threat, there's hope Though the pandemic is killing millions, there's hope Though we may be depressed, there's hope That mercy is more important than justice a...
Ayatollah Safavi on the concept of wellbeing advocated by Jalāl ad-Dīn Mohammad Rūmī, the 13th-century Persian poet
December 09, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 72 MBSUFISM: a meeting on Rumi's concept of and approach to spiritual health and wellbeing. Note that this subject will be addressed by Ayatollah Safavi, the Head of the Safavid Sufi movement. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
A message for Iran for 9 December 2021
December 03, 2021 18:00 - 14 minutes - 9.78 MBWilliam Morris, Secretary General of the Next century Foundation, was asked to give a message to Iran for the Tehran conference titled "Future of Human Rights in West Asia" under the auspices of the Tehran based Foundation for Dialogue and Solidarity with the United Nations. William particularly emphasised Iran's initiatives in Iraq. Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Palestine and Israel: The Shape of Peace
October 29, 2021 12:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBThe core principles which could be embodied in a secure and final peace settlement between Israel and Palestine. LAND SWAP Since the 1990s, land swap has become part of the negotiations between Israel and Palestine. However, the disagreement on the principles from both sides undermines the formation of a consensus on the land swap issue. In order to fulfill Palestine’s requirements on the completion of its sovereignty and Israel’s security concerns, the Next Century Foundation proposes ...
Of Germany, the Abrahamfest, and of Peace and Coal and the Environment
October 20, 2021 11:00 - 13 minutes - 9.48 MBGermany's Abrahamfests had an environmental edge this year. And Germany certainly talks the talk, but does it actually walk the walk? Support the Show. Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation