Strait Talk
754 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsFrom the border city of Hatay, Strait Talk brings special coverage of Turkey's anticipated military intervention in Syria's Idlib province.
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Episodes
Galataport Looks to Become Türkiye's Gateway For Cruise Ships
July 15, 2022 14:34 - 2 minutes VideoTürkiye has introduced the world’s First Underground Cruise Ship Terminal. Galataport lies at the heart of Istanbul, and aims to attract more visitors and capitalize on the growing cruise line industry which is back in full swing following the pandemic. Saleh Sadi has more.
Is Drone Arms Race Brewing In Central Asia?
July 15, 2022 14:33 - 11 minutes VideoBack in May, the opening of an Iranian factory in the Central Asian republic of Tajikistan passed without much attention. The facility, which will produce drones, was the first of its kind that Iran has built in a foreign country. Tajikistan, which has close economic and defence ties with Iran, said it welcomed the help in upgrading its military equipment, and that the two would work together to combat terrorism. We ask what impact Iran's growing drone capabilities will have for Central Asia...
Is a Drone Arms Race Brewing in Central Asia?
July 15, 2022 14:33 - 11 minutes VideoBack in May, the opening of an Iranian factory in the Central Asian republic of Tajikistan passed without much attention. The facility, which will produce drones, was the first of its kind that Iran has built in a foreign country. Tajikistan, which has close economic and defence ties with Iran, said it welcomed the help in upgrading its military equipment, and that the two would work together to combat terrorism. We ask what impact Iran's growing drone capabilities will have for Central Asia...
Türkiye Marks Six Years Since Failed July 15 Coup
July 12, 2022 14:06 - 25 minutes VideoSix years ago, Türkiye faced its greatest internal threat in a generation. A military faction, hidden deep within the Turkish armed forces, launched a coup attempt on July 15, 2016, on the orders of the FETO terror group. That night, as coup plotters began occupying key parts of the country, hundreds of thousands of Turkish citizens took to the streets to take on the rogue soldiers. In the end, 251 people were dead and more than 2,200 were injured. But six years on, the failed coup's mastermi...
Global Military Spending Passes $2T As Nuclear Powers Modernise Their Arsenals
July 08, 2022 15:19 - 11 minutes VideoThe world is arming itself at an alarming rate. That's what a recent report by Sipri, a Swedish based research institute that tracks conflicts and arms control, said about global weapons purchases. Last year, global military spending crossed the two trillion dollar mark for the first time. The five largest spenders, the US, China, India, the UK and Russia accounted for 62 percent of total defence expenditures. The report highlighted that despite the global covid-19 pandemic, military spend...
Libya Engulfed in Chaos
July 08, 2022 15:19 - 12 minutes VideoChaos engulfs Libya as thousands take to the streets against continuing power cuts, rising prices and the failure of politicians to set an election date. Last week, protesters stormed parliament in the eastern city of Tobruk, before setting it on fire. The turmoil is being made worse by the continuing blockade of Libya's oil sector by rival political factions, starving the country of fuel and export earnings. But most of the growing frustration in Libya is centred on the months of politica...
Türkiye's ‘Drone Carrier’, the TCG Anadolu Begins Official Sea Trials
July 05, 2022 18:05 - 10 minutes VideoThe future flagship of Türkiye's navy began sea trials late last month, in a show of force that many analysts say could change the balance of power in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean. The TCG Anadolu is a multi-purpose ship, equipped with a landing dock that is expected to accommodate attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. Spotted in the Sea of Marmara, the vessel underwent official sea trials and systems tests. The ministry in charge of its construction says the naval ship...
G7 Vs China - Can the West Out Compete China’s Trillion Dollar Belt and Road Initiative?
July 05, 2022 17:56 - 14 minutes Video600 billion dollars. That's how much G7 countries pledged to counter China's Belt and Road initiative, a project that looks to recreate the ancient Silk Road. Beijing says it will spend more than a trillion dollars on ports, roads, bridges and rails, having already broken ground in dozens of countries across Asia, Africa and Europe. But now, G7 leaders are looking to outdo their Chinese rivals. Dubbed the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, or P-G-I-I, US President Joe Bide...
Türkiye Says 'It Got What It Wanted’ From Sweden and Finland to Support Their NATO Bids
July 01, 2022 15:30 - 26 minutes VideoTürkiye got what it wanted. That's how Ankara is describing the outcome of tense negotiations, that cleared the way for Sweden and Finland to join the NATO alliance. The breakthrough came just hours before a NATO summit was set to kick off in Madrid. For weeks, Ankara strongly opposed Sweden and Finland's bid to join NATO, over their support for terrorist groups that have attacked Türkiye. After last minute negotiations, the three countries signed a memorandum that addresses Türkiye's concern...
Photos and Video Show Greece Militarising Aegean Islands Close to Türkiye’s Bodrum
June 28, 2022 15:56 - 11 minutes VideoRecently released photos and video by Anadolu Agency confirms what Ankara has been warning about for years. That Greece is continuing to violate international law by militarizing islands in the eastern Aegean Sea. The latest island in question is Keci or Pserimos as it is known in Greece, which lies just a few kilometres off Türkiye's coast. The tiny islet, just eight kilometres from the resort city of Bodrum in Türkiye's southwest, has seen recent construction of pre-fabricated buildings, an...
Protests Erupt After Tunisia’s President Says Islam Will Not Be State Religion
June 28, 2022 15:43 - 12 minutes VideoLast year, Tunisia's president Kais Saied took drastic steps that sparked crisis after crisis. He dissolved the government and sacked parliament. Mass protests have engulfed the country ever since. Now Saied's latest move is fuelling renewed outrage. The dismissal of dozens of judges and the president declaring Islam will not be the state religion. Thousands of protesters hit the streets in the capital Tunis, condemning the moves. Saied received a new draft constitution last week that he will...
What Will Turkiye and Saudi Arabia’s ‘New Era of Co-operation’ Look Like?
June 24, 2022 16:11 - 14 minutes VideoTürkiye’s president and Saudi Arabia's crown prince described their recent talks as the start of “a new era of co-operation”. President Erdogan welcomed Mohammed bin Salman in Ankara on Wednesday, where the two leaders discussed strengthening political, economic and security ties. Restoring their once lucrative trade relationship was a key point both touched on during their meeting. It included working to increase the number of flights between the two countries, easing bilateral trade restri...
World Bank Says Turkiye Can Save Nearly $150 Billion if It Acts on Climate Change
June 24, 2022 15:57 - 10 minutes VideoThe World Bank says Turkiye could save $146 billion, if it takes effective and appropriate action to tackle climate change. Most of the benefits would come from reductions in energy imports and reduced pollution. Last year, Turkiye imported 61 billion cubic metres of natural gas and nearly 3 million tons of oil. Turkiye has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2053. But to hit that goal, the World Bank says the country must decarbonise its power sector, and move away from fossil fuel...
World Food Programme Halts Food Aid to South Sudan Due to Lack of Funds
June 21, 2022 16:36 - 11 minutes VideoEven before Russia's attack on Ukraine in late February, the need for international food aid and support was already at alarming levels. Countries like Yemen, and Afghanistan, having been plagued by conflict for years, were facing shortages and a humanitarian crisis. But now, the world's newest country is bracing for potentially worse, becoming the latest indirect casualty of the conflict in Ukraine. The World Food Programme says it is suspending food aid to 1.7 million people in South Sudan...
Could Israel and Egypt Become Major Gas Exporters to Europe?
June 21, 2022 16:33 - 13 minutes VideoOnce a minor player in global energy markets, Israel is set to take on a bigger role as a gas supplier. And it comes at a crucial time. EU countries are seeking new sources, as they move away from Russia over its attack on Ukraine. And Israel won't be alone in getting energy supplies to Europe. It will be working with Egypt. Last week, the EU, Israel and Egypt singed a tripartite gas export deal that will provide the bloc with a new source of energy. European Commission chief Ursula von de...
India Faces Huge Backlash Over BJP Official’s Remarks
June 17, 2022 17:31 - 12 minutes VideoIndia is facing backlash after members of the ruling BJP party insulted the Prophet Muhammad on one of India's biggest television networks. Both party spokesperson Nupur Sharma and the head of the party's Delhi media unit Naveen Kumar made disparaging remarks about the Prophet. The BJP has condemned the comments, denouncing the insult of any religious personalities - and has suspended both officials. The comments have sparked criticism from Arab and Muslim-majority countries which say the rem...
D-8 Organization Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in Istanbul
June 17, 2022 17:24 - 12 minutes VideoThe D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation celebrated its 25th anniversary in its birthplace Istanbul on Thursday. The organization, which consists of eight Muslim developing nations, aims to improve the member states' position in the global economy. The summit was held at a time of crisis, as the world faces a food shortage caused by the raging conflict in Ukraine, as well as an ongoing pandemic and rising anti-Muslim sentiment. This year’s gathering in Istanbul marks the D8’s Silver Jubi...
Normalisation Process Between Türkiye And Egypt Going Forward
June 14, 2022 17:15 - 12 minutes VideoAfter a decade, Türkiye and Egypt are taking steps towards normalising ties on all fronts. While the countries haven't yet re-appointed ambassadors, they are showing willingness to settle their differences. And last week's visit by Türkiye's finance minister was the first of its kind in nine years. Despite the tensions, Ankara and Cairo did not cut off communication, which paved the way for an official rapprochement to begin in May 2021. It was part of a wider normalisation process across the...
Is Iran Losing Its Influence in the Region?
June 14, 2022 17:12 - 12 minutes VideoIran's relations with the West are once again strained, after Tehran disconnected a number of cameras installed by the UN watchdog to monitor its nuclear activity. Reports suggest it's in response to a censure by Western powers for Iran's lack of co-operation. The International Atomic Energy Agency has raised concerns over traces of enriched uranium previously found at three undeclared sites and has urged Iran to resume talks immediately. Talks to revive the nuclear deal have remained deadloc...
German Intelligence Report Says PKK Is the Biggest Foreign Extremist Group On Its Soil
June 10, 2022 17:21 - 13 minutes VideoIt's a threat that Turkiye long warned about, but is just now getting attention in Europe. According to a recent German intelligence report, the PKK is the largest terrorist organization operating in the country. Germany’s spy chief admitted that the country has become a platform for the PKK terror organization’s fundraising and recruitment activities targeting Türkiye. Although Ankara has repeatedly called on its NATO ally Germany to take stronger action against the PKK, the terrorist group...
Russia’s Foreign Minister Lavrov Visits Türkiye to Discuss Ukraine Grain Corridor
June 10, 2022 14:32 - 11 minutes VideoThe conflict in Ukraine crossed the 100-day mark last week, and with it came growing concerns of a global food crisis. Most of the blame is being directed at Russia, which has been accused of blockading Ukrainian ports. World leaders are pressuring Moscow to allow for the safe passage of grain exports many countries depend on. Since the conflict broke out back in late February, Turkiye has played a key role as a mediator between Kiev and Moscow. That latest effort came, as Russian Foreign M...
Can the Black Sea Region Come Together to Tackle Security Challenges?
June 07, 2022 19:53 - 12 minutes VideoEver since Russia launched its attack on Ukraine back in late February, the strategic importance of the Black Sea has been thrust into the open. Together, Russia and Ukraine make up nearly 30% of global wheat exports, and much of that reaches world markets from ports on the Black Sea. But with Russia controlling most of Ukraine's southern coast, and its remaining ports being blockaded, security across this vital body of water has been upended. But there is one regional group, comprising all...
What’s Behind the Recent Flare-up in Tensions Between Türkiye and Greece?
June 07, 2022 19:51 - 12 minutes VideoThe year started on a positive note for Türkiye and Greece. Both countries held regular meetings to address long-running disputes. But relations took a turn for the worse, after Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Washington late last month. President Erdogan accused Mitsotakis of using his address to Congress to block a potential weapons deal with Türkiye, and subsequently cancelled all future meetings with the Greek leader. Tensions have since risen between the NATO allies,...
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Calls For Stronger Defence Ties With Türkiye
June 02, 2022 21:00 - 25 minutes VideoSince taking the post back in April, after then Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharrif has been shoring up relations with Pakistan's closest allies. His latest stop, Türkiye. He met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, covering everything from trade and defence ties to regional security threats. Shariff said that Pakistan stands with Türkiye in its fight against terrorism, adding: "Enemies of Türkiye are enemies of Pa...
Could Turkiye Become Part of an Expanding BRICS?
May 31, 2022 15:29 - 12 minutes VideoFormed back in 2006, the BRICS countries, comprise Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Now, the group says it is looking to expand for the first time in 12 years when it admitted South Africa back in 2010. The leaders of BRICS meet regularly to address a host of issues, from funding infrastructure projects, to providing liquidity support and protection during times of global financial pressure. The group also has at its disposal, a multilateral development bank, that many analysts...
UK Lifts All Remaining Restrictions on Weapons Exports to Türkiye
May 31, 2022 15:26 - 11 minutes VideoAfter a nearly three-year ban, the UK is lifting all remaining restrictions on defence exports to Turkiye. The head of the country's Defence Industry Agency, confirmed that the arms embargo by London had ended, and that the two countries are ready to bring their defence cooperation to a new level. The sanctions were first imposed back in 2019, after Turkiye launched an anti-terror operation in northern Syria, to clear terror groups from its border regions. The UK, and several other western co...
Is Russia Weaponising Food Against the World?
May 27, 2022 17:01 - 12 minutes VideoAfter more than a decade of tensions, Israel and Turkiye are looking to start a new chapter in relations. On Wednesday, Cavusoglu met his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid in West Jerusalem. After the meeting, both sides agreed to ‘re-energise’ relations in several fields, Cavusoglu said that improving relations will have a positive impact to solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Turkish-Israeli relations worsened in 2010, after Israeli forces killed ten civilians on a Turkish ship providing...
Turkish Foreign Minister Makes First Visit to Israel In 15 Years
May 27, 2022 16:56 - 12 minutes VideoAfter more than a decade of tensions, Israel and Türkiye are looking to start a new chapter in relations. On Wednesday, Cavusoglu met his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid in West Jerusalem. After the meeting, both sides agreed to ‘re-energise’ relations in several fields, Cavusoglu said that improving relations will have a positive impact to solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Turkish-Israeli relations worsened in 2010, after Israeli forces killed ten civilians on a Turkish ship providing...
Somalia’s New President Praises Turkiye’s Past Support As He Looks To Tackle a Series of Challenges
May 24, 2022 16:25 - 12 minutes VideoSomali legislators have elected former leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the country’s tenth president, following a long-overdue election on Sunday in the troubled Horn of Africa nation. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who governed Somalia between 2012 and 2017, is facing a series of economic and security challenges, including a long-running drought and threats of terrorism. Meanwhile, the US has approved the redeployment of troops to Somalia to support the fight against the militant group al-Shabab. An ...
Erdogan Blasts Greece’s PM For Trying to Block F-16 Deal
May 24, 2022 16:21 - 12 minutes VideoDefence ties between the US and Greece are about to go deeper. Last week, Greece's parliament extended an agreement with the US that gives American troops greater access to its military bases. Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the pact would create a new reality. Mitsotakis echoed those remarks during his recent visit to Washington, where he met with President Joe Biden at the White House. He also gave a rare address to a joint session of Congress, hinting lawmakers should not ...
What Role Could the EU Play In a Multipolar Middle East?
May 20, 2022 16:28 - 11 minutes VideoThe US disengagement from the Middle East has created a vacuum many powers are attempting to fill. One of them might be the EU. The attack on Ukraine by Russia and the sanctions that followed have renewed interest in Middle Eastern energy. As Europe seeks to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas and oil, countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia have been pressed to fill the void. However, the Middle East is undergoing its own transformations, with some Arab countries attempting to normal...
Turkish Foreign Minister Visits US to Discuss Ukraine, NATO, F-16s
May 20, 2022 15:48 - 13 minutes VideoTurkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavasolgu sent a clear message to his American counterpart Antony Blinken during their meeting in New York. That Turkiye's security concerns had to be addressed regarding Sweden and Finland’s bid to join NATO. Ankara accuses both Nordic nations of harboring suspected terrorists and refusing to repatriate them to Turkey. During their discussion, they also discussed a weapons agreement in which Turkiye will buy dozens of new F-16 fighter jets as well as modificat...
Russia’s Attack on Ukraine Weighs Heavily on Central Asian Countries
May 17, 2022 16:40 - 11 minutes VideoKazakhstan, which experienced its own security crisis at the start of the year, has been in an uneasy position since Russia’s launched its attack on Ukraine in late February. It abstained from a UN vote condemning the attack and has offered little public support to Russia. In Moscow this week, Russia and Kazakhstan, along with other CSTO members, attempted to present a united face. But has the situation in Ukraine affected the way Central Asian governments view their relationship with Russia...
Türkiye Says It Opposes NATO Membership for Finland and Sweden
May 17, 2022 16:34 - 13 minutes VideoFinland and Sweden's aspirations to join NATO could be in jeopardy, due to their continued support for terrorist groups. That's how Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described his view on the two Nordic countries' bid to enter the alliance. The Turkish government has also pledged to block the membership of any country that has placed sanctions on it. In 2019, Finland and Sweden put an arms embargo on Türkiye after it launched an anti-terror campaign in northern Syria against the YPG...
US Left $7 Billion Worth of Military Equipment in Afghanistan
May 13, 2022 17:00 - 12 minutes VideoThe US’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan last year raised questions about what the world's largest military left behind. A recent Pentagon report confirmed that the US left behind $7 billion worth of military equipment when it left the country. Most of that equipment was taken over by the Taliban, who came to power in August. Are there any lessons to be learned now that the US is preparing to deliver billions of dollars in weapons to Ukraine? Guests: Gloria Shkurti Ozdemir Researcher at...
Michelin Adds Istanbul to Its Culinary Guide As Turkish Restaurant’s Eye Global Expansion
May 13, 2022 17:00 - 12 minutes VideoTurkish chefs have found a global following on social media. And now, Türkiye is hoping that Istanbul's inclusion in the prestigious Michelin guide, which ranks the world's best restaurants, will draw in even more tourists. Guest: Ismet Saz Chef and Owner of the Ismet Saz Group
Türkiye-EU Look to Co-operate on Green Energy
May 10, 2022 16:20 - 10 minutes VideoFrans Timmermans, one of Europe's top environmental officials, hailed Türkiye's potential as a source of energy exports. Timmermans made the statements during the latest round of EU-Turkey climate negotiations. The country has been increasing its solar and wind power capacity for several years. However, EU officials are particularly thrilled by Türkiye's potential as a source of green hydrogen. Experts emphasize that hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources will be critical in the tran...
UN Raises Political Costs For Vetoing Security Council Resolutions
May 10, 2022 16:17 - 14 minutes VideoThe political costs for vetoing a Security Council resolution could be getting higher. A recently passed resolution, which was first introduced more than two years ago, will require the General Assembly to convene within 10 working days after a veto is used. The measure’s authors hope that the change will make permanent Security Council members pay a heavier political price for using their veto power. Analysts say Russia's recent attack on Ukraine, and its subsequent veto to protect it from U...
Türkiye Expects Tourism Boom in Its Southeast
May 06, 2022 08:40 - 13 minutes VideoTürkiye's southeast has some of the earliest human settlements and is known for its delectable cuisine. But the region has long been overshadowed by the beaches of the country's west. Now Türkiye's top tourism organization is looking to change that. The historic monuments of Gobeklitepe and Mount Nemrut have already seen a surge in visitors this spring, and tourist officials anticipate that this trend will continue into the summer. Analysts, however, point out that much work remains in modern...
Russia Threatens to End Its Co-operation on the International Space Station
May 06, 2022 08:36 - 11 minutes VideoDimitry Rogozin, the head of Russia's space agency, stated that resuming co-operation on the ISS and other projects would be difficult until all sanctions against Moscow were repealed. Russian Soyuz rockets have been critical in transporting equipment, supplies, and personnel to the International Space Station since its inception. However, the situation in Ukraine has thrown that long-standing cooperation into disarray. Russia's global space allies are attempting to get Moscow to halt its off...
Türkiye’s Aging Population Steadily Increases
May 03, 2022 09:35 - 11 minutes VideoIn Türkiye, nearly one in every ten people is above the age of 65. The country saw a 24 percent increase in that age group in the last five years. And estimates for the future portray a similar scenario. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, one in every six persons will be a senior by 2040. Türkiye's improvements in healthcare have increased living standards and extended life spans, following in the footsteps of other countries. However, this resulted in a decline in fertility, whi...
EU Makes Swift Changes to Its Refugee Policy Amid the Conflict in Ukraine
May 03, 2022 09:35 - 12 minutes VideoThe last time Europe saw millions of migrants flee across borders in search of refuge was during World War II. During the first five weeks of Russia's onslaught on Ukraine, approximately five million refugees fled westward, with Poland receiving the lion's share. Countless more people have been displaced within Ukraine. In response, the EU activated for the first time a policy developed two decades ago known as the Temporary Protection Directive. Guests: Achilles Skordas Senior Fellow at th...
Turkish President Erdogan Visits Saudi Arabia to Normalise Relations
April 29, 2022 21:09 - 12 minutes VideoTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met for the first time since 2017. President Erdogan and Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman also met separately. The discussions took place as Turkiye and Saudi Arabia look to mend their ties after years of regional strife, including the embargo of Qatar and the Libyan conflict. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istabul in 2018 also strained relations. So, are both countries prepared to strengthen their ...
Türkiye Lifts Nearly All Remaining COVID-19 Restrictions as Cases Fall
April 29, 2022 17:25 - 12 minutes VideoTurkiye is lifting some of its last COVID-19 restrictions after more than two years. Turkiye is waving goodbye to masks indoors as it strives to return to normalcy. Masks will continue to be required on public transportation and in hospitals, but these requirements will be phased out very shortly. Cases have dropped sharply as the country looks to open up further for the coming summer months. Guests: Irshad Sheikh Head of WHO Regional Centre on Emergency Preparedness Andrew Freedman Reader...
Turkish President Erdogan Visits Saudi Arabia to Normalise Relations
April 29, 2022 16:44 - 12 minutes VideoTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met for the first time since 2017. President Erdogan and Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman also met separately. The discussions took place as Türkiye and Saudi Arabia look to mend their ties after years of regional strife, including the embargo of Qatar and the Libyan conflict. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istabul in 2018 also strained relations. So, are both countries prepared to strengthen their ...
Israel Adds China’s Yuan to Its Foreign Currency Reserves
April 26, 2022 16:30 - 11 minutes VideoIsrael's central bank will add the Chinese yuan to its currency reserves for the first time. According to its central bank, two percent of the country's current 200 billion dollars in foreign cash will be dedicated to the yuan. Israel says the policy transition is a conceptual shift in which it will hold multiple currencies. However, the yuan's entry comes at the expense of the euro and the dollar. And Israel isn't the only country aiming to broaden its portfolio. According to a recent IMF po...
Turkish Foreign Minister on Six-Nation Latin America tour
April 26, 2022 16:25 - 13 minutes VideoTurkiye's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is undertaking a six-nation Latin America tour. His first two stops were to Uruguay and Brazil, where he opened Turkiye’s two newest diplomatic posts. Turkiye has seen swift expansion of its diplomatic presence in the region over the past two decades, as it looks to boost trade and political ties. Guests: Jose Duarte Ribeiro Researcher at the Centre for Latin America Studies Javier Farje Journalist and Political Analyst
Riots Erupt in Sweden After Planned Quran Burning
April 22, 2022 16:59 - 13 minutes VideoViolent clashes erupted in Sweden after anti-Muslim activists held rallies that planned to include burning Islam's holy book, the Quran. Counter protests broke out against the far-right rallies, which eventually turned violent. Dozens were injured in scuffles as cars were set on fire. Condemnation against the planned burnings poured in from across the Muslim World. How can governments balance the need to protect freedom of expression with preventing potential hate crimes? Guests: Yasser Lou...
Libya Shuts Down its Biggest Oil Field Amid Political Standoff
April 22, 2022 15:33 - 11 minutes VideoLibya, Africa's second largest oil producer, just shut down its biggest oil field, as tribal leaders protested against the embattled government of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. The closure of the field along with several other oil facilities, is costing the country about 550,000 barrels per day, in lost production. Concerns are growing that the stoppages will spark a domestic fuel crisis and also spill over into Europe’s current energy crisis. Guests: Umberto Profazio Associate Fellow...
Russia Warns of Consequences if Sweden and Finland Join NATO
April 19, 2022 17:34 - 12 minutes VideoFor decades, Sweden and Finland resisted joining the western alliance NATO. Finland, which shares the longest EU border with Russia, specifically avoided antagonizing its much bigger neighbor throughout the Cold War. But now, that calculus seems to be shifting for the Scandinavian countries, as Russia's attack on Ukraine enters its eighth week. Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin says a decision will be made on whether her country will join NATO in the coming weeks. She made the remarks whi...