Expert Talks by Khayrion

The legal, as well as de facto state of the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, which have long ago turned into functioning, if informal, urban settlements have been raising the world’s eyebrows ever since 1948. With our Research Lead Elias Dahrouge, we take a closer look at the problems the ever-growing Palestinian community in Lebanon faces, their roots, and the implications for the geopolitic...

Lebanon has been trapped in a state of protracted crisis for decades. Among its many structural challenges is the fact that it hosts the highest number of refugees per capita in the world, with Syrians constituting the largest group. In this episode, our Research Lead, Elias Dahrouge, takes an in-depth look at the refugee issue—unpacking its origins, examining the latest developments, and offering...

In this continuation of our podcast, What’s Up with Saudi Arabia?, our Senior Researchers Erzsébet N. Rózsa and László Csicsmann analyze the kingdom's foreign relations, from its closest allies to global powers to the intricate relations in the wider region. 

Before the current Red Sea Crisis, the issue of naval chokepoints has not been on the daily agenda of global media outlets. However, the Houthi attacks reshaped our understanding of maritime geopolitics. Our Senior Researchers Erzsébet N. Rózsa and László Csicsmann explain what naval chokepoints are and why they are crucial for the world economy, especially in light of the current turmoil in the M...

News streaming from Lebanon tend to be quite grim in the past years. Is Lebanon rapidly heading towards the title of a failed state, or is there still some hope to turn things around? Dr. Marek Čejka and Dr. Josef Kraus provide our listeners with expert insights into the country’s complex situation. 

Despite not being directly involved in the Gaza conflict, we have been hearing about Hizballah daily since October 7, 2023. It is usually briefly described as a militant/political movement; however, its structure and organization are a lot more complex. Dr. Marek Čejka and Dr. Josef Kraus explain what exactly Hizballah is, where it comes from, and where it is heading.   

Amidst all the recent turmoil in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is trying hard to stay out of the main headlines. What are the recent developments in the kingdom and their backgrounds? Khayrion’s Senior Researcher Erzsébet N. Rózsa explains in our latest podcast. 

To many, Baluchistan is a mysterious region with quite a bad reputation. Our researcher Hessam Habibi Doroh explains the historical, social, and economic background of the past decades’ turmoil in the area. An intriguing insight from a top-class expert who knows the region like the back of his hand. 

Afghanistan as a tourist destination? Certainly uncommon, but far from impossible. Our Senior Researcher Miklós Sárközy shares his insights about this compelling destination, including information about the major tourist attractions, as well as practical information about how to get there and around. 

An analysis of the background of the wide geopolitical contest in light of the recent upheaval in the Red Sea, presented by our senior researchers Erzsébet N. Rózsa and László Csicsmann. 

Our senior researchers Erzsébet N. Rózsa and László Csicsmann share their insights on the current turmoil in and around the Red Sea. What factors led to the escalation? Who are the actors involved? What development can we anticipate in the foreseeable future? 

An update on the ongoing turmoil between Gaza and Israel, discussed by our senior researchers Erzsébet N. Rózsa and László Csicsmann. 

A deep insight into the social, demographic, and political events preceding the October 7 attack with Khayrion’s senior researcher Erzsébet N. Rózsa. What are the factors that lead to such an escalation? What could this mean for the Palestinian domestic policy? Is there a normalization of the Israeli–Palestinian relations on the horizon? And who could play a part in such efforts?

A follow-up to our  text  on the issue, Sajjad Ahmad explains in detail the political and economic background of the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Corridor and whether it is realistic given the recent turmoil in the region. 

Khayrion’s senior researcher Erzsébet N. Rózsa offers a brief overview of the most essential historical events leading to the current war. Starting with questions such as “What is Palestine?”, she leads the listener all the way to our days in an engaging and informative manner. 

We continue our discussion with Khayrion’s senior researcher László Csicsmann on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. How is it going to shape the domestic policy of Israel and Palestine? Are any personal changes in leadership on the horizon? What impact do these events have on the Middle Eastern normalization process? And how does all of this influence the East Med energy infrastructure? 

What is the immediate reaction of other regional actors to the current events in Israel and the Gaza Strip? Who are the newer, lesser-known armed groups emerging in Gaza and the Western Bank? Have they played any role in the birth or escalation of the current conflict? How does Hizballah fit in the picture? Khayrion’s senior researcher László Csicsmann explains. 

Khayrion’s senior researchers Erzsébet N. Rózsa and László Csicsmann provide an exhaustive insight into the energy industry of the Middle East and North Africa, mentioning the relatively well-known features of the region’s oil and gas industry, as well as introducing recently discovered fields and their perspectives. Of course, no discussion concerning the energy sector could be complete without m...

The planned expansion of the BRICS bloc has shaken up the world news this summer. While more pressing news have overshadowed these developments in world media, the question of what exactly this proposal means for the MENA region and the world still hangs in the air. Khayrion’s senior researchers Erzsébet N. Rózsa and László Csicsmann explain the background and the possible outcomes of this new par...

How do current geopolitical, economic, and social issues influence tourism in Iran? How is Iran’s tourism industry recovering after the collapse of the JCPOA and the COVID-19 pandemic? Is tourism supported by the ruling establishment? Part three of Khayrion’s series on traveling in this dazzling, but controversial country.

The practical issues concerning traveling in Iran. How to find a reliable travel agency? Is Iran suitable for solo travelers, especially women? Is it difficult to get an Iranian tourist visa? Is Iran a safe country? Are there regions to avoid? What are the local specifics a tourist needs to be prepared for?  The second part of our expert talks on this breathtaking destination.

What to see in Iran? Where to go? What to do? What about Iran for foodies or eco-tourism enthusiasts? How to meet the religious minorities of Iran, experience village life, get an insight into the lives of women, or hear jackals screaming under your hotel windows?   An introduction to tourism in a fascinating, yet often overlooked and overly politicized country.