Kianistan

Join me for an in-depth conversation with Eric Margolis, an award-winning journalist and expert on Middle Eastern affairs, as we explore the rapidly evolving situation in Syria. We discuss the key players involved, their strategic interests, and the potential ramifications for the balance of power in the region. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the complexities shaping Syria's futur...

Join me for an engaging conversation with John Esposito, a leading academic in Religion and International Affairs and a foremost authority on Islam and Christian-Muslim relations. We delve into the misconceptions surrounding Islam, the roots of interfaith dialogue, and the role of religion in global affairs. This interview sheds light on how understanding can bridge divides and foster mutual respe...

In this compelling episode, Tafhim Kiani sits down with renowned scholar Mark Juergensmeyer to dissect the recent events in Syria following the fall of the Assad government. They delve into: The rise of Julani and the HRT: What does this mean for Syria’s political future? The roles of Turkey, the USA, and Israel in Assad’s downfall and how their strategies have reshaped the region. The impact of t...

In this compelling interview, I sit down with Tim Anderson to explore the aftermath of the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. We delve into the complex roles played by Turkey, the USA, and Israel in the toppling of the Syrian government and the arming of the HRT, an organisation branded as a terrorist group by not just the United States but the United Nations. The conversation sheds light on t...

Professor Behlul Ozkon joins me to analyse the sudden escalation of armed opposition attacks in Syria and their implications for Bashar al-Assad's government. We explore the involvement of key players like Turkey, Israel, and the USA, and what this means for regional powers such as Russia, Iran, Lebanon, and the Palestinian cause. Could this shift in dynamics redefine the geopolitical landscape of...

Join me as I sit down with Kamel Hawwash, a prominent voice for Palestinian rights and political activism in the UK. We discuss the ongoing struggle for justice in Palestine, his efforts to advocate for change, and the potential for new political parties to challenge the status quo in British politics. In this engaging conversation, we explore: The current situation in Palestine and its global imp...

In this interview, I speak with Rick Sterling about two of today’s most pressing conflicts: the war in Ukraine and the crisis in Gaza. We delve into their geopolitical roots, the role of Western powers, and their broader implications. Rick also shares his fascinating research into John F. Kennedy’s foreign policy and how his assassination drastically altered the trajectory of US-Israel relations....

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Eric Kaufman, a leading authority on demography, politics, and cultural trends, to discuss some of the most pressing issues of our time. We explore key topics like immigration, the global decline in population growth and its implications, the rise of populist movements, and the challenges posed by cultural shifts in society. Additionally, we examine the i...

In this thought-provoking interview, Tafhim Kiani sits down with renowned anti-war activist and co-director of the International Action Center, Sara Flounders, to dive into the realities behind U.S. foreign policy and its impact on global power dynamics. Sara shares her insights on the Middle East, the current geopolitical tensions, and how Western policies shape conflicts worldwide. Sara Flounder...

In this compelling interview, activist David Swanson joins us to delve into pressing issues surrounding global conflicts. We explore NATO’s role in modern warfare, how consent for wars is manufactured, and the challenges faced by anti-war movements in today’s climate. David offers insights into the impact of color revolutions, the Ukraine conflict, and the complex realities of war, where no side h...

In this in-depth interview with Tim Anderson, we explore the complex landscape of Syria post-conflict. Discover how Western influence has shaped the situation, from the manufacturing of the color revolution to the emergence of ISIS backed by regional powers. Despite ongoing challenges, including pockets of resistance supported by the U.S. and Turkey, learn how the Syrian government has reestablish...

In this powerful episode of the Kianistan Podcast, Tafhim Kiani sits down with veteran journalist and author Eric Margolis to discuss the escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Together, they dive into the wars waged by Israel and the role of Western powers—specifically the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany—in backing these actions. The conversation explores the geopolitical crossroads...

In this episode of the Kianistan Podcast, Tafhim Kiani sits down with renowned journalist and analyst Elijah Magnier to explore the complex conflicts across the Middle East, including Israel’s ongoing wars against Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran. They delve into the role of the United States and its Western allies in backing Israel, discussing how the influence of the Zio...

In this gripping second part of the Kianistan podcast series with Yvonne Ridley, we delve into the defining moments that transformed her life forever. Yvonne shares an amusing anecdote before taking us back to the aftermath of 9/11 and the tension in Afghanistan. While on a daring undercover assignment, Yvonne was captured by the Taliban, an experience that would unexpectedly reshape her personal...

This is the first of a two part series where I get to interview Yvonne Ridley. Stay tuned for the second part – coming out soon. In this episode of Kianistan, I sit down with journalist Yvonne Ridley to dive deep into the humanitarian crises gripping the Middle East. We discuss how political agendas shape media coverage and public opinion, focusing on Gaza, Yemen, and the ongoing struggles in the...

In this insightful episode of the Kianistan Podcast, we sit down with Hrishikesh Kamat, CEO of Shalaka Connected Devices, to explore the crucial role of research and development in the product lifecycle. Discover how Shalaka Connected Devices excels in turning concepts into market-ready products, offering end-to-end solutions from product research to lifecycle engineering. Hrishikesh shares valuab...

Join us in this compelling episode of Kianistan where we talk with Saleha Islam, the first female director of a major mosque in Europe. Saleha shares her experiences as a social worker, psychotherapist, and marriage counselor. We delve into her work with Al-Minar Mosque, the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, spread of anti-Muslim extremism, and the integration of Western and Islamic psychology in her pr...

In this captivating episode of Kianistan, we welcome Chris Kutler, the mastermind behind Archuk.com, a leading resource hub for amateur treasure hunters and archaeologists. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of treasure hunting and archaeology. Chris shares his expert insights on: How to effectively prospect an area for treasure hunting or metal detecting. The significance of understan...

In this episode, war correspondent and author Hollie McKay shares her experiences reporting from conflict zones, including her time in Afghanistan during the American withdrawal and the rise of the Taliban. She discusses the complexities and challenges faced by the Afghan government and its people, and provides insights into her recent book on the subject. Additionally, McKay talks about her caree...

In this episode, Rashid Abdul-Salaam, who discusses his experiences as an African American Muslim in America, his encounters with notable figures such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, and his role in providing security for Islamic organizations. Rahid shares insights into the misconceptions about Muslims in America, the impact of the Nation of Islam, and his personal journey to embracing Islam. The...

In this episode, Dr. Tauqeer Hussain discusses the complex geopolitical landscape of Afghanistan, its historical context, and its current situation. The conversation spans various key topics, including the historical events leading to the current state of Afghanistan, the role of different regional and global powers, and the impact on Afghan society. Dr. Hussain also shared his experiences as a Ro...

In this insightful episode, Tafhim Kiani hosts Abdelfatah Mouttaqui, a blockchain expert based in Casablanca, Morocco. They delve into various topics including blockchain technology, its applications, and Mouttaqui’s background. The discussion also covers the socio-political landscape of Morocco, its balance of tradition and modernity, and the role of Sufism in Moroccan society.