Shows
FDD Morning BriefFDD Morning Brief | feat. Aaron Magid (Jul. 28)JORDAN'S DELICATE BALANCING ACTHEADLINE 1: Israel has taken a good first step by implementing daily tactical pauses in Gaza.HEADLINE 2: As if to underscore the need for a pause, two more Israelis were killed in action.HEADLINE 3: As if we didn’t have enough Gaza news to cover today, President Trump is reportedly rethinking his Gaza strategy.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Aa...2025-07-2825 min
Tahrir Podcast - بودكاست التحريرEP 52 - Aaron Magid: The Most American King: Abdullah of JordanIn episode 52 of Tahrir Podcast, Aaron Magid tuned in to discuss his book, The Most American King: Abdullah of Jordan (Universal Publishers, 2025), as well as commentate on Jordanian politics. Drawing on interviews with over 100 people—including King Abdullah’s classmates, former Jordanian ministers, and even CIA directors—Aaron offers a deeply reported portrait of one of the Middle East’s most enduring leaders. The first comprehensive biography on Jordans King Abdullah, the book traces his rise from a Massachusetts prep school and British military training to the Jordanian throne, and explores how he’s managed to s...2025-06-2451 min
The AL-Monitor BriefWhat’s next for Jordan after Muslim Brotherhood ban?Al-Monitor contributor Aaron Magid joins host Adam Lucente to discuss Jordan banning the Muslim Brotherhood organization. Aaron, who is writing an upcoming biography of King Abdullah, goes over why the Jordanian government is unhappy with the Islamist group and what the move means for the kingdom’s domestic politics and foreign relations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2025-04-2407 min
On JordanJordan's Intelligence Directorate (GID)Dr. Saud al-Sharafat, a former brigadier general in the Jordan General Intelligence (GID), joins the podcast to discuss his 29-year career in the agency. Sharafat, who also serves as the chairman of the Shorufat Center for Globalization and Terrorism Studies, views the GID's relationship with the CIA. He details which country is the GID's top adversary and highlights a misconception some Jordanians have about the GID. Finally, Sharafat responds to reports of GID intervention in domestic Jordanian politics.
2025-02-0217 min
On JordanJordan's Response to Assad's Downfall
Merissa Khurma, the Wilson Center's Middle East Program Director, joins the podcast to discuss how the Jordanian government reacted to the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Khurma, a former office director for Prince Ali, analyzes Jordan's relationship with the new Syrian administration. She details how the Jordanian public has responded to the overthrow of Assad's regime. Finally, Khurma addresses the Jordanian government's campaign to normalize ties with Assad in the previous few years.2025-01-0119 min
On JordanJordan Shoots Down Iranian DronesProfessor Hasan Al-Momani, Dean of the Prince Al-Hussein Bin Abdullah II School of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Jordan, joins the podcast to discuss Jordan's Air Force downing Iranian drones in April. Dr. Al-Momani explains how the Jordanian public responded to the incident and analyzes the Hashemite Kingdom's summoning of an Iranian diplomat. Finally, he examines the statement by Kataib Hezbollah— an Iran-backed militia— pledging to send weapons to 12,000 fighters inside Jordan.
2025-01-0116 min
On JordanHow Will US Elections Impact Jordan?Former Jordanian minister Amer Hadidi joins the podcast to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris and President Donald Trump's ties with Jordan. Hadidi, who also served as the CEO of Royal Jordanian Airlines, views the attitudes of the Jordanian public toward the US race. He addresses whether the US election will bring tangible change in the US-Jordanian relationship and examines if Amman-Washington ties have been stronger with Democratic or Republican presidents. 2024-11-0117 min
On JordanPreviewing Jordan's September 10th Parliamentary ElectionsDaoud Kuttab, director general of the Amman-based Balad Radio discusses the new election law for the September 10 parliamentary race. Kuttab, a veteran Al-Monitor columnist, explains which political parties are expected to do well in the race. He details the key domestic policy issues being raised in the campaign along with how the Gaza war will impact the elections. Finally, Kuttab addresses expected voter turnout during the upcoming election.2024-09-0119 min
On JordanDiscrimination Faced by Non-Citizen Children of Jordanian MothersSenior Human Rights Watch researcher Hiba Zayadin joins the podcast to discuss the mistreatment of children born to a Jordanian mother and a foreign father. Zayadin explains the reasons for the discrimination, including how it relates to the Palestinian question. She notes that these children are denied citizenship despite being born in the Hashemite Kingdom to a Jordanian parent and details how it impacts their employment opportunities. Finally, Zayadin addresses how Queen Rania attempted unsuccessfully to change this law some 20 years ago.2024-07-1816 min
On JordanKing Hussein's Response to 1990 Iraqi Invasion of KuwaitSaad Hattar, head of the Roya News Media Group based in Amman, joins the podcast to discuss Jordan's reaction to Iraq's 1990 conquest of Kuwait, Hattar, who previously co-founded the Jordanian newspaper Al-Ghad's editorial division, explains why Saddam Hussein and King Hussein formed such close ties in the 1980s. The analyst discusses Jordanian public opinion during the war and detailed how King Hussein's stance led to tensions with the United States. Finally, Hattar examined how Jordan shifted its policy toward the Iraqi president during the final years of King Hussein's rule. 2024-04-0716 min
On JordanJordanian Airstrikes in SyriaCharles Lister, director of the Syria program at the Middle East Institute in Washington, joins the podcast to discuss Jordanian airstrikes in Syria during the past two months. Lister addresses whether this bombing campaign has been effective against the drug smugglers and notes civilian casualties. He also examines how the Syrian government has handled smuggling across its border into Jordan. Finally, Lister views whether the January killing of three US soldiers in Jordan will be a regular occurrence similar to the attacks US troops in Iraq and Syria face from Iran-backed militias.2024-02-0418 min
On JordanGaza War's Impact on JordanFormer Jordanian minister Marwan Juma joins the podcast to discuss how the Israel-Hamas war has affected the Hashemite Kingdom. Juma views the Jordanian government's influence on the Gaza conflict since October 7th. He discusses the government's attitude toward strikes and boycotts inside Jordan along with the level of public support for Hamas. Finally, given the many protests outside of the US Embassy in Amman, Juma analyzes whether the outrage against the Biden administration for supporting Israel during the Gaza war will impact the overall US-Jordanian relationship. 2023-12-2519 min
HoosLeft PodcastIsrael/Palestine Through A Hoosier LensEpisode 15: Israel/Palestine w/Noor HusseinThanks for listening. Subscribe to my blog at scottaaronrogers.substack.com.Let me make it fully clear, once again, that I renounce Hamas, terrorism in general, and the attacks of October 7 in particular.Mandatory Listening from Unf*cking The Republic:https://omny.fm/shows/unf-cking-the-republic/palestine-the-land-imperialism-left-behindhttps://omny.fm/shows/unf-cking-the-republic/palestine-part-one-the-jewish-questionhttps://omny.fm/shows/unf-cking-the-republic/palestine-part-two-the-palestinian-causehttps://omny.fm/shows/unf-cking-the-republic/palestine-part-three-two-states-one-state-noneMore Important Listening from The Dig:https://thedigradio...2023-12-111h 03
On JordanChristianity in JordanRev. David Rihani, head of the Assemblies of God Church in Jordan, joins the podcast to discuss the Christian community in the Hashemite Kingdom. Rev. Rihani discusses government treatment of Christians and views how the community has changed compared to 50 years ago. He also details his own upbringing in the Church growing up in the Jordanian city of Salt.2023-10-3019 min
On JordanJordan's Controversial Cybercrime LawRaya Sharbain, an Amman-based trainer of digital security for journalists, joins the podcast to discuss the new cybercrime passed by parliament. The podcast discusses how this measure will impact civil society along with the kingdom's economy. Sharbain details the Jordanian public's reaction to the controversial measure. Finally, the podcast also examines whether the State Department statement critiquing the cybercrime law was appropriate or viewed as intervening in domestic Jordanian affairs. 2023-08-2020 min
On JordanJordan's Stance Toward HamasFormer Jordanian minister Mohammad Abu-Rumman joins the podcast to discuss the popularity of Hamas among Jordanian public opinion. Dr. Abu-Rumman, a political science professor at the University of Jordan, also details the Jordanian government's current attitude toward the Palestinian militant group. He explains why King Abdullah expelled the Hamas leadership from Jordan in 1999 during his first year on the throne. Dr. Abu-Rumman also views Jordan's response to the victory of Hamas in the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary election and the accusation that year Hamas smuggled weapons from Syria into the Hashemite Kingdom. 2023-06-1820 min
On JordanJordan's Diplomatic Blitz With SyriaOraib Rantawi, director of the Amman-based Al-Quds Center for Political Studies, joins the podcast to discuss the improved ties between Jordan and Syria. Rantawi views Amman's motivation for the gestures toward the Assad regime and explains how the US critique of normalization with Syria impacts King Abdullah's policy. He also analyzes the May 2023 Jordanian airstrike in Syria against drug smugglers. Finally, Rantawi addresses whether the numerous Syrian refugees living in Jordan will soon return to their homes across the border. 2023-05-2819 min
On JordanLGBTQ Community in JordanJordanian queer and feminist activist Hasan Kilani joins the podcast to discuss the LGBTQ community in the Hashemite Kingdom. Kilani details the challenges facing the community while also noting how the situation in Jordan has improved in recent years. Kilani addresses whether it is beneficial to the LGBT community in Jordan for the US Embassy in Amman to publicly promote queer events. Finally, Kilani describes the role of class among Jordanian LGBT individuals. 2023-04-2318 min
מגיד הלוי MAGID HALEVIParshas Shimini 5783. Nadav v'Aviyhu, Vayidom Aaron, u'Lhavdil Bain HaTonai u'Vaon Hatohor.ערב שבת קודש פרשת שמיני תשפ"ג. בעניין נדב ואביהוא, וידם אהרן, ועניין להבדיל בין הטמא והטהור.2023-04-1409 min
Healthcare Triage PodcastLessons Learned From Studying Healthcare AbroadIn this episode, Dr. Aaron Carroll talks with Julie Manning Magid, executive associate dean of the IU Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis, and Nir Menachemi, executive associate dean of the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, about the Kelley School’s global health course in its Physician MBA Program. Students recently had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the health care systems of the United Kingdom and France. Menachemi and Magin discussed the fascinating differences between health care systems and the cultures around them in different countries and the United States, as well as what American do...2023-03-3040 min
Daf Yomi by R’ Eli Stefansky at MDYDaf Yomi Nazir Daf 62 by R’ Eli Stefansky
00:00 - Good Morning00:07 - Emails05:37 - Sponsor.8MinDaf.com09:11 - Amud Aleph33:43 - Amud Beis43:57 - Have a Wonderful Day--Today's shiur is sponsoredMaaser&לע"נ חיה בּת יוסףBy Anon Ymous&לע״נ זכריה בן משה&Anonymous (From Flatbush): for continued מזל, ברכה and clarity&Landy Family: 'לע"נ ישראל חיים בן ישעי&LeAliyat Nishmat Chaim Elefant, חיים בן יעקב שמואל ,ז״ל by his Westside friends&the MDY Family: Leilu Nishmas Chaim Oren z'l ben ybl'c Eliyahu, Chaim Oren, sometimes known as Charlie, was Elliot Mattingly’s young son&Aaron Trauring: In memory of my father, Immanuel Trauring, Yitzchok ben Avraham Yosef---Turning...2023-03-2644 min
On JordanDr. Sayigh Examines Jordan's 1970 Civil WarDr. Yezid Sayigh, senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center, joins the podcast to discuss Jordan's 1970 civil war. He examines the origin of the crisis and discusses how much support King Hussein had among Jordanians for the crackdown against Palestinian militants. Dr. Sayigh, author of the award winning book: "Armed Struggle and the Search for State: The Palestinian National Movement, 1949-1993," explains why Syria invaded northern Jordan during the conflict. He views the US role in the affair and notes the lessons King Hussein learned from this uprising. 2023-02-2723 min
On JordanJordan's Relationship With the IMFJordanian political economist Laith Al-Ajlouni joins the podcast to discuss the Hashemite Kingdom's ties with the International Monetary Fund. He addresses the IMF's priorities in Jordan along with the reasons pushing Amman to first work with the Washington DC-based organization in 1989. Al-Ajlouni also explains why some Jordanians cited the IMF as one of their grievances during the Arab Spring protests. Finally, the Amman-based analyst notes whether the Jordanian government will soon wean itself off of the IMF after working with the organization for nearly 30 years. 2023-02-1219 minDaf Yomi by R’ Eli Stefansky at MDYDaf Yomi Nazir Daf 19 by R’ Eli Stefansky00:00 - Good Voch
00:09 - Anniversary
01:51 - Emails
06:02 - Sponsor.8MinDaf.com
09:39 - Pizza
10:22 - Amud Aleph
30:37 - Amud Beis
53:42 - Have a Wonderful Week
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Today's shiur is sponsored
Maaser
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לע"נ חיה בּת יוסף
By Anon Ymous
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לע״נ זכריה בן משה
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Shprintzy and Alan Gross, לע"נ The yahrzeits of our Father's, שלמה זלמן בן יצחק אייזיק ז"ל, Sol Birnbaum ע"ה, נפטר ח' שבט
בנימין אייזיק בן צבי הירש הכהן ז"ל, Ben Gross ע"ה, נפטר ט"ז שבט
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the MDY Family: Leilu Nishmas Boruch Helfgott z'l ben ybl'c Mordche Shloima
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Yossi Klein: Shalom Burch Yehuda ben Yosef Ycheil Mechel please put on your status join4yiddy.com
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Jake, Savi, and Gabe Kessler...2023-02-1154 min
On JordanDaoud Kuttab Analyzes the December Trucker ProtestsDaoud Kuttab, Director General of the Amman-based Balad Radio, joins the podcast to discuss the December 2022 trucker demonstrations. Kuttab explains what sparked the protests and views the government's response to the discontent. He notes the role of Tik-Tok during the unrest and provides more information about the killing of the four Jordanian officers. Finally, Kuttab views whether these protests will bring strategic change to the Hashemite Kingdom. 2022-12-2318 min
On JordanHow Will Netanyahu's Return Impact Jordanian-Israeli Ties?Barak Ravid, contributing correspondent for Axios, joins the podcast to discuss how Benjamin Netanyahu's expected return to power will change Jordanian-Israeli relations. Ravid explains the significance behind King Abdullah's November 14th reported call with Netanyahu and details the security ties between the two neighboring countries amid political tensions. Finally, Ravid addresses a Washington Post article claiming that Netanyahu was involved in the 2021 Prince Hamzah sedition affair against King Abdullah. 2022-11-2019 min
On JordanHuman Rights Watch Details Challenges Facing Jordanian NGOsAdam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, joins the podcast about HRW's September report on the difficulties facing Jordanian civil society. Coogle details how the civic space in the Hashemite Kingdom has shrunk in recent years and explains if the New York-based organization was calling for the United States to cut aid to Jordan. He discusses why the Jordanian government rejected a local NGO's request to receive a German grant for a recycling awareness program. Finally, Coogle addresses which topics are considered most sensitive for Jordanian civil society. 2022-10-0319 min
On JordanJordan's Tensions With IranKatrina Sammour, an Amman-based political analyst, joins the podcast to discuss King Abdullah's recent comments on Iran-linked militias launching attacks against Jordan. Sammour, who wrote last month an in-depth article on Amman-Tehran ties for the Emirates Policy Center, explains the motivation for these strikes against Jordan. She addresses Jordan's view on the Iran nuclear talks, and how King Abdullah's stance on Iran compares with his father King Hussein. 2022-08-3114 min
Grappling Rewind: Breakdowns of Professional BJJ and Grappling Events#251 ADCC Trials Final Rematch at F2W 209, Plus One FC, Fury Grappling 5 recap.This week on the show Maine and Miranda recap F2W 209, One FC, and Fury Grappling 5.In the news section of the show we discuss the ADCC 2022 reserves announced including Magid Hage replacing Lucas Lepri at -77 kg, as well as the other division alternates.We also discuss the Leandro Lo benefit seminar at Unity this weekend, and the Civil Case between Aaron Tex Jhonson Vs FloGrappling, Orlando Sanchez and the match referee for an illegal slam Tex took during a WNO match. In the recap section of the show we kicked it o...2022-08-301h 04
On JordanProfessor Schwedler Explores Jordan's Protest MovementDr. Jillian Schwedler joins the podcast to discuss her new book on the kingdom's protest movement. She details the obstancles that the Jordanian government places to make demonstrations more difficult. Schwedler, who serves as a professor of Political Science at Hunter College, addresses whether protestors only assail the prime minister or also criticize King Abdullah. Furthermore, she analyzes whether the Jordanian government's management of the Arab Spring demonstrations was considered a success story. Finally, Professor Schwedler discusses whether protests have secured any strategic victories in regards to the country's economic woes, overall political system or foreign relations. 2022-07-1620 min
On JordanMarwan Muasher Calls for Jordanian Political ChangesFormer Jordanian Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher joins the podcast to discuss what political changes are necessary for the Hashemite Kingdom. Dr. Muasher, who also served as Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Ambassador to the United States, views the impact of last year's Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System. He also recounts his personal experience trying to build a secular Jordanian political party a few years ago while outside the government along with his 2005 effort to advance reform from as a Jordanian minister. Finally, Dr. Muasher examines if it would be benefitical for the Biden administration to publicly press fo...2022-06-2722 min
On JordanKing Abdullah's Letter Critiquing Prince HamzahAmer Sabaileh, a columnist for 12 years at the Jordan Times, joins the podcast to discuss King Abdullah's May letter criticizing Prince Hamzah. Sabaileh, previously a professor at the University of Jordan, views Hamzah's popularity among Jordanians. He also evaluates whether King Abdullah's latest letter will close the chapter for the Kingdom on the 2021 sedition affair. Finally, Sabaileh details the differences in tone between Hamzah's March apology letter to King Abdullah and his April tweet renouncing the title of prince. 2022-06-0216 min
On JordanFormer Senior Facebook Official Examines Social Media Apps in JordanAshraf Zeitoon, former Head of Public Policy for the Middle East at Facebook, joins the podcast to discuss which social media platforms are most popular in the Hashemite Kingdom. Zeitoon, who previously served in Jordan's Foreign Ministry and Prime Minister's office, explains why WhatsApp calls cannot be made to Jordan. He discusses how the Jordanian government restricts social media access. Zeitoon, who also served as the first director of Public Policy for the Middle East at Netflix, examines the 2022 statement by Jordan's Prime Minister that over 100,000 fake social media accounts were established from across the region to target Jordan...2022-05-0824 min
On JordanMinister Nayef Al-Fayez Discusses Jordan's Tourism IndustryJordan's Tourism Minister Nayef Al-Fayez highlights the Hashemite Kingdom's best tourist attractions. Minister Fayez details the biggest misperception of Jordan when speaking with colleagues abroad. His Excellency discusses the country's new tourist initiatives and explains what day-to-day life is like while serving as a Jordanian minister. 2022-05-0218 min
On JordanAmman Airport DetentionsTaghreed Risheq, a longtime Jordanian reporter, details her 11 hour detention at the Amman airport due to a tweet criticizing another journalist. Risheq, who worked for 17 years as a reporter for the Jordanian newspaper Al-Ghad explains how Jordanian authorities prosecuted a case against her without offering any notification. Risheq explains how US Congresswoman Betty McCollum contacted the Jordanian Embassy in Washington on her behalf and the case's eventual dismissal. Finally, Risheq discusses the overall state of freedoms across the Hashemite Kingdom.2022-04-0716 min
On JordanDutch Ambassador Views Jordan's Environmental RecordDutch Ambassador to Amman Harry Verweij joins the podcast to discuss Jordan's efforts to combat climate change. Ambassador Verweij explains the difficulties climate change poses to the Hashemite Kingdom in the upcoming decades. He details the Dutch Embassy in Amman's specific initiatives to address some of Jordan's environmental challenges. Finally, Ambassador Verweij notes his favorite tourist spot in Jordan. 2022-03-2813 min
On JordanJordan's Stance on Russia's Invasion of UkraineDr. Hassan Barari, a Jordanian political analyst joins the podcast to discuss the Hashemite Kingdom's stance on the Ukraine war. Dr. Barari, who is a professor of international relations at Qatar University, explains why Jordan voted at the United Nations to condemn Russia's invasion. He discusses Jordanian public attitude toward the conflict and notes why King Abdullah has declined to personally criticize Moscow since the February 24th invasion. Professor Barari also details the Ukraine war's impact on Russia's presence in Syria, along Jordan's northern border.2022-03-1515 min
Let's Talk ReligionWhat is Hasidism?The Hasidic movement is pretty famous. But few are aware of its deep mystical teachings and connections with Kabbalah. In this episode, we explore the early history of the Hasidim.This episode was written by Seth Weprin and co-written by me (Filip Holm).Sources/Suggested Reading:Idel, Moshe (1995). "Hasidism: Between Ecstacy and Magic". SUNY Press.Idel, Moshe. “Modes of Cleaving to the Letters in the Teachings of Israel BaalShem Tov: A Sample Analysis.” Jewish History 27 (2013): 299-317.Jacobson-Maisels, James. “My Aid...2022-03-0832 min
On JordanKing Abdullah's Leaked Swiss Bank AccountsPalestinian-Jordanian journalist Farah Maraqa joins the podcast to discuss the February 20th New York Times report of King Abdullah's Swiss bank accounts exceeding over $200 million. Maraqa, who has reported for Raialyoum and Deutsche Welle, discusses how the Jordanian public and media responded to the story. She explains the Royal Court's response to the affair along with why King Abdullah keeps such large amount of his wealth outside Jordan. Finally, Maraqa details how the Hashemite Kingdom's challenging economic conditions affect how citizens view the latest leak of King Abdullah's wealth abroad. 2022-03-0617 min
On JordanCanada's Ambassador Discusses Women's Rights in JordanAn interview with Canadian Ambassador to Amman, Donica Pottie, about women's rights in Jordan. Ambassador Pottie discusses how the pandemic has impacted gender equality in the Hashemite Kingdom. The senior Canadian diplomat explains the challenges regarding employment as 86% of Jordanian women are currently absent from the country's workforce. Ambassador Pottie addresses the impact of an amendment to the Hashemite Kingdom's constitution adding the term "Jordanian women." Additionally, she notes where Jordan has most improved in terms of gender equality. 2022-02-1619 min
On JordanUnderstanding Jordan's Muslim BrotherhoodDr. Joas Wagemakers, Associate Professor of Islam and Arabic at Utrecht University, joins the podcast to discuss the current goals of Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood. Professor Wagemakers, who wrote a 2020 book on the Islamist group, explains the tension between King Abdullah and the Muslim Brotherhood. He also estimates how the Islamic Action Front would fare if elections were held in the Hashemite Kingdom without gerrymandering and government restrictions. Finally, Dr. Wagemakers notes the attitudes of Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood toward the United States. 2022-02-0921 min
On JordanJordan's Drug War Along the Syrian BorderMohammed Ersan, editor-in-chief of Balad Radio, joins the podcast to discuss Jordan's military killing 27 suspected drug smugglers attempting to cross the Syrian border last week. Ersan, a Jordanian contributor for Middle East Eye and Arabi21, explains which groups are behind the smuggling along the Syrian border in addition to the Jordanian public's reactions to these events. Finally, Ersan analyzes what factors led to this high death toll. 2022-02-0112 min
On JordanJordanians of Palestinian Origin & East Bankers: Analyzing the Kingdom's Identity PoliticsProfessor Sean Yom, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Temple University, joins the podcast to discuss how the Kingdom's electoral laws have been impacted by tensions between individuals of tribal background and Jordanians of Palestinian descent. Dr. Yom, the author of the upcoming book, "Jordan: Politics in an Accidental Crucible" discusses the chances a Jordanian of Palestinian origin has of serving and advancing within the Kingdom's military or intelligence directorate. Finally, Professor Yom addresses why Jordan's Prime Minister announced in 2013 that the country would bar Palestinian refugees fleeing Syria entry into Jordan. 2022-01-1825 min
On JordanChaos in ParliamentAn interview with Jordanian journalist Suha Ma’ayeh on the December 28th brawl in Jordan's Parliament. Ma'yaeh, whose articles have appeared in Foreign Policy and the Wall Street Journal, details why Jordanians have such little trust in the country's legislative branch. She also discusses which groups have been over-represented in parliament as well as the influence of the Hashemite Kingdom's security sector on lawmakers' votes. 2022-01-0910 min
On JordanWhat Happened in the April "Sedition" Affair?Dr. Bessma Momani, Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo, unpacks the April sedition case involving Prince Hamzah. She discusses Jordanian public opinion toward Prince Hamzah and the overall affair. Finally, Professor Momani explains the long-term implications of the plot for Jordan and the lessons for King Abdullah.2021-12-2916 min
On JordanThe Close US-Jordanian AllianceTaylor Luck, an Amman-based correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor, speaks about how Jordan's ties with Washington changed after President Joe Biden entered office. Taylor discusses the likelihood of Amman continuing to receive nearly $1.5 billion in annual US aid a decade from now along with questions about US involvement in Jordanian political reform. Finally, Taylor explains Jordanian attitudes toward the nearly 3,000 US troops deployed in the Hashemite Kingdom. 2021-12-2319 min
On JordanDissecting Jordan's Economic ChallengesAn interview with former Jordanian labor minister Dr. Jawad Anani explaining the reasons for the Hashemite Kingdom's 25 percent unemployment rate. Dr. Anani, who also served as head of the Royal Court under King Hussein, discusses the preferences among many Jordanians to work in the public sector.2021-12-0819 min
On JordanUnpacking Jordan's Water-for-Energy Deal With IsraelAn interview with Oraib Rantawi, director of the Amman-based Quds Center for Political Studies, on the Jordanian public's reaction to the November 22nd agreement with Israel and the UAE. Rantawi also discusses how the Jordanian government has handled the domestic criticism. 2021-11-3018 min
On JordanHow Free Is the Jordanian Media?An interview with Rana Sweis, an Amman-based freelance journalist for the New York Times and other outlets, about press conditions in Jordan. Sweis discusses the increase in self-censorship among Jordanian reporters and notes the dynamics for female journalists in the Kingdom. 2021-11-2415 min
On JordanA Decade into the War: Syrian Refugees' Fate in JordanAn interview with UN Refugee Agency spokeswoman in Jordan Lily Carlisle on the conditions facing Syrian refugees in the Hashemite Kingdom. The UN official also discusses why a vast majority of refugees have not returned to Syria even as the fighting has declined.2021-11-1716 min
On JordanHow Do Jordanians View the Kingdom's Foreign Policy?An interview with former Jordanian minister Dr. Fares Braizat on the new public opinion poll asking citizens across the Hashemite Kingdom about their views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Amman's ties with superpowers including the US and China, along with Jordan's role in the region. Dr. Braizat is the chairman of the Jordanian think tank that conducted this poll. 2021-11-1114 min
On JordanJordan's Quest for Political ReformAn interview with Al-Monitor contributor Osama Al-Sharif on Jordan's efforts to advance political reform. The episode discusses Jordanian public attitudes toward the reform measures and if the latest royal committee will lead to a strong parliamentary system.2021-11-0119 min
On JordanThe Jordanian-Syrian RapprochementJoin us for an in-depth discussion with veteran Amman-based journalist Daoud Kuttab and hosted by Aaron Magid about why Jordan dramatically boosted its ties with Syria a decade after King Abdullah called for President Assad's resignation. 2021-10-2614 min
Israel Policy PodAcross the JordanThe new Israeli government seems intent on turning the page in its relations with the country with which it shares its longest border: Jordan. Will the effort be successful? How will Israel-Jordan ties affect (and be affected by) developments in Jerusalem and with the Palestinians? Haaretz journalist Noa Landau and Middle East analyst Aaron Magid discuss.Support the showFollow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our email list here.2021-07-2159 min