Shows
Kalam60. Iran – Protests that Shook a Nation with Rouzbeh ParsiThe latest wave of protests in Iran shook the country to the core. Clearly, the Islamic Republic regime felt squeezed to the point of using excessive violence. Many thousands have likely lost their lives, with exact estimations varying greatly. The Middle Eastern expert and analyst, Rouzbeh Parsi, joins Edgar for a conversation about the background to this cycle of protests in Iran, about what makes it different but also what similarities it has with previous waves.To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcastFollow...
2026-02-0749 min
KalamKurdish and Syrian Gov't Forces Clash in Aleppo: Kalam Digest 42Last week, the armed forces of the Syrian government clashed with and largely defeated the Kurdish-led SDF in the city of Aleppo. This comes as negotiations have broken down between the Kurdish governing body in the Northeast of the country and the central government in Damascus. Edgar and Sam discuss what this means for the future of the country and the civilians caught in the middle. Kalam Digest brings you the latest news from the Middle East.To listen to the full episode subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
2026-01-1618 min
KalamWhat's Behind the Protests in Iran? Kalam Digest 41Thousands have reportedly been killed and tens of thousands arrested in a protest movement shaking Iran. The Islamic Republic faces its biggest challenge in years, as extreme inflation sparked economic protests that rapidly evolved into calling for political freedoms and an end to the regime. Edgar and Sam take you through all aspects of this revolt, including what it means for the US and Israel to actively back the protesters. Does the movement lose legitimacy if Mossad agents are on the ground in Tehran?Kalam Digest brings you the latest news from the Middle East.
2026-01-1328 min
Kalam57. Palestinian Rap Group DAM on Their 26 Year LegacyIn the late 1990's, the Palestinian rap group DAM released their breakout single Meen Erhabi? (Who is the terrorist?) interrogating Israel and the Western World's accusations of terrorism against the Palestinian people, "While we are living in our own country". All members of the group are Palestinian citizens of Israel and hold Israeli passports, giving them a unique insight into Israeli society. Today, 26 years later, the issues are the same but the members of the rap group are older. Tamer al Nafar, Mahmood Jrere and Maysa Daw sit down with Edgar of Kalam Podcast ahead of their gig at...
2025-11-2034 min
KalamMunadama 5 (Trailer)Edgar and Sam are in Egypt! Join us for a podcast session at a bar in downtown Cairo, serenaded by the sweet sounds of Umm Kulthum in the background. Subscribe to the Kalam Podcast patreon page to listen to the full episode. To support us, go to patreon.com/kalampodcastFollow us on Instagram @kalampodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-11-1101 min
Kalam56: Syria after al-Assad with Leila al-ShamiAlmost 10 months have passed since the unexpected collapse of the Assad regime last December. Since then Syria has passed through several sectarian flareups, relentless terrorising from Israel, as well as attempted to take its place in a “New Middle East”, under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa. A couple of months ago, Edgar spoke to Leila al-Shami, activist and author of “Burning Country: Syrians in Revolution and War”, on these topics and more. Despite the time that has passed since the recording, we still find al-Shami’s comments and analyses highly relevant, and hope that you will too.
2025-10-3132 min
Kalam"Ceasefire" Analysis: Kalam Digest 39There is an alleged ceasefire in Gaza, despite the fact that Israel has continued to bomb the strip. Sam and Edgar analyse the Israeli, US and Palestinian positions in this situation.Image: Palestinians using bulldozers to dig out the bodies of Israeli captives presumed killed in air strikes.To support us, go to patreon.com/kalampodcastFollow us on Instagram @kalampodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-10-2537 min
KalamCEASEFIRE IN GAZA – What does it mean? Kalam Digest 38A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has taken effect. Israeli forces have withdrawn to an agreed upon borderline and a hostage/prisoner exchange will commence within 72 hours. While we are overjoyed at the prospect of some respite for the suffering population of Gaza, we dedicate this episode to answering the prescient question of, What now? Sam and Edgar analyse the ceasefire agreement and the day after. To support us, go to patreon.com/kalampodcastFollow us on Instagram @kalampodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
2025-10-1031 min
KalamEmperor Trump & Bibi Vader Declare “Eternal Peace”The leaders of Israel and the US have concocted a 20 point peace deal for Gaza. The US president Donald Trump has said that Hamas has 72 hours to accept the proposal or he will let his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, do whatever he wants – a terrifying prospect. In today's episode, Sam and Edgar examine the deal and analyse its impact.*We are aware of the fact that “Bibi Vader” makes no sense but it simply sounds much funnier than “Darth BibiTo support us, go to patreon.com/kalampodcastFollow us on Insta...
2025-10-0131 min
KalamIsrael Invades Gaza City (again): Kalam Digest 36Several European countries have threatened to boycott Eurovision if Israel is permitted to participate, the Israeli economy is suffering from the genocidal war, Israeli military personnel estimates that 10% of Gaza's population are casualties of the war and the ground invasion of Gaza has officially begun. Sam and Edgar discuss these developments and their political implications. To support us, go to patreon.com/kalampodcastFollow us on Instagram @kalampodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-09-1728 min
KalamIsrael Bombs Qatar: Kalam Digest 35Israel targeted the Hamas leadership residing in US ally of Qatar in an airstrike which killed several low level members of Hamas but largely failed in its mission. What does this mean for the larger regional conflict and how will the US react? Sam and Edgar discuss these issues, as well as a piece of very funny Swedish news. To support us, go to patreon.com/kalampodcast Follow us on Instagram @kalampodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-09-1134 min
KalamWhat Genocide? Kalam Digest 34Kalam Podcast is back in business, today with a news update on the genocide in Gaza and all those who continue to deny its existence. Sam and Edgar also speak about Israel's intensification of its ground invasion of Gaza as well as increasingly bold military raids on West Bank cities like Ramallah. Sam tells us about Israeli politics and the so-called opposition to Netanyahu.If you'd like to support this podcast you can, by joining our patreon at patreon.com/kalampodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-08-2925 min
Kalam"...likely due to a misunderstanding": Kalam Digest 33Sam and Edgar give you the latest, horrific news on Israels genocidal war on Gaza now in it's 94th week. Also: last week's sectarian fighting in southern Syria and the US seemingly throwing the Kurds under the bus.To support Kalam Podcast, head to patreon.com/kalampodcast and subscribe for all episodes ad-free and loads of bonus materials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-2431 minKalamSimulacrum Intensifies: Kalam Digest 32In the aftermath of the war between Iran and Israel/USA the fight continues over what actually took place. As the actions of the IDF in Gaza grows more horrific by the day, Western media are outraged by the statements of a punk band a music festival. In today's episode Sam and Edgar discuss the irreality of the Middle East, and what might come next. To support Kalam Podcast, head to patreon.com/kalampodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-0323 min
KalamIsrael Strikes Iran: Kalam Digest 31Israel has hit several targets in Iran and Iran has retaliated with waves of ballistic missile barrages on Israeli targets. Hundreds of civilians have been killed, the overwhelming majority of them Iranian. In today's episode Sam and Edgar discuss the consequences of this dangerous escalation. To support Kalam Podcast, head to patreon.com/kalampodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-06-1938 min
KalamAs the Tide Turns on Gaza: Kalam Digest 30Global public opinion has shifted dramatically in favour of the Palestinian cause in the last few weeks. The likes of Piers Morgan and Ehud Olmert would have called themselves anti-Semites just a few weeks ago. Edgar and Sam discuss these developments as well as the political ongoings in Syria. To support the show, go to patreon/kalampodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-06-0937 min
KalamJust Another World Historic Event: Kalam Digest 29On this week's news summary, Samuel and Edgar discuss the world historic decision made at last weeks PKK congress, and what it will mean for the Middle East. Also: The relentless killing and starving of Gaza shows no sign of letting up, but the souring relationship between Netanyahu and Trump does not bode well for Israels hopes for regional domination. How will Israel survive a multi-polar world order?Kalam Podcast depends on your support. If you like what were doing, please head over to patreon.com/kalampodcast and sign up to Klub Kalam for just 3 US$/m...
2025-05-1330 minKalamIsrael Destabilising Lebanon and Druze Conflict in Syria Looming: Kalam Digest 28On this week's news summary, Sam and Edgar discuss the unrest in both Syria and Lebanon, caused by Israeli interference as well as sectarian tensions. If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and would like to make a donation, you can do so. Head to patreon.com/kalampodcast and sign up for just 3 USD/month. For continuous updates, follow us on Instagram @kalampodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-05-0123 minKalam50. Att spränga ett getto (Swedish)This episode is in Swedish, apologies to our international listeners and features the Swedish journalist and pro Palestine activist Shora Esmailian Shora Esmailian har bevakat och varit involverad i Palestinarörelsen i 20 år. Förra året skrev hon boken Gaza: Att spränga ett getto, om den palestinska historian och Israels ockupation. Sedan den 7 oktober har delar av kultursverige tolkat Shoras uttalanden som antisemitiska och anklagat henne för att stödja terrorism. I dagens avsnitt talar Edgar och Shora om allt detta och mycket mer. Vill du stödja Kalam Podcast? Gå med i vår...
2025-04-2939 min
KalamArab Socialism Part II: Nasserism (Teaser)Arab Socialism is deeply intertwined with Arab Nationalism, to the extent that they are sometimes used interchangeably. On this second episode in our series on Arab Socialism Samuel and Edgar discuss the man who more than any other has come to define the term Arab Socialism, as well as this particular combination of social revolution and national liberation: Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser.How did he rise to power, what did his ideas mean to ordinary Arabs, and how did his politics relate to Socialism?To listen to the full e...
2025-04-2201 min
KalamNo Other Land, Clashes in Syria and Ramadan in Gaza: Kalam Digest 24In this week's Kalam Digest, Edgar, Sam and Nora discuss the Israeli-Palestinian documentary "No Other Land" winning an Oscar, the violent clashes in Syria as well as Ramadan in war-torn Gaza. If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to support the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by signing up to our Patreon. For just $3/month you'll gain access to full length interviews with all our guests and lots of bonus material - including our series Kalam Shorts: 10-15 explainers of concepts like Zionism and Orientalism. Join at patreon.com/kalampodcast...
2025-03-0730 min
KalamArab Socialism Part I: Origins – Kalam Shorts (Teaser)Arab-socialism is deeply intertwined with arab nationalism – to the extent that they are sometimes used interchangeably: Pan-arabism, Arab Nationalism and Arab Socialism, to talk about especially its most well known movements, of the 1950s-1970s. In this series however, we will focus specifically on the rise of a peculiar "arab socialism", as a part of understanding the back story of the regime that so recently fell in Damascus. In this introductory episode, Sam and Edgar explore the origins of Arab socialism from the late 1800's up until the end of WWII. This is a t...
2025-01-2101 minKalamLIVEPODD: Det brittiska mandatet i Palestina (Swedish)Direkt från Teater Tribunalen pratar Edgar och Sam om det brittiska mandatet i Palestina under mellankrigsåren. Vad var det för system, och hur bidrog det till Israels bildande och Nakba?Samtalet är inspelat inför en uppsättning av pjäsen Mandatet som behandlar samma tidsperiod, som sålt ut Teater Tribunalen i Stockholm i flera veckor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-01-1756 min
KalamCEASEFIRE IN GAZA – Kalam Digest 20At long last it seems we have a ceasefire in Gaza, after over a year of war and genocide. But just as we were all breathing a collective sigh of relief, the Netanyahu regime seemed to sabotage the deal in the last minute. What does this mean? In the 20th instalment of Kalam Digest, Edgar, Sam and Nora take us through the implications of the ceasefire agreement and how the f*ck it took this long to bring about.If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to support the show, there is an excellent way...
2025-01-1630 min
KalamThe Bedouin Behind the Curtain: Munadama 4 (Unlocked)In the fourth instalment of Munadama, where the team behind Kalam "shoot the shit over alcoholic beverages", Sam, Nora, Edgar and Arthur discuss everything from Arabic grammar to dive bars in Damascus. These episodes are usually exclusively available for our Patreon subscribers, but in the (belated) spirit of the holidays we're unlocking this episode for all our listeners. If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to support the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by signing up to our Patreon. For just $3/month you'll gain access to full length interviews with...
2025-01-0754 minKalam38. The Children of Gaza with Renad QubbajWhy are Palestinians among the most educated populations in the world? Many people cite community education initiatives that came out of the non-violent resistance movement in the late 80's, the First Intifada. One such organisation is Tamer Institute and earlier this year we had the pleasure of speaking to the General Director of Tamer, Renad Qubbaj. In 2023, Tamer Institute won the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) for children and young peoples' literature. This episode, along with all of our Ramallah series, is video recorded. If you'd like to see the full video...
2024-12-1936 min
Kalam36. The Assad Family – Rulers of Syria With Sune HaugbølleWhen Bashar al Assad’s government fell just a couple of days ago, after a two week whirlwind campaign by opposition forces which surprised the entire world, it signalled the end of more than 54 years of rule by the Assad family and it’s the so called Ba’th-party. While it has been no secret that Syria under Assad was a repressive and violent state, the images and stories of the prisoners released after decades in it’s notorious Sednaya prison as have raised awareness global to the plight of the Syrian people. But what was this...
2024-12-1232 minKalam35. Genocide in Gaza: Amnesty International with Agnes CallamardIt's official, at least if you ask the world's leading human rights organisation, Amnesty International: Israel is guilty of committing the crime of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. In today's episode the Secretary General of Amnesty International herself, Agnes Callamard, walks us through the organisation's damning report on the genocide in Gaza. We know there’s a lot going on in Syria right now, and we are working on bringing you a special series on the developing situation there. But the war on Gaza is ongoing and this report from Amnesty International is hi...
2024-12-1029 min
KalamSyria: What Now? Kalam Digest 17The regime of Bashar al Assad has fallen and Syrians around the world are celebrating. So what happens now? Anything is possible in such times, and we must hope for the best for the people of Syria who so desperately deserve freedom, dignity and the right to choose their government. In today's episode we look at what recent events mean for regional and global players like Turkey, Israel, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the US and Iran as well as what the group who has taken over Syria says it wants to do moving forward. ...
2024-12-0931 min
Kalam34. The Fall of Assad with Dr. Neil QuilliamThe Syrian conflict has reignited as opposition forces under the leadership of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) broke out of Idlib, capturing key cities like Aleppo, Hama and finally Damascus, with minimal resistance. What does the apparent fall of the Assad Family's half-century hold on power mean for the country? In today's episode, Nora Adin Fares interviews Dr. Neil Quilliam, an analyst and associate fellow at Chatham House as we dive deeper into what this means for the Syrian people. Are they welcoming this development, or is there more to the story? What does it mean for the...
2024-12-0836 min
KalamSyrian Rebels Take Aleppo: Kalam Digest 16The ripple effects of Israel's wars in the Middle East are spinning out of control. Just last week, the Islamist Syrian rebel group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) retook the city of Aleppo, the second-largest city in Syria. How did they manage to do so, and how does the severe weakening of Hezbollah play into it? Will this spell the end of Bashar al Assad's regime?In other news we speak about the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon and the on-going killing of Gaza. If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to support the show, there is...
2024-12-0323 min
KalamLikud – Party of Netanyahu – Part 2: Kalam Shorts (Teaser)In the second part of this miniseries Samuel and Edgar discuss the development of the Likud Party since its landslide victory in 1977. What demographic and political shifts cause its rise to dominance.How did the party of Benjamin Netanyahu come to dominate Israeli politics as massively as it has done for the last couple of decades? How did it achieve this position, who are its voters and support today, and how does its future look?This is a teaser. To listen to the full episode: join us on patreon.com/kalampodcast for only $3/month.
2024-11-3000 minKalamCeasefire in Lebanon: Kalam Digest 15A lot has happened since our last news summary on Kalam Podcast. The ICC has officially issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant and as of today, a ceasefire deal has taken effect in Lebanon. If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to support the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by signing up to our Patreon. For just $3 a month you'll gain access to full length interviews with all our guests and lots of bonus material - including our series Kalam Shorts: 10-15 explainers of concepts like Zionism and...
2024-11-2728 minKalam33. The Palestinian Theatre with Iman AounPalestinian theatre has been around for thousands of years through the tradition of the Hakawati, the storyteller. In modern times, the Palestinian theatre has inevitably served as an liberatory artistic platform. Palestinian theatre cannot be separated from the Palestinian struggle more generally. But as today’s guest, Iman Aoun argues, there’s a more universal dimension to this: Palestinian theatre serves not only to liberate Palestine but all of humanity, from the evils of colonialism, oppression and racism. Iman Aoun and her husband Edward Muallam founded Ashtar Theatre in 1991, riding the wave of the highly insp...
2024-11-2435 minKalam32. (Arabic) Cinema of Palestine with Ola SalamaThis episode is in Arabic! Sorry to all our non-Arabic speakers. You can watch the full episode with English subtitles on Youtube.Is there such thing as Palestinian cinema? And what has the genoc!de in Gaza meant for film in the strip?Ola Salama, herself from Gaza, is the Executive Director of Film Lab Palestine, an organisation aimed at revitalising the culture of films in Palestine, liberating it from the grasp of conventional European filmmaking industries and Hollywood.In this episode, Ola and Edgar speak about the war in Gaza and the...
2024-11-1031 min
KalamTrump Wins – What Does this Mean for the Middle East? Kalam Digest 14What will a Trump presidency mean for the war in Gaza and Lebanon and for the Middle East more broadly? Probably complete disaster, but still worth a discussion. Sam and Edgar spend the lion's part of the 14th installment of Kalam Digest speaking about Trump's stunning and decisive victory. As well as the crucial Arab vote which mostly sided with the man who last time around implemented the "Muslim Ban". We also mention the firing of former Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant. What does this mean for the future of the Middle Eastern wars?
2024-11-0633 min
KalamThe Destruction of Gaza Continues: Kalam Digest 13Unbelievably, the destruction and killing of Gaza continues and is, in fact, escalating. Israel's relentless and genocidal war seems to know no bounds. In this week's news summary, Sam, Edgar and Nora speak about the impending doom that is the US elections. Muslims for Trump and floating piles of garbage aka Rudy Giuliani. The political opposition in Israel, Yair Lapid of the party Yesh Atid, admits to higher casualty figures than has been previously reported. Lapid also chastised Netanyahu for NOT going after more targets in the latest strike on Iran. If you...
2024-11-0230 minKalam31. The Politics of Resistance with Abdaljawad OmarWhat are the politics of Palestine, who can take over a Palestinian state when it is conceived? Aboud Hamayel, also known under his pen name Abdaljawad Omar is a writer and theorist and a Lecturer of Philosophy at Bir Zeit University on the Occupied West Bank. Abdaljawad gives us a detailed outline of the history of different political currents in Palestine. Interestingly, he does not give as much credence to the idea of an Islamist-secular split as other scholars of this field.This episode was recorded, as usual, in Sirdab Studio in Ramallah in the...
2024-10-3127 min
KalamLikud – Party of Netanyahu – Part 1: Kalam Shorts (Teaser)In this the first part of a miniseries Samuel and Edgar discuss the origins of Likud Party. For the last 30 years the Likud has dominated Israeli politics, and thus set the tone for the international politics of the region, not to mention the question of Palestine. Today it is an ultra-conservative party with neoliberal economics, bent on making the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories permanent, but what are the roots of the Likud Party? What leading figures shaped its policy, and what does its founding charter actually say about its charachter?This is part...
2024-10-2801 minKalam30. Israel's End Goal in the Middle East with Ralph BaydounOnce again we are delighted to have Lebanese political analyst and researcher Ralph Baydoun on the show. Ralph joins us live from Beirut, a city under constant Israeli bombardment. In today's episode Ralph and Edgar speak about Israel's plan to redraw the map of the Middle East, and how this can have unintended consequences as other powerful actors in the region attempt to take advantage – namely Erdogan's Turkey. If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to support the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by signing up to our Patreon. For ju...
2024-10-2736 min
KalamRedrawing the Map of the Middle East: Kalam Digest 12The attack in the Turkish capital, Ankarra, considered by Turkish authorities to be a terrorist attack, seems to have been carried out by Kurdish militants affiliated with PKK. This has led to Turkey striking Kurdish positions in Syria and Iraq.At the same time, Israel is attempting to redraw the map of the Middle East - something Turkey wants to benefit from, many analysts believe. The war in Lebanon and Gaza is intensifying, Sam and Edgar look at a remarkable piece of journalism, where CNN interviewed Israeli soldiers openly admitting to have committed war crimes...
2024-10-2419 min
KalamSectarianism in Lebanon Part II: Kalam Shorts (teaser)There are 18 recognised religious "sects" in Lebanon, including various Christian denominations, Shia and Sunni Muslims, the Druze and Jews. Sects in this context does not refer to a kind of cult but rather different religious groupings. How did the Lebanese republic organise itself and how did the sectarian system contribute to the bloody civil wars fought in the mid to late 20th century?Find out in part two of a two-part series for Kalam Shorts about sectarianism in Lebanon, available exclusively for our Patreon subscribers. Sign up at patreon.com/kalampodcast for just $3/month.
2024-10-1601 min
KalamIsrael Strikes Tent Hospital in Gaza: Kalam Digest 11This week we saw harrowing images of Gazans literally burning alive when Israel struck a makeshift hospital in Northern Gaza. One person was in a hospital bed hooked up to an IV when the flames engulfed and ultimately killed him. Why are we seeing this brutal escalation, and how is this affecting the front in Lebanon?Israel demanded that the UN peacekeeping troops in Lebanon be removed "from harms way", after several UN soldiers were injured as a result of Israeli fire. This request was denied by the governments of France, Spain and Ireland.
2024-10-1522 minKalam29. Asbestos in Gaza with Nora Adin FaresThe United Nations estimates that 800,000 of bombed-out debris in Gaza may be contaminated with the toxic mineral asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that poses little threat to humans when undisturbed, but is highly carcinogenic - that is, it leads to severe forms of cancer, mainly in the lungs - when it is released into the atmosphere and inhaled by humans. In today's programme Edgar speaks with Nora about this terrifying piece of news and what it could mean for the future of Gaza's population, already suffering under what an increasing number of legal scholars are calling a...
2024-10-1133 min
KalamOne Year Since October 7: Kalam DigestIt's been a year since Hamas launched its attack on October 7, 2023 prompting Israel to commence what a growing number of legal scholars consider to be a genocide. In today's episode, Edgar and Sam discuss the failure of Israel's war on Gaza since Hamas managed to launch rockets at Tel Aviv on the literal one year anniversary. We also discuss the latest developments in the Lebanese front and the impending sense of doom we all are feeling. If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to support the show, there is an excellent way to...
2024-10-1017 min
KalamSectarianism in Lebanon Part I: Kalam Shorts (teaser)There are 18 recognised religious "sects" in Lebanon, including various Christian denominations, Shia and Sunni Muslims, the Druze and Jews. Sects in this context does not refer to a kind of cult but rather different religious groupings. How is it that such a diverse religious and ethnic mix of people came to live in so close proximity to each other in and around Mount Lebanon? And why did the French colonial authorities decide to organise their mandate in Lebanon by dividing the country across "sectarian" lines?Find out in part one of a two-part series for...
2024-10-0801 min
KalamMunadama 3 (teaser)"There are decades when you fuck around, there are weeks when you find out."This is our third Munadama session when Edgar, Sam and Arthur - the creators of Kalam Podcast - sit down for a relaxed discussion of the last few weeks' events. To listen to the full episode, go to patreon.com/kalampodcastFor continuous updates, follow us on Instagram @kalampodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-10-0600 min
KalamIran Strikes Back at Israel with Nora Adin Fares (Welcome to the show!) and Sam Carlshamre – Kalam Digest 9Earlier this week, Iran retaliated against Israel for the killing of the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, Ismael Haniyeh and Hassan Nasrallah respectively, by launching the largest ballistic missile barrage in history. It is still unclear what was hit and how much damage was inflicted, due to heavy Israeli military censorship. We do know that the Iron Dome did not intercept all of the missiles, and many did hit their intended target. We are so delighted to announce the newest addition to the Kalam team, Swedish-Iraqi freelance journalist, Nora Adin Fares, who joins us directly...
2024-10-0432 minKalamHassan Nasrallah Assassinated by Israel - Kalam Digest 8Last week the Secretary General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike. This marks the most high profile political assassination Israel has ever carried out. What does this mean for Lebanon and the broader region?In more news, Israel has launched its ground invasion of Southern Lebanon following airstrikes and heavy artillery bombardment of alleged Hezbollah positions. Sam and Edgar discuss this and more in this week's news summary.Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organisation by large parts of the Western World, while for many Lebanese and Arabs in general it is...
2024-10-0131 min
Kalam28. Live från Bokmässan med Amer Sarsour (Swedish)The Swedish-Palestinian author Amer Sarsour published his much praised debut novel Medan vi brinner earlier this year. At the Gothenburg Book Fair, Edgar had a chance to interview Amer for a live show (in Swedish) about the book and about being Palestinian in Sweden. This episode is in Swedish as the book hasn't yet been translated, apologies to everyone who doesn't speak the language! We plan on speaking to Amer in English soon.If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to suppor the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by signing...
2024-09-3041 minKalam27. Lobbying for Palestine with Inès Abdel RazekIt is no longer viable to advocate for Palestinian liberation with Western politicians and diplomats. Palestinian advocacy networks like the Palestinian Institute for Public Diplomacy (PIPD) is now looking to affect change with cultural figures, Generation Z and the Global South in order to pressure the Global North to change its position on Israel and Palestine. In this conversation, Inès Abdel Razek, co-Director of PIPD, speaks with Edgar about the challenges faced by those who advocate for Palestinian liberation. Not only from the Israeli occupation and its lobbying groups, but also from the Palestinian Authority which s...
2024-09-2629 min
KalamLebanon: Hundreds killed in Israeli strikes - Kalam Digest 7The deadliest day since the 1975-1990 civil war in Lebanon - over 500 people have been killed in 24 hours of Israeli bombardment. We dedicate the majority of today's news summary to the ongoing war in Lebanon. What does Israel wish to achieve? What is life like for Lebanese civilians? If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to suppor the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by signing up to our Patreon. For just $3 a month you'll gain access to full length interviews with all our guests and lots of bonus material...
2024-09-2424 minKalam26. Lebanon in Crisis with Ralph BaydounThis is a special edition of Kalam Podcast due to the dramatic events in Lebanon, effectively escalating the already intense regional tensions in the Middle East. In this conversation, Lebanese journalist Ralph Baydoun joins Edgar for a frank conversation about the precarious state of Lebanon. A country that went from being a top exporter of arts and culture to a place mired in devastating conflict and economic crisis. If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to suppor the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by signing up to our Patreon. For...
2024-09-2147 min
KalamLebanon Pager Terror Attack - Kalam Digest 6Terror struck large swathes of Lebanon yesterday as hundreds of explosions went off all over the country. Hezbollah members' pagers (the communication device of choice since Israel easily hacks into smartphones) suddenly exploded in their pockets. This left nearly 3,000 people injured - 200 in critical condition - and killed at least 11 people, including an 8-year-old girl, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. This comes in the midst of a dangerous escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, nearly one year into the war on Gaza sparked by the October 7 attack.If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and...
2024-09-1824 minKalamHamas Part III - What do They Believe in? - Kalam Shorts (teaser)This is a teaser for the final episode of our three-part series on Hamas for Kalam Shorts. Hamas wrote what they refer to as a "covenant" in 1988 with some.. let's say problematic content. In 2017 they released a policy document with wildly different values and ideas. So what do they actually believe in? Listen to the full episode on patreon.com/kalampodcastFor continuous updates follow us on Instagram @kalampodcast and TikTok @kalam_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-09-1401 minKalam25. "Jerusalem is not a City" with Abed Alrahman ShabanehAbed Alrahman Shabaneh is a Palestinian writer and curator. In addition to writing novels and essays, Abed also worked on urban planning in Jerusalem. From this experience he gained invaluable insights into how colonialism and occupation is constructed. In his conversation with Edgar, Abed speaks about his ideas about where the technological future will take us, expressed through his slightly dystopian literary work. If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to suppor the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by signing up to our Patreon. For just $3 a month you'll gain...
2024-09-1229 min
KalamIsrael Kills 40 Palestinians in Refugee Camp: Kalam Digest 5In this week's news summary, Edgar and Sam discuss the latest deadly airstrikes on Gaza, follow up on the Polio vaccine and the conditions for back to school season in Gaza. In other news, a Jordanian truck driver gunned down three Israeli border police and the culture wars in Israel deepen while the economy is in free fall. These are some of the headlines spoken about in today's episode. If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to suppor the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by signing up to our Patreon...
2024-09-1120 min
KalamKalam Live from Zita! With Bernt Hermele and Sarah Dahman HallgrenAfter a screening of the documentary Where the Olive Trees Wheep Edgar sits with the Swedish writer Bernt Hermele and the Palestinian-French curator of books, Sarah Dahman Hallgren for a conversation about trauma and resistance. Thank you to everyone who came to see us live!If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to suppor the show, there is an excellent way to do so - by signing up to our Patreon. For just $3 a month you'll gain access to full length interviews with all our guests and lots of bonus material - including our series...
2024-09-1049 minKalam24. The Palestinian Museum with Amer ShomaliToday's guest, Amer Shomali, was appointed as the General Director of the Palestinian Museum on October 5, 2023. Two days later, we all know what happened. Amer Shomali is a visual artist who directed one of the most innovative documentaries we have seen as of late. The Wanted 18 follows a number of "Israeli" cows gifted to the Palestinian town of Bayt Sahur. Over the course of our conversation, we touch on the documentary I just mentioned, running a museum during a war, Amer’s upbring in Syria, the disillusionment he felt when he first saw Palestine as a...
2024-09-0742 minKalam23. Mariam Barghouti on Being a Palestinian Journalist: Kalam RamallahWe are delighted to announce the first episode in our 13 part series from Ramallah on the occupied West Bank. Today's guest is an icon of Palestinian journalism and advocacy, Mariam Barghouti. In this episode, Mariam speaks about the hypocrisy of Western media, the pain she feels in reporting on resistance fighters and about being targeted herself by the Israeli military. This episode is video recorded and available on YouTube, youtube.com/@KalamPodcast972If you enjoy Kalam Podcast and want to suppor the show, there is an excellent way to do so...
2024-09-0531 min
KalamNationwide Strikes Paralyse Israel: Kalam Digest 4On today's weekly news summary, Edgar and Sam discuss Israel's incursion into the West Bank, as well as the latest on the distribution of the Polio vaccine in Gaza, the Houthi's latest operations and the UK cutting 10% of its arms sales to Israel.Our main story concerns the general strike that began today in Israel - paralysing large parts of the country including the airports. The Israeli Labour Court ordered for the strike to end even before it began, signalling the gravity of the situation. As always, to support the show head to patreon.com...
2024-09-0326 min
KalamMunadama 2 (teaser)This is a teaser, to hear the full episode head over to patreon.com/kalampodcast and sign up for just $3/month and gain access to lots of great bonus content. It's closing in on half a year of Kalam Podcast! Edgar, Sam and Arthur sit down for a reflection session on a balcony in Stockholm. We want to begin by thanking everyone who has listened to the podcast and shared our content and especially to everyone who has signed up to our Patreon. Your support means everything! How has the process been since...
2024-09-0203 minKalam22. From Sápmi to Palestine with Salem BarahmehOn today's episode of Kalam Podcast Edgar speaks with the founder of Uncivilized Media, Salem Barahmeh. Uncivilized is a channel that tells stories about people and places that are unrepresented, silenced or erased. Very similar to what we do here at Kalam Podcast. Edgar first met Salem on a cold, rainy day in Stockholm several years ago. At the time, he was working with PIPD, the Palestinian Institute for Public Diplomacy. He was traveling the Western World, lobbying for the Palestinian cause with politicians, diplomats and grassroots organisers. Since then he has pivoted into storytelling...
2024-09-0136 min
KalamPolio documented in Gaza: Kalam Digest 3In this week's news summary, Sam and Edgar discuss the failing ceasefire negotiations and the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. In addition, we look at the Israeli Minister for National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and his violent settler supporters who recently stormed the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, harassing Palestinian worshippers and proclaiming the building of the third temple. In horrific news from Gaza, the first case of Polio has been detected among a population whose suffering has not ended for the better part of a year. Kalam Podcast is made possible through listeners...
2024-08-2723 min
KalamHamas Part II - Rulers of Gaza: Kalam Shorts (Teaser)What does Hamas do when it takes over Gaza? It implements an Islamist agenda and mobilises the population for resistance against Israel. In Part 2 of our series on Hamas for Kalam Shorts, Edgar and Sam discuss how Hamas act once they gain formal political power. They also discuss Hamas' international appeal with parts of the Western Left. This is a teaser, to hear the full episode head over to patreon.com/kalampodcast and sign up for $3/month. In addition to this episode, you'll gain access to lots of other bonus content. For continuous...
2024-08-2102 min
KalamIs Blinken up to the Task? - Kalam Digest 2This week has seen massive upheaval on the West Bank - a new pogrom-style burning of a village as well as settler encroachment at the Gaza border. Edgar and Sam discuss the possibilities of an Iranian strike as the US Foreign Secretary, Antony Blinken, visits Tel Aviv. In related news, the Democratic National Convention is kicking off in Chicago where tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters are expected to rally against the administrations endorsement of genoc!de. Kalam Podcast is made possible through listeners like you. If you enjoy listening to Kalam, please...
2024-08-2024 minKalam21. Majdal Shams Massacre with Wael TarabiehOn 27 July, 2024 a rocket hit a football pitch in the village of Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights. 12 children and teenagers were killed and it has yet to be determined who is responsible.In today's episode, Edgar speaks with artist and activist Wael Tarabieh, born and raised in Majdal Shams. The conversation ranges from the history of the Druze in southern Syria to the politics of occupation and why the people of Majdal Shams refused Israeli citizenship. Kalam Podcast is made possible through listeners like you. If you enjoy listening to Kalam, please subscribe...
2024-08-1555 min
KalamKalam Live - Unstraight Stories from Egypt with Dawood and NayukIn this feature episode, recorded live at the Swedish night club Trädgården, Edgar sits with Dawood, a Swedish-Lebanese photographer who recently exhibited his project Unstraight Stories from Egypt. This is a collection of photographs and stream of consciousness anecdotes depicting queer life in the Arab World's most populous country. Special guest feature is Nayuk, a non-binary queer activist from Turkey, who is involved in Unstraight Stories from Turkey. Both projects are made in partnership with the Swedish Unstraight Museum, a mobile museum showcasing queer life around the world. Kalam Podcast is ma...
2024-08-1435 min
KalamWhen Will Iran Strike? - Kalam Digest 1This is the first installment of Kalam Digest, a weekly news summary bringing you the latest political developments in the Middle East. In today's episode, Edgar and Sam speak about Israel's new wartime strategy of striking schools in Gaza, while the US delivers $3.5 billion in fresh aid.According to leaks from within Israeli intelligence, Iran is expected to strike Israel within the next few days. What shape will this attack take, and what are its implications for the region?All the while, the negotiations for a ceasefire and a hostage deal are ongoing...
2024-08-1322 min
KalamHamas Part I - Rise to Power: Kalam Shorts (Unlocked)What is Hamas? Depending on who you ask, a resistance group or a terrorist organisation. For the people of Gaza, oftentimes, authoritarian thugs. This is part one of a three part Kalam Shorts series on Hamas - on their founding as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood in the 60's and 70's, and their rise to power in the aftermath of the failure of the Oslo Process.If you would like to hear parts 2 and 3 of this series, please consider signing up to our Patreon community for just $3/month, at patreon.com/kalampodcast. With such...
2024-07-3014 min
KalamThe Hannibal Directive: Kalam Shorts (Teaser)The Israeli military, the IDF, ordered the Hannibal Directive on October 7 to Prevent Hamas Taking Soldiers Captive, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The IDF has long denied the existence of such a directive, although leaks and ex-soldier testimonies seems to prove otherwise. So what is the Hannibal Directive? On this episode of Kalam Shorts, Sam speaks to Edgar about the origins of the directive and why it was created. This is a teaser, to listen to the full episode sign up to Klub Kalam at patreon.com/kalampodcast. For just $3/month you'll gain access...
2024-07-2801 minKalam20. Netanyahu is a War Criminal with Abdelghany SayedEarlier this week, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received standing ovations as he spoke at the US Congress in Washington DC. He was applauded, while he is accused of a series of war crimes by the International Criminal Court in the Hague, which is imminently expected to issue an arrest warrant against Netanyahu. Abdelghany Sayed is an expert on International Law and a teacher of it at Kent University in London. In this episode, he speaks to Edgar about the role of International Law when it comes to the Palestinian issue, and whether or...
2024-07-2643 min
KalamStreet Food in Cairo with Mariam Nezar: Kalam 5asaMariam Nezar, who goes by Mia, is co-founder of Bellies en-Route, which provides food tours of Cairo as well as cooking classes. Together, Edgar and Mia eat their way through the streets of downtown. Foul, taameya, molokheyya, koshary, and even cow brain are on the menu today!Get a feel for the street food of Cairo, as well as the history behind many of the city's most iconic dishes and restaurants. To see much of the food spoken about in this episode, follow Kalam Podcast on Instagram @kalampodcastIf you would...
2024-07-2319 minKalam19. Queer as in Free Palestine with Fredrik "Apollo" Asplund"How can you be gay and support Palestine?" is a question that bugs Swedish club icon Fredrik "Apollo" Asplund. For him, it's obvious - the 1969 Stonewall Riots (protesting New York police harassing the city's queer communities) and the Palestinian Intifada are about the same struggle for freedom and dignity. In the 80's and 90's gay people were killed in the millions by AIDS. Today, the people of Gaza are subjected to genoc!de. For Apollo - the solidarity is clear. Listen to Edgar speak to his old friend Apollo - born in Kiruna but who...
2024-07-1639 minKalam18. We are not Afraid with Hanan AshrawiWe proudly present Dr. Hanan Ashrawi – one of the foremost Palestinian activist and politicians of the last half century. On this episode she speaks to Edgar about the First Intifada, of which she was a guiding spirit and a crucial player. And the Oslo Peace Process – which was the fruit of much of her labour, while resulting in catastrophe. So what does this Palestinian political veteran think about our current moment? Find out on this Kalam Podcast EXCLUSIVE - Hanan Ashrawi is not giving interviews currently, but made an exception for us. If you’d like to...
2024-07-0942 min
KalamThe Kufiyya: Kalam Shorts (teaser)What is the Kuffiyeh, known by many simply as the “Palestine scarf”? How did this humble piece of clothing come to take on the political overtones it does today – and what more exactly does it signify?In this episode, Sam speaks to Edgar about the origins, both historical and etymological, of this iconic scarf. The sound above is a teaser, to listen to the full episode sign up to Klub Kalam at patreon.com/kalampodcast. For continuous updates, follow us on Instagram @kalampodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...
2024-06-3001 minKalam17. War is Inevitable with Diana ButtuDiana Buttu speaks to Edgar in the city of Haifa in historic Palestine, today's Israel. The impending war with Lebanon and the genocide in Gaza is strongly felt in this mixed city of Israelis and Palestinians. Diana speaks about what it is like to be a Palestinian citizen of Israel in this moment - living in a "sick society". For continuous updates, follow us on Instagram @kalampodcast If you like the show, please rate and subscribe to Kalam Podcast wherever you're listening right now. And if you want to support us...
2024-06-2730 min
KalamThe Suez Canal: Kalam ShortsSince its inauguration in 1869 the Suez Canal has played an immensely important part in the history, politics and economics of the Middle East and the World.In this episode Sam and Edgar discuss its role in both the occupation of Egypt by the British and its liberation from imperialist domination, as well as the latest developments since October 7th, with the Houthis of Yemen establishing a de facto blockade of the canal. This is a free episode in the Kalam Shorts series, where we introduce important concepts and phenomena. For all future Kalam Shorts please...
2024-06-2318 minKalam16. The Jews of Iraq with Avi ShlaimThe renowned Israeli-British historian Avi Shlaim speaks to Edgar about the Jews of Iraq and the Arab-Jews in general - an identity that was largely destroyed in the wake of the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. Avi Shlaim, Professor of International Relations at the University of Oxford, speaks to Edgar about the Jews of Iraq, who numbered 130,000 in 1948, and what led to every single one of them leaving. It is a candid conversation in which Avi Shlaim answers difficult questions about his own past. He was born in Baghdad in 1945 to a prosperous, upper-middle class...
2024-06-2056 min
KalamMUNADAMA 1 (Teaser)We are delighted to announce the first instalment of our series, Munadama. For the full length episode, sign up at patreon.com/kalampodcast In Arabic, the meaning of Munadama is akin to a hearty discussion session with accompanied drinks. In these episodes, the team behind Kalam Podcast, Edgar Mannheimer (host), Sam Carlshamre (research & production) and Arthur Mannheimer (sound design) sit down for a drink and a talk. In this first episode, we introduce ourselves and reflect on the first few episodes of Kalam. In the future, we hope to invite other guests to sit with...
2024-06-1801 minKalam15. German Madness with Salah SaidGermany has descended into madness as its security apparatus violently attacks peaceful Palestinian protesters, accusing them of anti-Semitism. This happening in parallell to the far right and not-so-subtly anti-Semitic political party AfD is surging in the polls. In this episode, Edgar speaks with Palestinian activist from Germany, Salah Said about the conditions for pro-Palestinian activism in the country, and about the twisted anti-anti-Semitism bureaucracy. For continuous updates on the show, follow us on Instagram @kalampodcastWe recently launched our Youtube page - check that out here! If you want to support...
2024-06-1440 minKalam14. History of Arabic Poetry with Mosab Abu Toha (video)On this video recorded episode of Kalam, Edgar sits with the Gazan poet and very much a friend of the podcast, Mosab Abu Toha, for a discussion about, among other things, the history of Arabic poetry. Why are poets so venerated in the Arab world, and what did poetry sound like before Islam?As always, follow us on Instagram for continuous updates @kalampodcast If you want to support independent journalism about Palestine and the Middle East, you can do so! By joining Klub Kalam on Patreon. Sign up for just $3/month and gain...
2024-06-1328 minKalam13. Lament of an Egyptian Revolutionary with Aida Seif El-DawlaWhy aren't we seeing massive pro-Palest!ne demonstrations in Egypt, when we know an overwhelming majority of its people support the liberation of Palest!ne? Dr. Aida Seif El-Dawla, a retired psychiatrist and human rights defender conveys the sense of defeat and tragedy many progressives in Egypt feel. The revolution of 2011 came so close to achieving the change Egypt so desperately needs - and it also came very close to changing Egypt's policy toward its neighbour Israel. But in the end it failed. Today's episode can be sen as a lament of the Egyptian revolution...
2024-06-0736 min
KalamNakba Museum with Bernt Hermele: Kalam 5asaIn this Kalam Podcast special, Edgar speaks with the journalist and author Bernt Hermele, who recently opened an exhibition on the Nakba at Medelhavsmuseet in Stockholm, Sweden. Bernt Hermele is Jewish, and his mother was killed in a terrorist attack in Israel during the Second Intifada in 2002. This tragic moment changed Bernt's life. He left the world of business reporting and began documenting eyewitness accounts of the Holocaust. He then did the same with survivor's of the Nakba. For continuous updates and posts about Middle Eastern history, follow us on Instagram @kalampodcast. If you want...
2024-06-0434 minKalam12. Watermelon Pictures with Munir AtallaWhy are Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims so often portrayed as violent and stupid savages in American film, and how can we change that?Munir Atalla is the head of production and acquisition at Watermelon Pictures, the newly founded film production and distribution company rooted in Palestinian culture and creativity.An old friend of Edgar's, Munir speaks about the limits of representation in cinema and the need to produce films that empower and mobilise the Palestinian community. For continuous updates and posts about Middle Eastern history, follow us on Instagram @kalampodcast. If you want...
2024-05-3037 min
KalamZionism: Kalam Shorts (Teaser)Zionism, the political movement to create a Jewish state in Palestine, has had an immense impact on the modern history of the Middle East. But what were its theoretical foundations, and in what political context did it take shape?In this new episode of Kalam Shorts, Sam and Edgar discuss the roots of Zionism, starting from Theodor Herzl’s (1860-1904) The Jewish State (Der Judenstaat) from 1896 — the book which launched Zionism as a political movement. This episode will be the first of several exploring the different forms of Zionism which have appeared over the last 130 years. To...
2024-05-2701 min
KalamSettler Colonialism: Kalam Shorts (Teaser)What is Settler Colonialism, and can it be applied to Israel? In this instalment of Kalam Shorts, Sam and Edgar explore this terminology and talk about the French Jewish scholar, Maxime Rodinson, and his seminal 1967 work, "Israel: A Settler Colonial State?" To gain access to the full episode, join the Kalam Community at patreon.com/kalampodcast for just $3 a month. For continuous updates on the podcast and historic perspectives on the Middle East, follow us on Instagram @kalampodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-05-2401 minKalam11. Women in War with Donia AshourThe death and destruction, wrought by Israel's bloody war in Gaza has been highly publicised and discussed, rightly so. But what about the day to day lives of those who survive? How do women manage menstrual cycles when fleeing bombardment and living in refugee camps with tens of thousands of strangers? In today's episode, Edgar speaks with 23 year old Donia Ashour, a translator from Gaza who had recently graduated with a degree in English Literature when the war began on October 7. Back in October, Edgar interviewed Donia for Swedish Radio when she was...
2024-05-2337 min
KalamMalmövision with Bashar Murad: Kalam 5asaThe Eurovision finals were held in Malmö on May 11 2024, and because of Israel's participation huge demonstrations were organised. Tens of thousands are estimated to have marched in Malmö on the days preceding the finals. An alternative song contest was also organised, Falastinvision: "The genocide free song contest". Edgar travelled to Malmö and attended Falastinvision, where the Palestinian pop artist Bashar Murad performed. This is a KALAM 5ASA instalment, a feature episode of the Kalam podcast. The regularly scheduled episodes released on Thursdays will not be affected. For continuous updates and posts about Middle Eas...
2024-05-1917 minKalam10. The Road to Cairo Runs Through Gaza With Nihal El AasarA democratic Egypt is impossible without a liberated Palestine and vice versa. This is the argument put forth by the Egyptian writer, researcher and DJ, Nihal El Aasar. Nihal is a member of the London branch of the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), where she lives. In today's episode, Nihal speaks to Edgar about why the West has a vested interest in keeping Egypt's government authoritarian and anti-Democratic, as well as the ecumenical nature of the term Arab - before the creation of the state of Israel. For continuous updates on Kalam, as well as biographical...
2024-05-1649 min
KalamOrientalism: Kalam ShortsAre Edgar and Sam, the two white men behind Kalam, actually orientalists? Listen to find out! In this first instalment of Kalam Shorts, Middle Eastern scholar Samuel Carlshamre discusses Edward Said's seminal book Orientalism. What is it about, and what do his critics say?Kalam Shorts are 10-15 minute explainers of terminology important to understand when studying and learning about the Middle East. This first episode is free but coming Kalam Shorts will only be available for our Patreon supporters (subscribe via patreon.com/kalampodcast). Upcoming shorts will look at topics like Settler Colonialism, the...
2024-05-1213 minKalam9. Students Rise Up for Palestine with Sinan AntoonAcross the United States and increasingly in Western Europe, students are establishing encampments on university campuses. Encampments in solidarity with Palestine. Students want to protest against the ongoing war on Gaza and to demand that their institutions divest from Israel. In today's episode Iraqi writer, poet and literary scholar, Sinan Antoon, speaks to Edgar about this movement and its implications for the broader movement to liberate Palestine. Sinan is an Associate Professor at NYU in New York City and was arrested by the NYPD for peacefully protesting. For continuous updates on the podcast and on...
2024-05-0954 minKalam8. Reporting on Gaza with Youmna El SayedThe Palestinian-Egyptian journalist Youmna El Sayed was for many people the media face of the war on Gaza. Soon she found herself in the surreal position of reporting on the same calamities she was facing herself. She and her husband and children have been displaced several times and at times did not have enough food or water. She has since chosen to evacuate Gaza for the sake of her kids. At the moment, she’s travelling the Western world, advocating for the Palestinian cause. Follow us on social media @kalampodcast for updates about the show and...
2024-05-0250 minKalam7. What if all Palestinians Disappeared? With Ibtisam AzemWhat if all the Palestinians would disappear? Not in a figurative sense, or even through ethnic cleansing or genocide. What if they simply vanished out of thin air? What would that do to israeli society? This is the premise of the Palestinian author Ibtisam Azem’s Book of Disappearance, first published in Arabic in 2014. It’s a truly fascinating read, and Ibtisam Azem, who grew up as a Palestinian citizen of Israel, masterfully portrays the hard truths and complexities of Israeli society. This episode can be seen as a sequel to Episode 1 with Suad Amiry, as he...
2024-04-2535 minKalam6. GAZA with Mosab Abu TohaIt's been six months since the October 7 attack. Since then, over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of Israel's bombing campaign and ground invasion of Gaza, nearly 14,000 of whom are children. The renowned Gazan poet Mosab Abu Toha joins Edgar today for a discussion about what it means to grow up in what Masha Gessen likens to a Nazi concentration camp. We would like to dedicate this episode to all the murdered poets of Gaza. As always, follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitter
2024-04-1845 minKalam5. The Second Intifada with Sahar FrancisThe Second Intifada (~2000-2008) came out of the failure of the Oslo Accords, the failure of the PLO to create a Palestinian state, the crippling of the Palestinian economy through Israeli restrictions and Israel’s increasingly aggressive and violent settler expansion and colonial oppression.In contrast to the First Intifada, the Second Intifada was marked by a series of bloody terrorist bombings against Israeli civilians. The renowned Palestinian historian Rashid Khalidi laments this dark development in his book “The 100 Years’ War on Palestine”, describing how different Palestinian armed factions from Hamas to Fatah expressed their rivalry through a kind o...
2024-04-1142 minKalam4. The First Intifada with Islah JadIn Late 1987 Palestine erupted. The Israeli occupation was closing in on 20 years and getting comfortable. But seemingly out of nowhere, a mass movement of protests, strikes and boycotts shook Israel and the world. For the first time, the West gained sympathy for Palestine, as images of heavily armed Israeli soldiers brutalising Palestinian women and children were broadcast on TV screens around the world. Today, Associate Professor Islah Jad joins Edgar for a conversation about the First Intifada. Islah has written the book, Palestinian Women’s Activism: Nationalism, Secularism, Islamism and was an active participant in the First In...
2024-04-0443 minKalam3. Six Days in June 1967 with Khaled FahmyIn June of 1967 Israel launched an attack against its immediate neighbours, the combined Arab armies of Egypt, Syria and Jordan. In a flash it managed to dismantle Egypt's entire air force, and defeated the Arab forces in just six days. This led to the occupation of Egypt's Sinai peninsula, Syria's Golan Heights and the occupation of all Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza. This is where the occupation of Palestine begins. The seminal historian Dr Khaled Fahmy, Edward Keller Professor of North Africa and the Middle East at Tufts University, joins Edgar in a discussion...
2024-03-2843 minKalam2. Nakba (Part two) with Gideon LevyIn the previous episode of the Kalam Podcast, Suad Amiry walked us through the horrors of the 1948 Nakba. In this episode we try to answer the question of who those early Zionists who carried out the Nakba were, and they were motivated by. And what exactly Israelis celebrate when they commemorate the Nakba as their Independence Day.The Israeli journalist and political dissident Gideon Levy joins Edgar to try to explain these phenomena. Follow us on social media @kalampodcast. For full length interviews, poetry and reading lists and bonus episodes, please consider joining...
2024-03-2150 minKalam1. Nakba (Part one) with Suad AmiryIn 1948 an estimated 750,000 Palestinians were displaced as Zionist militias paved the way for the establishment of the state of Israel. Many historians refer to this ethnic cleansing. For Palestinians, it is known as the Nakba, Arabic for catastrophe. In this episode, the renowned Palestinian author and architect, Suad Amiry, speaks to host Edgar Mannheimer about what the Nakba means to the Palestinians. Her 2022 novel, Mother of Strangers, follows several characters in Jaffa between 1947-1951. Follow us on social media @kalampodcast. For full length interviews, poetry and reading lists and bonus episodes, please consider...
2024-03-2148 min