ROPESCAST

ROPES
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  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The hosts of ROPESCAST Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad and invite you to join the only podcast in the Middle East that discusses peacebuilding, the regional vision and the cooperation between the countries in the Middle East, as well as politics, economics, culture and social issues. Whether the topic is the future of the Abraham Accords, the Saudi - Syrian rapprochement or Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding, ROPESCAST podcast offers the most original and interesting views and voices of opinion-makers, activists and scholars of the region.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Settler Violence or State Policy? What Happens in the West Bank

    In this urgent and deeply personal episode of the ROPESCAST, we sit down with Nivine Sandouka of ALLMEP and Aviv Tatarsky of Ir Amim and Engaged Dharma to confront the accelerating reality of settler violence in the West Bank—and the growing evidence that it is not only unchecked, but increasingly state-sanctioned. Together, we unpack what’s happening on the ground: the patterns, the impunity, and the broader political system enabling it. What does this surge in violence mean for Palestinians living under constant threat? And what does it reveal about the trajectory of the conflict as a whole? This episode is dedicated to the memory of Muhammed and Fahim Muammar, brothers from Quiryat village who were killed by settlers at the beginning of March. Muhammed welcomed our team into his home during a ROPES solidarity visit just months earlier—a reminder that behind every headline are lives, families, and human connections that cannot be reduced to statistics. This is a difficult but necessary conversation—one that asks not only what is happening, but what it means for the future of the region. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: Remembering Muhammed & Fahim 1:00 – Guests on the Ground 2:30 – Aviv’s Experience Under Attack 4:00 – Protective Presence Explained 5:25 – The Rising Tide of Settler Violence 8:50 – State Sanctioned Violence 12:00 – Economic & Social Impact on Palestinian Village 16:20 – Settlement Expansion & Ethnic Cleansing 20:00 – Hope, Cooperation & Regional Responsibility 🌐 Learn more about ROPES: ropes.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to the ROPESCAST for more stories of peace, dialogue, and impact across the Middle East.

    37 min

  2. 15 MAR

    From the Heart of Beirut: Hussein Ibish on Israel-Lebanon Relations

    In a visceral and urgent conversation recorded under fire in the Lebanese capital, Hussein Ibish joins The ROPESCAST to map out the "Day After" for Lebanon. We dive into the internal Lebanese struggle for sovereignty, the chances of Hezbollah laying down its arms, and the potential for a historic shift in relations between Jerusalem and Beirut. Chapters: 00:00 ROPESCAST Introduction 01:03 Live & Under Fire from Beirut 04:03 Lebanon Turns Against Hezbollah 05:22 Mass Displacement Crisis 08:03 Hezbollah’s Strategic Failure 12:07 Israel’s Military Strategy in Lebanon 16:40 Lebanon’s Proposal to Negotiate with Israel 30:18 The Iran War and Trump’s Strategy 34:35 Gulf Views on Israel After October 7 🌐 Learn more about ROPES: ropes.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to the ROPESCAST for more stories of peace, dialogue, and impact across the Middle East.

    41 min

  3. 6 MAR

    The Iranian People Will Topple This Brutal Regime

    In this new episode of the ROPESCAST , we talk with Mandana Irandoost – Iranian-British activist, media personality, and alum of the ROPES media program. We get into what’s happening right now inside Iran, the real challenges the anti-regime activists are dealing with, and whether change can actually come from within: through regular Iranians, protests, civil society pushing back enough to actually topple the regime. We also cover the IRGC’s reach into the West – especially here in Great Britain – and how their elements operate, influence, or intimidate even outside Iran. And we finish looking ahead: what an Iran could be like tomorrow that doesn’t threaten its neighbors anymore, one where people can live freely without exporting instability. It’s straightforward conversation from someone with roots in both worlds. If you’re following Iran closely, this one’s worth hearing. Chapters: 00:00 Meet the Iranian Activist Challenging the Regime01:20 Why Iranian Protesters Rally Around the Lion & Sun Flag05:39 The Killing of Mahsa Amini That Ignited a Revolution08:07 “Iranians Just Want a Normal Life” – Life Under the Regime11:49 “We Warned the World” – Iran’s Threat Beyond Its Borders15:08 Mass Killings & Internet Blackouts Inside Iran20:15 IRGC Influence in Britain – How the Regime Operates in the West 🌐 Learn more about ROPES:  📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to the ROPESCAST for more stories of peace, dialogue, and impact across the Middle East.

    50 min

  4. 5 MAR

    The Kurdish Front: Arming the Resistance and the Vision for a Free Iran

    In this episode of the Ropescast we explore the current military turning point by analyzing reports of massive Israeli "softening" strikes against Iranian regime targets along the Iraqi border, which are reportedly designed to facilitate the entry of Kurdish militias. The conversation also examines the high-stakes possibility of the US administration directly arming Kurdish forces to dismantle regime control in western Iran. Finally, we delve into the "Kurdish Dream" by looking at the realistic prospects for Kurdish self-rule and independence within the framework of a liberated, democratic Iran, as our guest Suzan Quitaz offers a nuanced look at whether these events signify the beginning of the end for the regime. Chapters: 00:00 Arming Kurdish Forces Against the Iranian Regime 01:31 Kurdish Reactions to the U.S. Plan 03:57 Can Kurds Trust the United States? 08:42 Kurdish Life Under the Iranian Regime 13:22 Kurdish Militias Preparing to Fight 17:20 Kurdish Female Fighters: Their Unique Role 23:21 Can Armed Protestors Win Against the Iranian Regime? 🌐 Learn more about ROPES: ropes.org 📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to the ROPESCAST for more stories of peace, dialogue, and impact across the Middle East.

    43 min

  5. 23 FEB

    The Tehran Calculus: How, When, and If - with ex-Mossad official Sima Shine

    Is a direct war with Iran inevitable, and what happens the day after the first strike? In this episode of the ROPESCAST, we sit down with Sima Shine, former senior Mossad official and leading Iran expert at the INSS institute, to cut through the rhetoric and look at the hard calculus of a regional conflict. We break down the realistic scenarios of an escalation, analyze the current risk appetite in Washington, Jerusalem, and Tehran, and examine how a war would fundamentally redraw the Middle East’s security architecture. A sober, intelligence-driven look at the interests, the risks, and the timeline. Chapters: 0:38 – Who Is Simma Shine? 1:10 – Is War With Iran Really Imminent? 2:28 – Massive U.S. Military Buildup: What Does It Mean? 4:02 – Inside the U.S.–Iran Negotiation Gap 8:04 – The Regional & Domestic Pressures on Trump’s Decision 14:11 – Understanding Iran’s Mindset 19:04 – Iran’s Internal Crisis: Economy, Protests & Regime Fragility 27:16 – Would a Deal With Trump Endanger the Regime?🌐 Learn more about ROPES: ropes.org📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to the ROPESCAST for more stories of peace, dialogue, and impact across the Middle East.

    52 min

  6. 20 FEB

    Beyond the Cold Peace: Navigating Regional Security with Ambassador Dr. Abderhaman Salaheldin

    In the latest episode of ROPESCAST, we are joined by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Abderahman Salaheldin, a distinguished Egyptian diplomat and former Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs. This conversation provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of Israel-Egypt relations and the dynamics of the war in Gaza, while also revisiting the visionary goal of an encompassing regional peace once championed by President Sadat. We explore how the Abraham Accords are reshaping diplomatic corridors and discuss the long-term prospects for a truly integrated Middle East. This episode offers a masterclass in regional diplomacy, exploring whether a warm and sustainable partnership can finally be realized for the next generation of leaders. Chapters: 00:00 — Opening the Conversation: Why Peace Work Still Matters 00:40 — Ambassador Salahaddin: From Diplomacy to Free Thought 07:01 — Did Traditional Diplomacy Fail the Region? 10:11 — The Egypt–Israel Peace Model: A Blueprint for the Future 16:45 — What a Stable, Secure Gaza Should Look Like 22:00 — Why Egypt Rejects Any Attempt to Push Gazans Into Sinai 33:52 — The Only Path Forward: Governance, Security, and Political Horizon 🌐 Learn more about ROPES: ropes.org📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to the ROPESCAST for more stories of peace, dialogue, and impact across the Middle East.

    1hr 1min

  7. 10 FEB

    Leena Al Olaimy: Connecting Humanity, Security, & the Ecosystem

    In this episode of ROPESCAST, we speak with ROPES Alumni: Bahraini social entrepreneur and climate innovator Leena Al Olaimy. Together we explore how climate, coexistence, and peacebuilding are deeply interconnected in the Middle East. Leena reflects on her upbringing in Bahrain’s multicultural society, what peace looks like beyond diplomacy, and why civil society plays a crucial role in shaping the region’s future. She also shares insights from her work with Symbaiosys, an initiative redefining humanity’s relationship with nature and advocating for economic systems grounded in ecological value. An inspiring episode for anyone interested in social innovation, climate justice, and the transformations needed for a sustainable future. Chapters:0:00 – Bahrain Uncovered 🌍 – Discover the unique multicultural landscape of Bahrain and how it shapes perspectives on peace and coexistence. Learn more about ROPES 2:18 – Childhood Between Worlds 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 – Leena shares her upbringing across cultures and religions, shaping her lifelong commitment to dialogue. About Leena’s journey 6:49 – Faith & Coexistence ✡️☪️ – How interfaith values and personal spirituality drive cooperation and understanding across communities. 11:22 – Peace & Politics 🕊️ – The critical role of civil society in peacebuilding, beyond government agreements. ROPES programs with young leaders 15:35 – Climate Without Borders 🌱 – Leena explains her work with Symbaiosys, linking climate, nature, and global collaboration. Visit Symbaiosys 21:36 – Nature with a Voice 🌊 – Exploring the Rights of Nature movement and how ecosystems are becoming equal partners in governance. 26:21 – Lessons from a Lioness 🦁 – A transformative experience in South Africa inspires Leena’s approach to environmental stewardship and interspecies understanding. 📚 Recommended Reading: Compassionate Counterterrorism: The Power of Inclusion in Fighting Fundamentalism – Buy the book 🌐 Learn more about ROPES: ropes.org📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to the ROPESCAST for more stories of peace, dialogue, and impact across the Middle East.

    45 min

  8. 27 JAN

    Reclaiming Jewish Roots in the Arab World with Linda Menuhin

    In this episode of the Ropescast we host Iraqi-born Linda Menuhin, a veteran journalist, anchor, and pioneer who launched numerous initiatives to celebrate the heritage of the Jews from the Arab world. We move beyond the headlines to talk about the shadows of the past in Iraq, the deep connections between Jews and their homelands and the future of Jewish-Arab cooperation for the sake of peace in the Middle East.

    54 min
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About

The hosts of ROPESCAST Ksenia Svetlova and Ibrahim Abu-Ahmad and invite you to join the only podcast in the Middle East that discusses peacebuilding, the regional vision and the cooperation between the countries in the Middle East, as well as politics, economics, culture and social issues. Whether the topic is the future of the Abraham Accords, the Saudi - Syrian rapprochement or Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding, ROPESCAST podcast offers the most original and interesting views and voices of opinion-makers, activists and scholars of the region.

Information

  • Creator
    ROPES
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ROPES
  • Show Website
    ROPESCAST

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