The latest Middle East Analysis podcasts from Ekklesia associate Dr Harry Hagopian feature a comprehensive four-part analysis of some of the key developments in the region.
The latest Middle East Analysis podcasts from Ekklesia associate Dr Harry Hagopian feature a comprehensive four-part analysis of some of the key developments in the region.
Once again, we are grateful to James Abbott at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales for providing these sound files.
Israel / Palestine
In part one, there is a discussion of Israel and Palestine – in particular whether the coming nine months will lead to a tangible roadmap for a lasting peace that can be embraced by the peoples of both states. (Duration: 15m 43s).
Egypt
Part two immerses itself in a post-Morsi Egypt, with tensions running high and the need for a new constitution and president that can truly represent the people of this pivotal North African country. (Duration: 16m 35s) This can be listened to alongside the new article, ‘Egypt: another recycled revolution?’ (http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/18721), reproduced with permission from www.epektasis.net. There is also an abbreviated version on Lebanon Now.
Syria
Part three turns to Syria and the ongoing stalemate between the rebels and President al-Assad’s forces. What’s the longer term prognosis? Dr Hagopian also casts an eye towards neighbouring Lebanon. (Duration: 17m 02s)
Iraq
Finally, the podcast looks at Iraq. Ten years after Saddam Hussein was driven from power, the country looks particularly destabilised with a marked sectarian divide. Dr Hagopian looks at the position of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, the situation in the Kurdish north and the impact on Jordan. (Duration: 11m 24s)
The four MP3 podcast can be downloaded here, together with an AudioBoo excerpt: http://catholicnews.org.uk/mena-2013-pod-10
Harry Hagopian is an international lawyer, ecumenist and EU political consultant. He also acts as a Middle East and inter-faith advisor to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales and as Middle East consultant to ACEP (Christians in Politics) in Paris. He is an Ekklesia associate and regular contributor (http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/HarryHagopian).
Formerly an Executive Secretary of the Jerusalem Inter-Church Committee and Executive Director of the Middle East Council of Churches, he is now an international fellow, Sorbonne III University, Paris, consultant to the Campaign for Recognition of the Armenian Genocide (UK), Ecumenical consultant to the Primate of Armenian Church in UK & Ireland, and author of The Armenian Church in the Holy Land. Dr Hagopian’s own website is www.epektasis.net Follow him on Twitter here: @harryhagopian