Latest news with #NadaAlTaher
The National
5 days ago
- Politics
- The National
The enduring consequences of mass starvation in Gaza
Hunger has killed more than 110 people so far in Gaza over the past 20 months of war. And in the past week, the number of deaths has accelerated, causing alarm about a looming full-scale famine in the strip. More than 100 NGOs have warned of mass starvation, and a coalition of mostly European states issued strong words condemning Israel's aid policy. Israel insists there is no famine in Gaza, and blames Hamas for food shortages. Yet haunting images and videos show emaciated children crying for food as their parents stare at them helplessly. Journalists who have covered the war since the start say they are too exhausted to work any more and that people are collapsing on the streets. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher speaks to experts about the irreversible impact of famine spreading in Gaza and how aid is being exploited for political gain. We hear from Michael Fakhri, the UN special rapporteur on the right to food, and Alex DeWaal, executive director of the World Peace Foundation.
The National
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Deadly fire in Iraq and Lebanon pursues Syria extradition deal
A fatal fire in Iraq is once again raising questions about accountability. Lebanon is seeking a treaty to extradite Syrian convicts. Analysts comment on Israel's claim to protect the Syrian Druze. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: At least 61 people killed in fire at Iraq hypermarket What is Israel's intention behind 'protecting' Druze in Syria? This episode features Sinan Mahmoud, Iraq Correspondent; Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent; and Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
The National
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Ceasefire in Syria, and Trump in 'no rush' to talk to Iran
The Syrian government and Druze leaders reached a ceasefire agreement. US President Donald Trump says he's in 'no rush' to talk to Iran. Israel has told Gaza mediators it plans to create a security zone and evict Palestinians in the north. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Who are the Druze and why are they being targeted in Syria? Read More This episode features Danny Makki, reporting for The National from Sweida; Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.
The National
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Gaza 'concentration camps' and Red Sea attacks
Forced displacement of Palestinians is back in the spotlight. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have stepped up their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) will begin the process of disarming with a ceremony this week. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Backlash grows over Israel's proposal for prison-like city in Gaza Houthis' tactical upgrade in Red Sea attacks and what it means PKK expected to destroy weapons at disarmament ceremony this week This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Chris Maxwell, Deputy National Editor. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our two-minute listener survey. Click here.
The National
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
How did Israel and Iran go from strategic allies to bitter enemies?
After 12 days of war between Israel and Iran, a ceasefire has brought a sense of cautious relief to the region. Even after almost 21 months of war in Gaza and its spillover into neighbouring countries, the latest escalation set a dangerous precedent that could provoke more cycles of warfare and destabilise the Middle East. The question is how did we reach this boiling point? The answer goes back decades, to a time even before the 1979 revolution in Iran when the country enjoyed a more co-operative relationship with Israel under the shah. At the same time the region was going through a transformative period against the backdrop of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and rising anti-imperialist sentiments. As events unfolded and political leaderships changed over time, so did the strategic interests that Israel shared with Iran. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher dives into the context that soured the relationship between the two countries, and the more recent events that brought about the air war. She is joined by The National's assistant foreign editor Aveen Karim, senior fellow at UCLA Burkle Centre for International Relations Dalia Dassa Kaye, and independent Israeli analyst Ori Goldberg.
