Episodes
Host Faryal Shahzad is joined by Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, a renowned political development specialist who serves as the founder and president of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), a prominent think tank dedicated to fostering democracy and effective governance. While cricket is known for its swift and unpredictable shifts in fortune, the realm of politics often proves even more tumultuous. Despite being characterized by constant change, Pakistani...
Published 02/06/24
The inaugural joint military exercise, Sada Tanseeq, marks a significant bilateral event facilitated by the defense ministries of India and Saudi Arabia. It enhances regional security, defense cooperation, and diplomatic relations by sharpening military capabilities and highlighting strategic alignment. Sada Tanseeq aims to improve interoperability between the armed forces, crucial in modern warfare. Through tactical drills and exchanges of best practices, troops gain valuable experience,...
Published 02/06/24
There is growing dissatisfaction among Arab and Muslim American voters, particularly in Michigan, with President Joe Biden's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Community leaders have opted to cancel a scheduled meeting with Biden's campaign, citing his perceived failure to address Israel's actions in Gaza. This decision reflects a significant shift in sentiment, as these communities have historically supported the Democratic Party. The potential electoral ramifications of this...
Published 01/30/24
Host Misbah Azam is joined by Mr. Shuja Nawaz, a distinguished expert known for his extensive work on the Pakistan Army and Pakistan's political dynamics. The discussion delves into the recent events on the Iran-Pakistan border, seeking Mr. Nawaz's analysis of the motivations behind the cross-border attack and Pakistan's subsequent response. Mr. Nawaz suggests that there appears to be a division within Iran, particularly within the Revolutionary Guard, regarding the decision to launch an...
Published 01/30/24
Host Rabia Mehmood is joined by Dr. Saveera Parkash, a first-time politician contesting elections from a provincial seat in Buner, KPK. Hailing from the rural district of Buner, Dr. Parkash is not only a passionate advocate for public service but also an accomplished young doctor who decided to transition from healing individuals to transforming communities. Inspired by her father's selfless dedication to the welfare of Buner's people, Dr. Parkash has embarked on a political journey to...
Published 01/30/24
In this interview, Professor Farid Senzai, a distinguished expert in political science and international relations, joins host Amina on New Wave Global to discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict. Professor Senzai's extensive background in academia and humanitarian work, notably through his organization Afghan Relief, lends credibility and depth to the conversation. The discussion delves into recent developments surrounding the conflict, including notable statements from public figures like...
Published 01/30/24
In the interview, Rabia Mehmood engages in a discussion with Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, focusing on various critical aspects concerning the Palestinian cause. They begin by examining the implications of the International Court of Justice's preliminary ruling on the genocide case. Dr. Barghouti offers insights into the significance of this ruling as a symbolic victory for Palestinians, despite some reservations about its specifics. They explore how...
Published 01/30/24
In this segment, host Rabia Mehmood engages with Professor Francis Boyle, an acclaimed international law expert, and a Professor of International Law at the University of Illinois College of Law. He is renowned for his pioneering work in applying the genocide convention to legal cases. With experience representing entities like Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Palestinian Authority, Boyle's expertise and advocacy for human rights make him a prominent figure in the field. They discuss the recent...
Published 01/30/24
Host Rabia Mehmood is joined by Khushal Khattak, a dedicated Pushtun rights activist associated with the National Democratic Movement (NDM). Despite internet challenges, Khan provides firsthand insights into the ongoing human rights struggle in Islamabad led by Baloch activists and the Women Human Rights Defenders Committee. Exploring the obstacles faced by protesters, such as the confiscation of sound systems and police-imposed restrictions, the discussion highlights the disparate...
Published 01/30/24
Iran's recent air strikes in Pakistan's Balochistan have sparked a diplomatic crisis, escalating border tensions. China, a key player, calls for restraint, potentially aiding in de-escalation. The strikes coincide with wider regional tensions, involving the US, Israel, and conflicts in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria. China's historical ties and economic interests give it leverage to influence a peaceful resolution. Pakistan, facing economic challenges and domestic pressures, cautiously responds,...
Published 01/19/24
Former President Donald Trump decisively won the Iowa caucuses with 51% of the vote, stunning critics and solidifying his leadership in the Republican Party. The victory, despite limited campaigning, overshadowed rivals and marked a significant Republican win. Trump's return, symbolically erasing past challenges, sparked speculation about a potential second administration. The event, attended by prominent figures, showcased a sense of reunion among supporters. Trump's speech, flanked by his...
Published 01/19/24
Host Faryal Shahzad is joined by Asad Ejaz Butt, a development economist, to discuss the complexities of Pakistan's energy policies, the challenges in transitioning to renewable sources, and the regulatory hurdles faced in the fuel sector. The conversation delves into the impacts of air pollution on both physical and mental health, shedding light on the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the country. Asad Ejaz Butt offers valuable insights into the economic and health implications...
Published 01/19/24
Host Misbah Azam and Kamran Bokhari, Senior Director at New Lines Institute, discuss recent Red Sea developments and Houthi targeting in Yemen. US and British forces conducted numerous airstrikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi forces in retaliation for their attacks on Red Sea shipping, which they attribute to the conflict in Gaza. Strikes hit military bases in Sanaa, Taiz, Hodeidah, and Hajjah. The US-led Combined Maritime Forces warned ships to avoid Bab Al-Mandab. The strikes follow...
Published 01/19/24
Sheikh Hasina secured her fifth term in Bangladesh's recent elections, marked by opposition boycott and international concerns. Hasina's political history intertwines with Bangladesh's, raising questions about democratic health. The U.S. and others criticized the elections, highlighting issues like arrests and alleged irregularities. Hasina, focused on economic development, faces challenges like inflation and authoritarianism allegations. The international community's role is crucial. Some...
Published 01/19/24
On November 10, Columbia University suspended two student groups that organized multiple demonstrations in response to the Israel-Hamas war. The University denied funding and official recognition of the groups Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) after a joint walkout and “peaceful protest art installation,” which Columbia’s Chair of the Special Committee on Campus Safety said included unspecified “threatening rhetoric and intimidation.” This was the third...
Published 01/09/24
India approaches the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, marking a crucial intersection of history, religion, and politics, with implications for the Muslim community's standing amid rising religious fervor. The event reflects a shift from Nehru's inclusive vision to a landscape dominated by divisive politics, prompting a need for assertive dialogue to uphold principles of inclusivity and religious harmony. #ayodhya #ayodhyarammandir #pmmodi #bjp #india #babrimasjid #newwaveglobal
Published 01/09/24
Invited by The Economist to share his perspective from prison, Imran Khan, the ousted prime minister of Pakistan, sheds light on the unjust suppression of his party. Currently incarcerated, Khan highlights the constitutional illegitimacy of caretaker administrations at various levels of government and the skepticism surrounding the promised February 8th elections, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He points to the questionable actions of the election commission, emphasizing its...
Published 01/09/24
Host Rabia Mehmood is joined by Shuruq As'ad, a senior journalist based in Jerusalem and the representative and spokesperson of the Palestinian Journalist Syndicate, also serving in the journalist secretariat of Palestine. In response to a global urgent appeal from the PJS for international solidarity, Shuruq elaborates on the alarming situation faced by Palestinian journalists in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. She discusses the brutal attacks on journalists in Gaza, assaults on their...
Published 01/09/24
Host Misbah Azam is joined by Kamran Bokhari, Senior Director at New Lines Institute to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East. While many are fixated on the conflict in the Gaza Strip, a more expansive war is underway. Iran is strategically leveraging the Gaza situation to exert pressure on the United States and enhance its standing in the region. This broader conflict spans Iran's borders with Iraq, through Syria and Lebanon, all the way to the eastern Mediterranean coast,...
Published 01/03/24
After 672 days of conflict, the tension persists in the Russia-Ukraine war. Recent updates reveal ongoing complexities, with Ukraine's ground operations near the Dnipro River offering a potential strategic advantage. Despite reported Russian advances in areas like Avdiivka, the situation remains in a state of stasis, with both sides facing challenges in achieving decisive breakthroughs. The conflict's fluid and complex nature is evident as territorial gains and losses unfold amid geopolitical...
Published 12/30/23
Nauraiz Rana, an economist at the World Bank, is accompanied by Dr. Nadeem ul Haque, a Senior Economist and former Deputy Chairman at the Planning Commission of Pakistan, and Trade Policy Advisor to the Minister of Commerce, with a background of 22 years at the IMF. The year 2023 proved to be exceptionally challenging for Pakistan's economy, marking one of the most difficult periods in recent memory. The nation persists in grappling with these chronic challenges, engaging in a continuous...
Published 12/30/23
The Colorado Supreme Court has disqualified Donald Trump from the state's Republican presidential primary, marking the first use of the rarely invoked insurrection clause in Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The clause prohibits individuals engaged in insurrection from holding office, a provision legal scholars argue applies to Trump's actions in attempting to overturn the 2020 election. Initiated by Colorado voters, the case focused on Trump's role in the January 6 Capitol attack. The...
Published 12/27/23
Amid escalating air quality concerns in Pakistan, authorities have taken unprecedented steps, including school and market closures, and cloud-seeding efforts in Lahore. Despite initial success, the crisis, fueled by urban development and environmental negligence, has led to economic losses and health issues. Critics argue that the government's focus on short-term fixes neglects underlying problems like deforestation and emissions. As elections loom, political tensions and other priorities...
Published 12/27/23
Raza Rumi discusses Meta's content moderation policies in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. In a comprehensive report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW), Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, faces scrutiny over its content moderation policies, specifically in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The findings, based on extensive research and data analysis, reveal a complex web of challenges that impact user freedoms and...
Published 12/27/23
Renowned economists Steve Haney and Harry Dent are asserting that the upcoming year, 2024, will be marked by a substantial and imminent mega-recession, particularly impacting the United States. The preceding three to four years have been notably tumultuous for both the U.S. and the global economy. During this period, the M2 money supply skyrocketed to a historic high of 26.2%, a move initiated by the U.S. Administration, leading to significant inflationary pressures. In reviewing the...
Published 12/27/23