Kalam
Kalam is a podcast about the culture, history and politics of the Middle East. Hosted by seasoned radio journalist Edgar Mannheimer, Kalam aims to be a source of knowledge and understanding about a region of the world that is so often misunderstood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
(Trailer) Rise & Fall of the Ba'th (Part IV)
From the abortive attempt Damascus Spring to the deadliest civil war the Middle East has seen it was plagued by rampant corruption, a weakening of the party state and and the disintegration of the social contract underlying its rule.
Could the regimes collapse have been avoided, and is there any prospect for a return to relevance of the Syrian Ba’th Party today?
This is a trailer, to listen to the full episode join Klub Kalam at www.patreon.com/KalamPodcast
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71. A Nation of Strangers (Live!) with Ece Temelkuran and Aris Fioretos
This episode was recorded at the 2026 Göteborg Book Fair. Edgar speaks to authors Ece Temelkuran and Aris Fioretos about finding a home in estrangement.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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VALSPECIAL 2026 (avsnitt 3) med Dritëro Kasapi
Dritëro Kasapi är teaterchef och konstnärlig ledare på Riksteatern. Han är den tredje gästen i Kalam Podcasts valserie.
För att stötta vårt arbete: https://www.patreon.com/KalamPodcast
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För uppdateringar om vårt arbete: https://www.instagram.com/kalampodcast/?hl=en
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VALSPECIAL 2026 (avsnitt 2) med Kawtar Chibli
Islamofobin ökar i Sverige. Högt uppsatta politiker säger åt Sveriges muslimer att sluta vara muslimer. Hur hamnade vi här?
Kawtar Chibli är psykoterapeut och driver den inflytelserika Instagramsidan @hijabisinsideout.
För att stötta vårt arbete: https://www.patreon.com/KalamPodcast
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För uppdateringar om vårt arbete: https://www.instagram.com/kalampodcast/?hl=en
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VALSPECIAL 2026 (avsnitt 1) med Özz Nûjen
Sverige går till val den 13 september. Därför gör vi på Kalam Podcast en valspecial. Edgar intervjuar personer som inspirerar honom om hur Sverige mår år 2026.
För att stötta vårt arbete: https://www.patreon.com/KalamPodcast
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70. The Assad Regime's Daughter that Joined the Revolution with Loubna Mrie
The Syrian Revolution quickly descended into the Syrian War. It collapsed many parts of the country and caused 6 million people to flee the country. Syrian photographer and writer, Loubna Mrie, recently published her memoirs entitled "Defiance". In them, she tells the story of her upbringing within an Alawite family, fiercely loyal to the Assad regime. Her father was, in fact, one of the regime's paid assassins. But as the revolution swept across Syria, Loubna realised she had been living a lie. She joined up with the uprising and her family not only disowned her – her father turned the violence he...
Rise & Fall of the Ba'th (Part 3): Ascent of the Assads (trailer)
Welcome to this special series on the history of the Ba'th Party which ruled Syria and Iraq for decades. The party of Saddam Hussein and Bashar al-Assad it was an odd concoction of Arab Nationalism, Socialism, Nativism and Quasi-Fascism which grew to be a defining political force in the Arab World.
In this third episode, Sam and Edgar discuss how the Syrian Ba’th came to be controlled by the Assad-family, which in turn ruled Syria for more than half a century. How did the Assads come to power and what policies defined their rule?
Rise & Fall of the Ba'th (Part 2): Death of Arab Unity (trailer)
Welcome to this special series on the history of the Ba'ath Party which ruled Syria and Iraq for decades. It was the party of Saddam Hussein and Bashar al Assad – dictators who betrayed the party's founding fathers. An odd concoction of Arab Nationalism, Socialism, Nativism and Quasi-Fascism, the Ba'ath went from a relatively obscure group of schoolteachers to the defining political force in the Arab World.
In this second episode, Sam and Edgar discuss the party's failed union with Nasser's Egypt, the militarisation of the movement and the disastrous Six Day War with Israel.
...
Egypt is Attacked and Trump Crashes out on Iran: Kalam Digest 49
In a worrying development the Iran war seems to be expanding – in the past few days Saudi Arabia entered the conflict by conducting air strikes on Iraq and in an unprecedented event Egypt was hit by a drone strike. Sam and Edgar discuss Trump's shrinking options and speculate about his next move.
In Gaza there may be reason to be hopeful as Hamas vows to disband if Israel withdraws its troops – we discuss the details.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
Fo...
Rise & Fall of the Ba'th (Part 1) – The Schoolteachers who Conquered Syria (Unlocked)
Welcome to this special series on the history of the Ba'ath Party which ruled Syria and Iraq for decades. It was the party of Saddam Hussein and Bashar al Assad – dictators who betrayed the party's founding fathers. An odd concoction of Arab Nationalism, Socialism, Nativism and Quasi-Fascism, the Ba'ath went from a relatively obscure group of schoolteachers to the defining political force in the Arab World.
In this first episode, Sam and Edgar discuss the party's beginnings as well as its rise to power.
This episode is available for free – the next three epis...
Why are the US and Iran Back at War? Kalam Digest 48
Sam and Edgar discuss the latest developments surrounding the Iran war, the upcoming Israeli elections, Hamas disbanding the Gaza government and, of course, the World Cup.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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69. Standing Together with Alon-Lee Green
Despite the political fascism in Israel, the daily abuses and ethnic cleansing on the West Bank, the genocide in Gaza and forever wars on Iran and Lebanon, there are those in Israel – both Jewish and Palestinian – who organise resistance. In fact, Standing Together recently launched a new Jewish-Arab political party.
Standing Together describes itself as a force for equal rights, peace and justice. It is worth mentioning here, though, that Israeli human rights organisations like Standing Together, B’Tselem, Yesh Din and Breaking The Silence do not, in any way, represent the majority of Israelis. Not even c...
68. Iran Strikes Israel with Borzou Daragahi
Once again, Israel and Iran trade blows in the seemingly never ending war in the Middle East. As of now, however, tensions seem to have cooled slightly. Joining us to discuss the latest developments as well as some of the geopolitics of the USA, Israel and Iran is Borzou Daragahi, award-winning international journalist.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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67. Empire, Anti-Imperialism and Marxism in the Middle East of Today with Nadim Haidar
In a region defined by reactionary dictatorships and their Western allies as well as Islamist political movements, the left in the Middle East seem to be stuck in an impasse, with few good political options open. But might there still be meaningful way in which to be an Arab Marxist today? Samuel discusses these and other related topics, as well as the unfolding situation in Lebanon, Palestine and Iran with Nadim "Arab Marxist" Haidar.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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66. Settler Terror on West Bank Escalating with Zena Tahhan
The settler violence on the West Bank is increasingly resembling fascist terror. Violent thugs roam the Palestinian countryside, beating, robbing, burning and killing Palestinians. If this continues, Palestinians will be squeezed into six urban areas and 82% of the land will belong to Israel. Soon, there won't be a Palestine to save.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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IRAN CEASEFIRE – Everyone Won and Nothing Changed: Kalam Digest 47
A ceasefire has taken effect for at least two weeks, between the US, Israel and Iran. Lebanon is, according to Israel, not included. Negotiations will now commence on a permanent end to the war. Sam and Edgar discuss the latest.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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65. The Jewish Movement that Defied Zionism with Molly Crabapple
Molly Crabapple is an artist and author from New York. She’s the author of the forthcoming book "Here Where We Live is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund".
The Bund was a secular, progressive Jewish labour movement that existed in the first half of the 20th century in eastern and central Europe. The Bund, simply meaning organisation in Yiddish, was exactly the opposite of Zionism. They promoted the idea of hereness, which is to say that they did not need to go oppress Palestinians in a far off land to gain their freedom: The...
64. Power Gays & Muscle Jews with Fredrik "Apollo" Asplund
Today's episode is a kind of theoretical journey through concepts like Homonationalism, Muscular Judaism and Power Gays. Our illustrious guest, Fredrik "Apollo" Asplund has spotted a similarity between the gays who were embraced by mainstream society in the early 2000's and the hardline Zionist conception of the strong and powerful Jew. Both archetypes exist as a kind of counterweight to less desirable gays, and less desirable Jews. These two concepts have today synthesised into the Tel Aviv Power Gay.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
<...Trump Asks for Help – No One Answers: Kalam Digest 46
Sam and Edgar give you an update on the latest developments in the Iran War. The killing of Ali Larijani – amazingly a scholar of Immanuel Kant – could blow up in Israel's face as a more hardline figure may replace him. We also detail how Syria and Iraq are faring in the midst of this war.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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63. Umm Kulthum Forever: Kalam Live!
"El Sett" is the new Egyptian biopic about the great Arab diva, Umm Kulthum. After an exclusive screening of the film in Stockholm, Edgar invited Egyptian curator, Mariam Elnozahy, and Egyptian multidisciplinary artist, Amr Hamid, for a conversation about the film, reactions to it in Egypt and about the icon Umm Kulthum herself.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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Will Oil Prices Stop the War? Kalam Digest 45
The US' lack of exit strategy from Iran becomes apparent as oil prices soar and Trump vacillates between talking about an "excursion" which will be "wrapped up very soon" and threatening to make it impossible "to recover that section of the world". To solve the problem of oil the US would have to take control of the Strait of Hormuz, but will that be possible without boots on the ground? Trump seems to think so but Sam and Edgar are sceptical.
Also on this episode:
–Israel renews blockade of Gaza as genocide continues.
...
62. Trump and Bibi's Endgame in Iran with Rami Khouri
Rami Khouri is a Palestinian-American author and analyst and a Distinguished Public Fellow at the American University of Beirut.
In today's episode, Edgar speaks with Rami about the US-Israeli war on Iran, why they're waging it and what it could mean for the region at large.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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Khamenei is Killed as Region Goes to War: Kalam Digest 44
Once again the unprecedented has occurred as the US and Israel strike Iran, sparking the closest we've come to an all-out regional war since October 7. The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamanei, has been killed in an airstrike. Iran is retaliating with unprecedented force, against Israel and various Gulf Arab countries.
More than 500 Iranians have been killed, a dozen or so Israelis and less than ten Americans and Gulf residents.
To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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61. The US and Israel Will not Save Iran with Sahar Delijani
We are joined today by award-winning Iranian author Sahar Delijani. Sahar was born in the notorious Evin prison. A prison in Iran which has become synonymous with political oppression. Her debut novel, Children of the Jacaranda Tree, is partially inspired by her own family history, and recounts one of the bloodiest and most repressive phases of Iranian history: the mass executions in 1988.
The most recent wave of protests in Iran last month were met with violent repression not seen since the days of 1988. Thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of Iranians have been killed by the Islamic R...
60. Iran – Protests that Shook a Nation with Rouzbeh Parsi
The 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.
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Is Syria falling apart (again)? Kalam Digest 43
In Syria localised clashes around Aleppo have deteriorated into all out war between Kurdish and government forces, as Perfidious Columbia declared that it's alliance with the former has "largely expired". So far the initiative seems to be squarely with the government, but will it be possible to reach an agreement which can stabilise Syria for the long term, or will disintegration and ethnic strife become permanent?
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<...
59. Ali Esbati – En prins i Teheran? (Swedish)
This episode is in Swedish, featuring politician and analyst Ali Esbati.
I det här särskilda crossoveravsnittet av Kalam Podcast och Viljans optimism pratar Ali Esbati om vad som pågår i Iran, varför militär intervention vore dödsstöten för de folkliga viljornas möjlighet att faktiskt få genomslag, och vad omvärlden och vänster däremot faktiskt kan bidra med. Dessutom: vad är Iran International egentligen för något och varför är Reza (III) Pahlavi en reaktionär pajas?
Om du inte redan följer Viljans optim...
58. Shora Esmailian – Vad pågår i Iran? (Swedish)
This episode is in Swedish, featuring the journalist and writer Shora Esmailian.
Att stora demonstrationer skakat Iran de senaste veckorna och att regimens repression har varit fruktansvärt brutal står klart. Men vad är egentligen bakgrunden till den här omgången av protester? Vilka olika aktörer finns inne i Iran, och kommer att avgöra utfallet? Och hur ska vänstern förhålla sig till utländska krafters försök att styra utvecklingen?
För att stötta oss, bli gärna medlem på patreon.com/kalampodcast.
För mer nyh...
Kurdish and Syrian Gov't Forces Clash in Aleppo: Kalam Digest 42
Last 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<...
What's Behind the Protests in Iran? Kalam Digest 41
Thousands 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.
<...Israel Cleared for Eurovision: Kalam Digest 40
A trial is underway to establish justice for the victims of the deadly pogroms agains Syrian minorities earlier this year; the genocide in Gaza is ongoing while Israel and the US draw up plans for Gaza's future without the input of a single Palestinian; the Pope visits Lebanon in a significant symbolic gesture.
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
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kalampodcast/ <...
Anwar Sadat: The Last Pharoah Part 3 (Trailer)
In part three of this special series on Anwar Sadat we cover his:
• Failed attempts to «liberalise» the Egyptian economy.
• Suprise success in the October 1973 war.
• Decision to follow this up by making peace with Israel.
• His sudden end at the hands of forces he himself had helped create.
To listen to the full episode subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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Anwar Sadat: The Last Pharoah Part 2 (Trailer)
In Part 2 of this Patreon-exclusive series we track Sadat’s coming of age:
• Sadat as a Gamal Abdel Nasser loyalist and chief communicator of his regime.
• Sadat as the quiet observer of Nasser’s failures, shaping his later thinking.
• Sadat being groomed for the presidency, those around him thinking they could control him. They were wrong.
To listen to the full episode subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcast
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57. Palestinian Rap Group DAM on Their 26 Year Legacy
In 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...
Anwar Sadat: The Last Pharoah Part 1 (Trailer)
Anwar Sadat was born in the Egyptian Sultanate, came of age during the Egyptian Monarchy, and became president of the Egyptian Republic. He was killed by Egyptian islamists. But who was he? In this Kalam Shorts series, exclusively available for our Patreon subscribers, we delve deep into the man who is known as the last Pharoah of Egypt, and the circumstances that created him.
To support us, go to patreon.com/kalampodcast
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Munadama 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/kalampodcast
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56: Syria after al-Assad with Leila al-Shami
Almost 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.
55. A Fatal Ceasefire with Muhammad Shehada
Trump calls it a peace plan. For Palestinians in Gaza, it's a fatal farce. More than 100 Palestinians have been killed in the last two days as Israel conducted air strikes, ostensibly as a retaliation against Hamas' alleged violations of the ceasefire. But the reality is different. Muhammad Shehada is a Palestinian analyst, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and a dear friend of the pod. We speak about Netanyahu's long leash and the complex nature of reality in Gaza.
To support us, go to patreon.com/kalampodcast
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"Ceasefire" Analysis: Kalam Digest 39
There 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.
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54. Göran Rosenberg – Live från Bokmässan (Swedish)
This episode is in Swedish, featuring the journalist and writer Göran Rosenberg.
I dagens avsnitt, som spelades in den 25 september 2025 inför en publik på Bokmässan, berättar författaren och journalisten Göran Rosenberg om sin syn på dagens utvecklingen i Israel och Palestina. Hans bok Det förlorade landet utkommer på engelska – "Israel, a Personal History" den 7 oktober 2025. Rosenberg är inte optimistisk inför framtiden och hävdar att det inte finns något alternativ till att israeler och palestinier arbetar tillsammans för en gemensam framtid.
To support us, go to patreon...
