In this episode of Frankly Speaking, we speak to renowned Saudi Geopolitical Analyst Salman Al-Ansari and ask how the Kingdom has become the political centre of the new Middle East with multiple diplomatic missions in recent weeks, whether real progress has been achieved with Tehran after the historic deal on March 10 and if a pariah state like Syria can be rehabilitated internationally without the blessing of the West.

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, we speak to Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the Managing Director of Project Masam, a Saudi initiative tasked with removing the hundreds of thousands of deadly landmines in Yemen planted by the Houthis. We ask if peace talks are properly addressing the issue of landmines, and question whether Yemen can ever fully recover from the debilitating landmine crisis that extends far beyond mere physical injuries.

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, we speak to Taliban leader and Head of the Political office in Doha, Suhail Shaheen, and ask him how the Taliban government really functions, if women and girls will ever be allowed to attend school, and how they’ve dealt with challenges to their authority from neighboring countries.

On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we speak to the Right Honourable Alistair Burt, a former UK Member of Parliament and two-time Middle East Minister of State, and ask him whether he’s concerned that the UK’s repeated political scandals in recent years have harmed its reputation in the Arab world, his advice to Downing Street on the role it should play in solving the Israel-Palestinian crisis, and whether the British government could do more to help its people currently stranded in Sudan.

On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we speak to Caroline Rose, the Director of the Strategic Blind Spots Portfolio and Project on the Captagon Trade at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, to ask if welcoming President Assad back to the Arab League will stop the flow of Captagon or whether the illegal drug trade provides too much of a cash cow to the conflict-ridden country.  Plus, what is the true extent of the epidemic and can we halt its growing influence on the world?

On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we are joined by Ambassador Peter Semneby, Sweden’s Special Envoy to Yemen, to ask if a peace deal is still a priority to Europe, given its focus on the war in Ukraine. We also ask whether the Iranians have any influence over the Houthis to allow for a permanent truce, given the improving relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and if an increasingly divided Yemen can be put back together again.

On this episode of Frankly Speaking, we are joined by Fahad Nazer, Spokesperson for the Saudi Embassy in Washington DC, to ask whether the Saudi US relationship is back on track. Plus - is the Saudi-Iran deal a slap in the face to Washington, or can it serve their interests… and are the two sides any closer to securing a lasting ceasefire in Sudan?

Newcastle United are back in the Champions League after a 0-0 draw against Leicester City at St James’ Park confirmed their top 4 spot. Former Magpies star Robbie Elliott joins Geordie Pete Redding and Ali Khaled to discuss the work the lies ahead now that Eddie Howe’s team will be rubbing shoulders with Europe’s best.

Newcastle United’s 4-1 win over Brighton means they are just three points away from securing Champions League qualification with two matches to play. Ahead of what could be a historic game against Leicester on Monday night, Liam Kennedy joins the Black & White team to discuss the team’s form throughout the season, the fans’ non-stop support and who could end being Newcastle’s player of the season.

After suffering a rare home defeat against Arsenal last week, Newcastle are looking to bounce back when they visit Leeds United at the weekend. Former Leeds star Tony Dorigo joins Geordie Pete Redding and Ali Khaled to discuss what could be a decisive match in both teams’ seasons, with Eddie Howe’s me looking to edge closer to Champions League qualification while the home team’s new coach Sam Allardyce aiming to spearhead a relegation-escaping act.