For “Off the Hookah’s” 100th episode, Phil and Cooper take a (figurative) trip to the legendary Nile River to talk about its importance to Egyptian life throughout history. But between a population boom, climate change, and new dam construction, the river is running dry, affecting the livelihoods of millions. In association with Al-Monitor’s new longform report, “Death of the Nile,” editor Julian Pecquet joins the podcast for a conversation with its author, Egypt Pulse contributor Ayah Aman, for the story behind the story.

• Death of the Nile (Ayah Aman)
• Egypt intensifies diplomatic efforts to resume stalled talks over Ethiopia dam (Sept. 2018)
• Will drought fuel water conflict between Cairo, Addis Ababa? (April 2016)
• Egypt supports South Sudan to secure Nile share (Feb. 2015)
• Egypt seeks Saudi help on Ethiopia water dispute (March 2014)
• In switch, Egypt may join Ethiopia in Nile Dam project (Oct. 2013)
  
  

Music: Nathalie Saba - “Fe Nas” (Spotify | Apple Music)

Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen the Trump Administration levy more sanctions and other warnings towards Iran, reaching the inevitable stage where news chyrons and pundit panels have started drumming up the possibility of another overseas war. Phil and Cooper explain the recent back-and-forth between the US and Iran, and speak with the experts from Al-Monitor to learn more about what’s happening behind the curtains.

• Pro-Iran militia leader lashes out against Pompeo visit to Baghdad (Ali Mamouri)
• Trump names Iran’s IRGC terror organization, downplaying risks to US troops, Iraq stability (Laura Rozen)
• Iran condemns, reciprocates designation of IRGC as terrorist organization
• Intel: Navy downplays Iran hawks' messaging on latest deployment (Jack Detsch)
• Iran: UAE sabotage incident should be no excuse for US ‘adventurism’
• 'Neither talks nor war,' Khamenei says of US-Iran tensions
• Iranian FM calls military action against Iran 'political suicide'
• If Rouhani’s Europe outreach fails, nuclear deal could collapse (Rohollah Faghihi)
  

Extra Listening:

• Episode #62, Pompeo and Circumstances (7/26/2018): Secretary of State Pompeo gives an anti-Iran speech that served as the unofficial launch for the Trump Administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against the country.
  
• Episode #51, Deal or No Deal (5/3/2018): Trump gets ready to pull out of the Iran Nuclear Deal after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu gives him some enthralling (and old) intelligence on Iran.
• Episode #52, JCP-No-Way (5/10/2018): Trump withdraws from the Iran Nuclear Deal.
• Episode #64, The Sound of Sanctions (8/10/2018): Phil and Cooper discuss the first round of Trump’s new sanctions on Iran.
• Episode #76, The Sound of Sanctions, Part II (11/7/2018): Phil and Cooper speak with Barbara Slavin about the second round of new sanctions, and how they’ve already affected Iran’s economy.
• Episode #87, Over the Hill (2/15/2019): A history of Iran’s political revolution in 1979 that has led to endless diplomatic tensions with the United States.
  

Music: Mehrpouya - “Dokhtare Shab” (Spotify | Apple Music)

Relations between Turkey and the United States have seen better days, and the partnership is being tested once again with conflicting arms deals. The Turkish military has decided to buy both American-made F-35 fighter jets and Russian-made S-400 missile systems. What’s so special about these jets and missiles, and why is this a big deal? Phil and Cooper answer these questions and speak with the experts at Al-Monitor to get more insight.

• Turkey exerts its own leverage in F-35 jet standoff with US (Metin Gurcan)
• Can US convince Turkey to undo ‘done deal’ with Russia? (Metin Gurcan)
• As Turkey drifts away from the US, will Russia give it what it wants? (Semih Idiz)
• Is Erdogan’s trust in Trump in the S-400/F-35 standoff misplaced? (Semih Idiz)
• Why Turkey’s reliance on Trump for S-400 sanctions waiver appears misguided (Jack Detsch)
• Intel: How the US, Turkey got into standoff over Russia’s S-400 air defense system (Jack Detsch)

Extra Listening:

• Episode #2, Back Up in Ya A** With the Referendum (4/19/2017): President Erdogan furthers his grip on power with a constitutional referendum.
• Episode #6, The Ottoman Empire Strikes Back (5/17/2017): A look into Erdogan’s paranoia over Fetullah Gulen and his purported role in the 2016 Turkey coup d’etat.
• Episode #39, The Road to Rojava (2/1/2018): Turkey begins a military operation to remove the Kurds from northern Syria.
• Episode #64, The Sound of Sanctions (8/10/2018): President Trump puts sanctions on Turkey.
• Episode #65, The Brunson Ultimatum (8/15/2018): Tensions rise between the US and Turkey over the imprisonment of American pastor Andrew Brunson
  

Music: Sakin – “Denek Hayatım” (Spotify | Apple Music)

This week, Egyptians voted on a referendum that would amend their constitution and give their sitting president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the opportunity to rule for another ten years. Who is Sisi? How did he come to power? And why is he such a controversial figure? Phil and Cooper discuss Sisi’s meteoric rise from Egypt’s military brass to the presidential palace, as well as the effects of this week’s contentious vote.

• Proposal to extend Sisi's term sparks controversy in Egypt (Shahira Amin)
• Cowed Egyptians meet Sisi’s power grab with apathy (Shahira Amin)
• Egypt gears up for referendum (Rania Rabeaa Elabd)
• Senators rebuke Egypt as White House rolls out red carpet for Sisi (Bryant Harris)

Extra Listening:

• Episode #2, Back Up In Your A** With the Referendum (4/19/2017): Turkey votes on a referendum to give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more power.
• Episode #47, A Glance of Gaza (4/5/2018): Egypt’s presidential election sees President Sisi win with a whopping 97% of the vote.
• Episodes #83 & #84, The Jasmine Revolution Part I (1/17/2019) & Part II (1/24/2019): Phil and Cooper speak with Emir Sfaxi about the beginning of Tunisia’s revolution, which kickstarted the Arab Spring, and with Amberin Zaman about her recent reporting in Tunisia after the anniversary.
  

Music: Al Massrieen - “Sah” (Spotify | Apple Music)

A lot has been happening in North Africa. In Algeria, its president of 20 years has stepped down in the face of unprecedented mass protests, and in Libya, the battle between its two rival governments is coming to a head as an infamous general has begun an offensive to take the capital city of Tripoli. Whew! Just reading that sentence is a lot to digest, so Phil and Cooper break down the timeline of events, and what might come next.

• Algerian protesters reject military's gambit to maintain power (Simon Cordall)
• Is Bouteflika’s resignation enough to quell Algerian protests? (Simon Cordall)
• Protests drag on as Algerians demand real change (Simon Cordall)
• The emerging frontrunners in Algeria’s uncertain election (Ghada Hamrouche)
• The backstory to Hifter’s march on Tripoli (Jason Pack)
• US eyes bigger role for Libyan warlord as civil war looms (Jack Detsch)
  

Extra Listening:

• Episode #91, The Fifth Time’s the Charm (3/14/2019): Phil and Cooper discuss the growing protests in Algeria over President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s decision to run for a fifth term.
• Episode #55, From Tripoli to Tobruk (5/31/2018): Libya currently has two rival governments fighting to be recognized - one in Tripoli, the other in Tobruk. Who are they, and why can’t they get along?

Music: Souad Massi - “Ghir Enta” (Spotify | Apple Music)

The Israeli election was held this week, and the results have found Prime Minister Netanyahu and his primary opponent Benny Gantz tied with 35 Knesset seats each. So why is Netanyahu still being hailed as the victor? Phil and Cooper discuss the events leading up to the election and Netanyahu’s path forward with Al-Monitor Israel Pulse contributor Danny Zaken.

• Israeli right's election victory buys more time for Netanyahu (Ben Caspit)
• Likud’s election day dirty tricks (Shlomi Eldar)
• Israel’s election battles fought on social networks, not at mass rallies (Mazal Mualem)
• How Netanyahu is in good shape to win re-election despite trailing his rival (Danny Zaken)
  
  

Extra Listening:

• Episode #78, Honey I Shrunk My Coalition (11/29/2018): Phil, Cooper, and Danny Zaken discuss Netanyahu’s political majority falling apart after the departure of Avigdor Liberman along with threats of other cabinet members leaving.
• Episode #89, Alliance Defiance (2/28/2019): Phil and Cooper explain the Blue & White Coalition and how it was becoming a serious threat to Netanyahu’s leadership, and talk with Mazal Mualem about Bibi’s alliance with far-right parties.
• Episode #90, Nobody Puts Bibi in the Corner (3/7/2019): Ben Caspit joins the podcast to talk about the announcement about Netanyahu’s potential indictment, and how it will affect him in the April elections.
  
  

Music: Elisha Banai & the Forty Thieves - “Barcelona” (Spotify | Apple Music)

Turkey held local elections this past Sunday - these elections happen every five years and account for thousands of mayors and councilors across the country. But President Erdogan’s party, the AKP, was defeated in some of Turkey’s largest cities. What do these losses mean for Turkey? And why are these elections important? Phil and Cooper speak with Al-Monitor Turkey Pulse contributor Ayla Jean Yackley about the results and their implications.

• How Turkey's local elections mark rebuke for Erdogan's one-man rule (ALM Intel)
• Turkey's ruling AKP loses Ankara, Istanbul as opposition springs to life (Amberin Zaman)
• Turkey’s milestone elections shatter Erdogan’s air of invincibility (Cengiz Candar)
  
• Erdogan’s government in panic over risk of electoral defeats (Kadri Gursel)
• Turkey’s army of jobless swelling to record level (Mustafa Sonmez)
  
  

Extra Listening:

• Episode #79, Mr. 4000 (12/5/2018): Ayla Jean Yackley speaks with Phil and Cooper about Turkey’s economic troubles and how it relates to the 2019 local elections.

Music: Ayben - “Bilene Sor” (Spotify | Apple Music)

With less than two weeks away until Israel’s general election, President Trump met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and made a proclamation to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory. You might have a lot of questions - where are the Golan Heights, what makes it so important, and who does it belong to? Phil and Cooper discuss this and more in this week’s episode.

• New heights of irresponsibility over the Golan (Akiva Eldar)
• Pompeo in Jerusalem, bearing gifts for Netanyahu (Danny Zaken)
• How Trump's Golan decision will further frustrate Mideast peace process (Laura Rozen)
• Republicans push to lock in Trump’s shift on Golan Heights (Bryant Harris)
• Russia weighs in on Trump’s Golan Heights decision (Max Suchkov)

Extra Listening:

• Episode #34, Quds You Be More Wrong? (12/13/2017): Phil and Cooper discuss President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
  

Music: Carthago - “Hanen” (Spotify | iTunes | Bandcamp)

Phil and Cooper discuss the Nowruz holiday - what are its origins? Who celebrates it, and how do you celebrate it? Also, Al-Monitor’s Congressional Correspondent Bryant Harris joins to discuss where the current round of 2020 presidential candidates stand on the question of the Iran Nuclear Deal.

• Iran’s Islamic authorities slowly embrace ancient Festival of Fire (Zahra Alipour)
  
• 2020 Democrats vow to re-enter Iran nuclear deal (Bryant Harris)
  

Music: Various Artists - “Haji Firooz” (Spotify | YouTube)

In the last month, Algeria has seen historic protests form over the announcement of their long-suffering president Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s candidacy for a fifth term in office. Phil and Cooper recap Bouteflika’s backstory and what’s happened since the protests began. Also, the Iranian president makes his strategic first visit to Iraq, but what makes it so important?

• Algeria gambles on old captain to chart new waters (Simon Cordall)
• Will Algerian protesters accept ailing president’s offer for reforms? (Simon Cordall)
• Why Algerian protesters aren't satisfied with Bouteflika's latest 'concession' (Simon Cordall)
• Rouhani in Baghdad seeks outlets against US sanctions (Ali Mamouri)
• Iraqi officials stress need to boost Arab ties while balancing relations with Iran (Ali Mamouri)
• Rouhani goes to Iraq to boost trade, assert authority at home (Mohammad Shabani)
• Iran's hard-liners praise Rouhani for boosting trade with Iraq (Al-Monitor Staff)

Extra Listening:

• Episode #4, Weekend at Bouteflika’s (5/3/2017): Phil and Cooper discuss Algeria's legislative elections and the mystery behind President Bouteflika.
• Episode #70, Cheddar Chatter (9/20/2018): Iraq's parliament elects a new speaker, Phil and Cooper talk about what the choice says about the new relationship between Iraq and Iran.
• Episode #72, Mystery at the Consulate (10/12/2018): Iraq's nomination for prime minister is another sign of Iranian influence in the country.
  

Music: Zaho - “Laissez-les Kouma” (feat. MHD) (Spotify | iTunes)