In our episode of ROPESCAST, we feature Shadi Martini, a Syrian humanitarian activist, doctor, and entrepreneur, who offers a surprisingly hopeful perspective amid Syria's devastation. Martini, who had to run for his life back in 2012 when he helped treating wounded Syrians in Aleppo hospitals against the orders of Assad regime, reveals why he believes a unique diplomatic opening has emerged that could not only end decades of Syria-Israel hostilities but potentially bring Syria into the Abraham Accords framework—a geopolitical shift few thought possible.Against the backdrop of catastrophic humanitarian conditions, where Assad's regime has left an economic wasteland and returning refugees find only ruins where their homes once stood, Martini makes a case for cautious optimism. He acknowledges the legitimate skepticism toward political transitions but argues that this rare convergence of regional interests might offer the Syrian people their best chance for meaningful reconstruction and reintegration into the regional community.Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional wisdom about Syria's future and explores what might be possible when desperation meets diplomatic opportunity.ROPESCAST is produced by the Regional Organization for Peace, Economics, & Security (ROPES), bringing together voices from across the Middle East to foster dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.

Maoz Inon - Building Lasting Peace Post 07/10

In this transformative conversation on ROPESCAST, we welcome Israeli entrepreneur and peace activist Maoz Inon, whose personal journey exemplifies extraordinary resilience and vision in the face of tragedy.

On October 7, 2023, Maoz lost both of his parents in the Hamas terror attack, yet he has found the courage and forgiveness in his heart to continue advocating for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. His story is one of transforming personal grief into a catalyst for positive change and reconciliation.

Maoz shares his profound insights on peace-building, forgiveness, and how to create meaningful change even in the darkest times:

"Forgiveness is the key to redeem ourselves, to free ourselves from the destiny those who harmed us chose for us. They choose for us to hate each other, but many of us are choosing a different destiny based on reconciliation and healing and human values."

Perhaps most moving is his perspective on hope: "Hope is not something we can find and is not something we can lose - hope is an action. And the formula to create hope is also very simple. It's difficult to achieve but it's very simple to explain. We create hope by working together with others and envisioning a better future and acting to make it into a reality."

Join us for this deeply moving conversation that transcends politics and reminds us of our shared humanity and the power of choosing reconciliation over revenge.

ROPESCAST is produced by the Regional Organization for Peace, Economics & Security (ROPES), bringing together voices from across the Middle East to foster dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.

ROPESCAST | Episode 30 - From Syria with Love

In this gripping episode, Syrian-American journalist Hayvy Bouzo joins host Ksenia Svetlova for a wide-ranging discussion about Syria at a historic crossroads. Following the dramatic fall of the Assad regime, Bouzo shares her insights on the opportunities and challenges facing Syria today. The conversation moves from high-stakes geopolitics and potential peace with Israel to deeply personal reflections on Damascus's hidden gems, her mother's memories of Jewish life in old Aleppo, and the enduring legacy of Syrian culture – including its world-famous ice cream. Join us for this timely exploration of a nation in transition, balancing between painful past, uncertain present, and hopeful future.

With war still raging in Gaza with no end in sight, events over recent weeks have escalated concerns that the conflict could expand into a regional war involving Iran, Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed actors. But how likely is such a conflagration, and what are the respective calculations of Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran? What is the status of the efforts by the administration of President Joseph R. Biden Jr. to broker a diplomatic resolution along the Israel-Lebanon border? How dire would the civilian toll be for Lebanon and Israel in the event of a full-blown war? And what is the role of the Gulf states and other Arab countries in this unfolding crisis?

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Professor Dajani shares his experiences taking Palestinian students to Auschwitz and Jewish students to Palestinian refugee camps, emphasizing empathy and reconciliation. He discusses the challenges faced and the transformative impact on his students. The conversation also explores the current educational landscape in the Middle East and practical steps for fostering peace.

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In this episode of ROPESCAST, Ksenia hosts Abdullah Aljenaid, geopolitical columnist commentator, regional and international media, and former head of analyst.

In this episode, we delve into the prospects for normalization between Israel and Arab states, as well as the broader integration of Israel and Palestine into the fabric of the Middle East. Abdullah shares his optimism for the future, despite current challenges, and explains why it's crucial to stay committed to building a better tomorrow.

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In the new episode of ROPESCAST, host Ksenia Svetlova engages in an insightful conversation with renowned journalist and humanitarian Arwa Damon. With firsthand experience in conflict zones like Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and now Gaza, Damon shares her perspective on the dire humanitarian situation on the ground. The discussion delves into the diminishing support for HAMAS amidst the escalating crisis and emphasizes the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid.

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In this episode of ROPESCAST, we dive deep into the intricacies of Middle Eastern diplomacy with Ambassador Hesham Youssef, a seasoned former Egyptian diplomat with extensive experience in both the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League.

What are potential pathways for collaboration and conflict resolution? How should regional spoilers be dealt with? Is Arab Peace Initiative still alive and what is the way out of the current crisis in Gaza?

Ambassador Youssef provides valuable perspectives on the evolving dynamics of the Middle East and offers insights into what lies ahead for diplomatic efforts in the region.

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This week on ROPESCAST, Ibrahim and Ksenia are joined by British-Palestinian musician and peace activist John Aziz.

John shares his views about the polarization of the conflict in the UK, the challenges we face to reach peace, and his personal message to those who believe in peace to speak out and call for true peace.

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This week on ROPESCAST, Ibrahim and Ksenia are joined by Avi Nudelman who serves as an advisor in sphere of

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