Trending Echoes Podcast

The Middle East stands at a crossroads. What will shape its security, partnerships, and future?

In this special episode of Trending Echoes Season 2, host Elyazia Al Hosani, Head of Media Sector at TRENDS Group, sits down with former U.S. Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo to discuss America’s evolving foreign policy and the region’s changing strategic landscape.

From the impact and limitations of maximum pressure on Iran to the future of Gulf security, Pompeo shares his perspectives on regional deterrence, U.S.–UAE cooperation, and prospects for expanding the Abraham Accords. The conversation also explores strategic competition with China and Russia, extremism in Europe, and the growing battle for influence in the information space.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction: Elyazia Al Hosani welcomes Mike Pompeo

00:17 A decade of U.S. foreign policy

01:13 Iran: Assessing maximum pressure

03:06 What does behaving like a “normal nation” mean?

03:59 Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities

05:31 Gulf security and America’s regional role

07:38 Trump’s Iran policy: First and second terms

10:44 Extremism in Europe and the UAE’s approach

13:50 China, Russia, and American leadership

16:19 Never Give an Inch: Principles and compromise

18:12 The future of U.S.–UAE relations

20:09 Expanding the Abraham Accords

21:50 Information warfare and competing narratives

24:37 Closing remarks

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In this episode of Trending Echoes, host Hamad Abdulla Alhosani, Senior Researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory, sits down with Emad Bajalan, Iraqi Kurdish politician and political commentator, for a wide-ranging discussion on Iraq’s political and security landscape. The conversation explores the role of militias, regional security, Iraq’s relations with the Gulf states and Iran, the fight against ISIS, and the far-reaching impact of corruption on governance and economic development. The episode also examines Iraq’s future, the importance of strengthening state institutions, and the lessons that can be drawn from successful regional development models.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:35 Who is Emad Bajalan?

03:06 Militias and attacks on the Gulf states

08:13 The threat of ISIS and Iraq’s security

09:55 Can Iraq disarm the militias?

13:45 U.S. presence and Iraq’s regional role

17:03 Iraq’s relationship with Iran

21:31 Iraq and the Gulf: The road ahead

23:05 Corruption and the future of Iraq

43:14 Final message and closing remarks

Tune in for an insightful conversation that unpacks the complexities of Iraq’s political landscape, regional security, and the future of governance in the Middle East. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to TRENDING ECHOES for more expert discussions on the issues shaping our world.

Welcome to Trending Echoes, the podcast where leading voices unpack the ideas shaping our world.

Hosted by Abdulaziz Ahmed Alshehhi, this episode features renowned Emirati journalist, writer, and media expert Mohamed Al-Hammadi for an in-depth discussion on how modern conflicts are fought not only on the battlefield but also across television screens, digital platforms, and social media.

The conversation explores the evolving role of Gulf media during the recent regional conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel, addressing misinformation, media narratives, public awareness, digital influence, artificial intelligence, national security, and the future of journalism.

Is the media still an observer, or has it become an active participant in modern warfare? Can neutrality truly exist in today's information landscape? How can societies build resilience against misinformation?

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the power of narratives, media ethics, and the changing dynamics of journalism in the digital age.

Host: Abdulaziz Ahmed Alshehhi

Guest: Mohamed Al-Hammadi, Emirati Journalist, Writer & Media Expert

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome

00:32 Media as a Battlefield in Modern Wars

01:49 Is the Media Now a Participant in Conflict?

02:54 Gulf Media's Performance During the Crisis

04:54 Fighting Misinformation in the Digital Age

09:08 Social Media, Speed vs Accuracy & UAE's Communication Strategy

13:02 Neutrality, National Interest & Media Responsibility

15:48 How Audiences Have Changed in the Digital Era

19:23 Media Literacy, Public Awareness & National Security

24:21 Who Really Shapes Public Opinion Today?

29:40 The Future of Gulf Media & Closing Reflections

In this episode of Trending Echoes Podcast, host Hamad Al Hosani sits down with Egyptian political writer and media figure Dr. Tawfik Okasha for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of the Iran conflict, the collapse of political Islam, Gulf security, media narratives, and the ideological battle shaping the Middle East.

Dr. Okasha shares his perspective on Iran’s regional strategy, the role of militias across the Arab world, the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence, Arab media fragmentation, and why he believes the “real battle” today is a battle of awareness.

The conversation also explores the UAE’s regional role, the future of Gulf unity, political ideology, and the intersection of media, religion, and power in shaping public opinion across the region.

Key Themes Discussed

Iran’s regional influence and proxy networks

Political Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood

Gulf security and regional alliances

UAE strategic vision and modernisation

Arab media fragmentation and public opinion

Ideology, governance, and geopolitical transformation

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction & Future of the Iran War

00:05 — The “Shiite Crescent” & Regional Militias

00:07 — Iraq, Hezbollah & Iranian Influence Networks

00:09 — Iran’s Military Capabilities & Missile Narrative

00:11 — Why the UAE Was Targeted & UAE Air Defense Capabilities

00:14 — Gulf Unity, Arab League & Regional Fragmentation

00:20 — Iran’s Regime Future & Nuclear Negotiations

00:23 — Muslim Brotherhood, Political Islam & UAE’s Counter-Strategy

00:29 — Assassination Attempts & Brotherhood Presence Across the Region

00:42 — Arab Media Discourse, Propaganda & the Battle of Narratives

In this episode of Trending Echoes, host Elyazia Al Hosani speaks with Imam Mohammad Tawhidi, Governing Member of the Global Imams Council (Canada), for a candid discussion on the ideological foundations of the Iranian regime, religious authority, and the dynamics of extremism in the region.

The conversation explores the concept of political leadership in Iran, the role of the Supreme Leader, and how theological narratives intersect with governance. Imam Mohammad Tawhidi also shares personal experiences from his studies in Iran, reflecting on curriculum, ideological indoctrination, and the turning points that shaped his views.

The discussion further examines the influence of transnational Islamist movements, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood, and their perceived impact on political and religious landscapes across the Middle East. The episode concludes with an assessment of the organization’s current strength, long-term strategies, and the importance of continued counter-extremism efforts.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

Host Elyazia Al Hosani introduces Imam Mohammad Tawhidi and sets the context for the discussion.

00:22 – The Iranian Regime: Then and Now

Views on leadership in Iran and the concept of the Supreme Leader.

01:52 – Religious Authority and Political Legitimacy

Discussion on theological narratives and political power structures.

03:09 – Educational Background and Ideological Formation

Shared curriculum and experiences within religious institutions.

05:02 – Turning Point: Questioning the System

Personal reflections on exposure to dissent and intellectual challenges.

06:28 – Opposition to Wilayat al-Faqih

Clerical disagreements and evolving perspectives.

07:09 – Detention and Interrogation in Iran

Personal account of questioning by authorities.

10:22 – Leaving Iran and Family History

Background on migration and political developments.

11:16 – Counter-Extremism and the Muslim Brotherhood

Discussion on ideological influence and regional dynamics.

12:35 – Links Between Islamist Movements

Historical and political examples.

14:51 – Strength of the Muslim Brotherhood Today

Assessment of global presence and influence.

16:10 – Closing Remarks

Final thoughts and conclusion of the episode.

In this Trending Echoes episode, Dr. Samir Al-Taqi discusses the “Age of Controlled Chaos” shaping the Middle East and global order. He examines regional instability after the collapse of major power arrangements, the impact of the Ukraine war and October 7, the rise of non-state and ideological actors, and the risks facing Syria’s future. The conversation also explores governance failures, political Islam, economic models for recovery, terrorism dynamics, and shifting roles of the U.S., China, and other global powers — concluding with his outlook on how stable regional states can prevent wider collapse through cooperation and restraint.

YouTube Chapters

00:00:00 — Introduction & scope of discussion

00:01:08 — Why the Middle East is entering a fragile phase

00:05:31 — October 7 and the regional strategic rupture

00:07:42 — Non-state actors & political Islam

00:12:29 — Syria’s future: reconciliation & decentralization

00:20:42 — Syria’s economic crisis & reform paths

00:26:27 — Terrorism, jihadist groups & state weakness

00:33:07 — Muslim Brotherhood: Syria vs region

00:35:35 — U.S. role & the emerging global order

00:40:13 — Closing outlook on the Middle East’s future

Watch the full episode, subscribe to Trending Echoes, and share your thoughts in the comments.

In this episode of Trending Echoes, Elyazia Al Hosani speaks with Dr. Jean-Marc Feghali, Director of Innovation at WeWalk, about inclusive technology, visual impairment, and how lived experience can shape meaningful innovation.

Dr Feghali shares his personal journey growing up in Abu Dhabi with congenital visual impairment and how it led him to pursue engineering, mobility research, and eventually co-founding WeWalk—a smart mobility solution designed to empower people with visual impairments. The conversation explores how traditional tools like the white cane can be enhanced through thoughtful technology, without replacing their core purpose.

The episode also delves into systems engineering, user-led design, academic–industry collaboration, and the responsible use of AI and computer vision in assistive technologies. From real user stories to global recognition, research scalability, personal challenges, and the importance of inclusive societies, this discussion highlights how innovation grounded in empathy can improve lives far beyond its original audience.

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome to Trending Echoes

00:02 — Guest Introduction: Dr Jean-Marc Feghali & WeWalk

00:29 — What Is WeWalk and Its Mission

02:05 — Understanding Visual Impairment

03:03 — Growing Up Visually Impaired in Abu Dhabi

04:44 — From Civil Engineering to Mobility Research

06:56 — Joining WeWalk and User-Led Innovation

08:22 — PhD Research and Systems Engineering Approach

10:09 — Balancing Technology with the Traditional White Cane

11:38 — Real User Stories and Global Impact

13:23 — UK Government Engagement & King’s Innovation Award

14:45 — Imperial College and Academic Collaboration

15:44 — Scaling Research, Industry Transition & Investment

18:18 — Personal Challenges, Vision Loss & Resilience

21:06 — AI, Computer Vision & Cautious Innovation

23:05 — Why Inclusive Design Benefits Everyone

24:52 — The Next Five Years for WeWalk

26:01 — Inclusivity, Society & the UAE Experience

28:05 — Advice to Young Innovators

In this episode of Trending Echoes, host Elyazia Al Hosani sits down with Emily Austin, an American journalist and media personality, for an in-depth conversation on authenticity, journalism, social media algorithms, AI, and the growing responsibility of public voices in an increasingly polarised world.

Emily shares how she maintains authenticity in an industry driven by narratives, why sports can succeed where politics often fails, and how extremist content is amplified through algorithms, bot networks, and misinformation. The discussion also examines journalism ethics, deepfakes, AI tools like ChatGPT, freedom of speech versus regulation, and the powerful influence of platforms such as TikTok on younger generations.

From navigating online threats to redefining credibility in the digital age, this episode offers a candid look at the challenges facing modern journalism—and the responsibility that comes with having a voice that echoes far beyond the screen.

Topics covered include:

• Authenticity in journalism

• Sports diplomacy and unity

• Algorithms, extremism, and misinformation

• AI, deepfakes, and ChatGPT

• Freedom of speech vs regulation

• Journalism ethics and accountability

• Advice for young journalists

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome

Elyazia Al Hosani introduces Trending Echoes and welcomes journalist Emily Austin.

02:07 – Authenticity in Media & Finding Your Voice

Emily explains how she stays authentic in a narrative-driven industry.

03:48 – Sports as a Tool for Unity & Diplomacy

Why sports can bridge divides when politics fails.

06:02 – Algorithms, Extremism & Misinformation

How social media algorithms amplify extreme narratives and fake engagement.

07:00 – Journalism, Integrity & Media Accountability

The responsibility of journalists and the damage caused by misinformation.

09:18 – Credibility in the Age of TikTok & Influencers

Staying trustworthy as news consumption shifts to social platforms.

12:26 – AI, ChatGPT & the Rise of Deepfakes

The benefits and dangers of AI-driven information ecosystems.

16:06 – Radical Groups, Media Infiltration & Security Risks

How extremist networks exploit media and social platforms.

26:00 – Online Threats, Free Speech & Personal Resilience

Navigating harassment, threats, and the limits of free speech.

40:59 – Advice for Young Journalists & Final Reflections

Emily’s message to the next generation of journalists.