Latest Episodes

Human Rights Defenders at Risk (with Adam Shapiro of Front Line Defenders)

In this episode, we are joined by Adam Shapiro of the organization Front Line Defenders to discuss the situation of human rights defenders at risk. We ask "What kind of challenges do human rights defenders face?" 'What kinds of tactics are used to suppress their human rights activities?" And finally, "What can we do to help them?"

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Why Israel/Palestine Matters (with Phyllis Bennis)

In this episode, Middle East expert Phyllis Bennis joins us once again, this time to discuss why the situation in Israel/Palestine matters. We ask, "How does militarism in Israel/Palestine impact the rest of the Middle East and the rest of the world?" For American listeners we ask, "Does violence and injustice in Israel/Palestine provoke violence and injustice here in...

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Why Do You Call it an Occupation? (with Phyllis Bennis)

In this episode, we call upon Middle East expert Phyllis Bennis to answer our most persistent audience questions stemming from our recent series set in the occupied West Bank. We ask, and she answers, questions like "Why do you call what is happening in this part of the world an occupation? What makes it an occupation and not...

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Palestinian Gandhi on Trial: Part 4 (“Electronic Crimes” and The Palestinian Authority Case)

In our final episode of the series, we go deeper into Issa's trial before a Palestinian Authority court, where he stands charged with violating a controversial and highly restrictive "Electronic Crimes" law for no more than a Facebook post criticizing the Palestinian Authority for its treatment of a journalist. This episode takes us deeper into questions of what...

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Palestinian Gandhi on Trial: Part 3 (Guilty Until Proven Innocent)

Join us as we go deeper into the case of Issa Amro before an Israeli military court, and deeper into the two very different sets of laws at work in the West Bank. We will discuss Israeli civil law, to which Israeli settlers are party as citizens of Israel; and we will discuss Israeli military law, to which Palestinians...

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Palestinian Gandhi on Trial: Part 2 (Non-Violent Resistance Under Occupation)

In this episode, we explore Issa Amro's development as a non-violent activist, from his childhood spent living under intense military occupation in the West Bank city of Hebron; to his first actions as a university student during the second intifada; to the intense targeting he faces today on account of his activism. Over the past 15 years, Issa has...

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Palestinian Gandhi on Trial: Part 1 (Introducing Issa Amro and The Occupation)

By the time you hear this episode, Palestinian activist Issa Amro, who as of September 2019 faces trial before an Israeli military court and a Palestinian Authority court, may be behind bars. Or perhaps he will be exonerated, or his case continually postponed, as he is, after all, on trial in both cases for exercising his basic freedoms of...

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Episode 4: Talking Technology, Part Two

Deeper into the efforts of activists and engineers to make technology secure and free for all. We discuss communications protocols, free software, and the barriers that stand in the way of those researching the inner workings of technology in the public interest. Our guest is Daniel Kahn Gillmor, senior staff technologist at the Speech, Privacy, and...

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Episode 3: Talking Technology, Part One

Exploring the human rights impacts of modern technology, from Facebook to Amazon Alexa to government spying operations. Our focus here is not on "how you can protect yourself," but on the technological changes needed to secure privacy and freedom for all. Our guest is Daniel Kahn Gillmor (aka "dkg"), senior staff technologist at the Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project...

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Episode 2: Finding Freedom, Founding Freedom (special Black History Month episode)

Discussing the vital contributions of people of African descent to human rights as we know them. Our guest is Christina-Proenza Coles, author of "American Founders: How People of African Descent Established Freedom in the New World."

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Episode 1.5: Yemen and How to Stop a War — Special Update

A crucial update on Congressional efforts to stop the devastating war and blockade in Yemen. Our guest is Kate Gould, Legislative Director of Middle East Policy for the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Advocates for Middle East peace, along with key members of the U.S. Congress, have been working steadily to block weapons sales to Saudi Arabia; to invoke the...

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Episode 1: Talking Yemen and How to Stop a War

Since March of 2015, Saudi Arabia has led a devastating attack on its neighbor to the south, Yemen – a war made possible by military, logistical, and intelligence support from the United States. This attack, and the accompanying blockade, has led to the worst humanitarian disaster in the world today, leaving millions on the brink of starvation and thousands...

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