How the Saudi-Iran reconciliation could transform the Middle East

How the Saudi-Iran reconciliation could transform the Middle East

Can a handshake transform a region? After long years of tension, Saudi Arabia and Iran decided in March to normalise diplomatic relations. Weeks later, the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers met face-to-face - and the handshake took place. The landmark agreement entails patching up the rift by reviving a security cooperation pact, reopening embassies within two months and resuming trade, investment and cultural accords. The China-brokered deal could lead to a major realignment in the Middle East. And, while it is a coup for Beijing, it represents a geopolitical challenge for the United States. This week on Beyond the Headlines, host Ismaeel Naar looks at how Saudi Arabia and Iran were able to finally reach the negotiating table - and asks what the thawing of ties means for the wider region.

Episoder(478)

Why is the Palestinian Authority cracking down on Jenin?

Why is the Palestinian Authority cracking down on Jenin?

On a tense Saturday night in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, Shatha Al Sabbagh went over to the grocery store with her mother, neighbour and nephews. On her way out, she was shot in the neck and kill...

3 Jan 202529min

After a year of conflict, could 2025 be the year of resolution in the Middle East?

After a year of conflict, could 2025 be the year of resolution in the Middle East?

There’s no doubt that the events of 2024 have changed the Middle East. Israel’s continued war in Gaza has caused a ripple effect across the region. Multi-front conflicts over the past year have stoked...

27 Des 202422min

Palestine and pressure on campus: Academics say they are disciplined for anti-war speech

Palestine and pressure on campus: Academics say they are disciplined for anti-war speech

When Dr Mohamed Abdou joined Columbia University, he was thrilled to be in the company of renowned scholars of the Middle East. What he did not expect was that he would learn of what Columbia called h...

20 Des 202414min

What is next for Syria and the region after Assad?

What is next for Syria and the region after Assad?

Syria's Bashar Al Assad has fled the country after rebels took over Damascus. Prisoners who had been kept in the dark for decades were finally freed from notorious and brutal jails. People were reunit...

13 Des 202426min

How will the power balance in Syria shift?

How will the power balance in Syria shift?

Renewed fighting in Syria has ended a period of relative calm in the country after rebel groups launched a surprise offensive last week and took over the country's second biggest city, Aleppo. Syrian ...

6 Des 202421min

Will the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah stick?

Will the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah stick?

Lebanon celebrated a rare moment of joy as displaced families began to return to their homes after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on Wednesday. The people breathed a sigh of...

29 Nov 202423min

The lingering impact of mass displacement in Lebanon

The lingering impact of mass displacement in Lebanon

More than 3,500 people have been killed in Lebanon since last October, with Israel intensifying its attacks since September, launching a ground invasion into the country and an air strike campaign tha...

22 Nov 202424min

What will Donald Trump’s presidency change for Palestinians?

What will Donald Trump’s presidency change for Palestinians?

Donald Trump will return to the White House in January as the 47th American president, and the Middle East is waiting to see whether and how he can end the wars in the region. Many Palestinians in Gaz...

15 Nov 202420min

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