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(477)

Yemen's floating bomb

Yemen's floating bomb

Moored off Yemen’s Red Sea Coast is a rusting oil tanker, with a million barrels of crude aboard.  It has been described as a 'floating bomb'. After going without maintenance for the duration of Yem...

17 Mai 201914min

The bombing of Syria's last rebel province

The bombing of Syria's last rebel province

For months, the headlines have revolved around the winding down of the Syrian war and what the next phase looks like.  In April, US backed and Kurdish led forces retook the once sprawling so called c...

10 Mai 201921min

Sudan moves on from Omar Al Bashir

Sudan moves on from Omar Al Bashir

For three decades, Omar Al Bashir ruled over Sudan. But in April, in the face of growing protests, he was removed from office and the future of the country was suddenly up in the air. In this week's...

3 Mai 201911min

Sri Lanka reels after Easter Day massacre

Sri Lanka reels after Easter Day massacre

Suicide bombs, 359 dead and an ISIS claim of responsibility. On Sunday, Sri Lanka was hit by the single largest terror attack in its history. Hundreds attending Easter Sunday mass or at high-end Colom...

26 Apr 201923min

The many issues at play in India's election

The many issues at play in India's election

The scale of India’s ongoing election is staggering – nearly 900 million people are registered to cast their ballots. And there are many issues at stake, with India's economy on pace to become of the...

19 Apr 201910min

Israel’s Arab population and the Palestinians fear for the future as Benjamin Netanyahu clinches victory in a general election.

Israel’s Arab population and the Palestinians fear for the future as Benjamin Netanyahu clinches victory in a general election.

Benjamin Netanyahu has won a fifth term in office and looks set to be Israel’s longest serving Prime Minister, after a campaign which saw him pledge to annex the occupied West Bank.

11 Apr 20198min

Beyond the Headlines podcast: Bouteflika bids goodbye to power in Algeria

Beyond the Headlines podcast: Bouteflika bids goodbye to power in Algeria

After weeks of mounting protest, Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has stepped down, ending 20 years as the country’s ruler.   While the moment is historic, protesters – many of whom won’t re...

4 Apr 20197min

Former UK PM Tony Blair says Brexit is a mess

Former UK PM Tony Blair says Brexit is a mess

The Untied Kingdom’s march towards Brexit has been postponed but questions about the fate of the country’s place in the world continue to swirl. Prime Minister Theresa May has been given extra few we...

25 Mar 201920min

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