Can mediation cut through conflict in the Middle East?

Can mediation cut through conflict in the Middle East?

In Gaza, a fragile ceasefire comes with great uncertainty for the future. In Yemen, the Houthis are abducting humanitarian workers and journalists in a witch hunt for alleged spies. And in Syria, a new and unstable political landscape could go either way.

“It's not easy to build peace. It's much easier to stop a war,” says Martin Griffiths, executive director of Mediation Group International.

The former under secretary general for humanitarian affairs at the UN speaks to The National’s editor-in-chief Mina Al-Oraibi in this special episode of Beyond the Headlines.

They discuss the instrumental role of mediation, not only to resolve conflicts in the Middle East, but to ensure peace will follow. Mr Griffiths draws insights from his decades-long career in the humanitarian field to reflect on current events in the region. He talks about the diplomacy model set by Gulf countries and about opportunities to reform a UN in crisis.

Episoder(476)

Can Trump really force Palestinians out of Gaza?

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The gravity of Israel’s ban on UNRWA

The gravity of Israel’s ban on UNRWA

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, was this week ordered to stop its operations in occupied East Jerusalem, three months after Israel’s parliament voted to ban it. UNRWA is the main provid...

31 Jan 202519min

Why is Israel raiding Jenin after the ceasefire in Gaza?

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Days after the guns fell silent in Gaza, violence erupted less than 200km away in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin.   Israel’s military deployed tanks, snipers and special forces in the city o...

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What will happen in the Middle East under president-elect Trump?

What will happen in the Middle East under president-elect Trump?

Four years after his first term, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th US president, marking his second inauguration as one of America’s most unpredictable leaders.   An ocean away in the Midd...

20 Jan 202523min

Will the fighting really end in Gaza?

Will the fighting really end in Gaza?

Cheers echoed through the streets of Gaza on Wednesday night, even before a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was finally announced. Much-needed respite appears to be in sight after 15 mont...

17 Jan 202523min

Can HTS deliver for Syria?

Can HTS deliver for Syria?

An entire month has passed since Syria’s Bashar Al Assad was overthrown by rebel groups and much has happened since. Prison dungeons of the former regime were unlocked, freeing political prisoners hel...

10 Jan 202522min

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

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