Welcome to a new deep dive, our podcast service, powered by the Google's Gemini AI technology, from The Levant Files!

Today, we're dissecting one of the most influential, enduring, and controversial socio-political movements in the modern Middle East: The Muslim Brotherhood. For nearly a century, its evolution has shaped events, challenged states, and sparked intense debate both within and outside its ranks.

Listen to "Unpacking the Muslim Brotherhood – A Century of Evolution and Ordeal" now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!

We'll explore:

The foundational ideas of Hassan al-Banna.

The intricate internal structures and norms that build identity and ensure cohesion – concepts like Tarbiyya, the Usra system, Thiqah (trust), and Ta'a (obedience).

The movement's dialectical relationship with state power, oscillating between opposition, cautious participation, and outright persecution.

The critical ideological debates that have shaped its trajectory, particularly the tension between gradualism and more radical interpretations, exemplified by figures like Sayyid Qutb and Hassan al-Hudaybi.

Key historical moments, including its interactions with Nasser, its electoral successes in the 1980s, the dramatic rise after the 2011 Arab Spring, Morsi's brief presidency, and the devastating aftermath of the 2013 coup in Egypt.

The distinct yet interconnected story of the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood and its own struggles.

How the Brotherhood has navigated immense external pressures while grappling with internal demands for reform and accountability.

This isn't just a historical overview; it's an exploration of how an organization builds and maintains identity, adapts (or fails to adapt) to shifting political landscapes, and the profound impact of its core tenets on its survival and evolution.

Sources Used for This Episode:

Pargeter, A. The Muslim Brotherhood: From Opposition to Power. Saqi Books, 2013.

Wickham, C.R. The Muslim Brotherhood: Evolution of an Islamist Movement - Updated Edition. Princeton University Press, 2015.

Willi, V.J. The Fourth Ordeal: A History of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, 1968–2018. Cambridge University Press, 2021.

Zollner, B. The Muslim Brotherhood: Hasan Al-Hudaybi and Ideology. Taylor & Francis, 2009.

Díaz, N.R. The Muslim Brotherhood in Syria: The Democratic Option of Islamism. Taylor & Francis, 2017.

Mellor, N. Voice of the Muslim Brotherhood: Da'wa, Discourse, and Political Communication. Taylor & Francis, 2017.

Photo: The banner of the Muslim Brotherhood, Wikimedia Commons

You might have seen the recent, quite surprising news: the PKK's 12th Congress and its decision to consider... dissolving. This headline makes you stop and think: How does an organization with such a long and impactful history reach this point?

In our latest episode of Deep Dive of The Levant Files, titled "PKK at a Crossroads: From Armed Struggle to Potential Dissolution," created with the help of the revolutionary Gemini AI's technology, we're diving deep into this momentous development. We're not just looking at today's headlines but unpacking the PKK's entire journey.

Join us as we:

• Trace the PKK's origins in the late 1970s, its initial Marxist-Socialist ideology, and its goal of national liberation for Kurds within Turkey.
• Explore its shift to armed struggle in the 1980s, the intense conflict that ensued, and the Turkish state's multifaceted response, including the controversial village guard system.
• Witness the ideological evolutions, particularly after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the pivotal capture of Abdullah Öcalan in 1999. Discover how this led to the formulation of "Democratic Confederalism" and the establishment of the broader KCK umbrella organization.
• Understand the PKK's role within this transnational network, including its affiliates in Syria (PYD/YPG) and Iran (PJAK), and how this complex history leads us to the current, stunning consideration of dissolution.

We'll examine the key developments, ideological underpinnings, strategic shifts, and the profound questions this potential dissolution raises for the Kurdish movement and the wider region. What does self-determination mean in the 21st century, and what might this signal for the future path of Kurdish political aspirations?

Please tune in to The Levant Files for a comprehensive look at one of the Middle East's most enduring and controversial organizations, now potentially facing its most significant transformation.

🎙️ Listen now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!

Academic and other sources used for the creation of the podcast:

White, Paul J. The Pkk : Coming down from the Mountains. Rebels. London: Zed Books Ltd, 2015. Table of contents http://digitale-objekte.hbz-nrw.de/storage2/2015/10/19/file_12/6472917.pdf.

Özcan, Ali Kemal. Turkey's Kurds : A Theoretical Analysis of the Pkk and Abdullah ÖCalan. Routledge Advances in Middle East and Islamic Studies. London ; New York: RoutledgeCurzon, 2006. Table of contents only http://www.loc.gov/catdir/toc/ecip054/2004028869.html

Publisher description http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy0653/2004028869-d.html.

Marcus, Aliza. Blood and Belief : The Pkk and the Kurdish Fight for Independence. New York: New York University Press, 2007. Table of contents only http://www.loc.gov/catdir/toc/ecip0712/2007007891.html

Publisher description http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy0730/2007007891-d.html

Contributor biographical information http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy0733/2007007891-b.html.

Černy, Hannes. Iraqi Kurdistan, the Pkk and International Relations : Theory and Ethnic Conflict. Exeter Studies in Ethno Politics. London ; New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.

Saeed, Seevan. Kurdish Politics in Turkey : From the Pkk to the Kck. Routledge Studies in Middle Eastern Politics. London ; New York: Routledge, 2017.

Balci, Ali. The Pkk-Kurdistan Workers' Party's Regional Politics : During and after the Cold War. 1st ed. Cham: Springer International Publishing : Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan,, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42219-0.

The Levant Files Unpacks Tumultuous Kingdom of Egypt (1922-1953) in New Podcast Episode

The popular history podcast The Levant Files, Deep Dive, has released a compelling new episode, "Kingdom of Egypt (1922-1953). " This episode offers listeners an in-depth exploration of a transformative period in modern Egyptian history. The episode charts the Kingdom's formal establishment in 1922, its complex internal and external challenges, and its dramatic overthrow by the 1952/53 Revolution.

The podcast emphasizes that understanding the Kingdom requires a look back to its 19th-century roots, particularly the foundational efforts of Muhammad Ali (Wali from 1805-1848). Ali, though appointed by the Ottoman Sultan, secured hereditary rule and initiated sweeping modernizations, including creating a European-style army by conscripting peasant farmers and a controversial consolidation of power by eliminating the Mamluk elite. His expansionist ambitions, however, brought him into conflict with European powers and the Ottoman Sultan, foreshadowing future foreign entanglements.

Following Ali, Khedive Ismail (1863-1879) accelerated modernization to make Egypt "part of Europe." His reign saw the completion of the iconic Suez Canal and significant educational investments, fostering a new European-style elite. The British occupation, triggered by the Urabi Revolt and rising Egyptian nationalism, became a focal point of Egyptian political life. "The Levant Files" explores how this foreign domination fueled nationalist movements, culminating in the 1919 Revolution led by Saad Zaghloul and the Wafd Party.

After the 1920s Britain retained control over crucial areas known as the "Four Reserved Points," including the Suez Canal's security, Egypt's defense, foreign interests, and Sudan. This set the stage for a persistent tripartite power struggle within the Kingdom between the monarchy (King Fuad and later King Farouk), the popular Wafd party, and the ever-present British influence.

Throughout the Kingdom years, Egypt navigated attempts to establish a stable constitutional framework, negotiate treaties like the 1936 Anglo-Egyptian Treaty, and endure the pressures of World War II,.

"The Levant Files" also charts the rise of new ideological forces challenging the existing order during this period. The Muslim Brotherhood grew into a powerful entity advocating for an Islamic state, while the Egyptian Communist movement organized workers and intellectuals. The Egyptian army's humiliating defeat in the 1948 Palestine War further eroded the legitimacy of King Farouk, whose reign became increasingly associated with corruption and ineffectiveness.

This confluence of factors—discredited monarchy, unresolved national issues, social inequality, and the army's discontent—created a fertile ground for revolution. The podcast details how the Free Officers Movement, a secret group of nationalist military figures with Gamal Abdel Nasser as a key driving force, seized power in July 1952. Muhammad Naguib initially served as the public face of the revolution.

For Further Reading (as cited by The Levant Files):

The Cambridge History of Egypt: Volume 2, Modern Egypt, from 1517 to the End of the Twentieth Century. Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο: Cambridge University Press, 2008.

McGregor, Andrew. A Military History of Modern Egypt: From the Ottoman Conquest to the Ramadan War. Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο: Bloomsbury Academic, 2006.

Shamir, Shimon. Egypt From Monarchy To Republic: A Reassessment Of Revolution And Change. Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο: Taylor & Francis, 2021.

Vatikiotis, P.J., The Modern History of Egypt. New York & Washington: Frederick A. Praeger, 1969.

Whidden, James. Monarchy and Modernity in Egypt: Politics, Islam and Neo-Colonialism Between the Wars. Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο: I.B.Tauris, 2013.

New Podcast from TLF: "Red Star Over Persia: The Forgotten History of Iran's Tudeh Party"

A Journey Through Iran's Complex Communist Legacy

Historians and political scholars, take note: The Levant Files launches a new podcast series exploring the tumultuous history of Iran's communist movement. "Red Star Over Persia: The Forgotten History of Iran's Tudeh Party" offers listeners an unprecedented deep dive into one of the Middle East's most influential yet often overlooked political movements of the 20th century.

The Communist Legacy in Iranian Politics

The Tudeh Party of Iran, formed in 1941 with Soleiman Mirza Eskandari as its head, emerged as a significant political force that had considerable influence in its early years. The podcast meticulously tracks the party's evolution since its formation, following the Anglo-Soviet occupation of Persia and the abdication of Reza Shah in September 1941.

Our new Gemini AI-powered podcast aims to illuminate how the Tudeh Party played a pivotal role during Mohammad Mosaddegh's campaign to nationalize the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. This period represents a critical juncture in Iranian history that continues to shape geopolitical relations today.

From Influence to Persecution

The podcast doesn't shy away from examining the party's complex trajectory, which has been described as "the main orthodox Communist organization in contemporary Iran." Special attention is given to the dramatic shift in the party's fortunes after 1953, when Persian communism, previously embodied primarily in the Tudeh party, faced severe repression.

What makes this story compelling is how the Tudeh Party followed the ideological and political directives of the Soviet Union while attempting to navigate Iran's unique political landscape.

The podcast draws on extensive research, allowing listeners to gain insight into the 71-year history of Iran's labor and communist movement, including the 51 years of the Tudeh Party's existence as the self-proclaimed party of the Iranian working class.

Bridging Historical Gaps

For listeners who have enjoyed podcasts on history, "Red Star Over Persia" offers a compelling counternarrative centered on Iran's modern political development. The series promises to seamlessly connect ancient Persian history with the communist movements of the 20th century in a cohesive historical narrative.

Release Information

"Red Star Over Persia: The Forgotten History of Iran's Tudeh Party" is available on all major podcast platforms beginning May 10, 2025.

The following citations were used in the research for this podcast series:

1. "Tudeh Party of Iran," Wikipedia, last modified May 9, 2025, accessed May 9, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tudeh_Party_of_Iran.
2. M. Omidvar, "Brief History of the Tudeh Party of Iran," Tudeh Party of Iran, March 1993, accessed May 9, 2025, https://tudehpartyiran.org/en/1993/03/31/brief-history-of-the-tudeh-party-of-iran.
3. M. Reza Ghods, "The Iranian Communist Movement under Reza Shah," Middle Eastern Studies 26, no. 4 (October 1990): 506–513.
4. Ervand Abrahamian, Iran Between Two Revolutions, published by Princeton University Press in Princeton, NJ, in 1982.
5. Fred Halliday's article "The Tudeh Party in Iranian Politics," published in Middle East Report, no. 86 (March/April 1980), is excerpted from the book Iran: Dictatorship and Democracy (1979). This article was accessed on May 9, 2025, at https://merip.org/1980/03/the-tudeh-party-in-iranian-politics/.
6. Najleh Khandagh, "The Historical Background of the Tudeh Party (Mass Party) of Iran 1941-47," European Journal of Research and Reflection in Arts and Humanities 4, no. 2 (2016): 1–25.
7. "History of the Tudeh Party of Iran," Iran Chamber Society, accessed May 9, 2025, https://www.iranchamber.com/history/tudeh/tudeh_party01.php.

The Levant Files podcast has released a compelling new episode examining the complex evolution of Yemen's Houthi movement. Prompted by recent headlines surrounding alleged Houthi attacks extending as far as Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, the episode offers a deep dive into the group's transformation from a locally focused Zaydi Shia revivalist movement into a formidable regional force.

The podcast unpacks the Houthis' origins in northern Yemen, tracing their roots back to the early 1990s and Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi's leadership. It explores the initial grievances driving the movement, including feelings of political and economic marginalization under the central government, resistance to perceived external influences like Salafism, and the legacy of Yemen's complex political history.

Listeners gain insight into key stages of the Houthis' development, particularly the hardening experience of the Sa'ada wars (2004-2010) against the Yemeni government, which honed their military capabilities and anti-establishment narrative. The episode analyzes their strategic, albeit temporary, alliance with former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and their pivotal capture of the capital, Sana'a, in 2014, capitalizing on the failures of the post-Arab Spring transitional government.

The discussion also tackles the group's internal dynamics, external support – notably consistent accusations of Iranian backing with weapons and training – and the comparison often drawn with Hezbollah. While acknowledging potential proxy dynamics, the podcast emphasizes the Houthis' specific goals shaped by Yemen's unique context.

Ultimately, "The Levant Files" provides a nuanced perspective, moving beyond simple headlines to illuminate the historical, political, and military factors behind the Houthis' rise and their increasing willingness to project power. This raises crucial questions about their capabilities, limitations, and the future stability of the region.

Sources Used in Podcast Creation:

• Council on Foreign Relations, "Iran's Support of the Houthis: What to Know," Council on Foreign Relations, January 31, 2024, https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/irans-support-houthis-what-know. (Note: The date 5/4/25 found in the OCR header is likely an access date or placeholder; the article itself was last updated on January 31, 2024, per the live website. The footnote uses the updated date as the publication date. The OCR also contains a correction note dated March 24, 2025, which is also a future date and likely an error in the source document/OCR.)
• Jean-Loup C. Samaan, "Adapting to Adaptive Adversaries: Missiles, Drones, and the Houthis in Yemen," Parameters 50, no. 1 (Spring 2020): 52–64.
• Euronews with AP, "Missile from Yemen hits Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport," Euronews, May 4, 2025, https://www.euronews.com/2025/05/04/missile-from-yemen-hits-tel-avivs-ben-gurion-airport. (Note: The date 5/4/25 appears to be a placeholder or error in the source document/OCR as it is a future date.)
• Helen Lackner, Yemen: Poverty and Conflict (London and New York: Routledge, 2023).
• Alexandra Stark, The Yemen Model: Why U.S. Policy Has Failed in the Middle East (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2024).
• Marieke Brandt, Tribes and Politics in Yemen: A History of the Houthi Conflict (New York: Oxford University Press, 2017).

The Levant Files Releases Third Podcast Episode: Uncovering the Origins of the Druze People and Religion

The Levant Files, a podcast dedicated to exploring the intricate history and culture of the Middle East and powered by the Gemini AI technology of the Google, has launched its third episode, titled "Origins of the Druze People and Religion." This compelling installment delves into the mysterious history, unique faith, and societal structure of the Druze, an Arab esoteric religious group from West Asia who identify as al-Muwaḥḥidūn, meaning 'the monotheists' or 'the unitarians.' Blending scholarly research with engaging storytelling, the podcast offers a rare insight into a community whose origins and beliefs have long fascinated historians and cultural enthusiasts.

Tracing their roots to the eleventh-century Levant, the Druze adhere to a syncretic faith that draws from Ismaili Shi‘ism, animism, Greek philosophy, Jewish and Christian mysticism, Iranian Gnosticism, and even Buddhism. The episode examines how this distinct belief system evolved from Shi'ism in its Isma'ili form, emphasizing practices like opposition to mixed marriages and conversions. Citing works by Nejla M. Abu-Izzeddin, the podcast also explores the ethical and social dimensions of Druze life, including their habitats and the significant role of women in their communities.

The episode further addresses the Druze’s origins, referencing recent studies that link them to neighboring Arab populations in Syria, Lebanon, and Palestinian areas, as well as to Armenians. Some evidence suggests proto-Druze ties to Armenian-Turkish tribes from the Zagros and surrounding mountains, adding depth to their historical narrative and highlighting their enduring distinct identity amidst regional turmoil.

Drawing on authoritative sources such as Abu-Izzeddin’s The Druzes: A New Study of Their History, Faith, and Society, Kais M. Firro’s detailed histories, Nissim Dana’s work on Druze identity, and Philip Khuri Hitti’s foundational research, The Levant Files team has crafted a well-researched episode. It also contextualizes the Druze’s crucial role in the history of Lebanon and Syria, where their communities have often been central to regional dynamics.

Available now on all major streaming platforms, "Origins of the Druze People and Religion" is a must-listen for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about the Middle East’s cultural mosaic. Tune in to discover the enduring legacy of the Druze and their unique place in the world today.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

You might ask: Why Kashmir? While The Levant Files remains dedicated to developments shaping the Levant, we recognize that crucial global events often reverberate within our core region. Our new podcast service expands our scope to explore these vital connections. As we discussed recently, Iran's active engagement brings the complex situation in Kashmir closer to the Levant's geopolitical landscape, with potential Turkish and Israeli dimensions also warranting future exploration.

Powered by Google's cutting-edge Gemini AI technology, this podcast delves into Kashmir's intricate modern history. We focus especially on the nationalist conflict and the pivotal developments that have shaped the region.

We believe in rigorous analysis. This podcast was developed using carefully selected academic works. For listeners wanting to delve deeper, we highly recommend acquiring these invaluable resources:

• Rai, Mridu. Hindu rulers, Muslim subjects: Islam, rights, and the history of Kashmir. Hurst, 2004.

• Kumar, Radha. Paradise at War: A Political History of Kashmir. Aleph, 2018.

• Noorani, A.G. Article 370: A Constitutional History of Jammu and Kashmir. OUP India, 2014.

• Kashmir: History, Politics, Representation. Cambridge University Press, 2018.

What's Inside? Built on Scholarship🎧 Ready to listen?

Our first episode starts this journey by exploring Somaliland and its prospects for independence—a story of resilience and geopolitical intrigue.

Ready to listen? Head over to our SoundCloud page for easy access. Join us as we explore the world through a fresh lens powered by innovative AI technology from Gemini. Don't miss out—tune in now!

If you are interested in our first podcast, you can find more information in these links:

ONLY IN TLF: Somaliland: The Rising Strategic Key in Global Power Plays by the US, UK, and Israel

Jendayi Frazer on the Search For Multilateral Consensus | Council on Foreign Relations

Somaliland: The Horn of Africa's Breakaway State | Council on Foreign Relations

Why Somaliland’s Independence Deserves Recognition

Separatism in Africa: A colonial legacy – DW – 12/03/2020

The Blogs: Israel-Somaliland strategically bonded. | Mohamoud Hussein Nour | The Times of Israel

Somaliland has been pursuing independence for 33 years. Expert explains the impact of the latest deal with Ethiopia

🎙️ #TheLevantFiles #PodcastLaunch #Somaliland #GeminiAI