Remembrance is an important element to the Kashmiri plight of over 78 years, as it stands fully deserving of the title, The Forgotten Occupation, but what are the practical steps that could or indeed should be taken to realise the aspirations of Kashmir?

Dr. Mubeen Shah is someone who speaks with a rich experience behind his back. He has seen the insides of Indian prison cells and has sufficient political acumen to have him stand tall in the arena of intellectual and political debate over the pathway towards Kashmiri self-determination.

In this episode, he speaks with Anas Altikriti about his own experiences as well as the importance of never forgetting the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people and the objective of self-determination.

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Guests:

| Dr. Mubeen Shah, Kashmiri Intellect and Advocate for Self-Determination

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Malaysia is seen as a major force for good in not only the ASEAN region, but across the world. It’s attempts to mediate and negotiate rather than to confront, is a unique role in an ever more violent and confrontational global world order

Where does Malaysia sit in global geopolitics, particularly amid an East-West confrontational narrative? How does it manage to strike a balance between its own aspirations, while creating channels of communication, dialogue as well as trade and development with its neighbours, whom have a fiery relationship amongst themselves?

What role did Islam and indeed, the Islamic movement have in building the nation of Malaysia and what form of relationship does it espouse with the Muslim Umma, and specifically with its central cause including Palestine?

In this episode, Hj. Badlishah Sham Baharin and Dr. Ahmed El-Muhammady, discuss with Anas Altikriti, these issues and more.

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Guests:

| Haji Badlishah Sham Baharin, President IKRAM

| Dr. Ahmed El-Muhammady, Asst. Prof, Geo-Politics & Counter Terrorism, ISTAC - IUM

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One cannot but confess to being confused by the situation in Libya. But where did this chaos begin, and why? Is it inherent to Libya and Libyans that they fight amongst themselves for riches and authority, or is it more nuanced than that?

Dr. Guma El-Gamaty knows more than most about the history and present of Libya. In this episode he discusses with Anas Altikriti the reasons for why Libya moved from a glorious and historic revolution in February 2011 to a state of chaos and civil violence within less than 4 years.

He discusses the role and significant impact of the Qaddafi regime, and also the political scenarios available to the political players, and the aspirations of the Libyan people caught up in all of this.

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Guests:

| Guma El-Gamaty, Libyan Academic and Expert

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The Srebrenica genocide in 1995, was the culmination of a conflict that marked one of the darkest moments of Europe, indeed humanity. What led to that horrific crime, and what challenges does Bosnia find itself confronting today?

The Balkans war of the early 90s marked a violation of the pledge “Never Again” made in the aftermath of the 2nd World War and the Nazi Holocaust. A war based on ethnicity and religion that had neighbours pitted against each other, and acts of treachery the likes of which boggles the mind, committed and perpetrated.

In today’s episode, Anas Altikriti discusses with the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Osman Topcagic, the prevalent situation in Bosnia, and the underlying challenges to peace and stability. The Ambassador explains the ongoing obstinance of Serbia, supported by some European countries, to block Bosnia’s wish to join the EU and NATO.

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Guests:

| Osman Topcagic, Bosnian Ambassador to the UK

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Chris Nineham and Ben Jamal of the PSC will appear in Court on Monday 7th of July, after being arrested for breaching rules imposed by the Police upon the demonstration of the 18th of January. How has the untouchable array of freedoms regress so much, to end up where they seem to be today?

No one questions the right to demonstrate, unless it’s the British authorities, it seems. The case brought against leading figures of the Pro-Palestine solidarity movement brings to question the entire structure of rights and freedoms when they are interpreted by political and security authorities.

Chris Nineham discusses with Anas Altikriti, the significant changes these rights have seen over the decades since the formation of the modern anti-war movement. They discuss also the state of the Left and the “social revolt” in light of the Israeli genocide in Gaza, and what means for the future of the next generation .

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Guests:

| Chris Nineham, Vice-Chair Stop The War Coalition

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Just like virtually all people around the world, the Malaysia people feel a strong connection with Palestine and an affinity that transcends borders and ethnicities. The Malaysian perspective on Palestine and how that fits within a view on international politics is highly interesting.

The ongoing genocide against the people of Gaza has reverberated far and wide. Malaysia is one of the foremost countries that responded intensely, through its humanitarian and medical endeavours, if not in similarly public displays of protest and anger witnessed in the West.

Anas Altikriti sits with two prominent humanitarians. Prof. Kamal Nasharuddin and Dr. Hafidzi Mohd Nor, to discuss how Malaysian perceive the global world order through the lens of the ongoing massacre in Gaza, and Palestine generally.

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Guests:

| Dato Seri Prof Kamal Nasharuddin, Chairman MyCARE (Humanitarian Care Malaysia)

| Dr. Hafidzi Mohd Nor, Advisor Board Member, Palestine Centre of Excellence

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The impact of Arab and Muslim history and culture on the West is far greater than we are told, taught and educated. Damascus alone; its history, culture, literature and cuisine, provides a lesson we would be advised to learn from.

Diana Darke talks about her house in Damascus, as though describing a love story that embodies her fascination with Arab and Middle Eastern history and culture.

In this episode, she discusses with Anas Altikriti how her love affair with that region began and how it developed over the years.

She also talks about the Ottomans and how history might have not credited them as it should have.

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Guests:

| Dr. Diana Darke, Arabist Historian and Author

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With a mixture of romance, medicine, politics, religion and history, Murjana is a novel that speaks of a fascinating time and place, but with unmistakable parallels with the here and now.

Whether motivated by the illegal war and occupation against Iraq in 2003, or even the chaotic state of the world today, Dr. Ghada Karmi writes a beautiful tale that has many truths for today’s readers. Baghdad, the capital of the world and the cradle of one of the most fascinating civilisations in history, sees the unfolding of events that speak of everything, but tells of how the distortion of history and memory can be one of the cruelest crimes committed against man.

In this episode, she speaks with Anas Altikriti about her latest book.

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Guests:

| Dr. Ghada Karmi

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In this episode of The London Circle, Anas Altikriti speaks with Palestinian American analyst and commentator Khalid Turaani about Trump's first months back in the White House.

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Guests:

| Khalid Turaani, Palestinian American analyst and commentator

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With all eyes on Gaza and the ongoing genocide, Kashmir remains, 78 years on, under Indian occupation and subject to continuous genocidal policies.

Whilst receiving plentiful prayers and well-wishes, and whilst recognized as an ongoing occupation which wants to eradicate the natives, it seems that no one has a clue what to do regarding the crisis of Kashmir. For 78 years and counting, India has been implementing policies of extermination against the people of Kashmir, yet no state, let alone Muslim state, has stood for the freedom of Kashmir on the public sphere.

India being the economic and human resource powerhouse that it is, seems to have succeeded in intimidating everyone into accepting this calamity to simply carry on and continue.

Anas Altikriti, speaks with Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur about this and the ongoing struggle of freedom for Kashmir.

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Guests:

| Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur, President, World Kashmir Freedom Movement (WKFM)

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The World finds itself in a mess of epic proportions, with a future that doesn’t seem much brighter. Why, and what needs to happen to create a new reality?

Civilisational resurgence is a dream that many talk about, but very few manage to structure better than Drs. Hussein Qazzaz and Amr Darrag.

In this two-part discussion, they speak with Anas Altikriti about the foundations of the world’s state today, and how this can be overhauled to bring about a different and more humane reality.

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Guests:

| Hussein Qazzaz, Leader of the Insaan Civilisational Resurgence Project

| Amr Darrag, President of the Egyptian Centre for Studies

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With Islam standing as the fastest growing religion in the world, how can a new approach to the propagation of Islam become a tool of addressing the multiple crisis facing all of humanity?

With his unique perspective as a convert to Islam who travelled from a life fighting for social justice in his home in Portugal, to someone who embraced Islam as a faith that fits his interests as a way of life that has the capacity to resolve the many crisis faces society, indeed all of humanity, once structured and framed as such.

Bilal sits with Anas Altikriti to discuss these and many other issues.

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Guests:

| Anaximenis Silva (Bilal), Researcher in Minority Groups

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The toll that the Aafia Siddiqui saga has taken on the immediate family is tremendous, but the tenacity to keep going is incessant and drives the family to rally behind this pursuit of justice.

Fowzia Siddiqui was described by Clive Stafford Smith as the sister that anyone in trouble would wish to have. For years, and as Aafia Siddiqui endured the most horrid injustice, her immediate family including her surviving children, her late mother and most significantly her sister, Neurologist and campaigner, Fowzia, have never given up on the pursuit for justice for Aafia.

In this episode, Anas Altikriti catches up with Fowzia before her trip to the US, seeking the release of her sister.

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Guests:

| Fowzia Siddiqui, Neurologist and Sister of Aafia Siddiqui

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India’s global importance is beyond doubt, but since the revival of Hindu Nationalism amid the Narendra Modi rule, it’s image as well as its huge Muslim minority have suffered tremendously.

With over 200 million Muslims, India has the most Muslims anywhere in the world. Yet, with Kashmir seemingly further away from a peaceful resolution than any time in the past, and Hindu nationalism (Hindutva) taking grip and manifesting in horrific means, the question regarding India’s global position and role is pressing.

How will India fare in light of a surprisingly receding popularity of Modi in the last elections, and with an imminent Trump presidency?

C. Davood, Managing Editor of one of the biggest and most prominent media networks in India and throughout the GCC speaks with Anas Altikriti in their studios in the state of Kerala.

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Guests:

| C Davood, Managing Editor, MediaOne TV

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For almost 22 years, Aafia Siddiqui has been subject to an almost unbelievable series of injustices that speak of the evil of a system that governs today.

Aafia Siddiqui’s story is truly harrowing, yet it’s one that has actually taken place, and Aafia lingers in a high security US prison cell after almost 22 years after it all started.

For no reason whatsoever, Aafia and her three children were abducted and what followed over more than 2 decades will leave everyone in disbelief.

Clive Stafford Smith tells all in this interview with Anas Altikriti.

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Guests:

| Clive Stafford Smith, International Human Rights Lawyer

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With Donald Trump achieving a landslide victory over Kamala Harris in the recent US Presidential elections, countless questions emerge regarding what the world, as well as the US itself, can expect from the next 4 years.

Whether, the US economy or the issue of illegal migration, or whether Ukraine, China, the Middle East, the questions surrounding that Trump 2nd term are many and pressing. Without doubt, Israel, Palestine and particularly the ongoing attacks on Gaza and Lebanon are high amongst those questions, as well as the normalization process which Trump launched in his first term.

Few are more capable of dissecting America and forecasting what the world can expect, than Professor Sami Al-Arian, who sits with Anas Altikriti to discuss these questions and more. 

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Guests:

| Prof. Sami Al-Arian, Director of the Centre for Islam and Global Affairs (CIGA) at Zaim University in Istanbul

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The genocide in Gaza has been met with a widespread societal reaction on many fronts and several levels in Australia. The question remains as to whether this reaction will create a permanent platform, or whether it is just a passing thing.

The genocide in Gaza has been met with a widespread response from almost all sectors of Australian civil society.

In this episode, Anas Altikriti discusses with three Australian activists, their respective involvement in the pro-Palestine movement and their takes on the future thereof as well as of Australian politics, with local and federal elections looming.

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Guests:

| Tasnim Sammak, of Free Palestine Coalition and with Unionists for Palestine
| Sarah Baarini, Board member of the Islamic Council of Victoria and Community Activist
| Monica Compo, a member of Unionists for Palestine and ASU for Palestine

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While the outrage over Gaza is palpable, the Australian government remains silent, and to many actively complicit with Israel in the crimes against the Palestinians. But things are changing, or are they?

This discussion with Sue Bolton and Mohammad Helmy is fascinating for a number of reasons, not least because of the decades long involvement of both with bringing to Australia’s attention the crime of occupation in Palestine, and the attempt to make the issue of Palestine a political point of debate.

Anas Altikriti talks with the both of them and discusses the impact of the Gaza genocide on the coming local and federal Australian elections.

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Guests:

| Sue Bolton, Socialist Alliance Councillor
| Mohammad Helmy, Muslim campaigner and activist 

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Islamic schools are a prominent feature within Australian Muslim societies, and among the greatest success stories one can tell. However, there are immense challenges within the sector, particularly in attempting to provide an exemplary education to Australian Muslims and Australia as a whole.

Dr. Zacharia Matthews is clearly passionate about his vocation, when discussing Islamic Education with Anas Altikriti.

Not only the brilliant achievements which he proudly speaks of, but also the challenges which cause him deep concern, particularly in terms of the role learners will assume within and at the helm of Australia in the future in all walks of life.

 He also talks about the impact of Islamic education and Islamic schools on Australian society and what real value and benefit this brings to the entire country.

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Guests:

| Dr. Zachariah Matthews, Educational Expert and Headteacher

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There’s no denying that Gaza has motivated Australian Muslims, and possibly the entire pro-Palestine movement in Australia to engage with the coming elections in an unprecedented manner. How though? And towards which direction and for what end?

Wherever you go and whoever you speak to, there’s no denying the impact that Gaza has had on every discussion and every event. With the council elections ongoing and the federal elections expected sometime early next year, politics plays a big part in those discussions.

While there appears to be a division of sorts in tactical positioning, the fact remains that now more than ever before, Australian Muslims want real and effective change.

Ramia Abdo Sultan is perfectly positioned to shed light on this and other issues with Anas Altikriti, being a lawyer, a community activist and a leading figure in the pro-Palestine campaign.

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Guests:

| Ramia Abdo Sultan, Lawyer and community activist

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As Australia goes through its council elections and braces for its Federal Elections, what are the main challenges they face, and what opportunities stand before them? Also, what are the political and non-political tools at their disposal to achieve their collective goals.

Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman is a prominent figure in the life of the Australian Muslims, and since his appointment as President of Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), in Australian life in general. He discusses with visiting Anas Altikriti, the challenges and the opportunities, and speaks of the tools which could be employed to see the Muslim community attain its full potential.

He also describes the variant opinions on the looking Federal Elections, and what that might mean for Australia’s Muslims and overall society.

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Guests:

| Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman, President of ANIC

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For almost two decades, Prevent has been enforced by one UK government after another, as the main point of reference for combatting terrorism and extremism within Muslim youth, and encouraging social cohesion. However, not everything is as described on the packaging.

PreventWatch was established ten years ago, after it became clear that the government’s anti-extremism strategy was yielding far far more problems than positive outcomes, as well as stigmatising British Muslims and creating divisions within society as a whole.

Anas Altikriti discusses with Dr. Layla Aitlhadj on what Prevent really entails, how it impacts children whether at school or even at home, breaks up families and creates a society riddled with suspicion, fear and inability to express or think freely.

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Guests:

| Dr. Layla Aitlhadj, Director, PreventWatch 

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With Far-Right riots dominating the news, the question of whether this spike in racist outbursts, is an abnormal occurrence and a blip on the radar or whether it’s a phenomenon that is here to stay for a while.

Anas Altikriti talks with Weyman Bennett on the recent far-right racist riots and how they are likely to manifest in the coming days, weeks and probably even years.

They discuss how the target of racists are Muslims, and how this emerged and developed so that Islamophobia became almost normalized across the board.

The role of the new Labour government in combatting, or indeed exacerbating this issue is also discussed, with a look at the role that the Gaza protests had on the collective response to the racists.

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Guests:

| Weyman Bennett, Co-Convenor of Stand Up to Racism

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Riots across the UK, accompanying a rhetoric adopted by politicians and sections of the media, strongly remind of the days when NF racists marched the streets of Britain and politicians declared racist viewpoints from prominent lecterns. Is this a return to that? 

Whilst Islamophobia has been a much discussed topic in recent years, very few would’ve predicted the scenes and the scale of the riots that followed the Southport murders.

Little doubt that politics and politicians have a role in either stemming or stoking racist sentiments and expressions, it was clear that politics was at the heart of troubles which saw children as young as 11 convicted of racist criminality targeting Muslim communities, mosques as well as police forces attempting to push back.

Sabby Dhalu talks to Anas Altikriti about how matters escalated in the way they did and what we can hope for a future under the new Labour government.

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Guests:

| Sabby Dhalu, Co-Convenor of Stand Up to Racism

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Over 500 years, the Ottomans were regarded as the greatest power in the world, with cultural, aesthetic, architectural influences as well as their military and political supremacy. But it’s never as simple as that, not does it just stop there. 

The impact of the Ottomans on the entire world, and not only in the regions of Anatolia and the Near East, is remarkable. The 500-year history of the regional and arguably global domination is full of significant events, developments, challenges and achievements on virtually every section of human interaction.

It’s rise, but equally, it’s fall, and the role of the rising West, the Arab Revolution make for a fascinating discussion with Dr. Yakoob Ahmed.

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Guests:

| Yakoob Ahmed, Lecturer in Ottoman Studies

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Despite the magnificent advancements humanity has made in the fields of technology, medicine, research and communication, the vast majority of the world’s population find themselves buried in crisis, problems, issues and challenges on every single level.

Wars, poverty, oppression, disease, injustice and social breakdown are rife, and if Gaza, Sudan, The Congo and others are anything to go by, matters are getting worse by the day.

Anas Altikriti sits with Amr Darrag and Yehia Hamed to discuss the way out of the quagmire humanity finds itself, and how Islamic perspectives on a renaissance of sorts might provide that way out.

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Guests:

| Amr Darrag

| Yehia Hamed

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Gaza has changed everything, including many would argue, the state of the world media. Not only in terms of how news is gathered and broadcast but also how news is relayed and with what kind of imagery.

The impact of social media which has become the choice of the majority of young people for their news and information has also contributed to the radical change the media has underwent over the past 20 years or so.

Khalil Charles the Deputy News Editor ‪@trtworld‬ sits with Anas Altikriti and discusses these themes and more. 

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Guests:

| Khalil Charles, Deputy News Editor ‪@trtworld

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The impact of colonialism and colonising the human mind remains in effect till this day. Rather than troops with guns, the slavery of the mind is arguably the strongest weapon in the oppressor’s armour.

Professor Hatem Bazian specialises in decolonisation studies, and is therefore best placed to comment on the deep and long term impact of colonialism on the shape of the world today, politically, economically and socially. In this discussion, he explains the manifestation of colonialism on the shape of modern society, and how the occupation of Palestine and indeed the genocide in Gaza, can be traced intellectually to the remnants of colonialism which linger until this very day.

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Guests:

| Hatem Bazian, Professor of Middle East History and Cultures

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While it’s good that the British Muslim community has spent a tremendous effort on organizing for the General Election, it would be entirely wrong to forget the real effort that must be spent on creating real change.

There can be little argument that the effort to organise for the General Election was unprecedented, but Saghir Hussain argues that the Muslim community must not ignore what needs to happen if real and radical change is the objective.

In his conversation with Anas Altikriti, He argues that the system under which we live is ingenuine and virtually a deceit, where rules could easily be bent and broken should the wrong outcomes emerge.

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Guests:

| Saghir Hussain, Legal Advisor to CAGE

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Is there any value in posing the question of whether or not peace is even attainable between Israel and Palestine in light of the past 9 months?

What of the stands of the West and the Arabs, and how can the cycle of violence and injustice come to an end?

Daniel Levy is a former chief negotiator for the Israeli government as well as a political advisor to former PMs, and therefore best placed to shed light on the problem within Israel which prevents any form of resolution to this 76-year problem.

He and Anas Altikriti discuss pivotal moments such as Oslo in 1993 and others, where this recent genocide could have (hypothetically) been avoided, and what developments we could look forward to that would bring an end to Palestinian suffering and injustice and peace to the region.

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Guests:

| Daniel Levy, Director of US Middle East Project

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The issue of rights and responsibilities when it comes to RSE in UK schools seem to be an ambiguous issue, which deemed even the PM’s intervention necessary.

So what are the rights of parents to oversee their children’s education and to intervene when they feel they must?

It could be argued that Relationships and Sexual Education is among the top issues in every British Muslim’s mind, indeed in the minds of the majority of Brits, parents particularly. 

Along with a moral stand on the genocide in Gaza, endorsable candidates for the General Election were asked to express their unequivocal stand on this issue as well.

The fact that there is so much ambiguity and lack of clarity when it comes to an issue, the consequences of which so significant, makes this conversation between Yusuf Patel and Anas Altikriti, all the more crucial. 

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Guests:

| Yusuf Patel, Managing Director of Muslim Family Initiative

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For almost 9 months, the Pro-Palestine coalition has mobilized like it has never mobilized before. Record numbers of protestors, record numbers of events and an unprecedented benchmark for change and effect.

But what next for the Left, as well as for Britain as a whole?

Over 15 national protests, hundreds of local and regional events and millions of protestors who have incessantly come out in support of the victims of Gaza over close to 9 months, in an unprecedented show of support and solidarity.

Anas Altikriti talks with Chris Nineham who traces back this movement to the days of the Afghanistan and then Iraq wars over 20 years ago, and the political and social upheavals that have occurred since, allowing for this tremendous mobilization to be possible.

They discuss Palestine, the British and European Left, the Corbyn years leading Labour and the future of Britain amid the coming general election.

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Guests:

| Chris Nineham, Vice President of Stop The War Coalition

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Whilst the world focuses on the genocide unfolding in Gaza, Kashmir continues to endure its own occupation and cultural, religious and ethnic annihilation by Indian authorities, amid indifference from its supposedly closest allies.

Kashmir has been occupied by India since 1947, and despite UN resolutions and international agreements pertaining to a referendum by the people of Kashmir, India continues to ignore all of that, favouring mass murder, annihilation, torture and cultural and physical genocide instead, relying on its standing as a global economic powerhouse.

Zaffar Ahmad Quraishi speaks with Anas Altikriti to discuss how further light could be shed on this issue and the scenarios for a resolution.

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Guests:

| Zaffar Ahmad Quraishi, Chairman, Kashmir Campaign Global

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A South African Jew, marries to Bangaldeshi Muslim and who grew up in the circles of the ANC before and after the collapse of the Apartheid regime, is now standing opposite the leader of Labour and the widely expected Prime Minister Kier Starmer.

The parralels between Apartheid South Africa and the Zionist state of Israel could not be made clearer than by a South African Jew, who lived under Apartheid and was part of the struggle to see its demise. Andrew Feinstein’s experience with the great Nelson Mandella and his take on the future of the UK, British politics and the Palestinian cause make for a rich and profound discussion with Anas Altikriti

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Guests:

| Andrew Feinstein; Gaza, Apartheid and Standing Against Starmer

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Since the Gaza strip was blocked by Israel and a siege was imposed, despite the denunciation of numerous international laws, various attempts have been made to break the siege by activists from around the world, some failing and some coming close to reaching the besieged strip and its people.

John Adam Turnball, a Canadian retired software engineer and activist, who is one of the captains of the ship Handala speaks with Anas Altikriti about the endeavour to break the siege imposed on Gaza, and the varying degrees of success this has encountered over the years.

He speaks about his own personal journey since hearing of Israel and Palestine and the transformation he and his thinking went through over the years. He also speaks of his hopes and aspirations for the younger generation and their fight for truth and justice over the world.

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Guests:

| John Adam Turnball, Captain of the Ship Handala

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The student movement condemning Israel’s genocide against Gaza is remarkable for a number of reasons, not least the high threshold set by the movement and the demand of western countries to reassess its own respective value systems and identities. Have those movements in Pakistan and Turkey matched that threshold?

The student movements in both Turkey and Pakistan are renowned for their dynamism and influence on the wider societies. However, despite the global movement against the Israeli genocide in Gaza, Turkey and Pakistan, as two of the largest and most influential Muslim countries, have failed to match the volume and expanse of that movement, especially the student and youth sections.

Ahsan Shafiq discusses with Anas Altikriti the reasons and factors that have impacted both societies, and the significant potentials both continue to carry.

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Guests:

| Ahsan Shafiq, Leading Student Activist in Pakistan

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With dissatisfaction with the major parties being at an all-time high, some consider the next general elections as a potentially historic spectacle, where major wins for independent candidates and small parties threaten to win big.

The recent local elections displayed the scale of public frustration and dissatisfaction among the general public towards the main political parties.

Whilst Gaza might have been the point at which people began to question the very values claimed by successive governments, indeed by Western civilization generally, including human rights, women and child safety, democracy and international law, issues at home are playing a significant part in fueling the general appetite for real change.

Anas Altikriti discusses with Kamel Hawwash and Pamela Fitzpatrick the scope and possibilities for real change. 

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Guests:

| Kamel Hawwash, PPC for Birmingham Selly Oak

| Pamela Fitzpatrick, PPC for Harrow West

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The problem with the world right now might seem to be Gaza, but in actual goes far deeper and is far more endemic than one is led to initially believe. Whether it be ‘democracy’, ‘human rights’ or ‘international law’, unless we recognize the more serious problem, we won’t be able to fully comprehend why the world seems to be in such a mess.

In the estimation of Professor Irfan Ahmad, the ongoing genocide in Gaza is merely symptomatic of what is truly at the heart of the worlds’ problems.

In his discussion with Anas Altikriti, Prof. Ahmad attempts to dissect what we have come to accept as givens and as fixtures of the world in which we live and the system with which it is governed.

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Guests:

| Irfan Ahmad, Sociologist & Anthropologist, Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul

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The student movement in the US is unprecedented on a number of levels, but the question remains whether this movement signifies a real and permanent change in attitudes, or whether the authorities will succeed in its crackdown and in returning matters to normalcy.

Lauren Booth is a sceptic when it comes to politics, and even the massive student movement across the US as well as many other countries around the world, fails to make her believe that a fundamental transformation is in the pipeline.

With Anas Altikriti, she discusses the global movement for Gaza and the changes that mark this round of global reaction to an Israeli aggression. She also presents what she thinks is wrong and in need of attention for this to come to fruition.

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Guests:

| Lauren Booth; Journalist, Broadcaster and Activist

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All around the world, political authorities seem to be failing people, all people. Amid Gaza, many have begun to ask serious and crucial questions which somehow bring them closer to being introduced to Islam as a faith, a way of life as well as a solution to the crisis suffered by humanity.     

Across social media and all over the world, people of all denominations are asking existential questions about Gaza, which are somehow leading them to ask questions regarding the state of the world.

Whether the widespread conflicts, poverty and deprivation, inequality and injustice, depression and poor mental health, or simply the condition of morality and ethics governing people around the world, countless people are finding their way to Islam.

Sheikh Haitham Al-Haddad discusses with Anas Altikriti the state of the world and how Islam is rapidly becoming the go to faith for actual solutions.

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Guests:

| Haitham Al-Haddad; Founder, The Islamic Council

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With the UK General Elections taking place in the next few months, never before has the vigour for real change been greater. Whilst many have chosen to stand as candidates, driven by the apathy towards the main parties, the challenges ahead of them seem considerable.      

Gaza has amplified the effects of an overall failure of traditional politics, and hence driven many to consider avenues of real transformative change in the way politics is run. The absence of morality as a lack of clear political direction, resulting in tremendous problems affecting millions and millions of ordinary citizens every single day, is driving many to back independents rather than main political parties.

Anas Altikriti discusses with Sameh Habeeb and Emma Dent Coad the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of their respective campaigns, as well as the prospects for politics in the UK and across the West in light of the public response to Gaza.

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Guests:

| Sameh Habeeb, Independent Candidate for Ealing North

| Emma Dent Coad, Independent Candidate for Kensington & Bayswater

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Many would agree that the state of British politics is in crisis, but what options do people have, indeed what options do British Muslims have amid the Gaza genocide and spiraling Institutional Islamophobia?

The state of western democracy leaves much to be desired, with extremely limited choice in the face of mounting problems on every level imaginable. However in the aftermath of the Gaza genocide, and the absence of a moral response from most politicians, a new urgency was felt that a real change was much needed.

The Muslim Vote is one of several platforms that were established to organize the voices of those wishing for something new.

How much impact are they likely to have, and what kind of response are they getting when advising the electorate to stay away from the major parties? And what is the long-term vision?

Anas Altikriti talks with Abu Bakr Nanabawa of The Muslim Vote. 

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Guests:

|  Abu Bakr Nanabawa,  The Muslim Vote

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It goes without saying that Gaza has exposed the hypocrisy and double standards of the international community, but to what cost?

Whilst few would disagree that Gaza and the reaction of the world thereto has led to the exposition of the international community as grossly hypocritical and international law as largely ineffective, the question remains: at what cost to the West and at what cost to the future generations who have woken to these facts?

With the declaration of smaller nations that they will no longer abide by the status quo, are on the edge of a major change in global geopolitics? How real are the prospects of the move towards a multi polar world that is far more intricate and complex than the uni-polar system which dominated that last 30 years?

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Guests:

|  Marco Carnelos,  Former Diplomat and Freelance Journalist

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No country has to come to the fore of the world’s attention and admiration in recent times than South Africa. Its own struggle and triumph against Apartheid was historic enough, but its recent stand for Gaza and Palestine at the ICJ won it countless new friends globally.

Fasiha Hassan is South Africa’s youngest parliamentarian, a lawyer and a firebrand who led student protests against university tuition fees. In this episode, Anas Altikriti talks with her about her generation’s impression of South Africa’s legacy and struggle against Apartheid, both its own, as well as the Palestinian.

Discussed too is the issue of the youth of today and the manner in which they have responded to Gaza and how that might impact the future around the world.

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Guests:

|  Fasiha Hassan,  South African Parliamentarian

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Since the Gaza began in October 2024, the mainstream media has by far deserted its long-claimed standards of professionalism, integrity and truth, in favour of a pro-Israeli narrative that has had and warns of grave risks not only to the portrayal of a serious war ongoing, but to the state of democracy itself.

It is clear that the war in Gaza has had far reaching implications, amongst which is the performance of the western media and what is otherwise termed as the mainstream media. Projecting a largely pro-Israel narrative, accompanied by a concerted omission campaign, the response has been in the driving away of large swathes of audiences who now receive their intake of news and information from alternative media sources, including social media.

What long term impact does that have on the forthcoming elections in the UK and the US, and indeed on the state of democracy itself?

Anas Altikriti discusses these and other related issues with Asa Winstanley.

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Guests:

|  Asa Winstanley,  Investigative Journalist, Electronic Intifada

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is Israel targeting Gaza’s health sector, and deliberately demolishing hospitals, killing doctors and nurses, as well as shelling ambulances, regardless of the civilian toll? What impact does that have for the UK and what kind of future can we foresee not only for Gaza and Palestine, but for the UK and the US who both have elections to look forward to?

It is clear that Israel is deliberately attacking Gaza’s health sector, both in terms of infrastructure as well as personnel. The thousands killed as a result of attacks on all of Gaza’s hospitals, including babies, make it impossible not to be an act of design and decision with the element of pre-meditation.

Despite countless witness testimonies from doctors and observers, the world has remained silent, and on some occasions, egged on Israel to create even more destruction to a sector considered protected in International law.

The impact has been nothing short of devastating on Gaza but promises to be equally devastating for the façade of Western democracy and international law.

Anas Altikriti discusses these and other related issues with Dr. Omar Abdel-Mannan, founder of Health Workers for Palestine.

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Guests:

|  Omar Abdel-Mannan,  Founder, Health Workers for Palestine

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the scenes of war crimes committed against the people of Gaza, it’s almost inconceivable that a reasonable human being can be so oblivious and so uncompassionate….Until the web of interests is looked at more closely.

The complex web of interests that link politicians with the business, media and the security sectors, tells of the possible reasons how so many decision-makers can see so unempathetic amid the war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza.

A corruption on levels that are beyond the vast majority of ordinary citizens is taking place at the risk of the soul and morality of society as a whole.

Anas Altikriti has a conversation with Lowkey about this as well as about his career, take on the music industry and the future as seen by the youth today.

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Guests:

|  Kareem Dennis,  AKA British Iraqi Rapper Lowkey

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The genocide committed by Israel against Israel, which approaches its fifth month has had a significant impact on the entire world, not least on public opinion and awareness regarding the case of Palestine.

The effect that Gaza has had on the entire world has been extremely significant, not least on Public Opinion, and especially that of the younger generations who receive their news and information from social media and alternative sources to mainstream news channels.

The impact on politics, the media, legal institutions and many others has been indelible, and the Palestinian narrative has dominated its Israeli counterpart. However, how far will this impact last and to what extent will it prove to be transformative of realities that have been uncovered as immoral, hypocritical and worse?

Anas Altikriti talks with Chris Bambery about the present and the future amid Gaza.

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Guests:

|  Chris Bambery,  Author and Political Activist

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As the world is focused on the genocide taking place in Gaza, Sudan enters its tenth month of a civil war that has consumed the entire country and created a crisis of significant proportions.

With the Rapid Support Forces dominating the armed clash with the Sudanese Armed Forces, and overtaking vital strategic positions, news of massacres, looting, rape and gross abuse continue to emerge.

Sudan, a country renowned for its natural and mineral riches, despite its poor infrastructure and mis-management over several administrations, is witnessing a civil war that has resulted in millions displaced and the country brought to a halt, while various local, regional and even international forces play havoc with its stability, security and future.

Anas Altikriti discusses this catastrophe in detail with Dr. Mohammed Al-Amin Othman.

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Guests:

|  Dr. Mohammed Al-Amin Othman, Sudanese British Political Analyst

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Following a genocidal campaign committed by Israel against the people of Gaza, that has claimed thousands and thousands of lives, mostly children and women, how seriously does the world hold the notion of Human Rights?

Indeed, since 9-11 and the introduction of terrorism laws that have disproportionately targeted Muslims, one could claim that Human Rights is very much a stick with which to beat third-world countries and ethnic and religious minorities, rather than a pillar of Western civilization, as the claim goes.

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Guests:

|  Masoud Shadjareh

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For almost 13 years, the Asaad Regime in Damascus has been overseeing the massacre of hundreds of thousands of Syrians, many by means of illegal chemical and biological weapons, the destruction of countless Syrian towns and cities and the displacement of almost half the Syrian population, yet it seems that the international justice system has failed in bringing any of the regime’s figures to justice. Why?

The Asaad regime is one of the most brutal regimes in the world and the means by which it has maintained its grip on power in the last 12 years has been nothing short of barbaric. Millions of Syrians have paid the price of asking for freedom, democracy and human rights, with their blood, their homes, their possessions and with their lives. Yet, despite the passage of time, justice seems illusive.

Ibrahim Olabi discusses with Anas Altikriti what has been done before the international justice, what are the impediments and challenges, and what are the gains that are being achieved in the pursuit for justice for the Syrian people.

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Guests:

| Ibrahim Olabi, Syrian British Barrister 

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Coming from a housing estate in Central London, and facing substantial challenges, Hamza Taouzzale decided early on to work towards addressing the social challenges of his neighbourhood, and ended up sitting next to the Royal Family and being a star guest at the King’s Coronation.

How much do social obstacles contribute towards making or breaking an individual? The fact that many young people end up involved with gangs, crime and drugs could be seen as a normal outcome, but the journey of Hamza Taouzzale is one which defies the normal and proves the value of self-belief couples with familial support.

At the age of 16, Taouzzale became a member of the Youth Parliament, and from then a short journey to the most celebrated of world stages as Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster.

He discusses with Anas Altikriti the issues facing young people who come from housing estates, and the opportunities available to them to become elements of change in their local and national communities. He also discusses the position of Labour in light of the genocide committed in Gaza and the leadership’s silence as to the crime committed and how that will likely impact the outcome of the next general elections.

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Guests:

| Hamza Taouzzale, Former Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster

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In light of over 50 days of incessant shelling and destruction of Gaza, which left over 14,000 civilians dead, what use is International Law, and what good does labelling the actions of Israel as War Crimes, bring?

Indeed, what has the International community done for numerous cases of gross violations, such as Syria, Bangladesh, the Uyghurs and Yemen, to mention but a few? Is this not a crisis point which threatens the status quo around the world?

Whilst the prospect of seeing war criminals standing trial at the ICC is an exciting one, but realistically the possibility of that happening is fairly minimal. The crisis facing the International Community is the enforceability of International Law and proving that war criminals cannot get away with committing the most heinous crimes.

With thousands dead and wounded in Gaza and with war crimes galore being committed before the eyes of the world, what chance is there that the perpetrators will be hold to account and prosecuted?

These and many more issues are discussed with Toby Cadman, an expert in Human Rights law and the ICC.

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Guests:

| Toby Cadman, Head of Chambers, Geurnica 37

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The Muslim Charity Sector in the UK is one of the most, if not the most thriving of all charitable sectors. Tens of millions pour into and out of this sector every year and Muslims are described as the most generous faith community in the UK, year after year.

What are the opportunities to achieve real growth and development for the Muslim community and all of society, and what are the main challenges?

The Charity Commission has for some time now been a major part of the PREVENT strategy, and has deliberately targeted Muslim charities, in a serious departure from the CC’s main remit. This not only constitutes a major hindrance to the efforts of Muslim charities, but creates a climate of uncertainty throughout a community where charitable work is considered a cornerstone.

Jahangir Mohammed of the Ayaan Institute discusses with Anas Altikriti the successes, opportunities and challenges facing Muslim charities in the UK.

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Guests:

| Jahangir Mohammed,  Director, Ayaan Institute.

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Hundreds of thousands continue to flood the streets of London every week in support of Palestine. Flags and chants galore, despite threats from the Home Secretary. This coming Saturday an even bigger crowd is expected. But how do you build this momentum?

John Rees of Stop the War Coalition discusses with Anas Altikriti the legacy of the Pro-Palestine campaign in the UK and where it finds itself in light of the genocide being committed in Gaza as we speak.

They remember the founding figures of the movement and the many challenges it encountered at the hands of a series of governments that have come and gone. Further, the position of the current Home Secretary and her incessant attempts to criminalise these protests, and what it means for Gaza and for the campaign for Palestine in the UK.

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Guests:

| John Rees, Co-Founder, Stop the War Coalition.

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Story telling is surely one of the most profound means of understanding the meaning of struggle, and Bernt Hermele has certainly made listening to stories of survivors of the Holocaust as well as those who suffer the Israeli occupation of Palestine, a form of art.

The quest to know and understand is powerfully manifested in Bernt Hermele’s story of conversion from growing up as a Zionist Jew, to losing his mother in a suicide attack in Netanya. His quest for understanding is an impressive account of a personal journey for self-discovery amid the chaos and torment of occupation, and his reference to the Nakba in both his book and his podcast is profound and telling.

Bernt Hermele, Swedish Journalist, Author and Documentary Maker talks with Anas Altikriti about his journey.

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Guests:

| Bernt Hermele, Swedish Journalist, Author and Documentary Maker.

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Suella Braverman has been vocal about her intention to crack down on pro-Palestinian demonstrations and campaigns, going as far as to suggest that the mere carrying of the Palestinian flag might be seen as a criminal act.

Yet more and more young people of all backgrounds seem intent on displaying their support for the Palestinian people and concentration of Israel and its attacks on Gaza.

The British university scene used to be the epicentre of the fight for justice and freedom anywhere in the world. Alas, no more.

With hundreds of thousands of people joining demonstrations across the UK, the question many ask whether the government, and specifically the Home Secretary will carry through with tutor threats to clamp down on public displays of support for the Palestinians.

A tragedy that is 75 years in the making seems to be attracting more and more young people seemingly undeterred by the threats issued by Suella Braverman, the Jewish Board of Deputies and others to bring charges of incitement or supporting a terrorist organisation, ie Hamas. The mainstream media’s coverage of the Israeli attacks in Gaza appears to have encouraged activists to be more vocal about speaking the truth, rather than intimidated into staying silent.

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Guests:

| Abdulrrahman Tamimi, British Palestinian activist

| Omar Mofeed, British Palestinian activist

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The audacity of the attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel on the 7th of October caused reverberations around the world and could potentially be a game-changer for the entire struggle against Zionism.

The world woke up on the 7th of October to a military operation carried out by #Hamas, the audacity and expanse of which was unprecedented.

Since then, the ramifications of that day have continued to escalate, with the United States and Europe backing #Israel to the hilt.

This episode of The London Circle comes on the 11th day of Israel’s attack on Gaza resulting in the death of more than 3000 Palestinians including 500 killed in an attack on al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday night.

Anas Altikriti joins both Daud Abdullah, Director of @MiddleEastMonitor and Azzam Tamimi, Author & Palestinian Expert @azzamtamimi to discuss the current situation and how it could potentially be a game-changer for the entire struggle against Zionism.

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Guests:

| Daud Abdullah, Director of Middle East Monitor

| Azzam Tamimi, Author and Palestinian Expert

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The fact that Muslims, and especially Muslim activists are subject to monitoring and their privacy often violated due to anti-terror allowances is well known.

But how deep and how far do these violations of privacy, data sharing and profiling go, and at what expense?

Phantom Parrot is a new documentary covering the trials and tribulations of activists at the hands of security authorities, and is also an actual intelligence program which sought, among other things, to invade the private lives of a number of activists to monitor their movements and restrict their capacity to travel and speak. Mohammed Rabbani was one of those activists, and his arguments against the alleged right of security authorities to obtain passwords and private information of suspects, are well known.

Anas Altikriti talks with him about this new documentary and about his own work on the encroachment of intelligence authorities into our private lives.

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Guests:

| Mohammed Rabbani, Director, Cage UK

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For centuries, Palestine was a diverse multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society whose various facets lived side by side in peace. The Zionist project targeted all those facets and today threatens their very existence. Palestine’s Christians, inhabitants of Palestine for over 2000 years have their story to tell.

The dominant narrative on Palestine projected by the mainstream media, often deliberately omits a crucial component thereof, Palestinian Christians and their struggle against Zionism and the Israeli occupation with all its manifestations.

Not only does this reduce the Palestinian struggle, it exposes a hypocrisy of the largely Christian West towards their brethren in faith in Palestine.

Anas Altikriti talks to Bishop Munib Younan and Makram Khoury-Machool about the struggles the Palestine’s Christians encounter including correcting the dominant narrative on Palestine and their unwavering solidarity with their Muslim and Arab brethren against the ugliness of occupation

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Guests:

| Bishop Munib Younan, Former President of the International Lutheran Church

| Makram Khoury-Machool, Director of the Cambridge Centre for Palestine Studies

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Behind government policies which emerged following the 9-11 attacks and the heralding of the war on terror, is a sophisticated web of psychological analysis and mental health evaluations, not far from sci-fi plots of Hollywood, where crimes are pre-empted and terrorists are detected before they have themselves considered committing any criminal acts. Or so, we are led to believe.

When the film Minority Report came out, no one expected that within only a few years, counter-terrorism operatives would employ psychology to fight the fight. While the contentious practice of “profiling’ was common, wide-spread and often wildly off the mark, scientists and so called experts were hard at work instilling such methods and mechanisms into policies implemented across the board targeting young children and the vulnerable.

Tarek Younis, an author and expert in psychology and mental health in counter-terrorism practices and Islamophobia, talk with Anas Altikriti about this and the implications upon an already heavily targeted Muslim community in the UK

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Guests:

| Tarek Younis, Senior Lecturer of Psychology, Middlesex University.

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Long described as the most oppressed people in the entire world, the struggle of the Rohingya continues not only in the face of systematic dehumanisation, but against global ignorance or indifference to their plight.

The suffering of the Rohingya people has been ongoing for decades but exacerbated further by one of the most brutal military regimes in the world, intent on eradicating the Rohingya people particularly and Burmese Muslims in general.

But among the array of calamities facing the Rohingya’s fight for equality and freedom from oppression, is the global ignorance and often indifference to their plight, favouring political and economic interests instead.

Kywa Win talk with Anas Altikriti about the Rohingya, the roots of their struggle and the future outlook for their suffering.

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Guests:

| SKywa Win, Burma Human Rights Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With mental health being better understood and better monitored by all parties, including authorities and practitioners, questions emerge as to the presence and impact of mental health on Muslim communities, as well as avenues available to address these issues.

Mental health has only been talked about and somewhat understood in the last few years, and to date, much misunderstanding and lack of appreciation of the gravity of mental illnesses on individuals, communities and all of society remains prevalent.

How does mental health impact British Muslims, and are such ailments connected to ethnicity, dietary practices or specific lifestyles? How do we draw a connection between mental illness and practices of abuse, domestic and otherwise? What is the real impact of mental health on a community.

These questions and more are raised in the discussion Anas Altikriti has with Sahar Beg.

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Guests:

| Sahar Beg, Psychotherapist.

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Why is it that the UK democracy seems to be failing the people so fantastically, with little hope that any real change is likely under Labour if they were to win the next elections?

With the economy in disarray, the cost-of-living crisis getting progressively worse, the NHS being hammered into the ground, and young people having to choose between activism and being hopeful of a career by which they can pay off their enormous student’s debt, one would have thought that the official opposition (i.e. Labour) would see this as a golden opportunity to propose a different set of politics to the failed ones the country has had for the past 13 years. Alas, that is not the case.

Anas Altikriti talks with Matt Kennard about the state of British Politics and why our democracy isn’t working.

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Guests:

| Matt Kennard

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Two years on from the scenes of the US forces and their agents scurrying onto the wheels and engines of planes leaving Kabul in a hurry, Afghanistan is a country that is proving a far greater success than most ever thought possible.

A recent delegation of Muslim leaders went on a fact-finding mission to ask the Taliban government tough questions, especially pertaining to girls and their right to education. They also asked about the once-booming opium trade as well as various public sector services that might tell of where Afghanistan is heading.

Hamid Mahmoud was a member of that delegation. In this episode, he discusses with Anas Altikriti what he saw and what he thought of the present and the future of Afghanistan. 

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Guests:

| Hamid Mahmoud

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The first victims of frontline doctors and health providers who fell to Covid were Muslims. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims work across the NHS, which is the jewel of the United Kingdom and a model example to all health sectors anywhere around the world. 

However, the NHS is being severely undermined due to successive governments driving it towards a US-style privatized model, which would ensure millions would be left without medical cover, whilst enriching corporates and capitalists to the tune of billions every year. 

What role did the likes of BIMA (British Islamic Medical Association) play in drawing up plans for a holistic and comprehensive health sector, raise awareness among the Muslim community and address issues to the government and health authorities that would see the NHS saved from the scrap heap? 

Dr’s Amer Hamid and Wajid Akhter speak with Anas Altikriti. 

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Guests:

| Dr Amer Hamid , 
| Dr Wajid Akhter , 

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The Rabi’s Square massacre against peaceful protestors against the Military Coup which crushed the fledgling democracy in Egypt, was described as the worst massacre committed in modern times, and a crime against humanity. Yet 10 years on, very little has happened to restore justice to the countless victims.

When the Egyptian military invaded Rabi’a Square on the 14th of August and opened fire against the tens of thousands of protestors who had been holding a sit-in for several weeks, many had predicted that the world would not stand in silence amid the massacre that unfolded before the eyes of the world.

Yet, the world not only stood watching in silence but actually moved on, whilst the Egyptian people continue to suffer a failed and corrupt regime that has reduced the entire country and its people to rubble.

Maha Azzam talks to Anas Altikriti about Egypt, the Rabi’a Massacre and what should and could be expected on the democracy-flagging international community.

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Guests:

| Maha Azzam, President of the Egyptian Revolutionary Council

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Why is the cause of the Uyghurs so complicated, and why is the world divided so deeply over where to stand thereon? Despite public denouncements of China over the cultural genocide perpetrated against the Uyghurs, little is being done in real terms to either bring the Chinese regime to account or to offer actual help and assistance to the victims.

In a recent United Nations vote, the majority of Muslim countries failed to vote against China over its treatment of the Uyghur Muslims. This as well as a widespread apathy on behalf of the Muslim world baffles the Uyghurs and their supporters around the world.

The measure of crimes committed against the people of East Turkistan is difficult to quantify and affects them on every level, even in the privacy of their own homes.

Anas Altikriti talks to Abdul Hakim Idris and Salman Butt about what the Uyghurs dream of achieving and what ought to be done on behalf of Muslims and global activist. 

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Guests:

| Abdul Hakim Idris, Centre for Uyghur Studies.
| Salman Butt, Stand4Uyghurs.

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It’s been two years since Kais Saied mounted a coup on the Tunisian constitution, and more than 100 days since the arrest of the elected Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi.
Where does Tunisia find itself now and what can the Tunisian people look forward to?

When Kaid Saied dissolved parliament and suspended the Constitution, many thought that it would be a matter of days, weeks at most, before things went back to normal and Tunisia resumed its progress towards creating the democratic state which its revolution in December 2010 promised.

However, two years on from that fateful night, Tunisia finds itself on the slippery and dangerous path towards oppression, authoritarianism and dictatorship, which most Middle Eastern states display.

Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi, the 82 year old elected Speaker of Parliament and head of Ennahda Party has now spent over 100 days in prison along with dozens of political prisoners, facing frivolous trumped up charges forced by the Saied Regime.

Ahmed Gaaloul of Ennahda party and Yusra Ghannouchi, daughter of Sheikh Rached discuss with Anas Altikriti where Tunisa and the Tunisian people find themselves, and to what future both can look forward.

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Guests:

| Ahmed Gaaloul
| Yusra Ghannouchi

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In a recent trip to France, Muhammad Rabbani was stopped at the airport, held for an entire day and ultimately banned from entering the country, all because he dared criticise France’s treatment of its Muslim communities.

Anti-terror laws which allow security authorities to hold, interrogate and intimidate Muslim activists seem to be not only expanding, but also intensifying and becoming more frequent.

Despite upholding values of democracy, freedoms and human rights, yet several European countries, France and the UK included, seem to casually flaunt those values whenever convenient, causing not only serious inconvenience to the individual, but widespread intimidation and the waste of valuable security resources on individuals well known to harbour no threat whatsoever.

What can Muslim activists and organization do in light of a legal sphere that appears to be designed to create immense challenges for them and for their movement?

Muhammad Rabbani discusses with Anas Altikriti details of his recent experience at Paris airport which ended with him being banned from ever entering the country.

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Guests:

|  Muhammad Rabbani

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As vile as Anti Semitism is, yet the loose and casual brandishing of that charge against anyone and everyone who dares criticize Israel or Zionism, threatens to devalue the term of its serious and dangerous implication.

In his newly published book, The Weaponisation of Anti Semitism, Asa Wistanley illustrates the time of Jeremy Corbyn at the helm of the Labour Party to being vilified and expelled from the party he represented for 4 decades, as an example of how Anti Semitism can be weaponized and used to eliminate pro-Palestinian voices.

From Zionism to British politics and media, passing through the waters of student activism to the status and future of the Labour party and the political Left, Asa Wistanley discusses an array of subjects with Anas Altikriti

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Guests:

|  Asa Winstanley, Journalist and Author

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Since 9-11, countries around the world have quickly adopted legal procedures and laws which have resulted in human rights abuses and transgressions against personal and public rights in an unprecedented manner. Yet, the state of security has not improved, indeed it has worsened for millions around the world, and especially Muslims.

With fully fledged criminal and civil laws that address a vast array of crimes and misdemeanors, one would be justified in questioning the need for an extra layer of laws that target acts that are deemed to fall under the ambiguous term, terrorism.

From Guantanamo to the illegal rendition of suspects to be tortured by brutal regimes, the western world, constantly holding claim to the bastion of freedoms and human rights, has committed or has been complicit in the committing of some of the most heinous transgressions and crimes.

What got us here, and why is it that Muslims appear to be in the hairlines of these laws?

Asim Qureshi of Cager UK discusses these and more with Anas Altikriti

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Guests:

|  Asim Qureshi, Author and Research Director, Cage UK

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The legacy of student campaigning in the UK is nothing short of fantastic, with students constantly campaigning against the ruling establishment in the UK and across the world.

However, things have changed with the politicization of this crucial arena of civic manifestation, and have reduced it to a shadow of its former self.

British students have always campaigned for justice, whether it be within the UK or anywhere else across the world. To note but one example, the NUS’ historic stand against Apartheid in South Africa was one of the most powerful tools of bringing down that regime.

However, today student activism resembles a shadow of its former glorious self, with utterances, statements and political and ideological opinions being combed through meticulously and students being punished for something they said years and years ago when they were students. Indeed, students winning elections are being sacked for statements they made when they were minors and threatened with their future careers.

Anas Altikriti discusses with Shaima Dallali and Lubaba Khalid the state of UK student activism, its achievmentds and the conditions that are now set to stifle its ability to freely express any stand on controversial issues.

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Guests:

|  Shaima Dallali, Activist
|  Lubaba Khalid, Young Labour BAME Representative

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The global attention on the recent Turkish elections was remarkable affirming Türkiye’s status as a world power with great influence. But what of the challenges it faces and the ongoing impact of the earthquake and the fall in the value of the Lira? 

Türkiye has undergone what is nothing short of a miraculous transformation on every level over the course of the AK Party’s rule. The evidence of this is the level of attention, interest and often interference afforded to its recent elections by global media, which were heavily, sometimes unreasonably, critical of the party in government since 2002.

However, local and regional challenges are looming, and the devastating impact of the Earthquake earlier this year continues to mark efforts to see the economy recover. The rise of nationalism, xenophobia even, during the campaigning, the issue of the refugees and the value of the Lira, will be issues of contention in coming months and years.

Anas Altikriti, discusses with Dr. Mehmet Karakus, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in London, these and many more.

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Guests:

|  Mehmet Karakus, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute, London

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How effective is the attempt to bring China to account at the ICC in The Hague, and how could justice be delivered when the process is so lengthy, arduous and convoluted with political posturing on all sides?

The case of the Muslim Uyghurs of China is one that is known all across the world. Presidents, Prime Ministers and leaders have spoken out against the cultural genocide being committed be Beijing in countering calls for the independence of Eastern Turkistan and the liberation of the Uyghur people.

In a way, the very concept of international institutions and agencies is being tested in terms of efficacy, particularly after so many international crimes went unpunished and the perpetrators unaccounted. On the other side, the ICC was successful in bringing the cases of Bosnia and Rwanda to name but two to a satisfactory conclusion. So where will the case for the Uyghurs go?

Anas Altikriti discusses with Rodney Dixon KC the prospects, potentials and permutations of the Uyghur case at the ICC.

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Guests:

|  Rodney Dixon KC, Counsel for Uyghur Groups at the ICC

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The charge of Anti-Semitism has become a ready tool to stifle, intimidate and even ruin the lives of pro-Palestinian voices, and particularly those who display anti-Zionist tendencies.

The conflation of Anti-Zionism and the criticism of the state of Israel with Anti-Semitism has become an effective tool of intimidation, which has shown its teeth in virtually every single arena, not least the political. Commentators, writers, activists and even ordinary folk showing a rudimentary interest in the Palestinian issue, and who dare criticize their tormentor, are sure to come in for the most severe kind of intimidation with the accusation of anti-Semitism ready to be deployed.

Anas Altikriti discusses with David Miller, himself a victim of such a campaign, and Nasim Ahmed the type of campaigns which face the criticism of Israel and Zionism, and how those should be countered.

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Guests:

|  Nasim Ahmed, Researcher, Middle East Monitor

|  David Miller, Former Professor of Sociology

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When Kais Saied decided to mount a coup against the Tunisian constitution in the Summer of 2021, disband parliament and begin a steady process of sidelining his political detractors, the first and last bastion of the Arab Spring came tumbling down.

The Arab Spring was launched from the Tunisian capital Tunis in late 2010, and several Arab countries followed suit in what was widely recognised as one of the most significant phases of socio-political transformations in modern times. Yet, 13 years on, the picture couldn’t be more stark. With the Tunisian Parliament disbanded, the president holding almost absolute power and dozens of political prisoners languishing in prison facing a litany of politicised charges, among whom is the speaker of the aforementioned parliament.

Anas Altikriti discusses with Mouadh Ghannouchi and Ahmed Gaaloul how Tunisia and Tunisians got here, the dramatic events that saw the imprisonment of Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi as well as the factors which led to the collapse of the Jasmine Revolution and the recess of democracy, and prospects for the future for Tunisians.

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Guests:

|  Ahmed Gaaloul, Former Tunisian MP

|  Mouadh Ghannouchi, Tunisian Activist

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The civil war in Sudan is well in its third week, with numbers of civilians killed, injured, and displaced, mounting every single day. Why have the old allies fell out and over what? Where does the fighting look like it’s heading and who among the regional powers

The split between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has resulted in a full-blown civil war that has to date resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries, and an estimated 900,000 who have been driven to leave their homes.

In addition to internal reasons related to passing a law which stipulates RSF members within the armed forces, there are regional and international factors at play, making the scene even more complicated.

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Dr. Muhammad Elamin discusses with Anas Altikriti those factors and his analyses of how Sudan arrived at this point, and what we should expect for the foreseeable future.

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Azzam Tamimi and Rabbi Weiss hit the road and travel across the United Kingdom to dispel the myth that the Palestinian cause is an Islam Vs Judaism issue, and to prove that much is shared once the barrier of Zionism is overcome and the history of its colonial project in Palestine is understood.

Whilst the mainstream media often project that the Palestinian issue is one where Muslims and Jews are at loggerheads for mere religious reasons, Pete Gregson was adamant to tell the truth through bringing together two supreme activists within their respective communities; Dr. Azzam Tamimi and Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss.

The Muslim and Jew Tour in its second week has attracted much attention for its portraying the Palestinian cause for what it really is, a struggle against a colonial settler project perpetrated by unreligious Jews who have constructed a narrative far from the origins of the Torah and essential Judaism, under the guise of an extreme nationalist colonial project termed Zionism.

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Anas Altikriti discusses these issues with his guests: 

|  Azzam Tamimi, Palestinian Broadcaster and Author

|  Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss, Naturi Karta USA

|  Pete Gregson, One Democratic Palestine

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The question of what exactly does ‘Extremism’ mean, or who is an extremist, seems to be irrelevant to a 20-year government strategy which claims to pursue eradicating violent extremism. Prevent as a government strategy has been in place since 2003, has proven a significant tool to marginalize the Muslim community and particularly minors within that community. Despite failing to curb extremism, or to prove its worth, no political party is willing to question its validity, never mind its ethical value or its efficiency.

A token independent review set up by the government was dismissed very early on, due to the Chair appointed, William Shawcross, noted for his long record of Islamophobic stands and statements, and the final report proved as had been expected by numerous experts. The People’s Review was published to respond to the Shawcross to much acclaim, but very little mention in the mainstream media.

The authors of the People’s Review on Prevent join Anas Altikriti to discuss this thorny but incredibly important topic.

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Anas Altikriti discusses these issues with his guests: 

|  Layla Aitlhadj, Director at PreventWatch @preventwatch9398 

|  John Holmwood, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Nottingham University @uniofnottingham 

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Relationship and Sexual Education (RSE) has been one of the most talks about subjects when it comes to schools and education, for the past few years,  particularly amongst Muslim families. 

The marginalisation of the core family unit of a mother and father in favour of same sex couples, followed by the introduction of multi-gender and non-gender identities, has left the overwhelming majority of parents concerned for the way their children are being educated, particularly from a moral and ethical standpoint. 

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Anas Altikriti discusses these issues with his guests: 

|  Yusuf Patel who founded RSEIslamic

|  Antonia Tulley, a Roman Catholic and long term campaigner for the protection of children in education

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Pakistan is uniquely placed to play a crucial role in the way future geopolitics will unfold. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) is one of the oldest political parties in Pakistan, and its perspective of events locally and regionally is of great importance.

One of the Nuclear states that straddle a dynamic region bridging the Far and Middle East, and an indispensable player in the geopolitics of one of the most volatile regions in the world today, Pakistan is a country and a nation that is often underplayed for its strategic location and its immense resources, natural, demographic and mineral. Whether its local politics or whether its neighbouring of Afghanistan, Iran, India and China, or indeed its possession of nuclear capabilities, Pakistan’s role should never be underestimated in shaping the map of the region and the power structures therein.

JI has been a present and an active and influential player in Pakistani politics for over 80 years, during which time it was part of several governments and ruling coalitions. Where does it find itself today, and how does it see local, regional and international events of concern?

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Anas Altikriti discusses these issues with his guests: 

| Asif Luqman Qazi, Director of Foreign Affairs, Jamaat e Islami, Pakistan @JIPOfficial 

| Muhammad Abdus Shakoor, Vice President of Alkhidmat Foundation, Pakistan @AlkhidmatPakistan 

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The significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque not just for Muslims but also for the world in general. The discussants also observe the rise in global solidarity with the Palestinians as opposed to a decline in world sympathy with Zionism. 

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Anas Altikriti discusses these issues with his guests: 

| Ismail Patel @FriendsofAlAqsafoa 

| Robert Andrews @EuropalforumOrgUk

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The most profound social phenomena are those which take place behind closed doors and create victims who are virtually invisible. Domestic abuse, as abhorrent as most would deem it, is nonetheless far more prevalent and is creating much wider effects than initially expected.

Why is this disease so widespread, and how does it take grip within a community that holds such sublime teachings and high values as the Muslim community does, and what implication does it bear for all parties, the victim first and foremost, but the abuser and the community at large? What are Mosques and Islamic centres, as well as local governments doing to raise awareness and curb this scourge? Since domestic abuse and violence is so widely present throughout society as a whole, is it fair to assume that it has little to do with culture and religion and more so with popular conceptions and attitudes which bring around the theme of toxic masculinity and how young men perceive women and who they hold as role models?

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Anas Altikriti discusses these issues with his guests: 

| Huda Jawad, Campaigner against Domestic Abuse

| Shams Adduha, Director, Ebrahim College

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A failed state riddled by sectarianism, corruption, violence and instability, Iraq 20 years on provides a damning indictment of the US President and British Prime Minister who for months, sold the war project to the world.

Over a million Iraqis dead, countless displaced, immeasurable corruption levels, a rotten political system, failed governments, terrorist organisations and sectarian militias roaming the streets of Iraq spreading fear, havoc and intimidation and much much more, are the legacy of the March 2003 war, deemed by many to have been illegal, unprovoked and unnecessary.

Anas Altikriti discusses with Marco Carnelos and Matt Kennard what happened to allow the war to happen, and what has taken place in Iraq as well as throughout the Middle East region and beyond ever since. Also, the panel discusses how the world and history see the architects and perpetrators of this horrific war.

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Anas Altikriti discusses these issues with his guests: 

| Marco Carnelos, Former Diplomat and Freelance Journalist

| Matt Kennard, Chief Investigator, Declassified UK

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The changes seen throughout the Middle East over the past few years have signalled radical transformative realities that will have an impact on future alliances and conflicts that will have serious political, economic, security and demographic consequences. Whether it be the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) conflict, the alliances and disputes throughout the Arab world, the Iranian question, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Libya or the impact of Turkey and its internal and external challenges, the region is certainly a changing landscape which allows for a variety of scenarios regarding crucial themes. Along with the perspectives of Western perspectives thereon and the impact of the Russian-Ukranian war and the remnants, if any, of the Arab Spring are interesting factors in forecasting the next phases or phases of this most volatile and fascinating region. 

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Anas Altikriti discusses these issues with his guests: 

| Daud Abdullah, Director, Middle East Monitor @MiddleEastMonitor 

| Nasim Ahmed, Political Analyst

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British Muslims amount to around 6% of the British population and have entered and enriched virtually every aspect of daily life and become normalised within modern British society.

Whilst the report on British Muslim Civil Society highlights the array of achievements and successes of British Muslims, it also points to a variety of challenges, difficulties, shortcomings and issues which need to be addressed by leaders of the community.

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Anas Altikriti discusses these topics and more related to how the future is looking for British Muslims amid a rise in Far Right and generally Islamophobic rhetoric with his guests:

| Neil Jameson: Founder of Citizens UK & presently Director of UK Welcomes Refugees

| Usaama al-Azami: Departmental Lecturer in Contemporary Islamic Studies  @oxforduniversity and Lead Researcher of the British Muslim Civil Society 2023 Report

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While few can argue against the devastating impact Brexit has had on our state of the economy and has deepened the cost-of-living crisis, this episode attempts to address the other effects which have had a serious impact on public life, including the rise of far-right nationalism, racism, and xenophobia.

Whether it be the rhetoric that was deployed in the lead-up to the referendum in 2016, the false promises and the fabricated claims, the fact remains that the entire country is suffering the devastating effects thereof.

Oliver McTernan and Mark Ereira-Guyer, talk with Anas Altikriti about the state of the country and the steady and undeniable rise of Islamophobia in particular, and how much of that can be traced back to Brexit.  

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Anas Altikriti discusses these and various other related themes in this episode with his guests:

| Oliver McTernan: Director at Forward Thinking

| Mark Ereira-Guyer: Director at the European Network on Religion and Belief (ENORB) @ENARtube 

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Recent news told of around 40 young refugees going missing from a hostel in Brighton. This led to questions as to how many children and minors are in the UK as unaccompanied refugees, and how did they come to find themselves in this situation. Further, how safe are they under the ward of local councils, or as proposed, under the guardianship of the Home Office? This leads to the highlighting of an area that seems to be problematic for the British Muslim community relating to the willingness or otherwise of Muslims to become foster parents to children and minors, and the role of Mosques and Islamic leaders in promoting this concept and duty. 

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Anas Altikriti discusses these and various other related themes in this episode with his guests:

| Shaqib Juneja: Head of Operations at My Family Group 

| Sheikh Suliman Ghani: Imam of Tooting Islamic Centre 

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How did the three organisers of the historic 2 Million March; Stop the War Coalition, the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), manage to bring to the streets of London that mass wave of protesters from all walks of British life and from all backgrounds?

Since the war tragically still went ahead, could that particular event be counted as a positive, and what aspects thereof provided points of reflection and lessons for our times 20 years on?

The claimed impossibility of Muslims working with and collaborating with the Left continues to be present, whilst the fight against nuclear proliferation carries on unabated, if not with even more rigour.

Additionally, to what extent did the invasion and occupation of Iraq impact the country and its people, the region and its susceptibility to violence and conflict, and the entire world, and how close are we to seeing those who engineered this tragedy brought to international justice? 

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Anas Altikriti discusses these and various other related themes in this episode with his guests:

| Andrew Murray of @Stopthewarcoalition

| Kate Hudson of @CNDuk

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In recent months, community clashes in Leicester saw Indian Hindus clash with Muslims in what was initially describes as mob clashes after a cricket match. However, those on the streets of Leicester speak of the Hindutva ideology being at the heart of these clashes, where Indian migrants have carried over the zeal of Hindu nationalism to their new country of residence. India’s populist government has presided over heightened tensions against Indian Muslims, and the situation in Kashmir seems to be worsening amid silence from the entire world.

Anas Altikriti speaks to a panel of experts who attempt to explain what Hindutva is, what it represents, and how it manifests and impacts others, including Muslims. The situation in Kashmir, and how this long-suffering cause can achieve its righteous goals are also discussed in depth.

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Guests:

| Ahammed Hussain – Spokesperson, Muslim Public Affairs Committee UK (MPACUK)

| Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur – President, World Kashmir Freedom Movement (WKFM)

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How did Muslims in Sweden and further afield react, and what would be the best way to respond to such incitements to hatred, whether in Sweden or other European countries where racists and Islamophobes might take a leaf out of their comrades’ books and do the same?

Anas Altikriti speaks to a panel of experts on this and various other related issues.
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Guests:

| Imam Ajmal Masroor: Prominent British Imam, commentator, author and broadcaster. @AHMasroor.

| Carl Arrindell: A Political Correspondent, Political & Public Relations Advisor and CEO of Public Interest Relations & Media Ltd. Have a rich background in Public Relations; Journalism, Public Interest Media, Parliamentary Lobbying; Campaigning and Humanitarian project development. During the early 2000’s Carl Arrindell led (as Head of Communications) the campaign (Tom Hurndall Foundation) to seek justice for UK student photojournalist Tom Hurndall who was shot in the head while on location in Rafah, Gaza in 2003. Since 2006, Arrindell has been associated with @islamchanneltv, initially as Director of International Operations and Strategic Planning, and later as Head of News and Current Affairs

| Ufuk Secjin: Turkish business and community leader. Currently head of the International Relations Committee @MuslimCouncil. Founder of @HalalBookingcom. 

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12 years on from the 25th of January revolution in #Egypt which inspired the entire world and saw what was eventually a short but glorious time of freedom and democracy, cut short by a military coup.
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Guests:

| Prof. Paul Reynolds: Independent adviser on international relations, economics and governance. He is a member of the Lib Dem Federal International Relations Committee. Author of a forthcoming book on improving public policymaking. Reynold’s work in Egypt spans several decades, from 1974 to the 1990s working on economic & industrial restructuring. He later visited again in the summer of 2011 and 2012 working with my human rights campaigner friend Mandi Fahmy and was present amid the chaos in Tahir Square. He pushed for Liberal International's global conference to be in Cairo and Alexandria, which gave a voice to opposition representatives and political parties.

| Dr Maha Azzam: Chair, Egyptians for Democracy and Head of the Egyptian Revolutionary Council. Former Fellow at Chatham House and The Royal Institute for International Affairs, respectively. She headed the Security and Development in Muslim States programme at RUSI. 

| Bill Law: A Sony award-winning journalist and editor of the Arab Digest. Founder of The Gulf Matters, which provides analysis and journalism focusing on the Gulf states. 

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Almost 800 men from around the world spent time in Guantanamo detention centre, all of whom were victims of the War on Terror declared by George W. Bush following the 9-11 attacks. Incidents of torture, physical and mental abuse and isolation from the entire world, became folklore and were retold time and again, but to seemingly no avail, as 35 inmates remain lingering in legal and judicial limbo.

Anas Altikriti, speaks with Moazzam Begg, himself an inmate of Guantanamo for several years and Andy Worthington who has been campaigning for the closure of Guantanamo and for the rights of inmates, past and present, about what the world has hopefully learned from this stain on the collective Western conscience.

The London Circle is a show that addresses issues relating to British takes on local, continental and global affairs. Anas Altikriti hosts a panel of experts every week to have an informal but detailed and deep conversation on the issue at hand.
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Guests:

| Moazzam Begg: Former Guantanamo Bay detainee, author of Enemy Combatant and outreach director for UK-based campaigning organisation @CAGEUK

| Andy Worthington: Investigative journalist, author, campaigner, commentator and public speaker. Recognized as an authority on Guantánamo and the “war on terror.” Co-founder, Close Guantánamo and We Stand With Shaker. Also, photo-journalist (The State of London), and singer and songwriter (The Four Fathers). 

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