The Levant Files

Welcome to The Deep Dive, a podcast from The Levant Files.

When the world’s headlines turn to Sudan, the story is often reduced to a simple, brutal equation: two generals, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the official army and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, or ‘Hemeti’, of the paramilitary RSF, locked in a devastating struggle for power. But this framing, while convenient, misses almost everything that truly matters. The roots of today’s war a...

In late 1944, Greece stood at a crossroads. The Nazi occupiers were gone, leaving behind a power vacuum dominated by the colossal Communist-led resistance, EAM-ELAS. With three-quarters of a million members and a powerful army, they seemed poised for victory. Yet, within a year, their movement was politically shattered and militarily defeated, setting the stage for a brutal civil war. How could such a dominant force be so completel...

Welcome to the last episode of the first season of The Levant Files' Deep Dive Podcast Section, where we move beyond the headlines and into the heart of history. What if the story of a nation wasn't just a collection of dates and dry facts, but a living, breathing narrative shaped by constant struggle, unimaginable loss, and an unbreakable spirit?

Today, we embark on a journey into the tumultuous and profoundly moving histor...

Welcome to a new episode of The Levant Files

Imagine a place that, just over a century ago, was little more than a geographical name on a map. Fast forward through a century of imperial collapse, world wars, revolution, and brutal conflict, and it emerges as a modern nation-state. What forces drive such a breakneck transformation? And what legacy does that turbulent journey leave for a country navigating the complexities of the 21st...

Step back to July 2, 1993. A vibrant cultural festival in the Turkish city of Sivas is underway, a gathering of poets, writers, and musicians. But by nightfall, the celebration has turned into a scene of unimaginable horror. The Madımak Hotel, a supposed sanctuary, is engulfed in flames, and 37 lives are tragically extinguished by a mob incited to violence.

This deep-dive episode unpacks the chilling events of the Sivas Massacre, a ...

A political earthquake has shaken Greece, resulting in a series of high-level resignations that include government ministers and top officials. At the heart of the crisis is a sprawling agricultural scandal involving millions in EU funds, startling allegations of a sophisticated criminal organization, and a direct clash between European prosecutors and the Greek state. This is not just a local issue; it's a story of systemic co...

Welcome to the 8th brand new episode of The Levant Files' Deep Dive Podcast Service! Prepare for an in-depth exploration as we delve into the complex, turbulent, and often misunderstood modern history of Libya. From the sands of the Sahara to the shores of the Mediterranean, we'll navigate a century of transformation guided by the insightful works of leading scholars Dirk Vandewalle and Bukola A. Oyeniyi.

Our journey begins ...

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

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

Listen to "U...

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

In our latest episode of Deep Dive of The Levant Files, titled "PKK at a Crossroads: From Armed Struggle to Potential Dissolution," created with the help of the revolutionar...

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

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

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

A Journey Through Iran's Complex Communist Legacy

Historians and political scholars, take note: The Levant Files launches a new podcast series exploring the tumultuous history of Iran's communist movement. "Red Star Over Persia: The Forgotten History of Iran's Tudeh Party" offers listeners an unprecedented dee...

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

The podcast unpacks the Houthis' ...

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

The Levant Files, a podcast dedicated to exploring the intricate history and culture of the Middle East and powered by the Gemini AI technology of the Google, has launched its third episode, titled "Origins of the Druze People and Religion." This compelling installment delves into the mysterious history, unique faith, a...

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

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

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

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