ROPESCAST

What happens to one of Israel’s most important regional relationships when the Middle East is being reshaped by war, new alliances and shifting interests?In this episode of ROPESCAST, Ksenia Svetlova speaks with Amira Oron, former Israeli Ambassador to Egypt, a senior diplomat with deep expertise in the Arab world.They discuss the increasingly tense Israeli-Egyptian relationship, Egypt’s role in a rapidly changing Middle East, and how new regional alliances are affecting Cairo and Jerusalem. They also look at the consequences of the war with Iran for Egypt and its economy—from regional security to trade, energy and the Suez Canal.And, because no conversation about Egypt is complete without talking about Cairo itself, Ksenia asks Amira the ultimate tough question: What is her favorite place in Cairo?🎧 Tune in for an inside look at Egypt, Israel and a Middle East in transformation.Chapters:00:00 — Israel–Egypt Relations Today01:47 — Why Ties Are Failing05:13 — The Somaliland Divide09:38 — Can Arab States Unite?11:33 — Israel’s Regional Hegemony17:53 — Iran’s Impact on Egypt24:22 — Egypt’s New Alliances30:47 — Egypt, Gaza & Trump’s Plan35:44 — Rebuilding Ties with Egypt40:07 — Amira’s Cairo🌐 Learn more about ROPES: ropes.org📩 Don’t forget to subscribe to the ROPESCAST for more stories of peace, dialogue, and impact across the Middle East.

In this episode of ROPESCAST, Ksenia Svetlova is joined by human rights activist and Iranian opposition member Zahra Amanpour to provide an essential look at the historic shifts currently occurring within the Islamic Republic. The conversation opens with an analysis of the latest news from the ground, where millions of Iranians courageously protest against the regime, then tackles the challenging question of why the massive, high-profile protests seen for other global causes have not been mirrored in the West for the sake of the Iranian people, investigating the factors behind this international silence. Finally, the conversation looks toward the horizon to analyze how the fall of the current regime would fundamentally alter the security architecture and political landscape of the Middle East, potentially opening the door for unprecedented regional cooperation.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Lucy Aharish, the groundbreaking journalist, news anchor, and actress who became the first Arab-Muslim presenter on mainstream Hebrew-language television. In this episode, Lucy speaks candidly about racism, discrimination, identity, and what the future of Israeli society could look like. With her trademark honesty and courage, she reflects on her personal journey, the barriers she’s broken, and the urgent need for genuine equality and shared humanity. A powerful and thought-provoking dialogue you won’t want to miss.

In our new episode of ROPESCAST, we feature Abdou El Kaoukabi, Director of the Education Department at Mimouna Association and former General Secretary of the organization. Our guest offers a unique perspective on Morocco's exceptional approach to preserving Jewish heritage and its role as a regional peacebuilder and mediator. With remarkable candor, he shares his personal journey to activism and his fascinating dual heritage that bridges Muslim and Jewish identities.Through our conversation, Abdou explores the uncomfortable questions that challenge conventional narratives: What makes Morocco uniquely positioned to foster Jewish-Muslim coexistence? How can a nation preserve minority heritage while maintaining its own cultural identity? He reveals the delicate balance required to honor historical memory, combat antisemitism, and build bridges between communities often seen as irreconcilable.Join us for this important conversation that examines Morocco's model of tolerance and inclusion, and explores what lessons it might offer for regional peace and reconciliation. Abdou challenges us to think beyond traditional boundaries and consider how education, heritage preservation, and personal identity can become powerful tools for building understanding in a fractured region.

In our episode of ROPESCAST, we feature Shadi Martini, a Syrian humanitarian activist, doctor, and entrepreneur, who offers a surprisingly hopeful perspective amid Syria's devastation. Martini, who had to run for his life back in 2012 when he helped treating wounded Syrians in Aleppo hospitals against the orders of Assad regime, reveals why he believes a unique diplomatic opening has emerged that could not only end decades of Syria-Israel hostilities but potentially bring Syria into the Abraham Accords framework—a geopolitical shift few thought possible.Against the backdrop of catastrophic humanitarian conditions, where Assad's regime has left an economic wasteland and returning refugees find only ruins where their homes once stood, Martini makes a case for cautious optimism. He acknowledges the legitimate skepticism toward political transitions but argues that this rare convergence of regional interests might offer the Syrian people their best chance for meaningful reconstruction and reintegration into the regional community.Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional wisdom about Syria's future and explores what might be possible when desperation meets diplomatic opportunity.ROPESCAST is produced by the Regional Organization for Peace, Economics, & Security (ROPES), bringing together voices from across the Middle East to foster dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.

ROPESCAST | Episode 30 - From Syria with Love In this gripping episode, Syrian-American journalist Hayvy Bouzo joins host Ksenia Svetlova for a wide-ranging discussion about Syria at a historic crossroads. Following the dramatic fall of the Assad regime, Bouzo shares her insights on the opportunities and challenges facing Syria today. The conversation moves from high-stakes geopolitics and potential peace with Israel to deeply personal reflections on Damascus's hidden gems, her mother's memories of Jewish life in old Aleppo, and the enduring legacy of Syrian culture – including its world-famous ice cream. Join us for this timely exploration of a nation in transition, balancing between painful past, uncertain present, and hopeful future.