Al Jazeera Riz Khan - Video

WAGING PEACE

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:14:06 +0000

In a world of war and conflict, is the idea of waging peace naive? In this episode of Riz Khan, we talk to two of the world’s leading voices on conflict resolution, Johan Galtung and Alvaro de Soto. Galtung, a Norwegian mathematician and sociologist, is also one of the founders of conflict resolution studies which define the concept of “positive peace.” De Soto, a 25-year veteran of the United Nations, served as a special envoy for Myanmar and was an adviser on Cyprus and the Middle East peace process. On the show we discussed what it would take to bring real peace to Afghanistan, the Middle East and other long-raging conflicts.

THE RISE OF THE MUSLIM MIDDLE CLASS

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:13:14 +0000

The economic influence of the Muslim middle class is growing rapidly - but is it enough to transform the often rocky relationship between the Islamic world and the West? International security organizations often focus their resources on fighting the threat of Islamic fundamentalism, but some say that behind the scenes, upwardly mobile Muslim entrepreneurs and their expanding base of consumers are providing the much-needed stability and prosperity that could ultimately extinguish any appetite for extremism. In this episode of Riz Khan, we ask: How is the rise of the Muslim middle class affecting prospects for peace in the Middle East? Joining Riz in Washington is Vali Nasr, professor of international politics at Tufts University. Nasr also serves as a senior advisor to U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke, and is the author of the new book "Forces of Fortune - the Rise of the New Muslim Middle Class and What It Will Mean for Our World."

MATTHEW HOH

Al Jazeera English — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:32:41 +0000

Will the United States opt to send 44,000 more troops to Afghanistan as part of a counterinsurgency strategy, or will it opt for a smaller counterterrorism force? With a decision expected in the next few weeks, reports indicate that President Barack Obama is looking for a middle-of-the-road plan. But is there another, possible fourth option? Just last week, Matthew Hoh, the former U.S. Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan, announced his resignation, saying he no longer saw the value in continued U.S. involvement in what was essentially “a 35-year-old civil war.” In an emotional four-page resignation letter Hoh said, “Like the Soviets, we continue to secure and bolster a failing state, while encouraging an ideology and system of government unknown and unwanted by its people.”So is it time for the United States to withdraw from Afghanistan? On this episode of “Riz Khan,” Anand Naidoo interviews Matthew Hoh.

URUGUAY’S AMNESTY DILEMMA

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:30:23 +0000

The Uruguayan elections Oct. 25 had as much to do with the country’s future as it did with its past. On the ballot was a referendum for an “Expiry Law” or amnesty for those police and military officials involved in the human rights abuses of thousands between 1973 and 1985. The Expiry Law was passed by a public referendum in 1989. Under the current administration of Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez, prosecutions of some of the major players in those crimes have been pursued with the help of testimony from former police and military officials who were involved but had amnesty. However, after 20 years of the Expiry Law, the country’s mood may have changed. Just last week, the Uruguayan Supreme Court issued a ruling that the law was unconstitutional – a decision that legal scholars believe may have broad application. Also last week, the country’s last military dictator was given a 25-year prison sentence for murder and human rights violations during his rule. On Monday’s “Riz Khan” show we asked, “What’s next as Uruguay tries to resolve its past and should human rights abusers ever be given amnesty?” Joining the programme from Uruguay was Felipe Michelini, a politician and son of former senator, Zelmar Michelini, who was assassinated during the military dictatorship in Uruguay. Also joining the programme from Colombia was Javier Ciurlizza, the Americas Director for the International Center for Transitional Justice.

Afghanistan’s political impasse

Al Jazeera English — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:27:53 +0000

Two months after Afghanistan's disputed elections, Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president, has finally admitted that he fell short of an outright victory in his country's presidential elections. The date for a runoff vote between Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah, his main challenger has been set for November 7. Fraud investigators have reportedly thrown out hundreds of thousands of ballots, bringing Karzai's percentage of the vote under 50 per cent and triggering a new election. But will the Afghan runoff election resolve the country's stalemate? And beyond the election results, the main issues remain: How to fix Afghanistan? How to have a central government that has legitimacy? And what policy will the Obama administration pursue in the country? In this episode, Anand Naidoo spoke with Fariba Nawa, an Afghan-American journalist; Shah Mahmoud Hanifi; a professor at James Madison University; and Christine Fair, a former political officer to the UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan in Kabul and the author of Cuisines of the Axis of Evil and Other Irritating States: A Dinner Party Approach to International Relations.

The one or two state debate

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:25:24 +0000

After almost two decades of various peacemaking initiatives, there appears to be no end in sight to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.About half a million Israelis have moved to the West Bank since 1967 and Palestinians fear the growing settlements, along with accompanying roads, infrastructure and military installations will make a viable Palestinian state impossible.Avigdor Lieberman, Israel's foreign minister, has said he believes that a comprehensive peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians is already impossible.Meanwhile, Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, is a prisoner to the power struggle with rival group Hamas, who took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, leaving him only in control of the West Bank.Some Palestinians and Israelis are now arguing that the only practical solution to the conflict is the so-called one-state solution, where both sides agree to citizenship and equal rights in a state that covers all of historic Palestine, without regard to ethnicity or religion.On Wednesday, Anand Naidoo spoke to two Palestinians with opposing takes on the issue.Ghassan Khatib is a former Palestinian minister who currently heads the Palestinian Government Media Centre. He was a member of the Madrid Peace Delegation from 1991 to 1993.Ali Abunimeh is the co-founder of the website "Electronic Intifada", and author of One Country: A Bold Proposal to End the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.

The UN's agenda in Afghanistan

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:40:07 +0000

On Monday, Riz spoke with Peter Galbraith, the former UN diplomat who was just fired from his post in the UN mission in Afghanistan. Galbraith said he could not be silent as he watched the UN “downplay the fraud that took place” in the Afghan elections August 20. Now the former U.S. ambassador’s accusations of a UN “cover up” have raised questions over the state of political reconstruction in Afghanistan, and the UN’s agenda in the country.

CAN GLOBAL NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT EVER BE ACHIEVED?

Al Jazeera English — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:17:49 +0000

How does the disclosure of Iran's second nuclear site affect global efforts for nuclear disarmament? The surprise announcement has increased international pressure on Tehran ahead of its meeting next Thursday with six major powers regarding its nuclear capabilities. Tehran says its uranium enrichment facility won't be operational for at least 18 months, and it claims no official notification requirements have been violated. Even so, one of Iran's main allies - Russia - agreed that the Islamic Republic had breached U-N resolutions and called on Tehran to quickly prove its nuclear programme is peaceful, while another strong supporter - China - also urged Iran to cooperate with U-N inspectors. On Monday’s programme we asked, "What will it take to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons considering the current global security threats?" Riz was joined by former U.S. Ambassador Richard Burt, who was the chief U.S. negotiator in the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) with the former Soviet Union, and is currently a member of the Global Zero Commission, a group of international leaders working to eliminate nuclear weapons worldwide.

THE REBIRTH OF NATO

Al Jazeera English — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:21:41 +0000

All this week, Riz is in New York, as world leaders convene for the U.N. General Assembly.Written off as a relic of the Cold War just a few years ago, NATO is back on the world scene in force. The alliance of 28 European countries, including the U.S. and Canada, found a new purpose with the attacks of 9/11.In October 2001, for the first time in its 60-year history, NATO invoked Article 5 of its Charter, which says that an attack on any member shall be considered to be an attack on all. Two years later, NATO took control of the International Security Assistance Force, which commands around 55,000 troops in Afghanistan.But as the Afghan War drags on, and casualties from member states rise, many NATO countries want to see a timeline to the conclusion of the war. Meanwhile, tensions with Moscow grow as NATO expands deeper into Warsaw Pact territory. So what are the challenges laying ahead for the world’s biggest military alliance?On Monday, Riz spoke with veteran Danish politician Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the new Secretary General of NATO

IS STABILITY ATTAINABLE IN IRAQ?

Al Jazeera English — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:43:53 +0000

Deadly attacks

BREAKING THE SEXUAL ENVELOPE IN THE ARAB WORL

Al Jazeera English — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:41:35 +0000

Sexual topics being openly discussed in the Middle East-is it corrupting or liberating moral values? That’s the debate sparked by a magazine called "Jasad" or Body in English, published in Lebanon and distributed throughout the Arab world.

NUCLEAR ISRAEL

Al Jazeera English — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:15:04 +0000

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will meet Monday to discuss Iran’s nuclear capabilities just as Israel accused the monitoring body of holding back on its most recent report on Iran. Israel says it “expects the international community to take substantive and prompt steps to halt Iran’s military nuclear program.” But what about Israel’s nuclear arsenal?

ANTHONY ZINNI

Al Jazeera English — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:06:54 +0000

Is America on the right track in Iraq, Afghanistan and with the Middle East peace process? Eight years and trillions of dollars after the September 11 attacks, Al Qaeda continues to threaten the U.S. and its interests in the region.

CRACKDOWN ON MUSLIM CHARITIES

Al Jazeera English — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:17:33 +0000

Since 9/11, at least six major American Muslim charities have had their assets frozen by the U.S. Treasury Department, as part of the “war on terror.”

OBAMA & MUBARAK

Al Jazeera English — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:15:29 +0000

Egypt’s President visits Washington for the first time in five years on Tuesday as change at the White House brings a change in America’s approach to Cairo. But as Obama’s efforts at diplomacy and dialogue replace Bush’s emphasis on democratisation, is there another change that could have an even greater impact on how the two countries relate? For many analysts, this trip is an intriguing one but not because of the moves President Mubarak is making. Egyptians and close watchers of the country are more interested in the Washington visit of Gamal Mubarak – the President’s 45 year-old son and the person many believe will take over from the elder Mubarak in the upcoming 2011 elections. On Tuesday’s “Riz Khan” we looked at the changing nature of U.S.-Egypt relations and what may lie ahead if power transfers from father to son. Joining the programme was Washington Post diplomatic correspondent and author Robin Wright along with Cairo based journalist and blogger Hossam el-Hamalawy.

War Ravaged Congo

Al Jazeera English — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:03:03 +0000

In one of the world’s deadliest wars more than 5.4 million people have been killed and more than 200,000 women and girls have been raped. The most recent conflict in Congo began 12 years ago when war broke out with Rwanda and Uganda backing Congolese rebels seeking to oust then-Congo President Laurent Kabila. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, currently on a trip to several African nations, said the U.S. was committed to ending rape as a war crime but critics wondered if there was a sufficient commitment from the international community. She announced a $17 million dollar plan to assist survivors of sexual violence. Since January of this year, aid organizations say there's been a surge of violence against civilians as a result of Congolese operations against Rwandan Hutu rebels, some of whom are believed to have participated in 1994's Rwandan genocide. The army and rebel groups, fighting over eastern Congo's vast mineral wealth, continue attacking villages, killing civilians and committing brutal atrocities. Anand Naidoo is hosting for Riz Khan this week. Joining the programme on Wednesday is Kambale Musavuli, national spokesperson for the U.S.-based advocacy group Friends of the Congo; Muadi Mukenge, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the Global Fund for Women.

INTERNET FILE-SHARING: BASIC RIGHT OR ARTISTIC ROBBERY?

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:33:57 +0000

Millions of people around the world are downloading their favorite songs and movies for free from the internet. This phenomenon is putting the recording and film industries under serious threat since they are losing a huge amount of revenue from their traditional income sources. Artists are also feeling the financial impact of illegal file-sharing, but those who speak out against internet piracy often find their fans turning against them in the blogosphere. Many who download music regularly say recording artists actually benefit from having a wider audience online, even if it’s free, because it give them the potential to generate more income from touring. Others say record companies are going under because they have simply not kept up with technological changes in the youth culture. What’s the fairest way to address the financial needs of artists, fans and new media distributors? Joining the programme to discuss artistic piracy is Christian Engstrom, a member of the EU parliament from Sweden’s Pirate Party, a growing European political power which advocates free use of artistic works online for non-commercial copying; and Richard Gibbs, long-time Hollywood film and television composer who is organizing the “Day of Sharing” protest in support of artists’ rights.

THE SLAVE NEXT DOOR

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 11:27:10 +0000

Although the United States abolished slavery officially in 1865, it has never ended in practice. In the year 2009 slaves still work in homes of wealthy diplomats, as farmworkers and as prostitutes on the streets.

OBAMA’S GLOBAL VISION – 21 JULY 2009

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:00:44 +0000

U.S. President Barack Obama has set an ambitious global agenda but how different are his policies from those of his predecessors and will they change the way in which the world views America? Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, outlined the administration’s vision as reflecting "the world as it is, not as it used to be" and said America would lead by inducing cooperation and moving away from "a multi-polar world and toward a multi-partner world."On Wednesday’s "Riz Khan", two top officials from the Clinton White House, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger give us their take on Obama’s approach to Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as the President’s attempts to restart Middle East peace efforts and enter dialogue with Iran. We asked "How much has really changed and will the Obama vision of a "multi-partner" world really work?

Britain’s Afghanistan Losses – 14 July 09

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:03:54 +0000

The “Riz Khan” show examines the strategy for the war in Afghanistan and the toll it is taking on British troops. Fifteen British soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in the first half of July, taking the total number of British fatalities there since 2001 to 184 and surpassing the number of British troops killed in Iraq.The deaths have increased concerns over the UK's strategy in Afghanistan, particularly whether there are sufficient troop numbers and whether forces are properly equipped. Riz speaks to Rory Stewart, director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University and a former British army officer. Also joining the programme is Amyas Godfrey, a military expert at the Royal United Services Institute.

OBAMA'S AFRICA TRIP

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:28:19 +0000

Does Africa expect too much from America's first African American President? On Wednesday's "Riz Khan" we looked at U.S. policy in Africa as President Barack Obama prepares for his first official visit to the continent. Will President Obama's approach differ from that of his predecessors and what will happen to the United States Africa Command orAFRICOM which was created in 2007 but is still looking for a host country on the continent? U.S. Congressman Donald Payne, who chairs the House Subcommittee on Africa, joined us from Washington. We were also joined by Eritrea’s Ambassador to the UK, Tesfamichael Gerahtu and AllAfrica.com co-founder Reed Kramer

Azar Nafisi on the Iranian movement for reform

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:19:09 +0000

After weeks of protests, Iran's top legislative body, the Guardian Council, has confirmed the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president. The move seems to leave little room for opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi and his supporters who were seeking reform. If Mousavi does not back down and accept the Guardian Council's declaration, he risks imprisonment for himself and key supporters. If he begins the process of reconciliation, Mousavi may end up as the much-weakened voice of the opposition. But, is there another possible scenario? On Tuesday's show, Riz talks to Azar Nafisi, the international bestselling author of Reading Lolita in Tehran. She protested against the Shah in 1979 but soon found herself disillusioned with the new leadership in Iran and the restrictions it placed on the country's women. Nafisi's latest book, Things I've Been Silent About, details her coming-of-age against the background of a political revolution. We ask Nafisi if this is the end for Iran's reformers or the next step in the Iranian revolution. This episode of the Riz Khan show aired on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.

Upheaval in Iran: Vibrant Democracy or Full Blown Crisis?

Al Jazeera English — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:02:27 +0000

In the largest anti-government demonstrations since the Iranian revolution of 1979, thousands of people took to the streets in Iran on Tuesday to protest the disputed presidential election in which President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared winner. Since the overwhelming election victory for incumbent Ahmadinejad, there have been reports of opposition members being arrested, newspapers being censored and banned and internet sites being blocked. The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for an examination of opposition charges of vote-rigging and the country’s powerful Guardian Council said it would order a partial recount. In the United States the Obama administration faces a dilemma over how to respond to Iran's disputed election. Analysts say Iran's internal disarray will complicate any response to President Barack Obama's attempt to open a dialogue aimed at persuading the Islamic republic to make nuclear concessions in return for diplomatic and economic rewards. Strong criticism could backfire, but a muted response could leave an impression of weakness. Will a recount solve the dilemma that the Iranian government is facing today? And what are social ramifications for the Iranian people? On Wednesday, Riz discussed the election aftermath with Kaveh Afrasiabi, a political analyst, and author of the book “Reading in Iran's Foreign Policy After September 11” and Janet Afary, professor of religious studies and feminist studies at University of California, Santa Barbara.

SOMALIA: FROM BAD TO WORSE

Al Jazeera English — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:09:44 +0000

Over the last month alone in Somalia, more than 200 people were killed and more than 100,000 fled the capital city, Mogadishu. Relief agencies report that they can’t distribute aid to the refugees because the fighting between the government and armed groups is intensifying. The United Nations reported this week that Somalis are experiencing near-daily atrocities, including rape and the shelling of civilian areas. In Italy, representatives from more than 35 countries gathered to discuss ways to stabilize Somalia and support the weak Transitional Federal Government, whose legitimacy is being challenged by the rebel groups. On Wednesday, Riz discussed the country’s worsening crisis with Somali Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Omaar and Somalia-American activist Sadia Ali Aden.

LEBANON’S ELECTIONS

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:21:57 +0000

Which way will Lebanon turn as the country heads into critical elections this weekend? Deeply divided along familial and sectarian lines, political allegiances change frequently in Lebanon leaving this election much too close to call. However, many analysts believe that Hezbollah’s opposition March 8 Alliance may be poised to take a slight majority in the parliament – a result that would almost certainly mean an end to U.S. military support and other forms of Western aid to Lebanon. To counter this any sort of international backlash Hezbollah has floated the idea of a unity government – including the leader of the Western leaning March 14 coalition, Saad Hariri, as Prime Minister. But Mr. Hariri flatly rejects the notion of a unity government saying that he won’t be a front for a Hezbollah-led government. On Tuesday’s “Riz Khan” we speak to Ibrahim Moussawi, Hezbollah’s media relations officer and Richard Koyomjian, spokesperson for the Lebanese Forces electoral campaign – a part of the March 14 alliance and ask, how will Lebanon hold together after the election?

WHAT’S NEXT FOR SRI LANKA’S TAMILS

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:17:59 +0000

Anand Naidoo sits in for Riz Khan. After a military win for the government in a civil war that has torn the country apart for decades, Sri Lanka now begins a process of national reconciliation. On Friday UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appealed to the triumphant lawmakers to resolve long-standing grievances of the Tamil minority. He also said he would seek permission for more international aid to enter camps where about 280,000 war refugees are sheltered. International pressure is mounting on the Sri Lankan government as aid agencies are complaining they are restricting access to the refugees; allowing in only essential supplies of food and water. Epidemics of chicken pox and skin diseases are sweeping through the government run camps and hepatitis is a growing problem, according to Oxfam. The military has prevented vehicles from entering the camps saying it is concerned that Tamil rebels may be hiding among the refugees and try to escape if there were a heavy flow of traffic in and out. On this Riz Khan show we speak to Jan Jananayagam of the NGO Tamils Against Genocide, about what’s next for Sri Lanka’s Tamil population. Also joining the programme, Anna Neistat, a researcher at Human Rights Watch. She investigates human rights violations in crisis situations; and Devinda Subasinghe Sri Lanka’s former Ambassador to the United States and Mexico.

THE RISE OF CHINA

Al Jazeera English — Mon, 25 May 2009 11:12:14 +0000

Will China bring about the end of the unipolar world led by the United States, and replace it with an Eastern-oriented world?Even as Western economies languish and brace for a long-term recession, Beijing has announced that it expects 8% growth in its economy in 2009. That extraordinary economic growth, coupled with a newly aggressive diplomacy, are already transforming East Asia, parts of Africa, and parts of Latin America.But will China overthrow the existing world order? And what will the United States do to maintain its position? As China gets more powerful, does that necessarily mean American power will erode? Will the relations between them be led by tension, distrust and conflict? And will China use its growing influence to reshape the international system to better serve its interests, or slowly become part of that system?On Wednesday, Riz spoke with one of China’s top economic advisers. Dr. Fan Gang is the director of China’s National Economic Research Institute, and his comments are closely followed for clues about how Chinese leaders are thinking about the global economy. Also joining us will be Columbia University Professor Daniel Rosen, an expert in China’s economic development and U.S.-China relations

PAKISTAN AT A CROSSROADS

Al Jazeera English — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:09:58 +0000

When Pakistan was founded in 1947, it was dubbed “the Islamic state experiment.” In Urdu, Pakistan means “Land of the Pure.” Now, more than 60 years later, the country is locked in a battle to define what brand of Islam it will follow, and just how “pure” Pakistan should be.Whether in Pakistan or Afghanistan, questions like, “Should people be free to listen to music, shave their beard, or not wear a headscarf?” can deeply divide the country. Moderates are defending women’s right to go to school and work, and arguing that society should not interfere in personal matters. Social conservatives, such as the pro-Taliban forces, take issue with all of that, and want to impose the death penalty for adultery, rape, blasphemy, and lashes for fornicators and drunks.Many see it as a battle between the rural majority and urban minority, the rich and the poor, the commoners and the elites. Either way, it is tearing the region apart, and becoming bloodier day by day.

Violence in Sri Lanka

Al Jazeera English — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:47:25 +0000

Riz Khan show took a look at the latest situation on the ground and possible solution to the bloodshed that has torn the country apart for over twenty five years. Joining the programme is Nirj Deva a Conservative Party Member of the European Parliament; Francis Boyle, professor of International Law at the University of Illinois College of Law; and Erik Solheim the current Norweigan Minister for International Development and a participant of the Norwegian delegation which attempted to resolve the civil war in Sri Lanka.

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ON OBAMA

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 03 May 2009 08:47:12 +0000

“Riz Khan” speak to a group of young people from the prestigious Howard University – an historic African American university. they will get their assessment of President Obama’s first 100 days and what should be done about prosecuting those in the Bush Administration who supported torture.

MOHAMMAD KHATAMI

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 08:13:50 +0000

Viewed as one of the key reformers during his eight years as President, Mohammad Khatami is seen in stark contrast to the rule of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad. With Iran going to the polls in June, many are wondering what's in store for the country’s reformers and how a new occupant in the White House might offer an opportunity for better relations between the U.S. and Iran

RAPPER K’NAAN ON SOMALIA’S DESCENT INTO CHAOS

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:39:09 +0000

Somali hip hop artist K’naan often says that American rap lacks credibility, because even the toughest American neighborhoods aren't as dangerous as his hometown of Mogadishu.K’naan’s music celebrates his people and his country – and condemns the violence that caused their collapse. Critics have given him rave reviews for breathing fresh air into the rap scene with his mix of activism and geopolitical insight.He says there’s much more to the burgeoning piracy off the coast of Somalia than meets the eye. He argues that in the absence of any functioning government, the pirates are protecting the country from ships that are dumping waste on its shores.Riz discusses with K’naan the deteriorating situation in Somalia and the conditions of his fellow countrymen scattered around the globe.

Bridging the Gap

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:22:43 +0000

Turkey is not only the bridge between Europe and Asia, in recent years; it has also become a key diplomatic player on the world stage. Whether its shuttle diplomacy to resolve the recent crisis in Gaza, offering to mediate between the Americans and Iranians, or cleverly balancing competing Kurdish and Armenian interests Turkey has credibility and is trusted in ways that some super powers are not.On Tuesday’s “Riz Khan” we talk to the man credited with much of Turkey’s foreign policy success, professor Ahmet Davutoglu. A political scientist by training Dr. Davutoglu wrote one of the most influential Turkish texts on foreign policy – “Strategic Depth” and was officially made an Ambassador in 2008. Today Davutoglu serves as an advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Policy. We ask him how, with so many competing concerns, Turkey has managed to stay ahead of the diplomatic game and what he sees as the world’s most serious diplomatic challenges.

Chuck Hagel

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:35:20 +0000

Chuck Hagel, the former US senator, is working on an ambitious global agenda: eliminating the entire world's nuclear arsenal.He has joined a small but influential group called Global Zero, which includes British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, Jordan's Queen Noor, and a list of former US and British military and civilian leaders who are demanding that nukes be eliminated over the next 25 years.He is a Republican, but many liberals consider him a hero for breaking with his party's ranks. When in office, he was one of the most vocal critics of the Iraq war. And when Dick Cheney, the former US vice president, recently claimed that Barack Obama, the US president, was making Americans "less safe," he lashed back, calling Cheney's claims "ridiculous".Since leaving the senate after two terms, as he promised, Hagel has assumed the leadership of the Atlantic Council of the United States, and remains one of America's leading foreign policy thinkers. His latest book is, America: Our Next Chapter: Tough Questions, Straight Answers.

CHALLENGING THE WESTERN VIEW OF THE MUSLIM WORLD

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:43:36 +0000

On Tuesday, Riz spoke with one of America’s top Middle East analysts, Juan Cole. A professor history at the University of Michigan, Cole has one of the most influential Mideast-related blogs in the U.S., Informed Comment. In his latest book, “Engaging the Muslim World,” Cole explores America’s anxiety about Islam, and Muslim anxiety about America. He argues that the Muslim world is not monolithic, that Saudi Arabia is much more complicated than the “corporate U.S. media” allow, that the war in Afghanistan is not winnable because it has no mission, and that there is much room for improvement in U.S.-Iran relations.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Luis Moreno-Ocampo

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:41:01 +0000

Earlier this month the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. The Netherlands-based court has accused al-Bashir of orchestrating atrocities against civilians in Darfur, where his Arab-led government has been battling ethnic African rebels since 2003. Up to 300,000 people have been killed and 2.7 million have been driven from their homes. al-Bashir’s retaliation was brutal. He immediately shut down thirteen relief agencies and expelled workers who supply relief to thousands who are dependent on it.And in just the few weeks since the warrant has been issued, the ICC has also been exploring investigating Israel for war crimes, including the use of the deadly white phosphorus shells in densely populated civilian areas in Gaza. While Israel initially denied using the controversial weapon, mounting evidence forced Israeli officials to admit to having employed the shells. The ICC has received more than 200 requests from individuals and organizations, including Amnesty International and the Arab League to look into allegations of war crimes during the Israeli war on the Palestinian territory.On the next Riz Khan show we spoke to the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, about how he will pursue his arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir and the possibility of investigating alleged war crimes committed by Israel during the War on Gaza.

Entrepreneur AND BUSINESSMAN RICHARD BRANSON

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:34:04 +0000

Sir Richard Branson is one of the most recognizable businessmen in the world today and he's been called everything from flamboyant to philanthropic.A self made millionaire, Branson has backed state bail-outs for failing banks but says similar rescues should not be offered to other industries. He has a strong entrepreneurial sprit - even in these times of recession.Among his latest ventures is Virgin Galactic, a space tourism initiative, a new airline and promoting a health care plan. His empire embraces trains, planes, media, mobile phones, the internet and music....and he's also been busy burnishing his green credentials.On Tuesday we spoke to Richard Branson about how the economic crisis is affecting global business.

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS: U.S. EVANGELICALS & BASHIR

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:42:41 +0000

One of America’s leading evangelicals, Franklin Graham, has also been one of the most vocal critics of the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir.The ICC’s warrant has been met with mixed emotion worldwide, with many arguing that Bashir should be brought to justice for alleged war crimes in Darfur, and many others arguing that the toothless warrant will not achieve anything except more misery for Darfur. They point to his immediate reaction: expelling more than 10 foreign aid groups, including CARE, Médecins sans Frontières, Oxfam, and Save the Children.Graham has argued that Sudan would be better off with Bashir remaining in power for now, and that there are no guarantees that his successor would be better. He met with Bashir on the day the ICC issued the arrest warrant, March 4.On Tuesday Riz spoke with Graham and with the last U.S. envoy to Sudan, Richard Williamson, who has praised the arrest warrant as necessary.

INCREASING CHAOS IN PAKISTAN

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:53:49 +0000

On Tuesday Pakistan’s Interior Minister declared his country is “in a state of war,” as his Government reeled from the fallout of the brazen gun assault on the Sri Lankan cricket convoy in Lahore. Thousands of police combed the city for the gunmen, and security officials grappled with evidence that the attackers may have planned a Mumbai-style siege on a more spectacular scale. CCTV footage showed the gunmen, like the Mumbai attackers, working in pairs, armed with assault rifles and grenades in backpacks. But they also carried rocket-propelled grenade launchers, a weapon of choice in the Afghan and Pakistan tribal areas. Their escape, melting into the Pakistani city least hospitable to Islamist extremism, will raise fresh and disturbing questions about their links to the security and intelligence services. The assault on Tuesday, which killed six policemen and injured six Sri Lankan cricketers, came less than three weeks after the Pakistani government accepted a truce that gave control of the Swat Valley, north of Islamabad, the capital, to the opposition Taliban. This well-planned attack by terrorists on Sri Lanka's national cricket team is just the latest sign of the disintegration of security in Pakistan. On Wednesday Riz spoke to Wajid Shamsul Hasan, the Pakistani High Commissioner to the UK about the growing instability in his country.

Will rising unemployment lead to more crime and racism around the world?

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:48:28 +0000

This week more than 100 senior representatives of governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations, are gathering discuss the impact of the economic crisis on the more than 20 million people employed in the financial sector worldwide. A new ILO report prepared for the meeting says jobs in financial services around the world have been strongly affected, with announced layoffs exceeding 325,000 between August 2007 and 12 February 2009. However, aside from fallout on world markets, other outcomes of the economic crisis have been manifested by riots in Greece, xenophobic union action in the United Kingdom and social unrest in China. Violent crime, xenophobia and other social ills, tend to be prominent features of the classical political reaction to unemployment, has the ILO came up with a coherent strategy/policies, to deal with such prospects? On Tuesday Riz spoke to Economist Jeffrey Sachs internationally known for his fight against poverty. Also on the programme, the Director-General of the International Labor Organization Juan Somavia

“War on Terror” hurts human rights

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:26:46 +0000

A high-level panel of legal experts found that the western countries have actively undermined international law in the course of the 'war on terror.'Three years ago the International commission of Jurists, a non-governmental agency based in Geneva, set up the panel to investigate human rights abuses after the 9/11 attacks.They found that illegal practices like torture, invasion of privacy, rendition, and long-term detention without access to lawyers and courts, like in Guantanamo, had eroded human rights worldwide and encouraged other regimes to ignore those rights.They called for the western countries, especially the US, to repeal the abusive laws and policies enacted over the last seven years, and asked the United Nations to take a lead in the process.On Tuesday, Riz speaks with Mary Robinson, the President of the International Commission of Jurists. Robinson is the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and former president of Ireland.

Queen Noor

Al Jazeera English — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:41:12 +0000

onfronting Israel cost the small kingdom of Jordan both territory and security.It left the ruler, King Hussein, playing a delicate balancing act for much of his 46-year reign over a country which has equally become home to Palestians as well as Jordanians. So what would he think of the situation in the Middle East today? As Jordan marks the tenth anniversary of the passing of King Hussein, his widow, remembers the husband, father and Arab statesman. Her Majesty, Queen Noor, joins the “Riz Khan” show as we ask, what prospect is there for real peace, as Israelis and Palestinians find themselves further apart in the wake of the Gaza crisis?Thank you,

Riz Khan - Jimmy Carter

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:27:24 +0000

Riz Khan speaks with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter about diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and his latest book, "We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work.In 1978, Carter helped push the Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Since leaving the White House in 1981, Carter has remained active in international affairs as a free agent for diplomacy and has been critised by some for meddling in the foreign policy agendas of U.S. administrations. He has met twice with leaders of Hamas and staunchly believes they must be included in the official dialogue toward a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.

Riz Khan - Pranab Mukherjee

Al Jazeera English — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:06:25 +0000

India's Minister of External Affairs, Pranab Mukherjee speaks to Riz Khan in his first interview with the international media since the Mumbai attacks in November 2008. The Indian government says a Pakistan-based group was responsible for the attacks and claims Islamabad has been uncooperative and in a state of denial in its response to the killings. In a war of words between the two countries Pranab Mukherjee has been one of the most outspoken voices demanding that Pakistan do more to bring those responsible to justice. Besides his post as Minister of External Affairs, he has taken on many of the Prime Ministers responsibilities, while premiere Manmohan Singh recovers from heart surgery.

WHAT IS THE OBAMA DOCTRINE?

Al Jazeera English — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:36:05 +0000

WHAT IS THE OBAMA DOCTRINE?

The UN and Gaza

Al Jazeera English — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:35:22 +0000

The UN and Gaza