Connections, Ep. 2: The Politics of Holy Cities with Mick Dumper & Maha Samman

Each month, Status/الوضع assembles a vital audio journal from the Arab Studies Institute, moving beyond headlines to explore the deeper currents shaping the region and its global connections. This isn't about quick takes; it's a sustained, critical conversation built on ground-level reporting and scholarly insight. You'll hear extended dialogues with analysts, activists, and artists, alongside dispatches recorded where events unfold. The tone ranges from sharp, informed commentary to pointed satire, reflecting the complex realities it examines. The podcast deliberately blends genres-interviews feel like revealing conversations, reports carry narrative depth, and commentary is interwoven with readings of essential texts. It’s a collaborative project that values independence, offering a platform for nuanced perspectives often sidelined in mainstream discourse. By engaging with culture, politics, and society as intertwined forces, Status/الوضع provides listeners with a more complete, challenging, and human picture of the Middle East and its place in the world. Tune in for a monthly installment of substance, where critical thought meets audio storytelling.