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Arab Talk with Jess & Jamal

Arab Talk with Jess & Jamal

News You Can Use with Jamal Dajani & Jess Ghannam 388 Episodes Aug 23, 2026

Arab Talk with Jess and Jamal provides news and analysis of the Arab World and Middle East, along with issues affecting the Arab American community. The show broadcasts live every Thursday from 2-3 PM/PT on KPOO, 89.5FM San Francisco. Listeners can follow the podcast on Twitter @ArabTalk and subscribe via iTunes.

Episodes

Raz Segal: Challenging Genocide Denial
Raz Segal: Challenging Genocide Denial Aug 23, 2026 00:48:55 The war in Gaza has sparked an intense and deeply contested debate over whether Israel’s conduct meets the legal definition of genocide. Genocide scholars, human rights organizations, and legal experts have advanced arguments supporting that characterization, while Israel and its supporters strongly reject it. At the same time, scholars, journalists, students, and others who have criticized Israel
Can Israel Buy Back Its Image?
Can Israel Buy Back Its Image? Aug 17, 2026 00:52:41 Israel is dramatically expanding spending on hasbara—its international public-diplomacy and communications effort. The 2026 budget allocates roughly $730 million to public diplomacy, more than four times the approximately $150 million allocated the year before. The increase comes as Israel faces intense international criticism over the Gaza war and declining support in parts of the global public.
Michigan Matters: Is the Democratic Primary the Party's Litmus Test?
Michigan Matters: Is the Democratic Primary the Party's Litmus Test? Aug 2, 2026 00:54:15 Michigan Matters: Is the Democratic Primary the Party's Litmus Test? by News You Can Use with Jamal Dajani & Jess Ghannam
The New U.S.–Israel Defense Partnership: What’s at Stake?
The New U.S.–Israel Defense Partnership: What’s at Stake? Jul 26, 2026 00:53:01 As U.S. military support for Israel faces growing scrutiny, Congress is considering legislation that could dramatically deepen defense cooperation between the two countries. Supporters say it's a necessary step to strengthen innovation and security. Critics argue it would create an unprecedented level of institutional integration with significant implications for U.S. policy and sovereignty. To h
The Battle for Michigan-Money, Politics, and Influence
The Battle for Michigan-Money, Politics, and Influence Jul 19, 2026 00:49:56 One of the biggest stories in the 2026 Michigan Democratic Senate primary isn't just the candidates—it's the money. AIPAC's affiliated Super PAC, United Democracy Project, has poured more than $10 million into the race backing Representative Haley Stevens, part of a broader wave of outside spending that has topped $40 million. The spending has far outpaced support for her opponent, Abdul El-Sayed,
The Essence of Childhood Has Been Destroyed
The Essence of Childhood Has Been Destroyed Jul 7, 2026 00:52:40 A new UN Commission of Inquiry report examines the impact of Israel's war on Palestinian children since 7 October 2023. Titled The Essence of Childhood Has Been Destroyed, the report says more than 20,000 Palestinian children have been killed and at least 44,000 injured. The Commission says its investigation builds on its September 2025 findings, which concluded that Israel had committed genocide
The Gaza Reckoning- UN Allegations and America's Political Divide
The Gaza Reckoning- UN Allegations and America's Political Divide Jun 28, 2026 00:54:48 A new UN commission report accuses Israeli authorities of deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza, alleging actions that may constitute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Meanwhile, recent Democratic primaries, especially in New York City, have renewed debate over AIPAC's political influence and whether criticism of Israeli government policies is reshaping the Democrat
From Words into Action
From Words into Action Jun 14, 2026 00:58:26 This episode examines the Jewish Anti-Zionist Congress, taking place in Dublin from June 26–28. Building on last year’s inaugural gathering in Vienna, the Congress brings together Jewish activists and allies committed to equality, justice, and Palestinian rights. Under the theme “From Words into Action,” participants will focus on turning shared principles into practical strategies for change. O
Pentagon Elevates Israel Counterintelligence Threat as Congress Pushes US-Israel Military Ties
Pentagon Elevates Israel Counterintelligence Threat as Congress Pushes US-Israel Military Ties Jun 7, 2026 00:53:28 Jess & Jamal examine a development that raises difficult questions about intelligence, alliances, and the future of U.S. foreign policy. The Pentagon has reportedly elevated its counterintelligence threat assessment regarding Israel, citing concerns about espionage and intelligence security. At the same time, lawmakers in Congress are advancing proposals aimed at deepening military integration be
Beaten at Sea: Inside Israel’s Seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla
Beaten at Sea: Inside Israel’s Seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla May 31, 2026 00:52:20 The Global Sumud Flotilla, an international aid mission to Gaza, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, with activists detained and ships redirected to Israeli ports. Human rights groups allege detainees faced abuse, including beatings, humiliation, denial of medical care, and sexual violence. During the latest interception, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir f
After San Diego: Confronting Anti-Muslim Hate in America
After San Diego: Confronting Anti-Muslim Hate in America May 25, 2026 00:57:22 A recent shooting attack targeting a mosque complex in San Diego, where two gunmen killed three people, has renewed concerns about the rising climate of Islamophobia in the United States. Many advocates say anti-Muslim hate has been fueled by the normalization of inflammatory rhetoric from political leaders and other high-profile public figures. In this episode, we speak with Jenin Younes, Nation
Doctors Detained: Inside Gaza’s Medical Crisis
Doctors Detained: Inside Gaza’s Medical Crisis May 4, 2026 00:57:19 Gaza’s healthcare system is nearing collapse. Hospitals are damaged, supplies are blocked, and many doctors have been killed or detained. Now, Physicians for Human Rights Israel has petitioned Israel’s High Court, demanding the release of 14 Palestinian doctors held without charge. These detainees include senior surgeons and hospital leaders—some taken while on duty. Among them is Dr. Hussam Abu

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