This Week in the Middle East

William

William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, discusses the new political issues of the week, with a particular focus on developments in the Middle East. read less
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Episodes

Ayatollah Safavi on the Sufi Approach to Prayer
Apr 6 2024
Ayatollah Safavi on the Sufi Approach to Prayer
Prayer is one of the common aspects of all religions. The form and verbal content of prayer may be different in some cases. Sufi Definition of prayer: Prayer is one of the ways of spiritual interaction with God.Prayer is an expression of love to return to God. "Prayer" is the essence of worship.Prayer means God, I love you.Prayer means that human is not alone.Prayer means God's door is open to everybody. Prayer, God hears his voice.Prayer means that God has given permission to human to talk to Him.Prayer means that when all doors are closed to human, God's door is open to him.Prayer means the spiritual connection of human to God. God hears the voice of the supplicant.True prayer is based on knowledge, love, purity, supplication, supplication, and desire to be close to God."Prayer" in the mystical view; It is beautiful, but not result oriented. "prayer"; It has intrinsic value.The beauty of "prayer" is manifested when it does not revolve around results. The success of prayer is the result of loving care and attention. Rumi said in the Mathnawi:This demand in us is also from your creation, to be freed from greed, O Lord, it is your gift.¬ (Rumi, Mathnawi, book1, verse 1241)این طلب در ما هـــم از ایجــــاد توست     رستن از بیـــــــداد یا رب، داد تــوست“All prayers from you, all answers from you”,(Rumi, M.B2, v694)هـــــــم دعا از تو اجابت هـــــــم ز تو     Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation
Gaza - now is the time to start over
Dec 20 2023
Gaza - now is the time to start over
In this episode, we are discussing the ongoing situation in Gaza that demands urgent attention from the international community. The recent killing of three Israeli boys, who were held hostage, by the Israel Defense Forces has deeply saddened and shocked us. The manner in which these killings were carried out is not only disturbing but also inhumane. However, we firmly believe that forced depopulation of Gaza is not the solution.To move forward, we emphasize the need to reform the corrupt Palestinian Authority and establish a new administration for Palestine. We have identified two credible candidates for this pivotal role – Mohammed Dahlan and Marwan Barghouti. While the international community may lean towards Dahlan due to his lack of charisma, we believe that Barghouti, who enjoys the support of the Palestinians, would be a more suitable choice.Securing Barghouti's release from jail would require cooperation from both Israel and Hamas. It is essential for them to recognize the benefits that come with his involvement. While the possibility of Israel expanding the war and advancing into southern Lebanon seems unlikely, the threat of diseases and further destruction in Gaza is very real. The lack of access to clean drinking water and the destruction of critical infrastructure have exacerbated an already disastrous situation for the two and a half million people residing in Gaza. The reported death toll, which includes casualties from direct bombings and diseases, is likely underestimated.To improve the situation, we urgently call upon Israel and the global community to take action. It is high time for the establishment of a new Palestinian administration, the initiation of a peace process, and Israel's recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. Any further delays will only prolong the suffering and misery endured by the people of Gaza.Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation