This Week in the Middle East

What matters most in the eternal scheme of things? Spoiler alert: If you don´t want to know anything about the plot of the latest mission impossible movie read no further. But this podcast doesn´t reveal that much so you are probably OK. Each individual must answer that for himself but I would stand with the thought that what matters most of all is your relationship with society. Perhaps mass media gives an answer in the fictional character Luther Stickell's last words in the recent blockbuster, "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning", written by Christopher McQuarrie who also co-wrote the screenplay for the film. The script delves into the nature of work and its impact. Luther concludes by saying, in the course of a closing monologue that could be a message to us all: “The world is still here and so are you . . . I hope, in time, you can see this life is not some quirk of fate. This was your calling. Your destiny. A destiny that touches every living thing. Like it or not, we are masters of our fate. Nothing is written. And our cause, however righteous, pales in comparison to the impact of our effect. Any hope for a better future comes from willing that future into being. A future reflecting the measure of good within ourselves. And all that is good inside us is measured by the good we do for others. We all share the same fate -- the same future. The sum of our infinite choices. One such future is built on kindness, trust, and mutual understanding, should we choose to accept it. Driving without question towards a light we cannot see. Not just for those we hold close, but for those we'll never meet.” Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

NCF Secretary General shares a few selected memories from a fact finding mission to Kashmir nearly forty years ago. And asks the question, what´s different? He makes a couple of simple suggestions for a better tomorrow. This is one for my cousin John Holton, who tells me I have not done enough podcasting lately. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

There are conflicting reports about Syrian Alawite girls being kidnapped and sold into slavery. There are also denials. You can make your own mind up. Meanwhile one thing is clear - there is little or no stability in Syria today. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

A message for Easter, and indeed for Passover which ends on Easter Day. This message is about a kind of code of honour, twelve commandments: 1. Respond with care and power to the one that wounds you. 2. Do not hurt or fight with gentle people. 3. Care nothing for your life, nurture others with your concern. Weep less for yourself, spread joy selflessly, save your tears for another's tragedy. 4. Remain silent, except to the truth. 5. Promise nothing. 6. Do not let your intellect become the slave of emotion. Let your emotions serve your intellect, as a powerful banked fire would serve a house. Be not angry. 7. What you need, give away, and what you do not need, relinquish; surrender your possessions as if they were another's joy and your burden. 8. Surrender your soul with love to the power of the Spirit of God. 9. Tomorrow is God's. Yesterday is dead. Remember you are a child of today. 10. Never permit anyone to trap you with fear, for fear is evil. 11. Never trap yourself with pride, for pride is evil. 12. Trust God always. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

Whilst killings continue on the coast, Türkiye and Israel squabble about the control of the T4 base. And Dera goes its own way as a separate fiefdom. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

It’s April, the Winter is over and fighting season is beginning. Donald Trump promised a solution within one day. But has he gone soft on Russia? Is he no longer capable of sorting Ukraine? By the way, the NCF submission to the UN on the Ukraine issue is on this link. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

William Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, talks to three voices from inside Syria: 1. Alawite 2. HTS 3. Secular And they all agree that President al-Sharaa a.k.a. Jolani is creating a monocracy, i.e. a dictatorship with absolutely no pretence at democracy but true one man rule. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

William Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, shares three perspectives. The first from a senior peacenik from Israel (nothing astonishing). The second from a senior advisor to US President Donald Trump (and that is astonishing). The third from a senior Gazan with a close relationship with Hamas (and that, in my view, is mind blowing). Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

Since around 1 pm on Friday, there have been ongoing mass killings of the Alawites in Latakia, village by village, by HTS. Systematically killing the men and kidnapping the women. They now have Kardaha surrounded. So why is this happening? Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

The Sudanese civil war between two warlords heading the Rapid Support Services (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) grinds on. But now the main group backing civilian rule has also split into two factions, whilst both the RSF and the SAF are trying to form rival governments. When will this end? Never. The British, the former colonial power, do nothing. And the Americans simply don't care. But could Donald Trump be persuaded to care? Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

The gossip doing the rounds in Damascus including, incredibly, the rumour that Syria may be taking Gazan refugees. I apologise for my habit of making minor errors. When I refer to the events of 17/18 December in my podcast I of course mean 7/8 December. Sorry about that - wm Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

A Lebanese cease fire was renewed on 18th February as part of the wedding gift from Donald Trump to his daughter who has married the son of a Lebanese-American businessman. What does this mean for Lebanon today? Does the country at last have a better future? An apology though: Just one small correction, Michel Aoun is the old president. The current one is called Joseph Aoun. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

The new Syrian government looks like it will throw democracy out of the window. Meanwhile, as stability remains shaky, kidnappings grow Endemic. That said, life is returning to normal in central Damascus. However the Israeli invasion of the South continues apace and they are digging in for the long term - and Türkiye remains the main autocratic power. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

William talks about what's going on in Israel today. And it's a complex mess. But to guide him through the maze he has relied on his friend Hillel Schenker, the co-editor of the Palestine-Israel Journal. For background supporting information on this and all William's podcasts check here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VazknY69hXFEBbJGn335 Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

HTS withdraw from Latakia whilst back in Homs Alawites and Shiites get murdered. Meanwhile HTS tries to restore stability, in its way. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

The inside story as regards what is happening in Syria at this moment in time including the confusing issue of the Russian base. The latest in a series based on inside information from William Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

The Ukraine War continues unabated. President Trump failed to refer to it in his inaugural address. William Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, has his own perspective. He says that in his inaugural address President Trump spoke about everything else other than Ukraine - including putting a man on Mars. Fixing Ukraine won't be any less easy. But he has promised to do it. So do it Mr Trump. And right quickly. You said you would. Do it this way says William Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

Staggering developments and insights into what is really going on from the Christian, Sunni and Allawite perspective. Plus the hidden truth about the seminal role of the State of Qatar in support of the overthrow of Bashar al Assad Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

William Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, suggests a radical new approach to the Gaza issue in regard to four issues: 1. Recognition of the State of Palestine 2. An arms embargo 3. Targeted Reconstruction 4. A new Madrid In the context of the first three, the actions of Britain and France matter. In the context of the last, the actions of America matter. In regard to all four, you - and me - we can make the difference. Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

In Search of Peace - a Christmas Message for 2024 from William Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, incorporating ten rules to live by: 1. Try New Things 2. Never Stop Learning 3. Smile Often 4. Be Kind and Stay Loyal 5. Work hard, Dream big 6. Say I love you 7. Remember to keep honest 8. Keep your promises 9 Stay Calm and don't panic 10. Break the rules sometimes If want to make sure that the work of the Next Century Foundation continues please help us by giving a donation. Please donate here Support the show Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation