SOAS in the Media: April 2026

The latest on Iran and the Middle East

• Director of the SOAS Middle East Institute Dr Adam Hanieh shared comment with iNews on the latest developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
• Dr Hanieh was also interviewed by Democracy Now on the conflict affecting global systems from agriculture to oil, and featured on US based radio station WCPT AM 820, discussing the Iran conflict, alongside South African based publication SABC News.
• Professor Arshin Adib-Moghaddam shared commentary with The Telegraph on Israel’s attacks on Iran’s uranium processing facility and how it is connected with the Strait of Hormuz.
• Professor Adib-Moghaddam also wrote an article with The Conversation on the history around the Strait of Hormuz, with a wider article published with RTE.
• Dr Rowena Razak was interviewed on DW News discussing calls and plans from the US in regard to the conflict, and an interview on the latest developments with BBC Radio Three Counties, and BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester.
• Dr Katayoun Shahandeh featured with The Metro on the US commentary in regards to Iran.
• Professor Dan Plesch spoke to Times Radio on the Strait of Hormuz and US’s strategy in negotiations with Iran, and more in interviews with Sky News on the rescued US pilot, alongside Times Radio on the ‘incompetence’ of the US government in the negotiations.
• Dr Avinash Paliwal shared commentary with BBC News on Pakistan and India’s position as intermediaries in the conflict, while also writing for the Hindustan Times on the US’s current attachment to NATO.
• Dr Paliwal also wrote for the Hindustan Times on the political shifts and how the conflict affects regions of Western Asia.
• Professor of Practice Dr Nick Westcott was interviewed on LBC News on how negations from the US have played out in recent times – and on LBC, discussing the future of relations between the UK and US.
• Dr Jack Clayton spoke to iNews on the US escalation in its conflict with Iran.
• Researcher Alex Dryden featured in an article from France24 on the financial pressures and instability caused by the US’ policy changes in regard to the Middle East.
• Researcher Naser Alsayed spoke to The Telegraph on how Iran’s water infrastructure has been affected by the conflict.
• Professor of Practice Leslie Vinjamuri wrote an article with Global Affairs and Times of India on the shortfalls of the US strategy in regard to Iran.

Histories of slavery and the UN

• Professor Olivette Otele spoke on the varying hierarchies of suffering in regard to the history of slavery, following the UN’s recognition of the transatlantic African slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity” – in articles from The Times, an interview with DW News, The Independent, Daily Mail, LA Times and more.

The rights of rivers and nature 

• Professor Philippe Cullet was interviewed on BBC Radio 5 live, delving into river rights and the Rights of Nature movement as a whole.

Delving into Africa’s own manosphere

• Professor Awino Okech spoke to The Guardian on the manosphere in Africa and how it presents harmful and misogynistic attitudes.

Development studies expertise

• Insights from experts Dr Adam Hanieh, Professor Naomi Hossain, and Dr Folahanmi Aina featured with Development Studies Association.

Nigeria’s medicine economy

• Researcher Efefiom Kofon wrote for The Conversation on Nigeria’s medicine economy, and what may be needed for policy change.

The right to protest in the UK and across the world 

• Research Associate Feyzi Ismail wrote for Al Jazeera on UK legislation on protests and activism across the country, and shared insight on Gen-Z protests in regions across the world with France24.

Social media in China 

• Research Fellow Carwyn Morris shared commentary with The Telegraph on propaganda taking shape across China’s social media platforms and influencers. 

The history behind Arabic poetry

• Dr Marlé Hammond and Dr Nada Elzeer wrote for The Conversation on the history of Zajal, Arabic poetry that is rising to social media popularity.

Exploring Persian History

• Honorary Senior Fellow Dr Sarah Stewart featured on a replay episode of BBC Radio 4’s Through Persian Eyes, discussing Zoroastrian history.