In this fourth episode of Abratalks, Dalia Ziada shares her transformative journey from Egypt to the US to become

a prominent advocate for peace and dialogue between the Arab countries and Israel, a fighter against Islamism,

and an expert on the geopolitics of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. As an activist, she recounts

her awakening during a university protest for the Intifada and her experiences after 7 October.

Her commitment to promoting liberal democracy in the Middle East stems from the Arab Spring and her deep-rooted

struggle against the Muslim Brotherhood. She stresses the universal need for democracy and human rights,

challenging the notion that these values are exclusively Western concepts. Her personal journey of navigating

faith and identity as a Muslim woman, the complexities surrounding women's rights and the hijab,

the importance of interfaith coexistence and her hopes for the future of the MENA region are an eye-opening testimony.

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02:09 Growing up in an Antizionist Egypt

04:38 Awakening and Advocacy for Peace

07:32 The Impact of October 7 and Radicalization

11:32 Academic Background and Early Career

15:57 The Arab Spring and Democratic Aspirations

20:34 Liberal Democracy and Its Importance

25:23 Cultural Perspectives on Democracy

25:48 Navigating Identity and Faith

26:09 Establishing Think Tanks and Future Goals

27:31 Women’s Rights and the Hijab Debate

33:00 Coexistence and Shared Heritage

36:33 Three Wishes for the Future of the MENA Region

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