Arab News

A year on since the Taliban retook power in Afghanistan following a controversial deal with the U.S., in this episode of Frankly Speaking, we speak with Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, former National Security Advisor of Afghanistan under now exiled President Ashraf Ghani.

We ask him exactly who is responsible for the fall of Kabul, whether global leaders should recognise the Taliban as a legitimate government and what the future holds for this troubled nation.

With Friday marking the one year anniversary since the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United, North East journalist Liam Kennedy joins Black & White host Geordie Pete Redding and Arab News Sports Editor Ali Khaled to discuss the highlights of a momentous year for the club and for Tyneside.

In the first episode, season 5 of Frankly Speaking, we speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to understand how President Putin’s recent nuclear threats changes the dynamics on the ground, whether he welcomes in-direct negotiations given the success of the recent Saudi sponsored prisoner swap and his thoughts on the constant delays his country faces in its bid to join NATO.

On Episode 9 of Black & White, Newcastle legend Malcolm Macdonald joins Geordie Peter Redding and Ali Khaled to discuss the Magpies’ Premier League trip to Fulham, a team he played for and managed. Supermac also reveals his thoughts on Aleksandar Mitrović and Newcastle’s wide players. Meanwhile, the debate on the best Newcastle XI from the 1960s to the present day continues.

It’s the last international break before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar kicks off in November. With no Premier League matches this weekend, North East journalist John Richardson joins host Geordie Peter Redding and Arab News Sports Editor Ali Khaled in E8 S2 of Black & White to reminisce about some of Newcastle’s most iconic international players of the last few decades, including Peter Beardsley, Alan Shearer and Gary Speed.

After a week in which Premier League matches were postponed as a mark of respect for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Newcastle United return to action against Bournemoth at St James Park on Saturday. North East journalist Liam Kennedy joins Black & White host Geordie Pete Redding and Arab News Sports Editor Ali Khaled to discuss the match, the talent of Elliot Anderson and the incredible transformation that Eddie Howe is leading behind the scenes at the club.

It’s been yet another week of refereeing controversies in the Premier League with VAR yet again coming under scrutiny for series of inexplicable decisions.

E6 S2 of Black & White sees former FIFA referee and chief of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), Keith Hacket, gives his frank views on why officiating has lost its way in England, and what should be done about it.

Host Geordie Pete Redding and Arab News Sports Editor Ali Khaled meanwhile discuss Newcastle’s vital trip to London to face West Ham.

Note: This episode was recorded before news broke of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and the subsequent postponement of the weekend's Premier League matches."

E5 S2 of Black & White sees ex-Crystal Palace and England star John Salako join Geordie Pete Redding and Ali Khaled to discuss his former club’s chances as they face Newcastle United at St James’ Park and recall the time he almost signed for Kevin Keegan’s “Entertainers” in the mid-90s. Also on the agenda is the little matter of the epic - and heartbreaking - match against Liverpool in midweek.

In this episode of the Mayman Show we speak to Sarah Elzeini, Founder and CEO of SMZ International, a boutique strategic advisory and activities firm. Among her portfolio of work, her efforts include growing cultural bridges and facilitating business deals that serve Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mission.

It’s been some week for Newcastle United. A magnificent 3-3 draw with champions Manchester City was followed by a 2-1 win over Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup, with the promise of more signings before the transfer deadline. In S2 E4 of Black & White, Saudi Magpies fan Alwaleed Aldebasi tells Geordie Pete Redding and Ali Khaled about his love affair with the club, missing the bus on his first away trip and setting up the Newcastle supporters club in the Kingdom.