The Thinking Youth

What is the connection between Sudan and Palestine?

In this episode, Ahmad Ibsais joins us to unpack the deeper links between the war in Sudan and the crisis in Gaza. Ahmad is a first generation Palestinian American, a law student, and a poet who writes the newsletter State of Siege, where he analyzes politics, identity, and power in the modern Middle East.

For years, many have treated Sudan and Palestine as separate conflicts. Different regions. Different wars. Different headlines. But the geopolitical realities suggest something more connected. From Israel’s national security doctrine to regional alliances, shifting public perception, and global power politics, the overlap is becoming harder to ignore.

We discuss the Sudan civil war, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Middle East geopolitics, economic boycotts, student activism on university campuses, and the measurable impact of targeted campaigns against companies linked to the Israeli military. We also examine the decline of campus protest movements, the role of institutions like the Norwegian pension fund, and the broader question of Muslim political responsibility. From Uyghurs facing repression in China, to Syrians in exile, to Sudanese families displaced by war, to Kashmiris denied the right to return, many continue to make duaa for Palestine despite carrying their own suffering. That solidarity forces a difficult question.

Are we doing enough for Sudan and Palestine?

This episode explores Muslim identity beyond symbolism, the ethics of political engagement, global Muslim solidarity, international law, and whether awareness of injustice creates a moral obligation to act.

If we can see the destruction in Gaza and Sudan, if we understand the regional strategy at play, and if we recognize the interconnected nature of these crises, then the next question is unavoidable.

What will we do now?

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Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.
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In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we sit down with journalist Mohammed Saleh to examine one of the most debated geopolitical developments shaping the Muslim world today.

How organic is the rise of Emirati influencers online?
Is state sponsored influence new in the UAE?
And how have connections formed between the UAE, Israel, and segments of the Western Far Right?

This conversation explores strategy, influence, and power beyond headlines. From coordinated messaging to regional realignments, we analyse whether what we are witnessing is coincidence or coordination.

We discuss the growth of Emirati influencer networks, state linked disinformation strategies, regional foreign policy shifts, and the broader implications for the Ummah.

The episode also examines the contrast between Dubai’s global image and Abu Dhabi’s political positioning, the idea of the UAE as a strategic political actor, and the boundaries of expression within the state.

Most importantly, we ask a forward looking question. What would it mean for the Muslim world if regional powers pursued legitimacy through reform rather than confrontation?

This is a serious conversation about power, alliances, and long term consequences.

Watch until the end as we explore whether a different political path could reshape regional dynamics.

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Subscribe to Arhaam's Substack: https://substack.com/@mohammadarhaamm...

Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.
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Can ordinary people really weaken Zionism?

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we move beyond protest chants and emotional outburst to ask a harder, more strategic question: what does it actually take to dismantle Zionism as a political project?

From the global isolation of Israel and shifting public opinion, to supply chains, corporate pressure, and strategic organizing, this conversation examines how youth-led movements have begun to change the terrain. We explore why some targets are vulnerable and how exposing complicity has already forced real consequences for Zionism.

This is not a discussion about symbolism. It’s about strategy, power, leverage, and long-term impact—and what it means to organise with discipline in a moment of global reckoning.

If you’re asking:

How can I do more than just protest?

What can we do to put pressure on ending the occupation?

And what responsibility does this generation carry?

Then this episode is for you.

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Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.
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In this episode of Thinking Youth, we sit down with attorney and activist Musab Abdali, who works with the Oak Cliff Empowerment Center serving one of Texas’ most underprivileged communities. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing Islam in America - from the role of dawah in inner-city neighborhoods to the impact of class, capitalism, and community-building on our faith and spirituality.

We also reflect on the legacy of Malcolm X and consider what his insights could teach Muslims today about unity, division, and claiming greatness in the Muslim American community. Musab shares personal experiences, wisdom, and the books that have shaped his journey, offering a unique perspective on the future of Islam in the U.S.
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In this follow-up conversation with Dr. Daanish Mahmood, the discussion moves beyond productivity and into something deeper: how we learn, how we live, and what we risk forgetting along the way.
We begin by unpacking how modern education often confuses memorisation with understanding. Drawing on Bloom’s Taxonomy, Dr. Daanish explains the difference between teaching and learning, why asking how and why matters more than asking what, and how curiosity is slowly being discouraged rather than cultivated.

The conversation then turns to identity. What does it mean to be unapologetically Muslim in academic and professional spaces? How do we give credit to Islam without turning faith into a branding exercise? And how do intention, goals, and purpose shape whether success feels meaningful or hollow?

Social media, comparison, and false timelines are addressed head-on. Why negativity thrives online, why attention is constantly being pulled apart, and how chasing the wrong metrics quietly distorts our sense of progress.

At the heart of the episode is a question that stops the room:
Do any of us actually have a plan for our parents when they get older?
From there, the discussion tackles the growing feeling of being “behind” in life, why balance is a myth, and how to think clearly about direction rather than speed. The episode closes with practical reflection, including a simple 30-day framework for improvement and a powerful answer to one last iconic question: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

About Part 1:
In the previous episode, Dr. Daanish Mahmood explored procrastination, addiction, discipline, and faith. We discussed doom-scrolling, dopamine hijacking, habit design, pornography addiction, anxiety, depression, and how Islam provides structure without closing the door on professional help or gradual change. Link to Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5vSeNybmc0

Together, Part 1 and Part 2 form a complete conversation:
from fixing habits, to fixing direction.
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