Inside Geneva: Summer Profiles – Tammam Aloudat
Episode Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Imogen Foulkes
Production: SWI swissinfo.ch
Introduction
In the latest episode of Inside Geneva, host Imogen Foulkes engages in a profound conversation with Tamam Aloudat, a multifaceted professional who has transitioned from being a physician and humanitarian aid worker to a journalist. This episode is part of the podcast’s Summer Profiles series, which spotlights individuals making significant impacts in global politics, humanitarian issues, and international aid.
Early Life and Education in Syria
Tamam Aloudat begins by sharing his roots in Syria, offering listeners a glimpse into his upbringing under a repressive regime.
"I was born in Syria and spent most of my life there until my mid-20s. I went to medical school in Syria."
[00:22] Tamam Aloudat
He describes Syria as a police state governed by a vicious dictator during his childhood, highlighting the limited professional opportunities available outside a few private sectors.
"One of the side effects of autocratic dictatorships is there isn't really work outside very few private enterprises, one of which is being an engineer, a lawyer, or a doctor."
[00:39] Unnamed Guest
Tamam’s father, a university teacher, was briefly stationed in Saudi Arabia during Tamam's early years, but otherwise, Tamam's life remained deeply rooted in Syria's middle-class environment.
Entry into the Humanitarian Sector
The conversation shifts to Tamam’s foray into humanitarian work, which was somewhat serendipitous. He recounts how a cousin’s encouragement led him to volunteer with the Red Crescent in Syria.
"I went once to a meeting and I got hooked completely. ... I loved it."
[07:31] Tamam Aloudat
His dedication eventually earned him a contract with the British Red Cross, which sent him to Iraq in 2003 amidst the tumultuous period following the U.S. invasion.
Experiences in Iraq
Tamam reflects on his initial optimism upon arriving in Iraq, juxtaposed with the rapid descent into chaos.
"We landed in Baghdad in the early days of June, just a few weeks after the 'Mission Accomplished' spectacle... It looked all good."
[09:30] Tamam Aloudat
However, the situation swiftly deteriorated with the emergence of explosive threats and targeted attacks on humanitarian missions.
"Explosive devices started being planted on the sides of roads... It looked all good. You could even buy alcohol."
[10:00] Tamam Aloudat
The turning point came with violent attacks against the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), signaling a severe escalation in conflict and insecurity.
"The bomb attack against the UN followed in October... the situation was going really wrong."
[11:20] Tamam Aloudat
Broader Humanitarian Challenges
Tamam delves into the complexities faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones, emphasizing the blurred lines between aid delivery and political agendas.
"One of the goals of the American invasion is allowing humanitarianism to function semi-independently."
[01:23] Tamam Aloudat
He criticizes how humanitarian efforts can inadvertently support oppressive systems, questioning the true autonomy of aid organizations in such environments.
The Humanitarian Circus and Decolonizing Aid
A pivotal moment in Tamam’s career was his deployment to Aceh post-tsunami, where he observed the burgeoning "humanitarian circus"—a scenario where aid workers flock to disaster zones primarily for funding rather than genuine aid.
"Everybody and their goat went to Aceh because, yeah, that's where the money was... there was a bubble with its own economy."
[16:00] Tamam Aloudat
Tamam advocates for decolonizing humanitarian aid, arguing that the sector is still heavily influenced by colonial power dynamics, patriarchy, and toxic nationalism. He emphasizes the necessity of addressing these ingrained inequalities to create a more effective and ethical aid system.
"We still have a heavy inheritance of the power dynamics that were colonialism, patriarchy, toxic nationalism... They have managed to assume a benevolent exterior."
[17:04] Tamam Aloudat
Current Perspectives and the Gaza Crisis
Addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Tamam questions the efficacy of humanitarianism when systemic issues perpetuate continuous suffering.
"Can we afford to only put roofs over people's heads and do nothing about the system? ... like the case is today in Gaza."
[19:36] Tamam Aloudat
He critiques the notion of neutrality in humanitarian work, arguing that it often amounts to inaction in the face of blatant oppression and violence.
"They are being used as a sticking plaster... Our job is immediate delivery at the point of need."
[21:05] Unnamed Guest
Shift to Journalism: A Platform for Advocacy
Recognizing the limitations within the humanitarian sector to effect systemic change, Tamam transitioned to journalism with The New Humanitarian in November 2024. He views this move as a means to amplify critical voices and challenge the status quo.
"Journalism has the potential to stir politics, to call out the bad better than any other discipline."
[26:46] Unnamed Guest
Tamam believes that journalism allows for greater accountability and transparency, essential for addressing the deep-seated issues within international aid and global politics.
Final Thoughts on International Law and Political Degradation
In the concluding segment, Tamam expresses concern over the diminishing respect for international law, illustrating this with examples such as the inconsistent treatment of political figures across borders.
"This is an effective dismantling of the law that had to an extent, kept us civil."
[28:22] Tamam Aloudat
He underscores the urgent need for reform and respect for international legal standards to restore a semblance of global civility and justice.
"Collectively, it's hard to repair one aspect and not the others."
[29:30] Tamam Aloudat
Conclusion
The episode with Tamam Aloudat offers a compelling exploration of the intersections between humanitarian aid, journalism, and global politics. Through his experiences in Syria, Iraq, and Aceh, Tamam provides invaluable insights into the systemic challenges that plague the humanitarian sector. His transition to journalism underscores the necessity of leveraging media as a tool for advocacy and systemic change.
Imogen Foulkes wraps up the episode by highlighting upcoming interviews, including a conversation with Dapo Akande, an international lawyer and candidate for judge on the International Court of Justice.
"This summer, like last year, we're bringing you a fascinating series of summer profiles, starting with doctor, aid worker and now journalist Tamam Aloudat."
[30:04] Imogen Foulkes
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and stay tuned for more engaging profiles that shed light on the critical issues shaping our world today.
For more information and to listen to this episode of Inside Geneva, visit SWI swissinfo.ch.