Brian Crombie Radio Hour

Brian interviews Professor Dr. Lauren MacIvor Thompson. Dr. Thompson is a historian and academic expert specializing in the U.S. Gilded Age—a period of rapid industrialization, economic inequality, and political corruption in the late 19th century. Her scholarship also includes in-depth research on the historical use of tariffs in American economic policy. Her work provides critical context for contemporary political rhetoric, including Donald Trump's appeals to revive protectionist trade practices and aspects of the Gilded Age economic model. Trump says: "You know, our country was the strongest, believe it or not, from 1870 to 1913. You know why? It was all tariff-based. We had no income tax"... Do you know what happened between 1870 and 1913? There were two economic panics. Huge ones. Deep, scarring panics where many working people went hungry and jobless.

Brian interviews Stefan Korshak. Stefan is from Houston, Texas and is a Yalie. He has worked in journalism in the former Soviet space for more than twenty years, and from 2015-2019 he led patrols in the Mariupol sector for the OSCE monitoring mission in Donbas. He has filed field reports from five wars and enjoys reporting on nature, wildlife and the outdoors. Stefan Korshak, the Kyiv Post Senior Defense Correspondent, talks about the state of the war currently in Ukraine.

Brian interviews Ted Redlarski. Ted is CEO of Noram, a high-end manufacturer of curtain wall windows. They employ over 120 people in a state of the art highly automated manufacturing plant. Ted's shares inspirational story of building a national business in Poland then escaping communist Poland, being a refugee, starting a small time renovation business and now founding a technology leading company. He argues the solution to our housing crisis is technology, innovation and productivity in an industry that still builds the same we have done for generations. Ted Redlarski talks about construction productivity and innovation.

Brian interviews Darcy McNeil. Darcy is a writer and thinker from the wild west coast of British Columbia, McNeil's work explores Canada's identity and its crucial role in the future of Western civilization. Through his Substack platform, he has become a powerful commentator on the threats facing Canada, particularly from its southern neighbor. His essays, including "Trump's Narcissism", "Canada Fights U.S. Terrorism", and "Why Alberta is Being So F**ing Stupid Right Now", pull no punches in exposing the risks of economic coercion, political pressure, and cultural erosion. Darcy McNeil talks about what he sees are threats to Canada.

Brian interviews Greg Lyle. Greg is founder and President of Innovative Research Group. He talks about the current federal election polls with less than one week to go.✅ The gap between the Liberals and Conservatives is narrowing, as Trump and tariffs fade from the headlines.✅ Both Carney and Poilievre performed strongly in the debates.✅ Support for the NDP and the Bloc is collapsing.✅ Even if the Tories win the popular vote, they're unlikely to win the most seats.✅ This will motivate all parties to push hard for higher voter turnout.

Brian interviews Dr. Stephen Nagy, Canada Senior Fellow; Professor, International Christian University, Tokyo. Dr. Stephen Nagy is originally from Calgary, Alberta. He received his PhD in International Relation/Studies from Waseda University in 2008. His main affiliation is professor at the International Christian University, Tokyo. He is also a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute; a visiting fellow with the Japan Institute for International Affairs; a senior fellow at the MacDonald Laurier Institute; a senior fellow with the Asia Pacific Foundation, Canada; and a senior fellow with the East Asia Security Centre. He also serves as the Director of Policy Studies for the Yokosuka Council of Asia Pacific Studies spearheading their Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue series. Dr. Stephen Nagy talks about how Canada is viewed in the Indo-Pacific, what we need to do, how China, Japan, India will react to and deal with Trump and tariffs and are we closer to war today in Asia?

Brian interviews Lydia Knorr. Lydia is an award-winning speaker, bestselling author, and TEDx storyteller—but more than anything, she is someone who believes deeply in the power of the human spirit to heal and grow. Her journey hasn't followed a straight path. As a mother to three amazing daughters, she was widowed unexpectedly and then diagnosed with cancer just 18 months later. Those experiences cracked her open—and ultimately led her to a life of deeper purpose. Today, she helps others find their way through life's hardest chapters with G.R.A.C.E — Gratitude. Resilience. Acceptance. Connection. Evolution. Lydia Knorr talks about her forthcoming book: "Hello Grace: The Road From Heartbreak to Healing is Paved with Grace".

Brian interviews Daniel Coleman. Daniel recently retired from being a professor in the Department of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University and an associate professor at Six Nations Polytechnic on the Grand River territory. He is a writer who is fascinated by the power of narrative arts to generate a sense of place and community, mindfulness, curiosity and wonder. Daniel Coleman talks about the Covenant Chain of Friendship and the Two-Row Wampum. These indigenous covenants of peace, friendship, and respect not only laid out a vision for nation-to-nation, political relationships, but also based these in a strong ecological commitment to peace, friendship, and respect with the more than human world as well. Given Good Friday and the Trump arguments to eliminate trade agreements threaten our sovereignty, understanding how indigenous people negotiated treaties and peace and then kept it, is interesting.

Brian hosts a guest panel with Sergio Marchi and Tony Clement. They assess last night's leaders debate, give suggestions for tonight and the Canadian federal election prospects.Guests are: 

Brian interviews Heather Exner-Pirot. Heather is the Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, a Special Advisor to the Business Council of Canada, and a Research Advisor to the Indigenous Resource Network. Heather Exner-Pirot talks about how Canada can become a (good) energy superpower!

Brian welcomes on two guest.First is Brian Lee Crowley. Brian is the managing director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Canada's preeminent think tank and an author and frequent commentator of Canadian politics and economics. Brian Lee Crowley talks about Trade Wars, how to deal with Trump, Canada and the leaders negotiating strategies and their campaigns.Then, he speaks with Douglas Elliott. Douglas is a civil litigator and constitutional lawyer and a frequent commentator on politics and human rights. Douglas Elliott talks about Trade Wars, how to deal with Trump, Canada and the leaders negotiating strategies and their campaigns.

Brian interviews Todd Hirsch. Todd is a Calgary-based chief economist, speaker, commentator and the author of "The Boiling Frog Dilemma: Saving Canada from Economic Decline". Todd Hirsch talks about trade wars, tariffs, what he thinks Canada needs to do now and his forecast for the Canadian and global economies.

Brian interviews Gordon McIvor. Gordon is a seasoned business leader who has over 40 years of experience in public and government affairs, real property and governance. He has held several senior management roles throughout his career with Canada Lands Company Limited and the National Executive Forum on Public Property, as well as completing assignments with the World Bank in India and Colombia. Most known for his extensive work in the volunteer sector, Gordon has presided over the Empire Club of Canada, the Canadian Club, the Alliance Française, the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs, and the Communications and Public Relations Foundation of Canada, to name a few. Gordon McIvor talks about the Empire Club, its history, its impact on Canada, its current new business model and the benefit of civic involvement and networking.

Tonight, Ritchy Marques is interviewed on The Brian Crombie Hour. Ritchy Marques is founder and CEO of Evolve Blockchain. “At Evolve Blockchain, we aim to create a world where everyone can innovate, collaborate, and solve critical problems using blockchain technology. By democratizing access and fostering a culture of transparency and community-led solutions, we empower individuals and businesses globally to drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive, prosperous future.” Ritchy Marques talks about Blockchain, what is it? How will it change our financial lives and how do we participate?

Brian interviews Dr. Eileen De Villa. Dr. De Villa earned a Bachelor's degree from McGill University, her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Health Science (MHSc) degree in Health Promotion from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Schulich School of Business at York University. Public health physician, author, professor, and public figure, Dr. De Villa was at the forefront of public health efforts and interventions in Toronto for the last 8 years. This includes guiding the City's COVID-19 pandemic response (which included the largest vaccination campaign in Toronto's history); the response to the ongoing drug toxicity crisis; and public health policy considerations for city planning, emergency preparedness, and disease prevention and control. Dr. De Villa talks about our public health challenges today, lessons from COVID-19, measles outbreak, her career and: are we ready for our next pandemic?

Brian interviews Greg Lyle. Greg is the founder and President of Innovative Research Group. He talked about the current federal election polls.✅ We have the Liberals 6 points ahead at the end of last week, clearly benefiting from the Trump tariffs.✅ Carney came out of last week even stronger than before.✅ Carney favourables up to +15, Poilievre favourables down to -7.✅ Carney leads on best to be PM by nine points. Carney now leads Poilievre in all value clusters other than Populist Conservatives.✅ Carney leads Poilievre by 14 points on best equipped to handle Canada-US relations (Carney 45%; Poilievre 31%).

Brian interviews two trade lawyers at Miller Thomson.- Louis Amato-Gauci is a partner with Miller Thomson, in Toronto, Canada. He is co-lead of the firm's national Transportation & Logistics team, and a member of its Global Trade & Customs practice group. Louis is frequently consulted by manufacturers and parts suppliers in connection with the international sale of goods, import/export matters, trade compliance verification and preferential tariff treatment under free trade agreements.- Colleen Ma is a partner with Miller Thomson, in Calgary, Canada. She is the lead of the firm's national Sales, Commodity and Indirect Tax team and is also a member of its Corporate Tax and Tax Controversy and Disputes Resolution practice groups. They talk about Trump tariffs and our trade war and how to respond.

Brian interviews two guests.First is Eva Klein. Eva is a psychologist. She began her psychological career as a clinical psychologist and has graduate degrees in psychology from Stanford and Rutgers as well as a postdoc in psychoanalytic psychotherapy from NYU. Eva was professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at McMaster University and a professor at the Haskayne School of Business in Calgary. She is now interested in successful aging and how we can remain visible and relevant as we get older. Eva Klein talks about alcohol in moderation.Then, Manny Bains, an award-winning film director from Toronto, talks about holistic health. He just released his new health and wellness film "The Cure: An Inside Job" which features 11 world-renowned holistic health experts from the U.S., Canada and Europe who have joined forces to show people how they can heal themselves using natural methods.

Tonight, Shari Graydon is interviewed on The Brian Crombie Hour. Shari is an award-winning author, speaker and advocate who is currently the Catalyst of Informed Opinions, a national organization that amplifies the voices of women to ensure their experiences, ideas and insights influence conversations and decision-making in Canada. Informed Opinions Catalyst, Shari Graydon brings a wealth of knowledge, drawing on her 30 years of experience in politics, journalism, public relations and teaching. She has trained thousands of women and gender-diverse individuals to effectively communicate their insights and influence public opinion through the media and in person, in writing and through presentations. She creates a dynamic and supportive learning environment where participants feel comfortable exploring new techniques and concepts. Shari talks about women's voices in the media and in politics. 

Tonight, Alexander Dalziel is interviewed on The Brian Crombie Hour. Alexander has been a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute since 2023. Before that, he spent over 20 years in Canada's national security community, advising senior decision-makers across government and Canada's allies while holding positions at the Privy Council Office, Department of National Defence, and Canada Border Services Agency. He writes on geopolitics and geoeconomics, concentrating on the Arctic. Alexander talks about his article: “Canada's slow steps forward in Arctic defence and security”. 

Brian interviews Ron Butler of Butler Mortgages. Ron has twenty years of experience in the mortgage business, is a prolific writer of opinion pieces on the market and prices and we discuss the crash in condos and the flat market in single family homes and that if nothing changes we will face bankruptcy and layoffs and make our housing affordability issue even worse. Ron Butler talks about the current housing crisis in the GTA where he fears a deflationary death spiral and says governments need to take immediate action.

Tonight, Edvin Kornelius is interviewed on The Brian Crombie Hour I interview. Edvin is an independent strategy and risk consultant in Latvia with extensive corporate banking experience, primarily from Northern European banks, of which close to 15 years were devoted to servicing global multinationals and International corporations from Scandinavia and Finland in Russia, Moscow and St. Petersburg. He speaks about his experience from Russia and why he believes we are at war with Russia. Edvin talks about Ukraine and the Baltics, amid a war with Russia and the risk of it expanding. 

Brian interviews Dwayne Hutchings. Dwayne is Director of Programs at Villages of Hope Africa Society. With 28 years of experience in pastoral work and philanthropy, Dwayne has dedicated his life to bringing hope and transformation to communities in need. VOH Africa's mission is to bring lasting hope to vulnerable children throughout Africa by providing them with holistic—emotional, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual—loving care so they can embrace adulthood as contributing members of society. Dwayne is also a singer, songwriter, and recording artist, using music as a powerful tool to inspire and uplift others. Dwayne Hutchings talks about AIDS in Africa and Villages of Hope Africa Society.

Colin Robertson is interviewed today on The Brian Crombie Hour. During his foreign service career, Colin Robertson served as first Head of the Advocacy Secretariat and Minister at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, Consul General in Los Angeles, as Consul in Hong Kong, and in New York at the UN and Consulate General. A member of the teams that negotiated the Canada-US FTA and then the NAFTA, he is a member of the Deputy Minister of International Trade's Trade Advisory Council and the North American Forum. Colin Robertson talks about his article: “Canada's Trade War Arsenal Should Include a Team America”. He says: "Despite Trump's ongoing provocations, Trudeau kept his eye on the ball. This time, however, despite best efforts, including dinner at Mar-a-Lago, it didn't work. Instead, we, and the rest of our fellow allies, are enduring Trump at his most pathological, flooding the zone with his pronouncements, seemingly intent on destroying democracy at home and abroad as he aligns himself with the autocrats". 

Brian interviews Philippe Lagassé. Phillipe is Associate Professor and the Barton Chair at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. Lagassé's research focuses on defence policy and procurement, and on the roles of Parliament, the Crown, and executive power in Westminster states, notably in the areas of foreign and military affairs. Philippe Lagassé talks about his article: “Can Canada-U.S. defence ties survive Trump?!” He says: “Both the Liberals and the Conservatives agree that Canada must meet NATO's 2 per cent of GDP defence spending target. We believe this is critically important, but this new spending cannot be devoted to doubling down on Canada's role as a junior partner of the United States military. Rather, we must use these extra dollars to build a more independent voice in the world by reorienting ourselves away from our present overwhelming military dependence on the U.S. The political message to our defence establishment must be clear; there will be extra money, lots of it even, but it must be spent on capabilities that will advance Canadian strategic autonomy or foster stronger partnerships with allies other than the United States.”

Brian interviews Alexander Lanoszka. Alexander is a Senior Fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and the Balsillie School of International Affairs at the University of Waterloo in Canada and associate fellow at the UK-based Council on Geostrategy. His research addresses alliance politics and military strategy. He has published in leading peer-reviewed journals such as International Security, International Affairs, and Security Studies. Alexander Lanoszka talks about his article: “Donald Trump's budget priorities are a sign of an insular America, not an imperial one!” He says: “Put simply, these budget priorities coupled with the neo-mercantilist and zero-sum rhetoric of the Trump administration on trade suggest a retrenchment to the Western Hemisphere, and a tacit recognition of Russian and Chinese claims to their alleged spheres of influence.”

Brian Crombie hosts a panel on the Canadian federal election with Sergio Marchi and Tony Clement. The Honourable Sergio Marchi served as a Councillor in the City of North York, and as a Liberal Member of Parliament. His six years in the Federal Cabinet culminated in his appointment as Minister for International Trade, a post that he held for 2 years. The Honourable Tony Clement was a Cabinet Minister in the Stephen Harper Government federally, and with the Mike Harris and Ernie Eves Governments in the Province of Ontario. Mr. Clement served as Minister of Health, Minister of Industry, and President of the Treasury Board. Together, they discuss the Liberal and Conservative campaigns, the leaders, the debates, the role that Trump and tariffs will play, major policy issues and the importance of the election in the history of Canada.

Brian interviews Dr. Dayan Goodenowe. Dr. Goodenowe's research into the biochemical mechanisms of disease started in 1990. His curiosity about the biochemistry of life is as insatiable today as it was 30 years ago. In those 30 years, Dr. Goodenowe invented and developed advanced diagnostic and bioinformatic technologies, designed and manufactured novel and natural biochemical precursors, and identified biochemical prodromes of numerous diseases including Alzheimer's disease and dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, autism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and cancers of the colon, pancreas, ovary, breast, lung, kidney, liver, stomach, and others. And he is just getting warmed up. Dr. Goodenowe is now going beyond disease and the detection of biochemical dysfunctions to diagnose and the correction of biochemical dysfunctions to treat disease. Dr. Goodenowe's new focus is to defeat the entropy of aging by creating strategic biochemical and biofunctional reserve capacity in advance of known disease risks such that the human body can maintain the physical and biological functions of life indefinitely and without disease. Dayan Goodenowe talks tonight about Brain Health!

Balkan Devlan is interviewed on The Brian Crombie Hour. Balkan is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Transatlantic Program at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, an expert forecaster and Senior Consultant for Good Judgment, Inc., and an Adjunct Research Professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. He is also a Founding Board Member of the Alliance for Global Security (AGS), and Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Geoeconomics. His recent article said: “The White House's budgetary aspirations indicate (Trump's America) is not an expansionist and imperialist America, but an insular, enfeebled and politically divided country that harks back to the 1920s and 1930s… Put simply, these budget priorities coupled with the neo-mercantilist and zero-sum rhetoric of the Trump administration on trade suggest a retrenchment to the Western Hemisphere, and a tacit recognition of Russian and Chinese claims to their alleged spheres of influence.” He asks: Is America imperialist or isolationist? 

Brian interviews Robert Bothwell. Robert is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of History and International Relations Program at UofT. Given Trump's comments about an artificial line border I wanted to check in with an expert. Robert Bothwell has great history and great stories about US losses invading Canada and the the attack on the White House. He is noted and much published specialist in Canadian political and foreign policy history, and a very successful radio lecturer. He is the author of such books as The Big Chill, Eldorado, Nucleus, Canada and Quebec, the Penguin History of Canada, and Alliance and Illusion, as well as Canadian–American relations. Professor Robert Bothwell talks tonight about the history of the Canada US Border.

John Kirton is interviewed tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour. John is the director of the G7 Research Group, G20 Research Group and the Global Health Diplomacy Program and co-director of the BRICS Research Group, all under the umbrella of the Global Governance Program based at Trinity College in the University of Toronto. He is a professor emeritus of political science, has taught Canadian foreign policy, global governance and international relations. John is comparing a world with the G7 vs three super powers, US, Russia and China. He worries Trump is taking us to this second world. 

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, David Wilson is interviewed. David is a professor in the University of Toronto's History Department and his research focus is on the Irish in North America; revolutionary and conservative movements; state security and civil liberty; religion and nationalism; Ireland, race and empires. He has earned numerous accolades including 2023 Person of the Year Award for "exceptional contributions to Ireland-Canada Relations" and outstanding teaching award 2000. He talks about the history of Irish Canadians in honour of St. Patrick's Day. Waves of Irish immigration to Canada, Thomas D'Arcy McGee an Irish revolutionary turned Father of Confederation, the troubles and lessons learned about refugees and immigration are some of the topics discussed.

Brian interviews Thomas R. Verny, M.D. Thomas is a clinical psychiatrist, academic, and author of eight books, including The Secret Life of the Unborn Child, and The Embodied Mind: Understanding the Mysteries of Cellular Memory, Consciousness, and Our Bodies. He has taught at Harvard University, University of Toronto, York University (Toronto), and St. Mary's University of Minnesota. Thomas Verny talks about how can loneliness affect your health. Perceived social isolation negatively impacts the physical health of both humans and animals, leading to the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, the body's response to stress, and an increase in depressive behaviours. Social isolation and socioeconomic stress have been associated with enhanced inflammation and an impaired immune response.

Brian interviews Richard Gold. Richard is a CIGI senior fellow and a James McGill Professor with McGill University's Faculty of Law and was the founding director of the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy. Richard provides expertise on topics related to the legal, social, political and economic dimensions of intellectual property (IP) law and innovation and explores recent developments in these areas. As a McGill professor, Richard teaches IP, international IP, comparative IP and innovation policy with a research focus on the life sciences. Richard Gold talks about how innovation can trump Trump. Richard calls for us to benefit from a coming brain drain from US universities and research and the US stops funding, drop IP protection that benefits American companies and invest heavily in innovation to build a more dynamic independent economy.

Brian hosts a political panel to discuss what's next for Mark Carney, and for Canada. Guests are:

Brian interviews Patrick Leblond. Patrick is a CIGI senior fellow and an expert on economic governance and policy. He is an associate professor and holder of the CN-Paul M. Tellier Chair on Business and Public Policy at the University of Ottawa. Yesterday we asked: Can Ukraine trust America anymore? Today we discuss tariffs, trade wars, NATO, the arctic and lots more. Patrick's recent article stated: “It should now be clear to Canadians that we face an existential threat from a United States that has gone full MAGA. In response, Canada must go full GIGA! Giga, of course, means “giant” in Greek, and that's the size of the effort needed to protect Canada.” Patrick LeBlond asks: Can Canada Trust America?

Brian interviews Roman Sheremeta, Ph.D. Roman is a chair of Ukrainian-American House, a founding rector of American University Kyiv, and a professor of economics at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Purdue University and is a recipient of many research and teaching awards, including the 2018 Smith Ascending Scholar Prize for a "budding genius" in social science. Sheremeta has been actively involved in delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine and working on various initiatives to rebuild Ukraine, including the National Recovery Council, an advisory board to the President of Ukraine. He talks about: Can Ukraine trust America anymore? We discuss the Oval Office incident, the pause in American support for Ukraine, the European response and what this means for NATO and nuclear proliferation.

Brian interviews Nicole Forrester. Nicole is a highly experienced Real Estate Broker serving the Greater Toronto Area, with over 17 years of combined experience across real estate, finance, and investment. Nicole talks about the Real Estate market in GTA. Things we discuss: - The Real Estate Market outlook for 2025 in the Greater Toronto Area - Who has the most to gain by getting into the market now - What is the best real estate value buy in the GTA right now - The changing face of the Real Estate Industry with Technology, Social Media & AI

Brian interviews Jessica Shadian. Jessica has spent 20 years living and working throughout the Nordic and North American Arctic as a researcher, professor, and consultant. Her research and publications focus on Arctic geopolitics, Canadian Arctic foreign policy and diplomacy, Arctic infrastructure, critical minerals, and innovation. Her expertise is regularly solicited by international media outlets, governments, think tanks, and other institutions throughout the circumpolar region and globally. Jessica Shadian, CEO of think tank Arctic 360 talks about the strategic necessity of our investment in and commitment to development of our arctic, particularly given politics and geopolitics today.

Brian interviews Matthew Lau. Matthew is an adjunct scholar at the Fraser Institute and writes regularly for the Financial Post. His writing covers a wide range of subjects, including fiscal policy, economic theory, climate change, and government regulation. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a specialization in finance and economics from the University of Toronto, and is a CFA charterholder. Matt talks about his column: “Red tape is strangling Canada's economy - The burden is growing at more than two per cent a year and is harming investment, productivity and employment”.

Brian speaks with Peter Biro. Peter is the Founder and President of SECTION 1. He is a passionate advocate for democracy, civil liberties, human rights, civic engagement, wildlife conservation and animal welfare. He is a lawyer, educator, writer, businessman and community leader and is Chief Executive Officer of Newcon Optik, a world leader in the design and manufacture of electro-optic equipment. He is a Senior Fellow of Massey College, a Centre Associate at the University of British Columbia Centre for Constitutional Law and Legal Studies, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), Chair Emeritus and Past-Chair of the Jane Goodall Institute, and Chair of the Advisory Board of RightBlue Labs Inc., oa “AVAIL”. Peter talks about Trump and Ukraine, historical parallels and our perilous international situation and he claims: The world needs a Churchill now!

Brian interviews Shoaib Rahim. Shoaib is the former Mayor of Kabul. He talks about his column “Donald Trump's playbook on Ukraine is the same one he used to withdraw from Afghanistan”. This is a thought provoking conversation about the parallels between Afghanistan withdrawal giving the Taliban everything and Ukraine. “Once Ukraine's primary supporter, the U.S. under Donald Trump has performed an astonishing volte-face, not just engaging Vladimir Putin in talks but embracing Kremlin talking points about the war... In his first term, Mr. Trump grew frustrated with the lack of quick progress in Afghanistan and initiated secret negotiations with the Taliban. The result was the 2020 agreement signed in Doha, Qatar, which granted the Taliban nearly everything they wanted in exchange for little more than a promise not to target America's withdrawing forces. That deal completely undercut the government of Afghanistan, sidelined NATO and set the stage for the chaotic collapse of Kabul in 2021.”