The John Batchelor Show

Guest: Bob Zimmerman. A standard solar conjunction has caused a temporary communication blackout with Mars rovers, a routine event for which spacecraft are prepared. In other scientific developments, astronomers have detected the wake of a companion star moving through the atmosphere of Betelgeuse, while new archaeological evidence suggests Neanderthals possessed the technology to create fire 400,000 years ago, pushing back the known timeline for this capability significantly.1959

Guest: Bob Zimmerman. The global launch industry achieved record numbers led by SpaceX, which Zimmerman argues has effectively become the true American space program by launching 90% of all payload mass and funding its own Mars ambitions through Starlink revenue. While China utilizes state-supervised pseudo-capitalism to keep pace, the commercial sector is booming with competitors like Rocket Lab and multiple companies developing private space stations, creating a new market for orbital debris cleanup services.1941

Guest: Joseph Sternberg. In Europe, France faces continued political paralysis that may require a decisive election between the right and left, whereas Germany's center-right government under Chancellor Merz is reclaiming the initiative by addressing immigration and economic growth. Meanwhile, Japan's move to normalize interest rates could trigger a massive repatriation of capital that impacts global markets, while in the UK, Prime Minister Starmer faces a difficult year of economic stagnation, surviving largely because there is no clear alternative to his leadership.October 18701

Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg analyzes the recent U.S. invasion of Venezuela, noting that while the event disrupted predictions, its global significance ultimately depends on the subsequent U.S. decisions regarding regime support and governance in Caracas. Turning to domestic politics, Sternberg predicts the 2026 midterms will be unusually significant as both parties face internal identity crises, with Democrats torn between centrist and socialist wings and Republicans struggling to define their future path as the Trump era eventually concludes.1900 Venezuela

Guest: Gregory Copley. King Charles III is demonstrating resilience by outworking other royals and returning to full duties despite his ongoing cancer treatment, while steadfastly ignoring the distraction of gossip surrounding Prince Harry and Prince Andrew. The King faces a challenging year managing a relationship with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose government Copley describes as hostile to the monarchy and struggling with a tattered economy and a severe illegal migration crisis.1828 BANK OF ENGLAND

Guest: Gregory Copley. Discussing Niall Ferguson's comparison of the current geopolitical climate to the imperialism of 1906, Copley argues that while territorial annexation is less common, a new form of technological and economic imperialism has emerged where the U.S. maintains spheres of influence through dominance in global defense sales. Copley notes that while Turkey attempts to reassert Ottoman-style control through "gunpowder diplomacy" despite being bankrupt, and the U.S. acts as a self-proclaimed global guardian, the primary rival, China, is currently failing due to internal collapse rather than expanding like the powers of the early 20th century.1905 TR BROKERS PEACE.

Guest: Gregory Copley. President Trump's interest in acquiring or occupying Greenland is driven by the island's strategic value for polar routes, satellite contact, and missile positioning, though Copley argues that administration claims regarding Russian and Chinese provocation in the area are exaggerated to justify the move. While the U.S. seeks to enforce a version of the Monroe Doctrine across the Americas to ensure hegemonic control, this approach risks alienating loyal allies like Denmark, especially since the Greenlandic people have no desire to become Americansdespite close defense ties.1770 GREENLAND

Guest: Gregory Copley. Following the precise U.S. tactical operation to abduct Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, the strategic focus has shifted to securing the hemisphere and managing oil access, though major companies currently prefer the easier reserves off Guyana over Venezuela's tapped-out infrastructure. Copley notes that while the raid was surgically successful, the lack of follow-up planning risks a messy, protracted conflict driven by Russian and Chineseinfluence, potentially damaging U.S. prestige if the new government does not quickly align with Washington.1925 GUYANA

Guest: Mary Kissel. The Trump administration is aggressively pursuing strategic interests in Greenland to counter Chinese influence and secure resources. Kissel expresses hope for Cuba, suggesting that pressure on the regime and support for communications could help the Cuban people restore their freedom, potentially triggering a regional shift away from authoritarianism.1770 GREENLAND

Guest: Mary Kissel. Following the incursion to arrest Maduro, Kissel notes that restoring the rule of law and curbing gang violence are prerequisites for foreign oil investment. Regarding Ukraine, Putin maintains maximalist demands, suggesting the Trump administration may eventually increase pressure to force a resolution as Europe strengthens its defenses.1950 CARACAS

Guest: Cleo Paskal. The Solomon Islands remain heavily influenced by China, leading to social decay and the suppression of democratic voices like the late Daniel Suidani. Paskal urges Australia to combat corruption by targeting funds flowing into their banks, while noting positive U.S. engagement in Palau to counter Chinese aggression.1910 PALAU

Guest: Cleo Paskal. Paskal details severe corruption in Saipan, where Chinese interests have exploited visa loopholes and influenced local politics via a casino. Illegal entry by Chinese nationals poses security risks to nearby Guam, though Palau is receiving U.S. assistance to strengthen defenses against similar influence operations.1944 SAIPAN

Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Chaos persists in Syria with airstrikes against ISIS and factional fighting, prompting Israelisecurity concerns. In Gaza, Hamas refuses to disarm despite U.S. pressure and Israeli control over roughly half the territory, signaling a continuation of conflict rather than a ceasefire or reconstruction.1920 ALEPPO

Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. The fall of the Maduro regime disrupts a critical transit hub for Hezbollah's illicit finance and drug trade in Latin America. Meanwhile, Iran faces its most significant threat since 2009 due to widespread protests, economic collapse, and the recent loss of key allies like Assad and Maduro.1914 MT ZION

Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek criticizes Democrats for defending figures like Governor Tim Walz despite a massive welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota. She argues it is politically foolish for Democrats to criticize the arrest of Maduro, given previous administration efforts to apprehend him and the disruption of dangerous gangs involved in the drug trade.

Guest: Elizabeth Peek. President Trump's comments regarding Venezuelan oil fields have sparked interest among major companies, though political risks and broken infrastructure remain hurdles. Despite past predictions of fossil fuel obsolescence, demand remains high, and U.S. refining capacity is prepared for Venezuelan heavy crude. Economic optimism for 2026 is bolstered by tax cuts and strong consumer spending.1903 SANTA BARBARA 

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Bob Zimmerman reports that a standard three-week communication blackout with Mars has begun due to the sun blocking the line of sight between Earth and the Red Planet. While relay satellites may eventually prevent these biannual interruptions, NASA currently prepares all spacecraft to withstand the temporary silence.1957

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Gregory Copley explains that relentless media coverage of Royal Family troubles acts as an enduring institution catering to public appetites for scandal, particularly regarding "spares" like Prince Andrewand Prince Harry. He notes that younger siblings often lack purpose, leading to entitlement and conflict seen throughout monarchical history.COTSWOLDS

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Cleo Paskal details a new US initiative to support Palau's national defense against Beijing's influence operations and visa-less entries. While headlines focus on Palau accepting 75 US deportees, the underlying deal provides this strategic ally—which recognizes Taiwan—with resources to patrol borders and secure its sovereignty.1930 PALAU

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Joseph Sternberg analyzes German efforts to stem the rise of the AfD party through stricter migration policies. He also highlights optimism in Japan's economy and the global impact of rising Japanese interest rates, noting that normalizing rates could pull trillions of dollars in overseas investments back to Japan—imagine the global economy as a hydraulic system where Japan has been a low-pressure reservoir, pushing water (money) out to the rest of the world for decades; as Japan raises rates, it increases pressure at the source, potentially sucking that liquidity back in and lowering levels everywhere else.1870 FRANCO-GERMAN WAR, SIEGE OF PARIS

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek discusses the massive potential of Venezuelan oil reserves, which dwarf Saudi Arabia's, noting that rising global energy demand makes them a major prize for U.S.companies. Despite the political risks inherent in South America, she argues the industry must utilize Venezuela'sresources to meet insatiable energy needs.1898 CARACAS

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel argues that Europe has displayed political laziness regarding defense due to reliance on U.S. security guarantees. She notes that Russia is engaging in hybrid warfare and intimidation against European cities, and praises President Trump for pressuring European nations to fund their own defenses against Putin's maximalist demands.1917 VILNIUS

HEADLINE: Iran and Hezbollah Lose Strategic Foothold as Maduro Regime Collapses. Jonathan Schanzer discusses the collapse of the Maduro regime, describing it as a "gut punch" to Iran and Hezbollah, who utilized Venezuela for training and illicit finance. Following the earlier fall of Syria's Assad regime, Schanzer observes that Iran is losing key allies like "rapid fire dominoes".1845 CARACAS

SHOW 1-5-26 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT VENEZUELA, NIGERIA, SYRIA, RUSSIA, CHINA 1936 KENYA 1. NIGERIA AIRSTRIKE AND THE JIHADIST SHIFT Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown Edmund Fitton-Brown analyzes a US airstrike against ISIS in Nigeria, discussing the growing jihadist threat in West Africa's "ungoverned spaces." He highlights a strategic shift where African juntas reject Western support for Russian mercenaries, who offer security without governance conditions, inadvertently boosting local support for Al-Qaeda coalitions like JNIM,,. 2. EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN ALLIANCE VS. TURKEY Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown Fitton-Brown examines the cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel as a necessary pushback against Turkish President Erdogan's neo-Ottoman expansionism. He argues Erdogan's aggressive rhetoric regarding Jerusalem and maritime claims threatens regional stability, necessitating a unified defense from these democracies to counter Turkish overreach in the Mediterranean,. 3. CHINA'S OIL LOSS IN VENEZUELA Guest: Gordon Chang and Charles Burton The guests discuss how the US removal of Maduro disrupts China's oil supply, leaving Beijing with billions in unpaid debt. They note that Chinese military equipment failed to detect the US operation, embarrassing Beijing. Burton suggests Canada faces a difficult choice between aligning with US hemispheric security or appeasing China,,. 4. 2026: A HOLLOW SUPERPOWER Guest: Gordon Chang and Charles Burton Chang and Burton speculate that the US operation in Venezuela exposes China's inability to protect its allies, making Beijing appear "hollow." Chang argues this weakens China's threat against Taiwan, while Burton suggests that with China's economy failing and its allies collapsing, the regime faces internal instability and a loss of global prestige,. 5. SECTARIAN WARFARE IN SYRIA Guest: Akmed Sharawari Akmed Sharawari reports on escalating violence between Syria's Alawite minority and the central government led by former jihadist Al-Shara. He explains that regime remnants and Russian influence are fueling Alawite defiance, while Druze and Kurdish factions also resist integration, complicating US hopes for a stable, unified post-Assad state,,. 6. WESTERN AIRSTRIKES ON ISIS Guest: Akmed Sharawari Sharawari discusses recent British and French airstrikes against ISIS weapons caches in Syria. He notes that despite opposing the central government, ISIS remains a universal threat. The chaos following the Assad regime's fall has allowed ISIS cells to regroup in urban areas, necessitating Western intervention to destroy their stolen arsenals,. 7. HEZBOLLAH'S LATIN AMERICAN FINANCING Guest: David Daoud David Daoud details Hezbollah's deep entrenchment in Venezuela, used to challenge US hegemony. He explains how the group exploits Latin American networks, illicit trade, and legitimate business fronts within expatriate communities to generate essential funding, compensating for losses in Lebanon and serving Iran's broader strategy in the Western Hemisphere,. 8. LEBANESE ARMY COLLUSION Guest: David Daoud Daoud highlights the compromised nature of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), citing a recent incident where an LAF soldier killed alongside Hezbollah members received a joint funeral. He argues this collusion makes the LAF an untrustworthy partner for Israel, as sectarian loyalties often supersede national duty, leading to dangerous intelligence leaks,. 9. THE FALL OF MADURO Guest: Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo Alejandro Peña Esclusa celebrates the swift US capture of Maduro as Venezuela's liberation. He argues Vice President Delcy Rodriguez must now dismantle the "Cartel of the Suns" to avoid Maduro's fate. Ernesto Araújo frames this as a decisive victory for freedom, forcing a choice between democracy and criminal syndicates,,. 10. US DEMANDS: TERRORISTS OUT Guest: Alejandro Peña Esclusa Peña Esclusa supports US demands for Iran, Hezbollah, and the ELN to be expelled from Venezuela, asserting the population shares these desires. He characterizes Maduro as a drug lord and a threat to Western security, criticizing European leftists who condemn the operation for failing to recognize the regime's criminal nature. 11. PANIC AMONG THE LATIN LEFT Guest: Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo Ernesto Araújo explains that leftist leaders like Lula and Petro fear the US action against Maduro because their power structures share similar corruption. Peña Esclusa adds that Colombian President Petro is terrified because his campaign was funded by Venezuelan drug money, making him vulnerable to the exposure of these secrets,. 12. THE RIGHTWARD SHIFT IN ELECTIONS Guest: Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo Araújo predicts the US action in Venezuela will energize the Latin American right, specifically boosting the Bolsonaro movement in Brazil. Peña Esclusa forecasts electoral defeats for the left in Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia, arguing the region is turning away from narco-socialism toward US-aligned conservative leadership,. 13. RUSSIA'S MAXIMALIST DEMANDS Guest: John Hardie John Hardie outlines Russia's unyielding demands for peace, including territorial concessions and barring Ukraine from NATO. He notes that while Zelensky is nearing agreement with the West on security guarantees, the gap with Russia remains wide. Hardie urges the Trump administration to increase pressure to force Putin to compromise,. 14. THE IMPOSSIBLE DMZ Guest: John Hardie Hardie discusses the complexities of implementing a demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Ukraine, citing disagreements over sovereignty and administration. Regarding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, he notes Russia is unlikely to return control to Ukraine. He concludes that peace deals requiring Ukraine to cede territory are "poison pills" likely to fail,. 15. HAMAS AND THE IMPOSSIBLE RECONSTRUCTION Guest: Peter Berkowitz Peter Berkowitz argues that Hamas, as a Muslim Brotherhood offshoot, remains committed to Israel's destruction, making peace impossible. He criticizes the "Project Sunrise" reconstruction plan, noting that US-led development is futile without first disarming and deradicalizing Gaza, a task only the IDF can currently achieve given Hamas's refusal to surrender,. 16. IRAN ON THE BRINK Guest: Jonathan Sia Jonathan Sia reports on unprecedented Iranian protests and rumors that Ayatollah Khamenei plans to flee to Moscow. He attributes the regime's panic to the recent fall of allies like Maduro. Sia notes a shift in protester sentiment toward pro-monarchy chants, suggesting a coordinated opposition now exists to replace the theocracy,.

HAMAS AND THE IMPOSSIBLE RECONSTRUCTION Colleague Peter Berkowitz. Peter Berkowitz argues that Hamas, as a Muslim Brotherhood offshoot, remains committed to Israel's destruction, making peace impossible. He criticizes the "Project Sunrise" reconstruction plan, noting that US-led development is futile without first disarming and deradicalizing Gaza, a task only the IDF can currently achieve given Hamas's refusal to surrender. NUMBER 15 1868 NAZARETH

THE IMPOSSIBLE DMZ Colleague John Hardie. Hardie discusses the complexities of implementing a demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Ukraine, citing disagreements over sovereignty and administration. Regarding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, he notes Russia is unlikely to return control to Ukraine. He concludes that peace deals requiring Ukraine to cede territory are "poison pills" likely to fail. NUMBER 14 1943 PARTISANS IN UKRAINE

RUSSIA'S MAXIMALIST DEMANDS Colleague John Hardie. John Hardie outlines Russia's unyielding demands for peace, including territorial concessions and barring Ukraine from NATO. He notes that while Zelensky is nearing agreement with the West on security guarantees, the gap with Russia remains wide. Hardie urges the Trumpadministration to increase pressure to force Putin to compromise. NUMBER 13 1881 UKRAINE

THE RIGHTWARD SHIFT IN ELECTIONS Colleagues Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo. Araújopredicts the US action in Venezuela will energize the Latin American right, specifically boosting the Bolsonaromovement in Brazil. Peña Esclusa forecasts electoral defeats for the left in Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia, arguing the region is turning away from narco-socialism toward US-aligned conservative leadership. NUMBER 12 1956 BRAZIL

PANIC AMONG THE LATIN LEFT Colleagues Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo. Ernesto Araújoexplains that leftist leaders like Lula and Petro fear the US action against Maduro because their power structures share similar corruption. Peña Esclusa adds that Colombian President Petro is terrified because his campaign was funded by Venezuelan drug money, making him vulnerable to the exposure of these secrets. NUMBER 11 1910 BRAZIL NATIONAL LIBRARY

US DEMANDS: TERRORISTS OUT Colleague Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Peña Esclusa supports US demands for Iran, Hezbollah, and the ELN to be expelled from Venezuela, asserting the population shares these desires. He characterizes Maduro as a drug lord and a threat to Western security, criticizing European leftists who condemn the operation for failing to recognize the regime's criminal nature. NUMBER 10 1886 BOGOTA

THE FALL OF MADURO Colleagues Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo. Alejandro Peña Esclusacelebrates the swift US capture of Maduro as Venezuela's liberation. He argues Vice President Delcy Rodriguez must now dismantle the "Cartel of the Suns" to avoid Maduro's fate. Ernesto Araújo frames this as a decisive victory for freedom, forcing a choice between democracy and criminal syndicates. NUMBER 9 1876 BOLIVAR ENTERS CARACAS

LEBANESE ARMY COLLUSION Colleague David Daoud. Daoud highlights the compromised nature of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), citing a recent incident where an LAF soldier killed alongside Hezbollah members received a joint funeral. He argues this collusion makes the LAF an untrustworthy partner for Israel, as sectarian loyalties often supersede national duty, leading to dangerous intelligence leaks. NUMBER 8 1895 BEIRUT RR

HEZBOLLAH'S LATIN AMERICAN FINANCING Colleague David Daoud. David Daoud details Hezbollah'sdeep entrenchment in Venezuela, used to challenge US hegemony. He explains how the group exploits Latin Americannetworks, illicit trade, and legitimate business fronts within expatriate communities to generate essential funding, compensating for losses in Lebanon and serving Iran's broader strategy in the Western Hemisphere. NUMBER 71899 MERIDA VENEZUELA

WESTERN AIRSTRIKES ON ISIS Colleague Akmed Sharawari. Sharawari discusses recent British and Frenchairstrikes against ISIS weapons caches in Syria. He notes that despite opposing the central government, ISIS remains a universal threat. The chaos following the Assad regime's fall has allowed ISIS cells to regroup in urban areas, necessitating Western intervention to destroy their stolen arsenals. NUMBER 6 1924 ALEPPO

SECTARIAN WARFARE IN SYRIA Colleague Akmed Sharawari. Akmed Sharawari reports on escalating violence between Syria's Alawite minority and the central government led by former jihadist Al-Shara. He explains that regime remnants and Russian influence are fueling Alawite defiance, while Druze and Kurdish factions also resist integration, complicating US hopes for a stable, unified post-Assad state. NUMBER 5 1921 ALEPPO

2026: A HOLLOW SUPERPOWER Colleagues Gordon Chang and Charles Burton. Chang and Burton speculate that the US operation in Venezuela exposes China's inability to protect its allies, making Beijing appear "hollow." Chang argues this weakens China's threat against Taiwan, while Burton suggests that with China's economy failing and its allies collapsing, the regime faces internal instability and a loss of global prestige. NUMBER 4

CHINA'S OIL LOSS IN VENEZUELA Colleagues Gordon Chang and Charles Burton. The guests discuss how the US removal of Maduro disrupts China's oil supply, leaving Beijing with billions in unpaid debt. They note that Chinesemilitary equipment failed to detect the US operation, embarrassing Beijing. Burton suggests Canada faces a difficult choice between aligning with US hemispheric security or appeasing China. NUMBER 3

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN ALLIANCE VS. TURKEY Colleague Edmund Fitton-Brown. Fitton-Brownexamines the cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel as a necessary pushback against Turkish President Erdogan's neo-Ottoman expansionism. He argues Erdogan's aggressive rhetoric regarding Jerusalem and maritime claims threatens regional stability, necessitating a unified defense from these democracies to counter Turkish overreach in the Mediterranean. NUMBER 2

NIGERIA AIRSTRIKE AND THE JIHADIST SHIFT Colleague Edmund Fitton-Brown. Edmund Fitton-Brownanalyzes a US airstrike against ISIS in Nigeria, discussing the growing jihadist threat in West Africa's "ungoverned spaces." He highlights a strategic shift where African juntas reject Western support for Russian mercenaries, who offer security without governance conditions, inadvertently boosting local support for Al-Qaeda coalitions like JNIM. NUMBER 1

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT FREEDOM VS. NARCO-TERRORISM IN THE AMERICAS Colleagues Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Pena Esclusa. Former Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo discusses the divide between democratic forces and "narco-terrorism" in Brazil and Venezuela. He argues that momentum favors freedom, asserting that US support under the Trump administration is vital to defeating criminal power systems and supporting the Venezuelan opposition. 1930 BOLIVAR IN CARACAS

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT THE CHALLENGE OF TRANSFORMING GAZA Colleague Peter Berkowitz. Peter Berkowitz analyzes the Kushner-Witkoff plan to rebuild Gaza into a modern city. He warns that the necessary disarming of Hamas and de-radicalization can likely only be achieved by the Israel Defense Forces, making implementation difficult despite potential funding from Gulf kingdoms. 1857 PALESTINE

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT HEZBOLLAH'S FINANCIAL LIFELINE IN VENEZUELA Colleague David Daoud. David Daoud explains why Hezbollah remains entrenched in Venezuela. He argues the terror group urgently needs revenue from Venezuelan resources to maintain social support among Shiites in Lebanon, seeking financial reservoirs that are situated far beyond the immediate reach of Israeli military operations. 1836 BEIRUT

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT AFRICA'S SHIFT TO RUSSIAN MERCENARIES Colleague Ambassador Edmund Fitton-Brown. Ambassador Edmund Fitton-Brown examines the strategic shift in Africa, where nations are rejecting Western oversight. He explains how regimes now favor partnerships with Russian mercenaries and Iran to avoid governance conditions, allowing these actors to plunder gold and uranium resources unchecked. 1936 ABYSSINIAN SOLDIERS

REEVALUATING CANADA'S RELATIONSHIP WITH CUBA AMIDST VENEZUELAN TENSIONS Colleague Charles Burton. John Batchelor and Charles Burton discuss whether Ottawa's friendly ties with Havana will endure given the unfolding Venezuela episode and US scrutiny. Burton argues that Cuba's failing economy and rising repression make it difficult for Canada to justify its support, suggesting the Castro dictatorship must ultimately come to an end. 1899 HAVANA

CANADA'S REFUSAL TO SUPPORT THE MADURO REGIME Colleague Gordon Chang. Gordon Changpredicts Canada will not align with China to support Venezuela's Maduro, viewing the crisis as a law enforcement matter involving a "narco trafficker" rather than a political dispute. He asserts that nations supporting this criminal regime will eventually be embarrassed by their association with the Cartel of the Suns. 1938 PM MAURICE KING AND FDR

CONSTANTINOPLE AS HELM'S DEEP AND THE LATIN-GREEK SCHISM Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. The final segment eulogizes Constantinople as a "perfect," intentionally designed city that served as "Helm's Deep" for Western civilization, preserving law, credit, and military organization when the rest of the West was atomized. The speakers detail the tragic sack of the city in 1204 by Latin Crusaders, describing it as a betrayal driven by the enduring envy and "bipolar tension" between the Latin West and the Greek East. This event stripped the city of its "divine" status and gold, ending its role as a sanctuary. They conclude by linking this ancient schism to the modern world, positing that the current geopolitical conflict between the US (the inheritor of the Latin West) and Russia (centered in Moscow, the successor to the Greek East) is a continuation of this unresolved cultural and religious struggle. NUMBER 3 1954

TRUMP'S MORTALITY, EUROPEAN ALARM, AND THE BEAR TRAP Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. Focusing on "Emperor" Trump, the speakers argue his recent threats against Venezuelan leadership display the "mortality" and "incoherence" of age, exacerbated by the office's "transmogrification" of the individual which detaches them from reality. This aggression alarms European allies, who view the extraction operation as "kidnapping" and a crime. The speakers warn that this behavior exposes the US to a "bear trap" set by Russia and China, who can inflict damage without direct escalation. Contrasting Putin's calculated "restraint" and "legalism" with Trump's "bull in a china shop" approach, they suggest the US is rapidly losing international authority. Consequently, the crisis may force a "quid pro quo," where the US might have to trade influence in Ukraine to resolve the situation in the Western Hemisphere, effectively accepting a bargain to escape the "brier patch." NUMBER 2 1953

VENEZUELA AS A POTENTIAL SINKHOLE AND THE END OF AMERICAN OMNIPOTENCE Colleagues Gaius and Germanicus, Friends of History Debating Society, Londinium, 91 AD. The speakers analyze a failed US"decapitation" strike in Venezuela intended to replace Maduro with Delcy Rodriguez, a move that resulted in confusion regarding the loyalty of Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino. They argue that the "omnipotence" the US displayed in Panama or during Desert Storm has vanished, leaving the empire unable to easily topple regimes. Venezuela is described as a potential "sinkhole" defined by complex terrain and heavily armed, "uncontrollable" guerrilla groups that would make intervention a "gigantic mess." The discussion concludes that the US is "hoist by its own petard," having relied on "military theater"—the illusion that waving a wand creates authority—which is now failing against a fractious reality. Unlike the 1990s, the US lacks the force capacity to manage such a conflict without facing an "impossible guerrilla war" that could destroy its remaining reputation. NUMBER 1 1954

THE HOSTAGE RELEASE TIMING AND A LEGACY OF ELECTORAL INTERFERENCE Colleague Craig Unger. The final segment addresses the suspicious timing of the hostage release on January 20, 1981. Unger notes that while Carter stayed up all night negotiating, the hostages were not released until minutes after Ronald Reagan took the oath of office. This precise timing suggests a pre-arranged deal, as Reagan had no presidential authority to negotiate prior to that moment. Unger points out that recent biographers and international sources have increasingly accepted the October Surprise as fact. He concludes by contextualizing this event within a broader history of Republican interference in foreign policy to win elections, drawing parallels to Nixon's sabotage of Vietnam peace talks in 1968 and allegations regarding the Trump campaign and Russia. The files suggest that political treason has been used repeatedly to "steal the White House." NUMBER 8

INSIDE IRAN: CONFRONTING REVOLUTIONARY FIGURES AND UNCOVERING THE DOUBLE COUPColleague Craig Unger. Unger describes his 2014 trip to Tehran to find Iranian corroboration for the October Surprise. He visited the former US Embassy, now a "Den of Spies" museum documenting the 1953 CIA coup against Mossadegh, which remains a source of deep grievance. Unger secured a rare interview with Mohsen Rafighdoost, a founder of the Revolutionary Guards and Khomeini's driver. During the interview, Rafighdoost slipped, saying "If we met with the Republicans..."—a moment Unger captured on video. Unger also interviewed Abolhassan Banisadr, the ousted first president of the Islamic Republic, in Versailles. Banisadr provided documents confirming the plot, describing it as a "double coup": it removed Carter in the US and allowed hardliners to consolidate power in Iran by undermining moderates like himself. NUMBER 7

CONFIRMING THE MADRID MEETING AND EXAMINING GEORGE H.W. BUSH'S ALLEGED ROLEColleague Craig Unger. This section focuses on verifying the specific meetings where the alleged treason occurred. Unger asserts certainty that Bill Casey met with Iranian cleric Mehdi Karrubi in Madrid in July 1980 to outline the deal: arms for Iran in exchange for delaying the hostage release until after the election. Unger notes that Israeli military intelligence (AMAN) confirmed the channel of arms sales. The segment also addresses the controversial allegation that George H.W. Bush flew to Paris in October 1980 to seal the deal. While alibis involving Secret Service details and a visit to Justice Potter Stewart were punctured by Bob Parry's reporting, Unger remains "agnostic" but leans toward the meeting having happened. The Iranians reportedly required a high-level figure like Bush to guarantee the agreement before they would release the "frozen assets" of undelivered weaponry needed for their war with Iraq. NUMBER 6