Podcast appearances and mentions of abraham accords

The United States is now in open conflict with Iran after a joint U.S.–Israeli operation killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the opening hours of what the White House has dubbed Operation Epic Fury. The geopolitical aftershocks are already reshaping the Middle East, and could upend the fate of the midterms come November.Over the weekend, American and Israeli forces launched a coordinated campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure and senior leadership. The United States focused on equipment and strategic assets. Israel targeted personnel. Among the dead: Ali Khamenei, former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and multiple layers of senior command.What we saw was the clearest expression yet of what I would describe as Trump's second-term regime change playbook. First, engage in extended negotiations, regardless of whether the other side is stalling. Second, quietly position overwhelming military force within striking distance. Third, execute a rapid, highly choreographed strike that immediately removes the head of state.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.It is ruthlessly efficient. It is high risk. And unlike Iraq in 2003, the primary target was eliminated in the opening salvo. There will be no years of grainy bunker videos from Tehran. The symbolic center of power is gone.But speed does not guarantee stability. The immediate question is not whether the operation succeeded militarily. It did. The question is what comes next.Regional Realignment and the Oil ChessboardOne of the most striking developments has been the reaction across the region. Missiles were fired from Iran into the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Both countries then moved rhetorically closer to the American position. Even the Palestinian Authority condemned the Iranian strikes.If Saudi Arabia was quietly supportive of regime change, as some reporting suggests, then the long arc of the Abraham Accords may be bending toward a new regional bloc: Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar acting as economic and security anchors. Iran, long positioned as the ideological counterweight, now faces a vacuum.Then there's China. Iran exports roughly 90 percent of its oil to Beijing at discounted rates. If a post-Khamenei Iran stabilizes and reenters broader markets, China's leverage shrinks. Add to that Venezuela's instability and potential changes to Russian oil flows, and Beijing's energy calculus becomes far more complicated.Energy is not just economics. It's military capacity. Constrain oil, and you constrain strategic freedom of movement. That dynamic remains very much in play.Washington DividesDomestically, the political fallout is already taking shape. Republicans argue the strike was legal and necessary, pointing to congressional briefings and framing the action as a decisive blow against a long-standing adversary. Democrats are coalescing around a familiar and potent message: anti-war restraint. Senators like Chris Murphy and Chris Coons have questioned both the legality and the long-term strategy, warning of destabilization and regional blowback.This is where the midterm implications become real. The MAGA coalition includes a significant anti-war faction shaped by Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of those voters supported Trump precisely because he promised to avoid prolonged Middle Eastern entanglements. A swift strike is one thing. A sustained conflict is another.Three American service members are already confirmed dead, with five seriously wounded. That fact alone changes the tone. Nothing shifts public opinion faster than a body count.Democrats are often most effective when opposing war. Republicans, meanwhile, are betting that decisive action will project strength. But without an appetite for prolonged conflict in the Middle East, any success in November for Trump very much remains up in the air.The Off-Ramp QuestionThe key variable to when this all wraps up is time. If the United States transitions operational control to regional partners quickly and avoids prolonged occupation, Trump can argue this was a targeted regime decapitation, not a nation-building project. If American forces remain engaged beyond a short window, the political calculus shifts dramatically.Iran is not Venezuela. There was no extraction of a leader for prosecution. There was a killing. What fills the vacuum matters enormously.I have said before that a regime collapse in Iran would be the most consequential geopolitical event since the fall of the Soviet Union. We may now be living through that moment. Whether it becomes a strategic triumph or a prolonged quagmire will depend on decisions made in the coming days, not the strikes already executed.For now, the clock is ticking. And both the Middle East and American voters are watching.Chapters00:00 - Intro02:26 - Justin's Thought on Iran14:52 - What's Happened So Far19:14 - Republican Response30:03 - Democrat Response35:59: Abandoned Diplomacy46:53: What Happens Next?53:45: Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

Have we reached a point of no return when it comes to moral clarity in the West?In this episode of The Andrew Parker Show, Andrew Parker confronts the growing unwillingness of Western leaders and institutions to call radical Islamic violence what it is. Using recent events in Australia as a case study—including the massacre of Jews at Bondi Beach and the riots that followed Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit—Andrew examines how fear of accusations, political correctness, and moral equivocation are empowering extremists while endangering innocent lives.The conversation expands to the broader global implications: the normalization of radical ideology, the failure to demand reform, the role of Iran and its clerical regime, and the dangerous illusion that deals and “rules” can restrain religious zealotry rooted in death and destruction. Andrew also issues a cautionary warning about Iran, U.S. foreign policy, and why peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved through appeasement.This is a blunt, urgent discussion about courage, accountability, and the necessity of moral clarity in a world increasingly afraid to speak the truth.Support the showThe Andrew Parker Show - Politics, Israel & The Law. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and X. Subscribe to our email list at www.theandrewparkershow.com Copyright © 2025 The Andrew Parker Show - All Rights Reserved.

Spouting Off with Karen Kataline Geopolitical Tensions, Regulatory Overreach, and the Quest for Election Integrity This episode of Spouting Off, hosted by Karen Cataline, features deep-dive interviews on the resurgence of global antisemitism, the technical and economic hazards of California's trucking regulations, and the recent FBI seizure of 2020 election records in Fulton County. The program highlights a growing friction between state-level policies and federal oversight across international and domestic fronts. Middle East Realities and the Shadow of Iran Josh Haston, Middle East correspondent for JNS, discusses the "Israel Uncensored" podcast and the alarming rise of "Jew hatred" in mainstream society. He highlights the historical continuity of antisemitism, drawing parallels between ancient history and the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, massacre. Haston points out a stark hypocrisy in global activism: while thousands of Iranians have been massacred by their own regime, there is a lack of corresponding protest at Western universities or cultural events like the Grammys. Regarding regional security, Haston asserts that Iran remains committed to nuclear armament, viewing Israel and the U.S. as primary targets. While Saudi Arabia currently navigates a complex diplomatic path to avoid Iranian aggression, there is long-term potential for their inclusion in the Abraham Accords once the nuclear threat is neutralized. The Economic and Safety Impact of Trucking Regulations Mike Kucharski of JKC Trucking criticizes California's aggressive emission standards, specifically the implementation of Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) systems. These regulations add over $40,000 to the cost of new vehicles and introduce "derate mode," a safety hazard that forces trucks to slow to 5–15 mph on active highways during system failures. Kucharski argues that these state-specific rules disrupt the national supply chain and create dangerous conditions for drivers stranded on highway shoulders. However, the industry sees a potential shift with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who may challenge California's regulatory intrusions and prioritize federal uniformity over state-level mandates . Election Integrity and the Fulton County Investigation Political analyst Jeff Cruere examines the recent FBI seizure of 2020 election records in Fulton County, Georgia. The seizure included hundreds of boxes of ballots, voter rolls, and digital images, marking a significant development in the years-long controversy surrounding the 2020 vote count. Cruere notes that for years, individuals questioning the election results were vilified or prosecuted, yet the current investigation suggests legitimate concerns regarding machine corruption and procedural anomalies. He emphasizes that the lack of government accountability in previous scandals (such as Benghazi or the IRS targeting of Tea Party groups) has fueled grassroots pessimism, making the current FBI action a critical litmus test for the justice system. The episode underscores a period of intense transition in American policy, where the "last chance" for the country—as described by Jeff Cruere—is being met with a race against time to reform election laws and roll back restrictive state regulations. Whether through the FBI's renewed interest in 2020 records or the EPA's potential pivot on trucking, the overarching theme is a demand for transparency and a return to federal standards that prioritize safety and constitutional integrity.

Spouting Off with Karen Kataline Geopolitical Tensions, Regulatory Overreach, and the Quest for Election Integrity This episode of Spouting Off, hosted by Karen Cataline, features deep-dive interviews on the resurgence of global antisemitism, the technical and economic hazards of California's trucking regulations, and the recent FBI seizure of 2020 election records in Fulton County. The program highlights a growing friction between state-level policies and federal oversight across international and domestic fronts. Middle East Realities and the Shadow of Iran Josh Haston, Middle East correspondent for JNS, discusses the "Israel Uncensored" podcast and the alarming rise of "Jew hatred" in mainstream society. He highlights the historical continuity of antisemitism, drawing parallels between ancient history and the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, massacre. Haston points out a stark hypocrisy in global activism: while thousands of Iranians have been massacred by their own regime, there is a lack of corresponding protest at Western universities or cultural events like the Grammys. Regarding regional security, Haston asserts that Iran remains committed to nuclear armament, viewing Israel and the U.S. as primary targets. While Saudi Arabia currently navigates a complex diplomatic path to avoid Iranian aggression, there is long-term potential for their inclusion in the Abraham Accords once the nuclear threat is neutralized. The Economic and Safety Impact of Trucking Regulations Mike Kucharski of JKC Trucking criticizes California's aggressive emission standards, specifically the implementation of Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) systems. These regulations add over $40,000 to the cost of new vehicles and introduce "derate mode," a safety hazard that forces trucks to slow to 5–15 mph on active highways during system failures. Kucharski argues that these state-specific rules disrupt the national supply chain and create dangerous conditions for drivers stranded on highway shoulders. However, the industry sees a potential shift with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who may challenge California's regulatory intrusions and prioritize federal uniformity over state-level mandates . Election Integrity and the Fulton County Investigation Political analyst Jeff Cruere examines the recent FBI seizure of 2020 election records in Fulton County, Georgia. The seizure included hundreds of boxes of ballots, voter rolls, and digital images, marking a significant development in the years-long controversy surrounding the 2020 vote count. Cruere notes that for years, individuals questioning the election results were vilified or prosecuted, yet the current investigation suggests legitimate concerns regarding machine corruption and procedural anomalies. He emphasizes that the lack of government accountability in previous scandals (such as Benghazi or the IRS targeting of Tea Party groups) has fueled grassroots pessimism, making the current FBI action a critical litmus test for the justice system. The episode underscores a period of intense transition in American policy, where the "last chance" for the country—as described by Jeff Cruere—is being met with a race against time to reform election laws and roll back restrictive state regulations. Whether through the FBI's renewed interest in 2020 records or the EPA's potential pivot on trucking, the overarching theme is a demand for transparency and a return to federal standards that prioritize safety and constitutional integrity.

Trump's Middle East Legacy and Israel's Judicial Crisis. Examining the Trump administration's lasting diplomatic legacy, Peter Berkowitz praises the embassy move to Jerusalem, the withdrawal from the flawed Iran deal, and the strategic Abraham Accords. He also analyzes Israel's internal turmoil over its overly activist Supreme Court, which sparked mass protests prior to the ongoing war. #111903 SAINT LAWRENCE

2-19-261970 IRAN The European Left and the Ukraine Conflict. John Batchelor and Anatol Lieven discuss the European left's evolving stance on the Ukraine war. Facing economic strain, radical leftist parties are prioritizing peace and domestic issues over punishing Russia, driven by historical anti-NATO sentiments and deep skepticism toward European military expansion and the United States. #1 Negotiated Settlements and Expanding Security States. Anatol Lieven explains the European left's growing concerns about the Ukraine war fueling authoritarian security and surveillance measures. While a negotiated settlement requiring Ukraine to surrender the Donbas seems impossible in Kyiv, the conflict risks becoming a prolonged war of attrition dictated by modern drone warfare. #2 Truman, the Fed, and the 1951 Accord. Professor John Cochrane explores the 1951 Treasury-Fed Accordduring the Korean War. Fearing another World War II-style crisis, President Harry Truman pressured FedChairman Thomas McCabe to keep interest rates low. Instead, the Fed fought for its independence to combat inflation, establishing modern monetary policy precedents. #3 Modern Lessons from the Fed-Treasury Accord. Drawing parallels between 1951 and today, John Cochraneexamines the tension between presidential administrations and the Federal Reserve during crises. He emphasizes that the Fed must maintain its independence, warning against perpetually funding government spending and urging a strict focus on inflation control over politically motivated easy money. #4 Peru's Political Crisis and Chinese Influence. Professor Evan Ellis details Peru's chronic political instability following the appointment of its eighth president in eight years. Amidst endemic corruption and a fragmented Congress, the nation is deeply intertwined with Chinese investments, particularly in telecommunications, mining, and the strategically vital, Chinese-controlled deep-water port of Chancay. #5 Cuba's Severe Energy and Economic Collapse. Evan Ellis describes the catastrophic collapse of Cuba'seconomy. Cut off from Venezuelan and Mexican oil, the island faces severe rationing, blackouts, halted public services, and completely collapsed tourism. With millions fleeing the dire conditions, the communist regime's survival is heavily strained as basic resources fail. #6 Border Drone Threats, USMCA, and Venezuela. Evan Ellis discusses the closure of El Paso's airspace due to sophisticated cartel drones. He also highlights the critical necessity of renegotiating the USMCA to preserve Mexico's economy and cooperative security posture. Finally, he notes a surprising US military delegation visit to negotiate with Venezuela's Maduro regime. #7 Guyana's Massive Oil Boom. Evan Ellis highlights the profound economic transformation of Guyana following the discovery of billions of barrels of light, sweet crude oil. Driven by massive investments from ExxonMobil and Chevron, the South American nation serves as a prime example of effective management and foreign partnerships generating transformative national wealth. #8 Israel's Initial Response to the October 7 Atrocities. Following the horrific October 7 attacks by Hamas, Israelileaders reacted with understandable outrage and mobilized forcefully to neutralize the threat. While Hamas is currently severely degraded militarily and controls less territory, the group remains armed and continues to pose an ongoing security challenge fueled by Iranian backing. #9Defining Israel's Deep Political and Demographic Divides. Peter Berkowitz clarifies crucial definitions in Israelipolitics, explaining why a one-state solution would destroy Israel's democratic and Jewish character. He outlines how traditional left-right divisions have morphed into pro- or anti-Netanyahu factions, heavily influenced by religious demographics and the ultra-Orthodox community's contentious role in military service. #10Trump's Middle East Legacy and Israel's Judicial Crisis. Examining the Trump administration's lasting diplomatic legacy, Peter Berkowitz praises the embassy move to Jerusalem, the withdrawal from the flawed Iran deal, and the strategic Abraham Accords. He also analyzes Israel's internal turmoil over its overly activist Supreme Court, which sparked mass protests prior to the ongoing war. #11Confronting the Ignorance Fueling Anti-Israel Protests. Dismantling the arguments of global anti-Israel protesters, Peter Berkowitz highlights their culpable ignorance regarding Israel's defensive sovereignty. He refutes false accusations of colonialism, exposing how Hamas deliberately uses Palestinian civilians as human shields and actively seeks to destroy both the Jewish state and broader Western democratic civilization. #12Viktor Orban's Dangerous Alliances with Russia and China. Facing domestic electoral pressures, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban manipulatively courts the Trump administration while deepening dangerous alliances with Russia and China. Ivana Stradner explains that Orban leverages these relationships to project global relevance and maintain power, falsely claiming that Hungary is a victim of unavoidable Russian energy dependence. #13Bangladesh's Political Turmoil and Rising Islamist Influence. Following the violent ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh faces severe political and economic instability under Tariq Rahman. Sadanand Dhume warns of a concerning Islamic revival, highlighting the growing parliamentary power of the radical Jamaat-e-Islami movement and the critical need to pragmatically repair fractured diplomatic relations with India. #14Justice Scalia and the Unitary Executive Theory. Reflecting on Justice Antonin Scalia's legacy, Professor John Yoodetails the concept of the unitary executive. Scalia powerfully argued that the Constitution vests all executive power directly in the president, warning that independent agencies fragment federal authority, diminish democratic accountability, and disrupt the essential separation of powers. #15The Supreme Court's Threat to Independent Agencies. Analyzing upcoming Supreme Court cases, John Yoopredicts the potential overturning of the historic Humphrey's Executor precedent. Such a ruling would fundamentally dismantle the protections shielding independent agencies like the Federal Trade Commission from direct presidential control, sparking a massive structural revolution within the federal government's executive branch. #16

In the latest episode of ROPESCAST, we are joined by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Abderahman Salaheldin, a distinguished Egyptian diplomat and former Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs. This conversation provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of Israel-Egypt relations and the dynamics of the war in Gaza, while also revisiting the visionary goal of an encompassing regional peace once championed by President Sadat. We explore how the Abraham Accords are reshaping diplomatic corridors and discuss the long-term prospects for a truly integrated Middle East. This episode offers a masterclass in regional diplomacy, exploring whether a warm and sustainable partnership can finally be realized for the next generation of leaders.Chapters:00:00 — Opening the Conversation: Why Peace Work Still Matters 00:40 — Ambassador Salahaddin: From Diplomacy to Free Thought07:01 — Did Traditional Diplomacy Fail the Region?10:11 — The Egypt–Israel Peace Model: A Blueprint for the Future16:45 — What a Stable, Secure Gaza Should Look Like22:00 — Why Egypt Rejects Any Attempt to Push Gazans Into Sinai33:52 — The Only Path Forward: Governance, Security, and Political Horizon

In this episode, we look at Egypt's role in the shifting post-war picture around Gaza. Recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Ruth Wasserman Lande. They discuss the implications of emerging plans for Gaza's future governance, Egypt's approach to Rafah and Sinai, and the wider regional influence of actors including Turkey and Qatar. Ruth Wasserman Lande is an Arab affairs commentator. She previously served as Israel's Deputy Chief of Mission in Cairo and was a member of the Knesset for Blue and White, where she founded the Knesset caucus for the promotion of the Abraham Accords.

Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton! If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too. Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Are We Going to Strike Iran? In‑depth foreign policy analysis featuring Steve Yates, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and former White House national security official, who breaks down the intensifying risk of U.S. military strikes against Iran. Yates outlines how the administration is negotiating over Iran’s nuclear program even as it positions F‑35s, F‑22s, and other assets for what he describes as a “high likelihood” of targeted military action within the next two weeks. He explains that any strike would be aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities—not launching a full‑scale war—while regional powers aligned under the Abraham Accords weigh their own interests in the potential collapse of the Iranian regime. The conversation then turns to the complex geopolitical landscape involving Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba, where Yates argues that the U.S. is using “smart power”—economic, political, and strategic pressure—to create conditions for gradual regime transformation without repeating the mistakes of Iraq. Clay and Buck press Yates on possible successors inside Iran, the role of the Iranian diaspora, and whether Gulf nations secretly prefer the current Ayatollah in power as a known, contained adversary. This leads into a moment of levity as they mock Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez’s widely panned appearance at the Munich Security Conference, where she struggled to answer a basic question about China–Taiwan tensions. Yates jokes that even a quick AI search would have prepared her better. Dirty Dem Playbook The James Talarico–Stephen Colbert controversy, which Clay and Buck argue has massively backfired on Democrats. They trace how CBS refused to air the Talarico interview over potential FCC equal‑time violations involving Texas Senate candidate Jasmine Crockett, but the decision instead triggered a “Streisand Effect”, catapulting Talarico to viral fame. CNN’s election data analyst Harry Enten confirms that Google searches for Talarico skyrocketed nationally and especially in Texas—over 1,100%—dramatically shifting prediction markets toward him in the upcoming Democratic primary. Clay argues that the real political victim is Jasmine Crockett, likening the situation to the Democratic Party “rigging” the 2016 primary against Bernie Sanders. The Trans Trend Karol Markowicz, co‑host in the Clay & Buck Podcast Network, who joins to analyze two high‑profile transgender‑related family mass murders—one in British Columbia and one in Rhode Island. The hosts argue that political activism and online rhetoric have normalized delusional thinking while discouraging honest discussions about mental health. Markowicz highlights the sudden spike in youth identifying as transgender as a “social contagion,” noting huge differences in rates between states like New York and Florida. The segment also covers a groundbreaking legal development: NYU Langone halting gender-transition procedures for minors amid growing malpractice lawsuits, including a recent multimillion‑dollar jury award to a detransitioner. The show then pivots to cultural commentary, including Markowicz's evaluation of Taylor Swift’s cultural power, where she agrees that Swift is comparable in scale to global icons like the Beatles and Madonna. Clay and Buck debate Swift’s influence across generations and joke about Clay’s much‑discussed mustache. The hosts also highlight uplifting Olympic news as Team USA men’s hockey star Quinn Hughes goes viral for calling America “the greatest country in the world” after scoring a sudden‑death goal over Sweden—one of the few unapologetically patriotic moments they say mainstream media rarely promotes anymore. Pro-Trump Granny Clay and Buck spotlight a powerful moment from President Trump’s Black History Month event at the White House, where an impassioned grandmother, Floresia Cook, went viral for defending Trump’s record on crime and public safety. They note Trump’s warm statements about Jesse Jackson following his passing. The hosts wrap with an economic update: 30‑year mortgage rates have hit a four‑year low, edging just above 6%, which they say may begin to thaw the frozen housing market locked up by years of Biden‑era inflation. They end on a light note about a typo discovered in Buck’s bestselling book Manufacturing Delusion. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck: https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton on Social Media: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Please take 5 minutes to fill out Ark Media's LISTENER SURVEY____Subscribe to What's Your Number?____For years, normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel was seen as the ultimate goal of the Abraham Accords and the final step towards unlocking regional stability. But a sharp rivalry is heating up between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed. Dan is joined by Yonatan Adiri and Yael Wissner-Levy to unpack the economic, political, and personal dynamics driving this feud, what it means for Israel, and why India and global energy corridors may matter more than most people realize.In this episode:- MBS's Vision 2030 under pressure and the internal Saudi recalibration- The Yemen flashpoint that ruptured the Saudi–UAE relationship- Mentor turned rival: How MBS and MBZ went from alignment to confrontation- Energy corridors, IMEC, and the India factor- Is Israel collateral damage or strategically positioned?- Why UAE's “infrastructure diplomacy” may be winning quietly- The future of normalization versus regional integrationThis episode was sponsored by United Hatzalah. Donate today at IsraelRescue.org/CallMeBack. Add this number to your phone right now if you live in Israel – 1221, and for those visiting it's 972-2-5-383838.More Ark Media:Subscribe to Inside Call me BackExplore Israel VotesListen to For Heaven's SakeWatch Call me Back on YouTubeNewsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav EyalInstagram | Ark Media | DanX | DanDan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of IsraelGet in touchCredits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Patricio Spadavecchia, Yuval Semo 

Please take 5 minutes to fill out Ark Media's LISTENER SURVEY ____ Subscribe to What's Your Number? ____ For years, normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel was seen as the ultimate goal of the Abraham Accords and the final step towards unlocking regional stability. But a sharp rivalry is heating up between Saudi Crown Prince […]

In this episode, we examine the growing debate around federal power, public safety, and global alliances. From the role of ICE agents inside the United States to historical examples of federal policing around the world, we ask a critical question: when does law enforcement protect the people—and when does it protect power?We also explore how Donald Trump attempted to reshape global alliances through peace-based agreements such as the Abraham Accords, using a strategy often described as peace through strength. Are these moves about stability and safety, or about control and influence?This episode connects domestic enforcement, historical precedent, and international diplomacy to challenge comfortable narratives and encourage critical thinking. No slogans—just real questions about authority, security, and trust in modern society.Podcast: Sunday, Monday, and ThursdayLINKS:⁠⁠⁠https://www.officialmoringamagic.com/#aff=enamul33 ⁠⁠⁠ moringa pillsMasonic Regalia and Jewelry Wholesale Prices | Bricks Masons https://bit.ly/4a2nn4DThe Encyclopedia of Power Foods- Latest2024! Ebooks https://bit.ly/49XfoWn⁠⁠⁠https://www.legalcontracts.com/?pid=p⁠⁠⁠Business sponsorship inquiries: evolutionoflondon@gmail.comShop now: www.evolutionoflondon.com(online shopping mall)www.evolutionoflondon.org(custom clothing accessories digital products)www.linktree.com/evolutionoflondon. www.patreon.com/evolutionoflondonDonate/PayPal:Evolutionoflondon@gmail.comMusic: cheap limousine channel on YouTubeGreatness19 channel on YouTubeMr. Evolution of London (health and wellness) on YouTubeWJA Accessories (fitness consultant)Email: healthfitnessconsultant1@gmail.comPodcast: Sunday, Monday, and ThursdayLINKS:⁠⁠⁠https://www.officialmoringamagic.com/#aff=enamul33 ⁠⁠⁠ moringa pillsMasonic Regalia and Jewelry Wholesale Prices | Bricks Masons https://bit.ly/4a2nn4DThe Encyclopedia of Power Foods- Latest2024! Ebooks https://bit.ly/49XfoWn⁠⁠⁠https://www.legalcontracts.com/?pid=p⁠⁠⁠Business sponsorship inquiries: evolutionoflondon@gmail.comShop now: www.evolutionoflondon.com(online shopping mall)www.evolutionoflondon.org(custom clothing accessories digital products)www.linktree.com/evolutionoflondon. www.patreon.com/evolutionoflondonDonate/PayPal:Evolutionoflondon@gmail.comMusic: cheap limousine channel on YouTubeGreatness19 channel on YouTubeMr. Evolution of London (health and wellness)on YouTubeWJA Accessories(fitness consultant)Email: healthfitnessconsultant1@gmail.com

X: @ChrisCBNNews @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia Join America's Roundtable radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Chris Mitchell in Jerusalem as the U.S. is building military force near Iran amid talks with Tehran. The latest is that Iran refuses to end nuclear enrichment in talks with US representatives. The conversation revolves around US-Israel relations, the future of Gaza with an armed Hamas terror network and Israel's forthcoming elections prior to autumn in 2026. Will peace, prosperity and long-term stability come to the Middle East? Chris Mitchell is the CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief based in Jerusalem, Israel and executive producer of the Jerusalem Dateline weekly television program. He is a distinguished advisory board member of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. Chris Mitchell is bestselling author of titles including "Jerusalem Dateline," "Destination Jerusalem" and "ISIS, Iran and Israel: What You Need to Know about the Current Mideast Crisis and the Coming War." Chris first began reporting on the Middle East in the mid-1990s. He repeatedly traveled there to report on the religious and political issues facing Israel and the surrounding Arab states. He has traveled extensively, including the more difficult places affected by conflicts and war. There are few Western journalists that have such a deep understanding of Israel within the Middle East, and the challenges and opportunities that the Jewish State faces in the 21st century. americasrt.com https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @ChrisCBNNews @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 9:30 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

IsraelCast host Steven Shalowitz speaks with Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, about what FDD calls the "axis of aggressors" — China, Russia, and Iran — and how Iran's internal turmoil could reshape the Middle East. Schanzer describes Iran's long-running protest cycle, severe economic collapse, and the regime's vulnerability after major Israeli and U.S. strikes, then outlines three possible U.S. paths: renewed diplomacy, degrading Iran's military capabilities, or pursuing full regime decapitation. They discuss whether Iran's military will fire on its own people, and the regime's reliance on proxy forces. Schanzer explains Iran's global networks, including links through Venezuela and Hezbollah's illicit finance routes, and argues Iran's "axis of resistance" is unusually weakened. The conversation also covers shifting regional power dynamics, Saudi Arabia and the Abraham Accords (including Indonesia), concerns about Egypt and Jordan, and confusion over President Trump's "Board of Peace." They close on the value of history, anti-Semitism's recurring patterns, and Schanzer's book on Gaza as a warning sign.

In this semi-emergency episode, Aimen helps Thomas unpack the last eight months of escalating tension and threats between the US and Iran, and explains why it's now unlikely the American ‘armada' President Trump sent to the Gulf will be going to war with Iran anytime soon. Thomas and Aimen discuss: How the 12-Day War changed Iran Why Israel's Doha strike jolted the Gulf and accelerated a ceasefire The Saudi–Pakistan defence pact and the Abraham Accords fallout How the region became more militarized and less diplomatically aligned Iran's protest wave and the regime's unspeakably brutal crackdown How Trump's promises were empty from the start Why this may be Trump's ‘Obama red line' moment What this latest example of TACO signals to China Join the Conflicted Community here: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/ Find us on X: https://x.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConflictedYoutube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. Produced by Thomas Small and edited by Lizzy Andrews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Monday's Mark Levin Show, Democrats and the media create violent, riotous situations through their rhetoric and positions, leading to deaths for which they take no responsibility, instead they blame others like President Trump while ignoring organizers behind the unrest.  This strategy is how they aim to win elections and the presidency, as they cannot win on the issues. There are organized far-left networks in Minnesota coordinating via encrypted chats, alerts, and databases to interfere with ICE operations, mobilizing agitators to obstruct arrests of criminal illegal immigrants, making enforcement extremely difficult amid non-cooperation from local/state officials and lack of media coverage. Also, tens of thousands of people slaughtered in Iran in a few weeks, and the slaughter goes on day after day, because they want to be free, and the world takes no action against a regime that is weaker than it has ever been. What have we become Meanwhile, over the past couple of weeks, the Saudis have attacked the UAE as infidels and Zionist stooges.  At the same time, the Saudis have announced ties with Pakistan. They opposed the Israelis dealing with Yemen and the UAE supporting opposition to the Iranian-backed Houthis. They opposed Israel aligning with Somaliland. And they have built strong ties with Qatar and Turkey. They have lobbied us against attacking Iran -- joining with Qatar and Turkey. They've also made their conditions for joining the Abraham Accords so absurd as to make their membership impossible. Saudi Arabia has learned much from their previously hated enemy, but new friend, the Qatar terror regime. Later, Gordon Chang calls in to discuss significant but opaque developments in Communist China, particularly the reported arrest and investigation of General Zhang Youxia, the top uniformed military officer, along with another senior general. Amid conflicting rumors—including claims of a coup, gunfire involving Xi Jinping's bodyguards, and Zhang's possible release—little is definitively known due to the regime's secrecy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a sneak peek from a recent conversation on Inside Call Me Back, the members-only edition of the podcast. Dan and Dr. Tal Becker challenge the claim that Saudi normalization is “dead” and explain why a one-state framework fails to address the core of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.To hear the full conversation, become a member by following the link in the description or visiting arkmedia.org.In the full episode: Dan takes listener questions with Dr. Tal Becker on the new “Board of Peace,” why it's being framed as an alternative to the UN, and what it could mean for Gaza and beyond. Tal also weighs Israel's concerns about Turkey and Qatar sitting on the Gaza Executive Committee. The conversation ends with a look at trends in American Jewry and a practical explanation for why Israeli leaders often adjust once they're governing from the Prime Minister's Office.More Ark Media:Subscribe to Inside Call me BackListen to For Heaven's SakeListen to What's Your Number?Watch Call me Back on YouTubeNewsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav EyalInstagram | Ark Media | DanX | DanDan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of IsraelGet in touchCredits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Patricio Spadavecchia, Yuval Semo 

For nearly two thousand years, the Church Age has watched, waited, and wondered when the figure the Apostle Paul calls “that man of sin” would finally step onto the world stage. Today, as global instability accelerates and Israel once again becomes the centerpiece of international diplomacy, the pieces are moving into place with stunning clarity. We are watching Donald Trump and Jared Kushner create the Gaza Board of Peace and we just have to ask, is the man of sin about to finally be revealed?“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” 2 Thessalonians 2:4 (KJB)On this episode of the Prophecy News Podcast, when Donald Trump first entered the White House, few could have imagined that his administration would become the most aggressively pro-Israel presidency in modern American history. Jerusalem was recognized as Israel's capital, the U.S. Embassy was moved, the Abraham Accords were signed, and now—through Jared Kushner and a growing coalition of global power brokers—we are watching the formation of what is now the signed, sealed and delivered Gaza ‘Board of Peace'. This is not accidental. Nor is it politically insignificant. The Bible tells us plainly that the Antichrist does not rise first as a tyrant, but as a peacemaker. Before he desecrates the Temple, before he demands worship, before he reveals his true nature, he must first be revealed. And Scripture shows us exactly how that revelation begins. On the Podcast today, we “go there” as we ask one searingly important question, and that is simply this. Now that Donald Trump and Jared Kushner have officially installed a global ‘peace board' of Israel's enemies, is the biblical man of sin about to be revealed? In over 3,000 Podcasts that we have done over the years, we have never been this close to that actually happening. Welcome to Day 2,139 of 15 Days To Flatten The Curve!

In this episode we focus on Bahrain. Recorded in the country's capital, Manama, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Ahmed Al Khuzaie about Bahrain's strategic outlook, its place within the Gulf, and the regional impact of Iran's behaviour. Drawing on Bahrain's history, its role within the GCC, and its decision to join the Abraham Accords, the conversation examines the evolution of Bahrain–Israel relations, and how Gulf states view protests inside Iran.  Dr Ahmed Al Khuzaie is a political consultant working predominantly with politicians in the United States and with diplomats based in Bahrain. His work focuses on Gulf affairs, regional security, and public diplomacy, with particular emphasis on Iranian influence, the GCC, and the Abraham Accords framework.

Something historic is happening — and most people haven't grasped it yet. In this episode, Tara zooms out to the big geopolitical picture, breaking down why China is losing ground for the first time in the modern era and how the global balance of power is tilting back toward the United States. From Venezuela's oil to Iran's weakening grip on the Middle East, the dominoes are falling fast — and Beijing is feeling the pressure. No shots fired. No wars started. Just leverage, energy, economics, and strategy. ♟️⚡

X: @PahlaviReza @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy highlighting Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's message to Americans and world leaders to engage in a "just intervention" on behalf of the people of Iran seeking freedom from a tyrannical regime in Tehran. Thousands of protesters were killed by a tyrannical regime in Tehran. Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy attended a strategic gathering at the National Press Club where Crown Reza Pahlavi delivered a message to invited guests and members of the media. His plea was relayed to the American people, citizens around the world from other free societies, and world leaders including President Donald J. Trump. Reza Pahlavi called for the U.S. to take decisive action against the “instrument of repression” in Tehran to stop the brutal crackdown on anti-government protests and warned against any deals with the country's autocratic leaders. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @PahlaviReza @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 9:30 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

Israel. Iran. Gaza. Global unrest. Biblical prophecy. Light vs Darkness. In this powerful and unfiltered episode, of the Land of Israel Guys podcast we dive deep into what's really happening right now in the Middle East and why the world's response is revealing far more than headlines admit. Broadcasting directly from the land of Israel, Christian Zionists and an Orthodox Jewish rabbi come together to expose the masks being removed across governments, media, global institutions, and influencers. From Iran's internal collapse and global silence, to the Gaza war, Hamas, Hezbollah, UN hypocrisy, and rising antisemitism, this episode connects real-time events with biblical truth and prophecy. We discuss: • Why global protests vanish when Iran's people are slaughtered • How Israel has become the dividing line between light and darkness • The spiritual roots of antisemitism and global hypocrisy • Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, NATO, and the Abraham Accords — what's really happening • Why Israel's survival defies logic — and what that means spiritually • Dead Sea Scroll prophecy, biblical cycles, and the end-times lens • Should Jews make Aliyah right now? • What happens if Iran falls — and Persia reunites with Israel? This is not political theater. This is history unfolding in real time. Whether you're Christian, Jewish, or simply searching for truth beyond mainstream narratives, this episode challenges you to see the world clearly and to decide where you stand.

On June 22, 2025, the U.S. air force sent B2 bombers to destroy Iran's nuclear sites. Five days before that, on June 17, Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, observing the extent of Israel's military operations inside of Iran and its destruction of Iran's proxy network, published an essay in Mosaic with a counterintuitive argument: Israel's devastating strikes on the Islamic Republic would not lead to an Arab embrace of the Jewish state. Most observers assumed the opposite, that weakening Iran would accelerate normalization and that gratitude and commercial interests would drive the Gulf states closer to Jerusalem. Mansour argued instead that removing the Iranian threat would reduce the incentives for the Saudis to normalize relations with Israel. Seven months later, Mansour has written a follow-up analysis showing that recent events have borne out his thesis—and indeed exceeded his cautious predictions. Saudi Arabia hasn't just declined to normalize with Israel. It has launched an aggressive regional repositioning campaign, weaponizing anti-Zionism as a competitive instrument against the first Abraham Accords signatory, the United Arab Emirates. Mansour's latest piece, published this week in his Abrahamic Metacritique Substack, proposes a new way to grapple with the reality of two major changes that are decisively shaping regional dynamics: first, the dismantling of Iran's axis of resistance, and second, the changing nature of America's role in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, and Israel now each conduct foreign policy in order to optimize their particular national advantages with neither a dominant common adversary, as Iran was, nor the common umbrella of American leadership. Under these circumstances, Mansour argues, anti-Zionism will remain strategically useful and even grow in its political utility. He discusses all of this with Mosaic's editor Jonathan Silver. 

Missed signals are costly; misplaced confidence is worse. We open by unpacking the concrete indicators that war planners watch—carrier deployments, airspace changes, and last‑minute strike deliberations—and what they tell us about the real likelihood of a U.S. hit on Iran. From there, the conversation widens to a quieter battlefield: development frameworks that trade normalization for access. Our guest, Matt Wolfson of the Libertarian Institute, explains how the Isaac Accords mirror the Abraham Accords across Latin America, offering water tech, finance, and modernization while pulling states into a specific geopolitical lane. We trace how these packages play out on the ground—smart cities and smart villages that promise efficiency but often centralize control, displace farmers, and refit local economies around external capital. The throughline is leverage: funding and technology become tools to align foreign policy, not just build infrastructure. Tying this to current flashpoints, we connect Venezuela's isolation and Iran's containment to a paired strategy that narrows options for countries considering alternative blocs. Whether or not missiles fly, the architecture of influence expands through boards, grants, and MOUs. Personalities and networks add sharp edges. Reports pointing to Marco Rubio and Stephen Miller as key drivers reflect long-standing alliances among neoconservatives, Zionist donors, and anti-communist exile circles, stretching from Iran-Contra to today. We weigh that ideological push against a president's resource-first instincts and aversion to quagmires, a tension that explains dramatic reversals and transactional messaging. The big takeaway: sovereignty can erode by clause and contract as surely as by cruise missile. If we care about costs and consequences, we need to scrutinize the financing vehicles and “nonprofit” corridors that precede the headlines. If this breakdown sharpened your lens, follow the show, share it with a friend who tracks foreign policy, and leave a review with the one question you want answered next. Your feedback shapes what we tackle in upcoming episodes.

Stan fills in for Greg for this hour of Priority Talk discussing the ongoings in Minnesota, George Soros, the Abraham Accords, and the Protestant origins of America.

Is Iran's uprising a historic turning point, or the start of an even bloodier stalemate? In this episode, you'll learn what actually makes authoritarian regimes crack (hint: it's not street protests alone, it's defections inside the guns-and-batons apparatus), how President Trump's rhetoric (“write down their names,” “help is on its way,” tariffs, canceled talks) is being read as psychological warfare aimed at splintering regime enforcers, and why a U.S.-Israel strike, if it comes, could be calibrated to energize protesters rather than unite the public around the Ayatollahs. The hosts also clash over the nightmare scenario of a last-minute “deal” that leaves the regime alive, then widen the lens to the Abraham Accords, the hypocrisy of Western media and campus activists and the staggering domino effect of an Iran without proxies...ending with a blunt cliffhanger: they're convinced something big is coming, and soon.

Is Iran's uprising a historic turning point, or the start of an even bloodier stalemate? In this episode, you'll learn what actually makes authoritarian regimes crack (hint: it's not street protests alone, it's defections inside the guns-and-batons apparatus), how President Trump's rhetoric (“write down their names,” “help is on its way,” tariffs, canceled talks) is being read as psychological warfare aimed at splintering regime enforcers, and why a U.S.-Israel strike, if it comes, could be calibrated to energize protesters rather than unite the public around the Ayatollahs. The hosts also clash over the nightmare scenario of a last-minute “deal” that leaves the regime alive, then widen the lens to the Abraham Accords, the hypocrisy of Western media and campus activists and the staggering domino effect of an Iran without proxies...ending with a blunt cliffhanger: they're convinced something big is coming, and soon.

We're back for 2026 and another season of the Tim Talks Politics Podcast. 2025's end of year project, The Kirk Effects, was wonderful and worthwhile, but it did draw my attention away from the international sphere before taking that holiday break. Now, as we enter 2026, the world is in flux in a way few thought possible just last month. Before we dive into conversations on Venezuela, Iran, Greenland, etc. (don't worry, they're in the pipeline), I want to start the year off with a conversation on Central Asia and Kazakhstan's ascension to the Abraham Accords.To discuss this critical region and the potentially huge impacts of the Abraham Accords on that region, Joseph Epstein returns to the podcast to give us a dime tour of the region and to flesh out the possibilities surrounding Kazakhstan joining the Accords. Subscribe to Tim Talks Politics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the full show notes (30% off for podcast listeners)!

HEADLINE 1: Five years after the Abraham Accords, Israel and Morocco are still going strong.HEADLINE 2: Over in Paris, Syria and Israel resumed security talks. And it looks like they might have made a breakthrough.HEADLINE 3: Gidon Saar has landed in Somaliland.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Carine Hajjar, an opinion journalist for The Washington Post.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD Pieces:"Why These Iranian Protests Are Different" - Behnam Ben Taleblu, The Free Press"Recognizing Somaliland" - FDD's Foreign Podicy"Why Trump bared his teeth and nabbed Venezuela's Maduro — and it's not just drugs" - Jonathan Schanzer, New York Post

Trump's track record in ending the ISIS caliphate, moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, the Abraham Accords, combating Iran's nuclear threat, ending the Hamas-Israel war - bringing relative peace to the middle east in the process speaks for itself. He has massive credibility in carrying out military backed foreign policy outcomes with quick and massive success. There's ample reason to believe that Maduro's ouster will be more of the same while being exceedingly positive for the U.S. and the free world – which should once again include Venezuelans.  

Israel has become the first country on Earth to recognize the de facto independent Republic of Somaliland, in exchange for a committment from Somaliland to join the Abraham Accords and recognize Israel. However, not three years ago, Israel joined the US as the only two countries on Earth to recognize Morocco's claim to sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara—a betrayal of the occupied Sahrawi Arab people who seek an independent state. And of course both these deals constitute a betrayal of the Palestinians. Somaliland and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic should be natural allies, and instead they are being pitted against each other in the Great Power game. Yet another example of how a global divide-and-rule racket is the essence of the state system. In Episode 311 of the CounterVortex podcast, Bill Weinberg breaks it down. Listen on SoundCloud or via Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/countervortex Production by Chris Rywalt We ask listeners to donate just $1 per weekly podcast via Patreon -- or $2 for our new special offer! We now have 61 subscribers. If you appreciate our work, please become Number 62!

For more than three decades, Somaliland has functioned as a free, independent, Muslim, pro-peace, anti-Islamist republic on the Horn of Africa. Now, Israel has formally recognized it as a sovereign state. Somaliland's bad neighbor, Somalia, and other Islamist regimes are furious. Britain also insists the people of Somaliland have no right to decide their future.Meanwhile, Somaliland is looking toward America — and is eager to join the Trump-brokered Abraham Accords.Host Cliff May is joined by Bashir Goth, Somaliland's representative to the United States, and Middle East analyst Michael Rubin to discuss why Israel's recognition of reality matters, why Islamists hate and fear a free and democratic Somaliland, and why too many in the West pretend this nation doesn't exist.

For more than three decades, Somaliland has functioned as a free, independent, Muslim, pro-peace, anti-Islamist republic on the Horn of Africa. Now, Israel has formally recognized it as a sovereign state. Somaliland's bad neighbor, Somalia, and other Islamist regimes are furious. Britain also insists the people of Somaliland have no right to decide their future.Meanwhile, Somaliland is looking toward America — and is eager to join the Trump-brokered Abraham Accords.Host Cliff May is joined by Bashir Goth, Somaliland's representative to the United States, and Middle East analyst Michael Rubin to discuss why Israel's recognition of reality matters, why Islamists hate and fear a free and democratic Somaliland, and why too many in the West pretend this nation doesn't exist.

In two exclusive interviews Bret sits down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the state of the war, whether a peace deal is close to being completed, and if he is confident Ukraine can beat Russia on its own terms.  After his meeting with President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explains the next stage of the Gaza ceasefire and the expansion of the Abraham Accords.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Geopolitics with Ghost, Ghost breaks down the long anticipated Trump–Netanyahu meeting and the global reactions surrounding it. Going beyond headlines, he walks through the full press conference, examining tone, body language, and what was said, and not said, about Gaza, Hamas disarmament, the West Bank, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Hezbollah, and the Abraham Accords. Ghost also explores Netanyahu's legal troubles, Trump's comments on Iran and nuclear negotiations, and the broader implications for Middle East power dynamics. The episode expands into Russia and Ukraine, including the drone incident near President Putin's residence, Lavrov's warning, and what it signals for ongoing negotiations. Ghost closes with deeper historical context, economic considerations, and pattern recognition across conflict zones, tying food scarcity, terrorism, and global influence together into a larger geopolitical framework.

In this landmark 100th episode of Standpoint, host Gabe Groisman sits down with former Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo for a no-holds-barred conversation on U.S. foreign policy, Israel, antisemitism and the future of the Republican Party. Pompeo explains why America's alliance with Israel is not just moral, it's essential to national security, regional stability and the survival of Western values. He reveals behind-the-scenes insights into military deterrence, Iranian threats, the Abraham Accords and the tragic lessons of October 7. In a bold defense of the “Pompeo Doctrine” affirming the legality of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, Pompeo underscores how truth, strength and biblical history must guide America's stance on Israel.

X: @ChrisCBNNews @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Chris Mitchell, CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief, based in Jerusalem, Israel and host and executive producer of Jerusalem Dateline. Chris Mitchell is bestselling author of titles including "Jerusalem Dateline," "Destination Jerusalem" and "ISIS, Iran and Israel: What You Need to Know about the Current Mideast Crisis and the Coming War." Chris Mitchell serves on the Executive Advisory Board of International Leaders Summit and Jerusalem Leaders Summit. Chris first began reporting on the Middle East in the mid-1990s. He repeatedly traveled there to report on the religious and political issues facing Israel and the surrounding Arab states. He has traveled extensively, including the more difficult places affected by conflicts and war. There are few Western journalists that have such a deep understanding of Israel within the Middle East, and the challenges and opportunities that the Jewish State faces in the 21st century. Topics: 2025 - A year in review. Update on U.S. policy - Israel and The Middle East | The future of the Abraham Accords. President Trump to host Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on December 29, 2025. A focus on Iran as it rebuilds its nuclear facilities. Will the West address the rise of anti-Semitsm and terrorist attacks targeting the Jewish community? We encourage our enlightened listeners to consider viewing CBN News - The Jerusalem Dateline - on Cable TV or YouTube. Visit: https://cbn.com/news/jerusalem-dateline americasrt.com](https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @ChrisCBNNews @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 9:30 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

Are we in a 'plastic moment,' an inflection point where the future of the Middle East can finally be reshaped? Veteran peace negotiator Dr. Tal Becker joins the podcast to analyze the shifting tides of regional diplomacy. Reflecting on his recent discussions in Abu Dhabi, Becker describes the Abraham Accords as an emerging "Judeo-Muslim civilization" where the focus isn't on "who the land belongs to," but the realization that "we all belong to the land."  Beyond geopolitics, Becker addresses the trauma of rising Western antisemitism—which he likens to a "zombie apocalypse"—and calls for a resurgence of liberal nationalism. This episode is a masterclass in navigating a zero-sum world to build a future of prosperity, courage, and shared belonging. Key Resources: The Abraham Accords, Explained AJC CEO Ted Deutch Op-Ed: 5 Years On, the Abraham Accords Are the Middle East's Best Hope AJC's Center for a New Middle East Listen – AJC Podcasts: Architects of Peace The Forgotten Exodus People of the Pod Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Manya Brachear Pashman:   As the international community looks to phase two of the cease fire between Israel and the Hamas terror group in Gaza, the American Jewish Committee office in Abu Dhabi invited Dr Tal Becker to participate in discussions about what's next for the region. Dr Becker is one of Israel's leading experts on international humanitarian law and a veteran peace negotiator with Palestinians, Lebanese and Syrians. He is currently vice president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, and he joins us now right after the conference in Abu Dhabi to share some of the insights he contributed there.  Tal, welcome to People of the Pod. Tal Becker:   Thank you very much, Manya. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So Tal, you have just returned from a conference in Abu Dhabi where you really took a deep dive, kind of exploring the nature of Arab-Israeli relations, as we are now entering the second phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza.  So I'm just curious, you've been steeped in this for so long, for decades, do you sense, or did you sense a significant shift in the region when it comes to Arab-Israeli relations and the future? Tal Becker:   So I think Manya, we're at a very kind of interesting moment, and it's hard to say exactly which direction it's going, because, on the one hand, we have had very significant military successes. I think a lot of the spoilers in the region have been significantly set back, though they're still there, but Israel really has had to focus on the military side of things a lot. And it, I think, has strained to some extent, the view of what's possible because we're being so focused on the military side.  And I think it is a moment for imagining what's possible. And how do we pivot out of the tragedy and suffering of this war, make the most of the military successes we've had, and really begin to imagine what this region could look like if we're going to continue to succeed in pushing back the spoilers in this way.  Israel is a regional power, and I think it for all our vulnerability that requires, to some extent, for Israel to really articulate a vision that it has for the region. And it's going to take a little bit of time, I think, for everybody to really internalize what's just happened over these last two years and what it means for the potential for good and how we navigate that. So I really think it's kind of like what they call a plastic moment right now. Manya Brachear Pashman:   A plastic moment, can you define that, what do you mean by plastic? Tal Becker:   So what I mean by a plastic moment, meaning it's that moment. It's an inflection point right where, where things could go in one direction or another, and you have to be smart enough to take advantage of the fluidity of the moment, to really emphasize how do we maximize prosperity, stability, coexistence? How do we take away not just the capabilities of the enemies of peace, but also the appeal of their agenda, the language that they use, the way they try to present Muslim Jewish relations, as if they're a kind of zero sum game. So how do we operate both on the economic side, on the security side, but also on the imagining what's possible side, on the peace side. As difficult as that is, and I don't want to suggest that, you know, there aren't serious obstacles, there are, but there's also really serious opportunities. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So what did you sense when you were there, in terms of the perception of Israel? I mean, were people optimistic, for lack of a better term? Tal Becker:   So first of all, it was, you know, a great opportunity to be there. And having been involved, personally, very intensively in the Abraham Accords, I always feel a bit emotional whenever I'm in the Emirates in particular, and Morocco and Bahrain and so on. And to be honest, I kind of feel at home there. And so that's a lovely thing.  I think, on the one hand, I would say there's a there's a relief that hopefully, please God, the war in Gaza is is behind us, that we're now looking at how to really kind of move into the phase of the disarmament of Hamas and the removal of Hamas from governance, you know, working with the Trump team and the Trump plan. And I think they have a bunch of questions. The Emiratis in particular, are strategic thinkers. They really want to be partners in advancing prosperity and stability across the region in pushing back extremism across the region, and I think they're eager to see in Israel a partner for that effort. And I think it puts also a responsibility on both of us to understand the concerns we each have. I mean, it takes some time to really internalize what it is for a country to face a seven-front war with organizations that call for its annihilation, and all the pressure and anxiety that that produces for a people, frankly, that hasn't had the easiest history in terms of the agenda of people hating the Jewish people and persecuting them. So I think that takes a bit of appreciation.  I think we also, in the return, need to appreciate the concerns of our regional partners in terms of making sure that the region is stable, in terms of giving an opportunity for, you know, one way I sometimes word it is that, we need to prepare for the worst case scenario. We need to prevent it from being a self fulfilling prophecy.  Which really requires you to kind of develop a policy that nevertheless gives an opportunity for things to get better, not just plan for things to get worse. And I think our partners in the Gulf in particular really want to hear from us, what we can do to make things better, even while we're planning and maybe even a bit cynical that things might be very difficult. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So you mentioned the Abraham Accords, and I'm curious if you feel that Israel, I know Israel has felt isolated, at times, very isolated, and perhaps abandoned, is even the correct word.  Do you feel that is the case as we enter the second phase of the ceasefire? Do you feel that is less so the case, and do you feel that that might be less so the case because of the Abraham Accords existence? Tal Becker:   Well, so let's first talk about the Abraham Accords and their significance.So I think a lot of people present the Abraham accords as kind of an agreement that is about shared interests and shared challenges and so on, and that's definitely true. But they are, in my view, at least aspirationally, something much bigger than that. First of all, they are almost the articulation of what I call a Judeo Muslim civilization, the view that Jews and Muslims, or that all different peoples of the Middle East belong to this place and have a responsibility for shaping its future. The way I describe the Abraham Accords is that they're a group of countries who basically have said that the argument about who the land belongs to is not as important as the understanding that we all belong to the land. And as a result of that, this is kind of a partnership against the forces of extremism and chaos, and really offering a version of Israeli Jewish identity and of Muslim Arab identity that is in competition with the Iranian-Hezbollah-Hamas narrative that kind of condemns us to this zero sum conflict.  So the first thing to say is that I think the Abraham Accords have such tremendous potential for reimagining the relationship between Muslims and Jews, for reimagining the future of the region, and for really making sure that the enemies of peace no longer shape our agenda, even if they're still there. So in that sense, the opening that the Abraham Accords offers is an opening to kind of reimagine the region as a whole. And I think that's really important. And I think we have now an opportunity to deepen the Accords, potentially to expand them to other countries, and in doing so, to kind of set back the forces of extremism in the region. In a strange way, I would say Manya that Israel is more challenged right now in the west than we are in the Middle East. Because in the West, you see, I mean, there's backlash, and it's a complicated picture, but you can see a kind of increasing voices that challenge Israel's legitimacy, that are really questioning our story. And you see that both on the extreme left and extreme right in different countries across the West, in different degrees. In the Middle East, paradoxically, you have at least a partnership around accepting one another within the region that seems to me to be very promising.  And in part, I have to say it's really important to understand, for all the tragedy and difficulty of this war, Israel demonstrated an unbelievable resilience, unbelievable strength in dealing with its its adversaries, an unbelievable capacity, despite this seven front challenge, and I think that itself, in a region that's a very difficult region, is attractive. I think we do have a responsibility and an interest in imagining how we can begin to heal, if that's a word we can use the Israeli Palestinian relationship, at least move in a better direction. Use the Trump plan to do that, because that, I think, will also help our relationship in the region as a whole, without making one dependent on the other. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So I want to follow up with what you just said, that Israel faces perhaps many more challenges in the west than in the region. What about the Jewish people, would you apply that same statement to the Jewish people? Tal Becker:   Well, I think, you know, we've seen, we've seen the rise of antisemitism. And in my view, one way to think about October 7 is that October 7 marks the end of the post-Holocaust era. So there were a few decades there where, even if antisemitism existed, there were many circles in which it was socially unacceptable to give it voice. And something has shattered in the West in particular that it seems to be more socially acceptable to express antisemitism or antisemitic-adjacent type views, and that, I think has has really shocked and shaken many Jews across the western world.  I guess the thing I would say about that is, you know, some of the Jews I come across in the West were under, in my view, a bit of an illusion, that antisemitism had somehow been cured. You feel this sometimes in North America, and that essentially, we had reached a stage in Jewish history where antisemitism was broadly a thing of the past and was on the margins, and then the ferocity with which it came back on October 8 was like a trauma. And one of the definitions of trauma is that trauma is a severe challenge to the way you understand the world and your place in it.  And so if you had this understanding of your reality that antisemitism was essentially a thing of the past in North America in particular. And then all of a sudden it came back. You can see that traumatic experience. And what I want to argue or suggest is that the problem isn't that we had the solution and lost it. I think the problem was we had an illusion that there was a solution in the first place. Unfortunately, I think the Jewish people's history tells the story that antisemitism is kind of like the zombie apocalypse. It never exactly disappears. You can sometimes marginalize it more or marginalize it less. And we're now entering an era which I think Jews are familiar with, which is an era that it is becoming more socially acceptable to be antisemitic. And that to some extent, Jewish communal life feels more conditional and Jewish identity, and while being accepted in the societies in which you live also feels more conditional.  And while that is a familiar pattern, we are probably the generation of Jews with more resources, more influence, more power, more capacity than probably at any other time in Jewish history. And so it would be a mistake, I think, to think of us as kind of going back to some previous era. Yes, there are these challenges, but there are also a whole set of tools. We didn't have the F35 during the Spanish Inquisition.  So I think that despite all these challenges, it's also a great moment of opportunity for really building Jewish communities that are resilient, that have strong Jewish identity, that are that have a depth of Jewish literacy, and trying to inoculate as much as possible the societies in which we live and the communities in which we live from that phenomenon of antisemitism perhaps better than we had had done in previous iterations of this.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   I also want to go back and explore another term that you've used a couple of times, and that is enemies of peace. And I'm curious how you define the enemies of peace. Who are you talking about? And I'm asking you to kind of take a step back and really broaden that definition as much as possible. Tal Becker:   I mean, it goes back to that idea that I mentioned about the Abraham Accords, which is an understanding that there are different peoples in the Middle East that call it home, and each of those peoples deserves a place where they can nurture their identity and cultivate it and have their legitimacy respected, and in that sense, those who are engaged in a kind of zero sum competition, that feel that their exist, existence depends on the obliteration of the other. I see those as enemies of peace.  Now, I believe that both Jews and Palestinians, for example, have a right to self determination. I think that both belong in the sense that both deserve the capacity to cultivate their own identity. But the right to self determination, for example, the Palestinian right to self determination doesn't include the right to deny the Jewish right to self determination. It doesn't include the right to erase Jewish history.  In the same way that we as Jews need to come to terms with the fact that the Palestinian people feel a real connection to this place. Now, it's very difficult, given how radicalized Palestinian society is, and we have to be very realistic about the threats we face, because for as long as the dominant narrative in Palestinian society is a rejection of Jewish belongingness and self determination, we have a very difficult challenge ahead of us. But I essentially, broadly speaking, would say, the enemies of peace are those who want to lock us into a zero sum contest. Where essentially, they view the welfare of the other as a threat to themselves. Y You know, we have no conflict with Lebanon. We have no conflict with the people of Iran, for example. We have a conflict, in fact, a zero sum conflict with an Iranian regime that wants to annihilate Israel. And I often point to this kind of discrepancy that Iran would like to destroy Israel, and Israel has the audacity to want not to be destroyed by Iran. That is not an equivalent moral playing field. And so I view the Iranian regime with that kind of agenda, as an enemy of peace. And I think Israel has an obligation to also articulate what its aspirations are in those regards, even if it's a long time horizon to realize those aspirations, because the enemies are out there, and they do need to be confronted effectively and pretty relentlessly. Manya Brachear Pashman:   For our series on the Abraham Accords, Architects of Peace, I spoke with Dr Ali Al Nuami, and we talked about the need for the narrative to change, and the narrative on both sides right, the narrative change about kind of what you refer to as a zero sum game, and for the narrative, especially out of Israel, about the Palestinians to change. And I'm curious if you've given that any thought about changing, or just Israel's ability or obligation to send a message about the need for the Palestinians indeed to achieve self determination and thrive. Tal Becker:   Well, I think first, it's important to articulate how difficult that is, simply because, I mean, Israel has faced now two years of war, and the sense that I think many Israelis felt was that Palestinian society at large was not opposed to what happened on October 7, and the dominant narratives in Palestinian society, whether viewing Israel as some kind of a front to Islam, or viewing Israel as a kind of colonial enterprise to then be like in the business of suggesting a positive vision in the face of that is very difficult, and we do tend Manya, in these situations, when we say the narrative has to change, we then say, on the other side, they have to change the narrative, rather than directing that to ourselves. So I think, you know, there is an obligation for everyone to think about how best to articulate their vision.  It's a huge, I think, obligation on the Palestinian leadership, and it's a very one they've proved incapable of doing until now, which is genuinely come to terms with the Jewish people's belongingness to this part of the world and to their right to self determination. It's a core aspect of the difficulty in addressing this conflict. And having said all that, I think we as Israeli Jews also have an obligation to offer that positive vision. In my mind, there is nothing wrong with articulating an aspiration you're not sure you can realize, or you don't even know how to realize. But simply to signal that is the direction that I'm going in, you know?  I mean Prime Minister Netanyahu, for example, talks about that he wants the Palestinian people to have all the power to govern themselves and none of the power to threaten Israel. Which is a way of saying that the Palestinian people should have that capacity of self determination that gives them the potential for peace, prosperity, dignity, and security, But not if the purpose of that is to essentially be more focused on destroying Israel than it is on building up Palestinian identity. Now that I think, can be articulated in positive terms, without denying Israel's connection to the land, without denying the Jewish people's story, but recognizing the other. And yes, I think despite all the difficulties, victory in war is also about what you want to build, not just what you want to destroy. And in that sense, our ability to kind of frame what we're doing in positive terms, in other words, not just how we want to take away the capacities of the extremists, but what we want to build, if we had partners for that, actually helps create that momentum. So I would just say to Dr Ali's point that, I think that's a shared burden on all of us, and the more people that can use that language, it can actually, I think, help to create the spaces where things that feel not possible begin to maybe become possible. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Which in many ways Trump's 20 point plan does that. It doesn't just only talk about disarming Hamas. It talks about rebuilding Gaza. Are there other ways in which Israel can assure the success of the Palestinian people and push forwards. Can you envision other ways? Tal Becker:   Well, I mean, I'm sure there's lots that people can do, but there is a burden on the Palestinian people themselves, and I do find that a lot of this discourse kind of takes agency away from the Palestinian people and their leadership. In a way, there's a kind of honesty to the Trump plan and the Security Council resolution that was adopted endorsing the plan that has been missing for quite a while. The Trump plan, interestingly, says three things.  It says, on this issue of a kind of vision or pathway. It says, first of all, it basically says there is no Palestinian state today, which must have come as a bit of a shock for those countries recognizing a Palestinian state. But I think that is a common understanding. It's a little bit of an illusion to imagine that state.  The second thing is how critical it is for there to be PA reform, genuine reform so that there is a responsible function in Palestinian governing authority that can actually be focused on the welfare of its people and govern well.  And the third is that then creates a potential pathway for increasing Palestinian self-determination and moving potentially towards Palestinian statehood, I think, provided that that entity is not going to be used as a kind of terror state or a failed state. But that, I think, is a kind of honest way of framing the issue. But we don't get around Manya the need for responsibility, for agency. So yes, Israel has responsibility. Yes, the countries of the region have responsibilities.  But ultimately, the core constituency that needs to demonstrate that it is shifting its mindset and more focused on building itself up, rather than telling a story about how it is seeking to deny Jewish self determination, is the Palestinian leadership. And I do think that what's happening in Gaza at least gives the potential for that.  You have the potential for an alternative Palestinian governance to emerge. You have the potential for Hamas to be set back in a way that it no longer has a governing role or a shape in shaping the agenda. And I think if we can make Gaza gradually a success story, you know, this is a bit too optimistic for an Israeli to say, but maybe, maybe we can begin to create a momentum that can redefine the Israeli Palestinian relationship. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So I asked what can Israel do to move forward to assure the Palestinians that they are behind their success and thriving? What can Israel do to make sure that it's respected, that is not facing the challenges from the West, from that region. What can Israel do? What is Israel's obligation, or is that an unfair question, to ensure its success and its moving forward? Tal Becker:   I think it's a really difficult question, because the criticism that Israel has gotten throughout this war and the threats to its legitimacy in the way that they've erupted, I think, is a really complicated phenomena that has many moving parts. So some part of it, I think, rightly, is about Israeli policy and Israeli language and the way it has framed what it has been doing, and really the unbelievable moral dilemmas that the war in Gaza posed, and how Israel conducted itself in the way of those dilemmas. And people can have different views about that.  I think there's a misunderstanding, very significantly, of the nature of the battlefield and how impossible Hamas in its deliberate kind of weaponization of the civilian population, made that. So there's one component that has to do with Israel. There's another component that we can't ignore, that has to do with antisemitism. And that, I think, for that group right who almost define themselves through their hostility towards the Jewish people and towards the very idea of Jewish self determination, it's hard to think anything that Israel says or does that actually matters, right? These were the people who were criticizing Israel even before it responded.  And so in that sense, I think putting too much on Israel is a problem. Maybe I'll just focus on the area that I think is most interesting here, and that is, in my view, a lot of the argument about Israel in the West, we'll take the US, for example, is actually not an argument about Israel, but more an argument about the US that is channeled through Israel. In other words, a lot of people seem to be having their argument about America's story of itself channeled through their argument about Israel. And what they're actually arguing about is their vision of America.  And you can see different versions of this. There's a story of America as perhaps a kind of white Christian country that was exploited by immigrants and is exploited by other countries in the world, and that narrative kind of tends pushes you in a direction of having a certain view, in my view, mistaken, in any event, about Israel. That is more to do about your story of America than it has anything to do with what Israel is doing or saying. And then you hear this very loudly, and I'm not suggesting these are exactly even.  But on the more radical kind of progressive left, you have a story of America as essentially a country that never came over the legacy of slavery, a country that has to kind of apologize for its power, that it sees itself as a colonial entity that can't be redeemed. And when you're kind of locked in that version of America, which I kind of think is a kind of self hating story of America. Then that then projects the way you view Israel more than anything Israel says or does. So this has a lot to do with America's, and this is true of other countries in the West, that internal struggle and then the way different actors, especially in the social media age, need to position themselves on the Israel issue, to identify which tribe they belong to in this other battle.  So in my view, people who care about the US-Israel relationship, for example, would be wise to invest in this, in the battle over America's story of itself, and in that sense, it's less about Israeli public diplomacy and less about Israeli policy. It's much more about the glasses people wear when they look at Israel. And how do you influence those glasses? Manya Brachear Pashman:   I could sit here and talk to you all day, this is really fascinating and thought provoking. I do want to ask two more questions, though, and one is, I've been harping on what can Israel do? What are Israel's obligations?  But let me back up a step. What about the Arab states? What are the other neighbors in the region obligated to do to assure the Palestinians that they're going to succeed and thrive? Tal Becker:   Yeah, I mean, it's a really important question and, and I think that for many, many years, we suffered from, I would say, a basic lack of courage from Arab states. I'm generalizing, but I hope that others would advance their interests for them. And in some sense, I think the Abraham Accords really flipped that, because Abraham Accords was the Arab states having the courage and the voice to say, we need to redefine our relationship with with Israel, and in that way, create conditions, potentially for Palestinians to do, to do the same.  I would say that there are a whole set right, and, not my position to kind of be the lecturer, and each country is different in their own dynamics. I think the first from an Israeli perspective, of course, is to really push back against this attempt to delegitimize the Jewish people's belonging in the Middle East, and not to allow this kind of narrative where the only authentic way to be a Palestinian or a Muslim is to reject the idea that other peoples live in the region and have a story that connects them to it, and Israel is here to stay, and it can be a partner. You can have disagreements with it. But the idea that it's some kind of illegitimate entity, I think, needs to be taken out of the lexicon fundamentally. I think a second area is in really this expectation of Palestinian especially in the Israeli Palestinian context, of being partners in holding the Palestinians accountable not to have the kind of the soft bigotry of low expectations, and to really recognize Palestinian agency, Palestinian responsibility and also Palestinian rights, yes, but not in this kind of comic strip, victim villain narrative, where Israel has all the responsibilities and the Palestinians have all the rights. My colleague, Einat Wilf, for example, talks about Schrodinger's Palestine. You know, Schrodinger's Cat, right? So Schrodinger's Palestine is that the Palestinians are recognized for rights, but they're not recognized for responsibilities. And Israel has rights and responsibilities. And finally, I would say in terms of the the taking seriously the spoilers in the region, and working with Israel and with our partners to make sure that the spoilers in the region don't dictate the agenda and don't have the capacity to do so, not just hoping that that, you know, Israel and the US will take care of that, but really working with us. And I think a few countries are really stepping up in that regard. They have their own constraints, and we need to be respectful of that, and I understand that.  But I think that, you know, this is a strategic partnership. I sometimes joke that with the Emirates, it's a Jewish and a Muslim state, but it's a Catholic marriage. We've kind of decided to bind together in this kind of strategic partnership that has withstood these last two years, because we want to share a vision of the Middle East that is to the benefit of all peoples, and that means doing kind of three things at once. Meaning confronting the spoilers on the one hand, investing in regional integration on the other, and seeing how we can improve Israeli Palestinian relations at the same time. So working in parallel on all three issues and helping each other in the process and each other thrive. I mean, there's a whole bunch of stuff beyond the conflict. There's, you know, AI and fighting desertification and irrigation and defense tech and intelligence, and a whole host of areas where we can cooperate and empower each other and be genuine partners and strengthen our own societies and the welfare of our own peoples through that partnership for ourselves, for each other and for the region. So there's a lot to do. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And my last question – I've asked, what do the Arab states need to do? What does Israel need to do? What do Jewish advocates around the world need to do?  Tal Becker:   So I think the most important thing at this moment for me, Manya, is courage. There is a danger, because of the rise in antisemitism and the kind of hostility that one sees, that Jews in particular will become more silent. And they'll kind of hide a little bit in the hope that this will somehow pass them. And I think what our history has taught us, is generally, these are phenomena that if you don't stand up against them early, they become extremely powerful down the line, and you can't, and it becomes very, very costly to confront them.  So it takes courage, but I would say that communities can show more courage than individuals can, and in that sense, I think, you know, insisting on the rights of Jews within the societies in which they live, fighting for those kind of societies, that all peoples can prosper in. Being strong advocates for a kind of society in which Jews are able to thrive and be resilient and prosper, as well as others as well. I think is very important.  Just in a nutshell, I will say that it seems to me that in much of the world, what we're seeing is liberalism being kind of hijacked by a radical version of progressivism, and nationalism being hijacked by a version of ultra-nationalism. And for Jews and for most people, the best place to be is in liberal nationalism. Liberal nationalism offers you respect for collective identity on the one hand, but also respect for individual autonomy on the other right. That's the beautiful blend of liberal nationalism in that way, at least aspirationally, Israel, being a Jewish and democratic state, is really about, on the one hand, being part of a story bigger than yourself, but on the other hand, living a society that sees individual rights and individual agency and autonomy. And that blend is critical for human thriving and for meaning, and it's been critical for Jews as well. And so particularly across the diaspora, really fighting for liberal national identity, which is being assaulted from the extremes on both sides, seems to me to be an urgent mission. And it's urgent not just for Jews to be able not to kind of live conditionally and under fear and intimidation within the societies they live, but as we've seen throughout history, it's pretty critical for the thriving of that society itself.  At the end of the day, the societies that get cannibalized by extremes end up being societies that rot from within. And so I would say Jews need to be advocates for their own rights. Double down on Jewish identity, on resilience and on literacy, on Jewish literacy. At the same time as fighting for the kind of society in which the extremes don't shape the agenda. That would be my wish. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Making liberal nationalism an urgent mission for all societies, in other words, being a force for good. Tal Becker:   Yes, of course. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Our universal mission. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for sharing all of these thoughts with us and safe travels as you take off for the next destination. Tal Becker:   Thank you very much, Manya. I appreciate it. Manya Brachear Pashman:   As we approach the end of the year, and what a year it's been, take some time to catch up on episodes you might have missed along the way, rewind and listen to some of my more memorable interviews, such as my conversation with former Israeli hostage Shoshan Haran, abducted with her daughter, son in law and grandchildren during the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023. Meet doctors or hen and Ernest Frankel, two MIT professors who amid anti Israel academic boycotts, are trying to salvage the valuable research gains through collaboration with Israeli scholars. And enjoy my frank conversation with Jonah Platt, best known for playing Fiyero in Broadway's wicked who now hosts his own hit podcast Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. Hard to believe all of this and more has unfolded in 2025 alone. May 2026 be peaceful and prosperous for us all.  

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, catch diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This week, we’re joined by Danielle Pletka, distinguished senior fellow in Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where she focuses on US foreign policy, the Middle East, and terrorism. Pletka, speaking to Beman from her native Australia, blasts the Albanese government for its failure to confront antisemitism and for its entirely insufficient response to the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah party in Sydney on Sunday. Turning to US policy around the Gaza war, Pletka argues that then-US president Joe Biden was indeed a friend of Israel, but was already losing control over the White House to figures such as former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan when Hamas invaded southern Israel, killing some 1,200 and taking 251 hostage to Gaza, on October 7, 2023. She critiques elements of US President Donald Trump's foreign policy, including the lack of Middle East experts and the influence of countries such as Qatar over decision-making. Still, Pletka gives high marks to the Abraham Accords and Trump's aggressive policy against Iran. Pletka predicts, however, that the nascent International Security Force for Gaza will collapse on its own, allowing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say that he was willing to go along with Trump's plan before resuming his own tactics. In the wake of a social media bust-up this week, Pletka says that US Vice President JD Vance is not anti-Israel, but is instead willing to take whatever positions will help him advance politically -- even if it means befriending Tucker Carlson, who had a softball interview with Nick Fuentes after the antisemitic media personality used racist slurs against Vance's wife. Despite some warning signs, Pletka says that the evidence indicates that most Republicans -- and the "soul of the party" -- still support Israel and the continued alliance between Washington and Jerusalem. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Danielle Pletka (courtesy) / President Donald Trump and Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi hold signed documents during a summit to support ending the more than two-year Israel-Hamas war in Gaza after a breakthrough ceasefire deal, October 13, 2025, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hugh Hallman, Attorney, Educator, and former Mayor of Tempe, continues in studio for the last hour of the show to talk about President Trump’s foreign policy, the concept of ‘Europe,’ Kazakhstan’s recent entry into The Abraham Accords, and the issues of immigrants not accepting the tenants of the place in which they have come to live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This week, US bureau chief Jacob Magid fills in for Berman and goes in-depth into an exclusive report he published on just how close the Saudis were to normalization with Israel ahead of the Hamas onslaught on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and the finer details of former Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s vision for post-war Gaza. We learn that months ahead of Hamas’s attack on Israel, the US had been hard at work crafting a document with Saudi Arabia, laying out what Israel would need to do in exchange for Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords. We begin by discussing what steps were taken towards a pathway to a Palestinian state. A few weeks following the Hamas massacre, Blinken presented his "Tokyo Principles," to G7 countries, essentially outlining his guiding principles in working towards a day after the war. We learn about the 5 "nos" and the three "musts." Magid compares and contrasts the differences between Blinken's eventual 14-point plan and the finally adopted 20-point Trump peace plan, including the idea of a multinational force and the role of the Palestinian Authority. We discuss the role of former British prime minister Tony Blair, who is the most well-known personality who worked with both the Biden and Trump administrations. And we hear about what a Hamas official told Magid over the weekend regarding why the terrorist organization took the current ceasefire deal. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Jacob Magid (courtesy) / Then-US Secretary of State Antony Blinken waves as he arrives at Ben Gurion Airport, June 10, 2024. (Jack Guez/Pool via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SHOW 11-24-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1852 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE PEACE PLANS.  FIRST HOUR 9-915 Ukraine Peace Plans, Concessions, and the Impact on US Alliances — Bill Roggio, Husain Haqqani — Bill Roggiosuggests Ukraine is losing militarily and must accept difficult territorial and military concessions to ensure state survival, predicting that proposed peace deals will ultimately collapse. Ambassador Haqqani emphasizes that U.S. abandonment of allies, exemplified in Afghanistan and Iraq, creates an international perception that America cannot be relied upon. Russia's prevailing would constitute a victory for the "axis of aggressors," including China, Iran, and North Korea, fundamentally weakening U.S. global influence. 915-930 930-945 945-1000 China's Floating Island, Metamaterials, and Polar Ambitions — Brandon Weichert, Gordon Chang — Brandon Weichert discusses China developing an artificial floating island, potentially engineered to withstand nuclear detonation. He characterizes the platform as a next-generation man-made island designed for anti-access and area-denial capabilities. Weichert emphasizes that the core technology—metamaterials—holds critical applications for infrastructure in extreme polar environments, including the Arctic and Antarctic. Gordon Chang notes widespread pessimism in China regarding the prohibitive cost of such massive engineering projects. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Targeting Terror: Muslim Brotherhood, Hezbollah, and Iran's Crises — Malcolm Hoenlein — Malcolm Hoenlein reports the U.S. is moving to designate the Muslim Brotherhood—Hamas progenitors—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. He details Iran's severe internal crises, including critical water shortages and power blackouts caused by illegal cryptocurrency mining, alongside its continued drive to rebuild nuclear and conventional arsenals. Israel eliminated Hezbollah's second-in-command, Hashem Safieddine, in Beirut, directly countering Hezbollah's regeneration efforts in Lebanon. The U.S. is actively courting Saudi Arabia to counter China and Russia and encourage participation in the Abraham Accords. Share 1015-1030 1030-1045 Geopolitical Realignment: Venezuelan Cartel and Latin America's Rightward Shift — Ernesto Araujo, Alejandro Peña Esclusa — Alejandro Peña Esclusa discusses the U.S. designating Venezuela's Cartel of the Suns as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, noting they weaponize drug trafficking and maintain alliances with groups including Hezbollah. Ernesto Araujo addresses former Brazilian President Bolsonaro's recent detention and notes that indigenous protests undermined the Lula administration's narrative at COP 30. The upcoming Honduras election reflects a continental trend away from the corrupt "pink tide" regimes. 1045-1100 THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 The Unacceptable Price of Peace: Ukraine's Sticking Points — John Hardie — John Hardie details the Russian-drafted 28-point peace plan, which demanded Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbass, prohibition of NATO accession, and limitations on military force size. Ukraine, approaching negotiations strategically, refuses to surrender fortified Donbass territory essential for defense against future Russian aggression. Russia's maximalist demands render an acceptable settlement nearly impossible, though Ukrainians would accept a military freeze in place coupled with robust Western security guarantees. 1115-1130 1130-1145 Russia's Ambitions in Southern Syria and Israel's Strategic Calculus — Akmed Sharawari — FDD's Akmed Sharawari discusses Russian officers touring southern Syria, potentially returning to staff deconfliction checkpoints between Israel and Syria. Israel reportedly prefers a Russian presence, including bases in western Syria, as a counterbalance to Turkey's growing influence over Damascus. Sharawari argues Israel should not trust Russia given its history of enabling Iranian-backed actors like Hezbollah. Despite ongoing Israeli operations, Hezbollah's smuggling routes remain operational. 1145-1200 Prime Minister Carney's Early Highwire Act in Canadian Politics — Conrad Black — Conrad Black analyzes the early tenure of Canadian Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland (referred to as Carney in this segment), who narrowly secured passage of his budget. Carney campaigned partly on opposition to Donald Trump, demonstrating political agility by balancing competing party factions—advancing a new pipeline for Alberta while offering environmental concessions. Black notes that Canada remains conflicted regarding China, attempting to maintain trade relations while publicly condemning election interference. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Iran's Strategic Gains from the War in Ukraine — Jonathan Sayeh — Jonathan Sayeh states that Iran is celebrating Russia's advantageous position in Ukraine as a geopolitical win because it enabled Iran to export military weaponry and demonstrate combat capabilities internationally. Iran expects Russia to reciprocate this military assistance, potentially through air defense system modernization or advancement of Iran's nuclear program, despite profound mutual mistrust between the strategic partners. Iran benefits globally by selling weapons and leveraging instability to argue the U.S. has become an unreliable superpower. 1215-1230 1230-1245 Hezbollah Regeneration Efforts and the Fallout from a Targeted Beirut Strike — David Daoud, Bill Roggio — David Daoud reports that Israel killed Hezbollah's top military commander, Hashem Safieddine, in Beirut, marking an expansion of Israeli operations into the Lebanese capital. This escalation reflects Hezbollah's comprehensive regeneration efforts—including receiving billions in funding from Iran and developing domestic drone production capabilities—which are outpacing Israeli degradation operations. Hezbollah and Hamas view Russia's success in Ukraine as strategically beneficial because it diminishes American global hegemony. 1245-100 AM

Geopolitics of the Gulf and Eurasia: US-Saudi Relations and China's Global Strategy — Victoria Coates, Vice President, Heritage Foundation — Victoria Coates addresses U.S.-Saudi relations, noting that technology transfer risks from China exist but remain manageable through export-controlled F-35 versions. She argues that Russia is dependent on Beijing in the Ukraine war, which serves China's strategic objective of distracting the West from Indo-Pacific developments. A perceived Russian victory would embolden China toward aggression in East Asia. Coates identifies security guarantees and Saudi openness to the Abraham Accords as key priorities for regional stability.  1922 PEKING

Targeting Terror: Muslim Brotherhood, Hezbollah, and Iran's Crises — Malcolm Hoenlein — Malcolm Hoenlein reports the U.S. is moving to designate the Muslim Brotherhood—Hamas progenitors—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. He details Iran's severe internal crises, including critical water shortages and power blackouts caused by illegal cryptocurrency mining, alongside its continued drive to rebuild nuclear and conventional arsenals. Israel eliminated Hezbollah's second-in-command, Hashem Safieddine, in Beirut, directly countering Hezbollah's regeneration efforts in Lebanon. The U.S. is actively courting Saudi Arabia to counter China and Russia and encourage participation in the Abraham Accords.

CONTINED Gregory Copley covers Mohammed bin Salman's influence in the Abraham Accords and the challenge posed by Turkey-backed Hamas, 

SHOW  11-18-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1894 "THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION" THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT GAZA. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Liz Peek Liz Peek discusses the "AI bubble," noting the Magnificent Seven stocks are priced to perfection amidst concerns that massive investments may not yield adequate returns, observes that although the market is "risk off" the US economy seems "okay" according to data points, and expresses alarm about New York Mayor-Elect Mamdani, a socialist without management expertise who is surrounding himself with ideologues, including Hassan Sheheryar, his transition director, who is "clearly anti-Semitic" and anti-Israel, raising significant concerns for the city.E 915-930 CONTINUED 930-945 Judy Dempsey Judy Dempsey addresses the rising costs and future decline of the global cocoa crop, linking it to transcontinental climate change caused by Amazon deforestation, criticizes the EU and NATO for reacting too slowly and lacking strategic vision concerning the Ukraine war and defense, notes European military infrastructure is inadequate for rapid deployment forcing reliance on ships instead of trains, and observes that while the Russian threat is understood by most member states, political fumbling in Germany is allowing the anti-NATO, pro-Russia AfD party to gain significant ground. 945-1000 Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses the US military presence off Venezuela, noting President Trump seeks a negotiated outcome with Maduro to avoid long-term intervention, covers Mohammed bin Salman's influence in the Abraham Accords and the challenge posed by Turkey-backed Hamas, analyzes the symbolic rail sabotage in Poland questioning Russian involvement, and addresses the declining viability of NATO's Article 5 and the potential for King Charles III to intervene in UK political chaos. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Charles Burton Charles Burton discusses his book, The Beaver and the Dragon, illustrating China's fundamental untrustworthiness and statistical manipulation, which has intensified under centralized leadership, noting Canada's past cooperation with China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) failed as officials often falsely reported data, and despite historical deception and security risks, there is a push in Canada to increase trade with China to offset trade issues with the United States, with Burton cautioning that trusting the Chinese Communist Party has always "gone badly wrong." 1015-1030 CONTINUED. 1030-1045 Jonathan Schanzer Jonathan Schanzer discusses Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), calling him a deeply flawed but essential leader driving Saudi modernization and normalization with Israel, with a "pathway to a Palestinian state" as the current diplomatic objective, emphasizing that resolving the Gaza situation and achieving broader peace hinges on eliminating Hamas, while the region faces long-term challenges from Iran and Turkey, the latter complicating Israel's security operations in chaotic Syria, with the UN endorsement of the Trump 20-point plan for Gaza reconstruction considered a landmark win. 1045-1100 CONTINUED CONTINUED KING CHARLES THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses the US military presence off Venezuela, noting President Trump seeks a negotiated outcome with Maduro to avoid long-term intervention, covers Mohammed bin Salman's influence in the Abraham Accords and the challenge posed by Turkey-backed Hamas, analyzes the symbolic rail sabotage in Poland questioning Russian involvement, and addresses the declining viability of NATO's Article 5 and the potential for King Charles III to intervene in UK political chaos. 1115-1130 CONTINUED MBS 1130-1145 CONTINUED KING CHARLES 1145-1200 CONTINUED FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Mary Kissel Mary Kissel addresses three foreign policy dilemmas: regarding Venezuela, the US military buildup is seen as leverage to force dialogue with Maduro following a successful playbook used against North Korea; in Europe, she notes a dichotomy between committed Eastern European states and "weaker lazier" Western powers regarding support for Ukraine; and the China dilemma involves whether to treat Beijing as a legitimate trading partner or an enemy narco-terrorist state responsible for exporting fentanyl precursors, with Kissel suggesting current US policy is confused and benefits the CCP. 1215-1230 1230-1245 oseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg analyzes the BBC political bias scandal, which is significant because the BBC is "omnipresent" and arranges the "mental furniture for British society," noting the BBC, funded largely by a mandatory license fee, faced allegations ranging from deceptive editing of President Trump's remarks to the Arabic service pushing Hamas propaganda potentially fueling anti-Semitism, while domestically discussing the UK Labour Party's dilemma over controversial immigration policies to control illegal channel crossings, a crisis that has strengthened Nigel Farage's Reform party. 1245-100 AM

President Donald Trump struck a massive deal with Saudi Arabia, which has pledged to invest more than $1 trillion in the U.S. economy. The investment comes after Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed to strengthen U.S.-Saudi relations. The Sekulow team discusses the Trump Administration's foreign policy in the Middle East, possible future inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the Abraham Accords, the changing landscape of the U.S. workforce and technology, ACLJ's legal work – and much more.

Donald Trump welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, touts promised investments in the U.S., and says he will sell F-35 stealth fighters to the Saudis. Is the U.S. driving a hard enough bargain, since the Saudis still haven't joined the Abraham Accords? And what about civilian nuclear energy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Hostage Remains and Psychological Warfare The podcast opens with a news story from the Jerusalem Post about Hamas returning partial remains to Israel. These remains were not from known hostages, which the speaker describes as a form of psychological torture against Israeli families. The Red Cross acted as an intermediary in the handover, but Hamas did not specify whose remains were being returned. 2. Personal Reflections and Pilgrimage Ben then shares that this trip to Israel is a spiritual journey, visiting sites related to Jesus and expressing feelings of safety and peace in Jerusalem. Encourages others to visit Israel, stating it feels safe despite the conflict. 3. Rise of Antisemitism in the U.S. A major theme is the alleged rise of antisemitism among American conservatives. Specific figures mentioned include Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Nick Fuentes, accused of downplaying Israel’s importance as a U.S. ally. The speaker references Senator Ted Cruz, who warned of a “growing cancer” of antisemitism on the political right and urged Christian leaders to confront it. 4. Media Criticism Ben criticizes mainstream media for allegedly portraying Israel as the aggressor and failing to tell the stories of Israeli victims and hostages. 5. Support for Donald Trump Ben praises Donald Trump’s leadership, particularly his role in the Abraham Accords and efforts to secure the release of hostages. Expresses gratitude from Israelis for Trump’s support and contrasts it with previous U.S. administrations. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Government Shutdown and Federal Worker Pay The episode opens with a discussion of a government shutdown, referred to as the “Schumer shutdown.” Senator Cruz criticizes Democrats for voting against legislation that would have paid essential federal workers during the shutdown. He highlights specific Democratic senators who voted in favor (Warnock, Ossoff, Fetterman) and criticizes the rest for voting against it. Cruz emphasizes the impact on TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and military personnel, warning of potential travel disruptions and national security risks. He also notes that members of Congress continue to receive pay during the shutdown, though he claims to have requested his own pay be withheld. 2. Rise of Antisemitism on the Right Cruz expresses concern about increasing antisemitism within conservative circles, particularly among younger people. He recounts his speech at a Christians United for Israel event, where he warned about the dangers of ignoring antisemitism on the right. He criticizes both the left and right for harboring antisemitic sentiments, but emphasizes a recent rise on the right. Cruz calls on church leaders and conservatives to actively oppose antisemitism and support Israel, citing national security interests and moral obligations. 3. Opposition to Ambassador Nominee Amer Ghalib Cruz discusses his opposition to Amer Ghalib, a nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait. He criticizes Ghalib’s past statements, including praise for the Muslim Brotherhood and controversial social media activity. Cruz argues that Ghalib’s views are incompatible with U.S. foreign policy and President Trump’s positions, particularly regarding Israel and the Abraham Accords. He predicts that the nomination will likely be withdrawn due to bipartisan concerns. 4. Religious Persecution in China The podcast concludes with a segment on the persecution of Christians in China, particularly the arrest of Pastor Jin Mingri and members of the Zion Church. Cruz condemns the Chinese Communist Party’s actions and calls for the U.S. to use diplomatic and economic pressure to advocate for religious freedom. He emphasizes the importance of the U.S. standing up for persecuted religious minorities globally. Cruz expresses hope that President Trump will raise the issue during an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Go to BackyardButchers.com and enter promo code “VERDICT”, that’s V-E-R-D-I-C-T, for up to 30% off, 2 free 10-ounce ribeyes, and free shipping when you subscribe. http://www.backyardbutchers.com/Verdict Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.