Landlocked country in South-Central Asia
POPULARITY
Categories
Subscribe now to skip the ads and get more content. Our news roundups are sometimes big, but never beautiful. This week: the PKK to begin its disarmament in Turkey (1:17); Iran suspends its cooperation with the IAEA (4:30), but remains open to negotiations with the US (6:53); the debate continues on how far the war set back Iran's nuclear program (9:18); in Gaza, a new ceasefire push (12:24) while journalists investigate the massacres at “humanitarian aid” sites (16:15); Russia recognizes the Talbian-led government in Afghanistan (20:20); the Constitutional Court of Thailand suspends PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra (21:57); Malaysia bans US plastic waste (23:55); Trump ramps up US airstrikes in Somalia (26:07); the DRC and Rwanda sign a peace deal (28:48); Russia makes advances in Ukraine (33:31) plus the US freezes military aid (35:46); the UN says the security situation in Haiti is worsening (37:51); and the US and China make another trade deal (39:29). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
President Donald Trump is expected to sign his “big, beautiful bill” today. He also says he'll speak Ukraine's President after a disappointing conversation with Russia's leader yesterday. Moscow is recognizing the Taliban's government in Afghanistan. State lawmakers say they were turned away from inspecting Florida's “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center. Plus, a high-profile boxer has been arrested just days after fighting a social media influencer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Work with Jimmy & the Vreeland Capital Team to build a 20-Unit Portfolio that will get you the equivalent of a retirement account 3X faster with a third of the capital. Visit https://tinyurl.com/mainstreetpatriot-getstarted - - - - - - - Summary Happy Birthday America! In this episode of the Real Estate FastPass podcast, host Jimmy Vreeland discusses the impact of inflation on savings and wealth building, drawing parallels to the strategies used by the founding fathers. He emphasizes the importance of investing in real estate as a hedge against inflation and explores current economic trends, including the Federal Reserve's policies and the potential for investment opportunities in the real estate market. Takeaways Inflation acts as a silent tax on savings. Investing in real estate can counteract inflation. The founding fathers used inflation to build wealth. Continental dollars lost value, but real estate remained valuable. Understanding economic shifts can lead to wealth building. Current economic policies may create investment opportunities. Bonus depreciation can lead to significant tax savings. Waiting for lower interest rates may not benefit new investors. The Fed's goal is to slow the rate of inflation, not stop it. Now is a good time to invest in real estate.About Jimmy Vreeland Jimmy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, spent 5 years as an Army Ranger, and deployed three times twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. On his last deployment, he read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki which led him down the path of real estate investing. As his own portfolio grew, eventually he started a real estate investing business. Since 2018 his team at Vreeland Capital has supplied over 100 houses a year to high performing, passive investors who want to work with his team and his team is now managing over 800 houses. Get in touch with Jimmy and his team at www.jimmyvreeland.com/getstartedinrealestate More about Jimmy Website: www.jimmyvreeland.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-vreeland Instagram: www.instagram.com/jimmyvreeland Facebook: www.facebook.com/JimmyVreeland Youtube: www.youtube.com/@JimmyVreelandC >>>>>>Get free access to the private Ranger Real Estate facebook group
Our news roundups are sometimes big, but never beautiful. This week: the PKK to begin its disarmament in Turkey (1:17); Iran suspends its cooperation with the IAEA (4:30), but remains open to negotiations with the US (6:53); the debate continues on how far the war set back Iran's nuclear program (9:18); in Gaza, a new ceasefire push (12:24) while journalists investigate the massacres at “humanitarian aid” sites (16:15); Russia recognizes the Talbian-led government in Afghanistan (20:20); the Constitutional Court of Thailand suspends PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra (21:57); Malaysia bans US plastic waste (23:55); Trump ramps up US airstrikes in Somalia (26:07); the DRC and Rwanda sign a peace deal (28:48); Russia makes advances in Ukraine (33:31) plus the US freezes military aid (35:46); the UN says the security situation in Haiti is worsening (37:51); and the US and China make another trade deal (39:29).Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
USAF Major (Ret.) Dr. Steven Ramos joins Rich LaMonica to share how his 28-year Air Force career—from U-2 pressure suit tech to elite jumpmaster & combat therapist—led to a new mission: saving veteran lives through mental health advocacy. Growing up in the Bronx, Steve dodged street violence and drugs by enlisting in 1993 as an E-1. His path led him to the skies over Afghanistan, 12 combat drops, and 2,000+ parachute jumps with the Wings of Blue. But it was his own battle with mental health and PTSD that redefined his calling. In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, Dr. Ramos dives into: ✔ How military toughness masks mental wounds ✔ The cost of silence around PTSD and addiction ✔ Why therapy isn't weakness—it's warfare against suicide ✔ His founding of More Life Center for Wellness in Florida, delivering 3,000+ wellness sessions in 2024 Dr. Ramos' story is a beacon for anyone ready to lead with vulnerability, courage, and service—long after the uniform comes off. Learn More here: https://morelifecenterforwellness.com/
Notwithstanding regular headlines and firm conventional wisdom, the MAGA Movement is not and never has been an isolationist faction of the Republican Party. Neither the American people nor self-identified MAGA Republicans are fundamentally isolationist, and in fact score higher than non-MAGA Republicans on support for U.S. intervention abroad. The numbers don't lie: this year's Reagan Foundation Summer Poll found the MAGA coalition strongly support Trump's decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. Why are these results counterintuitive? And how has a tiny isolationist faction of self-appointed MAGA spokespeople drummed up so much noise? Roger Zakheim serves as the Washington Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. Before joining, he was General Counsel and Deputy Staff Director of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. In this role, Mr. Zakheim managed the passage of the annual National Defense Authorization Act, the defense policy bill which authorizes the Defense Department's budget. Mr. Zakheim's government experience also includes serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense where he supported the department's policies and programs related to Iraq and Afghanistan coalition affairs.Read the transcript here
Before we get started with today's show, we want to take a moment to dedicate this episode to someone very special. Emma, Sharon's granddaughter and the daughter of today's guest co-host Michelle, was born prematurely and spent her short life in the NICU. She passed away just three days after she was born. Today's episode is released on Emma's birthday and we're honored to share it in her memory. Our guest today is a mother and former labor and delivery nurse who has become an incredible entrepreneur. Ashley Crafton joins us to share the incredible story behind her startup, Galena Innovations, and the development of the Hannah Cervical Cup, a device designed to help prevent spontaneous preterm birth. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
No Sight, No Sound, No Surrender: The Aaron Hale Story This week's Team Never Quit episode features the incredible Aaron Hale—a man who has stared down adversity, twice over, and answered with resilience, grit, and chocolate. A 14-year military veteran of both the Navy and Army, Aaron was serving his second deployment in Afghanistan as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team Leader when an IED explosion took his sight and altered the course of his life. But Aaron didn't stop moving forward—he started climbing. Aaron shares how he turned tragedy into testimony, going from the battlefield to building a life filled with purpose. From teaching at the EOD school post-injury to completing the Boston Marathon and climbing mountains, Aaron's journey is one of extreme perseverance. In 2015, another blow—bacterial meningitis—left him completely deaf, but with cochlear implants, the support of his incredible wife McKayla, and a “Challenge Accepted” mindset, Aaron continues to thrive. We also dive into Aaron and McKayla's passion project turned thriving business—Extra Ordinary Delights, an artisan chocolate and fudge company born out of love, grit, and a relentless pursuit of joy. Aaron Hale doesn't just inspire—he challenges all of us to rise, to reinvent, and to find joy even in the most unexpected places. From bombs to bonbons, his life is a powerful reminder that adversity is not the end of the story—it's the beginning of a better one. In This Episode You Will Hear: • I became one of the personal chefs for the 3-star Admiral, commander to the 6th fleet (1:10) • I wanted to be in a tight knit brotherhood. I wanted a technically challenging career field. (14:40) • Being that evidence collector guy that I wanted to be, I made my approach with a metal detector. 20 yards or so from the primary device was a secondary device that hadn't been found yet. It vaulted me into the air. I reached up to fix my helmet and it was gone. And I thought “Oh, no - this is bad”. At Walter Reed, I was told I'd be blind for the rest of my life. (28:05) • Total blindness comes with a bonus gift of sleep disorder. You can't rest you circadian rhythm. (30:50) • I had those demons in my head asking the What if's; the Why me's. (31:37) • I don't have a monopoly on pain. (33:36) • I don't have any good answers, any good reasons to quit (33:43) • Instead of “Why me? or “I can't” I just try to figure out how I can. (34:00) • For about 6 months, I learned how to be blind. (36:03) • I'm having an awesome time. (38:59) • I contracted Bacterial Meningitis. That came closer to killing me than the bomb had. (39:20) • That's when I felt bad - when I was just thinking about myself (42:37) • I might as well keep working hard to do hard things. (46:08) • For ten years I've been running marathons and ultra marathons (46:30) • Everything in my life is a team sport (49:49) • You can look at it as “I have to” or “I get to” (50:16) • Maybe one day, the story of your struggle might be the blueprint for someone else's survival (52:35) Support Aaron - https://pointofimpactpod.com/ - Link tree: https://linktr.ee/aaronhalepointofimpact Fb: https://www.facebook.com/aclayhale IG: https://www.instagram.com/aclayhale/ Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors: - cargurus.com/TNQ - armslist.com/TNQ - partnersinbuilding.com - Navyfederal.org - - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s - - PXGapparel.com/TNQ - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ - Selectquote.com/TNQ - Groundnews.com/TNQ - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com - shipsticks.com/TNQ - Robinhood.com/gold - strawberry.me/TNQ - stopboxusa.com {TNQ} - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ] - kalshi.com/TNQ - joinbilt.com/TNQ - Tonal.com [TNQ] - greenlight.com/TNQ - PDSDebt.com/TNQ - drinkAG1.com/TNQ - Shadyrays.com [TNQ] - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ] - Hims.com/TNQ - Shopify.com/TNQ - Aura.com/TNQ - Policygenius.com - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ] - usejoymode.com [TNQ]
Well, Lee, fear has broken out among the neocons. This is terrifying because as I've demonstrated over the years, in order to have enemies to fight and profit from fighting, you have to fund them because they can't afford to fight us on their own, and it wouldn't be fair anyway. So we pay them to kill us. In fact, we did it this week. $30,000,000 in aid going to Gaza. Okay? Nobody physically walks in there unless they're with Hamas. It's impossible to do. So you send aid $30,000,000, you're funding Hamas so they can rearm. That's what you're doing. There's no other way to look at that. I mean, look. We tried to build that floating dock so we could literally hand them supplies. Right? Yeah. And they bombed it. That was the story. Yeah. They bombed it. Injured, one person in the process, and we had to disassemble it. So you don't even get to build a dock to hand them free stuff if they'll vomit. Just to recap where we are here, we're, the we we're watching this this rescission bill. It's already passed in the house to defund USAID USAID a little. They're gonna get the rest of it later, but it's a nice start. It's $9,000,000,000, 7,000,000,000 of it out of USAID. Obama and Bush are freaking out, criticizing Trump. As you know, we have to continue to let the pink haired people with the rainbow pride flags who run USAID fund all our enemies because they hate America. I mean, we need the money for national security. So let's just revisit some of USAID's greatest hits. Just, since October 7, we paid $97,000,000 in reward payments, USAID did, to the Hamas terrorists who raped and slaughtered innocent Israelis Israelis. How do we do that? We gave it to the Palestinian authority. And if you are killed or injured, killing an Israeli or a Jew, they will pay you for life. No. I'm sorry. We will pay you for life. And the shocking thing about this, disperse with the $97,000,000 in aid to the Palestinian Authority is that that's illegal. Trump actually got a bill passed in his last term. Saying no. We can't nope. We cannot disperse any money to the Palestinian Authority. They didn't care. They did it anyway. This was after October 7. This is what Obama and Bush wanna keep. So but, you know, we need a good enemy. We need a good enemy. We need to have enemies, so we'll play them. How about the Taliban? This is my favorite. This is one of my favorite. As reported by Reuters, $40,000,000 in cash. Would you like to have that? On a tarmac for the Taliban. Wait. Was that after the murder of the 13? Yes. It was. At Abigail. Yeah. We paid them. USAID did specifically. It was an aid scheme. Listen to how it worked. To keep the Taliban in power, USAID provided $1,700,000,000 in funding in multiple tranches to the UN, and then the UN shipped the cash to Afghanistan. And what they did was they helped the Taliban to print their own currency. Think monopoly money because it's useless. And then they let the Taliban trade it for our money. You paid. Do I have your attention now? $40,000,000 a tranche, and they they you should see the look on their faces as they receive the money. This picture is great. I mean, this guy looks like it's Christmas. And they're sitting there, Lee, and there's piles of cash. Because if I mean, who how would we have enemies? And then what would we need a military industrial complex for? Big problem. Let's keep going. Shall we? Because it goes on and on and on. A total of $3,700,000,000 to the Taliban, including $200,000,000 when Trump was in office last time, shuffled in there by USAID. Because, you know, they funded you know, when they blow our troops' limbs off, what they pay for that by growing poppies. So we went, you know what? You can make so much more money if we modernize your system. So we sent them $200,000,000, for the poppy fields. That was cool. While they were fighting us. So you see, you gotta fund both sides of the war. You can see why Bush is upset here being, like, the original warmonger. Her ...
https://www.youtube.com/@tcotepod/streams Unholy Alliance by Paul L Williams https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DhqEjuv_bfRPAh4Mu0k8O1JnCNPNZzW7/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111579263737007303917&rtpof=true&sd=true Western Marxism by Domenico Losurdo / Gabriel Rockhill https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hSEYhQYwPxRUhBie5yeDyjW6XvpdlRiJ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111579263737007303917&rtpof=true&sd=true On The Inclusion Of Israel Into The United States https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cqEHfHN8fVbZyP8koZfAoNYH1wXeZZVGHM6gHWXiGUg/edit?usp=sharing Drugs, Oil, and War - The United States in Afghanistan, Colombia, and Indochina by Peter Dale Scott https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D0pNqgZPUH59UKeVqiOZ2X8O3O-KRFlYS7mEnZBYpm8/edit?usp=sharing
Inspiring People & Places: Architecture, Engineering, And Construction
In this 4th of July special edition of Leadership Blueprints, BJ Kraemer sits down with Marine Corps veteran, educator, and operations leader Fred Conner for a conversation about legacy, leadership, and renewal. This episode explores the transformation of the historic 75-acre Valley Forge campus- home to Founding Forward, a national civic education nonprofit founded by the Union League of Philadelphia and Freedom's Foundation.Fred shares his journey from military service to international project management to teaching at Temple University. Along the way, he reveals how landscapes, memory, and mission-based leadership shape how we build -and remember- our most important places. Whether you're a veteran transitioning into the A/E/C world, a project leader tackling deferred maintenance, or a parent wondering what civic education looks like today, this episode offers a reminder: leadership starts with service, and the built environment can inspire generations.Key Points From This Episode:Why project management is a natural fit for transitioning veterans.Lessons from building military camps in Kosovo and Afghanistan.The power of servant leadership- sometimes that means doing dishes and landscaping.Why trust and execution are foundational to any successful project.Quotes: “Vision is a really good thing, but it's only aspiration if you can't execute.” - Fred Conner “Operations occur at the speed of trust.” — Gen. Jim Mattis (quoted by Fred Conner) “The things we remember most about a place are often how the built environment coexists with the landscape around it.” — Fred ConnerLinks Mentioned in Today's Episode:Founding ForwardUnion League of PhiladelphiaLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
The tie-breaking vote on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors is up for grabs by the winner of the District 1 race. And, hear from an Afghan man in San Diego who says his father, who worked with the U.S. during the war, has been left behind in Afghanistan. Then, how California's new environmental regulatory rollback will affect housing construction. Also, a San Diego political scientist says he has a roadmap for how you can affect change. Finally, carpool lanes on Interstate 805 in the South Bay will let you ride solo — for a price.
Not everyone who served in the Global War on Terrorism wore a uniform. Ganpat "Gunner" Wagh started as a Marine, moved into law enforcement, and then spent years as an FBI agent working everything from cybercrime to counterterrorism. Eventually, that led him to Afghanistan, where he deployed alongside Special Forces as part of a quiet but critical support mission. In this episode, Gunner shares what it's like to carry the mission forward in less visible ways and why those roles still carry the weight of service. He also talks about reconnecting with an old teammate in the most unexpected place and how that moment pulled him into the heart of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://gwotmemorialfoundation.org Transcript View the transcript for this episode.
Is America really making the world safer... or just making a mess with your money? For decades, we've been told we're “spreading democracy” and “liberating the oppressed.” But what if those good intentions have led to nothing but chaos, extremism, and an eye-watering national debt? In this episode of The Brian Nichols Show, we peel back the layers of American foreign policy and ask the uncomfortable questions no one on cable news wants to answer. Studio Sponsor: Cardio Miracle - "Unlock the secret to a healthier heart, increased energy levels, and transform your cardiovascular fitness like never before.": CardioMiracle.com/TBNS What actually happens when the U.S. props up dictators, funds rebel groups, and tries to play World Police? Brian is joined by political analyst Connor Vasile for a brutally honest breakdown of the situation in Syria—and how it mirrors decades of failed intervention in places like Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. You'll hear how these “humanitarian missions” often lead to more violence, more extremism, and fewer Christians and minorities left alive. But it's not just Syria. We take on America's uncritical support of Israel, explore the shadowy wishlist of Middle East regime changes, and examine whether U.S. military aid is making things better—or just fueling the fire. This isn't about being anti-Israel or anti-America. It's about asking: what's the real cost of these endless foreign entanglements, and who's actually benefitting? You'll also hear why fear sells better than facts, how our leaders use emotional manipulation to justify military spending, and why Gen Z and Millennials are (thankfully) starting to push back. We even touch on New York's socialist mayoral mess and what it reveals about selling policies through emotion, not logic. If you're tired of politicians using your money to blow up sand while ignoring problems here at home, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss. From blowback to budgets, this is foreign policy stripped of all the fluff—and rebuilt with real talk, real strategy, and a vision for putting America and liberty first. ❤️ Order Cardio Miracle (CardioMiracle.com/TBNS) for 15% off and take a step towards better heart health and overall well-being!
شماره تماس ما هست ۱۳۲۱۳۰۰۷۴۷۷+ Facebook: Khabar Khush خبر خوشLink:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079082463339...Facebook: شبکه کلیسای خانگی افغانستانLink:https://www.facebook.com/AfgChristiansinTajikestan?mibextid=ZbWKwLFacebook: صفحه پشتو خبر خوش Link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556598063613Facebook: Afghan House Church Network شبکه کلیسای خانگی افغانستانInstagram: @khabarkhushWebsite: https://www.khabarkhush.org/Twitter: @khabarkhushYouTube:https://youtube.com/@khabarkhush7420Telegram: https://t.me/khabarkhushEmail: khabarkhush@gmail.comhttps://youtu.be/IknVC-LmaJA?si=wKdQnO4fdQWxomK7
How does a MARS Officer and Ship's Team Diver become a Special Operations helicopter pilot? What does it take to get through the intense rigours of Phase III helicopter training — and then make the leap to 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron?In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards, a SOF Aircraft Commander, recipient of the prestigious Elsie MacGill Award, and currently serving as a CAPCOM at NASA in Houston.We explore her remarkable journey through the Canadian Armed Forces — from her early days at sea to commanding aircraft with Special Operations Forces. Erin shares personal stories of perseverance, leadership, and what it truly means to earn your place among the best.
This is the story of interwar preparation–not that the United States realized it was preparing for World War II, new technologies, innovation, and a constant pushing of the limits in the 1930s did indeed help Uncle Sam prepare for the fight to come. To get us into an interwar mindset of praying for peace while preparing for war, Professor Jackson tells us the tale of the B-17 bomber and is then joined by GEN James E. Rainey, Commanding General, U.S. Army Futures Command, to discuss how the current day Army thinks about history to prepare for the future. In this informative conversation, GEN Rainey talks about the lessons, leaders, and innovations from the Army's 250 years of service to the nation that can inform and inspire officers, soldiers, and leaders of all vocations to meet the missions of tomorrow. General James E. Rainey is the Commanding General Commander, Army Futures Command (AFC). Headquartered in Austin, Texas, AFC is the Army's newest major command, responsible for transforming the Army to ensure war-winning future readiness, employing 30,000 Soldiers and Civilians at 128 locations worldwide. In his previous position, General Rainey served at the Pentagon, where he oversaw the Army's operations and plans. General Rainey commissioned as an infantry lieutenant upon graduating from Eastern Kentucky University in 1987. He has commanded at every level from platoon to division and has served in numerous combat deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He earned a master's degree in advanced military arts and science from the School of Advanced Military Studies and another in Public Administration from Troy University. He also completed a Senior Service Fellowship at the University of Denver's Korbel School of International Relations. Disclosure: HTDS has not paid nor received any remuneration for this episode from the US Army or any other government agency. The opinions of the guest are his own and do not represent the opinions of Professor Jackson or HTDS. We are grateful to the many soldiers who have served our nation throughout history, and proud to bring discussions like this to the public in the spirit of education and access to the leaders in whom We the People place our trust. Books referenced in the interview: The official US Army field manual number one, “A Primer to our Profession of Arms” Freedom's Forge: How American Business Produced Victory in World War II by Arthur Herman Prodigal Soldiers: How the Generation of Officers Born of Vietnam Revolutionized the American Style of War by James Kitfield Real Soldiering: The US Army in the Aftermath of War, 1815-1980 by Brian McAllister Linn America's First Battles, 1776-1965 by Charles E. Heller (Editor), William A. Stofft (Editor) General Fox Conner: Pershing's Chief of Operations and Eisenhower's Mentor (Leadership in Action) by Steven Rabalais Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. HTDS is part of Audacy media network. Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Contact Audacyinc.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Colonel Richard Kemp, former leader of British forces in Afghanistan, calls in to discuss the impact of U.S. and Israeli actions on Iran's nuclear program. Kemp emphasizes that significant damage has been done to Iran's capabilities, attributing this to President Trump's and Prime Minister Netanyahu's efforts. Kemp then touches on the potential for Iran to rebuild its program, contingent on future U.S. leadership strength. The Colonel also highlights the oppressive nature of the Iranian regime and suggests that internal opposition is the best solution for regime change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of the Protector Culture Podcast, Jimmy and BK dive into the new laws being passed in Colorado—and why now is the time to take a stand. Our children's future and our foundational beliefs are under pressure like never before. Jimmy and BK break down what these changes mean, why it matters, and how we, as protectors, must rise up with conviction and courage.
شماره تماس ما هست ۱۳۲۱۳۰۰۷۴۷۷+ Facebook: Khabar Khush خبر خوشLink:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079082463339...Facebook: شبکه کلیسای خانگی افغانستانLink:https://www.facebook.com/AfgChristiansinTajikestan?mibextid=ZbWKwLFacebook: صفحه پشتو خبر خوش Link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556598063613Facebook: Afghan House Church Network شبکه کلیسای خانگی افغانستانInstagram: @khabarkhushWebsite: https://www.khabarkhush.org/Twitter: @khabarkhushYouTube:https://youtube.com/@khabarkhush7420Telegram: https://t.me/khabarkhushEmail: khabarkhush@gmail.comhttps://youtu.be/IknVC-LmaJA?si=wKdQnO4fdQWxomK7
Every day, buses arrive at the Afghanistan-Iran border, carrying exhausted and desperate Afghan refugee families with all their belongings. Many are returning to a country they barely know, forced to leave Iran after decades of living there.Following a recent visit to the Islam Qala border area, Arafat Jamal, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) Representative in Afghanistan, told UN News that the number of returnees has surged amid rising tensions following the recent Israel-Iran war.Together with its partners, the UN agency is working to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of returnees, providing food, water, shelter, protection, financial support, and access to health care, legal aid and reintegration services.However, severe funding cuts have had a “brutal impact” on these efforts. “The level of cash assistance has dropped dramatically, from $2,000 per family to just $156, making it far more difficult for people to rebuild their lives,” Mr. Jamal told UN News' Sachin Gaur.
شماره تماس ما هست ۱۳۲۱۳۰۰۷۴۷۷+ Facebook: Khabar Khush خبر خوشLink:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079082463339...Facebook: شبکه کلیسای خانگی افغانستانLink:https://www.facebook.com/AfgChristiansinTajikestan?mibextid=ZbWKwLFacebook: صفحه پشتو خبر خوش Link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556598063613Facebook: Afghan House Church Network شبکه کلیسای خانگی افغانستانInstagram: @khabarkhushWebsite: https://www.khabarkhush.org/Twitter: @khabarkhushYouTube:https://youtube.com/@khabarkhush7420Telegram: https://t.me/khabarkhushEmail: khabarkhush@gmail.comhttps://youtu.be/IknVC-LmaJA?si=wKdQnO4fdQWxomK7
شماره تماس ما هست ۱۳۲۱۳۰۰۷۴۷۷+ Facebook: Khabar Khush خبر خوشLink:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079082463339...Facebook: شبکه کلیسای خانگی افغانستانLink:https://www.facebook.com/AfgChristiansinTajikestan?mibextid=ZbWKwLFacebook: صفحه پشتو خبر خوش Link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556598063613Facebook: Afghan House Church Network شبکه کلیسای خانگی افغانستانInstagram: @khabarkhushWebsite: https://www.khabarkhush.org/Twitter: @khabarkhushYouTube:https://youtube.com/@khabarkhush7420Telegram: https://t.me/khabarkhushEmail: khabarkhush@gmail.comhttps://youtu.be/IknVC-LmaJA?si=wKdQnO4fdQWxomK7
Two weeks after graduating from USC, Tracy Walder began her career as a Staff Operations Officer in the Central Intelligence Agency's Counterterrorism Center before, during and after September 11th 2001, and as Special Agent at the FBI. During her time at the CIA, she lived in and travelled to countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe as well as served in war zones such as Afghanistan. After the CIA, Tracy became a Special Agent at the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, Santa Ana Resident Agency. Following her time at the CIA and FBI, she received her master's in teaching at Chapman University and began teaching history and a course created for young women on national security and global policy at high schools in California and Texas. She now works as an adjunct instructor of Criminal Justice at Texas Christian University, is the national security contributor for News Nation and appeared on the Discovery Channel's Lost Monster Files, the History Channel, and the Discovery Channel. She is currently the star of the number one documentary on Netflix American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden. Tracy shares her incredible story of going from sorority sister to CIA and FBI agent, and details her work in law enforcement, counter-terrorism and national security. We discuss her key role in the new Netflix doc, the rampant sexual harassment she experienced at the Bureau, and whether America is safe from domestic and foreign terrorists under the Trump administration. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel
Turkey has spent weeks walking a diplomatic tightrope, caught between its outrage over Israel's actions and its reluctance to cross the United States. A ceasefire deal brokered by President Donald Trump has given Ankara some breathing room – at least for now. “We welcome the news that an agreement has been reached on the establishment of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which came late last night,” Erdogan said before departing for the NATO summit in The Hague. Israel's war on Iran had put Erdogan in a tricky spot – maintaining his hostility towards Israel without damaging his ties with Trump. On Saturday, Erdogan slammed Israel, calling it a “terrorist state”, while warning that the war on Iran threatened to plunge the region into chaos. The speech, delivered in Istanbul at a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, was just the latest in what has become an almost daily verbal assault on Israel. But the United States bombing of Iran just a few hours after Erdogan spoke drew little reaction from Ankara beyond a short statement expressing its “concern” over the attack. Turkey's rivalry with Iran shifts as US threats create unlikely common ground Words versus actions Erdogan's actions have also not always matched his rhetoric.The Turkish leader resisted opposition calls to close the US-operated NATO Kurecik radar base near the Iranian border. “Turkey is not interested once again in going into conflict with America because, if you close Kurecik, then it is a NATO issue, and Israel has close relations also with NATO,” said international relations professor Huseyin Bagci of Ankara's Middle East Technical University. The Kurecik radar station, Bagci said, is important to Israeli security. “Turkey signed the acceptance (agreement) that Israel should take information from Kurecik,” Bagci added. “There is no in an article in the case of war that Turkey would not provide the information. So, this is why Erdogan, based on this fact, is not undertaking any steps against Israel.” Earlier this month, Erdogan lobbied Baghdad not to follow Tehran's calls to intercept Israeli warplanes using Iraqi airspace to strike Iran. All moves that are likely to play well with Trump. Erdogan values what Trump has called a “great friendship”. The two leaders are expected to meet for the first time since Trump's re-election on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, where Erdogan will likely be seeking an invitation to Washington. With Turkey and Iran long-time regional rivals, competing for influence from the Caucasus to Central Asia and the Middle East, Ankara also shares the West's concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme. “Turkey definitely doesn't want a nuclear-armed Iran, because that is going to trigger a proliferation process in the Middle East,” said Serhan Afacan, head of the Center for Iranian Studies, a research organisation in Ankara. Interim president Sharaa weighs up Ankara and Riyadh in power struggle for Syria Refugee fears and regional risks The United States bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities – which Washington claims has ended Tehran's atomic programme – drew no condemnation from Ankara. But the risk of a wider conflict has raised fears of growing instability and the possibility of a refugee wave into Turkey from Iran. Trump's surprise move to broker a ceasefire between Iran and Israel will come as a relief to Ankara, said regional expert Professor Zaur Gasimov of the German Academic Exchange Service in Istanbul. He warned the ceasefire came just as signs were emerging of a refugee exodus. “What we see now is already now is the mobility of people within Iran, leaving Tehran and other bigger cities, going to different directions, that is a challenge for the entire region. And maybe Turkey is a country that is about to observe a refugee influx coming from Iran by the border,” said Gasimov. He warned Ankara is likely not prepared for such an exodus. “That is a challenge. So, Turkey is currently observing the situation with great attention, and certain answers to this challenge is not ready yet,” said Gasimov. Azerbaijan and Turkey build bridges amid declining influence of Iran Economic toll Turkey, which borders Iraq and Syria, has struggled for decades with chaos on its southern frontier. It currently hosts as many as five million refugees and has paid a heavy economic price through the loss of valuable regional markets. Ankara will likely be eyeing the potential rewards of a weakened Tehran in the long-running competition for regional influence. “A weak Iran is good for Turkey always, but not a dead Iran,” said Bagci. “Iran is important for connectivity. They [Iran] have many neighbours like Turkey. They are close to Russia, Central Asian republics, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, you name it. And the destabilisation of the region is in nobody's interest. "That is why China and Russia are very careful in their statements, and everybody is trying now for a diplomatic solution.” How long Trump's brokered ceasefire will last remains to be seen. But for Ankara, the hope is that wider regional chaos has been avoided – and that it has managed, at least for now, to balance its competing interests.
After surviving many close calls as a war correspondent — from bullets, mortars and the threat of execution — Rod Nordland was diagnosed with a lethal brain tumor in 2019. He died last week, at the age of 75. In his interview with Terry Gross last year, he spoke about facing his mortality as a war correspondent and as a terminal cancer patient. Nordland covered wars and conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Bosnia, El Salvador and Cambodia. Also, we'll listen back to Terry's 1993 conversation with legendary guitarist Buddy Guy, who has a cameo in Sinners. TV critic David Bianculli reviews the new season of Hulu's The Bear.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
The same Democrats who turned a blind eye when Obama dropped 26,000 bombs in a single year are now clutching their pearls over Trump's targeted strike on Iran. Hanson breaks this down on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words.” “ Barack Obama, in the single year, 2016, he dropped 26,000 bombs. And it wasn't just in Syria. It wasn't just in Iraq. It wasn't just in Afghanistan. He dropped them in Libya. He dropped them in Somalia. He dropped them in Yemen. 26,000 bombs. And they all had one thing in common. He didn't think he had to go to the Congress to ask permission. “ All they're doing is saying, 'If Donald Trump does something, we are going to be irate. We're going to use pornography. We're going to use smuddy language. And we're going to oppose him. And now, we're going to impeach him.' And some people in that party said, 'This is so unhinged. It's so contradictory. It's so paradoxical. It's so hypocritical.'”
AS FRANK AMODEO met with President George W. Bush at the White House to discuss NATO operations in Afghanistan, no one knew that he'd already embezzled nearly $200 million from the federal government—money he intended to use to bank roll his plan to take over the world.From Amodeo's global headquarters in the shadow of Florida's Disney World, with a nearly inexhaustible supply of the Internal Revenue Service's funds, Amodeo acquired multiple businesses and amassed a mega corporate-conglomerate. Driven by his delusions of world conquest, he negotiated the purchase of a squadron of American fighter jets and the controlling interest in a former Soviet ICBM factory. He began building the largest private militia on the planet—over one million Africans strong. Simultaneously, Amodeo hired an international black-ops force to orchestrate a coup in the Congo, while plotting to take over several small eastern European countries.The most disturbing part of it all is, had the U.S. government not thwarted his plans, Amodeo might have just pulled it off.Buy The Book: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Insanity-Bizarre-Megalomaniacs-Domination/dp/B08KFYXKK8Follow me on all socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidetruecrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewcoxtruecrimeDo you want to be a guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/5H7FnhvMHKtUnq7k7Send me an email here: insidetruecrime@gmail.comDo you want a custom "con man" painting to shown up at your doorstep every month? Subscribe to my Patreon: https: //www.patreon.com/insidetruecrimeDo you want a custom painting done by me? Check out my Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/coxpopartListen to my True Crime Podcasts anywhere: https://anchor.fm/mattcox Check out my true crime books! Shark in the Housing Pool: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0851KBYCFBent: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV4GC7TMIt's Insanity: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KFYXKK8Devil Exposed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TH1WT5GDevil Exposed (The Abridgment): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1070682438The Program: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0858W4G3KBailout: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bailout-matthew-cox/1142275402Dude, Where's My Hand-Grenade?: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXNFHBDF/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678623676&sr=1-1Checkout my disturbingly twisted satiric novel!Stranger Danger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSWQP3WXIf you would like to support me directly, I accept donations here:Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/MattCox69Cashapp: $coxcon69
This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren is joined by guest co-host Shay Khatari for a compelling lineup of guests and conversations. Former British soldier and Middle East strategist Andrew Fox kicks things off, diving into his article, “The Moronic Obscenity of Siding with Iran.” With three tours in Afghanistan and firsthand experience with Iranian interference, Andrew explains why Western appeasement isn't just misguided—it's dangerous. Next, Hollywood executive and author Chris Fenton joins the show to discuss his RealClearPolitics piece, “Why This Lifelong Democrat Voted for Trump,” sharing how his global media career, stand against Chinese censorship, and new American-made film Bad Counselors reflect his deeper concern for freedom, fairness, and national sovereignty. Then, Sarah Hunt, President of the Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy, breaks down why smart energy policy rooted in national security and innovation is essential in the global AI race—especially against China—and how her organization is working to revive the American Dream by empowering emerging leaders. Don't miss this impactful episode—and as always, stick around for Kiley's Corner, where Kiley gives an update on the Karen Read trial and shares the shocking story of four fifth graders who were plotting to stab a classmate.www.breakingbattlegrounds.voteTwitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_BattleFacebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegroundsInstagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegroundsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegroundsTruth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegroundsShow sponsors:Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.comOld Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.comDot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: dotvote.vote4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground' to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: 4FreedomMobile.comAbout our guest:Andrew Fox is a former soldier; research fellow specialising in the Middle East, Defence, and how Western societies are under attack from authoritarian regimes.I served in the RWF and the Parachute Regiment; three tours of Afghanistan (including one with US Special Forces), as well as the Middle East, Bosnia and N Ireland.Bachelor's in Law & Politics. War Studies MA, dissertation on strategy in the Middle East. Psychology MSc study on leadership and the psychology of disinformation. Level 7 qualifications in education; leadership & strategic management. PhD study, ongoing. Follow him on X @Mr_Andrew_Fox.Read: The moronic obscenity of siding with Iran-Company Founder, Chris Fenton, served as GM of DMG North America & President of DMG Entertainment Motion Picture Group, internationally orchestrating the creative, investment, and business activities of a multi-billion-dollar global media company headquartered in Beijing. During his tenure he served on the board of Valiant Entertainment, directing its eventual acquisition, and he worked closely with both Marvel and Hasbro, executing various projects to monetize their IP globally. As an author, Fenton chronicled much of his time at DMG in FEEDING THE DRAGON: Inside the Trillion Dollar Dilemma Facing Hollywood, the NBA, & American Business (Simon & Schuster).Most recently, and after three years of serving as President and CEO of Media Capital Technologies (MCT), a specialty finance company focused on strategic investments in premium content, Fenton stepped down to focus on formally advising companies, investors, brands, and Congress on how to best navigate sector disruptions and optimize America's complicated relationship with China and other challenging markets...AND HE LOVES IT!!! Follow him on X @TheDragonFeeder.-Sarah E. Hunt is a globally focused leader in climate advocacy, technology, and democracy. Her expertise is regularly sought by national publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. As President of the Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy, a think tank and leadership community in Washington D.C., Ms. Hunt leads her team to generate new solutions to some of our nation's most critical challenges and then cultivates a new generation of leaders to actually implement them.Prior to founding the Rainey Center, much of Hunt's background centered in the areas of climate change and election law. She launched a clean energy program at the American Legislative Exchange Council and a climate change program at the Niskanen Center. Before that, she managed state issues and ethics for a political consulting firm and practiced political law at a boutique law firm in the Pacific Northwest.She currently also serves as Director, Policy & Strategy at the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service at Arizona State University.Ms. Hunt holds a BA in political science from the University of New Mexico, a JD from Willamette University College of Law, an LLM in international environmental law from Georgetown University Law Center, and an MPS in global advocacy from the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. She is admitted to the bar in Washington, DC, Oregon, and the 9th Circuit. Follow her on X @sarahehunt01. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Gerald Faunt joins James to unpack the U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear program and its global ripple effects. With firsthand military and intelligence experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, Faunt offers sobering insight into what the strike did—and didn't—accomplish. He details how military deception, weapons systems, and intelligence assessments shape modern conflict. The two also explore the limits of American power, intelligence failures before 9/11 and October 7, and the policy errors that turned terrorism into decades of unwinnable war.Discover more at Enjoyer.com/PodcastFollow James on X: @DownI75 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michiganenjoyer.substack.com
The Taliban have severely restricted the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan since returning to power in August 2021. Nearly 2.2 million girls are deprived of education, with girls banned from school after the age of 12 years, while women are not allowed to work in most sectors of society. In response, more and more Afghan women in the capital Kabul are using art as an act of hope and resistance. FRANCE 24's team reports, with Shahzaib Wahlah.
شماره تماس ما هست ۱۳۲۱۳۰۰۷۴۷۷+ Facebook: Khabar Khush خبر خوشLink:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079082463339...Facebook: شبکه کلیسای خانگی افغانستانLink:https://www.facebook.com/AfgChristiansinTajikestan?mibextid=ZbWKwLFacebook: صفحه پشتو خبر خوش Link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556598063613Facebook: Afghan House Church Network شبکه کلیسای خانگی افغانستانInstagram: @khabarkhushWebsite: https://www.khabarkhush.org/Twitter: @khabarkhushYouTube:https://youtube.com/@khabarkhush7420Telegram: https://t.me/khabarkhushEmail: khabarkhush@gmail.comhttps://youtu.be/IknVC-LmaJA?si=wKdQnO4fdQWxomK7
Tim Thomas is a veteran recovery expert, speaker, and wellness advocate on a mission to transform lives through the power of quality sleep and human connection. A former Australian Special Forces operator, Tim brings over a decade of frontline experience in mental health, research, and breathwork. He has helped raise $1M+ for causes like the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation and the Queensland Brain Institute. Known for his gripping stories, practical insights, and contagious energy, Tim empowers listeners to build resilience, embrace rest, and lead with generosity. Breathwork In Bed – Home of the best Breathwork App
John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, joins guest host Casey Kustin, AJC's Chief Impact and Operations Officer, to break down Israel's high-stakes strike on Iran's nuclear infrastructure and the U.S. decision to enter the fight. With Iran's terror proxy network reportedly dismantled and its nuclear program set back by years, Spencer explains how Israel achieved total air superiority, why a wider regional war never materialized, and whether the fragile ceasefire will hold. He also critiques the international media's coverage and warns of the global consequences if Iran's ambitions are left unchecked. Take Action: Take 15 seconds and urge your elected leaders to send a clear, united message: We stand with Israel. Take action now. Resources and Analysis: Israel, Iran, and a Reshaped Middle East: AJC Global Experts on What Comes Next AJC Advocacy Anywhere - U.S. Strikes in Iran and What Comes Next Iranian Regime's War on America: Four Decades of Targeting U.S. Forces and Citizens AJC Global Forum 2025: John Spencer Breaks Down Israel's War and Media Misinformation Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: Untold stories of Jews who left or were driven from Arab nations and Iran People of the Pod: Latest Episodes: Iran's Secret Nuclear Program and What Comes Next in the Iranian Regime vs. Israel War Why Israel Had No Choice: Inside the Defensive Strike That Shook Iran's Nuclear Program 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: Casey Kustin: Hi, I'm Casey Kustin, AJC's Chief Impact and Operations Officer, and I have the pleasure of guest hosting this week's episode. As of the start of this recording on Wednesday, June 25, it's been 13 days since Israel launched precision airstrikes aimed at dismantling the Iranian regime's nuclear infrastructure and degrading its ballistic missile capabilities to help us understand what transpired and where we are now, I'm here with John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, co-director of the Urban Warfare Project and Executive Director of the Urban Warfare Institute. John, welcome to People of the Pod. John Spencer: Hey, Casey, it's good to see you again. Casey Kustin: Thanks so much for joining us. John, you described Israel's campaign as one of the most sophisticated preemptive strike campaigns in modern history, and certainly the scope and precision was impressive. What specific operational capabilities enabled Israel to dominate the Iranian airspace so completely? John Spencer: Yeah, that's a great question, and I do believe it basically rewrote the book, much like after the 1973 Yom Kippur War, where Israel did the unthinkable, the United States military conducted 27 different studies, and it fundamentally changed the way we fight warfare. It's called Air-Land Battle. I think similarly with Operation Rising Lion, just the opening campaign rewrote what we would call, you know, Shock and Awe, Joint Forcible Entry, things like that. And the capabilities that enabled it, of course, were years of planning and preparation. Just the deep intelligence infiltration that Israel did before the first round was dropped. The Mossad agents texting the high command of the IRGC to have a meeting, all of them believing the texts. And it was a meeting about Israel. They all coming together. And then Israel blew up that meeting and killed, you know, in the opening 72 hours, killed over 25 senior commanders, nine nuclear scientists, all of that before the first bomb was dropped. But even in the opening campaign, Israel put up over 200 aircrafts, almost the entire Israeli air force in the sky over Iran, dominating and immediately achieving what we call air supremacy. Again, through years of work, almost like a science fiction story, infiltrating drone parts and short range missiles into Iran, then having agents put those next to air defense radars and ballistic air defense missile systems. So that as soon as this was about to begin, those drones lost low cost drones and short range missiles attacked Iranian air defense capabilities to give the window for all of the Israeli F-35 Eyes that they've improved for the US military since October 7 and other aircraft. Doing one of the longest operations, seconded only to one other mission that Israel has done in their history, to do this just paralyzing operation in the opening moment, and then they didn't stop. So it was a combination of the infiltration intelligence, the low-tech, like the drones, high-tech, advanced radar, missiles, things like that. And it was all put together and synchronized, right? So this is the really important thing that people kind of miss in military operations, is how hard it is to synchronize every bit of that, right? So the attack on the generals, the attack on the air defenses, all of that synchronized. Hundreds of assets in a matter of minutes, all working together. There's so much chance for error, but this was perfection. Casey Kustin: So this wasn't just an operational success, it was really strategic dominance, and given that Iran failed to down a single Israeli Aircraft or cause any significant damage to any of Israel's assets. What does that tell us about the effectiveness of Iran's military capabilities, their Russian built air defenses that they have touted for so long? John Spencer: Absolutely. And some people say, I over emphasize tactics. But of course, there's some famous sayings about this. At the strategic level, Israel, one, demonstrated their military superiority. A small nation going against a Goliath, a David against a Goliath. It penetrated the Iranian myth of invincibility. And I also failed to mention about how Israel, during this opening of the campaign, weakened Iran's ability to respond. So they targeted ballistic missile launchers and ballistic missile storages, so Iran was really weakened Iran's ability to respond. But you're right, this sent a signal around the Middle East that this paper tiger could be, not just hit, it could be dominated. And from the opening moments of the operation until the ceasefire was agreed to, Israel eventually achieved air supremacy and could dominate the skies, like you said, without losing a single aircraft, with his really historic as well. And hit what they wanted with what they wanted, all the military infrastructure, all the senior leaders. I mean, eventually they assigned a new commander of the IRGC, and Israel found that guy, despite him running around in caves and things. It definitely had a strategic impact on the signal to the world on Israel's capabilities. And this isn't just about aircraft and airstrikes. Israel's complete dominance of Iran and the weakness, like you said. Although Israel also taught the world back when they responded to Iran's attack in April of last year, and in October of last year, is that you probably shouldn't be buying Russian air defense systems like S-300s. But Iran still, that was the backbone of their air defense capabilities, and Israel showed that that's a really bad idea. Casey Kustin: You mentioned the component of this that was not just about going after infrastructure sites, but targeting Iranian military leadership and over 20 senior military and nuclear figures, according to public reporting. This was really a central part of this campaign as well. How does this kind of decapitation strategy alter the regime's military capability now, both in this immediate short term, but also in the long term, when you take out that kind of leadership? John Spencer: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, much like when the United States took out Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Quds Force, who had been decades of leadership of the Quds Force, the terror proxies, which I'm sure we'll talk about, overseeing those to include the ones in Iraq, killing my soldiers. It had a ripple effect that was, it's hard to measure, but that's decades of relationships and leadership, and people following them. So there is that aspect of all of these. Now we know over 25 senior IRGC and Iranian basically leadership, because they killed a police chief in Tehran and others. Yet that, of course, will ripple across. It paralyzed the leadership in many ways during the operation, which is the psychological element of this, right? The psychological warfare, to do that on the opening day and then keep it up. That no general could trust, much like Hezbollah, like nobody's volunteering to be the next guy, because Israel finds him and kills him. On the nuclear though, right, which all wars the pursuit of political goals. We can never forget what Israel said the political goals were – to roll back Iran's imminent breakout of a nuclear weapon, which would not only serve to destroy Israel, because that's what they said they wanted to do with it, but it also gives a nuclear umbrella, which is what they want, to their exporting of terrorism, and the Ring of Fire, the proxy networks that have all been defanged thanks to Israel. That's the reason they wanted. So in taking out these scientists.So now it's up to 15 named nuclear scientists. On top of the nuclear infrastructure and all the weaponization components. So it's not just about the three nuclear enrichment sites that we all talked about in the news, you know, Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. It's about that complete, decades-long architecture of the scientists, the senior scientists at each of the factories and things like that, that does send about, and I know we're in right now, as we're talking, they're debating about how far the program was set back. It holistically sets back that definitely the timeline. Just like they destroyed the Tehran clock. I'm sure you've heard this, which was the doomsday clock that Iran had in Tehran, which is the countdown to the destruction of Israel. Israel stopped that clock, both literally and figuratively. Could they find another clock and restart it? Absolutely. But for now, that damage to all those personnel sets everything back. Of course, they'll find new commanders. I argue that you can't find those same level of you know, an Oppenheimer or the Kahn guy in Pakistan. Like some of those guys are irreplaceable. Casey Kustin: So a hallmark of Israeli defense policy has always been that Israel will take care of itself by itself. It never asks the United States to get involved on its behalf. And before President Trump decided to undertake US strikes, there was considerable public discussion, debate as to whether the US should transfer B2s or 30,000 pound bunker busters to Israel. From purely a military perspective, can you help us understand the calculus that would go into why the US would decide to take the action itself, rather than, say, transfer these assets to Israel to take the action? John Spencer: Sure. It's a complex political question, but actually, from the military perspective, it's very straightforward. The B2 stealth fire fighter, one of our most advanced, only long range bomber that can do this mission right, safely under radar, all this stuff. Nobody else has it. Nobody else has a pilot that could do it. So you couldn't just loan this to Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East, and let them do the operation. As well as the bomb. This is the only aircraft with the fuselage capable of carrying this side. Even the B-52 stratomaster doesn't have the ability to carry this one, although it can push big things out the back of it. So just from a logistics perspective, it wouldn't work. And then there's the classification. And there's many issues with, like, the somebody thinking that would have been the easiest, and even if it was possible, there's no way to train an Israeli pilot, all the logistics to it, to do it. The Israel Begin Doctrine about, you know, taking into their own hands like they did in Iraq in 1981 and Syria in 2007, is still in full effect, and was shown to be literally, a part of Israel's survival is this ability to, look, I understand that allies are important. And I argue strongly that Israel can never go at it alone, and we should never want it to. The strength of any nation is its allies. And the fact that even during this operation, you saw immense amounts of American military resources pushed into the Middle East to help defend Israel and US bases but Patriot systems on the ground before this operation, THAAD systems on the ground before the system. These are the advanced US army air defense systems that can take down ballistic missiles. You had Jordan knocking down drones. You had the new Assad replacement guy, it's complex, agreeing to shoot things down over their airspace. That is part of Israel's strength, is its allies. I mean, the fact that you have, you know, all the Arab nations that have been helping and defending Israel is, I think, can't be underscored under Israel doesn't, shouldn't need to go it alone, and it will act. And that's the Begin Doctrine like this case. And I do believe that the United States had the only weapon, the only capability to deliver something that the entire world can get behind, which is nuclear proliferation, not, you know, stopping it. So we don't want a terror regime like the Islamic regime, for so many different reasons, to have a nuclear weapon close to breakout. So United States, even the G7, the United Nations, all agree, like, you can't have a nuclear weapon. So the United States doing that limited strike and midnight hammer, I think, was more than just about capabilities. It was about leadership in saying, look, Iran's double play that the economic sanctions, or whatever, the JCPOA agreement, like all these things, have failed. Conclusively, not just the IAEA statement that they're 20 years that now they're in violation of enrichment to all the different intelligence sources. It was not working. So this operation was vital to Israel's survival, but also vital for the world and that too, really won in this operation. Casey Kustin: Vital both in this operation, in the defense of Israel, back in April 2024 when Iran was firing missiles and we saw other countries in the region assist in shooting them down. How vital is Israel's integration into CENTCOM to making that all work? John Spencer: Oh, I mean, it's life saving. And General Carrillo, the CENTCOM Commander, has visited Israel so much in. The last 20 months, you might as well have an apartment in Tel Aviv. It's vital, because, again, Israel is a small nation that does spend exponential amounts of its GDP in its defense. But Iran, you know this, 90 million much greater resources, just with the ballistic missile program. Why that, and why that was so critical to set that back, could overwhelm Israel's air defense systems. Could. There's so much to this, but that coordination. And from a military to military perspective, and this is where I come and get involved, like I know, it's decades long, it's very strong. It's apolitical on purpose. It's hidden. Most people don't know it, but it's vital to the survival of our greatest ally in the Middle East. So it meets American interest, and, of course, meets Israel's interest. Casey Kustin: Can you help us understand the Iranian response targeting Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, because this seemed like a very deliberate way for the regime to save face and then de-escalate. But if the ceasefire falls apart, what are the vulnerabilities for us, troops and assets in the region. How well positioned are our bases in Qatar, Al Dhafra in the UAE, our naval assets in Bahrain, our bases in Iraq? How well positioned are we to absorb and deter a real retaliatory response? John Spencer: Yeah, it's a great question. I mean, first and foremost, you know, there is a bit of active defense. So, of course, all of our US bases are heavily defended. A lot of times, you can see things are about to happen, and you can, just like they did, they moved to naval aircraft that would have been even vulnerable in some of these locations, out to sea, so they can't be touched. Heavily defended. But really, active defense is absolutely important, but really deterrence is the greatest protection. So that has to be demonstrated by the capability, right? So the capability to defend, but also the capability to attack and the willingness to use it. This is why I think that supposedly symbolic to the 14 bunker busters that the United States dropped during Operation Midnight Hammer. Iran sent 14 missiles. President Trump says, thanks for the heads up. You know, all of it was evacuated, very symbolic, clearly, to save face and they had a parade, I guess, to say they won something. It's ludicrous, but sometimes you can't get inside the heads of irrational actors who are just doing things for their own population. Our bases, the force protection is heavy. I mean, there's never 100% just like we saw with all the air defenses of Israel, still about 5% or if not less, of the ballistic missiles got through one one drone out of 1000 got through. You can never be 100% but it is the deterrence, and I think that's what people miss in this operation. It set a new doctrine for everyone, for the United States, that we will use force with limited objectives, to send an immense amount of strength. And when somebody says there's a red line now that you should believe that, like if you would have injured a single American in the Middle East, Iran would have felt immense amount of American power against that, and they were very careful not to so clearly, they're deterred. This also sent a new red line for Israel, like Israel will act just like it did in other cases against even Iran, if they start to rebuild the program. War is the pursuit of political objectives, but you always have to look at the strategic on down. Casey Kustin: On that last point, do you think we have entered a new phase in Israeli military doctrine, where, instead of sort of a more covert shadow war with Iran, we will now see open confrontation going forward, if necessary? John Spencer: Well, you always hope that it will not be necessary, but absolutely this event will create, creates a new doctrine. You can see, see almost everything since October 7, and really there were just things that were unconceivable. Having studied and talked to Israeil senior leaders from the beginning of this. Everybody thought, if you attacked Hezbollah, Iran, was going to attack and cause immense amounts of destruction in Israel. Even when Israel started this operation, their estimates of what the damage they would incur was immense. And that it didn't is a miracle, but it's a miracle built in alliances and friendships with the United States and capabilities built in Israel. Of course, Israel has learned a lot since October 7 that will fundamentally change everything about not just the military doctrine, but also intelligence services and many aspects that are still happening as they're fighting, still to this day in Gaza to achieve the realistic, measurable goal there. Yes, it absolutely has set forth that the old ways of doing things are gone, the you know, having these terror armies, the ring of fire that Israel has defanged, if not for Hamas dismantled and destroyed. It sets a new complete peace in the Middle East. But also a doctrine of, Israel is adapting. I mean, there's still some elements about the reserve forces, the reigning doctrine, that are evolving based on the magnitude of the war since October 7. But absolutely you're right about they will, which has been the doctrine, but now they've demonstrated the capability to do it to any threat, to include the great, you know, myth of Iran. Casey Kustin: So when you talk about this defanging of the Iranian proxy network obviously, Israel undertook significant operations against Hezbollah. Over the last year, they've been in active conflict with the Houthis. How does this operation now alter the way that Iran interacts with those proxies and its capacity to wage war against Israel through these proxies? John Spencer: Yeah, cripples it, right? So Iran's nuclear ambition and its terror campaign are literally in ruins right now, both literally and figuratively. Hezbollah was defanged, the leadership, even taking out Nasrallah was believed to have caused catastrophic consequences, and it didn't. So, absolutely for Iran, also during this operation, is sniffing because all of his proxies were silent. I think the Houthis launched two missiles because thanks to Israel and the United States, the Houthi capabilities that should never have been allowed to amass, you know, this pirate terror empire. They didn't make those greatest shore to sea arsenal out of falafels. It got it straight from Iran, and that pipeline has already been cut off, let alone the capabilities. Same thing with Hezbollah, which relied heavily on pipelines and infrastructure of missiles and everything being fed to it by Iran. That's been cut. The Assad regime being the drug empire, support of Hezbollah to rule basically, in Lebanon, has been cut. Hezbollah couldn't come to the aid of Assad. All of these variables. And of course, Hamas will never be able to do anything again, period. It all causes Iran to have to rethink everything. From, you know, not only their own national defense, right air defense capabilities and all this, but their terror campaign, it isn't just in ruins. There's a new doctrine, like it's not acceptable. Now, of course, that's going to be hard to fully reign in. You have Shia backed groups in Iraq, you have a lot of bad things going on, but the Quds Force, which is its job, it's all shattered. Of course, they'll try to rebuild it. But the fact that these terror proxies were already so weakened by Israel that they couldn't do anything and remain silent. Hezbollah just was silent basically during this, is very significant to the peace going forward. I mean, there, there's still a lot of war here, but Israel and the United States have rewritten the map of the Middle East. Casey Kustin: in the hours days that followed the US deciding to engage here. A lot of the conversation focused on the possibility of triggering now broader regional escalation, but we didn't see that, and it sort of shattered that myth that if Israel or the US were to go after Iran, that it would spiral into a broader Middle East conflict. Why did we not see that happen? Why did this remain so controlled? John Spencer: So many reasons that really go back a few months, if not years? Mean going back to the first the Abraham Accords, President Trump's recent tour of the Gulf states and his story. Turic financial deals Israel's like we talked about with the Arab nations that were part of protecting it, the fact that the so on, that very geopolitical aspect. And we saw Iran turn to Russia, because there's always geopolitical considerations. Iran turned to Russia. Said, you're going to help us out. We signed this security agreement last year. We've been helping you in Ukraine do the awful things you're doing there. And Russia said, No, that's not what we said. And it called called President Trump. President Trump says, how about you worry about mediating a ceasefire in Ukraine? And well, so they turned to China and the fact that there was nobody again, and that all the work that had been done with all the people that also disagree, nation states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, all those others. Those are many of the contributing factors. But war also, I wrote this piece about, this isn't Iraq, this isn't Afghanistan, this isn't Libya. I really hate the lazy comparisons. This was contained and not able to spill out by constant communication from day one of what the goals were. Limited objective to roll back a threat to the world nuclear program and the ballistic program as well. That prevents the ability for even the Islamic regime to say, you know, my survival is at risk, I need to escalate this, right? So, being clear, having strategic clarity from Israel, and when the United States assisted, from the United States. You know, war is a contest of wills, not just between the military is fighting it, but the political element and the population element. So, you know, being able to communicate to the population in Israel and like, what's the goal here? Like, how long are we gonna have to do this? And to the United States. Like, what are our interests? Keeping it the goal limited, which all parties did. And even, in fact, you had the G7 meeting during this and they signed an agreement, we agree Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That is a big part of how you permit the spill out. But it does have many contextual elements of the broader, this isn't black and white between Israel and Iran. It's much bigger than that. And that, and we saw all that work that has been done to show strength through peace, or peace through strength, in all the forms of national power that have been rallied against what is chaos that the Islamic regime wants in the Middle East. Casey Kustin: So now that we've had a few days to begin to assess the impact of both the US and the Israeli strikes based on what's publicly available. I think you wrote that the nuclear timeline has been pushed back years. We saw some reporting in the New York Times yesterday saying it's only set back months. It seems this morning, the US is concurring with the Israeli assessment that it's been set back years. A lot of talk about where certain Where did certain stockpiles of enriched uranium, and how confident can we be at this point in any of these assessments? John Spencer: So yes, as we're talking, people are trying to make it political. This should be a non partisan, non political issue. I'm an objective analyst of war. If you just write down all the things that Israel destroyed, validated by satellite imagery. then the fact that somebody And even the spinning of words where like we saw with that leaked report, which was the preliminary thoughts about something, it isn't comprehensive, right? So one, BDA has never come that fast. Two, we do know, and Iran has validated, like all these scientists dead, all these generals dead, all these components of the nuclear program, damaged or destroyed. The idea that somebody would say, well, you only set it back a couple months to me, it's just anti-intellectual. Look, Natanz, Esfahan, Fordo, we can debate about how much stuff is inside of that mountain that was destroyed, although 14 of the world's best bunker buster munitions, 30,000 pounds punching through. I just think, it's not a silly argument, because this is very serious. And yes, there could be, you know, hundreds of pounds of enriched uranium up there, a certain percentage that got floated around. That's not the, the things that set the timeline of breakout. Breakout included all the components of the knowledge and capability to reach breakout and then weaponization of a nuclear bomb. There's nobody, I think, who can comprehensively, without nuancing the words say that Israel wasn't very effective, and the United States assistance in only what the United States could do, at setting this program back and actually stopping the immediate danger. Of course, Iran is still a danger. The program is still a danger, but I just think it's so political that they're trying to say that, well, you only said it back a couple months. That's like, that's ridiculous. Casey Kustin: So as an objective analyst of war, but also as someone who's really been a voice of moral clarity and has called out the international media over the last 18 months for a lot of this disinformation, misinformation, bias reporting. Before we go, John, what is one consequence of this operation that the international media is just missing? John Spencer: One is that, I think the international media who are debating whether Iran was literally using an opposing opinion against global thought that Iran was close to a nuclear bomb, they missed that completely and tried to politicize it to where, just giving disinformation agents that tidbit of a headline that they need. I do believe in journalistic standards, fact checking, those elements and holding those people accountable. I live in the world of experts. People on the platform X who think they're experts. But when you have national media running headlines for sensationalism, for clicks, for you know, struggling for opposition to just political administration, we should learn to really question a single report as valid when there's overwhelming opposition. I don't know how to put that succinctly, but you think we would learn over the last, you know, 20 months of this lies, disinformation, statistical warfare, the things like that that, yeah, it's just crazy that that somebody would think in any way this wasn't an overwhelming success for the world, that this program was set back and a new doctrine for treating the program was established. Casey Kustin: Finally, John, before we wrap up here, the question on everyone's mind: can the ceasefire really hold? John Spencer: So, you know, I don't do predictions, because I understand wars uncertainty. It's human. It's political. It looks by all signs, because of how Iran was dominated, and how the United States showed that if it isn't contained, then immense amounts of force and of course, Israel's superiority, I believe that the ceasefire will hold. It was normal. And I made some some posts about the historical examples of wars coming to an end, from the Korean War, to the Yom Kippur war, Bosnia War, where you had this transition period where you're rolling back forces and everything. But the by the fact that Iran has said, Yeah, we agreed. We have stopped our operation. All signs for me are saying that this ceasefire will hold, and now the world's in a better place. Casey Kustin: John, thank you so much for the insight, for, as I said, your moral clarity that you bring to this conversation. We appreciate you joining us today on People of the Pod. John Spencer: Thank you so much.
Today's defense landscape is chaotic and fast-moving. Drones, AI, autonomy, and cyber threats are reshaping how wars are fought…and how the Pentagon spends. For companies and CEOs, the barrier to entry has never been lower. Any startup with a pitch deck and some funding can say they're in “defense.” But actually succeeding in this market? That's never been harder. Small businesses get lost in red tape, big businesses lose their edge chasing shiny objects. Most companies looking to break into the defense space still pitch like it's 2005, leading with tech specs, chasing every shiny RFP, and assuming that great engineering sells itself. It doesn't…not in today's environment. So what's the right strategy in this market? How do companies set themselves up to win? In this episode, I sit down with Gemo Yesil, founder and managing partner of Bastion Atlas, to unpack why so many well-funded startups, savvy CEOs, and legacy contractors are falling flat, and what it really takes to win in today's high-stakes, high-complexity market. Gemo knows the DoD world inside and out. An MIT-trained aerospace engineer, Air Force veteran, and founder of a fast-scaling fractional BD firm, he's seen firsthand how companies of all sizes struggle with the same fundamental issue: a lack of clear, executable strategy. Gemo explains how defense acquisition has evolved from lumbering legacy programs to fast-moving, software-driven warfare. He shares why the real differentiator today isn't tech specs or connections, it's clarity: about your market, your business model, and what “good” defense revenue actually looks like. You'll also learn: The biggest misconceptions companies have when trying to sell to the DoD Why most “strategies” aren't really strategies and how to create one that's tangible and repeatable What it actually means to define “good business” in the defense sector The risks of chasing large contracts that don't align with your long-term goals How Bastion Atlas approaches fractional business development and execution Why understanding the DoD's operational context is key to communicating product value The growing shift toward treating AI and software as major weapon systems Why traditional consulting is fading and how fractional BD is becoming the new model How to win with process, patience, and a long-term perspective Guest Bio Gemo Yesil is a combat veteran, aerospace engineer and founder and principal at Bastion Atlas. He is a Global Defense Business Development executive with 20 years of experience, and a dual-rated U.S. Air Force pilot, who has flown Combat Rescue helicopters and Tactical Airlift jets in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and South America. After managing Fortune 500 engineering teams on multiple $2B+ programs at Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin and scaling his EdTech startup nationally, Gemo has served as CMC Electronics' Global Sales & Strategy Director, Gecko Robotics' Head of Defense Business Development, and HABCO Industries' VP of Sales & Marketing. He launched Bastion Atlas in 2024 to assemble a team of revenue growth experts and scale their impact across the global Aerospace & Defense industry. Gemo remains proudly connected to his alma mater (MIT), retains an active security clearance, and — as a personal passion — continues to manage national STEM Education initiatives. To learn more, visit https://www.bastionatlas.com/ and connect with Gemo in LinkedIn. About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association. Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Rick Steves had his first puff of a joint in Afghanistan while he was travelling the Hippie Trail in 1978, the overland route from Istanbul to Kathmandu. The travel writer and entrepreneur talks to Matt Galloway about how that trip made him think about the world differently — and why he says others should seek out mind-expanding travel, too.
The war in Afghanistan didn't end when the last C-17 lifted off from Kabul. That was just the beginning of the fallout. It was a trillion-dollar failure, and that failure didn't just disappear—it sent shockwaves across the Middle East. Now, with Israel and Iran staring each other down and the world edging closer to full-blown war, we're seeing the cost of the Global War on Terror in real time. On this episode of Mike Drop, I sit down with Navy SEAL and Afghanistan vet Larsen Jensen—someone who was there, who saw the writing on the wall years ago. Together, we pull no punches. We break down how the U.S. exit from Afghanistan wasn't just a tactical blunder—it was a green light for our enemies. This isn't about politics. It's about reality. Washington failed. The signs were there. Jensen saw them. And if you think the worst is behind us, think again. What's coming next could make Afghanistan look like a warm-up. ---------- #sponsored IDEO U Get 15% Off at www.ideou.com/mikedrop TEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS Be Your Dog's Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog's health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise. https://www.teamdog.shop TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAINING Mike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike's bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog. https://www.teamdog.pet SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Dog https://shop.mikeritland.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Iran presents one of the most significant foreign policy challenges for America and the West, yet very little is known about what the country's goals really are. Vali Nasr examines Iran's political history in new ways to explain its actions and ambitions on the world stage, showing how, behind the veneer of theocracy and Islamic ideology, today's Iran is pursuing a grand strategy aimed at securing the country internally and asserting its place in the region and the world.Drawing on memoirs, oral histories, and original in-depth interviews with Iranian decision makers, Nasr brings to light facts and events in Iran's political history that have been overlooked until now. He traces the roots of Iran's strategic outlook to its experiences over the past four decades of war with Iraq in the 1980s and the subsequent American containment of Iran, invasion of Iraq in 2003, and posture toward Iran thereafter. Nasr reveals how these experiences have shaped a geopolitical outlook driven by pervasive fear of America and its plans for the Middle East.Challenging the notion that Iran's foreign policy simply reflects its revolutionary values or theocratic government, Iran's Grand Strategy: A Political History (Princeton UP, 2025) provides invaluable new insights into what Iran wants and why, explaining the country's resistance to the United States, its nuclear ambitions, and its pursuit of influence and proxies across the Middle East. Vali Nasr is the Majid Khadduri Professor of International Affairs and Middle East Studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He served as the eighth Dean of Johns Hopkins SAIS between 2012 and 2019 and served as Senior Advisor to U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke between 2009 and 2011. He has written a number of books on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. He has advised senior American policymakers, world leaders, and businesses, including the President, Secretary of State, senior members of the Congress, and presidential campaigns. He has written for New York Times, Foreign Affairs, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, among others. Professor Nasr serves as the co-director of the SAIS Rethinking Iran Initiative at Johns Hopkins University, sits on the board of a number of academic institutions, has won a number of prominent grants, and holds a chair named after Henry Kissinger at the library of Congress. Sidney Michelini is a post-doctoral researcher working on Ecology, Climate, and Violence at the Peace Research Institute of Frankfurt (PRIF). Book recommendations: The World After Gaza by Pankaj Mishra The Great Transformation: China's Road from Revolution to Reform by Odd Arne Westad and Chen Jian Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Iran presents one of the most significant foreign policy challenges for America and the West, yet very little is known about what the country's goals really are. Vali Nasr examines Iran's political history in new ways to explain its actions and ambitions on the world stage, showing how, behind the veneer of theocracy and Islamic ideology, today's Iran is pursuing a grand strategy aimed at securing the country internally and asserting its place in the region and the world.Drawing on memoirs, oral histories, and original in-depth interviews with Iranian decision makers, Nasr brings to light facts and events in Iran's political history that have been overlooked until now. He traces the roots of Iran's strategic outlook to its experiences over the past four decades of war with Iraq in the 1980s and the subsequent American containment of Iran, invasion of Iraq in 2003, and posture toward Iran thereafter. Nasr reveals how these experiences have shaped a geopolitical outlook driven by pervasive fear of America and its plans for the Middle East.Challenging the notion that Iran's foreign policy simply reflects its revolutionary values or theocratic government, Iran's Grand Strategy: A Political History (Princeton UP, 2025) provides invaluable new insights into what Iran wants and why, explaining the country's resistance to the United States, its nuclear ambitions, and its pursuit of influence and proxies across the Middle East. Vali Nasr is the Majid Khadduri Professor of International Affairs and Middle East Studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He served as the eighth Dean of Johns Hopkins SAIS between 2012 and 2019 and served as Senior Advisor to U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke between 2009 and 2011. He has written a number of books on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. He has advised senior American policymakers, world leaders, and businesses, including the President, Secretary of State, senior members of the Congress, and presidential campaigns. He has written for New York Times, Foreign Affairs, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, among others. Professor Nasr serves as the co-director of the SAIS Rethinking Iran Initiative at Johns Hopkins University, sits on the board of a number of academic institutions, has won a number of prominent grants, and holds a chair named after Henry Kissinger at the library of Congress. Sidney Michelini is a post-doctoral researcher working on Ecology, Climate, and Violence at the Peace Research Institute of Frankfurt (PRIF). Book recommendations: The World After Gaza by Pankaj Mishra The Great Transformation: China's Road from Revolution to Reform by Odd Arne Westad and Chen Jian Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history
Keith Bishop chooses his words wisely: when he speaks, people listen. That came in handy during his decade career with the Broncos as an offensive lineman, especially when the Broncos were on the 2-yard line in Cleveland needing a 98 drive to tie the Browns in the AFC Championship game in 1987. Keith noticed the Browns defense snickering, so he got ticked and told his huddle “We got those mother f-ers right where we want them.” His teammates started laughing, the Browns were confused and Denver got the last laugh in The Drive. After his 10-year career in Denver, the 7-time captain got into law enforcement. He became a DEA Special Agent with stops in Dallas, Washington DC, Houston and Afghanistan. He chased, and helped catch the baddest of the bad guys for 20 years. He was set to retire from the DEA and settle in Thailand with his wife. But a hernia he developed in Afghanistan brought him back to the states so he could consult with doctors he trusted. He called John Elway, who was the GM at the time, and asked if he could talk to the Broncos doctors. John said sure, but he also wanted to talk to Keith about something. That something was the VP of Security for the Broncos. A job Keith accepted and is still doing in 2025. Listen to Keith's story and conversation with Susie Wargin on the Cut Traded Fired Retired Podcast.
Even after the fighting stops, the impact of war is felt for generations. War Child US and Canada's President Dr. Samantha Nutt joins Rapid Response to share how the nonprofit is serving families in conflict zones around the world — from Rwanda to Afghanistan, utilizing local leaders and community organizers to spark meaningful and long term change. In the wake of Trump's sweeping USAID divestment, Dr. Nutt reveals how nonprofits are adapting to a new climate, and why she's surprisingly optimistic about the future of American generosity.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Special Guest: BILL THOMPSONBill Thompson is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 with a history of working in the government's most technologically advanced specialized units and organizations, including a job as a Cyber Network Operations advisor and program evaluator at DARPA. Bill is responsible for contributing to many of the advancements in AI, Signals, and Human Intelligence, which led to many successful operations involving the capturing and killing of terrorists in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Southern Philippines. Bill utilized that same tech prowess to create software that allows big and small game tracking with advanced planning, mapping, and AI for hunters. In the military, Bill's roles held a singular and enduring mission: to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security. By harnessing innovators inside and outside government, Bill has delivered on that mission and remains a champion for America's national security and defense communities.www.spartanforge.aiwww.patreon.com/mikeglover
Join us on this captivating episode as we delve into the remarkable journey of Austin Berner. From his enduring aspiration to serve in the military since age five, through his unexpected path into the world of combat documentation, Austin's narrative is a unique blend of ambition, service, and creativity. Listen in as Austin recounts his time documenting military operations in Afghanistan, the camaraderie with fellow soldiers, and the crucial role of combat cameramen in capturing history. Discover his candid insights into the filming battlefield dynamics and his contributions to missions ranging from humanitarian efforts in Central America to commemorative jumps on historic World War II sites. Also, take a leap with Austin as he transitions from military service to soaring the skies with Delta Airlines, sharing stories from both the battlefield and the cabin. This episode is a tribute to resilience, dedication, and the enduring spirit of service across different arenas. ___________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #mentors4mil #mentorsformilitary #173rdInfantry #comcam Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/
Visit Y Street Capital to learn more about our projects. The conventional wisdom is that when the value of a country'scurrency falls relative to its trading partners, its exports become more competitive in the global market. It's no secret that the Trump Administration is aiming to bring more manufacturing back to the United States.Global flows of capital have changed since the start of the year. While the administration wishes to bring increasing levels of capital investment to the United States many of the policies are in fact having the opposite effect. President Trump has stated publicly that he wishes the US dollar to fall compared with other currencies including the Japanese Yen, the Euro, the Chinese Yuan and the Canadian Dollar.An increasing number of investors are looking for a safe haven for their capital. The US dollar has fallen by 10% since the beginning of the year against most of the major currencies. Indications are that it is forecast to fall even further when measured against other major currencies. We think that real estate investments in Canada represent a better risk adjusted proposition right now. This is based on the following observations:1) The slowdown in new construction that we have seen across the US is also present in Canada. This means that labor rates in Canada for new construction have moderated and we are seeing extremely competitive bids for new work. 2) Immigration to the US is down significantly since the start of the year and demand for new housing will decline as a result. The US has pretty much closed the door refugee claimants. This includes countries like Afghanistan where many US allies are stranded and have no path to enter the US. 3) Immigration to Canada remains in extremely high demand. The Canadian government has reduced its immigration targets slightly, but the numbers remain extremely high especially when compared to the US as a percentage of the population. 4) Interest rates in Canada are much lower for borrowing. The 5 year Canada mortgage bond is trading around 3.1% which means that a new construction and permanent financing loan could price below 4%. Rates are not that low in the US. 5) Canada is not waging a trade war against the rest of the world. While prices for certain construction commodities like electrical equipment and air conditioners will certainly be impacted by tariffs in the US, we are not seeing the same impact in Canada. Many manufacturers have operations in North America including Mexico. These goods can flow into Canada free of any tariffs under USMCA. 6) Even with new apartment supply having entered the market, vacancy rates in most Canadian cities are far below comparable US markets. 7) If the US dollar falls further as we see the Trump administration wishing, then any investment outside the US goes up in value on a relative basis. Investing is not the same as speculating on foreign exchange rates. That alone should not be a reason for investing outside the US. It's just one of many factors to consider when looking at aggregate probabilities.When we put all of these factors together, we see a compelling case for investing in Canada, even for US investors. ---------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1) iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613) Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com) LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce) Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso) Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com) Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)
Even after the fighting stops, the impact of war is felt for generations. War Child US and Canada's President Dr. Samantha Nutt joins Rapid Response to share how the nonprofit is serving families in conflict zones around the world — from Rwanda to Afghanistan, utilizing local leaders and community organizers to spark meaningful and long term change. In the wake of Trump's sweeping USAID divestment, Dr. Nutt reveals how nonprofits are adapting to a new climate, and why she's surprisingly optimistic about the future of American generosity.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The ayatollahs who have ruled Iran since 1979 have long promised to destroy the Jewish state, and had even set a deadline for it. While arming proxies to fight Israel—Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and more—Iran is believed to have sought to develop nuclear weapons for itself. “The big question about Iran was always: how significant is its apocalyptic theology?” Yossi Klein Halevi explains to David Remnick. “How central is that end-times vision to the Iranian regime? And is there a possibility that the regime would see a nuclear weapon as the way of furthering their messianic vision?” Halevi is a journalist and senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, and he co-hosts the podcast “For Heaven's Sake.” He is a fierce critic of Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “I have no doubt that he is capable of starting a war for his own political needs.” And yet Netanyahu was right to strike Iran, no matter the consequences, Halevi asserts. “The Israeli perspective is not . . . the American war in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's our own experience.”New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Follow the show wherever you get your podcasts.The New Yorker Radio Hour is a co-production of WNYC Studios and The New Yorker. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sign up to attend HREC Course: https://shooting-performance.coursestorm.com/.../warrior... On today's Coffee with Rich, we will be joined by Justin Carroll. We will be discussing 10 Keys to Success in the Police Academy. Join Us! Justin is a former Reconnaissance, Force Reconnaissance and MARSOC Special Operator, with tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines. He was also former “OGA” contractor with many deployments to Central Asia. After his time in the Corps and with OGA, Justin was a contracted special operations instructor for the U.S. Military. Justin is a published author of six books, dozens of online and print magazines, and his amazing blog, Swift, Silent and Deadly. He has traveled the world with 28 countries and 44/50 U.S. states under his belt. He has been a podcaster, co-hosting the popular show Across the Peak, with yours truly, and is currently serving as a practicing Paramedic and Search & Rescue Team member. Follow Justin: https://swiftsilentdeadly.com/ https://swiftsilentdeadly.com/keys-to-success-in-the.../ Coffee with Rich Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/rhodieusmc/videos American Warrior Show: https://americanwarriorshow.com/index.html SWAG: https://shop.americanwarriorsociety.com/ American Warrior Society please visit: https://americanwarriorsociety.com/
In this episode of the Talkin' Crazy Podcast, I break down everything that's been weighing on our community since the airstrike on Iran. From the stress our families are feeling, to the anxiety junior service members are hiding behind silence — this is for anyone trying to stay grounded when the world feels on fire.I talk about the generational shift in the military, what it felt like going to Afghanistan in 2012, and why now is the time for real leadership — not just rank.If you're doomscrolling, anxious, or pretending you're okay… this episode is for you.www.masterthemilitary.comLet our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all fromthe comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/meechspeaks and enjoy a special discount on your first month.
In this episode, host Kent Hance discusses recent U.S. military actions against Iran, providing historical context on U.S.-Iran relations and the Iranian revolution. Hance analyzes the effectiveness of a recent bombing operation, contrasts it with the Afghanistan withdrawal, and considers the implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy. He also examines Middle Eastern reactions, the importance of operational security, and potential economic effects. The episode blends historical insight with commentary on current events, offering listeners a clear perspective on the complexities of military strategy and diplomacy in the Middle East.
The Ayatollahs who have ruled Iran since 1979 have long promised to destroy the Jewish state, and even set a deadline for it. While arming proxies to fight Israel—Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and more—Iran is believed to have sought to develop nuclear weapons for itself. “The big question about Iran was always how significant is its apocalyptic theology,” Yossi Klein Halevi explains to David Remnick. “How central is that end-times vision to the Iranian regime? And is there a possibility that the regime would see a nuclear weapon as the way of furthering their messianic vision?” Halevi is a journalist and senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, and he co-hosts the podcast “For Heaven's Sake.” He is a fierce critic of Benjamin Netanyahu, saying “I have no doubt that he is capable of starting a war for his own political needs.” And yet Netanyahu was right to strike Iran, Halevi asserts, no matter the consequences. “The Israeli perspective is not … the American war in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's our own experience.”