Podcast appearances and mentions of al qaeda

**Funding the Enemy: The Shocking Continuity of U.S. Cash Infusions to Iran and the Taliban** In this hard-hitting segment, the hosts expose a deeply troubling pattern within American foreign policy: the continuous funding of hostile regimes and designated terror groups. The monologue begins by tearing into the Trump administration's newly proposed maritime framework with Iran, drawing explicit, unfavorable parallels to Barack Obama's 2015 JCPOA. Labeling the deal a "disastrous" mistake and a cash-for-nothing transfer, the commentary highlights how temporary sanctions relief allows Tehran to cash in on billions of dollars in backed-up oil reserves. Despite Iran's record of over thirty red-line violations and constant ceasefire strikes, the U.S. receives only a vague "framework" to have a conversation about enriched uranium stockpiles. Shifting focus from the Middle East to Afghanistan, the commentary dives into an equally stunning revelation regarding the Taliban. Despite a 20-year war that cost $2.3 trillion and claimed 2,456 American lives, the U.S. government continues to send $40 million a week to Afghanistan. The host calls out Senate Majority Leader John Thune for blocking a vote on the House-passed "Defund the Taliban Act," accusing him of outright lying on the record about his awareness of the bill. Citing warnings from intelligence analysts, the segment details how the Taliban is currently protecting reconstituted Al-Qaeda and ISIS terror camps. Whether through sanctions relief to Iran or direct financial aid to Kabul, the host delivers a scathing indictment of a system where foreign adversaries are built up "brick by brick" at the direct expense of American service members. The episode wraps up with a lighter look at domestic business news, touching on the massive financial buzz surrounding a SpaceX IPO. Iran deal, Sanctions relief, JCPOA, Donald Trump, Tucker Carlson, JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Taliban, Defund the Taliban Act, John Thune, Tim Burchett, Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda, SpaceX, Elon Musk

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 11, 2026. We open with one of the most disturbing stories we've covered — federal officials have located 146,000 unaccompanied migrant children who entered the country during the Biden administration and disappeared into a broken government tracking system. Nearly half a million unaccompanied children were transferred into federal custody between 2019 and 2023, and the government lost track of three out of every four of them. Over 32,000 failed to appear for immigration court hearings — children who legally don't even have the capacity to be responsible for that. We point out that some sponsors used the same addresses and names over and over to claim multiple children — a hallmark of trafficking networks — and that acting Attorney General Todd Blanch confirmed this program was exploited for sexual assault and trafficking. We make the case that this level of failure isn't incompetence. It's a feature, not a bug, of an administration that prioritized volume over accountability — and we ask where these children go to get their childhoods back. In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, President Trump paused another round of attacks on Iran after announcing a breakthrough in negotiations, with a final deal expected to be signed in Europe as early as this weekend — including guarantees Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon and that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen to shipping without Iranian tolls. Then the CEO of ActBlue refused to answer questions during a congressional hearing, repeatedly citing attorney-client privilege and Fifth Amendment protections amid allegations of fraudulent campaign donations including foreign contributions. And a Michigan court overturned the conviction of one of the men accused of plotting to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020, ruling that kidnapping isn't a violent felony under Michigan's terrorism statute — we revisit the role the FBI itself played in organizing that plot. We also cover New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani attending the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden with a roughly $1,000 standing-room ticket — despite running a campaign built on taxing the wealthy and claiming he'd have to move back in with his parents due to financial strain. We make the broader point about socialism and its leaders — the people at the top always seem to find their way to the good seats while telling everyone else to live within their needs. Our American Mamas Teri Netterville and Kimberly Burleson tackle the question of whether MAGA is dead, as several prominent former Trump-aligned commentators have recently suggested. They point to Trump-endorsed candidates sweeping primaries in South Carolina, Louisiana, and Texas as evidence the movement is alive and well, and discuss the pattern of high-profile pundits — Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens — making abrupt reversals after years of consistency, while Trump's messaging has remained the same. They draw a comparison to Ann Coulter's earlier break with Trump over the border wall timeline, suggesting some of these breaks come from single-issue voters whose patience ran out on one specific promise. We dig into the controversy over whether ICE enforcement should pause during the World Cup — with activists arguing that immigration enforcement makes undocumented immigrants feel unsafe attending games. We point out the absurdity by comparison — nobody argues pickpocketing laws should be suspended during the Super Bowl. In our Digging Deep segment, we cover the case of a Somali World Cup referee who was denied entry into the United States after Customs and Border Protection flagged his connections to Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate — and his own social media posts containing antisemitic statements. We walk through why this isn't about ethnicity, despite Al-Shabaab itself issuing a statement calling it racial discrimination, and why a country has every right to keep people connected to designated terrorist organizations out, regardless of their profession. We also cover the first arrest from a new federal fraud task force's top-10 most-wanted list — a $100 million bank fraud case in Orange County involving falsified title insurance documents and altered digital metadata. For our Bright Spot, a new study out of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that patients who received five minutes of intercessory prayer — including the laying on of hands — experienced significantly greater pain and anxiety reduction than those who listened to faith music or meditation, with benefits lasting up to six weeks. Remarkably, the results held regardless of whether the patient receiving prayer was a believer — what mattered was the faith of the person doing the praying. We connect it to the biblical example of the centurion asking Jesus to heal his servant, and note that researchers are now suggesting intercessory prayer become standard medical practice. And we close with Jimmy Kimmel mocking Spencer Pratt over losing his home in the LA wildfires by renting him a U-Haul — which we call exactly what it is, shameful — and the congressional baseball game, where Republicans beat Democrats 11-2, with Florida Rep. Greg Steube striking out five batters and Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt named MVP for a diving catch that left him bloodied. May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

- En Tierra hostil - Antonio Pampliega es corresponsal de guerra, ha entrevistado a sicarios, narcos, asesinos. Ha recorrido los lugares más peligrosos del mundo e incluso fue secuestrado 299 días en Siria por Al Qaeda. - La Isla de los condenados - Durante el siglo XIX miles de soldados franceses fueron llevado a la Isla balear de Camberra. Sin recursos, sin comida, sin normas, el lugar se convirtió en un infierno. Con Pablo Tresgallo - El hotel encantado de Canadá - EN mitad de las Montañas Rocosas se alza un hotel donde suceden cosas realmente extrañas. Su silueta es símbolo de lo paranormal. con Jose Manuel García Bautista

Send us Fan MailThe Second Battle of Ramadi, fought in 2006 during the Iraq War, saw the US military and Iraqi Security Forces come together to drive insurgent groups out of the city of Ramadi. In a tense and difficult battle, coalition forces sought to capture key areas of the city, allowing them to take control. This 8-month conflict is considered one of the most decisive battles in the overarching Iraq War and many in the military believe it led to the formation of the Anbar Awakening, which saw Iraqi tribal groups reject al-Qaeda and cooperate with US forces. Join us for this documentary as we examine the Second Battle of Ramadi. Welcome to Wars of the World.Support the show

Glenn starts the show by addressing the backlash he's received over his recent discussions on Russian influence in America and Aleksandr Dugin's influence in the West. Glenn warns of attempts to fix diagnoses in society that often lead to worse outcomes. Glenn takes calls from his listeners, who discuss a variety of issues, including questioning how political candidates linked to Al-Qaeda can run for office. Consumers are facing rising electricity and energy costs due to the growing demand from AI data centers. Glenn offers a solution that benefits all parties, outlining the conditions that must be in place before these data centers can proceed. Glenn discusses the story of YouTuber Jesse Ridgway, known online as 'McJuggerNuggets,' who recently admitted to aborting his unborn child after being given a potential Down syndrome diagnosis. Glenn speaks with more listeners who share their personal journeys of having family members with disabilities.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Rubin of "The Rubin Report" talks to Andy Ngo and Shermichael Singleton about Elon Musk drawing massive attention to the bodycam footage of the murder of Henry Nowak who UK police handcuffed as he died from stab wounds from Vikram Digua who had falsely accused Nowak of a racist attack; UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attacking Elon Musk for daring to bring attention to UK police letting Henry Nowak die and believe false accusations of racism; Hasan Piker promoting Democrat Adam Hamawy who had past affiliations with the Al Qaeda linked Benevolence International Foundation and Omar Abdel-Rahman, better known as the Blind Sheikh; Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur trying to blame Israel for being banned from entering the UK; and "The View'" Sunny Hostin forcing Jill Biden to come clean about Joe Biden's horrible relationship with Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff; and much more. Join me for a LIVE Event with Governor Ron DeSantis, plus special appearances by Jillian Michaels, and Adam Carolla on June 11th! Get Tickets Here: https://daverubin.com/events WATCH the MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE segment of the show here: https://rubinreport.locals.com/ Check out the NEW RUBIN REPORT MERCH here: https://daverubin.store/ ---------- Today's Sponsors: OmniWatch- Get AI-powered Scam Detection that's always active, defending your data 24/7. Get an exclusive 50% off your first month of digital protection. Go to http://omniwatch.com code "RUBIN"  Brooklyn Bedding -  Upgrade your sleep with a perfect mattress delivered to your door. Use my promo code RUBIN at checkout to get 30% off sitewide. This offer is not available anywhere else.  Go to http://brooklynbedding.com  TWC Ivermectin - Introducing American-Made Ivermectin, safe, trusted, and produced right here in the United States. Order your 6-month supply today and use code RUBIN for $45 OFF + FREE shipping. Go to: https://www.twc.health/RUBIN and use code RUBIN

Confirmed: Dem Senate candidate Graham Platner loves Nazis. Democrats are now sending America's enemies to Congress. Lee Zeldin catches Dems looting the treasury. Trump takes a breathtaking risk in Iran. Al Qaeda rebuilds in America. (Please subscribe & share.) Sources: https://justthenews.com/accountability/waste-fraud-and-abuse/epa-boss-made-criminal-referrals-alleging-democrat-self https://x.com/DanBurmawy/status/2062342370759155993?s=20

DESCRIPTION A Democratic Senate candidate faces mounting scrutiny over allegations involving a Nazi-linked tattoo and abuse claims, while a newly nominated congressional candidate's past associations with a designated terrorist organization spark national controversy. Tara examines the growing political fallout and what it reveals about today's political landscape. SUMMARY Today's show dives into two explosive political controversies that are generating national attention. First, Tara examines new allegations surrounding Maine Senate candidate Grand Plattner, including renewed scrutiny over a tattoo associated with Nazi imagery and claims from a former girlfriend regarding his behavior and statements about the symbol. The conversation then shifts to New Jersey congressional nominee Adam Humaoui, whose past associations have become a major campaign issue. Reports involving his previous work with an organization later designated as a terrorist-linked entity, as well as his connections to controversial religious figures, have fueled debate over candidate vetting, national security, and political accountability. Throughout the program, Tara argues that media organizations and political leaders have applied inconsistent standards when evaluating controversial candidates and raises questions about how voters should assess character, ideology, and public service. TOP STORIES Maine Senate Candidate Faces Growing Scrutiny New allegations have intensified controversy surrounding Senate candidate Grand Plattner. Questions continue regarding past statements, conduct, and the meaning of a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism. Political leaders face pressure to address the growing controversy. Former Girlfriend's Claims Add New Questions A former partner publicly described conversations regarding the tattoo and its significance. Additional allegations regarding personal conduct have drawn widespread attention. The controversy continues to evolve as new claims emerge. Congressional Nominee's Past Sparks National Debate New Jersey congressional nominee Adam Humaoui is facing scrutiny over past associations. Critics argue the revelations raise national security and judgment concerns. Supporters and opponents remain sharply divided over the significance of the allegations. Candidate Vetting Under the Microscope The discussion focused on how political parties evaluate candidates before elections. Questions were raised about media coverage and institutional accountability. Voters are increasingly demanding transparency from political leaders. National Security and Public Trust Immigration, foreign policy, and homeland security emerged as central themes. The debate highlights broader concerns about public confidence in political institutions. Candidate backgrounds are becoming a major factor in voter decision-making. QUOTE OF THE DAY "Character, judgment, and accountability matter long before Election Day." TALKING POINTS ✅ The controversy surrounding Grand Plattner ✅ Why candidate vetting has become a national issue ✅ Questions surrounding Adam Humaoui's past associations ✅ National security concerns in modern political campaigns ✅ Media accountability and public trust SEO KEYWORDS Grand Plattner, Maine Senate Race, Adam Humaoui, Congressional Candidate, National Security, Political Accountability, Candidate Vetting, Election 2026, Political Controversy, American Politics

Dave Rubin of "The Rubin Report" gives a first look to the stories you need to know to start your day including the shocking arrest of Newport Beach tech CEO Jamshid Ghomi, who is accused of secretly helping Iran's nuclear and military programs obtain sensitive American technology while laundering millions of dollars into the United States and building a $35 million California mansion; growing scrutiny of New Jersey Democratic congressional nominee Adam Hamawy over past ties to the Benevolence International Foundation, an organization later linked to Al-Qaeda, as well as his calls to abolish ICE; and President Trump preparing to attend the New York Knicks' first NBA Finals home game since 1999 against the San Antonio Spurs, potentially becoming the first sitting U.S. president ever to attend an NBA Finals game, and much more.

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he covers today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan sounds the alarm on a wave of biological, political, and security threats hitting the US and the world simultaneously, from flesh-eating screwworms confirmed in Texas to a jihad-sympathizing doctor now headed to Congress. The screwworm confirmation in LaPryor, TX is the opening shot of what Bryan says will be a serious blow to America's beef supply, compounded by historic drought across the West and Midwest that is forcing ranchers to sell off their best herds. On the national security front, Bryan breaks down the newly elected New Jersey Democrat with documented ties to the Blind Sheikh and an al-Qaeda front operation in Bosnia, and explains why he believes the Democratic Party's embrace of this candidate represents something far more dangerous than politics as usual. Plus, Bryan covers the Iran-Hezbollah ceasefire unraveling in real time, a mysterious group of men working through New York City's sewer system in the middle of the night, a superseding DOJ indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center revealing decades of manufactured hate, and a major geopolitical win in the Pacific as the Solomon Islands moves to sever its ties with China. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32   Keywords: Bryan Dean Wright, The Wright Report, screwworm Texas, LaPryor TX, flesh-eating screwworm, US beef supply, Midwest drought, Colorado River water shortage, monkeypox Montana, NIH employees arrested, Vincent Munster, Ebola Congo Kenya, Adam Hamawy New Jersey, Blind Sheikh, Omar Abdel Rahman, al-Qaeda Bosnia, New Jersey 12th Congressional District, Islamist Congress, Utah immigration escape, ICE agents Utah, Hezbollah ceasefire, Iran strikes Bahrain Kuwait, Kharg Island oil tanker, Greek shipping companies, House vote Iran strikes, Marco Rubio IRGC, NYC sewer surveillance, terror chatter, asylum fraud lawyers, Southern Poverty Law Center indictment, SPLC DOJ charges, KKK SPLC funding, Charlottesville hoax, Solomon Islands China, Matthew Wale, Pacific security Australia, China influence Pacific

More shocking revelations about the Democrats' first al Qaeda-affiliated candidate. Democrat prosecutors prove the law doesn't apply to liberal protestors in blue states. This is how you raise a lynch mob. If Trump won't finish the fight in Iran, Israel must, before it's too late. (Please subscribe & share.) Sources: https://x.com/TaraServatius/status/2062467971155403253?s=20 https://x.com/DanBurmawy/status/2062342370759155993?s=20 https://share.google/aimode/1FxWwTw1r5JGElxCL

Democrats Just Nominated the 'Al-Qaeda Candidate'? full 360 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:40:47 +0000 XNv79XAUa6Uuw2deP5SmZ49set5I8ksg news The Tara Show news Democrats Just Nominated the 'Al-Qaeda Candidate'? Tara presides over the Upstate's #1 all news/talk morning show every weekday on News/Talk 989 WORD.Tara's faithful listeners are affectionately known as "Tara-ists" because of their passion and participation in the show. Tara was named 2021 Best News Talk Show and Best overall Personality, AGAIN, by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association! Tara took home the same honors in 2018 and was also named 2016 "Personality of the Year!" In addition, Tara has also won over two dozen state and national journalism awards for column writing, news reporting and investigative reporting while working for three newspapers and writing for a variety of national publications. She won a first place reporting award from the North Carolina Press Association for an investigative series about the weaknesses in Charlotte's overburdened court system, which regularly let murderers off the hook with less than 15 years in prison. Due to her work, that system has been reformed. Tara is also a winner of the prestigious first place Green Eyeshade Award, a national award for column writing from The Society of Professional Journalists. Tara took to the airwaves about 15 years ago to do a radio show heard up and down the coast and fell in love with bypassing her editors to talk straight to the people. Tara hasn't stopped reporting, and still brings her investigative journalism to the show. Tara is a mom, wife and talk radio convert-- and weekday mornings she's live and local on News/Talk 989 WORD. Are you a "Tara-ist"? It's time to get captured!      2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-

Former Afghan Ambassador Omar Samad joins WiseNuts for one of our most important conversations yet.From Afghanistan's forgotten era of democracy and prosperity to the rise of the Taliban, the Soviet invasion, 9/11, America's longest war, and the chaotic U.S. withdrawal, Omar breaks down the history behind one of the world's most misunderstood countries.We explore how Afghanistan became the centre of decades of conflict, the role foreign powers played in shaping its future, and why many of the narratives presented by the media fail to tell the full story of the Afghan people.Omar shares his personal experiences living through war, becoming a refugee, serving as Afghanistan's Ambassador to Canada and France, and working with NATO during some of the country's most pivotal moments.Topics include:* Afghanistan before the wars* Democracy, reform and modernization* The Soviet invasion* The rise of the Taliban* Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda* 9/11 and its impact on Afghanistan* The U.S. War on Terror* America's withdrawal in 2021* Afghanistan's natural resources* The opium trade* Women's rights under Taliban rule* Media narratives and public perception* The future of AfghanistanWhether you agree or disagree with the perspectives discussed, this episode offers a rare opportunity to hear Afghanistan's story from someone who lived it, served it, and represented it on the world stage.Don't forget to Like & Subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you never miss an episode! General Sponsors:Megeredchian Law

The Iran conflict contains dueling narratives. Iran says it repelled the attack. Israel says it decimated the nuclear program. The US says it brokered peace. So, how do you find out what actually happened? That's where Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) can provide valuable information to the public.  Eliot Higgins built Bellingcat from a Leicester living room blog into the world's most influential open source intelligence organization. Sir Richard Dearlove and Rosanna Lockwood sit down with him to find out how OSINT cuts through the war of narratives on Iran, Ukraine, and the fronts nobody's covering. Plus: why AI is making the truth harder to find, not easier, and why Higgins won't set foot in the United States right now. Show Notes:  bellingcat.com  The al-Qaeda offshoot looking to Syria as a blueprint | The Financial Times Senior State Department official sought internal communications with journalists, European officials, and Trump critics | MIT Technology Review Why these Irish cartel bosses are still free | Search Party   In this episode: 03:21 Iran Ceasefire 06:39 Israel Strategy Explained 08:53 EU Gets Tough on China 12:30 Mali The Next Syria 16:21 CIA Gold Bar Scandal 20:12 Meet Eliot Higgins 23:37 What Is Bellingcat 25:41 AI Slopaganda Threat 29:20 Dark Web Data Trails 31:13 Russia Adapts Tradecraft 32:54 UAE Image Manipulation 34:07 Rapid OSINT Response 35:57 Blackouts and Radar Tools 37:17 Iran Narrative War 39:17 Tomahawk Strike Verification 41:50 Prediction Versus Proof 43:19 Spies Versus OSINT 46:19 Threats and Harassment 50:56 Ukraine OSINT Evolution 54:50 Why China Is Hard for OSINT 01:00:31 Funding and Partnerships Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and guest co-host Rosanna Lockwood (International Journalist) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Krugman lays out the Democrat plan to purge America of people who disagee with them. The Democrats first al Qaeda congressman? (Please subscribe share.) Sources: https://share.google/aimode/1FxWwTw1r5JGElxCL https://nypost.com/2026/06/02/us-news/democrat-adam-hamawy-wins-nj-house-primary-after-volunteering-with-al-qaeda-linked-group/

(1) John Batchelor and Bill Roggio introduce the global landscape of current conflicts, noting that reporting on these issues is often marginalized by major newspapers. The segment focuses on Syria, where the self-appointed president, Al-Shara, is holding local elections in Kurdish-majority areas despite his background as a former al-Qaeda leader. Skepticism is expressed regarding Al-Shara's trustworthiness, with his efforts labeled as "window dressing" to appear as a legitimate ally to the West. Additionally, Assad-era chemical weapons were recently discovered in these areas, highlighting the persistence of weapons of mass destruction in the region. Seth Frantzman is also introduced as a key on-the-ground reporter for these events in Israel and Gaza.1701

STREAMING THE MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING BILL ROGGIO AND JONATYN SAYEH, 6-1-26.1994 YEMEN,The provided transcripts from The John Batchelor Show feature discussions with Bill Roggio and Jonathan Sayehregarding escalating military tensions and diplomatic instability across the Middle East and Africa. The sources analyze the Strait of Hormuz as a primary global flashpoint while examining localized conflicts in Lebanon, Syria, Somalia, and Gaza. Expert commentary highlights the skepticism surrounding a rumored ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, suggesting instead that both nations remain locked in a cycle of defensive strikes and proxy warfare. Furthermore, the participants evaluate the internal stability of the Iranian regime, noting that domestic repression and internet censorship continue despite the country's economic isolation. The dialogue ultimately underscores a lack of unified American foreign policy and the persistent threat posed by jihadist groups like al-Qaeda and Hezbollah. Overarching themes include the difficulty of achieving lasting peace when adversaries utilize asymmetric warfare to exploit shifting political administrations in Washington.

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-1-2026.1933 VALLEY FORGE(1) John Batchelor and Bill Roggio introduce the global landscape of current conflicts, noting that reporting on these issues is often marginalized by major newspapers. The segment focuses on Syria, where the self-appointed president, Al-Shara, is holding local elections in Kurdish-majority areas despite his background as a former al-Qaeda leader. Skepticism is expressed regarding Al-Shara's trustworthiness, with his efforts labeled as "window dressing" to appear as a legitimate ally to the West. Additionally, Assad-era chemical weapons were recently discovered in these areas, highlighting the persistence of weapons of mass destruction in the region. Seth Frantzman is also introduced as a key on-the-ground reporter for these events in Israel and Gaza.(2) Bill Roggio argues that the term "ceasefire" regarding the Strait of Hormuz is a misnomer, as the United States and Iran continue to launch fresh strikes against one another. Roggio characterizes the situation as confusing for the American public because officials claim a ceasefire exists while active military engagements continue. Iran is described as being in a state of open war in all directions, targeting the U.S., Europe, and regional neighbors. The segment concludes that the current messaging regarding the conflict is inadequate and fails to reflect the reality of ongoing violence.(3) Jonathan Sayeh reports that the U.S. blockade has caused a sharp decline in Iranian oil exports, though it has not yet reached a level of total economic catastrophe. The Iranian regime is demanding the total elimination of all sanctions and access to frozen assets in Qatar as a prerequisite for any behavioral changes. Sayeh notes that there is no longer a significant "reformist" camp within the government; instead, the IRGC and the Supreme Leader hold absolute decision-making power. The regime remains confident that it can absorb external pressure and continue funding its proxies and missile programs.(4) Jonathan Sayeh details the domestic situation in Iran, where the population recently endured their longest internet blackout, lasting nearly two months following a massacre in January 2026. Once connectivity was partially restored, citizens used social media to memorialize approximately 40,000 people allegedly killed by the regime during the unrest. Sayeh suggests that the Iranian people feel abandoned by Washington's claims that the goal of regime change has already been achieved. Consequently, the population is hesitant to mobilize without a clear signal and external backing for an armed resistance.(5) Samuel Ben-Ur assesses that Hamas's military wing has been degraded to the point of acting primarily as an internal police force in Gaza. The group's command structure has been "wiped out" following years of war and recent Israelidecapitation strikes, leaving only one pre-war senior leader, Immad Ael, remaining. To replenish its ranks, Hamas is increasingly recruiting child soldiers as young as 16 or 17. Despite these losses, Hamas continues to pay approximately 50,000 staff members and maintains control over the shrinking portion of Gaza not held by the IDF.(6) Samuel Ben-Ur explains that the Board of Peace has been inactive and is currently "without money" because its funding was predicated on Hamas disarming. Hamas immediately rejected a disarmament plan presented by the board, asserting that its weapons are an essential part of its "resistance." The group's political leadership remains protected in Doha, Qatar, due to U.S. security guarantees provided after a failed Israeli assassination attempt. Because Hamasrefuses to make any concessions, the $17 billion pledged for the reconstruction of Gaza remains withheld.(7) This segment focuses on the Americas, where a shift toward right-wing candidates is occurring in response to organized crime. In Colombia, presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella is leading in polls on a platform of anti-narco-terrorism and restoring the rule of law. In Brazil, the U.S. declaration of the PCC and Red Command as terrorist organizations is seen as a major "game changer" for upcoming elections. Candidates who advocate for close cooperation with the U.S. to fight cartels are gaining traction, while leftist leaders like Lula and Petro face increasing pressure.(8) Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports on a "slow-motion coup" attempt in Bolivia led by Evo Morales, whose supporters have placed the capital under siege. This instability is a major concern for Brazil because Bolivia serves as a primary source of the cocaine that fuels Brazilian organized crime. Peña Esclusa suggests that Morales's efforts will likely fail as the Bolivian armed forces and police eventually move to dissolve the blockades. Meanwhile, Brazil's President Lulafinds himself under pressure from the U.S. and internal factions, limiting his ability to support Morales.(9) John Hardie discusses tactical developments in the Ukraine war, including the seizure of a Russian oil tanker by French special forces. Ukraine is successfully ramping up "middle strikes" (30 to 300 kilometers) to target Russianlogistics, air defenses, and electronic warfare nodes. These operations are bolstered by AI-equipped drones and the use of Starlink, which allow for strikes on dynamic targets beyond the operator's line of sight. On the battlefield, Ukrainianforces have recaptured territory in localized counterattacks on the border of the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.(10) Ahmed Sharawi highlights Iran's persistent ambition to re-establish its supply highway through Syria to Lebanonfollowing the fall of the Assad regime. Sharawi reports that Iran continues to target Kurdish groups in Iraq, making Iraqi Kurdistan the second most targeted area by Iran after the UAE. In Syria, the government's recent local elections are described as a "selection" process aimed at showcasing a false political process to the West. This centralization of power under President Al-Shara is criticized for failing to represent the actual needs of the Syrian people and refugees.(11) David Daoud explains the linkage between Lebanon and Iran, noting that Iran treats a violation of a ceasefire in Lebanon as a violation of its own truce with the U.S. Hezbollah officially intervened in the conflict on March 2, 2026, specifically to protect the Iranian regime from U.S. and Israeli pressure. Hezbollah is described as Iran's "most potent asset" and a critical tool for its regional expansionist policy. While Iran may be willing to negotiate on its nuclear or missile programs, it is extremely unlikely to abandon its support for militias like Hezbollah.(12) David Daoud characterizes recent diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon at the U.S. State Department as "childish" because the Lebanese representatives refused to address the Israelis directly. On the ground, the IDF has captured the strategically significant Beaufort Castle and is employing a strategy of "creeping ground incursions." This new approach involves clearing areas of southern Lebanon to create safe launching grounds for deeper operations against Hezbollah strongholds. The goal is to prevent Hezbollah from regenerating and to slowly degrade the organization past the point of being a threat to northern Israel.(13) Peter Berkowitz examines two distinct intellectual critiques of the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary: the postmodern progressives and the post-liberal right. The progressives argue that America is mired in systemic oppression and that its founding principles are the actual cause of its problems. The post-liberal right, conversely, views the nation as decadent and corrupt because it fails to recognize a higher religious authority. Both groups advocate for fundamental changes, with the right-wing critique specifically calling for the government to take a more active role in leading citizens toward virtue and salvation.(14) Peter Berkowitz notes that both the progressive and post-liberal right critiques share a common repudiation of America's founding principles of human freedom and equality. He argues that these critiques often occur in a "historical and comparative vacuum," ignoring that the U.S. remains a premier destination for those seeking personal liberty. Both sides demonstrate an intolerant "in or out" mentality, where individuals are either seen as part of the solution or part of the problem. Berkowitz maintains that the solution to America's cultural and political problems is a return to its founding principles rather than their rejection.(15) Peter Huessy discusses the confirmation by the U.S. government that China conducted recent underground nuclear tests. Huessy reports that China is building launch pads next to its missile silos, which nuclear experts interpret as a shift toward a "first strike preemptive strategy." This strategy is designed to use a nuclear umbrella to coerce the U.S. into standing down during conventional Chinese operations against Taiwan or other regional allies. China's nuclear build-up is compared to Russian tactics, where battlefield nuclear weapons are used as tools of blackmail and coercion.(16) Rick Fisher details the military nature of the Chinese space program, noting that the nation's astronaut corps is officially the Astronaut Brigade of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Fisher explains that China has utilized its space program for dual-use military benefits from its inception, viewing space as a potential battlefield. While Chinapublicly claims its space efforts are peaceful, its military planners have studied Western science fiction and militarization strategies closely. The segment warns that the U.S. and its allies must develop the capability to defend their space assets as China and Russia increasingly move to militarize the moon and low earth orbit.Three spelling corrections applied: (7) Aardo de Lasrea → Abelardo de la Espriella (the Colombian presidential candidate running on the anti-narco/rule-of-law platform) (7) Red Commandos → Red Command (standard English rendering of Comando Vermelho) (10) Akmed Shari → Ahmed Sharawi (matching how you spelled him in the preview earlier today) (16) Rick Fischer → Rick Fisher (matching the preview) One I'd flag but didn't change: Immad Ael in segment 5. I'm not confident on the correct transliteration of this Hamas leader's name from this source alone—do you want me to leave it as-is, or do you have the correct spelling from Ben-Ur's reporting?

This week on the Mark Levin Show, the media is truly stupid in its reporting on the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which portrayed PM Benjamin Netanyahu as the unprovoked aggressor hammering Lebanon with no context whatsoever. In reality, while Iran negotiates with the United States, its proxy Hezbollah has launched more missiles and drones at northern Israel than ever before, killing people, and forcing evacuations as part of a deliberate plan to drive Israelis out of the north and then the center, concentrating the population in a tiny area. The entire ruling class—including Democrats, some Republicans, and the media—is pathetically weak and stupid, while many podcasters gain attention simply by being as obnoxious, vile, and poisonous as possible. Also, congratulations to the terror lobby of Arabs and Islamists for successfully electing candidates to Congress exclusively within the Democrat Party, which is flooded with Marxists and Islamists. One such candidate is Adam Hamawy who traveled with the Blind Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman as translator and witness on his behalf, plus his work in Bosnia with an Al Qaeda front group. Despite these ties, Hamawy has endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Ro Khanna, Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rashida Tlaib. The Democrat Party supports Nazis, Marxists, and Islamists for office. The Iran deal reportedly offers immediate release of billions in frozen funds, discussions on sanctions relief, and humanitarian aid in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and forswearing nuclear weapons development for 60 days. This agreement provides a massive financial infusion to the regime—funding the IRGC and police state—without addressing ballistic missiles or the regime's brutality against its people. Why is economic and military pressure being lifted before securing firm concessions Enforcement will be impossible given the regime's terrorist history, especially after the Trump presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The BP Friday crew take a look at Scott Bessent claiming Iran must not be allowed to toll the Strait, Jill Biden's new memoir on the disastrous Biden debate where she questions if he was drugged, Spencer Pratt rising in polls for LA mayoral race, and New Jersey House Candidate Dr. Adam Hamawy responds to attacks from Jewish Insider about being linked to Al-Qaeda, his time serving as a doctor in war ravaged countries, and rescuing 9/11 survivors from the rubble. Dr. Adam Hamawy: https://hamawyfornj.com/ Ryan: https://x.com/ryangrim Emily: https://x.com/emilyjashinsky Griffin: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpdavis/ To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.com Merch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While attention remains fixed elsewhere, jihadist groups are expanding across Africa. Bill and Caleb revisit the growing threats in Mali, Nigeria, and Somalia—and why the continent remains one of the most consequential battlegrounds in the war against Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

The Atlantic's David Frum helps Matt unpack the biggest political stories of the week under Trump's second term — from shaky foreign policy wins to domestic self-inflicted wounds. During this conversation, David and Matt cover a TON of ground, including:— Trump's tentative Iran deal and the Strait of Hormuz: Why Frum says the U.S. has already lost strategic dominance and Iran remains in control— Shocking Democratic Senate candidate problems: The “Nazi tattoo” contender in Maine and the leading candidate in New Jersey with Al-Qaeda ties — and how this poisons the national brand— Trump's gaudy White House renovations, gold-leaf excess, and the cage-fight spectacle for America's 250th anniversary — a stark contrast to 1876 and 1976 celebrations— The proposed $250 bill featuring Donald Trump and what it reveals about narcissism and drift from founding principles— Jill Biden's “horrified” debate night account — stroke fears, the cover-up, and lessons on vice-presidential succession failures from Obama to Harris— Newt Gingrich now calls the Clinton impeachment a mistake — Frum's takedown of the revisionism and character questions— Pentagon preparations for potential Cuba action — humanitarian opportunity or another Trump distraction/war?— Justice Department investigating E. Jean Carroll's case funders (Reid Hoffman) and the weaponization pattern— J.D. Vance grading the Pope's AI encyclical and why Frum says the VP should stick to non-controversial issues— 2026 Midterm outlook: Democratic popular vote edge vs. GOP gerrymandering advantage — and why candidate quality could cost Dems the SenateSubscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On Wednesday's Mark Levin Show, congratulations to the terror lobby of Arabs and Islamists for successfully electing candidates to Congress exclusively within the Democrat Party, which is flooded with Marxists and Islamists. One such candidate is Adam Hamawy who traveled with the Blind Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman as translator and witness on his behalf, plus his work in Bosnia with an Al Qaeda front group. Despite these ties, Hamawy has endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Ro Khanna, Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rashida Tlaib. The Democrat Party supports Nazis, Marxists, and Islamists for office. Meanwhile, Sen Democrat Chris Van Hollen is the Islamists' greatest friend in Congress for constantly attacking Israel, praising CAIR, defending Iran and Qatar, and authoring a New York Times op-ed calling to break with and defund Israel. Also, Mayor Zohran Mamdani's housing plan is a Marxist scheme to steal private property. His plan will crush private landlords through low rents, high taxes, and regulations designed to force foreclosures so the city can seize properties, which is legalized theft consistent with socialist and Marxist principles. Later, Sean Hannity calls in to announce that Mark Levin will be his guest on his video podcast - Hang Out with Sean Hannity and a trip down memory lane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Jim and Greg for the Thursday 3 Martini Lunch as they skewer former First Lady Jill Biden over her obvious lies about Joe Biden's condition in 2024, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's failed attempt to dunk on President Trump, a Democrat with ties to Al Qaeda running for Congress, and Virginia Democrats postponing their congressional campaigns.First, Jim and Greg hammer Jill Biden after her CBS News interview in which she claimed she thought President Joe Biden was having a stroke during his 2024 debate against President Trump. She also insisted she had never seen Biden in that condition before or after that night. Jim and Greg call out her lies as Mrs. Biden pushes her new book.Next, they laugh as Gov. Hochul gets embarrassed by her attempt to get in a petty jab at President Trump over the New York Knicks. Trump said he was excited to see the Knicks back in the NBA Finals and calls himself a lifelong fan of the team. Hochul tried to challenge that assertion and it backfired big time. Jim and Greg have a lot of fun correcting the record.Then, they spotlight New Jersey congressional candidate Adam Hamawy, a Democrat who reportedly interned for the “charitable” arm of Al Qaeda during the 1990s. Jim and Greg react to the controversy and wonder whether Democratic Party standards have fallen so low that they'll even vote for this guy.Finally, they have fun noting several Virginia Democrats are quietly ending their congressional campaigns now that this year's elections will be held under the existing congressional map and not the egregiously gerrymandered map struck down earlier this month by the Virginia Supreme Court.Please visit our great sponsors:Pocket HoseFor a limited time, get two free gifts—a 360° rotating pocket pivot and a thumb drive nozzle—when you buy the Pocket Hose Ballistic; just text MARTINI to 64000, message and data rates may apply.Fast Growing TreesBetter plants, better growing, and an extra 20% off with code MARTINI at https://FastGrowingTrees.com/Martini for a limited time; terms and conditions may apply.New episodes every weekday. 

Join Jim and Greg for the Thursday 3 Martini Lunch as they skewer former First Lady Jill Biden over her obvious lies about Joe Biden's condition in 2024, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's failed attempt to dunk on President Trump, a Democrat with ties to Al Qaeda running for Congress, and Virginia Democrats postponing their congressional […]

Today, we run the gamut of the most important issues that have cropped up overnight. Make no mistake about it: many in the media are sowing chaos and confusion to keep Americans from getting factual information about government operations. We dig through the mud to give you facts firsthand. Big news coming out of Mexico that proves the Mexican government wants to cut the U.S. off at the border with Mexico to keep us from having anything to do with drug cartels, which daily flood our nation with all kinds of illegal materials and drugs that annually kill thousands of Americans.Ebola has popped up in several spots in Africa. Those cases are quickly adding up. This is very concerning to Americans. Why? There's no cure for Ebola! Europe and Africa are hesitant to handle any Americans who might be exposed to the disease who want to return to the U.S. How do we take care of that? Ilhan Omar-Backed New Jersey Democratic Candidate reportedly volunteered for an al-Qaida affiliate previously. His ties to al-Qaida were deep. In fact, he was employed by one of the worst!Hear an analysis from years ago by Rush Limbaugh about one of the most important issues of the day. It will shock you!

Checkout Goibibo: ⁠⁠https://app.goibibo.com/mnXF/ol62526n⁠⁠Get your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-515Guest Suggestion Form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/bnaeY3FpoFU9ZjA47⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for educational purposes and opinions shared by the guest are his personal views. We do not intent to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices. The media used in this video are solely for informational purposes and belongs to their respective owners.Order 'Build, Don't Talk' (in English) here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/eCfijRu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order 'Build Don't Talk' (in Hindi) here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/4wZISO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Our Whatsapp Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaokF5x0bIdi3Qn9ef2J⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe To Our Other YouTube Channels:-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@rajshamaniclips⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@RajShamani.Shorts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This is the seventh and final episode in a series regarding the terrorist leader of Al Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden.  The hunt for Bin Laden covers the terrorists time between escaping the mountains of Tora Bora and up to the raid that final brought Osama to justice.  Along the way we meet some of the characters that surrounded him in his last days, his obsession with 'just for men,' and why the government was so quick to release information regarding the adult video collection that was found in the Abbotabad compound.   Contact the show at resourcesbylowery@gmail.com or on Bluesky @EmpiresPod If you would like to financially support the show, please use the following paypal link. Or remit PayPal payment to @Lowery80.  And here is a link for Venmo users. Any support is greatly appreciated and will be used to make future episodes of the show even better.   Expect new shows to drop on Wednesday mornings from September to May. Music is licensed through Epidemic Sound

In this episode, Colin Smith, co-ordinator of the UN Security Council's 1267/1988 Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, joins Tim Willasey-Wilsey, King's Visiting Professor, Graham Aikin, PhD researcher at King's, and Dr Paul McGarr, Lecturer in Intelligence Studies, to examine Afghanistan nearly 25 years after 9/11 and assess whether it is again becoming a base for international terrorism under Taliban rule. The discussion explores the presence of groups such as al-Qaeda, ISIL-K and regional militants, the Taliban's internal dynamics, and how the global terrorist threat has become more fragmented and decentralised. It also considers evolving radicalisation pathways, the role of new technologies and the challenges facing Western counterterrorism policy. Further reading: 1. UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Monitoring Team Reports: https://bit.ly/4fAnGs3 2. UN Security Council 1988 Sanctions Monitoring Team Reports: https://bit.ly/4dzibc5 3. The British and 9/11: So Near and Yet So Far by Tim Willasey-Wilsey: https://bit.ly/3RGzmzH 4. 'Not your fathers Afghanistan': Has the West taken its eye off the al-Qaeda ball? by Graham Aikin: https://bit.ly/49Jgk1O 5. Operation Enduring Sentinel and Other U.S. Government Activities Related to Afghanistan: https://bit.ly/49Azp6v

Ghost and Colonel Towner Watkins deliver a sweeping two-host examination of Henry Kissinger, the man at the center of nearly every major globalist operation of the twentieth century. From his OSS Ritchie Boy origins and his CIA-funded Harvard institute to his dual role as national security adviser and secretary of state, Kissinger operated as the connective tissue between the Rockefellers, the Fabian Society, and the deep state apparatus. Ghost and the Colonel trace his fingerprints on the Chilean coup, the petrodollar deal, the Nixon-China opening, Operation Cyclone and the birth of Al Qaeda, the Iran-Iraq war arms sales, and the Khashoggi-Epstein money laundering network. They also connect Kissinger to the founding of the World Economic Forum, the Trilateral Commission, and the Pilgrim Society, the institutions now being dismantled by the Trump administration. A dense, interconnected deep dive into the architect of the rules-based international order.

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SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-21-2026.1943 USA INFORMATION WAR.Anatol Lieven discusses the resignation of Latvia's Prime Minister following air defense failures. Ukrainian drones targeting Russia have been transiting Baltic airspace, leading to Russian threats of retaliation. Lieven explores the risk of unintended escalation between NATO and Russia amidst suspicions of Baltic-Ukrainian cooperation regarding these drone flight paths. (1/16)Following meetings in Beijing, Vladimir Putin seeks to finalize a gas pipeline to China to offset lost European markets. Anatol Lieven notes that while trade in dual-use technology grows, China remains cautious about full military escalation. Russia's involvement in the Iran and Ukraine wars complicates its position, as it lacks spare weaponry for Iran. (2/16)Russia has resumed military cargo shipments to Syria for the first time since the al-Sharaa government took power. Ahmad Sharawi explains that President al-Sharaa is balancing relations with Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine to rebuild his military. Tensions remain regarding the integration of foreign jihadist groups, such as al-Qaeda affiliates, into the new Syrian army. (3/16)Mary Anastasia O'Grady reports that the U.S. has imposed sanctions on GAESA, a shadowy military-controlled conglomerate dominating 70% of Cuba's economy. The company manages retail, ports, and foreign currency, including billions allegedly gained through human trafficking of medical personnel. These financial restrictions aim to pressure the regime toward democratic transition and have already impacted foreign investors. (4/16)Evan Ellis reports that Bolivia faces nationwide protests and blockades over austerity measures and fuel shortages. President Rodrigo Paz attempts reconciliation, but former President Evo Morales is accused of destabilizing the government to avoid child trafficking prosecution. While La Paz faces resource shortages, the eastern lowlands remain calm, highlighting a deep regional and political divide. (5/16)Evan Ellis characterizes protests in Bolivia as an organized "coup in motion" funded by coca growers' unions. Figures like Evo Morales and rivals within the government benefit from dismantling reforms. The instability threatens counter-drug efforts and allows criminal organizations to flourish while the government struggles to maintain order amidst resource blockades. (6/16)Evan Ellis reports that the U.S. Justice Department has indicted 94-year-old Raul Castro for the 1996 murder of "Brothers to the Rescue" pilots. The indictment serves as leverage in transition negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia and China pledge support to Cuba, and the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier signals a potential shift toward selective military pressure. (7/16)Evan Ellis reports that Venezuela has surrendered Alex Saab, Nicolas Maduro's former bagman, to the U.S. for prosecution. Saab possesses critical information on illicit financial flows involving Iran, Cuba, and Colombia. Delcy Rodriguez's decision to extradite him suggests a complex internal power play to appease Washington while eliminating her own political rivals. (8/16)Peter Mauch explores the early life of Hideki Tojo, focusing on his failed 1945 suicide attempt and the military code prohibiting the disgrace of surrender. Born into a samurai-descended family, Tojo's ambitions were fueled by the perceived mistreatment of his father by a cronyist military system, leading him to excel academically. (9/16)Peter Mauch explains that during the 1930s, the Japanese army split into the "Imperial Way" and "Control" factions. The Imperial Way prioritized morale and the Emperor, while Tojo's Control faction advocated for "total war" preparation involving all state resources. This rivalry turned murderous, culminating in assassinations and coup attempts against the civilian government. (10/16)Peter Mauch explains that in 1937, the Marco Polo Bridge incident sparked conflict between Japan and China. While Tokyo sought de-escalation, the Kwantung Army, including Tojo, pushed for escalation and conquest. Chiang Kai-shek's refusal to surrender drew the Japanese military into a "quicksand" interior, creating an inescapable and draining quagmire for the army. (11/16)Peter Mauch explains that as War Minister, Tojo—nicknamed "The Razor"—instilled iron discipline within the fractious Japanese army to earn the Emperor's favor. He consolidated political power by centralizing military communication and cashiering insubordinate officers. Meanwhile, Japan eyed the defenseless Southeast Asian colonies of European powers, determined not to "miss the bus." (12/16)Veronique de Rugy argues that tariffs function as taxes paid by Americans, with costs passing to consumers at a 96% rate. Despite promises to revive manufacturing, employment in that sector has continued to decline. The policy is described as a "catastrophe" resulting in billions in unconstitutional levies that require federal refunds. (13/16)Sadanand Dhume reports that the BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal marks a significant defeat for longtime leader Mamata Banerjee. Her neglect of the economy and corruption allegations led to her ouster. This victory signals Narendra Modi's regained political strength, cracking opposition bastions and positioning India as a vital alternative in global supply chains. (14/16)Anatoly Zak reports that despite sanctions and corruption scandals, Russia successfully launched the Soyuz-5 rocket, a joint project with Kazakhstan designed to replace Ukrainian technology. While international commercial prospects have vanished, Russia is pivoting toward domestic military payloads. Development continues on the Angara family of rockets, though the program faces significant spacecraft production delays. (15/16)Anatoly Zak reports that Russia has successfully tested the Sarmat, a heavy liquid-propellant ICBM designed to target the United States. Capable of carrying up to 20 maneuverable warheads, it replaces the Ukrainian-built "Satan" missile. While technologically complex and using toxic propellants, it represents Russia's commitment to maintaining a formidable strategic nuclear deterrent. (16/16)Notes: corrected "Akmed Sharawari" → Ahmad Sharawi; "Alshara" → al-Sharaa (Syrian president). Flag if you prefer alternate transliterations.

Russia has resumed military cargo shipments to Syria for the first time since the al-Sharaa government took power. Ahmad Sharawi explains that President al-Sharaa is balancing relations with Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine to rebuild his military. Tensions remain regarding the integration of foreign jihadist groups, such as al-Qaeda affiliates, into the new Syrian army. (3/16)1914

In Mali, separatist group, Azawad Liberation Front have renewed attacks in the northern part of the country with the aim of creating an independent Tuareg state. We hear from a Sahel security expert on the origins of the group, and their recent alliance with Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) - al-Qaeda's armed affiliate in West Africa and the Sahel.And, some lawmakers in Ghana are considering a bill to introduce compulsory DNA testing to combat the increase in paternity fraud cases in the country.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba and Godwin Asediba Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

This is the sixth in a series of seven episodes regarding the terrorist leader of Al Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden.  The hunt for Bin Laden cools after he managed to escape US forces in Tora Bora, but that doesn't stop America from expanding the War on Terror.  Beyond an endless war against an impossible to defeat idea, the conflict tested America's core ideas:  Freedom of Speech, Freedom from Torture, Due Process and extrajudicial killings.  The war in Afghanistan, the War in Iraq, and the Presidencies of George W. Bush and Barack Obama are each discussed in detail.  Contact the show at resourcesbylowery@gmail.com or on Bluesky @EmpiresPod If you would like to financially support the show, please use the following paypal link. Or remit PayPal payment to @Lowery80.  And here is a link for Venmo users. Any support is greatly appreciated and will be used to make future episodes of the show even better.   Expect new shows to drop on Wednesday mornings from September to May. Music is licensed through Epidemic Sound

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Stephen Palazzo, aka Near Miss, an Army veteran, thru-hiker, and peak bagger who has completed the AT, CDT, AZT, and Colorado Trail, summited all 58 of Colorado's 14ers, and knocked out three of the seven summits.  This one runs the gambit. Stephen walks us through 24 years of military service, from crossing into Iraq on the first wave of the ground war in 2003 to negotiating with the number two guy in Al-Qaeda over a solitary confinement dispute, to a very geopolitically tangled deployment in Syria. He also shares how thru-hiking became the thing that finally got him to put down the bottle, why post-trail depression hit harder than anything he experienced in war, and a magical moment in the Wind River Range where he locked eyes with a bull moose. And- as Chaunce comes to grips with her impending move, she has made it her mission to make each podcast an ultra-marathon. This one is sure to give you enough content to get through the week (or year). Also, warning: this episode contains discussions of war, combat, death, PTSD, and alcohol abuse. We wrap the show with an article about thru-hiker entitlement, discussing why a Sawyer filter lasts a lifetime but you're supposed to swap a Brita every few months, the triple crown of mountain peaks, a new sun hoody review series, a detailed mailbag about a listener's experience on the San Diego Trans County Trail, and Chaunce schedules an impromptu summit of Mount Rainier. NEW Backpacker Radio Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/can-you-dig-it-15/ Apply to Guest Co-Host Backpacker Radio. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.  OnX Backcountry: Through Memorial Day, use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com  Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com. [divider] Interview with Stephen "Near Miss" Palazzo Stephen's Instagram Stephen's Trek Author page Time stamps & Questions 00:05:25 - Reminders: Check out our new merch, get tickets for our LIVE Chaunce send-off podcast, apply to be a guest co-host, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon 00:13:40 - Introducing Near Miss 00:15:50 - What got you started in the military? 00:22:00 - Were you still on your five year plan when 9/11 happened? 00:26:45 - Talk to us in your drill sergeant voice 00:28:30 - Discussion about Stephen's time in the military after 9/11 00:40:50 - Did you prefer your more managerial or front-line roles? 00:45:40 - What are your go-to stories that you tell about your deployments? 00:49:18 - What was one of your near-death experiences? 00:53:00 - Discussion about post-trail depression 00:55:30 - Discussion about PTSD 00:56:00 - How did you deal with your drinking problems? 01:01:15 - Do you have any advice for hikers that want to process something on trail? 01:06:17 - Chaunce's voice memo story 01:09:50 - As a drill sergeant, what ticks you off the most? 01:14:00 - How many people left in the first few weeks? 01:21:00 - Tell us about your Ursack freezing to a tree 01:26:50 - Have you talked any of your veteran friends into hiking? 01:28:30 - Was there a moment you realized that hiking was healing you? 01:35:00 - Tell us about your trip to Ecuador 01;37:30 - Discussion about rhabdomyolysis 01:40:45 - How did you get interested in mountaineering? 01:44:16 - Do you have advice for someone who wants to save money for an adventure? 01:51:45 - How did you decide to hike the CDT next? 01:56:10 - Is there a difference between the fear you experienced while deployed versus hiking? 01:58:50 - What are your favorite stories from the CDT? 02:02:10 - What's the most real between ghosts, aliens, and mountain lions in New England? 02:14:35 - What time span did you complete all the Colorado 14ers in? 02:18:30 - Discussion about paratroopers 02:25:15 - Which was your first of the 7 summits? 02:31:17 - Discussion about summiting Denali 02:38:15 - Fuck Marry Kill: Denali, Kiliminjaro, Aconcagua 02:39:50 - If you had to cut a summit from the list, which would you cut? 02:43:00 - Discussion about deciding to quit a thru-hike and town food 02:49:50 - Tell us about the 13ers you've done recently 02:52:00 - Are you afraid of dying? 02:53:55 - What do you wear in extremely cold conditions? 02:55:45 - What advice would you give to someone interested in getting into mountaineering? 03:03:30 - Do you feel like a different person now? 03:06:00 - Zach and Chaunce have a fight 03:12:50 - What's next on the docket for you? 03:13:45 - In what way did you burnout on thru-hiking? 03:16:40 - Tell us about your Buffalo Wild Wings points 03:23:00 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking? 03:25:50 - If you were 18 again, would you join the Army again? Segments Trek Propaganda: 7 All-Too Common Signs of Entitlement I've Noticed in the Thru-Hiking Community by Peg Leg QOTD:  Why does a sawyer filter last a lifetime but you're supposed to swap a brita every few months? Triple Crown of mountain peaks Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

Today's Headlines: Trump is reportedly willing to drop his $10 billion IRS lawsuit in exchange for a $1.7 billion government slush fund to pay out political allies — including $230 million for himself, a waiver on all family tax audits, and a public IRS apology — totally extortion. Meanwhile, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, one of the only Republicans who voted to convict Trump after January 6th, lost his primary and became the first senator in 12 years to lose one, because minimal backbone has a price in today's GOP. Because hantavirus clearly wasn't enough to worry about, the WHO declared Ebola a global health emergency after outbreaks in Uganda and the DRC with 246 suspected cases, no available vaccine, and no functioning USAID to help — and the person Trump put in charge of the hantavirus response is a urologist who specializes in penile implants and has promoted pandemic conspiracy theories, so we're in great hands. In other news, Trump's new counterterrorism strategy ranks drug cartels above Islamist militants, considers leftists on par with al-Qaeda, and doesn't mention far-right extremism at all, though Sebastian Gorka did find time to call out Tucker Carlson specifically. In global matters, a commander of Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah was charged with plotting attacks on 20 Jewish sites across the US, Europe, and Canada, a drone struck a UAE nuclear power plant with no injuries, and Trump told Axios Iran will get "hit much harder" despite having no leverage — while US officials now believe China will invade Taiwan within four years, Cuba has acquired 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and is reportedly eyeing Guantanamo Bay or Key West, and Ukraine launched its largest drone attack of the entire war — 600 drones across 14 Russian regions — in retaliation for Russia's assault last week. Finally, Harvey Weinstein's third trial ended in a mistrial after nine of twelve mostly-male jurors wanted to acquit him, a French judge opened an inquiry into MBS's role in Khashoggi's murder, and Everlane is being acquired by Shein for $100 million. Resources/Articles mentioned:  Time: Trump May Drop IRS Suit in Return for $1.7 Billion ‘Weaponization' Fund CNN: Trump sent a message by targeting Bill Cassidy. In defeat, Cassidy delivered one back WSJ: Thomas Massie's Lonely and Expensive Fight Against Trump NYT: W.H.O. Declares Ebola Outbreak a Global Health Emergency The New Republic: Trump's Hantavirus Official Is a Penis Implant Specialist PrPublica: Trump Counterterror Plan Targets Leftists, Ignores Far-Right Violence Ken Klippenstein: New Counterterror Strategy Eyes Tucker Carlson Time: The Iran-Backed Militia Behind a Terror Plot Against American Jews AP News: Drone strikes UAE nuclear plant as US and Iran signal they are prepared to resume war Axios: Trump warns Iran "clock is ticking" until US launches harder strikes Axios: Scoop: Trump advisers fear China may target Taiwan in next 5 years Axios: Exclusive: U.S. eyes attack-drone threat from Cuba The Guardian: At least four people killed in Russia as Ukraine launches retaliatory strikes Euronews: French judge opens probe into 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi CNN: Judge declares a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial after jury deadlocks Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Australia's war on tobacco has backfired spectacularly, and the consequences have become deadly. In this episode of I Catch Killers, former ABF and AFP detective Rohan Pike takes us deeper into the self-inflicted tobacco wars and its consequences - including the booming unregulated vape industry, with almost all vapes sold in Australia now illegal. Rohan also tells us about serving as an AFP officer in Islamabad in the aftermath of 9/11, his role in the high-profile Jihad Jack case, and leading Australia's first ever foreign bribery investigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian (soon to be film composer?) Eric Andre and composer-producer Prateek Rajagopal (co-writer, executive producer, and the man whose range runs from The Mandalorian to India's premier death metal export GUTSLIT) bring their new BLARF album “Film Scores for Films That Don't Exist” to SCORE. An orchestral fever dream five years in the making, recorded with live players in Los Angeles and Budapest, and the unlikely creative partnership nobody saw coming. And why Eric Andre is ready to become a film composer (and has beef with John Williams).How a Berklee-trained upright bassist became one of comedy's most chaotic forces, and how Prateek — whose credits span Hollywood, Bollywood and immersive media, with contributions to projects by Bobby Krlic, Ludwig Goransson and Joseph Shirley — became the secret weapon who turned five years of Eric's voice memos into a full orchestral album.Plus, why BLARF evolved from sample-clearance nightmares to full symphonic chaos, and what does Dead Ballerina actually look like in their heads? Plus, the Ennio Morricone influence that drives the whole project, the death metal detonation hiding inside the track “What's for Dinner” (guess which one pushed for that), how this album is inspired by Nine Inch Nails' Ghost, and why Eric destroyed a piano with an axe. Also, the unaired Eric Andre Show sketch that passed S&P clearance and still got killed (a pro-Al Qaeda country song he sings in full), details on a role in the new Street Fighter film (Jason Momoa had other plans), and all the times Eric was nearly stabbed, shot or beaten up for his gags.Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader at Stonesthrow Studios in Los Angeles. Production coordination by Dan Russell.

For years, America's counterterrorism focus centered on the Middle East. But according to the top U.S. military commander overseeing Africa, ISIS and al Qaeda have set up new headquarters on the continent.In this special conversation recorded live at the McCain Institute Sedona Forum, Mosheh sits down with General Dagvin Anderson, head of AFRICOM, who warns that Africa has become the new “epicenter of global terrorism.”The discussion explores the growing presence of ISIS and Al-Qaeda affiliates across the continent, including fears that an Al-Qaeda-linked group could soon seize control of Mali's capital. General Anderson explains how terror groups are recruiting young people through jobs and economic opportunity before ideology, why Somalia has become one of America's most active counterterrorism battlefields, and what worries him most about the current intelligence gaps in the region.Mosheh and General Anderson also dive into the larger geopolitical battle unfolding across Africa — from Russia extracting gold and uranium to fund its war effort, to China expanding influence through infrastructure projects, media campaigns, and journalist training programs.The conversation also covers critical minerals, information warfare, America's global standing, and why the future of Africa could shape the future of global security and U.S. national interests for decades to come. Mosheh Oinounou (⁠⁠⁠@mosheh⁠⁠⁠) is an Emmy and Murrow award-winning journalist. He has 20 years of experience at networks including Fox News, Bloomberg Television and CBS News, where he was the executive producer of the CBS Evening News and launched the network's 24 hour news channel. He founded the @mosheh Instagram news account in 2020 and the Mo News podcast and newsletter in 2022.

On Friday's Mark Levin Show, the Virginia Supreme Court ruling on congressional redistricting upholds the state constitution. The Democrat threats to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is just drama with no federal issue (since state supreme courts have final say on state constitutions). This ruling has broader implications including the end of race-based districting in states like Alabama and Mississippi, defensive Republican gerrymandering, past census undercounts favoring Democrats, and upcoming population shifts benefiting red states. Also, in New York and other blue cities, Marxist mayors like Zohran Mamdani seek to punish the wealthy with higher taxes regardless of their contributions in jobs, innovation, and value creation, prompting billionaires and businesses to flee to lower-tax environments that welcome them rather than attack what they've built.  Later, Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka calls in to explain the new unclassified U.S. counterterrorism strategy President Trump signed. It refocuses America on counterterrorism with zero compromise, targeting three main threats: cartels (now designated foreign terrorist organizations), global jihadists such as Al Qaeda and ISIS, and radical violent left-wing extremists including Antifa, certain pro-transgender individuals, and anarchists responsible for killings like that of Charlie Kirk. Afterward, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a sharp dissent in the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais case over a procedural decision to expedite finalization of its ruling against race-based congressional maps. Her stance reflects a progressive effort to delegitimize the Court, especially after its bright-line rejection of race-based districting, while ignoring the state's prior judicial entanglements over maps. Finally, Mike Rogers calls in with an update on his Senate race in Michigan. He warns that his opponent, Abdul El Sayed, embraces radical activist Hassan Piker and has justified a Hezbollah-linked terrorist attack on Michigan schoolchildren – these views should be disqualifying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Swann is here https://www.youtube.com/@TheBenSwann We will touch on a host of intense, hard core topics from middle eastern politics to classic conspiracies, Ben Swann joins me for the first time. Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY60LIFE for 60% off now https://choq.com Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Music by Dr Evo the Producer, Jay Dyer and Amid the Ruins 1453 https://www.youtube.com/@amidtheruinsOVERHAULBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.

For years, America's counterterrorism focus centered on the Middle East. But according to the top U.S. military commander overseeing Africa, ISIS and al Qaeda have set up new headquarters on the continent.In this special conversation recorded live at the McCain Institute Sedona Forum, Mosheh sits down with General Dagvin Anderson, head of AFRICOM, who warns that Africa has become the new “epicenter of global terrorism.”The discussion explores the growing presence of ISIS and Al-Qaeda affiliates across the continent, including fears that an Al-Qaeda-linked group could soon seize control of Mali's capital. General Anderson explains how terror groups are recruiting young people through jobs and economic opportunity before ideology, why Somalia has become one of America's most active counterterrorism battlefields, and what worries him most about the current intelligence gaps in the region.Mosheh and General Anderson also dive into the larger geopolitical battle unfolding across Africa — from Russia extracting gold and uranium to fund its war effort, to China expanding influence through infrastructure projects, media campaigns, and journalist training programs.The conversation also covers critical minerals, information warfare, America's global standing, and why the future of Africa could shape the future of global security and U.S. national interests for decades to come. Mosheh Oinounou (⁠⁠@mosheh⁠⁠) is an Emmy and Murrow award-winning journalist. He has 20 years of experience at networks including Fox News, Bloomberg Television and CBS News, where he was the executive producer of the CBS Evening News and launched the network's 24 hour news channel. He founded the @mosheh Instagram news account in 2020 and the Mo News podcast and newsletter in 2022.

2/16: Bill Roggio explains that al-Qaeda is expanding across Mali and Somalia, exploiting weak governments to build a caliphate. Both al-Qaeda and ISIS are partitioning territories and increasingly threatening regional capitals.

STREAM MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING BILL ROGGIO AND GORDON CHANG, 5-4-261664The provided text is a transcript from the John Batchelor Show, detailing a complex geopolitical crisis involving the United States, Iran, and China. Central to the discussion is a reported confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian media claimed to have struck a U.S. Navy frigate with missiles. While U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)denies any ships were hit, the incident coincides with Project Freedom, a Trump administration initiative to escort stranded vessels through the blockade. Beyond the naval standoff, the sources address a severe terror threat in Londonlinked to Iranian proxies and the rising dominance of drone warfare. The dialogue further explores Al-Qaeda's expanding influence in Africa and the political instability currently facing Mali and Somalia. Finally, experts examine the economic consequences of these conflicts, noting significant growth downgrades for Asian economies and the strategic maneuvering of China as it balances its support for Iran with vital trade interests.

SCHEDULE JBS, 5-4-26PARTHIA, PERSIA, IRAN1/16: Bill Roggio discusses Project Freedom, a mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGCclaimed to hit a US warship, but the Navy reported no ships were struck.2/16: Bill Roggio explains that al-Qaeda is expanding across Mali and Somalia, exploiting weak governments to build a caliphate. Both al-Qaeda and ISIS are partitioning territories and increasingly threatening regional capitals.3/16: Rick Fisher and Gordon Chang discuss the Artemis mission and China's competitive drive to establish a permanent moon base. Both nations are also developing combat satellites and weapon systems for use in lunar orbit.4/16: Alan Tonelson and Gordon Chang examine how the Iran war drives inflation and damages Asian manufacturing. China continues to flood markets with subsidized exports while using lawfare and harassment against smaller nations like Panama.5/16: Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter report on escalating violence in the Gulf, including the sinking of IRGC boats. They also discuss Mahmoud Abbas's attempt to install his son, Yasser Abbas, as his political successor.6/16: Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter warn that Iran is running out of oil storage, potentially forcing a production halt. Hoenlein characterizes the recent Gaza flotilla as a failed PR stunt carrying no aid.7/16: David Daoud argues the ceasefire restricts Israel while allowing Hezbollah to rearm. Hezbollah is exploiting cheap FPV drones to harass Israeli forces, utilizing a low-tech method that lacks an effective counter.8/16: David Daoud explains the IDF was caught off guard by Hezbollah's innovative use of fiber-optic and FPV drones. Despite these threats, the Israeli public largely favors continuing military operations to secure borders.9/16: Bridget Toomey and Bill Roggio discuss Ali Al-Zadei, a businessman elevated to Iraqi Prime Minister with Iranian support. While endorsed by Trump, his background in illicit finance raises concerns about ongoing militia influence.10/16: Gordon Chang analyzes how China supports Iran while negotiating trade with the US. This conflict creates economic instability, including rising inflation and slower growth across major Asian trading economies.11/16: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa report that Delcy Rodríguez is avoiding elections in Venezuela. Araújo discusses Lula's weakening power in Brazil and judicial shifts that could lead to Jair Bolsonaro's release.12/16: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa highlight Cuba's collapse as Russian and Venezuelan oil supplies vanish. Araújo details Panama's resistance to Chinese influence over its canal ports and subsequent retaliatory trade pressure from Beijing.13/16: Ahmad Sharawi details Iranian strikes on UAE oil facilities aimed at disrupting Project Freedom. Meanwhile, Bashar al-Assad seeks Gulf investment while reportedly coordinating quietly with Israel against Hezbollah.14/16: Joe Truzman reports on London stabbing attacks claimed by Ashab al-Yamin, an Iranian front organization recruiting criminals. The UK has raised its terrorism threat level to severe due to these developments.15/16: Miad Maliki and Bill Roggio describe political chaos in Tehran and the regime's inability to make decisions under extreme pressure. Experts warn of a global energy tipping point involving severe fuel shortages within thirty days.16/16: John Hardie and Bill Roggio report on Vladimir Putin's isolation in bunkers due to intensified assassination fears. Simultaneously, President Zelenskyy is establishing international drone production partnerships with Finland and other NATO allies.

15. HEADLINE: Al-Qaeda's Massive Military Offensive in Mali GUEST: Caleb Weiss and Bill RoggioSUMMARY: Caleb Weiss and Bill Roggio report on an unprecedented offensive by JNIM, al-Qaeda's West Africanbranch, which has blockaded Mali's capital and seized key military bases. The Malian state and Russian forces are in retreat, leaving behind significant equipment. This operation signals a major failure in intelligence and coordination.1919

     16. HEADLINE: The Blueprint for Al-Qaeda's Transnational Expansion GUEST: Caleb Weiss and Bill RoggioSUMMARY: This offensive serves as a blueprint for al-Qaeda to target other Sahalian states like Burkina Faso and Niger. Alarmingly, Ukrainian-supplied drones used by Tuareg rebels have inadvertently aided al-Qaeda's efforts. Bill Roggio emphasizes that al-Qaeda and the Islamic State continue to fight for global dominance across multiple continents.1920

SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-28-26.1900 BOSPHORUS1. HEADLINE: Kevin Warsh's Nomination to the Federal Reserve GUEST: Elizabeth Peek SUMMARY: Elizabeth Peek discusses Kevin Warsh's nomination as Federal Reserve Chair, characterizing him as an inflation hawk who intends to revamp the Fed's communication and narrow its mandate. Warsh aims to shrink the $7 trillion balance sheet and divorce the institution from political influence to ensure long-term monetary stability.2. HEADLINE: New York City's E-bike Enforcement Controversy GUEST: Elizabeth Peek SUMMARY: Elizabeth Peek criticizes NYC's decision to replace criminal summonses with civil penalties for e-bike violations. She argues this "virtue signaling" protects undocumented immigrants from deportation at the expense of pedestrian safety. Unregistered, fast-moving bikes frequently ignore traffic rules, and civil penalties are difficult to enforce against those without fixed abodes.3. HEADLINE: The UAE's Strategic Exit from the OPEC Cartel GUEST: Jonathan Schanzer SUMMARY:Jonathan Schanzer explains that the UAE is leaving OPEC to increase oil production, signaling a major rift with Saudi Arabia. This move aims to aid global prices and support Donald Trump's economic agenda. Meanwhile, Iran attempts to link the Straits of Hormuz crisis with Israeli-Lebanese ceasefire negotiations to complicate diplomacy.4. HEADLINE: International Scandals and Israel-Ukraine Tensions GUEST: Jonathan Schanzer SUMMARY:Reports suggest Qatar influenced ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to target Israeli leaders while helping suppress misconduct allegations against him. Simultaneously, Ukraine accuses Israel of purchasing stolen grain from occupied territories. Internally, Israeli politics are shifting as Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett unite to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership.5. HEADLINE: The Global Impact of the Iranian Energy Conflict GUEST: Mary Kissel SUMMARY: Mary Kisselhighlights a fertilizer crisis caused by the war in Iran, which threatens global food security, particularly in Africa. She views the UAE's OPEC exit as part of a fundamental regional reshaping. Kissel asserts that the U.S. must maintain the political will to secure waterways and address Iran's nuclear program.6. HEADLINE: Navigating the Rodriguez Transition in Venezuela GUEST: Mary Kissel SUMMARY: Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's provisional president, is traveling to project stability and attract energy investment. While she aims to present herself as a cooperative figurehead, her future depends on U.S. demands for democracy. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado continues to draw massive support and plans to return to Venezuela by year's end.7. HEADLINE: German Economic Stagnation and Strategic Critiques GUEST: Judy Dempsey SUMMARY:Friedrich Merz describes Germany as "humiliated" by Iran due to a lack of clear U.S. strategy. Germany faces its fourth year of stagnant growth and a severe demographic crunch with record-low births. While Merz remains an Atlanticist, he critiques the Trump administration's transactional approach and lack of a strategic exit plan.8. HEADLINE: The Decline of Viktor Orbán and Hungary's Pivot GUEST: Judy Dempsey SUMMARY:Hungary's business elite are moving away from Viktor Orbán as Peter Magyar gains popularity by campaigning against systemic corruption. Magyar focuses on delivering tangible public services like healthcare and infrastructure. Orbán's defeat represents a significant blow to Europe's far-right, including Germany's AfD party.9. HEADLINE: Keir Starmer's Leadership Amidst the Mandelson Scandal GUEST: Joseph SternbergSUMMARY: Joseph Sternberg examines UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's instability following the Mandelsonaffair, a bureaucratic scandal involving improper diplomatic nominations. Despite being under pressure, Starmer likely remains in office because the Labor Party lacks a plausible replacement. The scandal's complexity makes it difficult for ordinary voters to comprehend fully.10. HEADLINE: Kevin Warsh's Vision for a Smaller Federal Reserve GUEST: Joseph Sternberg SUMMARY:Joseph Sternberg describes Kevin Warsh as a policymaker who believes the Fed should "stick to its knitting" by focusing strictly on price stability. Warsh intends to shrink the Fed's balance sheet to reduce its political intrusiveness and scale back "forward guidance". This approach aims to defend the central bank's long-term independence.11. HEADLINE: Historical Precedents for Modern Maritime Chokepoints GUEST: Ziyuan (Emily) WangSUMMARY: Emily Wang explains how the 1936 Montreux Convention established Turkey as a durable gatekeeper for the Turkish Straits, offering lessons for modern conflicts. The treaty balanced the shared tacit interests of opposing powers like Britain and Russia. Its success highlights the importance of legally binding frameworks in managing strategic waterways.12. HEADLINE: Managing Risks in Global Maritime Chokepoints GUEST: Ziyuan (Emily) Wang SUMMARY:Emily Wang analyzes the current threats in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, noting that risk perception and insurance markets are as vital as physical security. She argues that long-term stability requires quantifying tacit interests and maintaining a strong navy to ensure credible gunboat diplomacy against revisionist powers.13. HEADLINE: Pakistan's Emerging Role as a Neutral Diplomatic Site GUEST: Sadanand Dhume SUMMARY:Sadanand Dhume discusses Pakistan's surprising role as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran, facilitated by its unique geography and ties to China. Field Marshal Asim Munir leads this effort. A successful resolution could weaken the pernicious ideology of Islamism, reverberating positively throughout the broader Muslim world.14. HEADLINE: Ideological Barriers in Pakistan's Foreign Policy GUEST: Sadanand Dhume SUMMARY:Sadanand Dhume explores Pakistan's deep-rooted hostility toward Israel, which persists despite regional shifts toward normalization. While India views Pakistan's mediation role with envy, Pakistan's military leadership, under Field Marshal Munir, maintains power behind a civilian facade to insulate itself from economic discontent and governance pressures.15. HEADLINE: Al-Qaeda's Massive Military Offensive in Mali GUEST: Caleb Weiss and Bill RoggioSUMMARY: Caleb Weiss and Bill Roggio report on an unprecedented offensive by JNIM, al-Qaeda's West Africanbranch, which has blockaded Mali's capital and seized key military bases. The Malian state and Russian forces are in retreat, leaving behind significant equipment. This operation signals a major failure in intelligence and coordination.16. HEADLINE: The Blueprint for Al-Qaeda's Transnational Expansion GUEST: Caleb Weiss and Bill RoggioSUMMARY: This offensive serves as a blueprint for al-Qaeda to target other Sahalian states like Burkina Faso and Niger. Alarmingly, Ukrainian-supplied drones used by Tuareg rebels have inadvertently aided al-Qaeda's efforts. Bill Roggio emphasizes that al-Qaeda and the Islamic State continue to fight for global dominance across multiple continents.