Podcasts about Russia

Tommy and Ben explain how President Trump forfeited our advantage in the artificial intelligence race by allowing Nvidia to sell advanced AI chips to China, break down the new White House National Security Strategy document and debate whether it matters, and explain how fighting between Thailand and Cambodia and between the DRC and Rwanda has exposed Trump's “peacemaker” image as a sham. They also talk about the lack of progress on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, the bizarre story of a fake coup in Guinea Bissau, an attempted coup in Benin, troubling reports from Yemen's civil war, and former British Prime Minister Liz Truss's hilariously bad podcast debut. Then Tommy speaks to Anika Wells, Australia's Minister for Communications and Sport, about the country's social media ban for kids under 16.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After pressure from Washington, President Zelensky has said he will seek to change Ukrainian law so an election could take place within three months. He said this could only happen if the US and Europe guarantee security. Also: Russia's Vladimir Putin hosts "Heroes of the Fatherland Day"; Donald Trump lashes out at European allies; controversy over the UN's environment report; fighting between the Congolese army and M23 rebels continues in the DRC; the zoologist, Ian Douglas-Hamilton, dies; and a milestone moment for the Turner Prize. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

On this extremely cursed episode of Gaslit Nation, we take a break from gas station dictatorships to talk about their emo tech cousin: crypto, the shadow banking system for oligarchs, autocrats, and the Trump family, with Andy Greenberg of Wired, author of Tracers in the Dark: The Global Hunt for the Crime Lords of Cryptocurrency. Greenberg walks us through how Bitcoin was sold as untraceable "freedom money"–digital cash for the revolution!–and instead became a giant glowing crime map. Dark-web drug empires, massive child sex abuse rings, ransomware gangs, investment scam sweatshops, North Korean weapons programs, autocratic terrorists like Russia and China. Turns out their transnational crypto crime sprees left a trace. Greenberg profiles investigators who followed the blockchain to catch some of the world's worst monsters and advises how to "follow the money" in the digital age. We also discuss Trump's crypto war on the U.S. dollar and how he and his family enrich themselves with the help of crypto criminals.  This week's bonus show, for our Patreon supporters at the Truth-teller ($5/month) level and higher, features Gaslit Nation's book club discussion of Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky and Total Resistance by H Von Dach–and an urgent wake-up call to see the Kremlin's long-game in exporting oligarch-fascism, before it's too late. Just today, it was reported that Russia tried to plant bombs on U.S.-bound flights, following similar reports of planned attacks across Europe.  Join our community of listeners and get bonus shows, Q&A sessions, invites to exclusive events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, ad free listening, group chats with other listeners, ways to shape the show, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit! Show Notes: Tracers in the Dark: The Global Hunt for the Crime Lords of Cryptocurrency by Andy Greenberg https://bookshop.org/p/books/tracers-in-the-dark-the-global-hunt-for-the-crime-lords-of-cryptocurrency-andy-greenberg/b449e45a97a6794b?ean=9780593315613&next=t Trump pardon of billionaire sparks concerns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwcHn1GSZwo Aaron Rupar: "Wow -- Russia reportedly plotted last year to plant bombs on US-bound flights (gift link)" https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/post/3m7lbz4g7nc2v

The Strategic Implosion of China and Global Realignments: Colleague Gregory Copley asserts that the People's Republic of China has strategically collapsed due to economic failure and demographic decline, claiming Xi Jinping is no longer effectively in power, noting that Russia is distancing itself from Beijing and Western leaders like Albanese are pivoting back toward Washington. 1942

The Trump Corollary: Reasserting Influence in the Western Hemisphere: Colleague Mary Kissel analyzes the new National Security Strategy, praising its focus on the Western Hemisphere to counter Russian and Chinese influence in Venezuela and Cuba, warning against accepting separate global spheres of influence and emphasizing that the U.S. faces a coordinated threat from China, Russia, and Iran globally. 1952

SHOW 12-9-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1918 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE FED CUT AND THE MARKETS. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Wall Street Bets on Rate Cuts Despite Mixed Economic Signals: Colleague Elizabeth Peek discusses the near certainty of a Federal Reserve rate cut, noting Wall Street's optimism despite steady inflation and mixed employment signals, highlighting strong holiday spending and arguing that fears regarding tariffs were overblown, while emphasizing that AI investment is reshaping, rather than reducing, corporate hiring. 915-930 Concerns Over New York City Mayor-Elect Mamdani's Appointments: Colleague Elizabeth Peek criticizes Mayor-elect Mamdani's controversial appointments, including an ex-convict as a criminal justice adviser and anti-car activists for transportation roles, arguing these ideological choices neglect the pragmatic needs of citizens concerned with safety and education, predicting administrative failure for the new administration. 930-945 Rising Tensions: Hezbollah's Rearmament and Hamas's Defiance: Colleague Jonathan Schanzer warns that Hezbollah has rebuilt its strength in Lebanon using Iranian weapons, prompting Israeli threats of a full-scale attack, noting that Hamas refuses to disarm in Gaza, supported by Turkey and Qatar, while the U.S. moves to designate Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations. 945-1000 Syria's Fragmentation and the Regional Arms Race: Colleague Jonathan Schanzer describes Syria as a chaotic mix of armed factions, including Al-Qaeda-led pragmatists and Iranian proxies, held together only by regime brutality, mentioning potential U.S. plans for a base to deter bad actors and highlighting rapid military expansions by Turkey and Egypt amid regional instability. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 The Trump Corollary: Reasserting Influence in the Western Hemisphere: Colleague Mary Kissel analyzes the new National Security Strategy, praising its focus on the Western Hemisphere to counter Russian and Chinese influence in Venezuela and Cuba, warning against accepting separate global spheres of influence and emphasizing that the U.S. faces a coordinated threat from China, Russia, and Iran globally. 1015-1030 Europe's Defense Dilemma and Demographic Decline: Colleague Mary Kissel attributes Europe's inability to fund Ukraine's defense to decades of relying on U.S. protection while prioritizing generous welfare states, citing "scary statistics" regarding France's aging population and pension burdens, arguing that Europe must pursue economic growth rather than government handouts to survive security challenges. 1030-1045 Europe's Economic Stagnation and the Innovation Gap: Colleague Joseph Sternberg discusses Europe's economic decline relative to the U.S., driven by high energy costs and excessive regulation, noting a growing debate in Brussels about deregulation but arguing Europe lacks a unified vision to encourage the entrepreneurship and healthcare innovation seen in the American system. 1045-1100 Angela Rayner's Return and Labour's Economic Struggles: Colleague Joseph Sternberg analyzes the political return of Angela Rayner and her push for a "workers rights bill" despite Prime Minister Starmer's plummeting popularity, arguing this move highlights internal Labour Party conflict and risks imposing policies detrimental to an economy already struggling with inflation and stagnation.THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Paul Manafort and the Origins of Modern Foreign Lobbying: Colleague Ken Vogel chronicles how Paul Manafort revolutionized the lobbying industry by merging political consulting with foreign representation, creating a model later adopted by Tony Podesta and others, explaining how the fall of Ukraine's Yanukovych and subsequent investigations exposed the industry's widespread failure to comply with FARA regulations. 1115-1130 Robert Stryk's Risky Lobbying Missions in Somalia and Venezuela: Colleague Ken Vogel details lobbyist Robert Stryk's dangerous mission to Mogadishu to secure U.S. aid for Somalia's President Farmajo during the Trump administration, also describing Stryk's controversial efforts to represent Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, illustrating the lucrative and often perilous nature of foreign influence peddling in unstable regions. 1130-1145 The Revolving Door: Democratic Insiders and Foreign Influence: Colleague Ken Vogel explains how Democratic operatives like Anita Dunn and Antony Blinken leveraged government experience for lucrative consulting roles at firms like SKDK and WestExec, also discussing Hunter Biden's pardon regarding Chinese business dealings and Robert Stryk's representation of sanctioned Russian defense executives. 1145-1200 The Decline of FARA Enforcement and Politicized Justice: Colleague Ken Vogel argues that enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act is weakening, citing Rudy Giuliani's work for sanctioned Balkan leaders and Attorney General Pam Bondi's potential decriminalization of FARA, suggesting the U.S. is returning to a "Wild West" era of unregulated foreign influence where laws are flouted. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Reviving the Monroe Doctrine via the Trump Corollary: Colleague Gregory Copley analyzes the Trump administration's National Security Strategy, which reasserts the Monroe Doctrine to counter Chinese and Russian influence in the Western Hemisphere, arguing that "gunboat diplomacy" off Venezuela effectively restores U.S. sovereignty, signaling a shift toward self-reliance and away from traditional alliances like NATO. 1215-1230 European Leaders Scramble to Support Ukraine Amidst Domestic Crises: Colleague Gregory Copley discusses the meeting between UK, French, and German leaders with Zelenskyy, noting they are using the Ukraine war to distract from domestic political failures, tracing Europe's defense dependency to U.S. post-WWII policies and suggesting Zelenskyy is leveraging European fears against Washington to secure his future. 1230-1245 The Strategic Implosion of China and Global Realignments: Colleague Gregory Copley asserts that the People's Republic of China has strategically collapsed due to economic failure and demographic decline, claiming Xi Jinping is no longer effectively in power, noting that Russia is distancing itself from Beijing and Western leaders like Albanese are pivoting back toward Washington. 1245-100 AM King Charles, Environmental Realism, and UK Political Instability: Colleague Gregory Copley observes that King Charles avoids political climate statements despite Bill Gates' recent realism regarding environmental alarmism, discussing political instability in the UK and suggesting Prime Minister Starmer faces challenges from the left that could force new elections, potentially benefiting reformists like Nigel Farage.

Alan Dye jumps ship, departing Apple for Meta! Could Johny Srouji leave Apple soon? Srouji says he's not leaving 'anytime soon'. Justin Bieber is upset over part of Apple's Messages UI. And Apple TV previews part of the F1 channel TV app! Bad Dye Job. Apple announces departure of general counsel and policy chief. What the heck is going on at Apple? Apple Chip Chief tells staff he's not leaving 'Anytime Soon'. In a major coup for someone, Alan Dye leaves Apple. Report: Apple Bleeding Talent to OpenAI. Apple highlights developer tools as Australia bans social media for under-16s. Justin Bieber threatens Apple with 'rear naked choke hold' over Messages UI. Apple may have to enable always-on GPS in India. Russia restricts FaceTime, its latest step in controlling online communications. A love letter to glory days of iPhone gaming. Create a bootable external disk for Apple silicon Macs in Tahoe. iFixit app returns to the App Store with AI guidance and battery warnings. Pebble's new smart ring stops you from forgetting your best ideas. More all-black Vision Pro prototype parts surface online. New features for Galaxy XR and a look at future devices. Apple TV previews new F1 streaming deal, confirms driver onboard cams will be included. Apple announces winners of 2025 App Store awards. Apple's acclaimed feature "F1" and hit series "Severance," "Pluribus," & "Slow Horses" land top nominations for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. Picks of the Week Jason's Pick: MBW Picks (Pick-ception Paul Mayson!) Andy's Pick: A Charlie Brown Christmas Alex's Pick: GenR8 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: auraframes.com/ink spaceship.com/twit outsystems.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

The just-published Trump 2.0 national security strategy is causing a mix of fury, resignation, and even accusations of ignorance. Moscow has welcomed the plan, saying it aligns with Putin's vision, while former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt posted that it's "to the right of the extreme right of Europe." Celeste Wallander served as an assistant secretary of defense under President Biden, and Peter Frankopan is a professor of global history at Oxford University. They join Christiane to discuss.  Also on today's show: Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani; European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas; Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares; Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan; New Yorker Editor David Remnick    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

EU countries want to fast-track a decision to indefinitely immobilise up to €210bn in Russian sovereign assets, investors have increased bets that interest rates in major economies could diverge next year, and Berlin stands ready to throw its weight behind a German candidate to be the next president of the European Central Bank. Plus, Australia is now the first country in the world to restrict social media access for kids under the age of 16.Mentioned in this podcast:Trump gives Zelenskyy ‘days' to respond to peace proposalEU races to bypass Viktor Orbán on Russia assets before summitInvestors increase bets on ECB rate rise in threat to dollarGermany sees high hurdles to winning ECB presidencyThe countdown to the world's first social media ban for childrenNote: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today's FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Fiona Symon, Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello and David da Silva. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show's theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Los Angeles man is arrested after taking street safety into his own hands—by painting his own crosswalks. Then, Conway breaks down why Porsches in Russia suddenly stopped working and the shocking 7-minute Bel-Air heist caught on camera. Feeling festive? Conway shares pro tips for picking the perfect Christmas tree, just in time for the holidays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Dye jumps ship, departing Apple for Meta! Could Johny Srouji leave Apple soon? Srouji says he's not leaving "anytime soon". Justin Bieber is upset over part of Apple's Messages UI. And Apple TV previews part of the F1 channel TV app! Bad Dye Job. Apple announces departure of general counsel and policy chief. What the heck is going on at Apple? Apple Chip Chief tells staff he's not leaving "Anytime Soon". In a major coup for someone, Alan Dye leaves Apple. Report: Apple Bleeding Talent to OpenAI. Apple highlights developer tools as Australia bans social media for under-16s. Justin Bieber threatens Apple with "rear naked choke hold" over Messages UI. Apple may have to enable always-on GPS in India. Russia restricts FaceTime, its latest step in controlling online communications. A love letter to glory days of iPhone gaming. Create a bootable external disk for Apple silicon Macs in Tahoe. iFixit app returns to the App Store with AI guidance and battery warnings. Pebble's new smart ring stops you from forgetting your best ideas. More all-black Vision Pro prototype parts surface online. New features for Galaxy XR and a look at future devices. Apple TV previews new F1 streaming deal, confirms driver onboard cams will be included. Apple announces winners of 2025 App Store awards. Apple's acclaimed feature "F1" and hit series "Severance," "Pluribus," & "Slow Horses" land top nominations for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. Picks of the Week Jason's Pick: MBW Picks (Pick-ception Paul Mayson!) Andy's Pick: A Charlie Brown Christmas Alex's Pick: GenR8 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: auraframes.com/ink spaceship.com/twit outsystems.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

Alan Dye jumps ship, departing Apple for Meta! Could Johny Srouji leave Apple soon? Srouji says he's not leaving 'anytime soon'. Justin Bieber is upset over part of Apple's Messages UI. And Apple TV previews part of the F1 channel TV app! Bad Dye Job. Apple announces departure of general counsel and policy chief. What the heck is going on at Apple? Apple Chip Chief tells staff he's not leaving 'Anytime Soon'. In a major coup for someone, Alan Dye leaves Apple. Report: Apple Bleeding Talent to OpenAI. Apple highlights developer tools as Australia bans social media for under-16s. Justin Bieber threatens Apple with 'rear naked choke hold' over Messages UI. Apple may have to enable always-on GPS in India. Russia restricts FaceTime, its latest step in controlling online communications. A love letter to glory days of iPhone gaming. Create a bootable external disk for Apple silicon Macs in Tahoe. iFixit app returns to the App Store with AI guidance and battery warnings. Pebble's new smart ring stops you from forgetting your best ideas. More all-black Vision Pro prototype parts surface online. New features for Galaxy XR and a look at future devices. Apple TV previews new F1 streaming deal, confirms driver onboard cams will be included. Apple announces winners of 2025 App Store awards. Apple's acclaimed feature "F1" and hit series "Severance," "Pluribus," & "Slow Horses" land top nominations for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. Picks of the Week Jason's Pick: MBW Picks (Pick-ception Paul Mayson!) Andy's Pick: A Charlie Brown Christmas Alex's Pick: GenR8 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: auraframes.com/ink spaceship.com/twit outsystems.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

An exclusive interview on immigration, racism, Russia, Farage and Trump.Jordan Bardella is the leader of National Rally in France, and currently leading the polls to become president in 2027 if his mentor, Marine Le Pen fails to overturn a conviction that bars her from running for office. In the meantime, he is on a mission to persuade people that his party has changed since its history as the National Front, founded in the 1970s by Jean-Marie Le Pen, a convicted racist and Holocaust-denier. Can he succeed?In this interview, Bardella responds to Donald Trump's criticism of Europe, rejects challenges on racism and explains why he is in London to meet with Nigel FarageProducers: Daniel Kraemer and Leela Padmanabhan Research: Lisa Louis Translation: Pierre-Antoine Denis Additional translation: Merlyn Thomas, Erwan Rivault Sound editing: Craig Kingham Editor: Giles Edwards

Alan Dye jumps ship, departing Apple for Meta! Could Johny Srouji leave Apple soon? Srouji says he's not leaving 'anytime soon'. Justin Bieber is upset over part of Apple's Messages UI. And Apple TV previews part of the F1 channel TV app! Bad Dye Job. Apple announces departure of general counsel and policy chief. What the heck is going on at Apple? Apple Chip Chief tells staff he's not leaving 'Anytime Soon'. In a major coup for someone, Alan Dye leaves Apple. Report: Apple Bleeding Talent to OpenAI. Apple highlights developer tools as Australia bans social media for under-16s. Justin Bieber threatens Apple with 'rear naked choke hold' over Messages UI. Apple may have to enable always-on GPS in India. Russia restricts FaceTime, its latest step in controlling online communications. A love letter to glory days of iPhone gaming. Create a bootable external disk for Apple silicon Macs in Tahoe. iFixit app returns to the App Store with AI guidance and battery warnings. Pebble's new smart ring stops you from forgetting your best ideas. More all-black Vision Pro prototype parts surface online. New features for Galaxy XR and a look at future devices. Apple TV previews new F1 streaming deal, confirms driver onboard cams will be included. Apple announces winners of 2025 App Store awards. Apple's acclaimed feature "F1" and hit series "Severance," "Pluribus," & "Slow Horses" land top nominations for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. Picks of the Week Jason's Pick: MBW Picks (Pick-ception Paul Mayson!) Andy's Pick: A Charlie Brown Christmas Alex's Pick: GenR8 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: auraframes.com/ink spaceship.com/twit outsystems.com/twit cachefly.com/twit

In this episode of Explaining History, Nick analyzes the newly published 2025 US National Security Strategy, a document that could be considered a foundational text for the global far-right.We explore how this strategy, with its language of "civilizational erasure" and "European greatness," mirrors the rhetoric of leaders like Viktor Orban and the conspiracy theories of the "Great Replacement." Nick argues that this is not just ideology; it is a manifesto for American interference in European elections, designed to undermine social democracy and pave the way for deregulation favorable to US capital.From the demonization of migration to the cynical normalization of Russia, we unpack how the Trump administration is attempting to reshape Europe in its own image—and why the economic weakness of the continent leaves it vulnerable to this new, aggressive Monroe Doctrine.Key Topics:The 2025 Strategy: A blueprint for far-right interventionism.Civilizational Rhetoric: How "Great Replacement" theory has entered US policy.Economic Imperialism: The drive to deregulate Europe for American corporations.The Future of NATO: Why the US is pivoting towards "patriotic" (i.e., far-right) allies.References:Cas Mudde's analysis in The GuardianOswald Spengler's The Decline of the WestRenaud Camus' The Great ReplacementExplaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some staffing changes near the top at Apple were announced this week, with Alan Dye, design guy, moving to Meta getting a lot of press. But many say good riddance. There was also plenty of other tech news dropping this week, we try to get you caught up with what you need to know. Of course, we have some great tips for you and even a special guest during our picks of the week. All so you can get out there and tech better! Gadget Gift Guide for Geeks Watch on YouTube! - Notnerd.com and Notpicks.com INTRO (00:00) After Apple refusal, Indian government completes U-turn on mandatory iPhone app (03:00) MAIN TOPIC: Apple Design is a changing (04:45) Apple design executive Alan Dye poached by Meta in major coup Apple design boss Alan Dye departing for Meta Alan.app Apple announces executive transitions Apple chief Johny Srouji confirms he isn't going anywhere DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK: Get a Callback Reminder for a Missed Call (13:10) JUST THE HEADLINES: (19:10) End-to-end encrypted smart toilet camera is not actually end-to-end encrypted Cloudflare says it has fended off 416 billion AI bot scrape requests in five months Amazon starts testing 'ultra-fast' 30-minute deliveries Woman hailed as hero for smashing man's Meta smart glasses on subway All of Russia's Porsches were bricked by a mysterious satellite outage HBO Max forgot to remove a 'vomit hose' crew member in Mad Men 4K Oregon sportswear giant Columbia pledges to give 'the company' to anyone who can prove the Earth is flat TAKES: YouTube introduces its own version of Spotify Wrapped for videos (21:30) Even Microsoft's retro holiday sweaters are having Copilot forced upon them (26:35) Bending Spoons to acquire Eventbrite in $500M all-cash deal (30:00) Netflix agrees to buy Warner Bros. in an $82.7-billion deal that will transform Hollywood (32:05) Microsoft December 2025 Patch Tuesday (34:55) BONUS ODD TAKE: An online collection of found cassette tapes (36:25) PICKS OF THE WEEK:  Dave: Headlamp Rechargeable 2PCS, 230° Wide Beam Head Lamp LED with Motion Sensor for Adults - Camping Accessories Gear, Waterproof Head Light Flashlight for Hiking, Running, Repairing, Fishing, Cycling (39:30) Nate: Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D Printer, Support Multi-Color 3D Printing, Set Up in 20 Mins, High Speed & Precision, Full-Auto Calibration & Active Flow Rate Compensation, ≤48 dB Quiet FDM 3D Printers (44:00) Gadget Gift Guide for Geeks RAMAZON PURCHASE OF THE WEEK (52:35)

In Episode 63, Ghost breaks down a rapidly shifting African landscape, starting with the attempted coup in Benin and the escalating tension between Nigeria and the emerging Sahel alliance. He examines the growing instability across the region, the internal pressures facing Nigerian leadership, and how these events reflect a broader continental realignment away from Western influence. Ghost then walks through troop movements, border flare-ups, rebel activity, and the strategic implications of Russia, China, and the U.S. competing for leverage on African soil. With his signature clarity, he connects historical context to present-day fractures, showing how economics, security vacuums, and political upheaval are creating a new geopolitical map in West Africa. A focused, high-signal episode that explains why the world's next major power shift may already be underway.

Trump leans on both Ukraine and Russia as peace negotiations grind onward, Daily Wire Investigative Reporter Luke Rosiak heads to Capitol Hill to testify this week, and a new memo reveals Biden knew his immigration policies would have chaotic consequences—and chose to continue regardless. Get the facts first with Morning Wire. - - - Ep. 2526 - - - Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 - - - Today's Sponsors: Equip Foods - Equip's Prime Bar is a real food protein bar with nothing to hide: just 11 ingredients and 20g of clean protein - made from ingredients you can pronounce like collagen, beef tallow, colostrum, cocoa butter - and sweetened naturally with just date and honey. Morning Wire listeners will get 25% off one-time purchases, or 40% off first subscription orders for a limited time by heading to https://equipfoods.com/wire and using code WIRE at checkout. Shopify - Go to https://Shopify.com/morningwire to sign up for your $1-per-month trial period and upgrade your selling today. - - - Privacy Policy: https://www.dailywire.com/privacy morning wire,morning wire podcast,the morning wire podcast,Georgia Howe,John Bickley,daily wire podcast,podcast,news podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the MeidasTouch Podcast, we break down another chaotic stretch for the country as a visibly confused Donald Trump lashes out at yet another reporter who dared remind him of something he said just days ago, as he unveils a massive taxpayer-funded bailout for farmers devastated by his own tariff policies. We cover Alina Habba finally vacating the office she unlawfully occupied while pretending to be a U.S. Attorney, Trump's alarming pro-Russia national security strategy that openly targets the European Union for destruction, and the series of global conflicts now erupting from Congo to Thailand under his destabilizing leadership. We expose the administration's gaslighting about the “great” economy while Americans suffer, Trump's unhinged attack on Marjorie Taylor Greene after her critical 60 Minutes interview, Mike Johnson's mounting crisis as Speaker, and much more from the frontline of this unraveling presidency. Ben, Brett, and Jordy break it all down. Subscribe to Meidas+ at https://meidasplus.com Get Meidas Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Deals from our sponsors!  Mizzen+Main: Get 20% off your first purchase at https://mizzenandmain.com with Promo Code MEIDAS20 ZBiotics: Head to https://zbiotics.com/MEIDAS to get 15% off your first order when you use MEIDAS at checkout. Amra: Go to https://armra.com/meidas or enter MEIDAS to get 30% off your first subscription order! Qualia: Take control of your cellular health today. Go to https://qualialife.com/meidas and save 15% to experience the science of feeling younger. Remi: Save your smile and your bank account with Remi! Get up to 50% off your custom-fit mouth guard at https://ShopRemi.com/MEIDAS today! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe [CB][DS] are trying to convince the world high electricity costs are coming from AI and Crypto mining, it is not, its coming from the green new scam. Gas prices are coming way down. The new system Trump is building is getting stronger and stronger. The [CB] will fight back against Trump’s tariff system. The [DS] is pushing back, they want war and they do not want the peace deal. Corruption is being exposed in Ukraine which is putting a lot of pressure on Zelensky, the EU is now funding Ukraine. Soon he will be pushed out or he will sign the peace deal. Trump says its time for election in Ukraine. The [DS] criminal syndicate that they setup in DC under threat by the SC. They will rule that Trump as the right to remove the agencies and people, they are not independent of the Executive Branch, game over. Economy https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1997946755116359938?s=20 thanks to bad energy policy, not data centers. He slammed subsidies for unreliable sources like offshore wind, saying some projects cost $11B for 1GW of intermittent power, versus $1–2B for 24/7 reliable supply. Burgum laid into what he called “climate extremists,” accusing them of prioritizing flashy green experiments over building energy systems that actually work. The result is sky-high bills for electricity that cuts out when the weather does, while lawmakers pat themselves on the back for feel-good “net zero” policies that don't add up. Burgum: “A lot of the higher prices that you’re seeing are not related to the AI data centers. The policy choices of the last 5 years, driven by sometimes climate extremists, were the ones that are driving up the prices you’re seeing.” (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");   That is why I have authorized documentation to impose a 5% Tariff on Mexico if this water isn't released, IMMEDIATELY. The longer Mexico takes to release the water, the more our Farmers are hurt. Mexico has an obligation to FIX THIS NOW. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Gas Prices Drop To Lowest Level In Nearly 5 Years Across US Gasoline prices have dropped to their lowest levels in nearly five years and stand at around $2.90 per gallon on average as of Monday, according to data from GasBuddy, a company that tracks gas prices. “The national average has just slipped below $2.90 per gallon for the first time since May 2, 2021,” GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan wrote in a Sunday post on X.   Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1998037849539846303?s=20 ADP Weekly Employment Report Signals Rebound In Labor Market  the US labor market turned up for the four weeks ending Nov. 22, 2025, private employers added an average of 4,750 jobs a week., according to ADP’s new weekly employment data This week's positive number hints at an upswing in the labor market after four straight weeks of negative pulse estimates, after four straight weeks of losing jobs. This follows the almost unprecedented decline in initial jobless claims last week (which some have argued was impacted by Thanksgiving Week irregularities). Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/1998369537851346975?s=20   “degraded” products that nobody wanted, a terrible idea that slowed Innovation, and hurt the American Worker. That Era is OVER! We will protect National Security, create American Jobs, and keep America's lead in AI. NVIDIA's U.S. Customers are already moving forward with their incredible, highly advanced Blackwell chips, and soon, Rubin, neither of which are part of this deal. My Administration will always put America FIRST. The Department of Commerce is finalizing the details, and the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and other GREAT American Companies. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Political/Rights https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/1998069235734520159?s=20  putting American lives at risk. There are another 4,015 aliens in the custody of an Illinois jurisdiction that ICE is seeking to arrest. Criminal illegal aliens should not be released back onto our streets to terrorize more innocent Americans. https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1998407499884511706?s=20 https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1998416601050161442?s=20 https://twitter.com/FBIDDBongino/status/1998135848546746381?s=20  daily to dismantle the network and all those criminal actors associated with it. https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1998400657217257829?s=20 DOGE https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1998127452195852468?s=20   don’t see how they can do that!” “I’ll speak about it later. I’ll get a FULL report on it.” “Europe has to be VERY careful…Europe is going in some BAD directions.” @ElonMusk will win this! Geopolitical https://twitter.com/PM_ViktorOrban/status/1998044051203928212?s=20  Hungary will not implement the measures of the Migration Pact. The rebellion begins! War/Peace https://twitter.com/Rasmussen_Poll/status/1998163342465306883?s=20 https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1998082649425125715?s=20  amid uncertainty about future U.S. involvement. Zelensky met with Macron, Merz, and Starmer to align Europe's position on Ukraine peace talks. The message? If the U.S. steps back, Europe is ready to step up. Macron spoke of “convergence” between Europe, Ukraine, and the U.S., code for: we're not waiting for Trump. Starmer promised “a just and lasting settlement.” Merz framed Ukraine's future as “the destiny of Europe.” This isn't just about Ukraine anymore, it's about Europe's ability to act without Washington.aa the subtext is clear: Europe knows Trump may walk away, and they're preparing for it. Ukraine is only part of the equation, the real test is whether Europe can act without Washington. For the first time since 2022, the center of gravity on Ukraine is shifting eastward, to Paris, Berlin, and London. If Trump wins, the burden of leadership falls on Europe. Today may have been the first test of whether it’s ready https://twitter.com/BRICSinfo/status/1998299398456131611?s=20 What’s The Likelihood Of A NATO-Russian Non-Aggression Pact? Putin recently proposed providing Europe, the majority of whose countries are part of NATO, with formal guarantees that it won't attack. In connection with this, he also assessed that those who fearmonger about Russia are serving the interests of the military-industrial complex and/or trying to bolster their domestic image, which exposed their ulterior motives. In any case, his proposal could hypothetically lead to a NATO-Russian Non-Aggression Pact (NRNAP), but only if the political will exists on both sides Source: zerohedge.com  https://twitter.com/TheOtherSideRu/status/1998356606119981155?s=20   it's not a democracy anymore” https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1998356214384611652?s=20   hold an election, but I would think the Ukrainian people should have that choice. And maybe Zelensky would win. But they haven't had an election in a long time. They talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it's not a democracy anymore,” Donald Trump said. As of December 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s approval (or trust) rating in Ukraine has reportedly plummeted due to a major corruption scandal involving leaked “Mindich tapes” tied to his inner circle and energy sector graft. Multiple sources, including Ukrainian media and lawmakers, indicate the rating has dropped by about 40 percentage points in a single week, now sitting at or below 20-25%. Medical/False Flags [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/1998187351026348280?s=20 WATCH: Crockett Launches Senate Campaign By Posting Bizarre Compilation of Trump Repeatedly Calling Her ‘Low IQ' FBI Agents Sue Kash Patel After Being Fired Over BLM Support — Claim Kneeling ‘Saved American Lives'   The FBI agents who kneeled during the George Floyd BLM riots were fired on Friday by the FBI. A group of former FBI agents has filed a lawsuit against Director Kash Patel and the federal government after being fired for supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. The dozen agents complained that almost immediately upon becoming director of the bureau, Patel began working to terminate all agents who had kneeled in support of the movement. The lawsuit also claims the agents would not have been fired had they had the same perceived political affiliations as those involved in the January 6th protests. Source: thegatewaypundit.com The FBI, as a U.S. federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Justice (DOJ), is required to maintain political neutrality and impartiality in its operations and public actions. It does not take official political stands or engage in activism, as its mission focuses on enforcing federal laws without partisan bias. Individual FBI employees (including agents) are subject to strict restrictions under the Hatch Act, which prohibits most forms of partisan political activity to ensure a neutral federal workforce. FBI personnel are classified as “further restricted” employees, meaning they face additional limitations compared to most other federal workers. Key Prohibitions for FBI EmployeesThese apply at all times (on or off duty) unless otherwise noted, with the goal of preventing any appearance of political influence or coercion: Taking a partisan political stand: They may not endorse or oppose candidates for partisan office or political parties in advertisements, broadcasts, campaign literature, speeches at partisan events, or similar materials if done in coordination with a candidate, party, or partisan group.     Pushing partisan activism: Active participation in partisan political management or campaigns is banned, including organizing rallies/caucuses, promoting/selling tickets to fundraising events, addressing partisan gatherings in support of/opposition to candidates, or driving voters to polls in coordination with partisan entities. They cannot use their official authority to interfere with elections or solicit/discourage political activity from individuals with business before the DOJ/FBI. Permitted Activities for FBI EmployeesWhile heavily restricted, some non-active or non-partisan actions are allowed, primarily off-duty: . https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1998131089542713808?s=20   million in fees from Fani Willis's office after she was disqualified for an improper relationship with a special prosecutor. The Georgia Supreme Court removed her permanently in September, opening the door for all 19 defendants to file similar reimbursement claims. The total cost could dwarf Trump's alone and stands as a humiliating rebuke of Willis's partisan prosecution. The blowback is now financial as well as legal. https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1998354564790284308?s=20 notice. 18 of them are still actively covered. September 2025. Monthly payout: over $10,000. GAO’s just…monitoring them. Because apparently nobody at HHS has. No SSN? Fine. No proof of citizenship? Whatever. No income documentation? Come on in. GAO literally wrote in their report: “[We] did not provide documentation yet received coverage.” They’re not even hiding it – they got benefits with nothing. The system just said yes. Now check the real-world damage. In 2023, 29,000 Social Security numbers somehow got used for multiple full-year coverage plans. By 2024? That jumped to 68,000. Someone’s running the same number through the machine twice, three times, however many times it takes, and the alarms aren’t going off. Then there’s the $94 million that went to dead people in 2023. Not “accounts tied to people who died recently and the paperwork hasn’t caught up” – straight up deceased recipients. Death certificates filed, funerals held, checks still clearing. But here’s the really wild part: GAO tried to track $21 billion in subsidies from 2023 back to actual Social Security numbers. Couldn’t do it. 21 billion dollars just floating out there with no clear connection to who’s supposed to be getting it. The system allows multiple enrollments per SSN “to help ensure actual SSN-holder can enroll in cases of identity theft or data entry errors.” In other words: we built in workarounds so generous that fraud looks identical to legitimate use. Now Congress is fighting over whether to extend these enhanced COVID subsidies past December 31. Cost to keep them? $30 billion annually. 24 million people enrolled, over 90% getting subsidies. Without extension, premiums spike overnight and 22 million people might lose coverage. Republicans looking at GAO’s findings saying: this is exactly why we shouldn’t pour another $30B into a system that can’t tell fake accounts from real ones. Democrats saying: you’re going to kick 22 million people off insurance because less than 1% is fraud? Both sides kinda have a point. Yeah, the fraud’s under 1% of total enrollees. But when you’re burning $30B yearly and literally cannot verify where $21B went, “less than 1%” stops sounding so minor. Senate vote coming this week. Expected to fail. Which means scramble for short-term extension, fight continues into 2026 budget battles, and absolutely nothing changes about fraud controls. Because here’s what nobody wants to say out loud: the system isn’t designed to catch fraud. It’s designed to maximize enrollment. When your mandate is “get people covered,” asking too many questions becomes the enemy. Verification slows things down. Documentation creates barriers. Better to let a few fake accounts slip through than risk denying real people who need coverage. So GAO’s 18 fictional enrollees will keep collecting their $10K monthly until someone at HHS manually shuts them down. Which requires someone at HHS to actually read GAO reports. Which requires someone at HHS to care more about fraud than enrollment numbers. Don’t hold your breath. By next year, GAO will run the same test. Find the same results. Write the same warnings. And Congress will have the same fight about whether feeding money into a system that can’t track where it goes is compassionate policy or expensive theater. Meanwhile, somewhere in America, a completely imaginary person just got their subsidized premium renewed for 2026. https://twitter.com/chad_mizelle/status/1998194850324222006?s=20  clown show. Ignore him. In the meantime, Congress needs to start acting like a co-equal branch and initiate its own inquiry into Boasberg. President Trump's Plan Alina Habba Resigns as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey After Courts Rule Against Her Appointment Alina Habba, President Donald Trump's pick to serve as U.S. attorney for New Jersey, has resigned from her role following a federal court's ruling to uphold a lower court's decision that she was not “lawfully” appointed to the office. The news was announced Monday by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who said she was “saddened to accept Alina's resignation”: https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/1998102734680318084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1998102734680318084%7Ctwgr%5E61a3e334e8e6099ea26f7cf5005134be5bf746cd%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.breitbart.com%2Ft%2Fassets%2Fhtml%2Ftweet-5.html1998102734680318084 Habba intends to return to the U.S. attorney's office if that occurs, Bondi added, noting that she will be continuing with the DOJ as a senior advisor. Source: breitbart.com Do Not Mistake Compliance For Surrender” – Alina Habba Steps Down As Acting US Attorney For New Jersey    Habba's statement Monday said “do not mistake compliance for surrender”. https://twitter.com/AlinaHabba/status/1998101999024550125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1998101999024550125%7Ctwgr%5Ec3b83e0f57525961eabb9975a6e4dab69d0d73c0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fpolitical%2Fdo-not-mistake-compliance-surrender-alina-habba-steps-down-acting-us-attorney-new-jersey Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/JoeLang51440671/status/1998202248636072142?s=20  Ketanji Brown Jackson claimed the president should have no power to fire expert bureaucrats. She said economists, PhDs, scientists, & transportation officials should operate beyond presidential reach. Such a view would carve the heart out of Article II & cement rule by permanent insiders rather than elected leadership. Jackson's theory elevates the deep state over the voters who choose a president. That is a constitutional revolution in plain sight. https://twitter.com/AwakenedOutlaw/status/1998116399190036973?s=20   Furthermore, the same logic would apply to the Federal Reserve, IMO. In fact, that’s almost certainly where this is going. Justice Kavanaugh: “I want to give you a chance to deal with the hard hypothetical. When both Houses of Congress and the President are controlled by the same party, they create a lot of these independent agencies or extend some of the current independent agencies into these kinds of situations so as to thwart future Presidents of the opposite party https://twitter.com/nayibbukele/status/1894547479367938142?s=20 https://twitter.com/Rothbard1776/status/1998162884455522528?s=20 https://twitter.com/MJTruthUltra/status/1998149963835191541?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1998129151857848575?s=20   where you have Dem Senators, they won’t approve him! This gentlemen’s agreement [blue slip] has lasted TOO LONG. It means you can’t appoint a GOP US Attorney!” “In VA, NJ, CA, a US Attorney or judge…the only people you can get by are Democrats because they put a HOLD ON IT!” “It only takes one senator! If they are Democrat, they won’t approve it.” “All because GRASSLEY with his BLUE SLIP stuff won’t let anybody go by! And by the way, Democrats have violated blue slip!” Susie Wiles: Trump Will Campaign for 2026 Midterms ‘Like It's 2024 Again' White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles revealed that President Donald Trump will get out and “campaign like it's 2024 again” for the 2026 midterm elections. Wiles went on to explain that “in the midterms, it's not about who's sitting at the White House,” but about localizing the election and keeping “the federal officials out of it.” “We're actually going to turn that on its head,” Wiles shared. “And, put him on the ballot because so many of those low propensity voters are Trump voters. And, we saw, a week ago Tuesday, what happens when he's not on the ballot and not active. So, I haven't quite broken it to him yet, but he's going to campaign like it's 2024 again.” Source: breitbart.com (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

Dave Smith brings you the latest in politics! On this episode of Part Of The Problem, Dave and Robbie "The Fire" Bernstein talk about Marjorie Taylor Greene's post-Trump conflict interview, Rachel Maddow on Stephen Colbert talking about Russia-gate, and more.Order Lauren Smith's book here: https://a.co/d/67djjBpSupport Our Sponsors:Visit https://twc.health/problem to get American Made Ivermectin. Order your 6-month supply today and use code PROBLEM for $30 Off + FREE shipping. USA Residents only.BodyBrain - Go to BodyBrainCoffee.com, use code DAVE20 for 20% off your first orderBetter Help - https://Betterhelp.com/problem for 10% off your first monthBrunt Workwear - http://bruntworkwear.com/ Use code PROBLEMPart Of The Problem is available for early pre-release at https://partoftheproblem.com as well as an exclusive episode on Thursday!PORCH TOUR DATES HERE:https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/porch-tour-2025-4222673Find Run Your Mouth here:YouTube - http://youtube.com/@RunYourMouthiTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/run-your-mouth-podcast/id1211469807Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4ka50RAKTxFTxbtyPP8AHmFollow the show on social media:X:http://x.com/ComicDaveSmithhttp://x.com/RobbieTheFireInstagram:http://instagram.com/theproblemdavesmithhttp://instagram.com/robbiethefire#libertarian See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Trump used to talk about the economy a lot more. As his poll numbers slip, he might have to again. Josh Dawsey, reporter at the Wall Street Journal, explains. Over four years of war with Ukraine, Russia has been able to keep raising an army to fight. Ekaterina Bodyagyna, a reporter for Politico, joins to discuss how Russia has sustained such a relentless force. Paramount launched a hostile bid for Warner Bros. after losing out to Netflix in acquiring the historic studio. NPR reports on why Paramount thinks its bid is better for Warner Bros. and consumers. Plus, one of Trump’s handpicked U.S. attorneys resigned, why Congress may withhold a portion of the Pentagon’s travel budget, and how the Louvre’s bad year just got a little worse. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

The brain acts in strange ways during wartime. Even in active combat situations, when soldiers are one mistake away from death, many can’t fire on their enemies because their brain is triggering compassion centers against other soldiers. Studies of World War II show that while soldiers were willing to risk death, only 15% to 20% fired their weapons in intense combat, indicating a reluctance to kill. That’s why successful military leaders were able to motivate their soldiers with ideas of unfairness and justice, that their enemies weren’t human to make them better at fighting and killing. All this goes to show that if you want to understand war, you have to understand how the brain makes sense of it. Does war make all of us retreat to our lizard brain and act on pure instinct – so the only way to win is pumping out manipulative propaganda to the masses and use modern technologies like AI and social media exploit the brain's cognitive vulnerabilities? Well, many nations like Russia and China are already using these to their advantage. Or can we bring higher thinking to the matter? Is a researcher like Robert Sapolsky right when he argues that we can stop wars by persuading enough people that it is bad and pointless. Today’s guest is Nicholas Wright, author of “Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain.” He’s a neuroscientist and advisor to the Pentagon. We explore how our brains respond under pressure and how these instincts can shape everything from battlefield outcomes to boardroom decisions. He argues that while conflict is inevitable, it’s not unmanageable - if we understand how the brain drives fear, trust, aggression, and judgment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine Negotiations Hit a Cul-de-Sac Amidst Infiltration Tactics: Colleagues John Hardie and Bill Roggio report that peace talks regarding Ukraine are currently at a standstill, with the U.S. and Ukraine at odds over Russia's demands for territory in the Donbas versus Ukraine's need for meaningful security guarantees; while the U.S. has pressured Ukraine to concede territory, the security assurances offered are viewed skeptically by Kyiv, and Russia refuses to accept any Western military presence in Ukraine, while on the battlefield Russia employs infiltration tactics using small groups, sometimes single soldiers, to penetrate deep into Ukrainian positions. 1940 UKRAINE

SHOW 12-8-2025 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1895 KHYBER PASS THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE FEDERAL RESERVE  BOARD OF GOVERNORS. FIRST HOUR 9-915 The DC Shooter, the Zero Units, and the Tragedy of the Afghan Withdrawal: Colleagues Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio discuss recent violence in Washington, D.C. involving an Afghan immigrant that has drawn attention back to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021; the shooter, Ramanula Lakanal, was a member of the elite "Zero Units" of the Afghan National Army, a force that demanded priority evacuation for their families in exchange for providing security at the Kabul airport during the U.S. retreat, and while these units were stalwart allies against enemies like al-Qaeda and ISIS, they fought a "dirty war" and were accused of human rights violations, highlighting the broader failure of the withdrawal which occurred because political will faded across multiple administrations. 915-930 The Vetting Failure and the Lack of an Exit Strategy in Afghanistan: Colleagues Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggioexplain that the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan was exacerbated by the lack of a methodical exit strategy, unlike the British who organized their departure and evacuation lists well in advance; critics argue that the U.S. imported significant security risks by rushing the evacuation, bringing in over 100,000 Afghans without adequate vetting, and while there was a moral obligation to help those who served, experts suggest that wholesale importation of citizens from a war-torn country was not the only solution and that better vetting or resettlement in third countries should have been considered. 930-945 Martial Law in South Korea and the Shadow of the North: Colleagues Morse Tan and Gordon Chang discuss South Korea facing severe political turmoil following President Yoon's declaration of martial law, a move his supporters argue was a constitutional response to obstructionist anti-state forces; the opposition, led by figures previously sympathetic to North Korea, has been accused of attempting to paralyze the government, while accusations of "insurrection" against President Yoon are dismissed as nonsensical, with the political infighting fracturing the conservative party and leaving South Korea vulnerable to the North Korean regime in a way not seen since the Korean War. 945-1000 Japan Stands Up for Taiwan While Canada Demurs: Colleagues Charles Burton and Gordon Chang report that Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi recently declared that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a "survival threatening situation" for Japan, authorizing the mobilization of self-defense forces; this statement has triggered a massive propaganda campaign from Beijing demanding a retraction, as a successful invasion of Taiwan would likely require violating Japanese sovereignty, while in contrast Canada remains reluctant to support Tokyo or criticize Beijing, hoping to secure trade benefits and diversify exports away from the U.S., leaving Japan isolated by its allies. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 The Survival of UNRWA and the Flow of Terror Finance: Colleagues Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotterreport that despite investigations revealing corruption and ties to terrorism, the UN has renewed the mandate for UNRWA for another three years; the organization's facilities have been used by Hamas and its schools have been implicated in radicalizing children, yet international efforts to replace it have stalled, while Hamas leadership refuses to disarm or accept international oversight, demanding a Palestinian state as a precondition for any change, with financial support for terror groups continuing to flow through networks in Europe and the Middle East. 1015-1030 Greece's "Achilles Shield" and Israel's Iron Beam Laser Defense: Colleagues Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter report that Greece is undertaking a historic modernization of its armed forces, unveiling a new national defense strategy focused on long-range missiles and a modernized air defense system dubbed "Achilles Shield," allowing Greece to project power more flexibly in the Eastern Mediterranean and counter threats from Turkey; in Israel, a major defensive breakthrough is imminent with the deployment of the "Iron Beam," a laser defense system capable of intercepting threats at approximately $50 per shot, expected to rewrite the rules of air defense by effectively countering drone swarms and missiles. 1030-1045 Hezbollah's Quiet Regeneration Under Naim Qassem: Colleagues David Daoud and Bill Roggio report that since the ceasefire began, Hezbollah has received at least $2 billion from Iran and is actively rearming and regenerating its forces in Lebanon; the terror group is focusing on acquiring drone swarms and other asymmetrical weapons that are cheap to produce and difficult for Israel to counter, while Hezbollah's new leader Naim Qassem is leveraging his "bookish" and underestimated persona to lower the temperature and allow the group to rebuild without attracting the same level of scrutiny as his predecessor. 1045-1100 Fragmentation in Yemen: The Southern Transitional Council Advances: Colleagues Bridget Tumi and Bill Roggio report that the civil war in Yemen is fracturing further as the Southern Transitional Council, which advocates for southern secession, advances into eastern governorates to secure territory and combat smuggling; this move has heightened tensions within the anti-Houthi coalition, as the STC is backed by the UAE while other government factions are supported by Saudi Arabia, weakening the collective effort against the Houthis who control the capital Sanaa and maintain ambitions to conquer the entire country. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 The Druze National Guard and Internal Strife in Southern Syria: Colleagues Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio report that instability is growing in Syria's Druze-majority Suwayda province, where a newly formed "National Guard" militia has begun arresting and killing political opponents; the militia is spiritually guided by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, who has consolidated power by sidelining other Druze leaders who were open to reconciliation with the Assad regime, with Turkey expressing support for the anti-Assad Druze factions against both the Syrian government and Kurdish forces, while recent violence suggests a hardening of anti-regime sentiment. 1115-1130 The "Variable Geometry" of the Muslim Brotherhood and Its Global Affiliates: Colleagues Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio explain that the Muslim Brotherhood operates as a "mothership" for various Islamist movements, utilizing a strategy of "variable geometry" to adapt to local political environments while aiming for a global caliphate; Hamas functions as the Palestinian branch of the Brotherhood and despite being severely damaged by the war with Israel remains the dominant force in Gaza, with the Brotherhood finding state sponsorship primarily in Qatar, which provides funding and media support via Al Jazeera, and Turkey, where President Erdogan acts as a leader for the organization. 1130-1145 Ukraine Negotiations Hit a Cul-de-Sac Amidst Infiltration Tactics: Colleagues John Hardie and Bill Roggio report that peace talks regarding Ukraine are currently at a standstill, with the U.S. and Ukraine at odds over Russia's demands for territory in the Donbas versus Ukraine's need for meaningful security guarantees; while the U.S. has pressured Ukraine to concede territory, the security assurances offered are viewed skeptically by Kyiv, and Russia refuses to accept any Western military presence in Ukraine, while on the battlefield Russia employs infiltration tactics using small groups, sometimes single soldiers, to penetrate deep into Ukrainian positions. 1145-1200 The Trump Corollary: Reviving the Monroe Doctrine in Latin America: Colleague Ernesto Araújo discusses a new "Trump corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine reshaping U.S. policy in the Americas, signaling a more assertive stance against foreign influence and authoritarian regimes; this shift is evident in Venezuela, where President Maduro appears to be negotiating his exit in the face of U.S. pressure, while in Brazil the administration of Lula da Silva faces significant instability due to a massive banking scandal linking the government to money laundering and organized crime, with the new application of the Monroe Doctrine suggesting the U.S. will favor political figures aligned with its security strategy. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Devil's Advocates: Robert Stryk, Rudy Giuliani, and the Business of Influence: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel discusses how in the power vacuum created by Donald Trump's arrival in Washington, unconventional lobbyists like Robert Stryk rose to prominence by marketing access to the new administration; Stryk, described as an "anti-hero" with a checkered business past, hosted a lavish event at the Hay-Adams Hotel to legitimize the regime of Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, successfully delivering Rudy Giuliani as Trump's personal attorney, signaling a new informal channel for foreign diplomacy and highlighting how foreign regimes utilized large sums of money and unconventional intermediaries to seek favor. 1215-1230 The Accidental Diplomat: Robert Stryk and the New Zealand Connection: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel explains that Robert Stryk's rise in the lobbying world was fueled by serendipity and bold bluffs, exemplified by a chance encounter with a New Zealand diplomat at a cafe; the diplomat revealed that New Zealand, having prepared for a Clinton victory, had no contacts within the incoming Trump team and could not arrange a congratulatory call between their Prime Minister and the President-elect, and Stryk, leveraging a connection to a former Trump campaign field director, provided a phone number that successfully connected the embassy to Trump's team, establishing his credibility and launching his career in high-stakes foreign lobbying. 1230-1245 Hunter Biden, Chinese Spies, and the Monetization of Political Connections: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel reports that following his father's departure from the vice presidency, Hunter Biden faced financial pressure and sought lucrative foreign clients, leading to risky entanglements; one venture involved a corrupt Romanian real estate magnate who hired Hunter along with former FBI Director Louis Freeh and Rudy Giuliani to resolve his legal troubles, with the proposed solution involving selling land including the site of the U.S. Embassy in Romania to a Chinese state-linked fund, and Hunter Biden was aware of the nature of his associates, referring to one as the "spy chief of China." 1245-100 AM FARA: From Fighting Nazi Propaganda to Modern Transparency: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel explains that the Foreign Agents Registration Act was originally enacted in 1938 to counter Nazi propaganda in the United States before World War II; at the time, the Third Reich was paying well-connected American consultants to whitewash Hitler's image and keep the U.S. out of the war, operating without public knowledge, and Congress passed FARA to create transparency, requiring those paid by foreign principals to influence the U.S. government or media to register their activities, with the law remaining today the primary vehicle for accountability in foreign lobbying

PREVIEW — Mary Kissel — Missing Clarity on the "Condominium of Adversaries" in National Security Strategy. Kissel criticizes the newly published national security strategy for insufficiently highlighting the existential threat posed by China and its expanding strategic alliance with Russia, Iran, and North Korea, creating a coordinated axis of rival powers. Kissel argues that the strategic document fails to adequately address China's systematic domestic infiltration of American infrastructure networks, university campuses, research institutions, and scientific communities, unlike the more explicit and detailed threat characterizations contained in previous national security strategy iterations. Kisselemphasizes that the document's relative ambiguity regarding the "condominium of adversaries" undermines clarity regarding the multi-vector threat environment confronting American strategic planners and military commanders. TAIPEI

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up — Russia is running one of its largest spy networks just across our southern border, and new reporting says Mexico has done almost nothing to stop it. We'll explain how Moscow expanded its intelligence presence right next door. Later in the show — Ukraine is crafting a new peace plan for Washington, with President Zelensky insisting he cannot surrender land to Russia. We'll outline what Kyiv is preparing and why it matters now. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.  YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Stash Financial: Don't Let your money sit around. Go to https://get.stash.com/PDB to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase. Goldbelly: Discover iconic meals from legendary restaurants delivered nationwide with Goldbelly—get 20% off your first order at https://Goldbelly.com using promo code PDB. Nobl Travel: Protect your gear and travel smarter—NOBL's zipper-free carry-on is up to 58% off at https://NOBLTravel.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth uses a speech at the Reagan Library in California to argue that Donald Trump's foreign policy follows in the Gipper's footsteps. Plus, as the White House releases its new national security strategy, what does this document say about Trump's views on China, Russia, and the Western Hemisphere? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monday on the News Hour, the Supreme Court hears arguments on a major test of the president's power over independent agencies, European leaders rally around Ukraine after the U.S. appears to shift its national security strategy to favor Russia and researchers find some of the highest rates of mental decline in Native Americans. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

 Headlines: – Welcome To Mo News (02:00) – Paramount Launches Hostile Takeover Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (05:45) – Attacks on Kindergarten and Hospital Kill 114 in Sudan, W.H.O. Says (15:10) – Zelensky Rules Out Ceding Land to Russia, Refusing To Bow To Putin Or Trump (21:00) – Justices Seem Ready to Give Trump More Power to Fire Independent Government Officials (23:20) – DOT, HHS Launch $1B Joint Travel Campaign for Families (26:00) – Trump Administration Announces $12 Billion In One-Time Payments To Farmers (28:45) – 'One Battle After Another' Leads Hollywood's Golden Globe Nominations (30:40) – Latest Nostalgia Play: Frozen Yogurt  (33:30) – On This Day In History (36:20) Thanks To Our Sponsors:  – LMNT⁠ - Free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase –⁠ Industrious⁠ - Coworking office. 50% off day pass | Promo Code: MONEWS50 – Incogni - 60% off an annual plan| Promo Code: MONEWS – Aura Frames -  $35 off best-selling Carver Mat frames | Promo Code: MONEWS – Shopify – $1 per-month trial | Code: monews

Day 1,384.Today, as President Zelensky appears to reject Donald Trump's proposal for Ukraine to cede territory to Moscow, we examine the new European plan set to be presented to the US later. We also report on how Ukrainian troops are still holding out in the frontline city of Pokrovsk, before turning to developments inside Russia: Putin's new law requiring 100,000 military reservists to undergo two months of training, growing protests over tax rises, and the outcomes of his visit to India, where he signed a series of deals with Prime Minister Modi.ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence). @DomNicholls on X.James Kilner (Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Trump's Ukraine peace deal on brink of collapse (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/08/ukraine-russia-war-latest-starmer-zelensky-trump-putin/ Zelensky meets Pope ahead of peace talks with Meloni (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/09/zelensky-appeals-for-european-support-for-new-peace-deal/ Ukrainians raise flag to show BBC the fight goes on in city claimed by Russia (BBC):https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd6x3vv7y60o Trump thrashes European leaders in wide-ranging interview: ‘I think they're weak' (POLITICO):https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/09/trump-dasha-burns-interview-europe-immigration-ukraine-00682016?utm_content=topic/politics&utm_source=flipboard Zelensky reveals candidates for Yermak's replacement as Presidential Office head (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-reveals-candidates-for-new-head-of-ukraines-presidents-office/ Trumpian Corruption Is Worse Than Ukrainian Corruption (Anne Applebaum in The Atlantic):https://www.theatlantic.com/international/2025/12/ukraine-fighting-corruption-trump/685162/ Exclusive: US extracted top spy from inside Russia in 2017 (The Telegraph):https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/09/politics/russia-us-spy-extracted LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has often proclaimed that the country must lead the world in artificial intelligence, yet the country is currently stuck on the sidelines as other nations pull ahead. Wall Street Journal foreign correspondent Georgi Kantchev explains why. Plus, the arrival of AI agents is transforming work already—debugging code, designing products, and delivering ROI. Steven Rosenbush, chief of the enterprise technology bureau, details how companies like Walmart and BNY are already seeing results. Julie Chang hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a wide-ranging interview with the Politico news website, President Trump said "decaying" European countries had failed to control migration or take decisive action to end Ukraine's war with Russia, accusing them of letting Kyiv fight "until they drop". We hear from a German parliamentarian and envoy.Also in the programme: A revolutionary gene therapy has successfully treated patients with previously incurable blood cancers; and we look at the life of pioneering zoologist and elephant conservationist Iain Douglas-Hamilton.(Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump attends a roundtable discussion on the day he announced an aid package for farmers, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 8, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

A Supreme Court ruling backing President Donald Trump's federal firings could have major implications for the president's power. Ukraine's leader is doubling down on his refusal to give up territory to Russia. The State Department has released figures on how many visas have been revoked in the last year. Trump is easing export controls on a key piece of AI technology. Plus, ABC executives have decided the fate of Jimmy Kimmel's talk show.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman dig into Trump's 2025 National Security Strategy, a 33 page blueprint that reads less like a sober policy document and more like a crypto fascist love letter to white nationalist demographics, spheres of influence, and an American retreat from the postwar liberal order. They break down what it means for NATO, Europe, Russia, China, and why no one in their right mind should ever again trust the United States as a “steady partner” when policy swings on whatever enriches one deeply corrupt old man and his oligarch friends. From there, the guys wade into the Netflix grab for Warner Bros and the rival Ellison–Kushner–Saudi play, talking about how tech money, oil money, and propaganda ambitions are fusing into one giant content machine that cares a lot about control and very little about art. Then it is on to FIFA inventing a fake “Peace Prize” to flatter Trump, the Queller pardon that turned into an open air quid pro quo tantrum, and Marjorie Taylor Greene's sad little image rehab tour on 60 Minutes. Support the show by signing up to our Patreon and get access to the full Weekender episode each Friday as well as special Live Shows and access to our community discord: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prof. Jeffrey Sachs : Underestimating Russia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Kremlin has issued a strong welcome to the new 33-page US National Security Strategy (NSS), calling the policy changes "largely consistent with our vision." This video breaks down the explosive document and the immediate fallout: Moscow's Approval: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia views the NSS as a "positive step," specifically noting its softer language toward Russia and its decision not to cast Moscow as a threat to the US. The strategy unleashes controversial claims about US allies, suggesting Europe is facing "civilisational erasure" and criticizing the EU over issues like "censorship," mass migration, and foreign influence. Independent media has never been more important. Please support this channel by subscribing here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbwLFZhawBqK2b9gW08z3g?sub_confirmation=1 Join this channel with a membership for exclusive early access and bonus content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbwLFZhawBqK2b9gW08z3g/join Buy Anthony's microphone: https://kellards.com/products/electro-voice-re20-broadcast-announcer-microphone-black-bundle-with-mic-shockmount-broadcast-arm Buy Anthony's black t'shirt: https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E455365-000/00?colorDisplayCode=09 Five Minute News is an Evergreen Podcast, covering politics, inequality, health and climate - delivering independent, unbiased and essential news for the US and across the world. Visit us online at http://www.fiveminute.news Follow us on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/fiveminutenews.bsky.social Follow us on Instagram http://instagram.com/fiveminnews Support us on Patreon http://www.patreon.com/fiveminutenews You can subscribe to Five Minute News with your preferred podcast app, ask your smart speaker, or enable Five Minute News as your Amazon Alexa Flash Briefing skill. CONTENT DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed on this channel are those of the guests and authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Anthony Davis or Five Minute News LLC. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The newly published US ‘National Security Strategy' is being seen by some as further evidence that in the era of Trump western nations are no longer united in the way they view the world. From its scathing narrative of European decline, to an altogether rosier depiction of Russia, the document has turned longstanding US foreign policy on its head. So what can it tell us about Washington's intentions when it comes to ending the war in Ukraine?Also today, Jamie and Vitaly are joined by Mariam Lambert, co-founder of the Emile Foundation, an organisation focussed on reuniting Ukrainian children with their families after being forcibly relocated by Russia. Experts at Yale University estimate there could be as many as 35,000 Ukrainian children being held illegally in Russia and its occupied territories. Russia insists it is protecting vulnerable children by moving them away from active war zones to ensure their safety. Today's episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Julia Webster. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The executive producer was Chris Gray. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast's Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

Zelensky Rejects Trump's Peace Plan, Refuses To Cede Territory To Russia! Plus, Border Czar Homan Says Over 60K Smuggled Children Rescued & Senior US Diplomats Slam EU's Censorship Against Americans on X

In this episode of Ideas Have Consequences, we break down what's really behind Trump's warning to Venezuela and why tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela are rising again. We explore the geopolitical stakes, the influence of China and Russia in South America, the Venezuelan crisis, and how the Monroe Doctrine fits into today's global landscape. We look at the history of U.S. intervention, what makes this situation different, and why mass migration from Venezuela is becoming a major concern for Americans. We also discuss the role of Marxism in the region, the spiritual confusion in Western culture, and why gratitude and moral clarity matter now more than ever.

As global powers double down on militarism and defense, Daniel Zoughbie argues that the most transformative force in the Middle East has always come from citizen diplomacy. A complex-systems scientist and diplomatic historian, Zoughbie joins Mark Labberton to explore how twelve U.S. presidents have "kicked the hornet's nest" of the modern Middle East. Drawing on his work in global health and his new book Kicking the Hornet's Nest: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East from Truman to Trump, Zoughbie contrasts the view from refugee camps and microclinic networks with the view from the Oval Office, arguing that American security rests on a three-legged stool of defense, diplomacy, and development. He explains why Gerald Ford stands out as the lone president who truly leveraged diplomacy, how the Marshall Plan model of enlightened self-interest can guide policy now, and why nationalism, not mere economics, lies at the heart of Gaza's future. Throughout, he presses listeners toward "citizen diplomacy" that resists pride, militarism, and fatalism. Episode Highlights "We've constantly ignored diplomacy." " You don't have to be enemies with people to get them to do what is in their own self-interest." "You can build skyscrapers in Gaza. You can build the Four Seasons in Gaza and it's not going to work. You're just going to have another war until you address that core issue of nationalism." "These three Ds defense diplomacy development are the three legged stool of American security and we know how important diplomacy and development are." "From Truman to Trump, only one president, and that is Gerald Ford, surprisingly the only unelected president, gets this right." "Pride—national pride, the pride of any one individual—is toxic. It's toxic to the individual. It's toxic to the nation. It's toxic to the world." "Foreign policymaking is not just something for secretaries of state and those in power. All of us in a democracy have a role to play." Helpful Links and Resources Kicking the Hornet's Nest: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East from Truman to Trump https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Kicking-the-Hornets-Nest/Daniel-E-Zoughbie/9781668085226 American University of Beirut (founded as Syrian Protestant College), a key example of long-term educational diplomacy https://www.aub.edu.lb Al-Ahli Arab (Gaza Baptist) Hospital in Gaza City https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Ahli_Arab_Hospital Max Weber, "Politics as a Vocation" https://open.oregonstate.education/sociologicaltheory/chapter/politics-as-a-vocation About Daniel Zoughbie Daniel E. Zoughbie is a complex-systems scientist, historian, and expert on presidential decision-making. He is associate project scientist at UC Berkeley's Institute of International Studies, a faculty affiliate of the UCSF/UCB Center for Global Health Delivery, Diplomacy, and Economics, and principal investigator of the Middle East and North Africa Diplomacy, Development, and Defense Initiative. He is the author of Kicking the Hornet's Nest: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East from Truman to Trump and of Indecision Points: George W. Bush and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. His award-winning research has appeared in journals such as PLOS Medicine, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Social Science and Medicine. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UC Berkeley, he studied at Oxford on a Marshall Scholarship and completed his doctorate there as a Weidenfeld Scholar. Show Notes Middle East Background and Microclinic Origins Daniel Zoughbie recalls visiting the Middle East as a child—"frankly horrified" by what he saw UC Berkeley protests over the Iraq War and post-9/11 U.S. policy in the region Metabolic disease and type 2 diabetes as an overlooked "greatest killer in the region." Neighbors in the West Bank sharing food, medicine, and blood-pressure cuffs—leads to the "micro clinic" concept Good health behaviors, like bad ones and even violence, can be contagious through social networks Social Networks, Anthropology, and Security Social anthropology, political science, and international relations Medical problems as simultaneously biological and sociological problems Understanding Middle East security demands attention to decisions "at the very bottom" as well as "the view from above" October 7 and 9/11 illustrate how small groups of people can "change the world with their decisions." Complex Systems and Foreign Policy Complexity is always increasing, and diplomacy and development exist to slow it down. Definition of "complex system": as one where many inputs produce outcomes that cannot be reduced to single causes. "We almost have a new law here, which is that complexity is always increasing in the universe. And the role of diplomacy and development, as I see it in international relations, is to slow things down. It's to stop complexity from advancing so that people have time to cool their tempers and to solve major security crises." Type 2 diabetes as a model for thinking about how city planning, economics, relationships, and habits interact He applies that lens to international relations: nations, leaders, institutions, and history form a "cascade of complexity." From Refugee Camps to Presidential Palaces George Shultz and Tony Blair: decision-makers as "real human beings," not abstractions Theological and ideological forces—such as certain apocalyptic readings of scripture—that shape U.S. foreign policy Gnosticism and eschatology within American right-wing Christianity Painstaking global health work on the ground and sweeping decisions made in Washington, Brussels, or New York Twelve Presidents and One Exception Kicking the Hornet's Nest: analysis of twelve presidents from Truman to Trump through the lens of Middle East decision-making Core claim: Only Gerald Ford truly rebalanced the three Ds of defense, diplomacy, and development. U.S. policy in the Levant: heavy reliance on militarism, coups, and covert actions while underinvesting in diplomacy and development Claim: "Far better alternatives were on the table" for every administration, yet consistently passed over. Gerald Ford, Kissinger, and the Path to Peace Daniel contends that the 1967 and 1973 wars were both preventable and nearly became global nuclear catastrophes. Ford inherits the presidency amid Watergate and national division, but keeps Henry Kissinger at State. Ford presses Israel and Egypt toward serious negotiations, empowering Kissinger's shuttle diplomacy and personal ties. A sharply worded letter threatening to "reconsider" the U.S.–Israel relationship Ford's diplomacy and the development of Camp David and the enduring Egypt–Israel peace based on "land for peace." Pride, Personality, and Presidential Failure Did Ford's temperament keep him from making himself the center of the story? In contrast, many presidents and other leaders write themselves "thickly" into the narrative of the conflict. Pride—personal and national—as a toxic force that repeatedly undermines U.S. policy The Iraq War and democracy-promotion agenda and the self-defeating nature of moralistic, militarized crusades Marshall Plan and Enlightened Self-Interest George Marshall and harsh punishment after World War I helped produce Nazi Germany The Marshall Plan models an "enlightened way of viewing the American self-interest": rebuilding Europe and Japan to secure U.S. security. He contrasts that with the neglect of the Levant, where aid and institution-building never matched military activism. Marshall's genius lies in locating the intersection between others' deepest needs and American capabilities. Militarism, Iran, and Nuclear Risk Recent U.S.–Israel–Iran confrontation as an "extremely dangerous moment"—with 60 percent enriched uranium unaccounted for JCPOA as an imperfect but effective diplomatic achievement, but dismantled in favor of militarism Claim: Bombing Iran scattered nuclear material and increased complexity rather than reducing the threat. He warns that one nuclear device could be delivered by low-tech means—a boat or helicopter—endangering civilians and U.S. forces in the Gulf. The only realistic path forward: renewed multilateral diplomacy between U.S., Israel, Iran, Russia, China, Pakistan, India, and regional actors Ethical Realism and Max Weber "Ethical realism"—Max Weber's distinction between the ethic of the gospel and the ethic of responsibility Statespeople bear responsibility for using force, yet the greatest can still say "here I stand and I can do no other." Claim: True leadership seeks a higher ethic where national interest aligns with genuine concern for others. Gaza, Nationalism, and Two States Welcoming the end of active war between Israel and Hamas and critiquing reconstruction plans that ignore politics Conflict is fundamentally nationalist: a struggle for self-determination by both Jewish and Palestinian peoples Claim: Economic development without a credible political horizon will not prevent "another October 7th and another terrible war." In his view, only partition of mandatory Palestine into two states can meet legitimate self-determination claims. For example, "You can build skyscrapers in Gaza… and it's not going to work" without addressing nationalism. Citizen Diplomacy and a Better Way Foreign policy is not only the work of secretaries of state; democratic citizens have responsibilities. American University of Beirut and the Gaza Baptist Hospital as fruits of citizen diplomacy Claim: Educational and medical institutions can change lives more profoundly and durably than military campaigns. Redirecting resources from bombs to universities and hospitals to reduce the need for future military interventions An invitation to citizen diplomacy: informed voting, sustained attention, and creative engagement for a more just peace Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.  

Ukraine expanded its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure to include facilities tied to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), as well as the shadow fleet of tankers that Russia uses to bypass Western sanctions.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/48vCOC3

Sheena Chestnut Greitens sat down with Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha, the Republic of Korea's ambassador to the United States. Recorded before a live audience at The University of Texas at Austin on December 3, the conversation explores the deepening alignment between Seoul and Washington. Ambassador Kang and Dr. Greitens discuss the implementation of the recent $350 billion Korean government-led investment in the United States, focusing on seven key sectors including shipbuilding, semiconductors, and nuclear energy. The discussion addresses the challenges of workforce training and visa policy following recent immigration enforcement actions in Georgia. The conversation also covers the shifting geopolitical landscape, specifically the implications of deepened military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Finally, the ambassador outlines priorities for modernizing the alliance, including the transfer of wartime operational control and cooperation on nuclear fuel cycles and nuclear-powered submarines. This event was supported by the Asia Policy Program at The University of Texas at Austin, the Clements Center for National Security, the Strauss Center for International Security and Law, the LBJ School of Public Affairs, and the Korea Economic Institute of America.

Keir Giles has spent his career watching, studying, and explaining Russia. Keir's work has appeared in a wide range of academic and military publications across Europe and in North America, and he is a regular contributor and commentator on Russian affairs for international print and broadcast media. He is a Senior Consulting Fellow at the UK's Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), and also works with the Conflict Studies Research Centre (CSRC), a group of deep subject matter experts on Eurasian security formerly attached to the British Ministry of Defence. He is a regular contributor to research projects on Russian security issues in the U.S., UK, and Europe.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------BOOKS:Who Will Defend Europe? An Awakened Russia and a Sleeping Continent (2024)Order Keir's new book: https://amzn.to/4cFI1b6Russia's War on Everybody: And What it Means for You (2022)Moscow Rules: What Drives Russia to Confront the West (2019)The Turning Point for Russian Foreign Policy (2017)The State of the NATO-Russia Reset (2011)Potential Challenges to Public Order and Social Stability in the Russian Federation (2011)----------LINKS:Order Keir's new book: https://amzn.to/4cFI1b6https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-gileshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keir_Gileshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/keir-giles-499a489/https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-gileshttps://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7Bs89WMAAAAJhttps://bsky.app/profile/keirgiles.bsky.social----------DESCRIPTION:Understanding the Russia-West Geopolitical Conflict with Keir GilesIn this insightful episode, Keir delves into his extensive experience studying Russia, sharing knowledge from his academic and military publications. He discusses the persistent misunderstandings regarding Russia's intentions by Western diplomats, driven by a cycle of short-term postings and differing diplomatic experiences. Johnson also highlights the ideological alignments between Russian and current U.S. policies, underscoring the troubling implications for Europe. The conversation touches on the complexities of international relations, the failures of economic appeasement with authoritarian regimes, and the stark realities of Russia's long-standing messianic geopolitical behavior. The episode concludes with a call to support Ukrainian armed forces in their epic battle for survival, reflecting on the tangible impact of international solidarity.----------

Join Suzanne Kelly as she delves into the world of Russian intelligence with former CIA operations officer Sean Wiswesser. Discover the intricacies of Russian operations, the impact of propaganda, and the ongoing secret war led by Putin. Gain insights into the challenges faced by the Russian people and the global implications of state-sponsored actions. Don't miss this eye-opening episode of the State Secrets Podcast.

In this conversation, Elena Hebert shares her journey of moving from Russia to the US then to France with her family, discussing the challenges and rewards of raising bilingual children in a new culture. She emphasizes the importance of planning, language learning, and adapting to a different lifestyle while navigating the complexities of parenting abroad. The discussion also touches on the cultural differences in raising children and the impact of language on identity.Connect with Elena: https://lgelena.com/ https://open.spotify.com/show/3ltdGxfdTgmC8MeeH2B6HN?si=12f89eb3660148bc&nd=1&dlsi=975adb81c0694162 American Dual Citizenship video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQSynfuMerA

In Chapter 38 of The Book of Trump, Ghost delivers a sweeping, deeply contextual walkthrough of the First and Second Russo-Chechen Wars, conflicts that shaped modern Russia, elevated Vladimir Putin, and revealed how external powers, radical Islamist networks, and long-buried ethnic tensions collided in the Caucasus. He traces the story from the collapse of the Soviet Union to Chechnya's bid for independence, the rise of warlords like Dudayev, Basayev, and Ibn al-Khattab, and the brutal urban combat that devastated Grozny. Ghost explains how foreign-funded jihadists transformed the conflict, how Russia's early miscalculations led to humiliation, and how the Kadyrov dynasty emerged as Moscow's solution to a region teetering between chaos and insurgency. With maps, timelines, historical context stretching back to ancient empires, and connections to modern geopolitics, this chapter lays the groundwork for understanding Russia's strategy, its asymmetric federation, its wars in the Caucasus, and how these conflicts still shape the global stage today.

The Supreme Court hears a case that could upend decades of limits on executive power by allowing the president to fire leaders of independent agency leaders.Pandemic-era Affordable Care Act subsidies are on track to expire at the end of the month, with Democrats pushing an extension and Republicans offering no unified plan.And President Zelenskyy meets with European leaders in London as they push back on U.S. pressure for Ukraine to accept concessions in peace talks with Russia.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Krishnadev Calamur, Dana Farrington, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.It was produced by Kaity Kline, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

1) Media vs. Military: Narco‑Boat Strikes Central assertion: Media outlets (especially The Washington Post) allegedly “slandered” the military with false reporting about a U.S. strike on a Venezuelan drug boat; Senator Tom Cotton is quoted saying everyone on the boat was a “valid target” based on intelligence. Details cited: References to NBC’s question about orders by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to target all individuals on the boat; Cotton responds that the operation aimed to destroy drug boats and that intelligence gave “high confidence” all aboard were traffickers. Discussion of the Law of War Manual and whether firing on “shipwrecked” persons would be illegal; the host’s questions are framed as attempts to undermine the military. Broader framing: The piece compares this episode to past controversies (e.g., the “Russia dossier”), alleging coordinated efforts by Democrats and media to undermine or criminalize Trump officials and intimidate service members. 2) Voter Rolls & Election Integrity Core allegation: The Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon (spelled “Harmei Dylon” in the text) purportedly announced DOJ findings of 260,000+ deceased individuals on voter rolls and thousands of registered non‑citizens; DOJ has sued multiple states to obtain voter list data. States mentioned: Lawsuits or actions described against Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and large cleanup activity in North Carolina (over 100,000 registrations) Author’s stance: Argues for voter ID, claims Democrats oppose roll cleanup for political advantage, and quotes Trump asserting elections are “crooked and rigged.” Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megyn Kelly is joined by Walter Kirn, Editor-at-Large of "County Highway," to discuss the New York Times' finally getting around to former President Biden's disastrous immigration policies, why they're choosing to cover the story now as a way to attack President Trump, the massive and growing Somali fraud scandal in Minneapolis, mayor Jacob Frey feeding into the story and speaking Somali, what might still be uncovered in the weeks ahead, Ilhan Omar smearing Stephen Miler as a Nazi while CBS allows it, the real problem of immigrant communities that won't assimilate, Rachel Maddow's ignorance and continued focus on Trump and Russia, Stephanie Ruhle's claim that MSNBC doesn't have a liberal bias, the attempt to make Jimmy Kimmel's wife into a feminist icon, her speech on free speech and the dangers of Trump, the smears of a local news reporter as a racist in her obituaries, the truth behind what really happened that the media isn't telling the audience, and more. Kirn- https://countyhighway.com/ Firecracker Farm: Visit https://firecracker.FARM & enter code MK at checkout for a special discount!ARMRA: go to https://tryarmra.com/MEGYN to get 30% off your first subscription orderChef iQ: Megyn shares her favorite holiday kitchen upgrade—Chef iQ SENSE, the perfect gift for any cook—and you can get 30% off at https://ChefIQ.com with code MK!SimpliSafe: Visit https://simplisafe.com/MEGYN to claim 50% off & your first month free!  Follow The Megyn Kelly Show on all social platforms:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MegynKellyTwitter: http://Twitter.com/MegynKellyShowInstagram: http://Instagram.com/MegynKellyShowFacebook: http://Facebook.com/MegynKellyShow Find out more information at:https://www.devilmaycaremedia.com/megynkellyshow Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.