Podcasts about Azerbaijan

Conor McNamara joins John Murray & Ian Dennis to talk football, travel & language. John reflects on his trip to Baku in Azerbaijan. There's a railway reunion of sorts and ‘sleepgate' continues. The guys look ahead to the Premier League weekend, including Tottenham-Arsenal. Plus unintended pub and film names, Clash of the Commentators and the Great Glossary of Football Commentary. Messages and voicenotes welcome on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369 & emails to TCV@bbc.co.uk01:10 John back from Baku! 07:10 John overcomes a bad cold! 10:45 A railway reunion… 13:00 Update from the sleeping listeners… 14:50 5 Live commentaries this weekend, 16:55 Tottenham-Arsenal preview, 23:00 Bodø in strong position to progress, 24:50 Music in commentary… 26:20 Unintended pub names, 33:55 Clash of the Commentators, 43:00 Great Glossary of Football Commentary.5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Sat 1500 Aston Villa v Leeds with Ian & Leon Osman (starts on Sports Extra), Sat 1500 Chelsea v Burnley on Sports Extra 2 with Mike Minay & Rachel Corsie, Sat 1730 West Ham v Bournemouth with Conor McNamara & Rob Green, Sun 1400 Nottingham Forest v Liverpool with Vicki Sparks & Pat Nevin, Sun 1400 Sunderland v Fulham on Sports Extra 2 with Lee Blakeman & Danny Collins, Sun 1400 Crystal Palace v Wolves on Sports Extra 3 with Chris Coles & Matt Jarvis, Sun 1630 Tottenham v Arsenal with John Murray & Clinton Morrison.Great Glossary of Football Commentary: DIVISION ONE Agricultural challenge, Back of the net, Back to square one, Bosman, Bullet header, Coupon buster, Cruyff Turn, Cultured/educated left foot, Dead-ball specialist, Draught excluder, Elastico/flip-flap, False nine, Fox in the box, Giving the goalkeeper the eyes, Grub hunter, Head tennis, Hibs it, In a good moment, In behind, Magic of the FA Cup, The Maradona, Off their line, Olimpico, Onion bag, Panenka, Park the bus, Perfect hat-trick, Rabona, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Schmeichel-style, Scorpion kick, Spursy, Stick it in the mixer, Target man, Tiki-taka, Towering header, Trivela, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep.DIVISION TWO 2-0 can be a dangerous score, Back on the grass, Ball stays hit, Beaten all ends up, Blaze over the bar, Business end, Came down with snow on it, Catching practice, Camped in the opposition half, Cauldron atmosphere Coat is on a shoogly peg, Come back to haunt them, Corridor of uncertainty, Couldn't sort their feet out, Easy tap-in, Daisy-cutter, First cab off the rank, Giant-killing, Good leave, Good touch for a big man, Half-turn, Has that in his locker, High wide and not very handsome, Hospital pass, Howler, In the dugout, In the hat, In their pocket, Johnny on the spot, Leading the line, Leather a shot, Middle of the park, Needed no second invitation, Nice headache to have, Nutmeg, On their bike, One for the cameras, One for the purists, Played us off the park, Points to the spot, Prawn sandwich brigade, Purple patch, Put their laces through it, Reaches for their pocket, Rolls Royce, Root and branch review, Row Z, Screamer, Seats on the plane, Show across the bows, Slide-rule pass, Steal a march, Straight in the bread basket, Stramash, Taking one for the team, Telegraphed that pass, Tired legs, That's great… (football), Thunderous strike, Turns on a sixpence, Walk it in, We've got a cup tie on our hands.UNSORTED After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Bag/box of tricks, Brace, Brandished, Bread and butter, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator's curse, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Free hit, Goalkeepers' Union, Goalmouth scramble, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Keystone Cops defending, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Opposite number, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Shooting boots, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Taking one for the team, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Two good feet, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Usher/Shepherd the ball out of play, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

The Arsenal boat is desperately trying to find some more timber and generate enough steam to power them to that elusive Premier League title.Today, Pete, Luke and Jim reflect on a night where Arsenal's biggest flaws were all exposed. Elsewhere, Newcastle were rampant in Azerbaijan and Jesse Lingard's gap year continues.Get your Ramble merch HEREFind us on Bluesky, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.Sign up to the Football Ramble Patreon for ad-free shows for just $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many years ago, we did an episode about the legends of the Balkans. We thought it would be interesting to go across the Black Sea and explore the legends of the Caucasus. The Caucasus is a region of Eastern Europe and Western Asia that includes the countries of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Southern Russia. This region is steeped in folklore, mythology, and legends and that isn't surprising because the history here is one of struggle, war, conquest and the precarious victory of independence. Paganism gave way to Christianization and cultural beliefs mixed. Join us as we explore the legends of the Caucasus! This Month in History features the sinking of the USS Maine. Check out the website: http://historygoesbump.com Show notes can be found here: https://historygoesbump.blogspot.com/2026/02/hgb-ep-625-legends-of-caucasus.html    Become an Executive Producer: http://patreon.com/historygoesbump Music used in this episode: (This Month in History) "In Your Arms" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Title: "Mummified Remains" Artist: Tim Kulig (timkulig.com) Licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 4.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0997280/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Arsenal blew a 2-0 lead away at bottom side Wolves on Wednesday night to cede further ground in the title race, meaning Man City can now win the league if they win all their remaining games. On the other side of Europe, Newcastle crushed Azerbaijan champions Qarabag 6-1 to all but seal their place in the last 16, thanks to an Anthony Gordon quadruple and some horrendous defending from the hosts. Elsewhere in the Champions League, Benfica's 1-0 loss to Real Madrid was overshadowed by Vinicius Junior alleging that he was racially abused by a Benfica defender in the aftermath of his stunning winning goal. Jose Mourinho didn't help the situation with his post-match comments and UEFA have a delicate situation on their hands. Niall, Joel and Marley discuss the lot on today's FSD! SUBSCRIBE NOW: https://footballsocialdaily.supportingcast.fm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fsdpod?igsh=MjQ5d29veGdoMmZ4&utm_source=qr  X: https://twitter.com/FSDPod  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@footballsocialdaily  Telegram Group: https://t.me/FootballSocial Merch Store: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FootballSocialDaily Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Thursday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news of Arsenal's stumble, Newcastle's thumping Champions League win and the row at Drogheda United rumbles on.Arsenal throw away a 2–0 lead at Molineux as Arsenal are held by Wolverhampton Wanderers, missing the chance to go seven points clear in the Premier League title race.Mikel Arteta calls on his players to “stand up” in the title run-in, with a decisive North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on the horizon.Wolves boss Rob Edwards focuses on the positives after his side's comeback, as they remain 17 points from safety despite improved performances.Newcastle United take a commanding 6–1 lead into their second leg against Qarabag FK in the UEFA Champions League, with four goals from Anthony Gordon in Azerbaijan.Elsewhere in Europe's top competition, Bodo/Glimt stun Inter Milan, while Club Brugge and Atletico Madrid share a six-goal thriller.Martin O'Neill prepares for his 1000th game in management as Celtic F.C. face VfB Stuttgart in the UEFA Europa League play-off.New Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira begins his tenure against Fenerbahce S.K., as Morgan Gibbs-White insists the squad remain united.Crystal Palace continue their first European adventure with a trip to HŠK Zrinjski Mostar in the UEFA Europa Conference League.In the Women's Champions League, Arsenal W.F.C. set up a London derby with Chelsea F.C. Women, while Manchester United W.F.C. hold a strong advantage over Atletico Madrid Femenino.Off the pitch, Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan discusses the racism row involving Benfica and Real Madrid, and explains why Jose Mourinho could never return to the Bernabeu.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Tom White and Jamie O'Hara open with Real Madrid's 1–0 win over Benfica, a match halted for ten minutes after Gianluca Prestianni allegedly made a racist remark toward goalscorer Vinicius Jr. They break down the incident, before Jamie takes aim at Jose Mourinho's post-match comments.Next, Bukayo Saka commits his future to Arsenal with a new five-year deal. We're joined by Harry Symeou to assess Wayne Rooney's claim that the Gunners have “no world-class players” — and whether that argument holds up.And finally, it's a huge night for Newcastle in Azerbaijan as they take on Qarabag. We're joined by Newcastle fan Matthew to discuss Eddie Howe's response to recent fan criticism and to preview the crucial Champions League play-off clash.To get involved you can send a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07514 917075.You can also listen to Sky Sports FC on your smart speaker by saying asking it to "play Sky Sports FC".For more football news, head to skysports.com/footballFor advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Have you longed to integrate your Christian faith into your patient care—on the mission field abroad, in your work in the US, and during your training? Are you not sure how to do this in a caring, ethical, sensitive, and relevant manner? This “working” session will explore the ethical basis for spiritual care and provide you with professional, timely, and proven practical methods to care for the whole person in the clinical setting. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qpah9kh1lttg6cm1jjop9/Bob-Mason-Ethics-of-Spiritual-Care-revised.pptx?rlkey=0emve2ja8282nv8xc4uinq1hg&st=9033htwx&dl=0

Kelly Cates is joined by Andros Townsend, Matt Upson and James Horncastle as Vitor Pereira has spoken for the first time since being appointed new Nottingham Forest head coach. The panel discuss his appointment, plus Igor Tudor's too as Tottenham's new interim manager. How does Tudor set his teams up, and is this a shrewd appointment for Spurs?Then, we look ahead to Newcastle's Champions League playoff against Qarabag on Wednesday, before being joined by former Liverpool fitness coach, Jordan Fairclough, to do a deep dive on Premier League injuries. Finally, Northern Ireland head coach Michael O'Neill joins the pod to discuss also becoming the new Blackburn Rovers boss.Timecodes: 00'51 – Vitor Pereira speaks for first time as Forest boss 02'08 – Can Pereira be the missing piece for Forest? 11'14 – How might Spurs fare under Igor Tudor? 25'09 – Eddie Howe speaks ahead of Qarabag in the Champions League 27'07 – A tricky trip to Azerbaijan for Newcastle? 31'52 – Former Liverpool fitness coach Jordan Fairclough joins the pod 42'15 – New Blackburn boss Michael O'Neill joins the pod

Conversations on Groong - Feb 15, 2026TopicsVance visit, protocol and opticsTsitsernakaberd tweet, “autocorrect diplomacy”TRIPP corridor stake and sovereignty risksNuclear SMR deal, costs and dependencyFirebird AI project, power and valueDrones, church silence, Baku charter and prisonersHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 517 | Recorded: February 13, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/517VIDEO: https://youtu.be/4FEVG-lJVkE#Groong #Armenia #JDVance #Tsitsernakaberd #TRIPPSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Là thành viên ban giám khảo quốc tế của Liên hoan Điện ảnh Châu Á Vesoul 2026 ( 27/01-03/02/2026 ), trong lễ khai mạc khai mạc sự kiện này tối 27/01, bà Katayoon Shahabi, nhà sản xuất phim người Iran nay sống lưu vong tại Pháp, đã mạnh mẽ lên tiếng tố cáo những tội ác của chế độ Teheran, thảm sát hàng chục ngàn người biểu tình chống chính quyền. Đối với bà Shahabi, Iran ngày nay càng giống như là một "nhà tù lớn". Sinh tại Teheran năm 1963, Katayoun Shahabi theo học văn học Pháp trước khi gia nhập Quỹ Điện ảnh Farabi (FCF) năm 1984. Mười năm sau, bà thành lập Cima Media International, chuyên quảng bá các chương trình nghe nhìn và đồng sản xuất nhiều phim tài liệu và phim truyện. Năm 2001, bà thành lập công ty riêng, Sheherazad Media International (SMI), trở thành nhà phân phối tư nhân lớn nhất các bộ phim Iran trên toàn thế giới. Katayoun Shahabi cũng đã đồng sản xuất nhiều phim tài liệu, như với kênh truyền hình Pháp-Đức Arte và sau đó sản xuất phim truyện, vẫn theo hình thức đồng sản xuất. Katayoon Shahabi từng là thành viên ban giám khảo tại các liên hoan phim quốc tế như San Sebastian (với tư cách chủ tịch), Liên hoan phim tài liệu quốc tế Amsterdam (IDFA) và Mannheim-Heidelberg. Bà còn là thành iên ban giám khảo cho hạng mục tranh giải chính tại Liên hoan phim Cannes 2016, là người Iran thứ ba được chọn vào ban giám khảo này sau các đạo diễn  Abbas Kiarostami và Leila Hatami.  Trả lời RFI Việt ngữ tại Liên hoan Vesoul ngày 28/01/2026, Katayoun Shahabi cho biết: “Tôi bắt đầu sự nghiệp ở tuổi 20 tại Quỹ Điện ảnh Farabi, chuyên quảng bá phim Iran trên toàn thế giới. Chính tại đó mà tôi thực sự khám phá ra điện ảnh Iran, khám phá những đạo diễn lớn. Tôi chưa từng học về điện ảnh và ban đầu không có mục tiêu làm phim, nhưng lúc đó tôi quyết định sẽ làm việc trong lĩnh vực điện ảnh.  Tôi lớn lên trong một gia đình mà không ai bảo tôi rằng một phụ nữ sẽ bị những hạn chế. Vì vậy, khi bắt đầu làm việc, tôi không hiểu tại sao tất cả các đồng nghiệp mới được tuyển dụng đều được đi dự liên hoan phim, trong khi tôi thì không được cử đi. Tôi cũng không hiểu tại sao tôi không thể viết tên mình mà luôn phải viết tên của những người đàn ông làm việc với tôi. Như thể tôi là người vô hình vậy! Đó là lý do tại sao tôi đã từ chức khỏi Quỹ Điện ảnh Farabi và sau chín năm, tôi rời khỏi Cima Media International, rồi quyết định thành lập công ty riêng của mình. Khi còn làm công tác truyền thông, tôi đã yêu cầu được cử đi nước ngoài vì tôi là giám đốc phụ trách các vấn đề quốc tế, nhưng họ không muốn cử tôi đi, chẳng hạn như tham gia Liên hoan phim Cannes. Tôi bèn  nói với họ: "Hoặc là các ông cử tôi đi, hoặc là tôi sẽ từ chức."  Thế là họ phải cử tôi đi, vì tôi là người có kinh nghiệm nhất, họ không có ai khác. Vì vậy, tôi hiểu rằng mình luôn phải đòi những gì mình phải được hưởng, vì không ai tự nhiên cho mình cả.”  Ngày 17/09/2011, Katayoon và sáu nhà làm phim khác bị bắt giữ với cáo buộc "làm gián điệp cho Đài BBC tiếng Ba Tư". Chính quyền cho rằng các phim tài liệu do BBC phát sóng là bất hợp pháp và vẽ nên "một bức tranh đen tối về Iran và người dân Iran". Các vụ bắt giữ này đã dẫn đến nhiều cuộc biểu tình phản đối trên thế giới.  Katayoon Shahabi kể lại: “Tôi đã bị bắt sau khi ban tiếng Ba Tư của đài BBC được thành lập ở Iran. Vào năm 2008 đã có các cuộc bạo loạn đầu tiên và BBC Ba Tư đã đưa tin về những vụ đó. Họ đã tiếp cận tôi với tư cách là nhà sản xuất và phân phối phim để đề nghị tôi làm phim, nhưng tôi từ chối. Sau đó, họ sản xuất một bộ phim về Khamenei và muốn phát sóng nó. Chính quyền đã nói với họ: "Nếu các ông phát sóng bộ phim đó, chúng tôi sẽ coi đó là lằn ranh đỏ. Chúng tôi sẽ khiến không ai có thể làm việc với các ông nữa." Tôi là nhà sản xuất kiêm nhà phân phối quốc tế duy nhất trong số họ và là phụ nữ duy nhất. Vì tôi khá nổi tiếng trong giới điện ảnh lúc đó, họ muốn lấy tôi làm gương và nói rằng: “Hãy cẩn thận, cô có thể bị bắt bất cứ lúc nào”.  Khi bị bắt giữ, lúc đầu tôi rất ngạc nhiên và sợ hãi. Nhưng sau đó tôi tự nhủ mình không làm gì sai, chỉ làm nhiệm vụ của mình thôi. Vì vậy, tôi không sợ nữa. Họ muốn ghi hình tôi để làm một lời thú tội giả trên truyền hình, nhưng tôi không đồng ý, nên đã bị thẩm vấn bốn hoặc năm lần và bị biệt giam cho đến khi họ hiểu rằng tôi sẽ không làm theo ý của họ. Rất nhiều bạn bè của tôi ở bên ngoài đã làm đơn kiến ​​nghị, có rất nhiều tiếng nói đòi thả tôi, cuối cùng họ buộc phải thả tôi.” Sau 54 ngày ngồi tù, Katayoon Shahabi được tự do, nhưng bị thu hồi giấy phép kinh doanh, đồng thời bị cấm xuất cảnh. Khi lệnh cấm được dỡ bỏ, bà đã sang Pháp đăng ký thành lập công ty mới, Noori Pictures, vào năm 2012 trước khi trở về Iran. Với công ty mới này, bà đã mở rộng hoạt động sản xuất phim và phân phối quốc tế các tác phẩm của Iran và đạt được nhiều thành công. Một số phim do công ty của bà phân phối đã đoạt giải tại các liên hoan phim quốc tế như Cannes và Venise.  Với việc chính quyền Cộng hòa Hồi giáo Iran tăng cường các hạn chế đối với các nhà sản xuất phim trong những năm gần đây, Katayoon Shahabi buộc phải sản xuất phim ở nước ngoài, cụ thể là sản xuất một phim ở Afghanistan năm 2019 và một phim ở Azerbaijan ba năm sau đó. Cả hai phim đều được trình chiếu tại Liên hoan phim Venise. Bà Katayoon Shahabi thổ lộ: "Trong một chế độ độc tài thần quyền, mọi điều người dân làm, ngay cả trong nhà, nghe nhạc gì, có uống rượu hay không, có sử dụng truyền hình vệ tinh hay không, đều bị kiểm soát. Giờ đây khi đã được sống tự do ba năm ở bên ngoài, tôi càng nhận ra Iran là một nhà tù lớn.” Nhưng ngay chính bà cũng không ngờ rằng chính quyền Cộng hòa Hồi giáo nay lại tỏ ra tàn bạo như thế, thảm sát đến hàng chục ngàn người biểu tình chống chính quyền:  “Đối với một người đã tham gia tất cả các cuộc biểu tình trước khi có phong trào “Phụ nữ Cuộc sống Tự do”( phong trào nỗ ra sau cái chết của nữ sinh viên Mahsa Amini, bị cảnh sát bắt vì đeo khăng choàng Hồi Giáo không đúng cách ), ngay lập tức tôi đã hiểu rằng đây là một cuộc cách mạng. Đối với tôi, những gì đang xảy ra ở Iran là sự tiếp nối của phong trào “Phụ nữ Cuộc sống Tự do”. Trên thực tế, tất cả các cuộc biểu tình trong những năm 2009, 2017, 2019 thực sự bổ sung cho nhau. Nhưng trên hết, phong trào “Phụ nữ Cuộc sống Tự do” là một cuộc cách mạng, đặc biệt là vì chính thế hệ Z đã khởi xướng cuộc cách mạng này. Chúng tôi nghĩ rằng không chỉ là do khó khăn kinh tế, mà là do người dân Iran đã quá chán ghét chế độ. Trên xe taxi, trên các phương tiện giao thông công cộng, mọi người đều phàn nàn, mọi người đã bắt đầu lăng mạ giáo chủ Khamenei  Vì vậy, đối với tôi, đó là điều có thể dự đoán được. Tôi không ngạc nhiên, tôi hiểu sự phẫn nộ và tôi chắc chắn sẽ có một cuộc đàn áp đẫm máu, nhưng chưa bao giờ trong đời tôi nghĩ con số người bị giết lại lên đến 50.000. Thật sự là chưa từng có! Họ đã giết quá nhiều người, mỗi người bị giết, cả gia đình đều nổi dậy. Nay mọi người đều hiểu rằng, ở một đất nước không có tự do, không có dân chủ, ngay cả khi nền kinh tế phát triển tốt, đất nước cũng sẽ không thể tiến xa hơn nữa. Nhưng quá nhiều người chết, những người con ưu tú nhất của đất nước chúng tôi đã ra đi vì tự do, và điều đó làm tôi đau lòng.”  Trước mức độ tàn bạo của cuộc đàn áp biểu tình, bà Katayoon Shahabi cho rằng đã đến lúc Pháp nói riêng và châu Âu nói chung phải thật sự có hành động để đứng hẳn về phía người dân Iran: “Tôi nghĩ vấn đề ở châu Âu là có rất nhiều lời nói suông mà không có hành động cụ thể. Đặc biệt là với Pháp, ví dụ lập trường của họ đối với Palestine và Ukraina nhìn chung được coi là những lập trường tốt. Nhưng trên thực tế, hành động của họ không phù hợp với lập trường đó.  Chắc chắn đó là lý do tại sao, thật không may, chỉ có Mỹ và Israel. Họ vẫn chưa can thiệp, nhưng tôi chắc chắn rằng Trump là người tính toán về kinh tế và biết rằng Iran là một quốc gia rộng lớn với rất nhiều tài nguyên. Ông ấy sẽ can thiệp vì ông ấy đã hứa. Nhưng thật đáng tiếc, vì tôi thích các nước dân chủ can thiệp hơn, giống như họ đã làm ở Serbia với Kosovo hay với Bosnia - Herzegovina vào những năm 1980. Vì đây thực sự là tội ác chống nhân loại. Chế độ Iran là một chế độ mafia. ADN của chế độ này giống như của Putin. Ta không thể nói chuyện với Putin, không thể nói chuyện với Hitler, không thể nói chuyện với Mussolini. Họ đối thoại chỉ để câu giờ. Chỉ có vũ lực mới giải quyết được. Hoặc là châu Âu có lập trường cứng rắn và không chỉ dựa vào các giải pháp ngoại giao, hoặc họ sẽ nói: "Hãy nhìn xem, đây là tội ác chống nhân loại. Nếu các người tiếp tục, chúng tôi phải can thiệp." Tôi tin Iran cũng cần hiểu rằng vào năm 1979, với cuộc cách mạng của mình, họ đã cho thế giới thấy tôn giáo có thể được sử dụng để cai trị. Giờ đây, với phong trào Phụ nữ Cuộc sống Tự do, họ đang trình bày một mô hình hoàn toàn trái ngược với mô hình năm 1979. Đây thực sự là một cuộc cách mạng rất hiện đại mà thế giới cần đến để đạt được bình đẳng nam nữ. Vì vậy, đây không phải chỉ riêng ở Iran, mà là một vấn đề mang tính phổ quát.” Trong khi đó, giới điện ảnh trong ước tiếp tục bị chính quyền Cộng hòa Hồi Giáo đàn áp. Đạo diễn Iran Mehdi Mahmoudian nằm trong số ba người bị bắt ngày 01/02 vì nghi ngờ giúp lan truyền thông điệp của cựu thủ tướng Mir Hossein Mousavi ( một nhân vật hàng đầu trong phe đối lập Iran, bị quản thúc tại gia từ năm 2011 ) chỉ trích chế độ Teheran, theo tin từ hãng thông tấn Fars của Iran. Mehdi Mahmoudian là đồng biên kịch của bộ phim "A Simple Accident", đoạt giải Cành cọ vàng tại Liên hoan phim Cannes năm 2025.  Phẫn nộ vì chiến dịch đàn áp biểu tình, ngày 02/02, nữ tài tử nổi tiếng người Iran Elnaz Shakerdoost, từng đóng vai chính trong hàng chục bộ phim, tuyên bố cô sẽ không tiếp tục làm việc tại đất nước mình, "một nơi nồng nặc mùi máu". Trên trang Instagram của cô, Elnaz Shakerdoost thông báo tẩy chay Liên hoan phim quốc tế Fajr ở Teheran ( 31/01 - 11/02/2026 ).

Là thành viên ban giám khảo quốc tế của Liên hoan Điện ảnh Châu Á Vesoul 2026 ( 27/01-03/02/2026 ), trong lễ khai mạc khai mạc sự kiện này tối 27/01, bà Katayoon Shahabi, nhà sản xuất phim người Iran nay sống lưu vong tại Pháp, đã mạnh mẽ lên tiếng tố cáo những tội ác của chế độ Teheran, thảm sát hàng chục ngàn người biểu tình chống chính quyền. Đối với bà Shahabi, Iran ngày nay càng giống như là một "nhà tù lớn". Sinh tại Teheran năm 1963, Katayoun Shahabi theo học văn học Pháp trước khi gia nhập Quỹ Điện ảnh Farabi (FCF) năm 1984. Mười năm sau, bà thành lập Cima Media International, chuyên quảng bá các chương trình nghe nhìn và đồng sản xuất nhiều phim tài liệu và phim truyện. Năm 2001, bà thành lập công ty riêng, Sheherazad Media International (SMI), trở thành nhà phân phối tư nhân lớn nhất các bộ phim Iran trên toàn thế giới. Katayoun Shahabi cũng đã đồng sản xuất nhiều phim tài liệu, như với kênh truyền hình Pháp-Đức Arte và sau đó sản xuất phim truyện, vẫn theo hình thức đồng sản xuất. Katayoon Shahabi từng là thành viên ban giám khảo tại các liên hoan phim quốc tế như San Sebastian (với tư cách chủ tịch), Liên hoan phim tài liệu quốc tế Amsterdam (IDFA) và Mannheim-Heidelberg. Bà còn là thành iên ban giám khảo cho hạng mục tranh giải chính tại Liên hoan phim Cannes 2016, là người Iran thứ ba được chọn vào ban giám khảo này sau các đạo diễn  Abbas Kiarostami và Leila Hatami.  Trả lời RFI Việt ngữ tại Liên hoan Vesoul ngày 28/01/2026, Katayoun Shahabi cho biết: “Tôi bắt đầu sự nghiệp ở tuổi 20 tại Quỹ Điện ảnh Farabi, chuyên quảng bá phim Iran trên toàn thế giới. Chính tại đó mà tôi thực sự khám phá ra điện ảnh Iran, khám phá những đạo diễn lớn. Tôi chưa từng học về điện ảnh và ban đầu không có mục tiêu làm phim, nhưng lúc đó tôi quyết định sẽ làm việc trong lĩnh vực điện ảnh.  Tôi lớn lên trong một gia đình mà không ai bảo tôi rằng một phụ nữ sẽ bị những hạn chế. Vì vậy, khi bắt đầu làm việc, tôi không hiểu tại sao tất cả các đồng nghiệp mới được tuyển dụng đều được đi dự liên hoan phim, trong khi tôi thì không được cử đi. Tôi cũng không hiểu tại sao tôi không thể viết tên mình mà luôn phải viết tên của những người đàn ông làm việc với tôi. Như thể tôi là người vô hình vậy! Đó là lý do tại sao tôi đã từ chức khỏi Quỹ Điện ảnh Farabi và sau chín năm, tôi rời khỏi Cima Media International, rồi quyết định thành lập công ty riêng của mình. Khi còn làm công tác truyền thông, tôi đã yêu cầu được cử đi nước ngoài vì tôi là giám đốc phụ trách các vấn đề quốc tế, nhưng họ không muốn cử tôi đi, chẳng hạn như tham gia Liên hoan phim Cannes. Tôi bèn  nói với họ: "Hoặc là các ông cử tôi đi, hoặc là tôi sẽ từ chức."  Thế là họ phải cử tôi đi, vì tôi là người có kinh nghiệm nhất, họ không có ai khác. Vì vậy, tôi hiểu rằng mình luôn phải đòi những gì mình phải được hưởng, vì không ai tự nhiên cho mình cả.”  Ngày 17/09/2011, Katayoon và sáu nhà làm phim khác bị bắt giữ với cáo buộc "làm gián điệp cho Đài BBC tiếng Ba Tư". Chính quyền cho rằng các phim tài liệu do BBC phát sóng là bất hợp pháp và vẽ nên "một bức tranh đen tối về Iran và người dân Iran". Các vụ bắt giữ này đã dẫn đến nhiều cuộc biểu tình phản đối trên thế giới.  Katayoon Shahabi kể lại: “Tôi đã bị bắt sau khi ban tiếng Ba Tư của đài BBC được thành lập ở Iran. Vào năm 2008 đã có các cuộc bạo loạn đầu tiên và BBC Ba Tư đã đưa tin về những vụ đó. Họ đã tiếp cận tôi với tư cách là nhà sản xuất và phân phối phim để đề nghị tôi làm phim, nhưng tôi từ chối. Sau đó, họ sản xuất một bộ phim về Khamenei và muốn phát sóng nó. Chính quyền đã nói với họ: "Nếu các ông phát sóng bộ phim đó, chúng tôi sẽ coi đó là lằn ranh đỏ. Chúng tôi sẽ khiến không ai có thể làm việc với các ông nữa." Tôi là nhà sản xuất kiêm nhà phân phối quốc tế duy nhất trong số họ và là phụ nữ duy nhất. Vì tôi khá nổi tiếng trong giới điện ảnh lúc đó, họ muốn lấy tôi làm gương và nói rằng: “Hãy cẩn thận, cô có thể bị bắt bất cứ lúc nào”.  Khi bị bắt giữ, lúc đầu tôi rất ngạc nhiên và sợ hãi. Nhưng sau đó tôi tự nhủ mình không làm gì sai, chỉ làm nhiệm vụ của mình thôi. Vì vậy, tôi không sợ nữa. Họ muốn ghi hình tôi để làm một lời thú tội giả trên truyền hình, nhưng tôi không đồng ý, nên đã bị thẩm vấn bốn hoặc năm lần và bị biệt giam cho đến khi họ hiểu rằng tôi sẽ không làm theo ý của họ. Rất nhiều bạn bè của tôi ở bên ngoài đã làm đơn kiến ​​nghị, có rất nhiều tiếng nói đòi thả tôi, cuối cùng họ buộc phải thả tôi.” Sau 54 ngày ngồi tù, Katayoon Shahabi được tự do, nhưng bị thu hồi giấy phép kinh doanh, đồng thời bị cấm xuất cảnh. Khi lệnh cấm được dỡ bỏ, bà đã sang Pháp đăng ký thành lập công ty mới, Noori Pictures, vào năm 2012 trước khi trở về Iran. Với công ty mới này, bà đã mở rộng hoạt động sản xuất phim và phân phối quốc tế các tác phẩm của Iran và đạt được nhiều thành công. Một số phim do công ty của bà phân phối đã đoạt giải tại các liên hoan phim quốc tế như Cannes và Venise.  Với việc chính quyền Cộng hòa Hồi giáo Iran tăng cường các hạn chế đối với các nhà sản xuất phim trong những năm gần đây, Katayoon Shahabi buộc phải sản xuất phim ở nước ngoài, cụ thể là sản xuất một phim ở Afghanistan năm 2019 và một phim ở Azerbaijan ba năm sau đó. Cả hai phim đều được trình chiếu tại Liên hoan phim Venise. Bà Katayoon Shahabi thổ lộ: "Trong một chế độ độc tài thần quyền, mọi điều người dân làm, ngay cả trong nhà, nghe nhạc gì, có uống rượu hay không, có sử dụng truyền hình vệ tinh hay không, đều bị kiểm soát. Giờ đây khi đã được sống tự do ba năm ở bên ngoài, tôi càng nhận ra Iran là một nhà tù lớn.” Nhưng ngay chính bà cũng không ngờ rằng chính quyền Cộng hòa Hồi giáo nay lại tỏ ra tàn bạo như thế, thảm sát đến hàng chục ngàn người biểu tình chống chính quyền:  “Đối với một người đã tham gia tất cả các cuộc biểu tình trước khi có phong trào “Phụ nữ Cuộc sống Tự do”( phong trào nỗ ra sau cái chết của nữ sinh viên Mahsa Amini, bị cảnh sát bắt vì đeo khăng choàng Hồi Giáo không đúng cách ), ngay lập tức tôi đã hiểu rằng đây là một cuộc cách mạng. Đối với tôi, những gì đang xảy ra ở Iran là sự tiếp nối của phong trào “Phụ nữ Cuộc sống Tự do”. Trên thực tế, tất cả các cuộc biểu tình trong những năm 2009, 2017, 2019 thực sự bổ sung cho nhau. Nhưng trên hết, phong trào “Phụ nữ Cuộc sống Tự do” là một cuộc cách mạng, đặc biệt là vì chính thế hệ Z đã khởi xướng cuộc cách mạng này. Chúng tôi nghĩ rằng không chỉ là do khó khăn kinh tế, mà là do người dân Iran đã quá chán ghét chế độ. Trên xe taxi, trên các phương tiện giao thông công cộng, mọi người đều phàn nàn, mọi người đã bắt đầu lăng mạ giáo chủ Khamenei  Vì vậy, đối với tôi, đó là điều có thể dự đoán được. Tôi không ngạc nhiên, tôi hiểu sự phẫn nộ và tôi chắc chắn sẽ có một cuộc đàn áp đẫm máu, nhưng chưa bao giờ trong đời tôi nghĩ con số người bị giết lại lên đến 50.000. Thật sự là chưa từng có! Họ đã giết quá nhiều người, mỗi người bị giết, cả gia đình đều nổi dậy. Nay mọi người đều hiểu rằng, ở một đất nước không có tự do, không có dân chủ, ngay cả khi nền kinh tế phát triển tốt, đất nước cũng sẽ không thể tiến xa hơn nữa. Nhưng quá nhiều người chết, những người con ưu tú nhất của đất nước chúng tôi đã ra đi vì tự do, và điều đó làm tôi đau lòng.”  Trước mức độ tàn bạo của cuộc đàn áp biểu tình, bà Katayoon Shahabi cho rằng đã đến lúc Pháp nói riêng và châu Âu nói chung phải thật sự có hành động để đứng hẳn về phía người dân Iran: “Tôi nghĩ vấn đề ở châu Âu là có rất nhiều lời nói suông mà không có hành động cụ thể. Đặc biệt là với Pháp, ví dụ lập trường của họ đối với Palestine và Ukraina nhìn chung được coi là những lập trường tốt. Nhưng trên thực tế, hành động của họ không phù hợp với lập trường đó.  Chắc chắn đó là lý do tại sao, thật không may, chỉ có Mỹ và Israel. Họ vẫn chưa can thiệp, nhưng tôi chắc chắn rằng Trump là người tính toán về kinh tế và biết rằng Iran là một quốc gia rộng lớn với rất nhiều tài nguyên. Ông ấy sẽ can thiệp vì ông ấy đã hứa. Nhưng thật đáng tiếc, vì tôi thích các nước dân chủ can thiệp hơn, giống như họ đã làm ở Serbia với Kosovo hay với Bosnia - Herzegovina vào những năm 1980. Vì đây thực sự là tội ác chống nhân loại. Chế độ Iran là một chế độ mafia. ADN của chế độ này giống như của Putin. Ta không thể nói chuyện với Putin, không thể nói chuyện với Hitler, không thể nói chuyện với Mussolini. Họ đối thoại chỉ để câu giờ. Chỉ có vũ lực mới giải quyết được. Hoặc là châu Âu có lập trường cứng rắn và không chỉ dựa vào các giải pháp ngoại giao, hoặc họ sẽ nói: "Hãy nhìn xem, đây là tội ác chống nhân loại. Nếu các người tiếp tục, chúng tôi phải can thiệp." Tôi tin Iran cũng cần hiểu rằng vào năm 1979, với cuộc cách mạng của mình, họ đã cho thế giới thấy tôn giáo có thể được sử dụng để cai trị. Giờ đây, với phong trào Phụ nữ Cuộc sống Tự do, họ đang trình bày một mô hình hoàn toàn trái ngược với mô hình năm 1979. Đây thực sự là một cuộc cách mạng rất hiện đại mà thế giới cần đến để đạt được bình đẳng nam nữ. Vì vậy, đây không phải chỉ riêng ở Iran, mà là một vấn đề mang tính phổ quát.” Trong khi đó, giới điện ảnh trong ước tiếp tục bị chính quyền Cộng hòa Hồi Giáo đàn áp. Đạo diễn Iran Mehdi Mahmoudian nằm trong số ba người bị bắt ngày 01/02 vì nghi ngờ giúp lan truyền thông điệp của cựu thủ tướng Mir Hossein Mousavi ( một nhân vật hàng đầu trong phe đối lập Iran, bị quản thúc tại gia từ năm 2011 ) chỉ trích chế độ Teheran, theo tin từ hãng thông tấn Fars của Iran. Mehdi Mahmoudian là đồng biên kịch của bộ phim "A Simple Accident", đoạt giải Cành cọ vàng tại Liên hoan phim Cannes năm 2025.  Phẫn nộ vì chiến dịch đàn áp biểu tình, ngày 02/02, nữ tài tử nổi tiếng người Iran Elnaz Shakerdoost, từng đóng vai chính trong hàng chục bộ phim, tuyên bố cô sẽ không tiếp tục làm việc tại đất nước mình, "một nơi nồng nặc mùi máu". Trên trang Instagram của cô, Elnaz Shakerdoost thông báo tẩy chay Liên hoan phim quốc tế Fajr ở Teheran ( 31/01 - 11/02/2026 ).

Max and Maria were joined by Andrian Prokip and Tim McDonnell to discuss the relentless Russian bombardment of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and what this means for average Ukrainians trying to survive the winter months. Be sure to explore Tim McDonnell's newsletter, Semafor Energy.

Hello my curious archaeogastronomers!A brand new episode is out, and it's all about the long history of fermented dairy foodstuffs from the vast regions of Central Asia.Fermented dairy products from Central Asia have been to space! Resilient and nutritious, and good for the bronze age and the space age, are truly interstellar travelers of our civilization! We all know yoghurt and kefir but have you heard of kumis, chortan, gooroot?For this reason I 've employed the expertise and knowledge of Dr Simi Rezai Ghassemi, to tell me all about the amazing, uknown, and life giving fermented dairy products of Central Asia countries, from Azerbaijan, to Iran, all the way to Mongolian steppe! The 4000 year old mummified remains of a woman known as "The Beauty of Xiaohe" have fermented dairy (kefir? cheese?) as necklace. A seemingly unbroken tradition of drying and preserving dairy for the long harsh environments of Central Asia since time immemorial...So who indeed invented the first kefir? This side of Caucasus or the desserts of China? All the above and much more on today's episode!More about the mummies found in Tarim Basin:https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/ancient-mummies-of-the-tarim-basin/Find out more about Dr Simi below:Web: https://simiskitchenblog.wordpress.comSubstack: https://srezaighassemi.substack.comIntagram: https://www.instagram.com/simiskitchen/Equinox: https://equinoxpub.com/projects/fermented-dairy-of-central-asiaAnyway enjoy our fascinating chat here!Love,Thom & The Delicious LegacySupport the podcast on Ko-Fi and Patreon for ad-free episodes! https://ko-fi.com/thedeliciouslegacypodcasthttps://www.patreon.com/c/thedeliciouslegacySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-delicious-legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to truly belong — to a place, to a community, or even to yourself? On this episode of Back to Life, Danny sits down with Marina Baronas, a storyteller of belonging whose life has crossed borders of culture, language, and identity. Raised in Lithuania, Russia, and Azerbaijan, Marina inherited a deep understanding of hospitality — not as a job, but as a way of being. After immigrating to the United States at nineteen, she built a career in restaurants, hotels, and leadership, discovering that true service is less about transactions and more about presence. Through motherhood, migration, reinvention, and resilience, Marina learned that "home" is not a destination — it's a daily practice of returning to yourself. Together, Danny and Marina explore: What it means to belong in seasons of transition How hospitality becomes a leadership philosophy The power of presence in a distracted world Carrying hope and identity through change This conversation is a reminder that resilience isn't always loud. Sometimes it's the quiet decision to keep showing up — to yourself and to others — with tenderness, courage, and an open heart. If you've ever felt in-between places, roles, or identities, this episode is for you. Check out her book, here.  Marina's website: https://www.marinabaronas.com/

Producers for MMO #206 Associate Executive Producers Millennial Bookkeeper - Chundering back onto the scene! Crikies! Fiat Fun Coupon Producers Chadtoshi Sharky Shark Cbrooklyn112 Boobs & Beer Preator Porrecca of Peoria Doiceses: Hempress Emily M. Trashman Praetor Wiirdo of the not so flat lands Booster Producers trailchickenfountain.fm  | 20,000 | BAG DADDY BOOSTER! boolysteedfountain.fm   | 2,222 boolysteedfountain.fm   | 2,222 mrhfountain.fm      | 1,000 Sir Jared of South Burien | 333 fairvoltyfountain.fm   | 205 NostrGangfountain.fm   | 121 Creative Producers: Episode Artwork Woof Archive Art! End of Show Song Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZdrxnGYDQc Artist: PoddyMoutn Follow Us: X/Twitter MMO Show John Dan Youtube (while it lasts) MMO Show Livestream Rumble MMO Show Livestream Twitch MMO Show Livestream Shownotes: Dan's Sources A Tribute to the Mommy Milker Offensive Podcast Show Program

As World War II ends, Iran becomes the first battleground of the Cold War. After Stalin reaches for northern oil, a calculated gamble in Tehran determines whether the country will split or survive. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon. Episode Summary As World War II ended, the world shifted. Britain weakened. The United States and the Soviet Union rose. And oil, now the lifeblood of modern power, moved to the center of global politics. In Iran, the Soviets wanted their share. With troops still stationed in the north, Moscow backed a new movement in Azerbaijan. Led by Jafar Pishevari, the Azerbaijan Democratic Party declared regional autonomy and began governing the province with Soviet support. In Tehran, the Tudeh Party echoed its demands, and pressure mounted inside parliament to negotiate. Iran resisted. The Majlis refused to grant oil concessions. The government appealed to the newly formed United Nations. The crisis deepened as Soviet forces refused to withdraw. Then, Ahmad Qavam returned to power at a critical moment. A veteran of earlier political battles, he chose negotiation over confrontation. He travelled to Moscow, promised to submit a joint oil company to parliament, and bought time, waiting for the deadline set by the Tripartite Treaty. As relations between Washington and Moscow hardened, Iran became one of the first tests of the emerging Cold War. Under growing international pressure, Stalin agreed to withdraw Soviet troops in March 1946. Once they were gone, parliament overwhelmingly rejected the oil deal. Iranian forces marched into Azerbaijan, dismantled the autonomous government, arrested the Azerbaijan Democratic Party members, and restored central control. Pishevari fled north. The movement collapsed. Qavam had outmaneuvered Stalin. But it was the young Mohammad Reza Shah who stood at the center of the victory, presenting himself as the guardian of Iran's unity. The Soviet threat had receded. The struggle over Iran's oil had not. Music Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Monarch of Fate Jay Varton – First Second Kai Engel – Somnolence Dian Shuai – The Only Way Out Edvard Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: No. 3 “Anitra's Dance” – Odyssey Orchestra Bonnie Grace – Scorpions Stefan Ekstorm – Turning Stones Bonnie Grace – Fractal Patterns Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Formula The post Book Three – Ep.2: ADP appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

Groong Week in Review - February 8, 2026TopicsA European View of AmericaJD Vance in ArmeniaPashinyan vs. The Armenian ChurchEurope and ArmeniaGuestPhilippe Raffi KalfayanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 516 | Recorded: February 9, 2026https://podcasts.groong.org/516Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Those who hope to honor God and advance Jesus' Kingdom face powerful opposition from spiritual, physical, and psychological enemies. Successful launching and long term fruitfulness depends on recognizing and, in dependence on the Holy Spirit, waging war against those enemies.

The peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, initialed in August 2025, represents a major turning point for the South Caucasus.Thomas de Waal, Zaur Shiriyev, and Areg Kochinyan discuss the role Europe can play in supporting normalization and advancing infrastructure development across the region.[00:00:00] Intro, [00:01:37] The Armenia-Azerbaijan Normalization, [00:11:23] New Connectivity Projects in the South Caucasus, [00:19:31] Europe's Role in Supporting the Peace Process.Zaur Shiriyev, February 3, 2026, “Europe Falls Behind in the South Caucasus Connectivity Race,” Strategic Europe, Carnegie Europe.Thomas de Waal, December 16, 2025, “Trump's Peace Lessons for Europe,” Strategic Europe, Carnegie Europe.Zaur Shiriyev and Philip Gamaghelyan, December 4, 2025, “Strategic Directions for Building Sustainable Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.Thomas de Waal, November 13, 2025, “Armenia's Election Is a Foreign Affair,” Strategic Europe, Carnegie Europe.Thomas de Waal, September 22, 2025, “An Unlikely Road to Peace for Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Foreign Affairs.Philip Gamaghelyan and Zaur Shiriyev, August 7, 2025, “As They Edge Toward Peace, Armenia and Azerbaijan Must Resist Old Habits,” Emissary, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.Zaur Shiriyev, May 26, 2025, “The Precarious Power of Azerbaijan,” Foreign Affairs.Thomas de Waal, March 17, 2025, “Armenia and Azerbaijan's Major Step Forward,” Emissary, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.Areg Kochinyan, July 12, 2024, “Why the World Must Support Armenia's Defeated Democracy Against Russian Hybrid Warfare,” Conflict and Civicness Research Blog, London School of Economics and Political Science.Areg Kochinyan, May 21, 2024, “Armenia Should Use This Window of Opportunity to Leave Russia's Orbit,” Politika, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.

Government Minister Chris Bowen accrued a staggering $62,000 phone bill during a two-week trip to Azerbaijan, primarily due to excessive data roaming charges. Founder & Editor at Pickr.com.au Leigh Stark joined Dean & Sofie to explain that a simple $96 unlimited data SIM could have prevented the expense, sparking outrage over the waste of taxpayer money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's population has shrunk, year on year, for four years in a row, pushing a country with a long history of official worry about overpopulation to contemplate a sharp decline in births. BBC China's Yan Chen reflects on the reasons behind the drop and what it will mean for the country and a generation of children growing up now.Three years ago Magerram Zeynalov, who covers Azerbaijan for for BBC News Russian, wrote an article about the fact that six years after the start of the global pandemic, Azerbaijan's land borders remain closed. Since he wrote it, nothing has changed: although Azerbaijan's airspace is open, its land borders remain shut. The Azerbaijani government cites security concerns as the reason; Magerram reflects on the impact a sixth year of closed land borders in "the most stable country in the world."In the Indian state of Maharashtra, tigers are thriving. It's a win for conservationists, but locals living near tiger reserves are concerned about the threat to life. Bhagyashri Raut, who reports for BBC Marathi, explains how a group of mothers have taken matters into their own hands to protect children on their way to school.This episode of The Documentary comes to you from The Fifth Floor, the show at the heart of global storytelling, with BBC journalists from all around the world. Presented by Faranak Amidi. Produced by Laura Thomas, Caroline Ferguson and Hannah Dean. (Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of February 6: leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan meet in Abu Dhabi, where they were honored for efforts aimed at advancing peace; a Baku court delivers final verdicts against former leaders of Artsakh; the draft text of Armenia's new constitution will be ready in March but the preamble, one of the most contested elements, will be addressed at a later stage.

This week Patrick Bishop and Saul David examine a the latest news in week of deadly limbo in Ukraine as Donald Trump's promised "energy truce" is shattered by a record-breaking Russian bombardment in -20°C temperatures. We analyse why Moscow's advances are now slower than the Battle of the Somme and discuss Elon Musk's latest move to block Starlink from Russian drones. Later in the episode, we are joined by friend of the pod Julius Strauss, who discusses the crumbling of the post-imperial space in the South Caucasus's. Fresh from a recent trip to Azerbaijan, we explore the waning Russian influence in the region, and how the Kremlin is losing its grip on a key strategic partner. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Groong Week in Review - February 1, 2026Topics:  - Iran Conflict  - Varchaband  - War on Armenian Church  - Mehmet Oz vs Armenian Americans  - Narek Karapetyan and Strong Armenia  - A Big Beautiful NoragyughHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan  - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 512 | Recorded: February 2, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/512VIDEO: https://youtu.be/XRHCT_8XE84#IranIsraelWar #TrumpArmada #ArmenianChurch #Pashinyan #ArmenianDiasporaSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Medical missionaries often feel powerful emotional burden from moral injury, and it is a leading cause of departure from the mission field. But we have learned proven methods of preventing and dealing with moral injury. Use God’s powerful methods to protect yourself and your team, and to grow in wisdom and spirit!

A US military intervention in Iran doesn't just risk exposing Gulf states and Israel to Iranian retaliation. It also raises the spectre of a regional war spilling over into the Caucasus. With no US or Israeli targets within its borders, Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel and US military bases in the Middle East, a threat directed at Gulf states and Israel rather than NATO member Turkey. While Iran is unlikely to attack Turkey's Incirlik Airbase that hosts the US military's 39th Air Base Wing, an uptick of ethnic nationalism, particularly among Azeris, a Turkic group who account from anywhere between 16 and 24 per cent of the Iranian population, could draw Iran's neighbours, Turkey and Azerbaijan, into a wider regional conflict on the principle of ‘you may not want war but war wants you.' Militant supporters of Israel in the United States, like the influential, far-right, Philadelphia-based Middle East Forum appear willing to shoulder the risk. The Forum has advocated a US targeting of Azeri units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps or IRGC, which the Forum describes as the Guards' most brutal. The IRGC is among the prime targets that the US military has presented to US President Donald Trump.

Conversations on Groong - Jan 31, 2026Topics:  - Foreign intelligence service  - FIS report, strategic gaps  - Azerbaijan risk and deterrence  - Hybrid threats and elections  - TRIPP, AI, and data risksGuest: David DavidianHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan  - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 511 | Recorded: Jan 28, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/511VIDEO: https://youtu.be/dMX6GW54Eek#Groong #Armenia #FIS #ForeignIntelligence #NationalSecurity #TRIPPSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - January 25, 2026Topics:Memorial Day vs. Army DayJD Vance to Armenia and AzerbaijanArmenian Church DevelopmentsStrong Armenia - New Political PartyGuest: Arthur KhachatryanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 510 | Recorded: January 27, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/510VIDEO: https://youtu.be/czqx5UCdFA0#GroongWeekInReview #Armenia #RulesBasedOrder #JDVance #TRIPP #ArmenianChurchSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of January 23: Ten Armenians who remained in Artsakh after its fall have been transferred to Armenia; the Foreign Intelligence Service says risk of war with Azerbaijan is low, even as rhetoric from Baku intensifies; Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan joins U.S. President Trump's Board of Peace in Davos and more.

Darrell Castle talks about President Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland presented earlier this week and the important issues surrounding the speech including Greenland, Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, and of course Minneapolis. Transcription / Notes TRUMP SPEAKS TO THE WEF Hello, this is Darrell Castle with today's Castle Report. This is Friday the 23rd day of January in the year of our Lord 2026. I will be talking about President Trump's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland which was given on Wednesday of this week. I will also talk about some of the important issues surrounding that speech including Greenland, Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, and of course Minneapolis. Yes, President Trump traveled to Davos this week accompanied by a large U.S. delegation including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. California Governor Gavin Newscom was in attendance although not part of the US delegation. He was quick to gather a news event to question everything the President said. So, the President spoke for over an hour to the richest, most powerful, most pompous and self-important people in this world. He used the occasion to sign the Board of Peace Charter, officially launching a new international organization tasked with overseeing the peace process between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza. Trump said as he signed, “This Board is the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created, and it's my enormous honor to serve as its chairman.” Founding members of the board were in attendance including Bahrain, Morocco, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and the United Arab Emirates. Missing was Bibi Netanyahu because he has an international warrant out for him and he would most likely have been arrested. Could the Board of Peace end up replacing the United Nations? President Trump seems to think so, “I wish the United Nations could do more. I wish we didn't need a Board of Peace. The UN just hasn't been very helpful. I'm a big fan of the UN's potential but it has never lived up to its potential.” Trump, despite his criticism, didn't call for the dissolution of the UN. I suppose he left that duty to me and I have been actively calling for its dissolution since about 1990 when I became associated with the Constitution Party. Many people agree with me but find it very difficult to say so. I supported Ron Paul's presidential campaigns partly because of his end the FED rhetoric and his criticism of international bodies such as the UN. I fear that the Board of Peace will become just another bureaucracy but we will see whether it can really achieve peace in Gaza. The proposal calls for Hamas to lay down its arms which it has publicly refused to do. Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law presented a slide show detailing the architectural plans for the Gaza strip. I hope those plans include the Palestinians still alive but we will see. Perhaps they can find jobs in the fabulous hotels and resorts that are supposed to be built. In the meantime, the IDF has reportedly killed at least 466 Palestinians since the ceasefire started as well as 3 journalists one of whom worked for Bari Weiss the new head of news at CBS. When invited to speak at WEF Denmark announced that it would not be attending because of Trump's position on Greenland. Perhaps the Danes don't quite understand the art of the deal. He renounced any plans to acquire Greenland by force and worked out a deal with NATO to allow US use of Greenland and in return plans for tariffs on EU members were canceled. Trump believes, and it makes sense to me, that the US needs influence there as a hedge against long term adversaries in the Arctic like China and Russia, for example. He assured them that US acquisition of rights in Greenland was not only, not a threat to NATO but would greatly enhance the security of the alliance. He said the new agreement would involve the Danes with the Golden Dome, and mineral rights.  In case you don't know Golden Dome is a new missile defense system being built. Mark Rutte, the head of NATO, said after his meeting with Trump that the discussion about Greenland had changed. Now the discussion is about how the arctic region can be protected and secured. George Friedman is a geopolitical analyst of impeccable reputation and I have been a subscriber to his publication, Geopolitical Futures for many years. In regard to Greenland George said in his recent newsletter that he admitted for the first time he just could not explain or figure out something. He could not explain why Trump would place tariffs on NATO allies in order to acquire interest in Greenland. Now that Trump has lowered the temperature of the discussion the point may be moot but I think he does not have the same regard for the Europeans that many others have. In fact, I think this whole new Strategic Strategies Report that the administration just released is an announcement that the security agreement that has existed since World War ll has run its course and is now over. The US will consider its own hemisphere and its own defense first. In other words, this is all a continuation of the American Revolution which for 250 years has not been able to separate the American people from the European bankers. The bankers got their prize with the formation of the Federal Reserve which was formed to take control of the US financial system and keep the American people in debt slavery forever. The FED prints its own money and loans it to the US so it can be used to pay US interest on the debt that it has, thus 38 trillion debt and one trillion of interest. Take, for example, Mark Carney the Prime Minister of Canada. He is former governor of the Central Bank of England and former governor of the Central Bank of Canada and though in office, still associated with powerful banking and investment firms. That may be rambling a bit but it's still all very true. Trump went on in his speech with his usual carrot and stick approach. “Certain places in Europe are not even recognizable, frankly, anymore, they're not recognizable, and I love Europe, and I want to see Europe do good, but its not heading in the right direction.”  He mentioned his Scottish and German heritage and said the people of the United States care deeply about Europe. He used part of his time to tout what he called restoring the American dream. He mentioned his Executive Order to prevent Wall Street Corporations from buying single family homes thus driving up the cost of rent and making owning a home much more expensive. “Families live in homes, not corporations.” Well, amen to that quote Mr. President, that is exactly right. My approval of that action and the quote is not very libertarian but then I am not a libertarian. The US is not going to subsidize the whole world he told the assembled Davos men and women. Global tariffs were implemented to address the large trade deficits the US was experiencing adding that many countries were taking advantage of the United States. He went on to brag about the economic changes and success that he believes the US is experiencing. So, my conclusion is that he went to Davos to conclude a Greenland deal and to sign the Board of Peace agreement but mostly to explain himself to these people. Wars still rage in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran. The one in Iran seems to be heating up again with the Ayatollah publicly admitting to over 5000 protesters killed. Many reporters from inside Iran report more than 10,000. The Ayatollah has taken a very hard line calling the uprising sedition and blaming the United States and Israel for it and threatening full scale war. Trump has ordered his military leaders to give him strike options that could be done so something is most likely coming. US strategic bombers have been seen over the Persian Gulf region. I said I would say a few words about Minneapolis so here they are. That city seems to be the tip of the iceberg that is the massive fraud being committed against the US government but mainly against the working, taxpaying Americans. If you work and a portion of your labor and money you need to feed your family is taken from you by the IRS apparently a good deal of that is used to feed the terrorists in Somalia and to line the pockets of politicians across America. The politicians look the other way and run interference for the fraudsters and they are then rewarded with millions of fraudulently acquired dollars. It seems that California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and others may even be bigger than Minnesota. You are certainly aware that ICE is in Minnesota trying to round up, arrest and deport illegal criminals but the politicians who have been receiving millions in bribes from the illegals have been protecting them and attacking ICE agents. I suppose they believe that if they scream loud enough we the people will join the criminals, but then who will pay the taxes. This disorder went so far as to involve an attack or at least a forced disruption of Sunday Services at a Baptist church called Cities Church in St. Paul. Yes former news reporter Don Lemon led the mob into the church and disrupted people who were worshiping God on a Sunday morning. Lemon gave a lot of sanctimonious words about how protest is protected by the 1st amendment. He is really attacking Christianity and trying to eliminate the right of Christians to worship freely which is sacrosanct in the 1st amendment. It seems that in Minnesota they really love and value sanctuary except when it involves places that actually are sanctuaries. Contrast my city of Memphis with Minneapolis and notice the difference. Memphis has now had two good mayors in a row and the difference is astounding. The mayor didn't want federal authority here but he said if it's coming let's cooperate and use it to benefit the city. The guard came to help with the street patrols so the MPD could do police work. ICE was here arresting illegal criminals as they found them. Two statistics illustrate the whole thing and the difference. Car left down 70% and murders down 44% and people can walk their own streets at least better than before criminals were allowed to take over our cities. Finally, folks, wither you hate Donald Trump or love him pray for peace. Our children will appreciate it. At least that's the way I see it, Until next time folks, This is Darrell Castle, Thanks for listening.

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 world is continually paying the [CB]s more and more of their hard earned labor. In Germany the people are taxed 42%, almost half of their income. Fed inflation indicator reports no inflation, Truinflation reports inflation is at 1.2%.BoA and Citibank are in talks to offer 10% credit card. Trump says US will the crypto capital of the world. Globalism/[CB] system has failed, the power will return to the people. The patriots are sending a message, DOJ 2.0 is not like DOJ 1.0, same with the FBI, you commit a crime you will be arrested. The message is clear, the protection from these agencies are gone. Bondi arrest the Church rioters. Trump’s message at DAVOS is clear, the [DS] power and agenda is no more. Trump is now in control and the world will begin to move in a different direction, either you are on board or you will be left behind. The power belongs to the people.   Economy https://twitter.com/WallStreetMav/status/2014289396112011443?s=20 (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"); Fed’s Favorite Inflation Indicator Refuses To Show Any Signs Of Runaway ‘Trump Tariff’ Costs The Fed’s favorite inflation indicator – Core PCE – rose 0.2% MoM (as expected), which leave it up 2.8% YoY (as expected), slightly lower than September’s +2.9%…   Bear in mind that this morning’s third look at Q3 GDP printed a +2.9% YoY for Core PCE. Under the hood, the biggest driver of Core PCE remains Services costs – not tariff-driven Goods prices…   In fact, on a MoM basis, Non-durable goods prices saw deflation for the second month in a row…   Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/truflation/status/2014322072286302619?s=20 – Food – mostly Eggs – Household durables – particularly housekeeping supplies – Alcohol & tobacco – mostly alcoholic beverages Our number is derived by aggregating millions of real-time price data points every day to calculate a year-over-year CPI % rate. It is comparable but not identical to the survey-based official headline inflation released monthly by the BLS, which was 2.7% for December. Bank Of America, Citigroup May Launch Credit Cards With 10% Rate Two weeks after Trump shocked the world by demanding lenders cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year, Bank of America and Citigroup are exploring options to do just that in an attempt to placate the president.  Bloomberg reports that both banks are mulling offering cards with a 10% rate cap as one potential solution.  Earlier this week, Trump said he would ask Congress to implement the proposal, giving the financial firms more clarity about what exact path he's pursuing. Bank executives have repeatedly decried the uniform cap, saying it'll cause lenders to have to pull credit lines for consumers.  Source: zerohedge.com Trump sues JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon for $5B over alleged ‘political’ debanking The lawsuit claims JPMorgan’s decision ‘came about as a result of political and social motivations’ to ‘distance itself’ Trump and his ‘conservative political views’  President Donald Trump is suing JPMorgan Chase and its CEO Jamie Dimon in a $5 billion lawsuit filed Thursday, accusing the financial institution of debanking him for political reasons. The president's attorney, Alejandro Brito, filed the lawsuit Thursday morning in Florida state court in Miami on behalf of the president and several of his hospitality companies.  “ Source: foxnews.com https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2013984082640658888?s=20  WEF Finance/Banking Panel – If Independent National Economies Continue Rising, Global Trade Drops and We Lose Control Globalism in its economic construct is a series of dependencies. If those dependencies are severed, if each country has the ability to feed, produce and innovate independently, then the entire dependency model around globalism collapses. Within the globalism model that was historically created there was a group of people, western nations, banks, finance and various government leaders, who controlled the organization and rules of the trade dependencies.  The action being taken for self-sufficiency, in combination with the approach promoted by President Trump that each nation state should generate their own needs, then the rules-based order that has existed for global trade will collapse. If nations are no longer dependent, they become sovereign – able to exist without the need for support from other nations and systems. If nations are indeed sovereign, then globalism is no longer needed and a threat of the unknown rises. How will nations engage with each other if there is no governing body of western elites to make the rules for engagement?  The need for control is a reaction to fear, and it is the fear of self-reliance that permeates the elitist class within the control structures.   If each nation of the world is operating according to its individual best interests, the position of Donald Trump, then what happens to the governing elite who set up the system of interdependencies. This is the core of their fear. If each nation can suddenly grow tea, what happens to the East India Tea Company.  Who then sets the price for the tea, and worse still an entire distribution system (ships, ports, exchanges, banks, etc.) becomes functionally obsolescent. Source: theconservativetreehouse.com  Political/Rights TWO-TIERED JUSTICE: Conservative Journalist Kaitlin Bennett Charged and Fined for Interviewing Democrats in Public — While Don Lemon Storms Churches With Zero Consequences The United States now operates under a blatantly two-tiered justice system, where conservative journalists are criminally charged for speech in public spaces, while left-wing media figures face zero consequences for harassing Americans and disrupting religious services. Conservative journalist Kaitlin Bennett revealed this week that she was charged with a federal crime and fined by the National Park Service in St. Augustine for the so-called offense of asking Democrats questions on public property. According to Bennett, federal agents targeted her while she was conducting on-the-street interviews, a form of journalism protected by the First Amendment. Despite being on public land, Bennett says she was cited and punished simply for engaging in political speech that the Left finds inconvenient. Bennett addressed the incident directly in a post on X, writing: https://twitter.com/KaitMarieox/status/2014174254799958148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2014174254799958148%7Ctwgr%5Ef4a6650cd0c60d38edfea018c5665c2cc2fe5199%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Ftwo-tier-justice-conservative-journalist-kaitlin-bennett-charged%2F When asked by another local journalist exactly what “lawful order” Bennett had disobeyed, the ranger reportedly could not provide a straight answer. WATCH: Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/2014322865848406370?s=20   Alexander Conejo Arias, fled on foot—abandoning his child. For the child's safety, one of our ICE officers remained with the child while the other officers apprehended Conejo Arias.   Parents are asked if they want to be removed with their children, or ICE will place the children with a safe person the parent designates. This is consistent with past administration's immigration enforcement. Parents can take control of their departure and receive a free flight and $2,600 with the CBP Home app. By using the CBP Home app illegal aliens reserve the chance to come back the right legal way. https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/2014049440911303019?s=20   inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. An immigration judge issued him a final order of removal in 2019. In a dangerous attempt to evade arrest, this criminal illegal alien weaponized his vehicle and rammed law enforcement. Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired defensive shots. The criminal illegal alien was not hit and attempted to flee on foot. He was successfully apprehended by law enforcement. The illegal alien was not injured, but a CBP officer was injured.  These dangerous attempts to evade arrest have surged since sanctuary politicians, including Governor Newsom, have encouraged illegal aliens to evade arrest and provided guides advising illegal aliens how to recognize ICE, block entry, and defy arrest. Our officers are now facing a 3,200% increase in vehicle attacks. This situation is evolving, and more information is forthcoming.   https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/2014063905413177637?s=20  CNN Panelist Issues Retraction and Apology After Going Too Far in On-Air Trump Attack    footage of CNN's “Newsnight with Abby Phillip” was posted to social media platform X featuring 25-year-old leftist activist Cameron Kasky alongside panel mainstay Scott Jennings. A moment between the two went viral when Kasky casually declared that President Donald Trump had been involved in an international sex trafficking ring. Jennings wasn't going to let that remark go unchallenged by host John Berman. The topic of conversation had been Trump's interest in Greenland and the Nobel Peace Prize, but Kasky threw in a jab at Trump with an allusion to the president's relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — an allusion Kasky's now trying to walk back. “I would love it if he was more transparent about the human sex trafficking network that he was a part of, but you can't win 'em all,” he blurted out. https://twitter.com/overton_news/status/2013455047288377517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2013455047288377517%7Ctwgr%5E20edbbd712c7076d1aafdac2d1e39d7eb8307263%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fcnn-panelist-issues-retraction-apology-going-far-air%2F   Berman asked Jennings a follow-up question about Greenland, but instead of addressing that, Jennings circled back to Kasky's remark. “You're gonna let that sit?” Jennings asked Berman. “Are we going to claim here on CNN that the president is part of a global sex trafficking ring or …?” After assuring Jennings that he would do the fact-checking, Berman asked Kasky to repeat what he'd said about the global sex-trafficking ring. “That Donald Trump was … probably … very involved with it,” the arrogant young man replied, with perhaps a touch less confidence. To Berman's credit, and the CNN legal team's, he immediately said, “Donald Trump has never been charged with any crimes in relation to Jeffrey Epstein.” https://twitter.com/camkasky/status/2013760245298864477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2013760245298864477%7Ctwgr%5E20edbbd712c7076d1aafdac2d1e39d7eb8307263%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fcnn-panelist-issues-retraction-apology-going-far-air%2F Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2014189561002291385?s=20 DOGE Geopolitical https://twitter.com/brentdsadler/status/2014311942119137584?s=20  important as these agreements cover the entirety of the Chagos group of islands/features. Critical as future third party presence in those areas proximate Diego Garcia could in practical terms render those U.S. military facilities operationally impractical (ie useless). The current deal under consideration in the UK parliament in a rushed vote as soon as 2 February is ill advised. And it likely would break the decades long understanding with the U.S. government. See: Active U.S. treaties: https://state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Treaties-in-Force-2025-FINAL.pdf 1966 Foundational Understanding: https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%20603/volume-603-I-8737-English.pdf 1972 Understanding regarding new facilities on Diego Garcia: https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%20866/volume-866-I-8737-English.pdf 1976 Understanding and concurrence on new communications facilities on Diego Garcia and references as foundational the 1966 Understanding: https://treaties.fcdo.gov.uk/data/Library2/pdf/1976-TS0019.pdf?utm_source https://twitter.com/HansMahncke/status/2014150131247874267?s=20 The EU-Mercosur deal is a major free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). Negotiated for over 25 years, it aims to create one of the world’s largest free trade zones, covering more than 700 million people and reducing tariffs on goods like cars, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products.  It includes commitments on sustainability, labor rights, and environmental protections, but critics argue these are insufficient to address issues like Amazon deforestation and unfair competition for European farmers. The agreement was politically finalized in 2019 but faced delays due to environmental concerns and opposition from countries like France and Austria. It was formally signed on January 17, 2026, after EU member states (with a qualified majority, despite opposition from five countries including France) greenlit it on January 9.  The Stupidity of Davos Explained Using an Example of Their Own Creation China is manufacturing a product to create a carbon credit certificate in response to the demand for carbon credits from all the world auto-makers.  Any nation that has a penalty or fine attached to their climate goals is a customer. Those are nations with fines or quotas associated with the production of gasoline powered engines if the auto company doesn't hit the legislated target for sales of electric vehicles. In essence, EU/AU/CA/RU/ASEAN car companies buy Chinese car company carbon credits, to avoid the EU/AU/CA/RU/ASEAN fines.  The Chinese then use the carbon credit revenue to subsidize even lower priced Chinese EVs to the EU/AU/CA/RU/ASEAN car markets, thereby undercutting the EU/AU/CA/RU/ASEAN car companies that also produce EVs. China brilliantly exploits the ridiculous pontificating climate scam and has an interest in perpetuating -even emphasizing- the need for the EU/AU/RU/ASEAN countries to keep pushing their climate agenda.  China even goes so far as to fund alarmism research about climate change because they are making money selling carbon credit certificates on the back end of the scam to the western fear mongers.  This is friggin' brilliant.   The climate change alarmists are helping China's economy by pushing ever escalating fear of climate change.  You just cannot make this stuff up. What does the outcome look like? Well, in this example we see hundreds of thousands of unsold BYDs piling up in countries that emphasize climate regulations with no restrictions on the import of EVs (which most don't even manufacture), which is almost every country.  Big Panda doesn't care about the car itself; they care about generating the carbon credit certificate to sell in the various carbon exchanges. Put this context to the recent announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about his new trade deal with China to accept 49,000 EVs this year. Prime Minister Carney bragged about getting the Chinese to agree to only super low prices for the Canadian market.  Mark Carney was very proud of his accomplishment to get much lower priced vehicles for Canadian EV purchasers.   No doubt Big Panda left the room laughing as soon as Carney made his grand announcement. 1. China sells EV's in Canada, creating credits available on the carbon exchange scheme. Europe et al will purchase the carbon credits because Bussels has fines against EU car companies. 2. With a foothold already established in Europe, China will then take the money generated by the carbon credit purchases and lower the prices of the Chinese EV cars sold in Canada. It's gets funnier. 3. Carney bragged about forcing China to only sell low price EV's as part of the trade agreement. The low price of the EV's in Canada will be subsidized by Europe. China doesn't pay or lose a dime. But wait…. 4. Carney can't do anything about the scheme he has just enmeshed Canada into, because Canada has a Carbon Credit exchange in law.

Max and Maria spoke with Jade McGlynn about her latest report on Ukrainian resistance in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. "Thresholds of Survival: The Resistance in Occupied Ukraine" by Jade McGlynn (January 2026, CSIS.org)

Whether you’re a seasoned team member or preparing for your first trip, short-term mission trips have the potential to make a meaningful global impact. In this conversation, we’ll highlight five key principles that help ensure our efforts contribute to lasting, sustainable change in the communities we serve.

Groong Week in Review - January 18, 2026Topics:Syria, Kurds, Turkish advanceIran unrest, war postponedTRIPP and sovereignty dispute2026 elections, foreign influenceGuest: Sergei MelkonianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 508 | Recorded: January 19, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/508VIDEO: https://youtu.be/LDI5e7Tcu8k#ArmenianNews #Syria #Iran #ZangezurCorridor #TRIPP #GeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Episode 459 of Hidden Forces is the twelfth episode in the Hundred Year Pivot podcast series. In it, Demetri Kofinas and Grant Williams speak with Kamran Bokhari, a strategic forecaster and geopolitical analyst who specializes on the Middle Eastern and Eurasia, about Iran's nationwide protests, what they reveal about the power and stability of the Iranian regime, and what the state of Iranian affairs portends for Iran's future, the region's geopolitics, and the strategic considerations and objectives of the United States. The conversation's opening hour traces Iran's modern formation—beginning in the early 1900s with the Constitutional Revolution, moving through the 1953 coup and the Shah's rule, and culminating in the 1979 Islamic Revolution and its aftermath. Kamran walks the audience through the evolution of Iran's dual military structure, explaining the critical distinction between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular armed forces (Artesh), and how the IRGC grew from an ideological militia into an oversized parallel state controlling everything from telecommunications to Iran's nuclear program, while becoming increasingly corrupt and internally divided. The second hour is devoted to analyzing the current protests engulfing Iran, how they differ from previous uprisings, and the implications for a severely weakened IRGC following Israel's dismantling of its proxy network, the relentless targeting of its commanders, and its failure to secure the safety of its own citizens from Israeli reprisals. They explore the regime's internal factionalization, the role of the merchant class in these protests, the potential pathways forward—from managed regime decay to military intervention to outright chaos—and the cascading effects that Iran's instability could have on its neighbors, from Turkey and Azerbaijan to Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. Subscribe to our premium content—including our premium feed, episode transcripts, and Intelligence Reports—by visiting HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you'd like to join the conversation and become a member of the Hidden Forces Genius community—with benefits like Q&A calls with guests, exclusive research and analysis, in-person events, and dinners—you can also sign up on our subscriber page at HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode of Hidden Forces, please support the show by: Subscribing on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, CastBox, or via our RSS Feed Writing us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Joining our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe and support the podcast at https://hiddenforces.io. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 01/15/2026

Episode 459 of Hidden Forces is the twelfth episode in the Hundred Year Pivot podcast series. In it, Demetri Kofinas and Grant Williams speak with Kamran Bokhari, a strategic forecaster and geopolitical analyst who specializes on the Middle Eastern and Eurasia, about Iran's nationwide protests, what they reveal about the power and stability of the Iranian regime, and what the state of Iranian affairs portends for Iran's future, the region's geopolitics, and the strategic considerations and objectives of the United States. The conversation's opening hour traces Iran's modern formation—beginning in the early 1900s with the Constitutional Revolution, moving through the 1953 coup and the Shah's rule, and culminating in the 1979 Islamic Revolution and its aftermath. Kamran walks the audience through the evolution of Iran's dual military structure, explaining the critical distinction between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular armed forces (Artesh), and how the IRGC grew from an ideological militia into an oversized parallel state controlling everything from telecommunications to Iran's nuclear program, while becoming increasingly corrupt and internally divided. The second hour is devoted to analyzing the current protests engulfing Iran, how they differ from previous uprisings, and the implications for a severely weakened IRGC following Israel's dismantling of its proxy network, the relentless targeting of its commanders, and its failure to secure the safety of its own citizens from Israeli reprisals. They explore the regime's internal factionalization, the role of the merchant class in these protests, the potential pathways forward—from managed regime decay to military intervention to outright chaos—and the cascading effects that Iran's instability could have on its neighbors, from Turkey and Azerbaijan to Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. Subscribe to our premium content—including our premium feed, episode transcripts, and Intelligence Reports—by visiting HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you'd like to join the conversation and become a member of the Hidden Forces Genius community—with benefits like Q&A calls with guests, exclusive research and analysis, in-person events, and dinners—you can also sign up on our subscriber page at HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode of Hidden Forces, please support the show by: Subscribing on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, CastBox, or via our RSS Feed Writing us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Joining our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe and support the podcast at https://hiddenforces.io. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 01/15/2026

Ray Nayler is a Hugo and Locus Award winning author. Born in Quebec and raised in California, he lived and worked abroad for two decades in Russia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, and Kosovo as a Foreign Service officer, a Peace Corps volunteer, and an international development worker.Ray's first novel, The Mountain in the Sea won the Locus Award. It was a finalist for the Nebula Arthur C. Clarke, the LA Times Ray Bradbury Awards, and was named a London Times science fiction book of the year. Mountain was listed as one of the best science fiction books of all time by Esquire. Ray's novella The Tusks of Extinction won the 2025 Hugo Award, and was a finalist for the Nebula and Locus Awards. Ray's third book, Where the Axe is Buried, was published in April 2025. Ray's short stories have won the Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire, France's highest literary prize for science fiction, the Clarkesworld Readers' poll, the Asimov's Readers' Award, the Bifrost readers' award, and have been nominated for the Theodore Sturgeon Award.In Sentientist Conversations we talk about the most important questions: “what's real?”, “who matters?” and "how can we make a better world?"Sentientism answers those questions with "evidence, reason & compassion for all sentient beings." The video of our conversation is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.00:00 Clips“If the world is actual and real and their suffering and their thoughts and their perceptions of the world are just as real and important as mine, then I'm tied to them in this way that is real.”“That's the core for me. That's the root of ethics. Ethics is acting in the world as if other beings are just as important as you because that's a fact.”“Consciousness arose in a very natural and comprehensible way as a consequence of the existence of life in real space.”“I always want to end my books on an empowering note. You can have a very dystopic vision of the near future. It should still have something in it that moves people toward positive action because I do think writing has a function in the world and a purpose.”01:00 WelcomeNico Delon episode“I think my reading list extends just out past the heat death of the universe.”Sentientism's “what's real?” and “who matters?” questions. 07:50 Ray's Intro11:00 What's Real?20:22 What Matters?34:43 Who Matters?01:06:55 A Better Future?01:13:20 Follow Ray“I just would encourage everyone to read widely and act on what they learn… Act in the world, read and learn, experience some more, try things out… And give a shit.”- https://www.raynayler.net/And more... full show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sentientism.info⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Sentientism is “Evidence, reason & compassion for all sentient beings.” More at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sentientism.info⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠"I'm a Sentientist" wall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ via⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ this simple form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Everyone, Sentientist or not, is welcome in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠groups⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The biggest so far is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here on FaceBook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Come join us there!