Podcast appearances and mentions of Cliff May

The Postponement of the Budapest Meeting and Negotiating with Putin. Cliff May discusses the postponement of the Trump-Putin Budapest meeting, attributing it to Marco Rubio insisting on a cessation of hostilities, which Foreign Minister Lavrov rejected, demanding "all Ukraine." May warns President Trump against being outnegotiated, referencing Stalin's success over Roosevelt and Churchill at Yalta. Putin admires Stalin, who expanded the Russian Empire and engineered the Holodomor famine. May stresses that Russians negotiate only to win, not to compromise. 1921 RED ARMY

SHOW 10-24-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT CANADA  IN THE EYES OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Pennsylvania Aims to Be AI Capital with US-Made Non-Lithium Batteries. Salena Zito reports on Governor Shapiro's plan to establish Pennsylvania as the AI and data center capital, capitalizing on its energy resources and university system. She focuses on EOS, a Turtle Creek company making non-lithium batteries that are 97% US-made, countering reliance on Chinese lithium. AI data centers require high energy reliability, favoring coal and natural gas infrastructure. Governor Shapiro supports this buildout, including a $22 million grant for EOS. 915-930 Italian Olive Harvest and Historical Vatican-UK Royal Visit. Lorenzo Fiori reports that the olive harvest in Tuscany is expected to be low in quantity due to mosquito damage caused by humidity and rain. However, recent strong winds helped remove damaged olives, potentially ensuring a "very tasty" oil. Fiori also discusses the historical visit of King Charles III to the Vatican's Sistine Chapel to pray with Pope Francis. This event, which Fiori found spectacular, is seen as crucial for restoring dialogue between the Anglican and Catholic Churches after centuries of division. 930-945 Small Business Economy Steady; AI Remains a 'Toy'. Gene Marks reports on the small business economy, noting steady activity among machine parts manufacturers, often preparing for an "onshoring boom." Construction and housing are holding steady but anticipate a future boom as interest rates decline. Tariffs have a muted impact, often absorbed or passed on as separate invoice line items for transparency. Marks demonstrates that AI, despite its advances, is not ready for prime-time business use, failing to accurately generate a requested image of a Yorkshire Terrier hitting a home run. 945-1000 Small Business Economy Steady; AI Remains a 'Toy'. Gene Marks reports on the small business economy, noting steady activity among machine parts manufacturers, often preparing for an "onshoring boom." Construction and housing are holding steady but anticipate a future boom as interest rates decline. Tariffs have a muted impact, often absorbed or passed on as separate invoice line items for transparency. Marks demonstrates that AI, despite its advances, is not ready for prime-time business use, failing to accurately generate a requested image of a Yorkshire Terrier hitting a home run. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Pacific Palisades Housing Dispute and West Coast Infrastructure Challenges. Jeff Bliss covers West Coast issues, including traffic disruption from new high-speed rail construction between Southern California and Las Vegas. Pacific Palisades residents are protesting state and local plans to use burned-out lots for high-density, multistory affordable housing, fearing the change in community character and increased traffic. Additionally, copper theft from EV charging stations is undermining Los Angeles's zero emissions goals. Homeless encampments are also sparking major brush fire concerns in areas like Malibu and the Sepulveda Basin. 1015-1030 Pennsylvania Pursues Data Center Hub Status, Converting Golf Courses. Jim McTague reports on Pennsylvania's effort to become a data center hub, citing over $90 billion committed investment statewide. York County secured $5 billion, with plans including converting Brierwood Golf Course into a data center. This effort faces public resistance fueled by fears of higher electricity and water prices. McTague notes that consumer spending in Lancaster County is "steady." The conversion of golf courses reflects the decline of golf, seen as a "dinosaur" activity that takes too much time. 1030-1045 Professor Epstein Slams Trump's Economic Policies as 'State Socialism'. Professor Richard Epstein analyzes four Trump administration economic decisions concerning Intel, Nvidia, US Steel, and MP Mining, labeling them forms of state-owned enterprise or "state socialism." Epstein argues that acquiring golden shares or negotiating side deals—like Nvidia paying 15% of China revenue—destroys market value, undercuts competitors, and violates the neutral application of laws. He also critiques the Gaza deal, stating Hamas must be wiped out before any subsequent phases of the agreement can proceed. 1045-1100 Professor Epstein Slams Trump's Economic Policies as 'State Socialism'. Professor Richard Epstein analyzes four Trump administration economic decisions concerning Intel, Nvidia, US Steel, and MP Mining, labeling them forms of state-owned enterprise or "state socialism." Epstein argues that acquiring golden shares or negotiating side deals—like Nvidia paying 15% of China revenue—destroys market value, undercuts competitors, and violates the neutral application of laws. He also critiques the Gaza deal, stating Hamas must be wiped out before any subsequent phases of the agreement can proceed. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 cMcNamara at War: Loyalty, Secrets, and the Vietnam Conflict. Professor William Taubman discusses Robert McNamara's complicated role during the LBJ years. McNamara enabled the Vietnam War escalation, notably misrepresenting the Gulf of Tonkin incidents to Congress. Despite later secretly opposing the war ("I want so badly to bring the boys home"), he remained silent due to loyalty to Johnson and the presidency. Taubman also details McNamara's role spying on the Kennedys for LBJ and his "loving" relationship with Jackie Kennedy. His post-Pentagon role at the World Bank served as a form of repentance. 1115-1130 cMcNamara at War: Loyalty, Secrets, and the Vietnam Conflict. Professor William Taubman discusses Robert McNamara's complicated role during the LBJ years. McNamara enabled the Vietnam War escalation, notably misrepresenting the Gulf of Tonkin incidents to Congress. Despite later secretly opposing the war ("I want so badly to bring the boys home"), he remained silent due to loyalty to Johnson and the presidency. Taubman also details McNamara's role spying on the Kennedys for LBJ and his "loving" relationship with Jackie Kennedy. His post-Pentagon role at the World Bank served as a form of repentance. 1130-1145 cMcNamara at War: Loyalty, Secrets, and the Vietnam Conflict. Professor William Taubman discusses Robert McNamara's complicated role during the LBJ years. McNamara enabled the Vietnam War escalation, notably misrepresenting the Gulf of Tonkin incidents to Congress. Despite later secretly opposing the war ("I want so badly to bring the boys home"), he remained silent due to loyalty to Johnson and the presidency. Taubman also details McNamara's role spying on the Kennedys for LBJ and his "loving" relationship with Jackie Kennedy. His post-Pentagon role at the World Bank served as a form of repentance. 1145-1200 cMcNamara at War: Loyalty, Secrets, and the Vietnam Conflict. Professor William Taubman discusses Robert McNamara's complicated role during the LBJ years. McNamara enabled the Vietnam War escalation, notably misrepresenting the Gulf of Tonkin incidents to Congress. Despite later secretly opposing the war ("I want so badly to bring the boys home"), he remained silent due to loyalty to Johnson and the presidency. Taubman also details McNamara's role spying on the Kennedys for LBJ and his "loving" relationship with Jackie Kennedy. His post-Pentagon role at the World Bank served as a form of repentance. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Trump Administration's Economic Interventionism Questioned as 'State Capitalism'. Veronique de Rugy critiques the Trump administration's economic policies regarding companies like Intel, US Steel, and MP Mining, calling them "state capitalism" or forms of nationalization. She argues that the government acquiring a minority share in Intel creates bad incentives and unfair competitive advantages. Regarding MP Mining, de Rugy notes that guaranteeing a price floor fails to address the underlying issue of government regulation hindering rare earth production in the US.E 1215-1230 The Postponement of the Budapest Meeting and Negotiating with Putin. Cliff May discusses the postponement of the Trump-Putin Budapest meeting, attributing it to Marco Rubio insisting on a cessation of hostilities, which Foreign Minister Lavrov rejected, demanding "all Ukraine." May warns President Trump against being outnegotiated, referencing Stalin's success over Roosevelt and Churchill at Yalta. Putin admires Stalin, who expanded the Russian Empire and engineered the Holodomor famine. May stresses that Russians negotiate only to win, not to compromise. 1230-1245 NASA's Artemis Woes, Chinese Debris, and Global Space Industry Shifts. Bob Zimmerman discusses NASA's Artemis program, noting Administrator Sean Duffy is using a social media feud with Elon Musk as a "shiny object" to distract from the Orion capsule's untrustworthy heat shield risks. Other space issues include China's dangerous rocket debris crashes, some using highly toxic fuels, and European satellite companies consolidating into Project Bromo due to competition. Zimmerman also highlights the discovery of a large asteroid orbiting near Venus and Lockheed Martin's investment in Venus Aerospace's radical rocket engine design. 1245-100 AM NASA's Artemis Woes, Chinese Debris, and Global Space Industry Shifts. Bob Zimmerman discusses NASA's Artemis program, noting Administrator Sean Duffy is using a social media feud with Elon Musk as a "shiny object" to distract from the Orion capsule's untrustworthy heat shield risks. Other space issues include China's dangerous rocket debris crashes, some using highly toxic fuels, and European satellite companies consolidating into Project Bromo due to competition. Zimmerman also highlights the discovery of a large asteroid orbiting near Venus and Lockheed Martin's investment in Venus Aerospace's radical rocket engine design.

Putin's Yalta Model: Out-Negotiating Donald Trump. Cliff May, writing for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, looks at Putin's ambition to out-negotiate Donald Trump by emulating Stalin's success at the 1945 Yalta Conference. Stalin won that round of negotiations against Churchill and Roosevelt, securing Poland and much of Eastern Europe. This outcome was partly facilitated because Roosevelt, who was ill and viewed himself as a mediator, thought he could handle Stalin. The discussion reviews history to see if this model foreshadows future negotiations over Ukraine.

Watch this episode on YouTube here.For two years, Israel has been fighting a war on multiple fronts. And although it has delivered blows to Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas on the ground, it's losing another fight: the information war, a campaign of slander and blood libels fueled by a media empire built by the Muslim Brotherhood. To expose where — from Al Jazeera's studios in Doha to Turkish satellite channels and newsrooms in London — and how this empire works — amplifying Hamas, laundering Islamist ideology through “journalism,” and reshaping the narrative from Cairo to Washington — host Cliff May is joined by FDD's Mariam Wahba. Mentioned in the episodeRead Mariam's piece for The Free Press, "How the Muslim Brotherhood Built a Media Empire," here.Watch Mariam's appearance on Haviv Rettig Gur's podcast, Ask Haviv Anything, here. 

Watch this episode on YouTube here.For two years, Israel has been fighting a war on multiple fronts. And although it has delivered blows to Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas on the ground, it's losing another fight: the information war, a campaign of slander and blood libels fueled by a media empire built by the Muslim Brotherhood. To expose where — from Al Jazeera's studios in Doha to Turkish satellite channels and newsrooms in London — and how this empire works — amplifying Hamas, laundering Islamist ideology through “journalism,” and reshaping the narrative from Cairo to Washington — host Cliff May is joined by FDD's Mariam Wahba. Mentioned in the episodeRead Mariam's piece for The Free Press, "How the Muslim Brotherhood Built a Media Empire," here.Watch Mariam's appearance on Haviv Rettig Gur's podcast, Ask Haviv Anything, here. 

Hostage Situation and Political Realities in Gaza Ceasefire. Cliff May explains how the Gaza ceasefire focuses on the return of hostages, with 19 (including two Americans) still unaccounted for. Hamas is suspected of withholding hostages to retain bargaining power and resist relinquishing political control in phase two of the peace plan. Rhetoric about regional forces disarming Hamas is dismissed. May notes that in the Middle East, there are only permanent battles, viewing the current truce as a hudna, allowing jihadists to regroup and rearm. 1950 BEERSHEBA

CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 29224 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE ESCALATION OF RHETORIC IN THE UKRAINE WAR,.. FIRST HOUR 9-915 US-Russia Summit in Budapest Amid Ukraine Escalation Fears. Anatol Lieven discusses how US President Trump and Russian President Putin agreed to meet in Budapest to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict following a productive call. The meeting, hosted in Viktor Orbán's Hungary, aims to reduce extreme tensions and avoid direct clashes between Russia and NATO. Discussion points include potential territorial compromise in Donbas and concerns over deploying Tomahawk missiles, which Russia views as a major escalation. 915-930 US-Russia Summit in Budapest Amid Ukraine Escalation Fears. Anatol Lieven discusses how US President Trump and Russian President Putin agreed to meet in Budapest to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict following a productive call. The meeting, hosted in Viktor Orbán's Hungary, aims to reduce extreme tensions and avoid direct clashes between Russia and NATO. Discussion points include potential territorial compromise in Donbas and concerns over deploying Tomahawk missiles, which Russia views as a major escalation. 930-945 China's Tech Espionage and the Difficulty of Reverse Engineering Advanced Chip Tools. Chris Riegel discusses how TSMC and ASML technology face constant threats from Chinese industrial espionage. ASML's chipmaking tools are highly complex, making reverse engineering nearly impossible. Europe is waking up to the risks; recently, the Dutch government seized China-owned chipmaker Nexperia. China is estimated to be two to three years behind US high-end chip technology and requires access to advanced ASML tools to catch up. 945-1000 Hostage Situation and Political Realities in Gaza Ceasefire. Cliff May explains how the Gaza ceasefire focuses on the return of hostages, with 19 (including two Americans) still unaccounted for. Hamas is suspected of withholding hostages to retain bargaining power and resist relinquishing political control in phase two of the peace plan. Rhetoric about regional forces disarming Hamas is dismissed. May notes that in the Middle East, there are only permanent battles, viewing the current truce as a hudna, allowing jihadists to regroup and rearm. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. 1015-1030 US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. 1030-1045 US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. 1045-1100 US Escalates Pressure on Maduro Following Machado's Nobel Prize. Evan Ellis discusses how, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, the US escalated pressure on Venezuela. President Trump authorized CIA operations, coupled with naval deployments and B-52 overflights, to pressure the Maduro regime. The goal is triggering a tipping point where Maduro's inner circle calculates that leaving is preferable to facing US action. Separately, Peru's President Boluarte was ousted due to corruption and the nation's struggle with extreme urban violence and illegal mining. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Iran's Women-Led Uprising: Origins, Brutality, and Defiance. Nilo Tabrizy discusses how the Iranian women-led uprising, detailed in For the Sun After Long Nights, was triggered by the 2022 murder of Mahsa Amini by the morality police. The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" (Zan, Zendegi, Azadi) is the rallying cry. The regime's brutality is severe, suppressing protests through executions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acts as an octopus, maintaining control across society. Defiance continues today, demonstrated by women actively ignoring state-mandated dress codes. 1115-1130 Iran's Women-Led Uprising: Origins, Brutality, and Defiance. Nilo Tabrizy discusses how the Iranian women-led uprising, detailed in For the Sun After Long Nights, was triggered by the 2022 murder of Mahsa Amini by the morality police. The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" (Zan, Zendegi, Azadi) is the rallying cry. The regime's brutality is severe, suppressing protests through executions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acts as an octopus, maintaining control across society. Defiance continues today, demonstrated by women actively ignoring state-mandated dress codes. 1130-1145 Iran's Women-Led Uprising: Origins, Brutality, and Defiance. Nilo Tabrizy discusses how the Iranian women-led uprising, detailed in For the Sun After Long Nights, was triggered by the 2022 murder of Mahsa Amini by the morality police. The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" (Zan, Zendegi, Azadi) is the rallying cry. The regime's brutality is severe, suppressing protests through executions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acts as an octopus, maintaining control across society. Defiance continues today, demonstrated by women actively ignoring state-mandated dress codes. 1145-1200 Iran's Women-Led Uprising: Origins, Brutality, and Defiance. Nilo Tabrizy discusses how the Iranian women-led uprising, detailed in For the Sun After Long Nights, was triggered by the 2022 murder of Mahsa Amini by the morality police. The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" (Zan, Zendegi, Azadi) is the rallying cry. The regime's brutality is severe, suppressing protests through executions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acts as an octopus, maintaining control across society. Defiance continues today, demonstrated by women actively ignoring state-mandated dress codes. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 US Military Pressure Campaigns Maduro Amid Silence from Regional Allies. Mary Anastasia O'Grady explains how Venezuela's illegitimate leader, Maduro, faces escalating pressure from the US, including a Navy flotilla, B-52 flights, and authorized CIA operations. The goal is to compel Maduro and his generals, who profit from transnational crime, to flee. The silence from traditional allies like Russia and China suggests they lack political justification to defend Maduro's record. However, Mexico's president offered no comment regarding Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado, reflecting leftist sympathies. 1215-1230 Tariffs Harm Consumers, Reduce Hiring, and Cause Customs Backlogs. Veronique De Rugy explains how tariffs are costing American consumers and businesses over 80% of the expense, leading to higher prices and reduced corporate margins. The tariff policy is harming the job market, causing 40% of CEOs to pause hiring and investments. Customs authorities are overwhelmed by the volume of small packages now requiring assessment, causing significant backlogs and lost goods for consumers. Special interests are expanding the tariff application to derivative products, such as peanut butter packaged in metal containers. 1230-1245 Russia Debates Orbit and Costs for Post-ISS Space Station. Anatoly Zak explains how Roscosmos faces a debate over the orbit of its new space station: a low-inclination 51-degree orbit or a more expensive near-polar orbit. The polar orbit offers strategic Arctic observation but increases radiation risk and reduces payload capacity. Economic realities may push Roscosmos toward the cheaper 51-degree orbit, possibly using existing ISS infrastructure, to ensure an operational station for cosmonauts by 2031. 1245-100 AM Russia Debates Orbit and Costs for Post-ISS Space Station. Anatoly Zak explains how Roscosmos faces a debate over the orbit of its new space station: a low-inclination 51-degree orbit or a more expensive near-polar orbit. The polar orbit offers strategic Arctic observation but increases radiation risk and reduces payload capacity. Economic realities may push Roscosmos toward the cheaper 51-degree orbit, possibly using existing ISS infrastructure, to ensure an operational station for cosmonauts by 2031.

DO THE HOUTHIS STILL POSE A CONSIDERABLE THREAT TO ISRAEL AND THE REGION?HEADLINE 1: The Houthis announced the untimely passing of their military chief of staff, Muhammed al-Ghamari.HEADLINE 2: Iranian oil tankers briefly came back online this week.HEADLINE 3: Iran convicted two French citizens of espionage.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Research Analyst Bridget Toomey, whose research focuses on the Houthis and Iran-backed militias in Iraq.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD Pieces:"50 Years of Anti-Zionist Propaganda: Why the UN's ‘Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People' Must Be Dismantled" - Ben Cohen and David May, FDD Memo"The news from Gaza" - Cliff May, The Washington Times"Buying the Hatchet" - Ahmad Sharawi, Foreign Policy

PREVIEW HEADLINE: Cliff May Describes Reality of 'Free Palestine': Hamas Executes People Summarily While Spanish Youth Demonstrate GUEST NAME: Cliff May, Foundation for Defense of Democracies 50-WORD SUMMARY: Cliff May discusses demonstrations in Spain for a free Palestine, noting the irony since the Iberian Peninsula is targeted by jihadists. May asserts that a free Palestine means Hamas summarily executes people without judge or trial. He explains this is what the future holds for Gaza until and if Hamas is disarmed, following a war that did not end as its architect envisioned. 1862 GAZA

The Genesis of Hamas, the Failure of "Land for Peace," and Theological Jihad Cliff May discussed the failure of the "land for peace" policy following Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza and the violent takeover by Hamas. Hamas, representing the Muslim Brotherhood and born from theological jihad, views its mission as the destruction of Israel to establish an emirate. May emphasized that any cessation of hostilities is merely a hudna (truce), used by Hamas to rebuild for future battles, not a lasting peace. 1950 beersheba

CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE HAMAS DEAL... BARCELONA 1899 10-9-25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 The Genesis of Hamas, the Failure of "Land for Peace," and Theological Jihad Cliff May discussed the failure of the "land for peace" policy following Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza and the violent takeover by Hamas. Hamas, representing the Muslim Brotherhood and born from theological jihad, views its mission as the destruction of Israel to establish an emirate. May emphasized that any cessation of hostilities is merely a hudna (truce), used by Hamas to rebuild for future battles, not a lasting peace. 915-930 Javier Milei's Dilemma: Midterms, the Wobbling Peso, and the Push for Dollarization Mary Anastasia O'Grady analyzed Argentinian President Javier Milei's economic and political dilemma as he faces midterms with a wobbling peso leading up to the October 26th elections. The peso is suffering due to fears that the opposition Peronist coalition will block Milei's reforms. O'Grady advocated for dollarization as the solution to stabilize the currency, reduce interest rates, and impose fiscal discipline on reckless spending. Powerful financial special interests prefer the status quo of an unanchored peso. 930-945 The Valdai Conference, Russia's Global South Strategy, and Warnings to the West Anatol Lieven discussed the Valdai conference in Sochi, where President Putin projected confidence but issued stark warnings against the US providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine and Europeans committing "piracy" by seizing Russian cargos. Attendees focused on the BRICS group and the Global South as Russia pursues alternative alliances. Russians express disappointment in Donald Trump's failure to deliver peace and worry about the war's slow progress. The conflict is fundamentally viewed by Russians as a struggle with NATO. 945-1000 The Valdai Conference, Russia's Global South Strategy, and Warnings to the West Anatol Lieven discussed the Valdai conference in Sochi, where President Putin projected confidence but issued stark warnings against the US providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine and Europeans committing "piracy" by seizing Russian cargos. Attendees focused on the BRICS group and the Global South as Russia pursues alternative alliances. Russians express disappointment in Donald Trump's failure to deliver peace and worry about the war's slow progress. The conflict is fundamentally viewed by Russians as a struggle with NATO. SECOND HOUR 10-1015   US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva. 1015-1030 US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva. 1030-1045 US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva. 1045-1100 US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Marcus Tullius Cicero's Rise, Corruption Trials, and the Catiline Conspiracy Professor Josiah Osgood profiled the Roman "new man" orator Marcus Tullius Cicero and his dramatic rise through corruption trials and political intrigue. Cicero established his career by solving the murder case of Roscius and prosecuting corrupt Sicilian governor Verres for theft. His career climaxed with the suppression of the Catiline Conspiracy, elevating him as a patriot. However, Cicero made a grave political error by executing conspirators without trial, a move opposed by Julius Caesar. 1115-1130 Marcus Tullius Cicero's Rise, Corruption Trials, and the Catiline Conspiracy Professor Josiah Osgood profiled the Roman "new man" orator Marcus Tullius Cicero and his dramatic rise through corruption trials and political intrigue. Cicero established his career by solving the murder case of Roscius and prosecuting corrupt Sicilian governor Verres for theft. His career climaxed with the suppression of the Catiline Conspiracy, elevating him as a patriot. However, Cicero made a grave political error by executing conspirators without trial, a move opposed by Julius Caesar. 1130-1145 Marcus Tullius Cicero's Rise, Corruption Trials, and the Catiline Conspiracy Professor Josiah Osgood profiled the Roman "new man" orator Marcus Tullius Cicero and his dramatic rise through corruption trials and political intrigue. Cicero established his career by solving the murder case of Roscius and prosecuting corrupt Sicilian governor Verres for theft. His career climaxed with the suppression of the Catiline Conspiracy, elevating him as a patriot. However, Cicero made a grave political error by executing conspirators without trial, a move opposed by Julius Caesar. 1145-1200 Marcus Tullius Cicero's Rise, Corruption Trials, and the Catiline Conspiracy Professor Josiah Osgood profiled the Roman "new man" orator Marcus Tullius Cicero and his dramatic rise through corruption trials and political intrigue. Cicero established his career by solving the murder case of Roscius and prosecuting corrupt Sicilian governor Verres for theft. His career climaxed with the suppression of the Catiline Conspiracy, elevating him as a patriot. However, Cicero made a grave political error by executing conspirators without trial, a move opposed by Julius Caesar. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Fiscal Irresponsibility, the Cost of Debt, and the Loss of Welfare Reform Lessons Veronique De Rugy of the Mercatus Center criticized Washington's fiscal irresponsibility and the mounting cost of debt, arguing that enormous deficits create an anti-growth drag on the economy. She noted that failing to cut spending is a future tax hike. De Rugy lamented the loss of lessons from the 1996 welfare reform, which showed that work requirements reduced poverty, as politicians now prioritize spending checks over fiscal prudence.D 1215-1230 Deepseek's AI Claims, Huawei's Chip Ambitions, and US/China Tech Competition Chris Riegel analyzed the escalating tech competition between the US and China, focusing on Chinese AI firm Deepseek and noting its claims of superiority were potentially misleading due to non-transparency and reliance on Nvidia technology. He discussed Huawei's chip fabrication efforts and ambitions, concluding that US sanctions, particularly restricting ASML tools, keep China one to one and a half generations behind. The US scale advantage, exemplified by investments like Colossus, remains significant in the AI competition. 1230-1245 The Artemis Program, the New Space Race with China, and the Role of Elon Musk Mark Whittington discussed the Artemis program and the new space race with China, emphasizing that the US is driven back to the moon by competition with the People's Republic of China. The moon is viewed as a source for mining and a refueling stepping stone to Mars, with Elon Musk's SpaceX playing a central role. Co-host David Livingston questioned the engineering challenge of SpaceX's Starship and life support systems for Mars. The program's sustainability depends on phasing out the costly, expendable Space Launch System (SLS). 1245-100 AM The Artemis Program, the New Space Race with China, and the Role of Elon Musk Mark Whittington discussed the Artemis program and the new space race with China, emphasizing that the US is driven back to the moon by competition with the People's Republic of China. The moon is viewed as a source for mining and a refueling stepping stone to Mars, with Elon Musk's SpaceX playing a central role. Co-host David Livingston questioned the engineering challenge of SpaceX's Starship and life support systems for Mars. The program's sustainability depends on phasing out the costly, expendable Space Launch System (SLS).

Watch this episode on YouTube.LTG (Ret.) H.R. McMaster and Brad Bowman join host Cliff May to explain why diplomacy only works when backed by force. From Gaza to Ukraine, they trace how strength — not illusions — shapes outcomes and frustrates the ambitions of the Axis of Aggressors: Beijing, Moscow, Tehran, and Pyongyang.

A DEAL HAS BEEN MADE. NOW WHAT? HEADLINE 1: The Treasury Department rolled out a fresh round of Iran sanctions. HEADLINE 2: The U.S. Department of Commerce added over a dozen Chinese companies to a restricted trade list. HEADLINE 3: Israel disrupted a major arms smuggling operation into the West Bank. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with former Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD Pieces:"Israel Moves To Counter Drone Threat on Egyptian Border" - Mariam Wahba, FDD"Hamasniks in fox holes" - Cliff May, The Washington Times"Recipe for Success: Guidance Based on the Experience of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission" - Sophie McDowall, FDD

Watch this episode on YouTube.LTG (Ret.) H.R. McMaster and Brad Bowman join host Cliff May to explain why diplomacy only works when backed by force. From Gaza to Ukraine, they trace how strength — not illusions — shapes outcomes and frustrates the ambitions of the Axis of Aggressors: Beijing, Moscow, Tehran, and Pyongyang.

HEADLINE: Understanding the Term "Hudna" in the Gaza Conflict GUEST NAME: Cliff May SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Cliff May about the Gaza War term "hudna," used by Hamas and sympathizers, which refers to a truce, not peace. Theologically, a hudna allows the forces of Islam to rebuild, rearm, and prepare for future battles. In Hamas's view, the observed ceasefire is merely a temporary regrouping, not genuine peace. E

WHATEVER WILL HAMAS DO? Negotiations between Hamas and the World are going on now and this time it's a bit different. No one breaks it down like the Foundation for Defense of Democracy's Cliff May and he does so in this column for the Washington Times. He joins me at 2:30 to discuss. Columnist Cal Thomas writes here that Hamas isn't trustworthy enough for anything less than total capitulation of all the Trump's 20 points and he's right.

Weather Wednesday, Cliff May joins on what choice Hamas has, and pray for Dolly! 

Watch this episode on YouTube here.From China's stranglehold on critical minerals to the coming AI power crunch, energy is no longer a domestic policy issue — it's the front line of global power.To discuss how America's new National Energy Dominance Council is built to weaponize oil, gas, coal, and nuclear as tools of statecraft — and why abandoning them hands Beijing and Moscow the keys to the century — host Cliff May is joined by his FDD colleague, Rich Goldberg. Rich, a Navy intelligence officer turned senior National Security Council official, helped conceive and stand up the White House's new Energy Council.

Watch this episode on YouTube here.From China's stranglehold on critical minerals to the coming AI power crunch, an energy arms race is underway. Rich Goldberg, on loan from FDD to the White House, helped establish a new National Energy Dominance Council. He's now building a program at FDD that will focus on energy as a key component of national security. Rich, who has served as a Navy Intelligence Officer and National Security Council official, joins host Cliff May to discuss.

Cliff May describes wealthy Qatar hosting Hamas leaders, supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, and using Al Jazeerafor sophisticated propaganda. The US tolerates this due to its largest overseas air base in Doha. 1904 DOHA

Born into a well-educated and well-off Syrian family, Ahmed al-Sharaa – also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani – joined Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's organization, al-Qaeda in Iraq, after the U.S. invasion of that country in 2003. Following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, he established al-Qaeda's branch in Syria: Jabhat al-Nusra. In 2016, he severed ties with al-Qaeda, and al-Nusra evolved into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS — the force that in 2024 toppled Bashar al-Assad's Tehran-backed regime.Today, the former terrorist is the interim president of Syria. With the U.S. bounty on his head gone, he last week became the first ex-al-Qaeda member to address the UN General Assembly – in a suit and tie, no less.The U.S., the Turks, the Saudis, the Qataris, the Israelis, and others want to influence him. FDD's David Adesnik and Ahmad Sharawi join host Cliff May to discuss.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ERDOGAN COMES TO VISIT? HEADLINE 1: Italy and Spain deployed navy ships to escort the flotilla attempting to break Israel's blockade on Gaza.HEADLINE 2: Iran says it obtained a trove of documents about sensitive Israeli sites and nuclear facilities.HEADLINE 3: Russia and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of nuclear power plants in Iran.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Council on Foreign Relations Adjunct Senior Fellow Henri Barkey.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD Pieces: "China Has Weaponized Battery Production Against the United States" - Elaine Dezenski and Josh Birenbaum, The National Interest "The United Nations is falling apart" - Edmund Fitton-Brown, The Spectator "Qatar is no Arab Switzerland" - Cliff May, The Washington Times

Born into a well-educated and well-off Syrian family, Ahmed al-Sharaa – also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani – joined Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's organization, al-Qaeda in Iraq, after the U.S. invasion of that country in 2003. Following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, he established al-Qaeda's branch in Syria: Jabhat al-Nusra. In 2016, he severed ties with al-Qaeda, and al-Nusra evolved into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS — the force that in 2024 toppled Bashar al-Assad's Tehran-backed regime.Today, the former terrorist is the interim president of Syria. With the U.S. bounty on his head gone, he last week became the first ex-al-Qaeda member to address the UN General Assembly – in a suit and tie, no less.The U.S., the Turks, the Saudis, the Qataris, the Israelis, and others want to influence him. FDD's David Adesnik and Ahmad Sharawi join host Cliff May to discuss.

Cliff May, founder and president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, details how Qatar's Al Thani family, who sheltered Hamas masterminds, uses Doha-based Al Jazeera as a sophisticated propaganda platform, sometimes pro-Muslim Brotherhood, to exert influence abroad. 1942

WHAT LESSONS HAS THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS LEARNED FROM TWO YEARS OF WAR BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS?HEADLINE 1: Yesterday, the IDF issued evacuation orders for at least three high-rise buildings in Gaza City, including a tower at the Islamic University.HEADLINE 2: Another Israeli citizen was caught spying for Iran.HEADLINE 3: Arab countries are considering establishing a joint military force.--FDD Senior Fellow Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Shane O'Connor, a humanitarian advisor to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD pieces:"Wasn't Hell Supposed to Break Loose if the U.S. Struck Iran?" - Reuel Marc Gerecht and CFR's Ray Takeyh, The Wall Street Journal"Lessons from Doha: Eject Hamas now" - Ahmad Sharawi, The Hill"המבצע הבא בעזה חייב להתחיל במסיבת עיתונאים" - Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, Israel's N12 News"The art of lying about Israel" - Cliff May, The Washington Times

On the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Cliff May sits down with Amb. Edmund Fitton-Brown, former British ambassador to Yemen and UN terrorism monitor, now a senior fellow at FDD, to assess what we've learned — and failed to learn — about global jihad.From Hamas leaders living lavishly in Qatar, the Houthis' missile attacks, al Qaeda's quiet alliance with Tehran's rulers, and the West's waning influence in Africa to the Taliban's return to Kabul and the UN's support for Hamas, Cliff and Edmund warn that the Long War Against the West is far from a conclusion.

On the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Cliff May sits down with Amb. Edmund Fitton-Brown, former British ambassador to Yemen and UN terrorism monitor, now a senior fellow at FDD, to assess what we've learned — and failed to learn — about global jihad.From Hamas leaders living lavishly in Qatar, the Houthis' missile attacks, al Qaeda's quiet alliance with Tehran's rulers, and the West's waning influence in Africa to the Taliban's return to Kabul and the UN's support for Hamas, Cliff and Edmund warn that the Long War Against the West is far from a conclusion.

IS GAZA ISRAEL'S VIETNAM? HEADLINE 1: Some major weekend action from the Houthis. Yesterday, the Iran-backed terrorists launched an explosive drone at Israel, and it made impact.HEADLINE 2: In some more Houthi news, the government in Southern Yemen accused Iran of helping their enemies in the north of Yemen, the Houthis, produce chemical weapons.HEADLINE 3: Saudi Arabia is expanding its role in post-Assad Syria.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Aaron MacLean, an FDD Senior Advisor and host of the "School of War" podcast. --Featured FDD Articles:"China Won't Get Addicted to America's Chips" - Craig Singleton, The Wall Street Journal"How the U.N. Became Hamas's Partner" - Cliff May and Richard Goldberg, FDD's Foreign Podicy"FDD's Trump Administration Foreign Policy Tracker: September" - John Hardie

Guest Name: Cliff May • Affiliation: Founder and President of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies • Summary: The conversation challenges current energy policies, noting that fossil fuels still provide over 81% of global energy despite decades of renewables promotion. Cliff May argues that climate policy often weakens the US while adversaries like China and Russia continue to rely on coal and hydrocarbons without climate concerns. He emphasizes energy security as intrinsic to national security, criticizing government subsidies as ineffective and prone to cronyism. 1900 MIAMI RIVER

SHOW SCHEDULE  9-4 The show begins in the EU, fretting Kyiv, Paris, London, Berlin. 1578 ALEX-TRAIMAN-JNS-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Alex TRAIman MALCOLM HOENLEIN @CONF_OF_PRES @MHOENLEIN1 Affiliation: CEO and Jerusalem Bureau Chief for Jewish News Service (JNS) Summary: The discussion focuses on the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the Israeli government's preference for all hostage releases and Hamas's surrender for an end to the war. It details the IDF's military campaign in Gaza City, the challenges of urban warfare, and the ongoing threat from Iranian-backed proxies like Hamas and the Houthis. The long-term outlook suggests a complex, "unclean" end to the conflict, with continued terror attacks likely. ANATOL-LIEVEN-KYIV-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Anatol LIeven Affiliation: Eurasia Project Director of the Quinsey Institute for Responsible Statecraft Summary: The conversation critically examines a proposal for a Eurocentric security force in Ukraine, highlighting its practical unfeasibility given European military limitations and domestic fiscal challenges, particularly in France. It suggests the proposal might be political grandstanding or a strategy to "trap" the US. Ukraine's strategy aims to wear Russia down to concede on demands, recognizing they cannot achieve a full military victory. ANNA-BORSCHEVSKAYA-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Anna Borschevskaya MALCOLM HOENLEIN @CONF_OF_PRES @MHOENLEIN1 Affiliation: The Washington Institute Summary: This segment discusses Vladimir Putin's vision for a multipolar world with diminished US influence, emphasizing a strategic triangle of Russia, China, and India. It highlights Russia's increasing cooperation with Iran and Belarus, despite conventional wisdom. Putin is seen as willing to accept Russia's junior position to China, viewing it as a necessary alliance against a perceived Western attack on Russia. CHRIS-RIEGEL-HBM-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Chris RIEGEL Affiliation: CEO of #SCALAREPORT: CHRIS RIEGEL CEO, SCALA.COM @STRATACACHE.  Summary: The discussion centers on High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) as a critical innovation driving the AI revolution. SK Hynix has surpassed competitors by vertically stacking memory chips, overcoming the "memory wall" to allow faster data access for AI processors. This technology is crucial for AI development, with the US leading innovation. Strict US and EU export controls aim to prevent China from acquiring advanced chip-making tools. CLIFF-MAY-ENERGY-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Cliff May Affiliation: Founder and President of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Summary: The conversation challenges current energy policies, noting that fossil fuels still provide over 81% of global energy despite decades of renewables promotion. Cliff May argues that climate policy often weakens the US while adversaries like China and Russia continue to rely on coal and hydrocarbons without climate concerns. He emphasizes energy security as intrinsic to national security, criticizing government subsidies as ineffective and prone to cronyism. COL-GRANT-NEWWSHAM-ROK-DPRK-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Grant NEWSHam Affiliation: Colonel, United States Marine Corps retired, and author of "When China Attacks" Summary: The discussion traces the cynical division of Korea at the 38th parallel and the resulting prosperity of South Korea versus the starvation in North Korea. It highlights the current South Korean administration's pro-North Korea stance and its alignment with China and Russia. Kim Jong-un's presence at a Beijing military parade signifies a strengthening, serious alliance among these adversarial nations, aiming to intimidate the West. DALLAS-BIENHOFF-DSVID-LIVINGSTON-MARS-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Dallas BIEnhof and David Livingston Affiliation:  Space Systems Architect for Offworld.ai; David Livingston: Dr. Space of The Space Show Summary: The discussion defines cis-lunar space as the volume around the Moon, highlighting planned missions and the Artemis program as a key driver. It explores the utility of Lagrange points for stable orbital stations and the need for extensive infrastructure, including transportation nodes and propellant depots, to support a permanent human presence on the Moon and Mars. Future plans also include resource utilization and space tourism. JULIA-CARTWRIGHT-HOUSING-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Julia Cartwright Affiliation: Senior Research Fellow in Law and Economics at the American Institute for Economic Research Summary: The conversation examines the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a major impediment to housing development, particularly for rebuilding after wildfires. Julia Cartwright details how CEQA, along with restrictive building and zoning codes, creates costly delays, making California the most expensive state for construction. This bureaucracy disproportionately impacts affordable housing and is exacerbated by entities like the California Coastal Commission. MICHAEL-BERNSTAM-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Michael Bernstam Affiliation: Hoover Institution Summary: The segment discusses Russia's energy deals with China, including the Power of Siberia pipelines, noting financing and pricing disputes. Michael Bernstam highlights Russia's struggle with declining oil prices, leading to budget deficits and losses for major oil companies. China and India are benefiting from discounted Russian crude, processing it for sale to Europe, bypassing sanctions. Secondary sanctions on China could disrupt this trade. MOHSEN-SAZEGARA-IRAN-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Mohsen Sazagara Affiliation: Democracy activist from Iran Summary: Mohsen Sazagara confirms Iran's rearmament efforts, fueled by its leadership's belief in success against Israel and continued anti-US policies. Iran is seeking arms from Russia (via Belarus) and China (via North Korea), though Russia is reportedly less generous than expected. The speaker notes growing internal opposition within Iran and a high probability of another military conflict with Israel, especially concerning nuclear development or air defense rebuilding. SADANAND-DHUME-MODI-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Sadanand Dhume Affiliation: American Enterprise Institute, writes "East to East" column for the Wall Street Journal Summary: The discussion analyzes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, amidst declining US-India relations due to tariffs. India's large farm lobby, especially dairy, heavily influences trade policy. Despite diplomatic gestures, India maintains vigilance against Chinese aggression due to deep-rooted border disputes and China's close ties with Pakistan, indicating India won't align closely with China. VERONIQUE-DERUGY-9-4.mp3 Guest Name: Veronique de Rugy Affiliation: Mercatus Center Summary: Veronique de Rugy strongly critiques the proposal for a US sovereign wealth fund, arguing it's a poor idea given the US's high debt-to-GDP ratio and existing budget deficits. She contends that borrowing to invest would be fiscally unsound and would lead to "cronyism on steroids," as government investment decisions are driven by political priorities rather than viable market opportunities, unlike private sector investments.

For fifty years, the United Nations has waged a war on Israel—not with rockets or tanks, but with words: resolutions branding Zionism as racism, false charges of apartheid, fabricated famine, and now even cries of genocide. It's a propaganda war that empowers Hamas and delegitimizes Israel on the world stage.On this episode of Foreign Podicy, host Cliff May is joined by his FDD colleague Rich Goldberg to pull back the curtain on the UN's alliance with Hamas, expose how disinformation became a weapon of war, and lay out what America and Israel must do to finally break this toxic “business model” of lies and terror.

For fifty years, the United Nations has waged a war on Israel—not with rockets or tanks, but with words: resolutions branding Zionism as racism, false charges of apartheid, fabricated famine, and now even cries of genocide. It's a propaganda war that empowers Hamas and delegitimizes Israel on the world stage.On this episode of Foreign Podicy, host Cliff May is joined by his FDD colleague Rich Goldberg to pull back the curtain on the UN's alliance with Hamas, expose how disinformation became a weapon of war, and lay out what America and Israel must do to finally break this toxic “business model” of lies and terror.

PREVIEW: PRC COAL: Colleague Cliff May comments on the irony that the PRC is praised for selling EVs and other green tech that is all produced by burning dirty coal emitting greenhouse gases. More tonight.1940 MAO.

WHAT LESSONS CAN BE LEARNED FROM ISRAELI INTELLIGENCE FAILURES ON OCTOBER 7?HEADLINE 1: The Trump administration dialed up the pressure on Iran.HEADLINE 2: The Houthis took a beating. And then they raided UN offices in Yemen over the weekend.HEADLINE 3: Another European country plans to recognize a state of Palestine.BONUS HEADLINE 4: Purported environmentalist Greta Thunberg is trying to send another flotilla to Gaza.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with Yaakov Katz, former editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD Articles:"What if Israel Was Right and the Arabs Were Wrong?" — Hussain Abdul-Hussain, This Is Beirut"By Tying Ukraine's Hands, the Pentagon Undermines Trump" — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery and John Hardie, The Wall Street Journal"The Shadows Moscow Casts Over Historian Mark Galeotti" — Cliff May and Mark Galeotti, FDD's Foreign Podicy

The world's most endangered democracies—Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, and Ukraine—face relentless threats from the Axis of Aggressors: Beijing, Pyongyang, Tehran, and Moscow. With Ukraine locked in an existential war, host Cliff May welcomes British historian Mark Galeotti, host of In Moscow's Shadows, for an unflinching look at Russia's ambitions, Putin's imperial drive, and what it all means for the future of the free world.

The world's most endangered democracies—Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, and Ukraine—face relentless threats from the Axis of Aggressors: Beijing, Pyongyang, Tehran, and Moscow. With Ukraine locked in an existential war, host Cliff May welcomes British historian Mark Galeotti, host of In Moscow's Shadows, for an unflinching look at Russia's ambitions, Putin's imperial drive, and what it all means for the future of the free world.

WHY IS ISRAEL INVESTED IN THE FATE OF SYRIA'S DRUZE? HEADLINE 1: Iran just might limit its uranium enrichment to avoid further punishment from Israel and the West.HEADLINE 2: Egypt is reportedly bolstering its military presence along the border with Gaza.HEADLINE 3: U.S. envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack and deputy special envoy Morgan Ortagus arrived in Israel yesterday.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with Jonathan Hessen, nonresident senior fellow at the Hudson Institute's Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD Articles:"For the First Time in 25 Years, Syria Acknowledges Direct Talks With Israel" - Ahmad Sharawi, FDD Policy Brief"Behind Khamenei's post-war shake up: Salvaging the remains of the 'Axis of Resistance'" - Saeed Ghasseminejad, The Jerusalem Post "Exodus or Endurance: The Plight of Egypt's Christians" - Cliff May and Mariam Wahba, FDD's Foreign Podicy

Russia: Not trustworthy. Cliff May, FDD

Russia: Not trustworthy. Cliff May, FDD continued

CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor Show Schedule 8-21-25 The show begins in Anchorage Alaska, watching the two principals seek a resolution for Ukraine, NATO, Trump administration and Russia. 1910 USS MASSACHUCETTS  First Hour 9:00-9:15 Russia: Long road to resolution. Anatol Lieven, Quincy 9:15-9:30 Russia: Long road to resolution. Anatol Lieven, Quincy continued 9:30-9:45 Nvidia: And the smuggling PRC. #ScalaReport: Chris Riegel CEO, Scala.com @Stratacache 9:45-10:00 Hotel Mars: PRC Long March 9 booster for the Earth-Moon System. Rick Fisher, David Livingston Second Hour 10:00-10:15 #NewWorldReport: Bolivia votes surprise. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @RevAnEllis #NewWorldReportEllis 10:15-10:30 #NewWorldReport: Brazil lawfare and defiance. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @RevAnEllis #NewWorldReportEllis 10:30-10:45 #NewWorldReport: USN flotilla off Venezuela. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @RevAnEllis #NewWorldReportEllis 10:45-11:00 #NewWorldReport: Good news Paraguay. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @RevAnEllis #NewWorldReportEllis Third Hour 11:00-11:15 Vietnam War 1/8: Military History. Geoffrey Wawro 11:15-11:30 Vietnam War 2/8: Military History. Geoffrey Wawro 11:30-11:45 Vietnam War 3/8: Military History. Geoffrey Wawro 11:45-12:00 Vietnam War 4/8: Military History. Geoffrey Wawro Fourth Hour 12:00-12:15 Russia: Not trustworthy. Cliff May, FDD 12:15-12:30 Russia: Not trustworthy. Cliff May, FDD continued 12:30-12:45 Russia & Kazakhstan: Alleged laundering at Trump SoHo. Craig Unger, author 12:45-1:00 AM Venezuela and Mexico: Military response on the table. Mary Anastasia O'Grady

Not every U.S. strategic partner is a democracy, but those receiving American aid should not trample such basic freedoms as religious liberty. Years ago in Egypt, Coptic Patriarch Pope Tawadros II told host Cliff May that discrimination was diminishing under President Sissi. Today, USCIRF reports show the opposite: systemic repression of religious minorities.FDD's Mariam Wahba, writing recently in The Free Press, calls out the “brazen attacks on Christianity” in Egypt and beyond. She joins Cliff to discuss what's gone wrong — and why it matters — on Foreign Podicy.

Not every U.S. strategic partner is a democracy, but those receiving American aid should not trample such basic freedoms as religious liberty. Years ago in Egypt, Coptic Patriarch Pope Tawadros II told host Cliff May that discrimination was diminishing under President Sissi. Today, USCIRF reports show the opposite: systemic repression of religious minorities.FDD's Mariam Wahba, writing recently in The Free Press, calls out the “brazen attacks on Christianity” in Egypt and beyond. She joins Cliff to discuss what's gone wrong — and why it matters — on Foreign Podicy.

Preview: Putin and Ukraine Colleague Cliff May comments that President Vladimir Putin has written deridingly of Ukrainians. More. 1945 ZHUKOV

HOW IS ENERGY RELATED TO U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY? HEADLINE 1: The family of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker released a new video of him in Hamas captivity.HEADLINE 2: Israel is preparing a full-scale offensive in Gaza City. HEADLINE 3: Israel struck the Houthis where it hurts — again.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Advisor Richard Goldberg.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD articles:"Nvidia⁩ Games: China v. the US in AI Arms Race" — FDD's Foreign Podicy with Cliff May"Egypt Inks Multi-Billion Dollar Energy Deal With Israel Despite Gaza Tensions" — FDD Policy Brief by Mariam Wahba"China Has Most To Gain From Trump-Putin Talks in Alaska" — Craig Singleton

America's edge in artificial intelligence may rest on one decision now facing Washington: whether to keep our most advanced chips out of Beijing's hands. President Trump has moved to lift the export ban on Nvidia's H20 processors—a move some warn could supercharge China's AI ambitions and military power—arming the Chinese Communist Party for dominance in the AI age. Cliff May and Matt Pottinger pull back the curtain on the high-stakes race, the players vying for advantage, and what's really at risk if America loses its lead.

HOW DID ORDINARY IRANIANS RESPOND TO ISRAEL'S 12-DAY WAR AGAINST THE REGIME'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM?HEADLINE 1: Israel is reportedly in talks with several countries to take in Palestinians from Gaza.HEADLINE 2: Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, visited Beirut this week.HEADLINE 3: Turkey and Syria signed a defense cooperation agreement.BONUS HEADLINE 4: France, Germany, and the UK may reimpose sanctions on Iran.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer provides timely updates and in-depth analysis of the latest Middle East headlines, followed by a conversation with FDD Research Analyst Janatan Sayeh, who specializes in Iranian domestic affairs and the regime's malign influence in the region.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD articles:"The Houthis and the U.N.'s Ship of Fools" by Max Meizlish and Bridget Toomey"Ukraine peace is in reach — if Trump meets Putin's demands with US vigor" by RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery and John Hardie"America's fair-weather friends" by Cliff May

America's edge in artificial intelligence may rest on one decision now facing Washington: whether to keep our most advanced chips out of Beijing's hands. President Trump has moved to lift the export ban on Nvidia's H20 processors—a move some warn could supercharge China's AI ambitions and military power—arming the Chinese Communist Party for dominance in the AI age. Cliff May and Matt Pottinger pull back the curtain on the high-stakes race, the players vying for advantage, and what's really at risk if America loses its lead.

Adm. Mark Montgomery has been on the road again – along with Craig Singleton and Matt Pottinger. All three FDD scholars just returned from a visit to Japan and Taiwan, two American allies increasingly threatened by Xi Jinping, the very ambitious Chinese Communist ruler. Mark joins host Cliff May for a debrief.

In 2005, Vladimir Putin said the fall of the Soviet Union was the “greatest political catastrophe of the 20th century.” As Sen. Mitch McConnell pointed out, that should have told us everything we needed to know about this ex-KGB lieutenant colonel. He made the remark at an event in the U.S. Senate discussing a new report on Putin's war in Ukraine. The report was prepared by a task force of 22 foreign policy experts. The coordinator of the task force is Daniel Twining, president of the International Republican Institute. He joins host Cliff May along with FDD's Bradley Bowman — both also task force members — to unpack findings.

PREVIEW IRAN: Colleague Cliff May of FDD comments that the Iran Supreme Leader is unlikely to surrender to the US or Israel. More. TABRIZ CASTLE 1840