Podcasts about Hezbollah

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following Iran's foreign minister's direct threat against the US, Fabian reports on the buildup of potential US offensive and defensive firepower in the region, including an aircraft carrier and fighter jet squadrons. As the IDF continues its nearly daily strikes against Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon, Fabian discusses Israel's tacit agreement with the US that allows it to act against anything it considers an immediate threat, and the Lebanese government's ongoing efforts to disarm Hezbollah. The IDF reported a 27% rise in settler violence in the West Bank in 2025, says Fabian, who breaks down elements of the report, including the rise in the severity of the settler attacks alongside the decrease in Palestinian terrorism, attributed to the army's sustained offensive activity against terror cells. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US Central Command announces arrival of F-15 squadron in Mideast amid tensions with Iran IDF: Settler violence rose by 27% in 2025, severe attacks spiked by over 50% IDF targets Hezbollah tunnels, rocket launch sites in Lebanon Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: In this Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, photo made available by U.S. Navy, a helicopter lifts off of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln as it transits the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln sent to the Mideast in May over tensions with Iran transited the narrow Strait of Hormuz for the first time on Tuesday. The ship previously had been in the Arabian Sea outside of the Persian Gulf. (Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Stephanie Contreras/U.S. Navy via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Amir Tsarfati sits down with Rawan Osman, one of the most courageous voices speaking out against antisemitism today.Born in Damascus, raised in Lebanon, and once a supporter of Hezbollah, Rawan shares her extraordinary journey from indoctrination and hatred to truth, clarity, and hope. She exposes how antisemitism is deeply embedded in education, media, and culture across the Arab world and why the hatred of Jews has never truly been about Israel.Connect with us on social:Telegram: @beholdisraelchannelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amir.tsarfati/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beholdisrael/X: https://x.com/beholdisraelYouTube: https://youtube.com/@beholdisrael

This week we talk about war, inflation, and currency devaluation.We also discuss tyrants, police violence, and social media threats.Recommended Book: Post-Growth Living by Kate SoperTranscriptBack in mid-June of 2025, a shooting war erupted between Iran and Israel, with Israeli military forces launching attacks against multiple Iranian military sites, alongside sites associated with its nuclear program and against individual Iranian military leaders.Iran responded to these strikes, which left a lot of infrastructural damage and several military leaders assassinated, with large waves of missiles and drones against both Israeli and allied military targets, and soon after, later the same month, both sides agreed on a ceasefire and that was that.Following that blip of a war, though, Iran's economy suffered greatly. It already wasn't doing well, in part due to the crippling sanctions enforced by the US government for years, but also because of persistent mismanagement by Iran's ruling regime, and the resultant deterioration of local infrastructure, both physical and bureaucratic.Millions of people fled Iranian urban centers during the war with Israel, and while most of them returned when the ceasefire was brokered, the pace of life and other fundaments of these cities never got back up to where they were, before, as there have been fairly consistent blackouts that have kept people from being able to function as normal, and these outages have also kept businesses from getting back on their feet. That, in turn, has resulted in closures and firings and an overall reduction in economic activity.The general hamhandedness of the government has amplified these issues, and the countless other issues of trying to exist within a country that is being so persistently targeted—both in the sense of those crushing sanctions from the US, but also in the sense of being periodically struck by Israel—has dramatically increased uncertainty throughout Iran these past several years.Even before that brief war, Iran was already on the backfoot, having suffered the loss of their local proxies, including the Assad regime in Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Hamas in the Gaza Strip—all of which have been either severely weakened by Israel in recent years, or functionally wiped out—and that in turn has more directly exposed them to meddling and attacks from their key opposition, which includes the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.That new vulnerability has put the Iranian government on high-alert, and the compounding effects of all that infrastructural damage, mismanagement, and the need to reallocate more resources to defense has left the country suffering very high levels of inflation, a severely devalued currency, regular blackouts, mass unemployment, a water shortage, and long-time repression from a government that is in many ways more paranoid and flailing than in any time in recent memory.What I'd like to talk about today is a recent wave of protests across Iran and why the US government is apparently considering taking action to support protestors against the Iranian government.—Iran has long suffered all sorts of issues, including regular efforts by ethnic secessionists to pull it apart into pieces they periodically occupy and want to govern, themselves, and concerns from citizens that the government spends a whole lot of their time and the nation's resources enriching themselves, oppressing the citizenry, funding what seems to be a pointless nuclear program, and prioritizing their offensive efforts against Israel and their other regional enemies, often by arming and funding those aforementioned, now somewhat defunct proxy militias and militaries.On top of all that, as of October 2025, inflation in Iran had surged to 48.6% and the Iranian currency, the rial, dropped in value to 1.45 million per dollar. The government tried to artificially boost the value of the rial to 1.38 million per dollar in early January of 2026, but it dropped further, to 1.5 million per dollar a few days later, hitting a record low. This combined with that wild inflation rate, made the basic fundamentals of life, food, electricity, and so on, unaffordable, even for those who still had jobs, which was an ever-shrinking portion of the population.For context, the drop of the rial to a value of 1.38 million per dollar, the boosted value, represented a loss of about 40% of the rial's value since June of 2025, just before that war with Israel, which is a staggering loss, as that means folk's life savings lost that much in about half a year.When currency values and inflation hit that level of volatility, doing business becomes difficult. It often makes more sense to close up shop than to try to keep the doors open, because you don't know if the price you charge for your product or service will make you a profit or not: there's a chance you'll sell things at a loss, because the value of the money you receive and the cost of goods you require, both to survive and to keep your business functioning, will change before the day ends, or before the sale can be completed.Iran's economic crisis has further exploded in the past few weeks, then, because all those issues have compounded and spiraled to the point that simply selling things and buying things have become too risky for many people and entities, and that means folks are having even more trouble getting food and keeping the lights on than before; which becomes a real survival issue, on top of the regular crackdowns and abuses by the government that they've suffered in various ways for decades.In 2022, those abuses and limits on personal rights led to large protests that were catalyzed by the death of a 22-year-old woman named Mahsa Amini, who was in police custody for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly. Those 2022 protests were historically large—the biggest in the country, by some estimates at least, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.On December 28 2025, a group of shopkeepers in Iran's capital city, Tehran, went on strike, closing their shops in protest against what's been happening with Iran's economy; again, it's basically impossible to safely do business in a country with that much inflation and currency devaluation happening.Other shopkeepers followed suit, and large protests formed around these closed shops. Those protests flooded social media platforms in short order, protestors shouting slogans that indicated they were pissed off about all the economic mismanagement in the country, and then eventually that led to anti-government slogans being shouted, as well.Things remained peaceful at these protests, at first, and they expanded across the country within the next few days, shops closing and people filling the streets.By the fourth day, police had started to use live ammunition and tear gas against protestors, some of the protestors were killed, and things spiraled from there.By December 31, the government ordered a total, nationwide business shutdown, to try to get ahead of these protests, which again tended to revolve around the shutdown of businesses in protest—the government said they were making this call because of cold weather, but the writing was kind of on the wall at this point that they were scrambling to make it look like businesses were shutting down because they said so, not in protest of the government.The government also announced that they would start cracking down on protestors, hard, and on the first day of 2026, things escalated further, police using even more force against those who gathered, which of course led to more protests in more places, more angry slogans being shouted, and more protestor deaths at the hands of government forces.Protests had spread to all 31 Iranian provinces by early January of 2026, and at this point there were only 17 confirmed deaths.US President Donald Trump got involved around this time, maybe feeling confident following the successful nighttime grab of Venezuelan President Maduro; whatever the case, he warned the Iranian government not to shoot protestors, or the US government might have to get involved, coming to the protestors' rescue.Iran's government responded by saying the rioters must be put in their place, suppressing the funerals of protestors, and muffling local internet service, slowing down access speeds and increasing the number of outages by about a third. They threatened to execute hundreds of protestors by hanging, then said they wouldn't. Trump declared this to be a personal victory, though the Iranian government has used his insinuation of himself into the matter to position the fight as Iran against the US, the protestors backed by their great enemy, which has shown itself to be responsible for these protests.The government then started forcing captured protestors to make confessions on video, which only seemed to further anger the non-arrested protestors, and some protestors began to fight back, in one case setting a police officer on fire, and in other cases local militia groups defended protestors against police, leading to several deaths.Iran's government shut down more communication services in an attempt to regain control, in some cities taking down the internet completely, though some information, photos and videos of police abuses of protestors still made it out into the wider world using satellite services like Starlink, and by the 9th of January, protests reached a scale that rivaled and maybe surpassed those seen during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and protestors began to set fire to buildings associated with the Islamic Republic, the government, and directly clashing with security forces in some cases.Hundreds of people were reportedly killed per day from that point forward, and thousands were rushed to hospitals, overwhelming local doctors.Thousands of people were also violently killed by police, under cover of the now complete internet blackout, and on January 10th, it was estimated that around 2,000 protestors had been killed in the past two days, alone, while other estimates from inside and outside Iran range from 12,000 to 20,000 protestors killed by the government. The most reliable source I could find, as of last weekend, indicated that the true number of dead is something like 3,300 people, at minimum.In the past week or so, the Iranian government has apparently figured out how to jam Starlink internet signals, making it even more difficult for protestors to share what's happening in the country, and President Trump posted on his social network, Truth Social, telling Iranian citizens that they should overthrow the government and that help is on the way.The Iranian government has arrested tens of thousands of people, has tanks patrolling their towns and cities, and seems to have successfully quashed protests for the time being; no protests at all were reported across the country as of mid-January, and so many people were killed and injured that hospitals and other institutions are still overwhelmed, trying to work through their backlog; much of the country is in mourning.Government forces are reportedly going door to door to arrest people who were spotted in CCTV and social media footage participating in protests, and they've set up checkpoints to stop people, look through their phones, and arrest them if any photos or videos are found that indicate they were at protests, deleting that digital evidence in the process.This remains a fast-moving story and there's a chance something significant, like the US striking Iranian government targets, or renewed, more focused protests will arise in the coming days and weeks.Some analysts have argued that it's kind of a no-brainer for the Trump administration to hit the Iranian government while it's strained in this way, because it's a long-time enemy of the US and its allies that's currently weak, and doing so would reinforce the narrative, sparked with the capture of Maduro, that Trump's administration is anti-tyrant; which is questionable by most measures, but again, this is a narrative, not necessarily reality. And narratives are powerful, especially going into an election year.It's also possible that, because economic conditions in Iran haven't changed, that this is just the beginning of something bigger; protestors and militias taking a moment to regain their footing and consider what they might do to have more of an impact when they start back up again.Show Noteshttps://www.iranintl.com/en/202601130145https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/31/we-want-the-mullahs-gone-economic-crisis-sparks-biggest-protests-in-iran-since-2022https://www.nytimes.com/article/iran-protests-inflation-currency.htmlhttps://www.fdd.org/analysis/2025/06/25/mapping-the-protests-in-iran-2/https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/us/politics/trump-iran-strikes.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/world/middleeast/iran-protests-death-toll.htmlhttps://www.reuters.com/world/china/iranian-mp-warns-greater-unrest-urging-government-address-grievances-2026-01-13/https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/iran-is-hunting-down-starlink-users-to-stop-protest-videos-from-going-global-d8b49602https://archive.is/20260114175227/https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/bank-collapse-iran-protests-83f6b681https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-protest-death-toll-over-12000-feared-higher-video-bodies-at-morgue/https://sundayguardianlive.com/world/did-irans-currency-collapse-rial-plummets-to-000-against-euro-while-inflation-protests-escalate-across-the-country-164403/https://archive.is/20260116034429/https://www.ft.com/content/5d848323-84a9-4512-abd2-dd09e0a786a3https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2jek15m8nohttps://theconversation.com/the-use-of-military-force-in-iran-could-backfire-for-washington-273264https://archive.is/20260114182636/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/01/14/iran-regime-protest-trump-strike/https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/world/middleeast/iran-protests-deadly-crackdown.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/17/world/middleeast/iran-ayatollah-khamenei.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025%E2%80%932026_Iranian_protestshttps://www.en-hrana.org/day-thirteen-of-the-protests-nighttime-demonstrations-continue-amid-internet-shutdown/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Iran_internal_crisishttps://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-trump-khamenei-fc11b1082fb75fca02205f668c822751 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

1. Role of Popular Uprising Millions of Iranians are described as actively protesting against the ruling clerical regime. The movement is portrayed as organic, domestic, and secular, not Islamist or anti‑Western. Economic collapse is identified as the primary catalyst rather than a single political trigger. Protesters are framed as the legitimate engine of change, with the U.S. positioned as a supporter rather than the instigator. 2. Economic Collapse as a Destabilizer Hyperinflation and currency collapse (rial exceeding 1,000,000 to the dollar) have crippled daily life. Bazaar closures, labor strikes (notably in energy), and widespread shortages are presented as systemic stressors. Low global oil prices weaken Iran’s primary revenue source, limiting the regime’s ability to fund repression and foreign proxies. 3. U.S. Policy Contrast: Trump vs. Obama/Biden There is a sharp contrast between: Obama/Biden: Characterized as conciliatory, passive, and supportive of engagement (e.g., Iran nuclear deal). Trump: Portrayed as deterrence‑focused, confrontational, and openly supportive of regime change. Trump’s public endorsement of a “new government” in Iran is framed as unprecedented and strategically consequential. 4. Deterrence Without Occupation We reject a large‑scale military invasion. Instead, we support: Targeted military strikes (e.g., nuclear facilities, IRGC leadership) Covert operations Clear deterrent threats against mass repression The killing of Qasem Soleimani is highlighted as a key inflection point that shattered regime confidence. 5. Iran’s Strategic Weakness Iran’s air defenses and regional influence are described as severely degraded. Hezbollah, Hamas, and other proxies have been decapitated or weakened. The regime is increasingly isolated as allies (Venezuela, Syria, Russia) face their own crises. 6. Internal Regime Fractures The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is portrayed as a potential kingmaker or coup actor. The text suggests the IRGC: Controls vast economic assets Is deeply unpopular with the public May abandon the clerical leadership to preserve its own power A coup becomes likely if U.S. pressure and labor strikes converge. 7. Information Control and Fear Internet shutdowns and communication blackouts are signs of regime panic. Supreme Leader Khamenei fears internal reform more than outright confrontation, drawing parallels to Soviet collapse. 9. Broader Geopolitical Context Iran’s situation is linked to potential domino effects in Venezuela and Cuba. Energy independence and low oil prices are framed as key U.S. national security tools. The moment is compared to the fall of the Berlin Wall, suggesting a possible systemic collapse of authoritarian regimes without U.S. ground wars. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel. Iran. Gaza. Global unrest. Biblical prophecy. Light vs Darkness. In this powerful and unfiltered episode, of the Land of Israel Guys podcast we dive deep into what's really happening right now in the Middle East and why the world's response is revealing far more than headlines admit. Broadcasting directly from the land of Israel, Christian Zionists and an Orthodox Jewish rabbi come together to expose the masks being removed across governments, media, global institutions, and influencers. From Iran's internal collapse and global silence, to the Gaza war, Hamas, Hezbollah, UN hypocrisy, and rising antisemitism, this episode connects real-time events with biblical truth and prophecy. We discuss: • Why global protests vanish when Iran's people are slaughtered • How Israel has become the dividing line between light and darkness • The spiritual roots of antisemitism and global hypocrisy • Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, NATO, and the Abraham Accords — what's really happening • Why Israel's survival defies logic — and what that means spiritually • Dead Sea Scroll prophecy, biblical cycles, and the end-times lens • Should Jews make Aliyah right now? • What happens if Iran falls — and Persia reunites with Israel? This is not political theater. This is history unfolding in real time. Whether you're Christian, Jewish, or simply searching for truth beyond mainstream narratives, this episode challenges you to see the world clearly and to decide where you stand.

In today's high-octane episode of Joe Oltmann Untamed, we dive into the dramatic aftermath of yesterday's January 14, 2026, Tina Peters Colorado Court of Appeals hearing, where a three-judge panel (Ted Tow, Craig Welling, and Lino Lipinsky de Orlov) relentlessly grilled prosecutors on major flaws: a blatant indictment error swapping "might" for "must" that wrongly escalated a potential misdemeanor to felony, the questionable punishment of her protected First Amendment speech by branding her a "charlatan" at sentencing, and the exclusion of key evidence showing no personal gain signaling serious cracks in the Attorney General's case and potential paths to resentencing or reversal.We also unpack escalating chaos in Minnesota, where President Trump blasts corrupt politicians on Truth Social for failing to stop professional agitators looting federal vehicles, stealing rifles, and vandalizing ICE operations while Kyle Seraphin raises sharp questions about leftist gun hypocrisy, and "Tampon Tim" Walz's rhetoric fans the flames. Joe fires back with a strong post affirming most Coloradans stand with ICE, POTUS, law, order, and common sense, exposing the radical minority's grip through fraud and bots.We welcome Delta Force veteran and Green Beret Dale Comstock, author of American Badass, for a no-holds-barred tactical breakdown of a potential Maduro extraction drawing from his legendary 1989 explosive breach of Modelo Prison in Panama, weighing modern challenges with Russian/Chinese influence, urban threats, foreign actor backlash (Iran, Hezbollah), oil infrastructure risks, narco-state fallout, and post-removal protection lessons amid hybrid warfare. Later, attorney Jonathan Moseley (22-year veteran, George Mason Law grad, Jan. 6 defender for Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, American Thinker contributor) returns for an in-depth follow-up on the oral arguments, dissecting the judges' tough questioning and what it means for Tina's fight. This is an unfiltered truth on domestic injustice, global ops, and the battle for America catch us live now!

Triggernometry co-host and comedian, Francis Foster, returns to the podcast to unpack Nicolás Maduro's dramatic downfall. Foster's familiarity with the country stems from his Venezuelan mother, and he references on-the-ground stories from friends and family in the wake of Maduro's arrest. He and Bridget discuss chilling stories of a friend robbed at gunpoint by police officers, teen protesters gunned down, and a regime so corrupt it turned the world's richest oil nation into a country so economically crippled it barely ranks higher than Gaza. They cover the truth about Maduro's wife, why no one knows where we go from here, the dangers of a power vacuum, why it's lazy to compare what will happen in Venezuela to Iraq or Afghanistan, Iran's Hezbollah training camps, Trump's unapologetic power play, why self-loathing is not helpful on a personal or a national level, why socialism always fails, and why extreme ideas lead to extreme places. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor Links:- Quest offers 100+ lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs, use code WALKINS25 to get 25% off - https://www.questhealth.com - If you love Walk-Ins Welcome become a supporter at https://phetasy.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- Walk-Ins Welcome with Bridget Phetasy - Podcast Bridget Phetasy admires grit and authenticity. On Walk-Ins Welcome, she talks about the beautiful failures and frightening successes of her own life and the lives of her guests. She doesn't conduct interviews—she has conversations. Conversations with real people about the real struggle and will remind you that we can laugh in pain and cry in joy but there's no greater mistake than hiding from it all. By embracing it all, and celebrating it with the stories she'll bring listeners, she believes that our lowest moments can be the building blocks for our eventual fulfillment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PHETASY IS a movement disguised as a company. We just want to make you laugh while the world burns. https://www.phetasy.com/ Buy PHETASY MERCH here: https://www.bridgetphetasy.com/ For more content, including the unedited version of Dumpster Fire, BTS content, writing, photos, livestreams and a kick-ass community, subscribe at https://phetasy.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/BridgetPhetasy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bridgetphetasy/ Podcast - Walk-Ins Welcome with Bridget Phetasy https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/walk-ins-welcome/id1437447846 https://open.spotify.com/show/7jbRU0qOjbxZJf9d49AHEh https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I3gqggwe23u6mnsdgqynu447wvaSupport the show

Today on The Gist, a look at Donald Trump's plan to cap credit card interest rates at 10%—a populist move that might actually rob the poor to pay for the rich man's travel perks. Then, former CIA analyst and The Rest Is Classified co-host David McCloskey discusses his new novel, The Persian. He explains how real-world Mossad operations inside Iran are so "insane" they don't even need to be exaggerated for fiction, from remote-controlled machine guns to the devastating pager attack that crippled Hezbollah's command and control. He also breaks down the "unlikely but plausible" tradecraft used in the Israel-Iran shadow war and why the U.S. organizational and legal structure wouldn't—or couldn't—pull off the same stunts. Produced by Corey Wara Coordinated by Lya Yanne Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠ For ad-free content or to become a Pesca Plus subscriber, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ For Mike's daily takes on Substack, subscribe to The Gist List https://mikepesca.substack.com/ Follow us on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pescagist/ X https://x.com/pescami TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@pescagist To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, Israeli Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sharren Haskel joins us to discuss the rapidly evolving regional dynamics, the impact of October 7th, and the broader implications for Western democracies facing the challenges posed by radical ideologies and political inaction. You're listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let's go.   Sharren Haskel on the Rising Extremism and Western Political Paralysis Deputy Minister Haskel’s personal story and her reflections on recent attacks in places like Australia, the UK, and across Europe, reveal a growing concern about the unchecked rise of extremism and anti-Semitism in historically tolerant Western societies. Drawing on her years in Australia and the tragedy at Bondi Beach, Haskel expressed her deep shock and frustration over the persistent inaction by local governments in the face of escalating hate crimes against Jewish communities. According to Haskel, the roots of this problem go far beyond foreign policy. She attributes much of the inaction to internal politics and the pursuit of re-election, wherein politicians seek to appease immigrant communities that often arrive with deeply ingrained cultural prejudices, including anti-Semitism, from the Middle East. She criticized governments in Australia, Canada, and the UK for failing to enforce clear boundaries against hate speech and violent incitement. Instead, she argued, there has been a pattern of rhetorical condemnation without concrete protective measures, resulting in what she described as an environment where radicalization can flourish unchecked and Jewish communities are left vulnerable.   The October 7th Attack and Israel's Existential Resolve The conversation turned to the profound impact of October 7th, 2025, an event described as the largest and most brutal attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Haskel recounted the collective mourning and soul-searching that swept Israel, as well as a wave of determination to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again. For Haskel and many Israelis, the attack was not only an unspeakable tragedy but also a moment of disappointment in their generation’s promise to uphold the creed of “never again.” Yet, from the aftermath of horror emerged a powerful sense of resolve. Lochhead remarked that Israel appeared stronger after the attack, not weaker. Haskel recounted how, rather than fleeing, tens of thousands of Israelis and Jews from around the world returned to the country to support its defense. She described this as a pivotal moment, a ‘make it or break it’ scenario in which Israel had to repel attacks from multiple fronts—Hamas, Hezbollah, and hostile forces backed by Iran from Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The attacks were not only aimed at Jews but also targeted Christians, Muslims, and citizens from various nations, further underscoring the broader threat posed by radical groups.   Iran's Uprising and the Global Stakes for Freedom As the Iranian regime confronted an unprecedented uprising (sparked by years of repression, economic hardship, and the regime's violent response), international attention intensified. Haskel spoke of thousands of Iranians killed or missing, the regime shutting down the internet, and the desperate situation faced by protesters, many of whom were being shot or abducted in broad daylight. Despite threats from Tehran aimed at both Israel and the United States, the Israeli government has maintained a cautious but attentive stance, recognizing both the risks and opportunities presented by the unrest. For Haskel, the Iranian regime stands as the foremost threat to global freedom, having long exported terror and repression while suppressing its own people. She called for solidarity among all who value democracy, emphasizing that the fall of the regime would be a victory for human rights, women’s rights, and the pursuit of liberty everywhere. Despite the cautious approach taken by Israel and its allies, she noted that the most vital pressure must come from within Iran, recalling the historic example of the Shah, who fled under international but primarily popular pressure. The world now stands on the verge of profound change, as old certainties crumble and new alliances and realities emerge. Haskel's message for Iran's protesters was clear: though international support matters, lasting liberation rests on the courage and resilience of the Iranian people themselves. The lesson for the broader international community is that the defense of freedom requires vigilance, unity, and unflinching resolve, both against external enemies and the creeping dangers within democratic societies. As the fate of the Iranian uprising, and indeed the region, hangs in the balance, the stakes extend far beyond the Middle East. The choices made by leaders and citizens alike will shape the future not only of a region in turmoil but of the democratic world as a whole. To hear more from Sharren Haskel and the current state of affairs in the world, download and listen to this episode.    Bio Sharren Haskel is an Israeli politician serving as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2024. She has been a member of the Knesset since 2015, initially with Likud, later joining New Hope and National Unity. A combat veteran of the IDF’s Border Police during the Second Intifada, she previously worked as a veterinary nurse in Australia. Haskel holds a degree in political science and international relations. Known for her liberal-conservative stance, she champions free markets, civil liberties, and environmental causes. She is a prominent advocate for Israel's international relations and UNRWA reform.   Links Connect with Sharren Haskel X (formerly Twitter)   We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!

Iran is witnessing widespread protests as citizens rise against the Ayatollah regime amid a deepening economic crisis, political repression, and systemic marginalisation of ethnic minorities. Protesters insist Iran's hardships are not caused by sanctions but by the regime's misplaced priorities—diverting resources to arm groups like Hezbollah instead of supporting its own people. Unlike earlier movements seeking reform, this uprising demands complete regime change and a new political system. With nationwide communication blackouts and growing anger, questions remain about international response and possible US intervention. Consulting editor Dr. Swasti Rao is in conversation with Iranian activist Golaleh Sharafkandi on the roots and implications of the unrest.

THE COLLAPSE OF THE AXIS OF RESISTANCE Colleague Edmund Fitton-Brown. Fitton-Brown explains how the fall of the Iranian regime would devastate its regional proxies, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias, which depend on IRGC funding and training. Without Tehran's "big brother" support, these groups would likely be forced to make accommodations with local governments. He also notes Hezbollah's role as an international drug cartel. NUMBER 141921 ALEPPO

SHOW1-12-26"THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW""The Making of the John Batchelor Show" is a live-streaming "beta" experiment launched by John Batchelor on Monday, January 12, 2026. The primary objective of this specific program is to demonstrate "total transparency" by allowing the audience to see the behind-the-scenes process and technical "bumps" involved in producing the show.GLOBAL CHAOS AND THE EROSION OF STABILITY Colleagues Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani. The guests discuss worldwide instability, arguing that the US has abandoned its traditional role in maintaining global order. They examine conflicts in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela, suggesting US actions are often driven by whims rather than strategic planning, leading to a state of heightened chaos. NUMBER 1FICTIONS IN SYRIA AND THE RISKS OF INTERVENTION Colleagues Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani. The discussion focuses on the Syrian conflict, criticizing the US for maintaining "fictions" about local actors and security forces. Haqqani warns against military intervention in Iran, citing past failures like Vietnam and Iraq, noting that military force cannot solve misunderstood political problems. NUMBER 2CHINA'S GREAT HEIST OF AMERICAN SECRETS Colleagues David Shedd and Bill Roggio. David Sheddoutlines China's extensive cyber espionage campaigns, including "Salt Typhoon," which successfully hacked US Congressional committees. These operations aim to steal sensitive communications and embed sabotage tools within USinfrastructure, highlighting a critical failure in American defensive preparedness. NUMBER 3REGIME CHANGE AND SHIFTING POWER IN THE AMERICAS Colleagues David Shedd and Bill Roggio. Shedd details the removal of Nicolas Maduro and a regional shift toward center-right governments. This transition aims to end Russian and Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere. Furthermore, the US is demanding stricter security cooperation from Mexico to dismantle powerful drug cartels. NUMBER 4IRANIAN PROTESTS AND THE COLLAPSE OF REGIME CONTROL Colleague Malcolm Hoenlein. Protests across Iran have turned deadly, with reports of hundreds killed by live fire and hospitals refusing wounded demonstrators. Malcolm Hoenlein highlights a communication blackout and a collapsing economy where the currency has plummeted. A new minority coalition of Baluchis and Kurds is now supporting rebellion. NUMBER 5THE SHIFTING BALANCE OF FEAR IN IRAN Colleague Malcolm Hoenlein. As the regime faces potential implosion, discussions involve a return of the Shah's son as a symbolic figurehead, though no clear path to collective leadership exists. Revolutionaries are now tagging the homes of officials, signaling that the balance of fear has shifted from the people to the leadership. NUMBER 6RUSSIA'S ORESHNIK MISSILE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DETERRENCE Colleague John Hardy. Russia is utilizing the Oreshnik missile to strike Ukrainian infrastructure, leaving thousands without heat. John Hardy explains these strikes serve as psychological intimidation to deter Western nations from providing security guarantees or ground troops. Recent strikes likely targeted an aircraft repair plant, not gas storage. NUMBER 7ESCALATING CONFLICT BETWEEN SYRIAN FORCES AND KURDISH ALLIES Colleague Akmed Khari. Clashes have erupted in Aleppo between the Syrian government and the Kurdish SDF after a failed integration agreement. Akmed Khari notes the complexity of the US coordinating with Syrian security forces that remain riddled with jihadists. The conflict is expected to expand into other contested regions. Analogy: The situation in Syria is like a shaky alliance between rival firefighters who, while ostensibly trying to put out the same blaze, begin turning their hoses on each other while the fire continues to spread. NUMBER 8THE US-MANAGED TRANSITION IN POST-MADURO VENEZUELA Colleague Ernesto Araújo. John Batchelor and Ernesto Araújo discuss the US-led operation that captured Nicolas Maduro. Araújo describes the current situation as a well-managed transition where the US is navigating internal power struggles among military factions and criminal gangs rather than allowing a power vacuum to form. NUMBER 9REGIONAL SHIFTS: COLOMBIA'S DIPLOMACY AND BRAZIL'S POLITICAL FUTURE Colleague Ernesto Araújo. The discussion focuses on Gustavo Petro's pivot toward the United States and the historical concept of "Grand Colombia." In Brazil, they evaluate Lula da Silva's potential re-election bid against the enduring popularity of the imprisoned Jair Bolsonaro and the influence of new nationalist political forces. NUMBER 10REGIONAL REACTIONS TO MADURO'S CAPTURE AND THE ISOLATION OF CUBA Colleague Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports that Venezuelans are celebrating Maduro's capture while the Trumpadministration halts oil shipments to Cuba. He explains that regional left-wing leaders fear a trial will reveal their corrupt ties to Maduro, while the Cuban regime faces collapse without Venezuelan energy. NUMBER 11THE FOUR FAMILIES OF CARACAS AND THE END OF THE REGIME Colleague Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Esclusa analyzes the four mafias currently competing for power in Caracas: the Rodriguez siblings, Diosdado Cabello, Padrino Lopez, and Maduro's remnants. He argues that overwhelming US military force has rendered local weapons irrelevant and that the dismantling of these groups is necessary for elections. NUMBER 12ESCALATING IRANIAN PROTESTS AND POTENTIAL US INTERVENTION Colleague Edmund Fitton-Brown. Edmund Fitton-Brown describes the current Iranian protests as a movement that has shifted into a repression phase characterized by internet blackouts and rising casualties. He argues that US military force targeting repression organs could tip the balance in favor of the protesters, who are increasingly calling for a constitutional monarchy. The regime is reportedly attempting to negotiate following US strike threats. NUMBER 13THE COLLAPSE OF THE AXIS OF RESISTANCE Colleague Edmund Fitton-Brown. Fitton-Brown explains how the fall of the Iranian regime would devastate its regional proxies, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias, which depend on IRGC funding and training. Without Tehran's "big brother" support, these groups would likely be forced to make accommodations with local governments. He also notes Hezbollah's role as an international drug cartel. NUMBER 14THE ZOMBIE REGIME AND STRATEGIC TARGETS Colleague Jonathan Sai. Jonathan Sai labels the Islamic Republic a "zombie regime" facing an existential threat despite its brutal crackdowns. He reports that the IRGC and foreign militias are using automatic weapons against protesters in cities like Tehran and Mashhad. Sai suggests that USintervention should prioritize striking repression centers and state-run propaganda machines to dismantle the regime's control. NUMBER 15HEZBOLLAH'S SURVIVAL AND THE LOSS OF REGIONAL LIFELINES Colleague David Daoud. David Daoud characterizes Hezbollah as an ideological extension of Iran currently in survival mode as its lifelines in Syria and Venezuela weaken. While Hezbollah wants the regime to survive for power projection, Daoud suggests Iraqi militias are more likely to be physically assisting Tehran's crackdowns due to their proximity and lower combat losses compared to Hezbollah. To clarify the current state of the Iranian government, Jonathan Sai uses the metaphor of a "zombie regime": it may appear to be moving and in control, but it is functionally dead because it can no longer sustain its support base or provide basic necessities for its people. NUMBER 161832 PERSIAN GIRL, SKETCHED ON STONE BY JAMES ATKINSON

 HEZBOLLAH'S SURVIVAL AND THE LOSS OF REGIONAL LIFELINES Colleague David Daoud. David Daoud characterizes Hezbollah as an ideological extension of Iran currently in survival mode as its lifelines in Syria and Venezuela weaken. While Hezbollah wants the regime to survive for power projection, Daoud suggests Iraqi militias are more likely to be physically assisting Tehran's crackdowns due to their proximity and lower combat losses compared to Hezbollah. To clarify the current state of the Iranian government, Jonathan Sai uses the metaphor of a "zombie regime": it may appear to be moving and in control, but it is functionally dead because it can no longer sustain its support base or provide basic necessities for its people. NUMBER 161930 TRIPOLI, LEBANON

Is the world witnessing a historic global reset?In this explosive conversation, Michael and Gene break down the domino effect unfolding across the globe—from the collapse of Maduro's grip on Venezuela, to widespread unrest in Iran, to China and Russia being pushed onto their heels.The discussion explores how President Donald Trump's leadership style, strategic pressure, and willingness to enforce consequences have reshaped both international power dynamics and domestic governance. Topics include:Regime instability in Iran and VenezuelaTerror funding, Hezbollah, and Hamas implicationsChina and Russia's shifting postureU.S. authority under Article II and constitutional powerSanctuary cities, federal enforcement, and consequencesGovernment fraud, corruption, and accountabilityWhy leadership, consequences, and responsibility matter now more than everIs this the end of decades of unchecked globalist control?Is America finally responding after years of hesitation?This is a no-nonsense, hard-hitting discussion on power, accountability, and the future of the United States and the world.

With the strife in our country currently, The Briefing's Nick Pitts and Carmen talk about the call to prayer at noon on Wed, January 13th for our nation.  They also talk about the gift that boredom can be.  Luke Moon of the Philos Project and Generation Zion joins us from Israel to talk the situation in Iran as the people are protesting the Islamic regime.  He also addresses weekend actions by the US and Israel against ISIS forces in Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

1. Current Situation in Iran Over one million Iranians are protesting against the regime in major cities. The Iranian leadership has shut down the internet, phones, and media to suppress information and maintain control. Protesters are risking their lives; acts of defiance include burning hijabs and removing religious coverings in public. 2. Historical Context References to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the U.S. hostage crisis (444 days). Comparison of Jimmy Carter’s weak foreign policy to Barack Obama and Joe Biden, arguing that weakness emboldens adversaries. Contrast with Ronald Reagan’s strong stance, which led to the release of hostages and eventual Soviet collapse. 3. Iran’s Role in Global Terrorism Iran funds over 90% of Hamas and Hezbollah budgets. Responsible for IED attacks and the deaths of 593+ American service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. Iran manufactures drones used by Russia in Ukraine. Allegations that Iran plotted to assassinate Donald Trump. 4. U.S. Foreign Policy and Leadership Strong emphasis on “Peace through Strength” as advocated by Reagan and Trump. Trump’s recent actions (e.g., military strikes, bunker-buster bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities) portrayed as decisive. Trump’s public message: “Iran is looking at freedom… USA stands ready to help.” 5. Why Regime Change Matters The fall of Iran’s regime would be transformational for Middle East stability and U.S. security. Advocates for regime change without boots on the ground, using diplomatic, economic, and informational support. Compares potential Iranian revolution to the fall of the Berlin Wall and collapse of the Soviet Union. 6. Role of Media and Messaging Iranian state TV is allegedly broadcasting Tucker Carlson interviews in Persian as propaganda. Criticism of voices opposing U.S. involvement or promoting isolationism. Emphasis on using platforms like podcasts and Starlink internet access to reach Iranians and encourage freedom. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT HEZBOLLAH'S EXPLOITATION OF VENEZUELAN INSTABILITYColleague David Daoud, Foundation for Defense of Democracies. John Batchelor and David Daoud discuss Hezbollah's operations in Venezuela and the Americas, which involve illicit drugs and other activities. Daoud suggests that Hezbollah's future depends on whether Venezuela establishes a durable, pro-American government to enforce the rule of law or remains in chaos, which the group would exploit.1954 VENEZUELA

Heaven is Shaking the Bear It's a principle of Scripture. Prophecy is not fulfilled only once. It is fulfilled repeatedly at appointed times. It's a cycle, not a one-off. This is why we observe the appointed times of Scripture. What has happened before will happen again, sometimes in a reversal of events. The prophecy is not fulfilled exactly as it was before, but the template doesn't change. At this very moment I write, the Persian people have revolted yet again against the Islamist regime by the millions, taking over streets in city after city in Iran. The coming days will test whether this latest revolt will uproot the Islamists that took power in 1979. The current uprising is estimated to have begun "around December 28." The Biblical Fast of the 10th of Tevet began the morning of December 30, but the 10th of Tevet began the evening of December 29th. Coincidence? That's why we fast the four fasts mentioned in Zechariah. The Fast of the 10th of Tevet remembers the tragedy of the Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, beginning the siege against Jerusalem and the beginning of the end of the First Temple. Babylon was the first beast kingdom, the head of the image. Persia succeeded it, swallowing and enlarging territory. Over the last several days, the Iranian people have been targeting Islamist seminaries, mosques, and institutions. In an interesting reversal, the Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the exiled Shah (King) of Iran, is the one calling on the Persian people to rise up and overthrow the Islamic clerics' religious governmental hold in favor of a democracy. Many Iranians are calling for the return of the monarchy, tearing down the flags of the Islamic Republic, and putting up the old Iranian flag that flew before the Shah was deposed. Crown Prince Pahlavi's daughter Princess Iman Pahlavi recently married Jewish-American Bradley Sherman. The Persian Queen Esther, was actually Hadassah, a Jewish exile who married the Persian King Ahasuerus. It was a marriage that brought salvation to the Jews nation, designated to die by wicked Haman, may his name be blotted out. Some of the protestors are posting messages, “The Lion and Eagle will rise again together and once again live in peace,” meaning Iran and Israel. “The Lion of Judah and the Lion of Persia will rise again.” I offer no judgment on these things, just to offer a few illustrations of what is being done and said in this revolution. So what we're seeing is a shaking according to the pattern. What happened to Judah in ancient times, the Babylonian siege against Jerusalem and the seat of Israelite religious life, is occurring in Iran, a territory encompassing both the golden lion of Babylon and the silver bear of Medo-Persia. The Persian people are laying siege to the religious centers and strongholds, demanding regime change, tearing down statues of Islamic terrorist “heroes” such as Soleimani. They are repenting of their grandparents' choice of an Islamic beast cleric to lead their nation. They are chanting against the Islamist clerics' funding of weapons, including the rockets, against Israel. They are chanting against the billions paid out to terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah while Iranians go without basic services, such as clean water. The old “sun and lion” flag of pre-Revolutionary Iran is appearing everywhere, even replacing the Islamic Republic's flag on X. Let's backtrack. What precipitated this Tenth of Tevet Iranian Uprising? During Chanukkah, I posted this Scripture from Haggai, which is the prophecy of Chanukkah. Chanukkah is tied prophetically to Daniel's prophecies of “the abomination that causes desolation.” Haggai prophesies that the first day of the event we know as Chanukkah, or the Feast of Dedication, will commemorate a power change, a deliverance from the oppression of a beast government: • “…from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month; from the day when the temple of the LORD was founded, consider: Is the seed still in the barn? Even including the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree, it has not borne fruit. Yet from this day on I will bless you.'” Haggai continues, highlighting that the appointed time of the prophecy will mark a shaking of the heavens and the earth, which is movement within the principalities and powers that govern the nations: • “Then the word of the LORD came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, “Speak to Zerubbabel governor of Judah, saying, ‘I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariots and their riders, and the horses and their riders will go down, everyone by the sword of another.' ‘On that day,' declares the LORD of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,' declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,'” declares the LORD of hosts.” (Hag 2:18-23) Although the prophecy is specifically for Israel in a time of return and rebuilding after exile, it pinpoints a timetable that runs in the heavenlies, which in turn will affect the earth. The Prophet Haggai's Hebrew name is Chaggai, “my feast.” A chag is an appointed time, usually marked by a feast. While Chaggai prophesies of the time when Chanukkah will occur in the epoch of the Greek leopard beast, it is accepted that Chanukkah was instituted to remember a missed chag of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) because the Temple was not yet cleansed of the abomination that causes desolation, a detail prophesied by Daniel. Sukkot, by the way, was when the Temple was founded, precisely pinpointing Chanukkah, an event that had not yet occurred. That abomination of desolation is not a one-time thing. Each beast kingdom finds a way to do it. There is yet an abomination situated on the Temple Mount. The appointed principalities and powers that rule from the heavenlies were adjusted, shaken out of the way to accommodate the returned status of the Jews from Babylonian captivity and the cooperation of Medo-Persia in the transition. This shaking of principalities and powers is also described in the Book of Revelation, a sign that the twelve tribes have repented, returned, and are ready to take up their appointed control of the twelve gates of Jerusalem, another way of saying they will judge the earth with the reigning Messiah Yeshua. The timetable is of particular interest to us this year because the first day of Chanukkah (24th/25th of Kislev), as Chaggai prophesied, is a day when the principalities and powers were adjusted. Nothing changed in the visible world immediately, but powers of nations shake in the spiritual domain. The next appointed time after Chanukkah is the 10th of Tevet, the Tenth Month, a fast day instituted to mourn the beginning of King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. It was the beginning of the end for Jerusalem and the First Holy Temple. The 10th of Tevet is considered a “minor” fast day because it is not in the Torah, but in the Prophet Zechariah 8:19:   • “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘The fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth months will become joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts for the house of Judah; so love truth and peace.'”   It is hard to define modern Iran as either Babylon or Persia, especially when it was infused with the Western influence of the third beast Greece during the reign of Alexander. Daniel described the fourth beast Rome as a conglomerate of the kingdoms that had gone before. So are the modern systems of the beast. The bear swallowed the lion. The leopard swallowed the bear. The Roman beast emerged from between the Western Greece bronze beast and the Eastern golden lion and silver bear; Rome swallowed them all, morphing and developing the most effective power tools of each kingdom: military, religion, politics, government, medicine, athletics, arts, philosophy, education...whatever worked. The beast systems work in three stages: ·     Invitation, baiting with things people want ·     Coercion, application of pressure through punishment for non-compliance ·     Death In Iran, the Islamic regime used this exact progression to gain control of a flowering country in the Middle East in 1979. Recognizing that the shah was introducing modern Western technology and changes too quickly for a traditionally conservative nation (think of Marty McFly going from “Earth Angel” to a heavy metal version of “Johnny B. Goode” in under two minutes in Back to the Future), along with too many other historical and political factors to explain short of recommending a reading list, the Islamists baited the youth of the nation, but when the ayatollah took power, it turned into bait-n-switch. When the Iranian people realized it wasn't what they signed up for, it was too late. The compliance squads round up and torture or kill those who object. They repress every rebellion. They persecute the growing underground church. They threaten and imprison the tiny Jewish community still left in the country if they don't speak support for the regime. They imprison, torture, and kill women who don't wear the hijab. That's how the beast works. But today, the beast shakes.   If you are unfamiliar with the Biblical calendar, the beast kingdoms of Daniel's prophecy, or how principalities and powers exert influence over the earth, we have the following available on YouTube, and our Creation Gospel workbook classes will help establish a good foundation for understanding the Biblical feasts and calendar. To enroll, scroll down. The Fast of Tevet A Concise History of the Beast Principalities and Powers Part One Principalities and Powers Part Two Perhaps next week, we can speak more to the abomination that causes desolation and Dobiel, the Prince of Persia who is thought to have fought Gabriel.

The world is shifting fast and this episode dives straight into the heart of the storm. As mass protests erupt across Iran, shocking footage shows Iranian students openly rejecting regime slogans like “Death to Israel” and “Death to America.” At the same time, Russia is reportedly evacuating its embassy from Israel, signaling that something far bigger may be unfolding behind the scenes. In this powerful episode of The Land of Israel Guys Podcast, we unpack: What the Iranian protests really mean—and whether the regime is losing control Why Russia's embassy evacuation from Israel could signal an imminent escalation How Israel, the United States, and President Trump may be coordinating major strategic moves The collapse of Iran's proxy network, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Venezuela The rise of a spiritual and ideological war beneath the military conflict How foreign funding, media influence, and cultural shifts in the West are shaping this global battle Why biblical prophecy may be converging with modern geopolitics in real time This is not just another Middle East update. It's a deep conversation about power, ideology, faith, and the future of Israel and the world and why the next few weeks could change history.

THE OCTOPUS STRATEGY: IRAN'S PROXIES AND ISRAEL'S COUNTERATTACK Colleague Seth Frantzman. Frantzman employs the "octopus" metaphor to describe Iran as the central brain directing proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis to encircle Israel. He details Hamas's October 7 strategy: massacre civilians, seize hostages, and retreat to human shields and tunnels to await international pressure on Israel. The conversation outlines the IDF's counter-strategy, which involved cutting Gaza in half via the Netzarim corridor and systematically clearing areas from north to south. Frantzman notes the extensive tunnel network discovered in Khan Yunis, which served as a learning ground for IDF anti-tunnel operations. OCTOBER 7 WAR BY SETH FRANTZMAN NUMBER 31868 NAZARETH

 IRAN'S QUEST FOR SUPREMACY AND FUTURE NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS Colleague Brandon Weichert. Weichert discusses Iran's ultimate goal of regional supremacy, describing the regime as the "octopus brain" directing proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah to attack Israel. He notes that his book anticipated the proxy attacks that occurred on October 7. Looking forward, Weichert analyzes potential US responses, contrasting the flaws of the original JCPOA—specifically its sunset clauses which would have allowed nuclear weapons by 2025—with a potentially tougher stance under a second Trump term. The segment concludes with the grim warning that the regime may choose destruction over abandoning its nuclear ambitions. SHADOW WAR BY BRANDON WEICHERT NUMBER 41960 NASSER IN DAMASCUS

The most consequential story remains Iran, where protests appear to be growing despite the regime shutting down the internet, a move that historically precedes lethal force. The scale of the demonstrations is difficult to verify, but the videos that do emerge suggest a population no longer content to absorb repression quietly. It is hard to separate this moment from the cascading effects of October 7, the regional dismantling of Hamas and Hezbollah, the fall of Syria, and the degradation of Iran's military capacity. Whether this becomes a true regime crisis is unknown, but it is unquestionably the most important story in the world right now.A Fatal ICE Encounter and a Nation Watching the Same Video DifferentlyDomestically, the killing of a 37 year old mother during an ICE operation in Minnesota has become a political Rorschach test. She was ordered out of her car, did not comply, put the vehicle in motion, and was shot by an ICE officer. Federal authorities have shut down any investigation, with Vice President J.D. Vance asserting absolute immunity. What is striking is not just the tragedy itself, but how confidently people draw opposite conclusions from the same footage. To Republicans, this is law enforcement under siege. To Democrats, it is evidence of authoritarian overreach. The incident hardens beliefs rather than persuading anyone new, which is precisely why it is politically potent.Texas Democrats and a Brutal Primary RealityThe Texas Senate race continues to clarify in uncomfortable ways for Democrats. Reporting suggests Republican maneuvering helped nudge Jasmine Crockett into the race, and the stylistic contrast with James Talarico could not be sharper. Crockett is relentless and confrontational. Talarico's first ad, by contrast, feels staged and overly polite. In a Texas Democratic primary, that is a problem. Style matters, and beating Crockett will require more than reasonableness. It will require a moment, a line, or a conflict that reframes the race entirely.Affordability, Power, and Trump UnfilteredDonald Trump's affordability push continued with a pledge to direct the purchase of mortgage bonds to drive down rates, paired with earlier proposals to restrict large institutional buyers from the housing market. Whether these ideas work is secondary to the political intent. Trump wants to be seen doing something on costs. His two hour interview with The New York Times reinforced that worldview. He openly dismissed international law as a constraint, embraced coercive diplomacy, and framed power as its own justification. It was Trump without the volume turned all the way up, which may be the most revealing version of him.Chapters:00:00:00 - Intro00:01:50 - Iran00:04:20 - ICEf00:11:59 - Texas Races00:16:11 - Interview with Reese Gorman00:52:23 - Update00:52:46 - Mortgages00:54:34 - Trump's NYT Interview00:56:54 - Tariffs00:59:00 - Interview with Stella Tsantekidou01:32:50 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

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Washington just toppled Maduro, and that shockwave may be racing straight toward Tehran. In this episode of "Israel Undiplomatic", the hosts unpack how President Trump's renewed willingness to use American power is reshaping the global chessboard: from Venezuela to Iran, from Hezbollah to Hamas and from uneasy Syria “peace talks” to the very real possibility of regime collapse in Tehran. With Iran shaken by protests, its terror proxies weakened and Israel quietly preparing for what comes next, the conversation exposes why this moment feels different, and why a single misstep could trigger war, regime change, or both. Nothing is settled, everything is volatile and the stakes for Israel have never been higher.

Trump kidnapped the dictator of another country, federal agents are shooting white women in cold blood, and the administration tries to silence the critics. Plus some football, soccer, and of course headlines! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/chipchat--2780807/support.

We are just days into 2026, yet it is already looking like it will be a year filled with volatility. During this episode of the Blessors of Israel Podcast, Pastor Rich Jones joins Dr. Matthew Dodd to discuss the geopolitical hotspots, from Venezuela to Iran, along with the rise of antisemitism globally, even within conservative and Christian circles. Visit the Blessors of Israel Website: https://www.blessors.org/ Thank you for supporting Blessors of Israel. Donate Online: https://blessors.org/donate/Please Subscribe and Like our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUfbl_rf8O_uwKrfzCh04jgSubscribe to our ⁠Spotify Channel⁠: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blessorsofisrael Subscribe to our Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blessors-of-israedl/id1699662615Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlessorsofIsrael/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlessorsIGettr: https://gettr.com/i/blessorsofisrael Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1670015Thank you for watching. Please like and share this video.We would love to hear your comments.Those who bless Israel will be blessed (Genesis 12:3).Pastor Rich JonesPastor Matthew DoddDr. Matthew DoddRich Jones Blessors of IsraelMatthew Dodd Blessors of IsraelBlessors of IsraelBlessers of IsraelTags:Pastor Rich JonesPastor Matthew DoddRich JonesDr. Matthew DoddRich Jones, Blessors of Israel, Rich Jones, Blessers of Israel, Matthew Dodd, Blessors of Israel, Matthew Dodd, Blessers of Israel, Blessers of Israel, Blessors of Israel, Two-State Solution, Palestine, Modern Palestinian Problem, Israel, Jesus Christ, Anti-Semitism, Prophecy Update, End Times Prophecy, Latter Days, Bible Prophecy, The Great Tribulation, Hamas, Gaza Strip, Terrorism, Hezbollah, Iran, Russia, Persia, Gog and Magog, BRICS, China, CCP, Persia, Iran, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, Yahya Sinwar, Nasrallah, Ismail Haniyeh, Deif, United Nations, Terrorism, Antisemitism, Syria, Bashar al Assad, HTS, Damascus, Mount Hermon, Erdogan, Netanyahu, Trump, Putin, Ceasefire, Hostages, al Jolani, al Sharaa, Holocaust Day of Remembrance, China, Egypt, Iran Nuclear Deal, Trump, War, WWIII, Hamas, Anti-Semitism, October 7, 2023, Trump's 20-Point Peace Plan, Qatar, Egypt, Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, Erdogan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Maduro, Iran Civil Unrest, Iran Riots

Help Persecuted Christians TODAY: https://csi-usa.org/ Christian Solidarity International On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: Police across multiple states are warning churches about a growing scam where criminals impersonate pastors by text — pressuring congregants for gift cards, money transfers, and personal information. Authorities say the messages are increasingly sophisticated and emotionally manipulative. FOCUS STORY: As international attention remains fixed on Venezuela, an expert explains why the Trump administration's decision to capture and detain Nicolás Maduro could reshape regional power dynamics — with implications for Iran and Hezbollah. MAIN THING: Actor and comedian Tim Allen joins the show to talk faith, Scripture, and his ongoing study of the Apostle Paul. PLUS: A bipartisan Senate move to limit President Trump's war powers in Venezuela sparks backlash, and new details emerge in the ICE shooting that has fueled nationwide protests. LAST THING: 2 Timothy 2:15 — “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… rightly handling the word of truth.” PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com SHOW LINKS Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

The Lebanese military says it has completed the first phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah, but Israel has warned far more needs to be done. The army in Lebanon says the south of the country is now free of non- state weapons. The area had long been dominated by Hezbollah. Also: President Trump has signed a memorandum ordering the withdrawal of the United States from sixty-six international organizations -- nearly half of them UN bodies. Cambodia says it has extradited a billionaire businessman from China, who is accused of masterminding a vast cryptocurrency scam. And human like robots - aptly named humanoids - take centre stage at the annual consumer electronics trade show in Las Vegas. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Hundreds of people have attended a vigil in the US city of Minneapolis to protest against the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal immigration agent. The woman, identified in the media as 37-year-old US citizen Renee Good, was shot at close range as she drove her car. The mayor of Minneapolis Jacob Frey has bluntly rejected the Trump administration's assertion that the agent had shot her in self-defence. Also in the programme: the Lebanese military says it has completed the first phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah, and the most exciting new species of plants and fungi identified last year, including a spider-eating fungus. (Photo: People protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. US, 8 January, 2026. Credit: Tim Evans/Reuters)

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

Washington just toppled Maduro, and that shockwave may be racing straight toward Tehran. In this episode of "Israel Undiplomatic", the hosts unpack how President Trump's renewed willingness to use American power is reshaping the global chessboard: from Venezuela to Iran, from Hezbollah to Hamas and from uneasy Syria “peace talks” to the very real possibility of regime collapse in Tehran. With Iran shaken by protests, its terror proxies weakened and Israel quietly preparing for what comes next, the conversation exposes why this moment feels different, and why a single misstep could trigger war, regime change, or both. Nothing is settled, everything is volatile and the stakes for Israel have never been higher. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Maduro Falls: Why This Changes Everything 03:12 – Trump's Message to the World: Strength Over Talk 06:05 – Iran Protests Explode: Fear Is Cracking 09:48 – Hezbollah and Hamas: Weaker, But More Dangerous 14:02 – Syria Talks: Security Deal or Strategic Trap? 18:36 – Turkey, Gaza, and a New Regional Risk 23:15 – Why Iran's Regime Is More Vulnerable Than Ever 28:40 – Missiles, Shelters, and Israel's Red Lines 33:55 – The West's Silence on Iran Exposed 38:20 – Regime Change: Inevitable or Accelerated?

Israel calls Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah encouraging but far from sufficient. IDF identifies failed rocket launch from Gaza Strip. Teen from north to face charges for supporting ISIS, planning attack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hii leo jaridani tunakuletea mada kwa kina inayotupeleka nchini DRC kufuatilia yaliyojiri kwenye kikao mahsusi cha kuimarisha uhusiano mwema na wakazi wa eneo la Beni-Mavivi jimboni Kivu Kaskazini ili kuimarisha ulinzi wa amani wakati huu ambapo kwasasa hatua za kidiplomasia za kutatua mgogoro unaoikumbuka nchi hiyo zikiendelea.Hatimaye matumaini yamerejea ya kuwa na mlo mezani huko Ukanda wa Gaza eneo la Palestina linalokaliwa na Israeli baada ya shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Mpango wa Chakula duniani, WFP kuweza kupatia raia mgao kamili wa chakula, ikiwa ni mara ya kwanza tangu vita vianze Oktoba 7, 2023.Huko nchini Jamhuri ya Afrika ya Kati, CAR, ujumbe wa Umoja wa Mataifa wa kulinda amani MINUSCA umesambaza radio zinazotumia nishati ya sola kwa jamii ikiwa ni sehemu ya  usaidizi wake wa kuhakikisha wananchi wanapata taarifa za uhakika na kwa wakati. Katika mkoa wa Nana-Mambéré, MINUSCA imekabidhi radio 600 kwa mamlaka za serikali za mitaa, wajumbe wa Kamati ya Utekelezaji wa Mkataba wa Amani, viongozi wa kidini, wanawake, vijana, watetezi wa haki za binadamu, vikosi vya ulinzi na usalama, wanahabari, wauza maduka na waendesha bodaboda.Mkuu wa Idara ya Umoja wa Mataifa ya  Operesheni za Ulinzi wa Amani, Jean-Pierre Lacroix akiwa ziarani nchini Lebanon amekuwa na mazungumzo na viongozi wa jeshi la taifa hilo ambapo amewashukuru kwa ushirikiano wao na ujumbe wa Umoja wa Mataifa wa mpito nchini humo, UNIFIL. Wamejadili pia mpango wa unaoendelea wa kupeleka tena vikosi vya UNIFIL kusini mwa Lebanon na jinsi gani ujumbe huo unaweza kuendelea kusaidia jeshi la Lebanon kutekeleza azimio namba 1701 la Baraza la Usalama kuhusu sitisho la uhasama kati ya Israeli na wanamgambo wa Hezbollah.Na katika kujifunza lugha ya Kiswahili leo Dkt. Mwanahija Ali Juma, Katibu Mtendaji wa Baraza la Kiswahili, Zanzibar nchini Tanzania, BAKIZA anafafanua maana na ya neno "UMWESO"Mwenyeji wako ni Leah Mushi, karibu!

Guest: Behnam Ben Taleblu. Reports of the Ayatollah planning to flee are likely inaccurate; the regime's ideology drives it to fight rather than seek exile. Despite economic strain, Tehran continues funding proxies like Hezbollah to maintain its transnational terrorist apparatus. The regime also seeks to exploit chaos in Syria to reassert influence.

Just a day after U.S. Delta Forces captured wanted narco-terrorist and Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah will no longer be operating in the South American country. The U.S.-designated Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah lashed out at the U.S. after Maduro was captured. Besides giving a terror group a new home, trading weapons and oil, how else has Iran and Hezbollah helped years of dictatorships in Venezuela? FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran Program Senior Director and Senior Fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, who takes a deep dive into the relationship between Venezuela and the leading sponsor of terror around the world, Iran. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran is unraveling in real time. Protests are spreading from city to city, police are joining the crowds, and armed civilians are pushing regime forces out entirely. The ayatollahs are firing live rounds, issuing desperate threats, and now—reports suggest the U.S. may be positioning for action. At the same time, Israel is watching closely… and preparing. As this unfolds, Syria and Israel are holding talks in Paris at the behest of the Trump administration, laying the groundwork for a very interesting—if not concerning—deal. On Israel's northern border, Hezbollah refuses to give up its offensive weapons, and Israel delivers an ultimatum. On the home front, Palestinians are protesting en masse over the Palestinian Authority's proposed changes to its Pay-for-Slay program. Ben Hilton breaks it all down for you.

The U.S. European Command announced the seizure of a Venezuela-linked oil tanker for violations of U.S. sanctions in a post on X on Wednesday. U.S. forces had been trailing the vessel since last month after it tried to evade a U.S. blockade around Venezuela. The ship was sanctioned by the United States in 2024 for allegedly smuggling cargo for a company linked to terrorist group Hezbollah.The House Oversight Committee will hear testimony on Wednesday from Minnesota state lawmakers on allegations of fraud and the misuse of federal funds in the state. NTD will have live coverage of the hearing.

Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. The fall of the Maduro regime disrupts a critical transit hub for Hezbollah's illicit finance and drug trade in Latin America. Meanwhile, Iran faces its most significant threat since 2009 due to widespread protests, economic collapse, and the recent loss of key allies like Assad and Maduro.1914 MT ZION

HEADLINE: Iran and Hezbollah Lose Strategic Foothold as Maduro Regime Collapses. Jonathan Schanzer discusses the collapse of the Maduro regime, describing it as a "gut punch" to Iran and Hezbollah, who utilized Venezuela for training and illicit finance. Following the earlier fall of Syria's Assad regime, Schanzer observes that Iran is losing key allies like "rapid fire dominoes".1845 CARACAS

SHOW 1-5-26 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT VENEZUELA, NIGERIA, SYRIA, RUSSIA, CHINA 1936 KENYA 1. NIGERIA AIRSTRIKE AND THE JIHADIST SHIFT Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown Edmund Fitton-Brown analyzes a US airstrike against ISIS in Nigeria, discussing the growing jihadist threat in West Africa's "ungoverned spaces." He highlights a strategic shift where African juntas reject Western support for Russian mercenaries, who offer security without governance conditions, inadvertently boosting local support for Al-Qaeda coalitions like JNIM,,. 2. EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN ALLIANCE VS. TURKEY Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown Fitton-Brown examines the cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel as a necessary pushback against Turkish President Erdogan's neo-Ottoman expansionism. He argues Erdogan's aggressive rhetoric regarding Jerusalem and maritime claims threatens regional stability, necessitating a unified defense from these democracies to counter Turkish overreach in the Mediterranean,. 3. CHINA'S OIL LOSS IN VENEZUELA Guest: Gordon Chang and Charles Burton The guests discuss how the US removal of Maduro disrupts China's oil supply, leaving Beijing with billions in unpaid debt. They note that Chinese military equipment failed to detect the US operation, embarrassing Beijing. Burton suggests Canada faces a difficult choice between aligning with US hemispheric security or appeasing China,,. 4. 2026: A HOLLOW SUPERPOWER Guest: Gordon Chang and Charles Burton Chang and Burton speculate that the US operation in Venezuela exposes China's inability to protect its allies, making Beijing appear "hollow." Chang argues this weakens China's threat against Taiwan, while Burton suggests that with China's economy failing and its allies collapsing, the regime faces internal instability and a loss of global prestige,. 5. SECTARIAN WARFARE IN SYRIA Guest: Akmed Sharawari Akmed Sharawari reports on escalating violence between Syria's Alawite minority and the central government led by former jihadist Al-Shara. He explains that regime remnants and Russian influence are fueling Alawite defiance, while Druze and Kurdish factions also resist integration, complicating US hopes for a stable, unified post-Assad state,,. 6. WESTERN AIRSTRIKES ON ISIS Guest: Akmed Sharawari Sharawari discusses recent British and French airstrikes against ISIS weapons caches in Syria. He notes that despite opposing the central government, ISIS remains a universal threat. The chaos following the Assad regime's fall has allowed ISIS cells to regroup in urban areas, necessitating Western intervention to destroy their stolen arsenals,. 7. HEZBOLLAH'S LATIN AMERICAN FINANCING Guest: David Daoud David Daoud details Hezbollah's deep entrenchment in Venezuela, used to challenge US hegemony. He explains how the group exploits Latin American networks, illicit trade, and legitimate business fronts within expatriate communities to generate essential funding, compensating for losses in Lebanon and serving Iran's broader strategy in the Western Hemisphere,. 8. LEBANESE ARMY COLLUSION Guest: David Daoud Daoud highlights the compromised nature of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), citing a recent incident where an LAF soldier killed alongside Hezbollah members received a joint funeral. He argues this collusion makes the LAF an untrustworthy partner for Israel, as sectarian loyalties often supersede national duty, leading to dangerous intelligence leaks,. 9. THE FALL OF MADURO Guest: Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo Alejandro Peña Esclusa celebrates the swift US capture of Maduro as Venezuela's liberation. He argues Vice President Delcy Rodriguez must now dismantle the "Cartel of the Suns" to avoid Maduro's fate. Ernesto Araújo frames this as a decisive victory for freedom, forcing a choice between democracy and criminal syndicates,,. 10. US DEMANDS: TERRORISTS OUT Guest: Alejandro Peña Esclusa Peña Esclusa supports US demands for Iran, Hezbollah, and the ELN to be expelled from Venezuela, asserting the population shares these desires. He characterizes Maduro as a drug lord and a threat to Western security, criticizing European leftists who condemn the operation for failing to recognize the regime's criminal nature. 11. PANIC AMONG THE LATIN LEFT Guest: Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo Ernesto Araújo explains that leftist leaders like Lula and Petro fear the US action against Maduro because their power structures share similar corruption. Peña Esclusa adds that Colombian President Petro is terrified because his campaign was funded by Venezuelan drug money, making him vulnerable to the exposure of these secrets,. 12. THE RIGHTWARD SHIFT IN ELECTIONS Guest: Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo Araújo predicts the US action in Venezuela will energize the Latin American right, specifically boosting the Bolsonaro movement in Brazil. Peña Esclusa forecasts electoral defeats for the left in Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia, arguing the region is turning away from narco-socialism toward US-aligned conservative leadership,. 13. RUSSIA'S MAXIMALIST DEMANDS Guest: John Hardie John Hardie outlines Russia's unyielding demands for peace, including territorial concessions and barring Ukraine from NATO. He notes that while Zelensky is nearing agreement with the West on security guarantees, the gap with Russia remains wide. Hardie urges the Trump administration to increase pressure to force Putin to compromise,. 14. THE IMPOSSIBLE DMZ Guest: John Hardie Hardie discusses the complexities of implementing a demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Ukraine, citing disagreements over sovereignty and administration. Regarding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, he notes Russia is unlikely to return control to Ukraine. He concludes that peace deals requiring Ukraine to cede territory are "poison pills" likely to fail,. 15. HAMAS AND THE IMPOSSIBLE RECONSTRUCTION Guest: Peter Berkowitz Peter Berkowitz argues that Hamas, as a Muslim Brotherhood offshoot, remains committed to Israel's destruction, making peace impossible. He criticizes the "Project Sunrise" reconstruction plan, noting that US-led development is futile without first disarming and deradicalizing Gaza, a task only the IDF can currently achieve given Hamas's refusal to surrender,. 16. IRAN ON THE BRINK Guest: Jonathan Sia Jonathan Sia reports on unprecedented Iranian protests and rumors that Ayatollah Khamenei plans to flee to Moscow. He attributes the regime's panic to the recent fall of allies like Maduro. Sia notes a shift in protester sentiment toward pro-monarchy chants, suggesting a coordinated opposition now exists to replace the theocracy,.

HEZBOLLAH'S LATIN AMERICAN FINANCING Colleague David Daoud. David Daoud details Hezbollah'sdeep entrenchment in Venezuela, used to challenge US hegemony. He explains how the group exploits Latin Americannetworks, illicit trade, and legitimate business fronts within expatriate communities to generate essential funding, compensating for losses in Lebanon and serving Iran's broader strategy in the Western Hemisphere. NUMBER 71899 MERIDA VENEZUELA

LEBANESE ARMY COLLUSION Colleague David Daoud. Daoud highlights the compromised nature of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), citing a recent incident where an LAF soldier killed alongside Hezbollah members received a joint funeral. He argues this collusion makes the LAF an untrustworthy partner for Israel, as sectarian loyalties often supersede national duty, leading to dangerous intelligence leaks. NUMBER 8 1895 BEIRUT RR

US DEMANDS: TERRORISTS OUT Colleague Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Peña Esclusa supports US demands for Iran, Hezbollah, and the ELN to be expelled from Venezuela, asserting the population shares these desires. He characterizes Maduro as a drug lord and a threat to Western security, criticizing European leftists who condemn the operation for failing to recognize the regime's criminal nature. NUMBER 10 1886 BOGOTA

On Monday, Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro pleaded "not guilty" to charges brought against him by the Trump administration following his capture over the weekend in a U.S. operation. Maduro was arraigned on narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons charges. Following his arrest, some world leaders and Democrats in Congress have questioned the legality of removing Maduro from power. Former state and federal prosecutor Jim Trusty joins the Rundown to discuss the strength of the case against Maduro and whether other witnesses will cooperate. The arrest of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro has sparked international backlash, emergency meetings at the United Nations, and condemnation from some U.S. allies. Supporters of President Trump's decision to greenlight Operation Absolute Resolve argue the move delivers a major blow not only to the country's drug networks, but also to American adversaries like Iran, Hezbollah, and China, which have expanded their presence in Venezuela and the region. Ian Bremmer, president and founder of the Eurasia Group, joins the Rundown to assess the challenges ahead—including the possibility of the U.S. using military force to secure offshore oil infrastructure and cut off Venezuela's exports—and how the Trump administration is reshaping American power and influence across the Western Hemisphere. Plus, commentary by Jason Chaffetz, FOX News contributor and the host of the Jason In The House podcast on FOX News Radio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Event Summary (WATCH: PRESIDENT TRUMP PRESS CON HERE) The U.S. military executed a highly complex and precise operation in Caracas, Venezuela, to apprehend Maduro. The mission involved over 150 aircraft, advanced coordination across multiple military branches, and cyber and space operations. The operation was completed without any American casualties, which is emphasized as a major success. Geopolitical Context Venezuela’s significance stems from its vast oil reserves (largest in the world) and strategic location near the U.S. Maduro’s regime is portrayed as illegitimate, corrupt, and deeply involved in drug trafficking and alliances with U.S. adversaries (Russia, China, Iran, Hezbollah). The discussion highlights Venezuela’s decline from being one of the wealthiest nations in the 1950s to a failed state under socialist rule. Legal Justifications President Trump acted within his constitutional authority under Article II as Commander-in-Chief. References are made to historical precedents, notably the 1990 capture of Manuel Noriega in Panama. The legal basis includes: FBI’s extraterritorial arrest authority. Precedents like the Ker-Frisbie doctrine and United States v. Alvarez-Machain. DOJ opinions (including one by Bill Barr) affirming presidential power to authorize such actions. Anticipated legal challenges include head-of-state immunity and UN Charter arguments. Future Implications (WATCH HERE: Is Cuba Ready to Fall?) There will be geopolitical ripple effects in Latin America, especially Cuba and Colombia. Avoiding prolonged U.S. military occupation in Venezuela is key Discussion of possible democratic elections and leadership changes in Venezuela. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT HEZBOLLAH'S FINANCIAL LIFELINE IN VENEZUELA Colleague David Daoud. David Daoud explains why Hezbollah remains entrenched in Venezuela. He argues the terror group urgently needs revenue from Venezuelan resources to maintain social support among Shiites in Lebanon, seeking financial reservoirs that are situated far beyond the immediate reach of Israeli military operations. 1836 BEIRUT

Tara returns from the holidays to find the world on fire — and a major geopolitical operation unfolding in America's backyard.

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe [CB] is panicking, Trump is now reversing their entire system, The D’s have no choice but to fold and go along with Trump’s no tax on tips etc, they resisted but the people complained, this will not work out well for them. Trump is now lowering the fuel prices by unleashing Venezuela’s oil, this will be used to go against the [DS]. Trump is in the process of dismantling the [DS], Venezuela has been released from the [DS] grasp. Maduro was arrested and brought to the US to stand trial. Maduro will most likely assist with the overthrow of the US government in 2020. The flow of money, training of terrorist happened in Venezuela, it is all coming to an end, soon the other countries will fall and the people will take them back. The world is being returned to the people. Economy (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"); Kathy Hochul Caves On ‘No Tax On Tips’ Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill made a straightforward promise: more money in workers' pockets. The plan eliminated the federal tax on tips and overtime pay for linemen and factory workers, and created a new deduction for seniors relying on Social Security. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called it “the most pro-worker, pro-family legislation in a generation.”   several blue-state governors were refusing to reciprocate by eliminating state taxes on tips, including Govs. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.), J.B. Pritzker (D-Ill.), and Jared Polis (D-Colo.). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused them of “deliberately blocking their own residents” from the bill's benefits at the state level. Bessent made clear that states that refused to comply with the law should expect consequences. “Treasury stands ready to work with any state committed to delivering on that promise, but we will not stand idly by as this obstructionism drags down the national recovery,” he said. “This is about fairness. This is about opportunity. And this is about putting America first, starting with the families and workers who make our economy the envy of the world.” Kathy Hochul has now caved. On New Year's Day, she announced that New York will finally move to exempt service workers' tips from state income taxes on up to $25,000 in tipped income.   “Starting today, tax rates for the vast majority of lower and middle-class New Yorkers will be cut, families with children will see a sweeping increase in the child tax credit, and minimum wage workers across the state will see their wages go up. I'm kicking the new year off with a proposal of no state income tax on tips, continuing my efforts to make New York more affordable for hard working New Yorkers.” The change comes only after months of outrage from restaurant owners and service workers who accused Albany of putting politics ahead of paychecks. Service industry workers noticed and called it a slap in the face to people barely scraping by in such an expensive state.   Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007496574889537687?s=20 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2007500910277325260?s=20 https://twitter.com/TKL_Adam/status/2007468568619696559?s=20  damaged last night. On top of this, President Trump says the US will be “very much involved” in Venezuela’s oil industry going forward and China is “going to get oil.” In 2010, Venezuela was producing over 3 million barrels of oil per day, now down to ~900,000. If the US truly takes control of Venezuela’s oil industry, MUCH more supply is coming to market. Oil and gas prices would head much lower. Geopolitical https://twitter.com/KatieMiller/status/2007541679293944266?s=20 https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1274910217508196352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1274910217508196352%7Ctwgr%5E7e79690e7ff94a98319d1a5f7cef15f68e12ceb9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fjoe-bidens-old-tweet-claiming-trump-admires-thugs%2F https://twitter.com/willchamberlain/status/2007652410077086175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2007652410077086175%7Ctwgr%5Ee26360c03ca670b2e4da2b86849c02fab10ca741%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fjust-kamala-harris-gets-lit-up-x-after%2F Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega surrendered to U.S. forces on January 3, 1990, after seeking refuge for 10 days in the Vatican’s embassy (Papal Nunciature) in Panama City.  This event marked the end of Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama that began on December 20, 1989, under President George H.W. Bush, aimed at deposing Noriega and bringing him to face U.S. charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering.  To pressure Noriega into surrendering, U.S. psychological operations teams blasted loud rock music—including tracks like Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” and Van Halen’s “Panama”—at the embassy nonstop, contributing to his decision to give up.   He was immediately flown to Miami, where he stood trial, was convicted in 1992, and initially sentenced to 40 years in prison (later reduced).  After serving time in the U.S., Noriega was extradited to France in 2010 for money laundering charges, and finally to Panama in 2011 to face additional sentences for murder, corruption, and human rights abuses during his rule.   He died in Panama in 2017 while under house arrest for medical reasons.   The invasion itself involved around 25,000 U.S. troops, resulting in 23 American deaths, hundreds wounded, and estimates of 200–4,000 Panamanian civilian casualties, drawing international criticism despite achieving its primary objective. https://twitter.com/BillAckman/status/2007796748631314839?s=20 https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/2007549887098040495?s=20  https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2007518675641983427?s=20   advance. Trump Admin's Top Secret Maduro Military Operation Plans Reportedly Leaked To Legacy Media Outlets Despite an unidentified party leaking plans of the Trump administration's top secret military operation targeting Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela to both The New York Times and the Washington Post, neither publication decided to expose it, Semafor reported Saturday night. Two anonymous sources, described as familiar with the communication between the administration and media outlets, told Semafor that both outlets declined to break the news on the operation before it happened out of concern for U.S. troops involved. The military incursion, carried out early Saturday, resulted in the capture and ouster of socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro, whom a grand jury later indicted on four charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy. The identity of the leaker or leakers was not made public as of Sunday morning. Source: dailycaller.com https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2007811723013603611?s=20 Russia, China Demand That US Immediately Release Maduro From Custody Within mere hours after President Trump announced the Saturday capture by US forces of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife after a brief shock bombing campaign and special forces operation in Caracas, Russia has demanded from Washington his immediate release. “We firmly call on the U.S. leadership to reconsider this position and release the lawfully elected president of a sovereign country and his wife,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, and described that the crisis should be resolved through diplomatic means. “Russia will continue to support the course pursued by its Bolivarian leadership to defend the country’s national interests and sovereignty,” the Foreign Ministry said, while also calling for restraint and cautioning against further escalation. China has joined Moscow’s calls for the immediate release of Maduro from US custody: China has called on the United States to immediately releaaljazeera.com/…/china-urges-us-to-stop-toppling-venezuelan-government-release-madurose Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after Washington carried out massive military strikes on the capital, Caracas, as well as other regions, and abducted the leader. Beijing on Sunday insisted the safety of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores be a priority, and called on the US to “stop toppling the government of Venezuela,” calling the attack a “clear violation of international law“. https://twitter.com/alaynatreene/status/2007491168389525809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2007491168389525809%7Ctwgr%5E1cec862879fed0a0919d0a99238a33d07975d1bb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fgeopolitical%2Frussia-china-demand-us-immediately-release-venezuelas-maduro Source: zerohedge.com China has embedded operational control into critical mineral extraction that feeds weapons manufacturing  Iran has established drone production facilities within strike range of the continental United States. Russia has deployed military advisers and integrated air defense systems in the Caribbean. Venezuela represents the only location where all three adversaries operate simultaneously https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2007644800779169936?s=20   legitimate, outstanding US drug charges from 2020, the real reason for the military operations early this morning is that neutralizing Maduro’s Venezuela had become a strategic imperative for the USA. Under Maduro, Venezuela had become the Latin American crossroads for all of the USA’s principal enemies. Maduro was nurturing relationships with Russia, Hezbollah and Iran. Worst of all, Venezuela was eagerly becoming a part of Red China’s Belt & Road initiative. As America’s enemies were lining up Venezuela as their base of operations in the Western Hemisphere to cause mischief and destruction for the USA, Maduro was at the same time making Venezuela a crossroads, safe haven and enabler for all manner of narcoterrorist operations, ranging from Colombia’s FARC to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. On top of all that, Venezuela had become a key player in the illegal alien invasion of the USA, shipping its very worst to the USA in a deliberate and comprehensive destabilizing operation that might have worked had Donald Trump not won in 2024. Next in importance: oil. The global and regional ambitions of both China and Russia are in large part dependent on the politics of petroleum, and the USA just deprived both of the cudgel afforded by friendly Venezuelan oil. Trump opponents say “It’s about oil” as if that was a bad thing. Yeah, it’s about oil. Finally, all of this was in keeping with the most essential and fundamental foreign policy mandate of the USA almost since the nation’s inception: the Monroe Doctrine. Operations like what Maduro was running simply cannot be allowed in the Western Hemisphere. Trump was right for falling back on this most basic of doctrines that protects the USA’s sovereignty. So was Maduro seized because of some five year-old drug charges? Yes. Legally–yes. However, like so many strategic issues in the world today, an action needed to be backed by the fine points of law, and it was. But the reality is that the Maduro takedown was a Monroe Doctrine-driven necessity that has greatly enhanced the power and national security of the USA. Congratulations, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth and the rest of the Trump national security team: you boldly took the steps necessary to defend the USA. Well done. https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2007597322549469370?s=20  Uh… but what about America 1st!!!!” Dominating our hemisphere is America 1st.  READ: Maduro Indictment Unsealed  https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2007468832567222274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2007468832567222274%7Ctwgr%5Ea380e4654af6dbcd0ced13d78085deb2a2a57e8d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fread-maduro-indictment-unsealed%2F Read the indictment here. The grand jury indicted Maduro, his wife, Cilia Flores and four others on four counts: Narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. “Nicolas Maduro Moros, the defendant, now sits atop a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking,” the indictment read. “That drug trafficking has enriched and entrenched Venezuela's political and military elite, including Minister of the Interior, Justice and Peace Diosado Cabello Rondon, the defendant, and former Minister of the Interior and Justice Ramon Rodriguez Chachin, the defendant,” the charging document read. The White House absolutely savaged Maduro on Saturday. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/mrddmia/status/2007459071985676697?s=20 https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2007412199132934453?s=20   with it. Go America! https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/2007404924393697601?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007510867307626848?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007503643453559225?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007737447631945888?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007759220851327278?s=20 War/Peace https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2007814479892111690?s=20  Years after he left office, a reflective Barack Obama admitted that he and his administration made a “mistake” in not forcefully supporting an Iranian civilian uprising in 2009 that could have ousted that country's ruing mullahs. Faced with a fresh protest movement 16-plus years later led by street vendors, President Donald Trump has taken the opposite tact in a robust embrace of everyday Iranians that caught the attention of Tehran. If Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” Trump wrote in a 3 a.m. post Friday on his TruthSocial platform. “We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”  The president was not more specific about his intentions, but Iranian dissidents and non-official Trump advisers cheered the statement and said it set the stage for tougher sanctions or other actions by the administration. Interesting Timing – Zelenskyy Planning to Remove Head of the Security Service of Ukraine This is very interesting timing considering the recent denial by Zelenskyy that Ukraine had anything to do with the attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence. According to Politico, Zelenskyy is removing Vasyl Malyuk as head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the state's top counterintelligence agency. Malyuk previously worked with British intelligence on operation “Spiderweb” where Ukrainian drones hit Russia's strategic bombers on several protected airfields (USA not informed). Source: theconservativetreehouse.com [DS] Agenda  President Trump's Plan FBI Thwarts ISIS-Inspired New Year’s Eve Terror Plot In North Carolina The FBI said it foiled an ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve terror attack in North Carolina. Suspect Christian Sturdivant, 18, was arrested on Dec. 31 and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson said at a Jan. 2 press conference. Sturdivant appeared in court on Jan. 2. A U.S. citizen, Sturdivant had allegedly planned the attack for about a year, according to Ferguson. A hand-written document titled “The New Year's Eve Attack 2026” was found in Sturdivant's bedroom trash can and included a section labeled, “martyrdom Op,” court papers claim.  Sturdivant read ISIS material online, visited the terrorist group's websites, and made TikTok videos, Ferguson said. Source: zerohedge.com Former CBS Reporter Catherine Herridge Reveals How Executives Delayed Her Reporting On Hunter Biden Laptop Former CBS investigative reporter Catherine Herridge said Thursday CBS News executives postponed airing her reports on the contents of Hunter Biden's laptop. https://twitter.com/C__Herridge/status/2006795554471186519?s=20   always do the story when it’s ready to go. You should not be dictated by the political cycle.” At that time, CBS News was under different management, and did not respond to our questions seeking comment.   Source: dailycaller.com  https://twitter.com/bread_n_caviar/status/2007473725331960305?s=20 how much Jeb Bush is connected to drug trafficking. Here's my Substack article on that subject: https://twitter.com/Rasmussen_Poll/status/2007377888858062869?s=20 https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2007528129988862028?s=20 is undoing the damage the CIA has been used to do over the last 78 years around the world. The Deep State network is being dismantled. Trump did the same thing with Iran. Who enabled and paid Iran to make nukes? Obama via the Iran Deal. Neutralizing Iran's nuclear capabilities was Trump cleaning up another Deep State mess created by past administrations. Trump knows where all the Deep State assets and proxies are, and he is uprooting them. It's actually happening. Trump is obliterating the Deep State! Maduro a Cartel/Deep State puppet for a while  Wants out  Negotiates exit with Trump  U.S. military extracts him  Trump rugs the Deep State’s regime change op with his own regime change op https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2007682086271103487?s=20   Maduro played a large role in the destabilization efforts, sending drugs and murderous gangs into our country. Is it considered one crime syndicate?   https://twitter.com/TheQNewsPatriot/status/2007662811296731504?s=20 https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2007516103950414317?s=20   nations and regions that past US administrations have destabilized and destroyed. If there is no instability, the Deep State cannot operate. Therefore, Trump is going to neutralize those causing the instability, ie, the cartels. Trump is essentially undoing the decades of damage caused by the Deep State, and creating a new world the way it should be.  https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2007547290035302659?s=20   MIL in their cities? Now do you see why they have been panicking about the Insurrection Act? The Dems are Deep State puppets just like Maduro. They fear that what just happened to Maduro, is going to happen to them. THEY FEAR THE RECKONING! (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diaspora affairs reporter Zev Stub and reporter Diana Bletter join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As Spain implements the largest state-level boycott of Israel, Stub reviews elements of the embargo and whether it could set a precedent of similar gestures from other countries. Bletter reports on a recent visit to the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, badly damaged during the year of Hezbollah strikes, and still struggling to revitalize itself. A look at Israel's population numbers shows that more people exited the country in 2024 than entered it, reports Stub. This came even as statistics paint a nuanced picture of rising immigration to the country amid skyrocketing antisemitism globally. Finally, Bletter reports on the resilience and diversity of Israeli science and medical research, including research on coral reefs, and how cancer can help heal ailing hearts. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: With new trade restrictions, Spain looks to trigger EU cascade against Israel Spanish Jews warn map of local Jewish and ‘Zionist’ businesses will lead to violence Half-empty and scarred by war, Kiryat Shmona sees protests – and grassroots rejuvenation More than 69,000 Israelis left Israel in 2025, as population reached 10.18 million In surprising breakthrough, scientists in Israel find cancer may help heal the failing heart Israeli scientists say tiny organisms can revamp their own RNA to survive extreme heat New Israeli research shows coral reefs shape the ebb and flow of local microbial life Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: A pro-Palestinian demonstrator holds a banner reading: 'Boycott Israeli apartheid' during a protest in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (Bernat Armangue/AP Photo)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday's Mark Levin Show, we bring you the best of Mark Levin on New Years Day.  President Trump announces that the U.S. America has launched “Operation Hawkeye Strike” in Syria after ISIS ambushed and killed two of our soldiers and an interpreter. Trump promised overwhelming retaliation—and he's delivering—sending jets, helicopters, and artillery to wipe out ISIS fighters and their infrastructure. This is real leadership: when you kill Americans, you pay the price. Later, America was founded by Christians—all delegates at the Constitutional Convention and Second Continental Congress were Christian—and Christianity is a tolerant, and humane faith enabling religious minorities to live freely. The Declaration of Independence's references to God stem from Judeo-Christian values, with Christianity heavily influenced by Judaism, as recognized by the founders; modern efforts, like those by Tucker Carlson, to separate the two are a new attack on both Jews and Christians, repudiated as blasphemy by pastors.  Americanism is fundamentally incompatible with Islamism. There's an alliance between leftists and Islamists driven by a shared goal of destroying the West, America, its Constitution, and republican system. Afterward, America owes its greatness to the Republican Party, which ended slavery and passed civil rights acts that Democrats wrongly claim credit for, rooted in foundational principles called constitutional conservatism. Without it, the nation would be an awful, dark, lawless place. The party fights to secure borders, promote assimilation, teach true history (good, bad, and ugly), and elect conservatives who embrace national ideals, leading to better quality of life in free states compared to dying blue ones. However, internal threats like Tucker Carlson, Nick Fuentes, and Steve Bannon seek to destroy the Republican Party—not just its establishment—and its Judeo-Christian foundations, abandoning the legacy of Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Coolidge, Eisenhower, Reagan, and Trump, without specifying a replacement.  In addition, U.S. Attorney's office in Minnesota has announced new indictments in the Somali community revealing industrial-scale fraud in the state's Medicaid programs, with half or more of the roughly $18 billion paid out since 2018 potentially fraudulent across at least 14 high-risk services. The fraud outpaces other states, risking essential services and ripping off taxpayers. Why isn't there any outrage from Democrats like Rep Ilhan Omar? Also, Inflation is decreasing significantly, and the U.S. economy is poised for improvement despite possible short-term dips, ultimately leading to growth. President Trump has implemented extensive pro-growth measures across sectors such as natural resources, food, commercial fisheries, and farming, including removing Biden-era regulations, and enacting massive tax and regulatory cuts reminiscent of Reagan's. Finally, we have a growing terrorist threat in Europe stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, which has been exported through operational networks involving Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.  These Islamists are already in the U.S. waiting and plotting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices