Podcasts about Iraq

In January 1994, two presidents enjoyed a memorable night in the Czech Republic – ending with an impromptu jazz performance.Five years after the fall of communism, the US president Bill Clinton visited Prague to share his hopes for a new transatlantic alliance.Key to his vision was his friendship with the Czech president Vaclav Havel, a playwright who had been imprisoned for dissidence during the Cold War.During the visit, Havel arranged a series of surprises for Clinton including a reunion with the family he had stayed with on a visit to Prague in 1970.The final surprise took place at the city's famous Reduta jazz club. Havel presented Clinton with a saxophone and the two friends performed together on stage – a moment which came to symbolise the new partnership between East and West.Vicky Farncombe uses archive from the Vaclav Havel Center and the William J Clinton Presidential Library to relive the big night out.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Presidents perform at the Reduta jazz club. Credit: Office of the President of the Czech Republic)

This week we talk about the PKK, Turkey, and the DEM Party.We also discuss terrorism, discrimination, and stateless nations.Recommended Book: A Century of Tomorrows by Glenn AdamsonTranscriptKurdistan is a cultural region, not a country, but part of multiple countries, in the Middle East, spanning roughly the southeastern portion of Turkey, northern Iraq, the northwestern portion of Iran, and northern Syrian. Some definitions also include part of the Southern Caucasus mountains, which contains chunks of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.So this is a sprawling region that straddles multiple nations, and it's defined by the presence of the Kurdish people, the Kurds, who live all over the world, but whose culture is concentrated in this area, where it originally developed, and where, over the generations, there have periodically been very short-lived Kurdish nations of various shapes, sizes, and compositions.The original dynasties from which the Kurds claim their origin were Egyptian, and they governed parts of northeastern African and what is today Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. That was back in the 8th to 12th century, during which Saladin, who was the sultan of both Egypt and Syria, played a major historical role leading Muslim military forces against the Christian Crusader states during the Third Crusade, and leading those forces to victory in 1187, which resulted in Muslim ownership of the Levant, even though the Crusaders continued to technically hold the Kingdom of Jerusalem for another hundred years or so, until 1291.Saladin was Kurdish and kicked off a sultanate that lasted until the mid-13th century, when a diverse group of former slave-soldiers called the mamluks overthrew Saladin's family's Ayyubid sultanate and replaced it with their own.So Kurdish is a language spoken in that Kurdistan region, and the Kurds are considered to be an Iranian ethnic group, because Kurdish is part of a larger collection of languages and ethnicities, though many Kurds consider themselves to be members of a stateless nation, similar in some ways to pre-Israel Jewish people, Tibetan people under China's rule, or the Yoruba people, who primarily live in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, but who were previously oriented around a powerful city-state in that region, which served as the central loci of the Ife Empire, before the Europeans showed up and decided to forcibly move people around and draw new borders across the African continent.The Kurds are likewise often politically and culturally powerful, and that's led to a lot of pushback from leaders in the nations where they live and at times operate as cultural blocs, and it's led to some very short-lived Kurdish nations these people have managed to establish in the 20th century, including the Kingdom of Kurdistan from 1921-1924, the Republic of Ararat from 1927-1930, and the Republic of Mahabad, which was formed as a puppet state of the Soviet Union in 1946 in northwestern Iran, following a Soviet push for Kurdish nationalism in the region, which was meant to prevent the Allies from controlling the region following WWII, but which then dissolved just a few months after its official formation due to waning support from the Kurdish tribes that initially helped make it a reality.What I'd like to talk about today is the Kurdistan Worker's Party, and why their recently declared ceasefire with Turkey is being seen as a pretty big deal.—The Kurdistan Worker's Party, depending on who you ask, is a political organization or a terrorist organization. It was formed in Turkey in late-1978, and its original, founding goal was to create an independent Kurdish state, a modern Kurdistan, in what is today a small part of Turkey, but in the 1990s it shifted its stated goals to instead just get more rights for Kurds living in Turkey, including more autonomy but also just equal rights, as Kurdish people in many nations, including Turkey, have a long history of being discriminated against, in part because of their cultural distinctiveness, including their language, manner of dress, and cultural practices, and in part because, like many tight-knit ethnic groups, they often operate as a bloc, which in the age of democracy also means they often vote as a bloc, which can feel like a threat to other folks in areas with large Kurdish populations.When I say Kurdish people in Turkey have long been discriminated against, that includes things like telling them they can no longer speak Kurdish and denying that their ethnic group exists, but it also includes massacres conducted by the government against Kurdish people; at times tens of thousands of Kurds were slaughtered by the Turkish army. There was also an official ban on the words Kurds, Kurdistan, and Kurdish by the Turkish government in the 1980s, and Kurdish villages were destroyed, food headed to these villages was embargoed, and there was a long-time ban on the use of the Kurdish language in public life, and people who used it were arrested.As is often the case in such circumstances, folks who support the Kurdish Worker's Party, which is often shorthanded as the PKK, will tell you this group just pushes back against an oppressive regime, and they do what they have to to force the government to backtrack on their anti-Kurdish laws and abuses, which have been pretty widespread and violent.The PKK, in turn, has been criticized for, well, doing terrorist stuff, including using child soldiers, conducting suicide bombings, massacring groups of civilians, engaging in drug trafficking to fund their cause, and executing people on camera as a means of sowing terror.Pretty horrible stuff on both sides, if you look at this objectively, then, and both sides have historically justified their actions by pointing at the horrible things the other side has done to them and theirs.And that's the context for a recent announcement by the leader of the PKK, that the group would be disarming—and very literally so, including a symbolic burning of their weapons in a city in northern Iraq, which was shared online—and they would be shifting their efforts from that of violent militarism and revolution to that of political dialogue and attempting to change the Turkish government from the inside.Turkish President Erdogan, for his part, has seemed happy to oblige these efforts and gestures, fulfilling his role by receiving delegates from the Turkish, pro-Kurd party, the DEM Party, and smilingly shaking that delegate's hand on camera, basically showing the world, and those who have played some kind of role in the militant effort against the Turkish government, that this is the way of things now, we're not fighting physically anymore, we're moving on to wearing suits and pushing for Kurdish rights within the existing governmental structures.The founder of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, got in on the action, as well, releasing a seven-minute video from prison, which was then broadcast by the PKK's official media distribution outlet, saying that the fighting is over. This was his first appearance on camera in 26 years, and he used it to say their effort paid off, the Kurds now have an officially recognized identity, and it's time to leverage that identity politically to move things in the right direction.Erdogan's other messages on the matter, to the Kurdish people, but also those who have long lived in fear of the PKK's mass-violence, have reinforced that sentiment, saying that the Kurds are officially recognized as a political entity, and that's how things would play out from this point forward—and this will be good for everyone. And both sides are saying that, over and over, because, well, child soldiers and suicide bombings and massacres conducted by both sides are really, really not good for anyone.By all indications, this has been a very carefully orchestrated dance by those on both sides of the conflict, which again, has been ongoing since 1978, and really picked up the pace and became continuous and ultra-violent, in the 1980s.There was an attempted peace process back in the 20-teens, but the effort, which included a temporary truce between 2013 and 2015, failed, following the murder of two Turkish police officers, the PKK initially claiming responsibility, but later denying they had any involvement. That led to an uptick in military actions by both groups against the other, and the truce collapsed.This new peace process began in 2024 and really took off in late-February of 2025, when that aforementioned message was broadcast by the PKK's leader from prison after lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party worked to connect him and the Turkish government, and eventually helped negotiate the resulting mid-May of 2025 disarmament.Turkey's military leaders have said they will continue to launch strikes against PKK-affiliated groups that continue to operate in the region, and the PKK's disarmament announcement has been embraced by some such groups, while others, like the Syrian Democratic Forces, which is tied to the PKK, but not directly affiliated with them, have said this truce doesn't apply to them.Most governments, globally, have heralded this disarmament as a major victory for the world and Turkey in particular, though the response within Turkey, and in Kurdish areas in particular, has apparently been mixed, with some people assuming the Turkish government will backtrack and keep the DEM Party from accomplishing much of anything, and worrying about behind-the-scenes deals, including a reported agreement between Erdogan's government and the DEM Party to support Erdogan's desire to transform the Turkish government into a presidential system, which would grant him more direct control and power, while others are seemingly just happy to hear that the violence and fear might end.Also notable here is that a lot of Turkey's foreign policy has revolved around hobbling and hurting the PKK for decades, including Turkey's initial hindering of Sweden's accession to NATO, which was partly a means of getting other nations to give the Turkish government stuff they wanted, like upgraded military equipment, but was also a push against the Swedish government's seeming protection of people associated with the PKK, since Sweden's constitution allows people to hold all sorts of beliefs.Some analysts have speculated that this could change the geopolitics of the Middle East fundamentally, as Turkey has long been a regional power, but has been partly hobbled by its conflict with the PKK, and the easing or removal of that conflict could free them up to become more dominant, especially since Israel's recent clobbering of Iran seems to have dulled the Iranian government's shine as the de facto leader of many Muslim groups and governments in the area.It's an opportune time for Erdogan to grab more clout and influence, in other words, and that might have been part of the motivation to go along with the PKK's shift to politics: it frees him and his military up to engage in some adventurism and/or posturing further afield, which could then set Turkey up as the new center of Muslim influence, contra-the Saudis' more globalized version of the concept, militarily and economically. Turkey could become a huge center of geopolitical gravity in this part of the world, in other words, and that seems even more likely now that this disarmament has happened.It's still early days in this new seeming state of affairs, though, and there's a chance that the Turkish government's continued strikes on operating PKK affiliated groups could sever these new ties, but those involved seem to be cleaving to at least some optimism, even as many locals continue hold their breath and hope against hope that this time is different than previous attempts at peace.Show Noteshttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/heres-what-to-know-about-turkeys-decision-to-move-forward-with-swedens-bid-to-join-natohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_PKK%E2%80%93Turkey_peace_processhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%932015_PKK%E2%80%93Turkey_peace_processhttps://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2025/05/turkey-pkk-disarm-disband-impacts?lang=enhttps://www.middleeasteye.net/news/pkk-claims-deadly-suicide-bombing-turkish-police-stationhttps://web.archive.org/web/20161016064155/https://hrwf.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Child-soldiers-in-ISIS-PKK-Boko-Haram%E2%80%A6.pdfhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdistan_Workers%27_Partyhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2025/jul/11/kurdistan-workers-party-pkk-burn-weapons-in-disarming-ceremony-videohttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/18/turkiye-pkk-analysis-recalibrates-politicshttps://time.com/7303236/erdogan-war-peace-kurds/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/19/unidentified-drone-kills-pkk-member-injures-another-in-iraqhttps://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/unidentified-drone-kills-pkk-member-injures-another-near-iraqs-sulaymaniyah-2025-07-19/https://www.aljazeera.com/video/inside-story/2025/7/11/why-has-the-pkk-ended-its-armed-strugglehttps://archive.is/20250718061819/https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025-07-17/ty-article-opinion/.premium/how-the-possible-end-to-turkeys-kurdish-problem-could-become-israels-turkey-problem/00000198-1794-dd64-abb9-bfb5dbf30000https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdistanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Kurdish_dynasties_and_countrieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Kurdish_nationalism 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

WALKING WITH THE FIRE OF GOD | MAN OF PEACE PODCAST

Irawati Karve became India's first female anthropologist - studying tribes that nobody had investigated, and taking her children on expeditions deep in the rainforest. In 1927, she dared to defy the racist theory of Eugen Fischer, a famous German professor during her PhD in Berlin. Irawati scientifically rejected human differences to justify discrimination, and was the first to do so.Her granddaughter, Urmilla Deshpande, speaks to Reena Stanton-Sharma about her life and career. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Irawati Karve. Credit: Urmilla Deshpande)

 On October 6th, 2023, the eve of the October 7th attacks, Israel faced perhaps its most perilous strategic environment in half a century. Hamas was poised to launch its deadliest assault since the Yom Kippur War of 1973. To the north, Hezbollah boasted 100,000 trained fighters and an estimated arsenal of 120,000 missiles. Iran stood dominant, its nuclear weapons program advancing and its regional influence expanding, backed by the Houthis in Yemen, militias in Iraq, Assad in Syria, and its proxies in Gaza and Lebanon. This “Ring of Fire” encircled Israel, threatening overwhelming retaliation should it strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden was seen as a restraining force on any Israeli pre-emptive action.

One of the world's most protracted armed conflicts could finally be drawing to a close in Turkey. This month, a small group of fighters from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging an armed struggle against the Turkish state for greater minority rights, voluntarily disarmed. At a ceremony in northern Iraq, PKK commander Bese Hozart announced that the disarmament by 30 fighters - 15 men and 15 women - was undertaken freely and in line with the group's commitment to pursue a democratic socialist society through peaceful means. The fighters' weapons were burned as part of the symbolic event. The move came just days after the release of a video message from imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, who reiterated his call for an end to the armed struggle and the formal dissolution of the group. It was the first time the Turkish public had heard Öcalan's voice since his incarceration in 1999. PKK ends 40-year fight but doubts remain about the next steps Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan responded by telling supporters that the country had reached a historic moment. Ankara now expects a complete disarmament of the remaining PKK fighters by autumn. Since the beginning of the peace process last year, Erdoğan has ruled out making concessions, insisting the rebels are unilaterally surrendering. However, the high-profile nature of the disarmament ceremony is increasing pressure on the government to respond in kind. “This is a historic moment; this is a conflict that has been going on for nearly half a century. Now it's the government's turn to actually open up the political space,” said Aslı Aydıntaşbaş of the Brookings Institution in Washington. “Both the Kurdish side and the Turkish side are telling their own constituencies that they're not giving up much—trying to convince their bases, which, in both cases, seem unprepared for such a radical shift,” she added. Kurdish leader Ocalan calls for PKK disarmament, paving way for peace Opaque negotiations, rising distrust As a gesture of goodwill, the government has reportedly improved Öcalan's prison conditions and allowed communication through a so-called “secretariat.” However, the PKK continues to press for broader concessions, including an amnesty for its members and the right for ex-fighters to return to Turkey. There have also been calls for Öcalan's release, alongside the release of tens of thousands of individuals jailed under Turkey's broad anti-terror laws. Yet concerns are mounting over the transparency of the peace negotiations. “It's really difficult even to assess it because we don't really know what's going on,” said Zeynep Ardıç, an expert on conflict resolution at Istanbul's Medeniyet University. “Some negotiations don't need to be public, but the public should still be informed,” she said. Ardıç warned that the current polarization in Turkish politics and a legacy of mistrust built over decades of conflict make transparency essential. “There should be a bit of transparency, because people don't trust state institutions, people don't trust each other, people don't trust the government or the judiciary. So, it's not easy to succeed under these circumstances. The government needs to reinstall trust - not just among Kurdish people, but among Turkish people as well.” Politics could undermine fragile progress Following the disarmament ceremony, Erdoğan announced the formation of a parliamentary commission to oversee the process, including members from his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), his coalition partner the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and the pro-Kurdish People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM). Notably absent was the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), whose exclusion is fueling fears that Erdoğan is politicizing the peace process. Erdoğan requires the support of Kurdish parliamentarians to amend the constitution and potentially remove presidential term limits—allowing him to remain in power indefinitely. Turkey's Saturday Mothers keep up vigil for lost relatives “Erdoğan is trying to juggle two conflicting priorities,” noted analyst Atilla Yeşilada of U.S.-based consultancy Global Source Partners. “A: give the Kurds the least of what they want in return for a constitution that allows him to run again, and B: broaden his war against the CHP. I don't know how he can finesse that.” While Erdoğan speaks of a new era of unity between Turks, Arabs, and Kurds, he is simultaneously escalating a legal crackdown on the CHP, even going so far as to label the party a terror threat. This is a risky move, given that the pro-Kurdish DEM party has previously supported CHP candidates in both presidential and mayoral elections. Kurdish analyst Mesut Yeğen, of the Center for Social Impact Research in Istanbul, warned that Erdoğan may be overplaying his hand. “If Erdoğan's pressure on the CHP continues, then it's likely that DEM's electorate, members, and cadres could grow discontent,” Yeğen predicted. “They'll think that if Erdoğan succeeds against CHP, he'll start a similar campaign against the DEM. So I think they will strike a kind of balance.” Turkey's rivalry with Iran shifts as US threats create unlikely common ground Despite the uncertainty, powerful incentives remain on both sides to pursue peace. With the PKK largely pushed out of Turkish territory and facing military defeat, and Erdoğan in dire need of parliamentary support, momentum for a resolution is strong. But with negotiations shrouded in secrecy, many remain skeptical about what kind of peace this process will ultimately deliver.

THIS WEEK's BIRDS: new music from guitarist Lingyuan Yang;  samba from Neguinho da Beija-Flor; Bossa from Da Silva Do Sul Et Son Ensemble; Bridgette Fontaine; Paul Dunmall Brass Project; new music from percussionist  Dan Weiss; classical vocalist Hamid Al-Saadi from Iraq; Senegalse salsero Laba Sosseh w. Super Star de Dakar; American salsa from Hector Lavoe; Sonora Ponceñal; Roberto Roena w. Adalberto Santiago; vintage Congolese rumba from Orchestre Kara De Kinsahasa; vocalist Thandi Nuti w. Carlos Nino; Mark Masters reprises Sam Rivers; Sam Rivers does Sam Rivers; vocal raga from  Parveen Sultana; ghazal from Iqbal Bano;  Tunisian pop-jazz from Fatima Charli; Gulf pop from Mobarak Almaatooq; Groupe El Hemri from Morocco; and, as ever, lots of mumbling and so much, much more. Catch the BIRDS live on Friday nights, 9:00pm-MIDNIGHT (EST), in Central New York on WRFI, 88.1 FM Ithaca/ 88.5 FM Odessa;. and WORLDWIDE online via our MUSIC PLAYER at WRFI.ORG. 24/7 via PODBEAN: https://conferenceofthebirds.podbean.com via iTUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conference-of-the-birds-podcast/id478688580 Also available at podomatic, Internet Archive, podtail, iheart Radio, and elsewhere. Always FREE of charge to listen to the radio program and free also to stream, download, and subscribe to the podcast online: PLAYLIST at SPINITRON: https://spinitron.com/WRFI/pl/20891034/Conference-of-the-Birds and via the Conference of the Birds page at www.WRFI.ORG https://www.wrfi.org/wrfiprograms/conferenceofthebirds/  Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/conferenceofthebirds/?ref=bookmarks Find WRFI on Radio Garden: http://radio.garden/visit/ithaca-ny/aqh8OGBR

In this new series Al Fadi and Bro. Mel are going to discuss who is this 7th century person called Muhammad according the Standard Islamic Narrative. Is he one person or a combination of different people. They say that this person was a companion of a Jewish leader in Iraq. They also mention a name referred to Uzair in the Quran; is it the word Ezra or is there a mistake of one missing dot that could be the word Azeez/ a word similar to Mehmed which is a Messiah title? They conclude that if the Quran is written by an Arabian prophet way down in Mecca , why is he referring to Jewish leaders that are in Syria and Iraq? Other examples are Ginn, kafir, and Nasi. Listen to learn to more details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rich Brown is a retired Marine Corps Officer, former Police Officer, and the Co-Host of America's leading Self-Defense podcast, the American Warrior Show. On today's American Warrior Show, we will be joined by Mike Chesne. Mike founded Tecton after a storied 25-year career in the United States Army Special Operations. At Tecton, as Chairman of the Board and Chief of Innovation, he maintains the corporate vision and mission while continuing to delve deeply into scientific exploration to create new and innovative ways to broaden the scope and breadth of Tecton's product portfolio and intellectual property landscape.   At the outset of Tecton, he developed the biochemical makeup and design for the Tecton Ketone molecule. He then methodically worked on the methods, processes, and procedures necessary to formulate and manufacture the molecule from the benchtop to large-scale manufacturing. This process was designed to make it the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly process possible, beginning with organic byproducts and enzymes and finishing with no hazardous waste. Mike founded an emergency medical supply company shortly before retiring from the army. This company developed trauma and emergency medical kits for all branches of the United States Department of Defense, as well as many of our NATO allied countries, and some of these kits are still standard issue in several different military forces to this day. Mike exited this business (Caromeds) and went into global healthcare consulting, working with the Ministries of Health of Afghanistan, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, etc. During this period, he developed the curriculum for the first-ever nursing school in Afghanistan, realigned the entire healthcare system and medical doctor training program in Afghanistan, assisted in the logistics and manning of the Faruq Medical Center in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq, and helped the Algerian government design and develop their own version of the Food and Drug Administration.   His experience in the United States Army working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) led him to develop a keen understanding of the scientific method and of cutting-edge science. In 2012, he read about an older DARPA project which involved the search for a nutritional supplement that would improve physical performance and cognition by thirty percent. This project started in 2004 and had been funded for nearly ten million dollars. It never met the full requirement, so it was ended. The end product of that research was an exogenous ketone developed by Oxford University and the National Institutes of Health. He ended his healthcare consulting, went to Oxford, and began working on ketones. He is a motivational speaker who speaks at veterans' events and fundraisers around the country, as well as brain injury and brain health symposiums sponsored by the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration. He has received many awards and decorations while serving in the army and served in the most prestigious units in the army. He has served in combat throughout the globe and continues to serve veterans through his charity work.   Mike is passionate about helping others. He serves on the Board of Directors of multiple veteran non-profits and has served in many roles in these organizations, including Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Co-Founder, etc. He will continue to serve these deserving people for as long as he is physically able. He splits his time between Orlando, Florida, with his wife, oldest son, three grandsons, and daughter-in-law, and Alexandria, Louisiana, with his wife, youngest son, two... Coffee with Rich Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/rhodieusmc/videos

Canadian journalist Nora Loreto reads the latest headlines for Friday, July 18, 2025.TRNN has partnered with Loreto to syndicate and share her daily news digest with our audience. Tune in every morning to the TRNN podcast feed to hear the latest important news stories from Canada and worldwide.Find more headlines from Nora at Sandy & Nora Talk Politics podcast feed.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcast

In this short micro dose episode, we explore the specialized qualities required for different SEAL Team missions. Our guest, retired Navy SEAL Commander Rich Diviney, shares his fascination with the unique attributes needed for high-stakes operations like combat diving and hostage rescue—emphasizing how patience, adaptability, and mental agility are mission-critical. Listen to full episode here: https://pod.fo/e/28e08fDrawing from hundreds of real-world missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rich unpacks the true purpose behind SEAL training—not to teach specific skills, but to reveal the core attributes required to perform under extreme pressure. Whether underwater for long durations or making life-or-death decisions in seconds, SEALs succeed not just because of what they know, but because of who they are.Rich's insights extend beyond the military. He shows how this same philosophy—prioritizing attributes over skills—can transform leadership and team performance in any environment.Key Takeaways:Different SEAL missions require distinct personal qualities.Training is designed to reveal these attributes, not just build skills.The best teams are built on character, not credentials.This mindset applies equally in business and leadership.Specific Missions in the SEAL Teams Require Specific QualitiesSuccess in SEAL missions depends on the unique attributes of each team member—not just their technical skills. This distinction is critical for maintaining adaptability in dynamic, high-risk environments.Attributes Over SkillsEach mission demands specific traits. Combat diving requires deep patience; hostage rescue calls for rapid decision-making and agility. Someone who thrives in slow, methodical tasks might falter in a high-speed crisis—but they'd excel when endurance and calm are key. Recognizing these differences is central to building the right team for the mission.Real-World ExamplesRich Diviney shares a story from 2010, reflecting on his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. SEAL training includes grueling exercises—carrying boats, lifting logs—not because those skills are directly used in combat, but because they create pressure. The goal isn't just physical fitness—it's to surface traits like grit, teamwork, composure, and resilience.The Story of the Non-SwimmerRich tells the story of a SEAL candidate who couldn't swim. On the swim test, he jumped in, sank to the bottom, and walked across the pool. When asked what happened, he admitted he didn't know how to swim. But the instructor didn't dismiss him. Instead, recognizing the young man's determination and resolve, he said, “That's okay—we can teach you how to swim.”That moment illustrates a core principle: if someone has the right attributes—grit, tenacity, humility—you can teach them the technical parts. But the reverse isn't always true.From Military to BusinessAfter retiring, Rich noticed that organizations often overvalue hard skills while struggling to define or develop the deeper qualities that drive performance. Terms like “soft skills” don't do justice to traits like emotional control, adaptability, and drive. Focusing on attributes gives companies a more accurate view of who will thrive, grow, and lead effectively.ConclusionThe highest-performing SEAL teams aren't built on resumes. They're built on character. That same principle holds true in every high-performance setting. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Episode Description         Sign up to receive this Unreached of the Day podcast sent to you:   https://unreachedoftheday.org/resources/podcast/PeopleGroupSummary/12000  #PrayforZERO is a podcast Sponsor.          Take your place in history! We could be the generation to translate God's Word into every language. YOUR prayers can make this happen.  Take your first step and sign the Prayer Wall to receive the weekly Pray For Zero Journal:  https://prayforzero.com/prayer-wall/#join Pray for the largest Frontier People Groups (FPG): Visit JoshuaProject.net/frontier#podcast provides links to podcast recordings of the prayer guide for the 31 largest FPGs.  Go31.org/FREE provides the printed prayer guide for the largest 31 FPGs along with resources to support those wanting to enlist

Donald Trump—never one to shy away from controversy—has done another dramatic U-turn. After flatly refusing to send any more Patriot missiles to Ukraine, he's now decided to send them anyway. So what's changed? And why do these missiles matter so much?Let's cut through the noise. Are Patriot missiles genuinely game-changers on the battlefield, or are they just a powerful symbol in modern warfare? To get to the truth, we're speaking to someone who's actually been there—Air Marshal Edward Stringer. He spent 39 years in the RAF, flew combat missions over Iraq, and went up against anti-aircraft systems himself. If anyone knows what Patriot missiles can really do, it's him. https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World news in 7 minutes. Friday 18th July 2025.Today: Syria ceasefire. ByteDance top. Iraq fire. Africa payments. Senegal France out. El Salvador rights. US Coca-Cola sugar. UK voting age. UK Germany treaty. Norway bears. Poland strawberry pasta.SEND7 is supported by our amazing listeners like you.Our supporters get access to the transcripts and vocabulary list written by us every day.Our supporters get access to an English worksheet made by us once per week.Our supporters get access to our weekly news quiz made by us once per week.We give 10% of our profit to Effective Altruism charities. You can become a supporter at send7.org/supportContact us at podcast@send7.org or send an audio message at speakpipe.com/send7Please leave a rating on Apple podcasts or Spotify.We don't use AI! Every word is written and recorded by us!Since 2020, SEND7 (Simple English News Daily in 7 minutes) has been telling the most important world news stories in intermediate English. Every day, listen to the most important stories from every part of the world in slow, clear English. Whether you are an intermediate learner trying to improve your advanced, technical and business English, or if you are a native speaker who just wants to hear a summary of world news as fast as possible, join Stephen Devincenzi and Juliet Martin every morning. Transcripts, vocabulary lists, worksheets and our weekly world news quiz are available for our amazing supporters at send7.org. Simple English News Daily is the perfect way to start your day, by practising your listening skills and understanding complicated daily news in a simple way. It is also highly valuable for IELTS and TOEFL students. Students, teachers, TEFL teachers, and people with English as a second language, tell us that they use SEND7 because they can learn English through hard topics, but simple grammar. We believe that the best way to improve your spoken English is to immerse yourself in real-life content, such as what our podcast provides. SEND7 covers all news including politics, business, natural events and human rights. Whether it is happening in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas or Oceania, you will hear it on SEND7, and you will understand it.Get your daily news and improve your English listening in the time it takes to make a coffee.For more information visit send7.org/contact or send an email to podcast@send7.org

Send us a textWhat began as a stack of forgotten letters in a college archive became a transatlantic journey of remembrance, culminating in a powerful tribute to the Landsmann family, Holocaust victims nearly erased by history. In this episode of Speaking of ... College of Charleston, we follow the story of how student research, archival discovery and community collaboration led to the placement of Stolpersteine, brass memorial stones installed in front of the family's last known residence in Berlin.Featured in this episode:Chad Gibbes joined the College of Charleston as assistant professor of Jewish studies and director of the Zucker/Goldberg Center in fall 2021.  Professor Gibbs teaches the history of the Holocaust, antisemitism, comparative genocide, and related topics. His research interests include Jewish resistance to the Holocaust, gender studies, memory and memorialization, and oral history. In his current project, Professor Gibbs uses spatial and social network analyses to expand our understanding of resistance and survival at the Nazi extermination camp Treblinka. Those interested in his work should see his professional website here. He attained his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, his MA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and his BA from the University of Wyoming. Before entering academic life, Professor Gibbs served in the US Army, including deployment to Iraq. Leah Davenport is one of the research assistants at the Pearlstine/Lipov Center for Southern Jewish Culture. She is a senior at the College of Charleston and is majoring in Jewish Studies and Women's and Gender Studies. She joined the Pearlstine/Lipov research team in 2022 after her studies sparked an interest in Jewish communities of the South, specifically in the Lowcountry, of which she is a native. Leah was instrumental in finishing research on synagogues across South Carolina. In addition to her work with the Center, Leah is the Peer Facilitator for the both of the Jewish Studies First-Year Experience seminars in Fall 2024. She is currently planning to go on graduate school for social work, where she hopes to earn her MSW with a certificate specializing in hospital social work.R. Scott Hellman '96 graduated from the College with a BA in History and received an MBA from the University of Miami in 2001.  Hellman owns and operates a service driven insurance brokerage firm specializing in corporate benefits, as well as, life, health, long term care and disability income for individuals. Hellman is the current Chair of the Yaschik Arnold Jewish Studies Program Community Advisory Board; serves as Vice-President of the Hebrew Benevolent Society, the oldest Jewish Charitable Society in the United States; and is on Hollings Cancer Center Advisory Board.  As a multi-generational Charlestonian, Hellman enjoys all that Charleston has to offer on and offshore, riding bicycles, and spending time with his wife and child.Resources from this episode:Stolpersteine, created by artist Gunter Demnig, are brass plaques installed at the last known voluntary residence of Holocaust victims. They serve as public reminders of lives lost and disrupted by Nazi persecution.Learn more about the Zucker Goldberg Center for Holocaust StudiesExplore the Jewish Heritage Collection at the College of Charleston LibrariesCollege of Charleston's Pearlstine/Lipov Center for Southern Jewish CultureThe Jewish Historic

(7/10/2025-7/17/2025) Tune in.#applepodcasts⁠ ⁠#spotifypodcasts⁠ ⁠#youtube #amazon⁠ ⁠#patreon⁠patreon.com/isaiahnews

We usually think of the American Civil War as a conflict fought between massive armies at famous battlefields like Gettysburg, but that's not really accurate: Much of the war was actually made up of guerrilla attacks, insurgencies, and the kind of violence between neighbors that wouldn't be out of place in seminars on the US in Iraq and Afghanistan. Professor Andrew Fialka joins me to discuss his fascinating new book, a graphic history of guerrilla violence in the Civil War, and to correct our misperceptions of this crucial era.Patrick's book is now available! Get The Verge: Reformation, Renaissance, and Forty Years that Shook the World in hardcopy, ebook, or audiobook (read by Patrick) here: https://bit.ly/PWverge. And check out Patrick's new podcast The Pursuit of Dadliness! It's all about “Dad Culture,” and Patrick will interview some fascinating guests about everything from tall wooden ships to smoked meats to comfortable sneakers to history, sports, culture, and politics. https://bit.ly/PWtPoDListen to new episodes 1 week early, to exclusive seasons 1 and 2, and to all episodes ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App https://wondery.app.link/tidesofhistoryBe the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1995, an international row broke out between Canada and Spain over fishing quotas. It started with gunfire and ended with a deal.The dispute began after Canada set up restrictions to protect fish stocks, including the turbot. A 320km (200 mile) controlled zone was placed around the country's north Atlantic coast. Fishermen also had to stick to quotas. But, according to Canada, some boats from the European Union were catching far more turbot than had been agreed. As a warning, the coastguard chased off one Spanish trawler, shooting machine gunfire over the bow and arresting the crew. But Spanish officials were furious and denied any wrongdoing. The Turbot War had begun. Brian Tobin was Canada's Minister for Fisheries and Oceans. He tells Jane Wilkinson about the part he played in the dispute.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Picture: Brian Tobin and a turbot. Credit: Jon Levy/AFP via Getty Images)

In our news wrap Thursday, the Justice Department is recommending a one-day sentence for the former police officer convicted of killing Breonna Taylor in a botched home raid, President Trump is suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, a fire at a newly opened shopping center in Iraq killed more than 60 people and three died when an Israeli shell hit Gaza's only Catholic church. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Senate has passed $9 billion in cuts for foreign aid and public broadcasting. We'll tell you why 20 Democratic led states are suing FEMA. A federal prosecutor who's worked on high profile cases has been fired. A huge fire has killed dozens of people at a commercial building in Iraq. Plus, a debate about cryptocurrency has broken a record. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Army veteran Matt Tyree was the lucky veteran selected for the plains game safari I gave away as part of my 5 year Big Game Hunting Podcast Anniversary with my South African PH's Johan and Kobus. Matt literally just returned from the hunting safari of a lifetime and joins me on the show today to tell us how things went! Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We have space remaining for a hunt in October 2025 and as well as March, April, May, September, October, and November 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus! In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with Matt Tyree, who we selected as the veteran to receive the plains game hunt in Africa we gave away during the 5 year Big Game Hunting Podcast anniversary celebration in 2025. They discuss Matt's military career (to include his deployments to Iraq & Afghanistan) as well has how he prepared for the hunt, the rifle set-up he brought to Africa, how the hunt went, and what it was like sharing the experience with his 11 year old son, Marshall. Their takeaway? This was the trip of a lifetime for both Matt and Marshall. They had an outstanding safari and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Matt also wanted to extend a special thanks to all of the generous listeners who provided donations above and beyond what John, Johan, and Kobus provided with the hunt itself. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

A reporter describes the scene -- and tells us about her conversations with family members looking for relatives.A BC hereditary chief who was at today's meeting with the Prime Minister tells us Mark Carney said nothing to convince him that Ottawa will respect Indigenous rights. Brazil is poised to make it a lot easier for companies to get permits to operate -- which opponents say will be devastating for the environment. Only a few talented dolphins have figured out how to hunt using a sea sponge in their beaks. A scientist tells us what it's like to see them swim by with blobs on their snouts, like circus clowns.As It Happens, the Thursday Edition. Radio that's afraid this story is a bit on the nose.

A fire at a newly opened shopping centre in Iraq has killed dozens of people. The blaze in the eastern city of Kut broke out at the Hyper Mall and rapidly engulfed its walls. After a year of prolonged negotiations marked by dramatic twists and turns, the Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard said it was abandoning its multibillion-dollar bid to acquire the owner of 7-Eleven convenience stores. Plus, we look at the CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang's visit to China amidst the resumption of selling H20 chip to China.

In this 21WIRE LIVE midweek edition with host Patrick Henningsen talking to guest, Middle East analyst, Ibrahim Majed, to discuss the worrying trend which indicates that the US and Israel are planning to unleash a brutal sectarian war in The Levant in order to further weaken the Arab states, and later advance the Greater Israel Project. Will they succeed? Maybe not, but the violence they are planning to unleash in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq will certainly be a disaster for all involved. All this and more. Follow Ibrahim Majed on X: https://x.com/ibrahimtmajed Listen to Patrick & Ibrahim's recent Space discussion on X: https://x.com/21WIRE/status/1944863718325600270 Also, listen to the Sunday Wire every Sunday at 5pm UK Time/12pm EST: https://21stcenturywire.com/category/sunday-wire-radio-show/ *Beady Man track here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ka9GE7bnya4obhukxJc8v *SUBSCRIBE/DONATE TO OUR MEDIA PLATFORM HERE: https://21w.co/support VISIT OUR AFFILIATE SPONSORS: Health Solutions - Shop at Clive de Carle: https://21w.co/shop-clive OUR FEATURED MUSIC ARTISTS: Phil Zimmerman: https://www.instagram.com/philzimmermanmusic/ Beady Man: https://www.youtube.com/@beadymanpoet2514 Joseph Arthur: https://josepharthur.bandcamp.com/ Peyoti for President: https://peyoti.com/ Red Rumble: https://www.youtube.com/@RedRumbleBand Peter Conway: https://www.peterconway.net/ Countdown Music: Song: Cartoon, Jéja - On & On (feat. Daniel Levi) [NCS Release] - Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/onandon  

Episode Description     Episode Description         Sign up to receive this Unreached of the Day podcast sent to you:  https://unreachedoftheday.org/resources/podcast/PeopleGroupSummary/19500/IZ  #PrayforZERO is a podcast Sponsor.         https://prayforzero.com/ Take your place in history! We could be the generation to translate God's Word into every language. YOUR prayers can make this happen.  Take your first step and sign the Prayer Wall to receive the weekly Pray For Zero Journal:  https://prayforzero.com/prayer-wall/#join Pray for the largest Frontier People Groups (FPG): Visit JoshuaProject.net/frontier#podcast provides links to podcast recordings of the prayer guide for the 31 largest FPGs.  Go31.org/FREE provides the printed prayer guide for the largest 31 FPGs along with resources to support those wanting to enlist

Send us a textWarning signals flash while America looks away. Lieutenant General Daniel Bolger—who previously admitted our defeats in Iraq and Afghanistan—now cautions that drone strikes across the Horn of Africa are quietly pulling us into another protracted conflict. Yet this crucial warning receives barely a whisper of attention as media cycles fixate on culture wars and celebrity feuds.This pattern is deliberate. We escalate military involvement just enough to keep operations off evening broadcasts, creating conflicts by contract rather than declaration. When body bags eventually come home, civilians wonder how we got there. As a veteran myself, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating moral injuries inflicted when troops are deployed into ambiguous conflicts without clear purpose or ethical grounding—a key factor in the epidemic of veteran suicide that plagues our military community.Meanwhile, the digital realm presents its own subtle dangers as Elon Musk's Grok 3.0 begins censoring content under the guise of "platform integrity." The same figure who championed free speech absolutism now programs algorithms that shape what information reaches your consciousness. This represents something far more insidious than simple content moderation—it's a battle for your imagination and capacity for independent thought.The Texas voting restrictions targeting "Souls to the Polls" initiatives reveal how power structures feel threatened by faith communities that translate their convictions into civic engagement. When Black churches organize voting after Sunday services, they embody the perfect fusion of community, faith, and democratic participation—precisely what makes certain interests uncomfortable. Biblical faith has always challenged unjust systems, which explains why authentic religious expression that manifests in justice work inevitably faces resistance.These seemingly disparate issues—military escalation, algorithmic censorship, and voter suppression—share a common thread: the quiet erosion of democratic agency and moral clarity. Yet despite these challenges, you're not powerless. True resistance comes through discernment rather than outrage, through principled action rather than reactive posting. The world needs more people grounded in truth and courageous enough to believe that integrity matters, even when it doesn't trend.What warning signs are we missing while algorithms feed us outrage? Listen to this episode to understand the connections between endless war, technological control, and the suppression of faith-based civic action. Support the show

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on a deadly fire at a mall in Iraq.

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on an Israeli strike on a church in Iraq killed dozens; a ceasefire in the Syrian region of Sweida; Ukraine has a cabinet reshuffle.

Health authorities and police sources say a fire at a hypermarket in Eastern Iraq has killed at least 60 people.

US President Trump said they are very close to an India deal, could possibly make one with Europe & it is too soon to say re. Canada.European bourses broadly in the green, whilst US equity futures are mixed; TSMC +4% in pre-market trade after Q2 results.USD attempts to recover from Wednesday's Powell/Trump drama; AUD underperforms post jobs data.Fixed benchmarks weighed on by the TSMC-driven risk tone, Gilts underperform after the UK's job data which continued to show a weakening labour market but unlikely to change the BoE's trajectory.Crude briefly boosted on reports of a drone attack on Iraq's Kurdistan oil fields; XAU modestly lower.Looking ahead, US Trade, Jobless Claims, Retail Sales & Atlanta Fed GDPNow, G20 Finance Ministers Meeting, Speakers including Fed's Kugler, Daly, Cook & Waller. Earnings from PepsiCo, GE, Abbott Laboratories, Netflix.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: President Trump reportedly asked Ukrainian President Zelensky whether Kyiv could strike Moscow and St. Petersburg to “make Putin feel the pain,” following a tense call with Vladimir Putin. A drone strike hits a U.S.-operated oil field in Iraq's Kurdistan region, igniting a fire and prompting accusations of terrorism against vital infrastructure. Israel carries out a second day of airstrikes in southern Syria, pledging to protect the country's Druze minority from Assad regime forces. And in today's Back of the Brief: questions still surround the crash of Air India Flight 171. A preliminary report offers limited insight, fueling speculation over what really happened. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com.Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold DeleteMe: Visit https://joindeleteme.com/BRIEF & Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last month were a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict with Iran. But while a ceasefire has remained in place, there's good reason to believe that Iranian regime change isn't off the table just yet. On this episode of Confronting Capitalism, Vivek Chibber looks back on how the US pursued regime change in Iraq and why that disastrous invasion may wind up being the playbook again in Iran. Confronting Capitalism with Vivek Chibber is produced by Catalyst: A Journal of Theory and Strategy, and published by Jacobin. Music by Zonkey.

Imagine a nation filled with men like Braxton McCoy. That's what America was. The rest of us are still reaping the benefits. (0:00) McCoy's Military Experience (36:24) McCoy's Intense Recovery Journey (1:00:35) The American Drug Epidemic (1:11:57) The Fake Environmentalists Secretly Trying to Destroy Nature (1:36:35) Food Security, the Housing Crisis, and Immigration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a week that brought the future of Greece and the Eurozone to the brink. Ten years ago, on 6 July the Greek people voted against the terms of a financial bailout which included raising taxes and slashing welfare spending. Greece owed €323bn to various countries and banks within Europe. Its banks were closed. A quarter of the population and half of Greece's young people were unemployed.The morning after the vote, Euclid Tsakalotos was brought in to replace Yanis Varoufakis as finance minister. His predecessor had accused European leaders of “terrorism” in their handling of the crisis. Parachuted in to last-ditch talks with angry European leaders, Euclid Tsakalotos describes to Josephine McDermott the make-or-break 17-hour summit in Brussels. He reveals that when Angela Merkel, the leader of Greece's biggest lender Germany, said she was leaving the room because she could not accept what was on the table, Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, actually locked the door to stop her leaving and force an agreement to be reached. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: A queue outside a bank in Greece in 2015. Credit: Getty Images)

In this episode, we explore one of the wildest what-if scenarios in modern geopolitics: a potential Israeli preemptive attack on Pakistan's nuclear facilities. We dig into what such an operation would require, why it's almost certainly a fantasy, and what the fallout could look like if it ever happened. We also unpack Israel's past preemptive strikes on Iraq (1981) and Syria (2007), the logic of nuclear deterrence, covert sabotage efforts, Indo-Israeli security ties, and why this bizarre scenario keeps popping up in strategic circles. Links to our other stuff on the interwebs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BroHistory⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://brohistory.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #333 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New York Times finally admitted Israel is carrying out a genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza, in an article by an Israeli scholar who studies the Holocaust. A United Nations report detailed how US corporations are profiting from these crimes, although the Trump administration responded by imposing sanctions on the UN expert who exposed it, Francesca Albanese. Ben Norton explains. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb082pTy-Nw Topics 0:00 US media whitewashes Israel's crimes 0:43 NY Times admits: Israel is committing genocide 3:43 Evidence of genocidal intent 5:24 NYT's pro-Israel propaganda 6:26 NY Times spread Iraq "WMDs" lies 7:17 No longer possible to deny reality 8:01 Ex EU foreign policy chief admits truth 9:42 (CLIP) Josep Borrell "garden" & "jungle" rant 9:55 Fears of justice 10:39 Nakba: History of colonialism in Palestine 11:37 Ex Israeli PM warns of concentration camps 12:28 Israeli genocide impossible without US support 13:01 Trump & Biden give Israel billions in weapons 13:42 US military-industrial complex benefits 14:24 UN report: US corporations profit from Gaza genocide 15:06 Big Tech monopolies in "Magnificent 7" 15:33 Palantir profits 16:29 IBM profits from Holocaust 17:18 Trump admin sanctions UN expert 18:13 (CLIP) UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese 18:53 USA attacks UN human rights experts 20:22 Bush family & US corporations profited from Holocaust 21:09 Andrew Feinstein's powerful words 22:04 Fascism is colonialism turned inward 24:40 Imperialism: true face of Western "democracies" 25:43 Israel's genocidal intent was always clear 27:08 Don't erase history 28:01 Outro

   Command Sergeant Major Gabriel Wright shares his extraordinary journey from serving with the Army Rangers to becoming a senior respiratory therapist in military medicine. His transformation was profoundly influenced by the events of 9-11, leading to deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he faced the harsh realities of combat head-on. With passion and earnestness, CSM Wright reveals the demanding Ranger selection process and the specialized training that shaped his initial military career. He also imparts invaluable advice for enlisted soldiers eager to pivot into medical careers, stressing the pivotal role mentorship plays in their professional development.   Listeners will gain an intimate look into the life of a respiratory therapist in combat zones as CSM Wright recounts his deployment with the 31st Combat Support Hospital at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan. The challenges were immense, from managing polytrauma and blast injuries to setting up a hospital with scant resources. Yet, through teamwork and adaptability, CSM Wright demonstrates how the critical task of managing airways and ensuring patient stabilization was successfully accomplished. His stories of resilience and education underscore the formidable training and coordination necessary for effective patient care and evacuation in such environments.    The episode further explores the collaborative spirit of military medicine through CSM Wright's 2015 deployment to Iraq. Here, the focus is on teamwork across various military branches and international partners, all working together to achieve a common life-saving goal. CSM Wright shares his insights on the evolving landscape of medical logistics, emphasizing the importance of interoperability and the Global Combat Support System-Army. Through discussions on leadership and mentorship, he reflects on the empowering effects of guiding soldiers and fostering an environment of trust. The profound impact of leadership on both personal and professional landscapes is woven throughout his narrative, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of a military career marked by dedication and transformation.   Chapters: (00:04) Military Medicine Journey and Mentorship (11:33) Combat Hospital Respiratory Therapist Duties (22:59) Military Medical Collaboration and Mission Success (34:56) Medical Logistics and Career Development (44:44) Leadership and Mentorship in Military Medicine   Chapter Summaries: (00:04) Military Medicine Journey and Mentorship   CSM Gabriel Wright's journey from the Ranger Regiment to Army Respiratory Therapist, deployment experiences, and advice for enlisted soldiers pursuing medical careers.   (11:33) Combat Hospital Respiratory Therapist Duties CSM Gabriel Wright's RT experiences in a military setting, managing airways and stabilizing patients with limited resources.   (22:59) Military Medical Collaboration and Mission Success CSM Gabriel Wright's RT skills play a critical role in managing airways during a 2015 deployment to Iraq with the 10th CSH, while first sergeants must rapidly assemble surgical teams for deployment to Egypt.   (34:56) Medical Logistics and Career Development   Army's medical logistics transition to GCSS-Army for efficient management, interoperability, career pathways, and mentorship for enlisted soldiers.   (44:44) Leadership and Mentorship in Military Medicine    Leadership and mentorship in the military, empowering soldiers, cross-training, and personal impact and fulfillment.     Take Home Messages: Transitioning Careers in the Military: The episode highlights the potential for military personnel to pivot into different career paths within the military, such as transitioning from combat roles to medical professions. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship and guidance in facilitating these transitions, offering insights and advice for those interested in pursuing medical careers. Resilience and Adaptability in Combat Medicine: The discussion underscores the critical role of respiratory therapists in combat zones, dealing with severe injuries like polytrauma and blast injuries. It highlights the immense challenges faced, such as setting up medical facilities with limited resources, and the importance of teamwork and adaptability in ensuring effective patient care and stabilization. Collaboration Across Military and International Teams: The episode explores the collaborative spirit necessary for successful military medical operations, detailing how various military branches and international partners work together towards life-saving goals. The importance of understanding different cultures, missions, and communication styles is emphasized to achieve mission success Evolving Medical Logistics and Interoperability: A key takeaway is the evolving landscape of military medical logistics, with a focus on transitioning to more efficient systems like the Global Combat Support System-Army. The importance of interoperability among coalition partners and military services is highlighted to maintain a ready and effective medical force. Impact of Leadership and Mentorship: The episode delves into the profound impact of leadership and mentorship within military medicine. It emphasizes how empowering soldiers, fostering an environment of trust, and providing clear guidance can lead to successful outcomes. The personal and professional growth derived from effective leadership is a central theme throughout the narrative.   Episode Keywords: Military medicine, Army Rangers, Combat medic, Gabriel Wright, Resilience, Leadership, Mentorship, Battlefield care, Combat support hospital, Afghanistan deployment, Iraq deployment, Respiratory therapist, Military logistics, Interoperability, Teamwork, Medical career advice, Patient stabilization, Airway management, Global Combat Support System-Army, War Docs podcast, Military healthcare journey    Hashtags: #MilitaryMedicine #ArmyRanger #CombatMedic #ResilienceInBattle #LeadershipInHealthcare #BattlefieldMentorship #CombatSupport #RespiratoryTherapy #TeamworkInCombat #WarDocsPodcast    HOW TO WATCH Check out the full episode featuring CSM Wright on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/NL5rxJFtcM8   Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.   Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm   WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.     Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast      

As a West Point graduate who had completed his required service, Tom Deierlein was well into a successful career in digital advertising when he was called up once again to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. There, while working to help struggling Iraqi families meet their basic needs, a sniper's bullet would change his life's trajectory.  In this Blue Sky conversation, Tom shares his remarkable life story, on that is marked by inspiring grit, resilience, service, and optimism.   Chapters: 02:11 Tom Deierlein's Background  Tom Deierlein shares insights about his upbringing as the eighth of nine children and his early influences that led him to West Point. He reflects on the values instilled by his parents and his initial motivations for joining the military.  05:24 Military Service and Leadership Development  Tom discusses his military training and the leadership development he experienced during his service, emphasizing the structured professional growth within the Army. He explains his transition from active duty to civilian life and the decisions that led him to the reserves.  08:45 Return to Service and Civil Affairs After a 12-year hiatus, Tom is called back to active duty and deployed to Iraq, where he serves in civil affairs.   12:31 Humanitarian Efforts in Iraq  Tom recounts his experiences providing aid to local children and families in Iraq, driven by the dire conditions he witnessed. He shares how he mobilized support from friends and colleagues back home to send supplies and assistance.  16:47 Life-Changing Injury  Tom shares the harrowing details of being shot by a sniper in Iraq, describing the severity of his injuries and the immediate medical response he received. He highlights the critical moments that followed and his journey to recovery.  22:41 The Birth of the TD Foundation  While recovering at Walter Reed, Tom's friends and supporters continue to fundraise for his humanitarian efforts, leading to the establishment of the TD Foundation. He explains the foundation's mission to support children of wounded warriors and families in crisis.  25:51 Resilience and Recovery  Tom reflects on his emotional journey during recovery, including moments of doubt and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. He discusses the role he played in supporting other wounded veterans and the lessons learned from his experiences.  30:06 The Growth of the TD Foundation  Tom Deierlein shares the evolution of the TD Foundation, highlighting its mission to support families of wounded warriors and fallen heroes.   36:09 Navigating Challenges with Gratitude  In this chapter, Tom reflects on the importance of gratitude in overcoming life's challenges, drawing inspiration from his personal journey. He emphasizes how the TD Foundation's quick response to urgent needs helps families regain hope.  37:15 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Thundercat Technology  Transitioning to his entrepreneurial journey, Tom introduces Thundercat Technology, a company he founded that focuses on data center technology and government contracts. He discusses the company's growth and its mission to enhance national security.  41:40 The Role of Optimism and Grit in Business Tom elaborates on the significance of optimism and grit in entrepreneurship, sharing his pragmatic approach to goal-setting and resilience. He explains how these qualities have shaped his leadership style and the culture at Thundercat.  49:02 A Journey of Growth and Inspiration  Wrapping up the conversation, Tom reflects on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite life's inevitable challenges. He encourages listeners to embrace optimism and resilience as essential tools for personal and professional growth. 

Contested City: Citizen Advocacy and Survival in Modern Baghdad (Stanford UP, 2025) offers a history of state-society relations in Baghdad, exploring how city residents managed through periods of economic growth, sanctions, and war, from the oil boom of the 1950s through the withdrawal of US troops in 2011. Interactions between citizens and their rulers shaped the social fabric and political realities of the city. Notably, low-ranking Ba'th party officials functioned as crucial intermediaries, deciding how regime policies would be applied. Charting the social, economic, and political transformations of Iraq's capital city, Alissa Walter examines how national policies translated into action at the local, everyday level. With this book, Walter reveals how authoritarian governance worked in practice. She follows shifts in mid-century housing and urban development, the impact of the Iran–Iraq and Gulf Wars on city life, and the manipulation of food rations and growth of black markets. Reading citizen petitions to the government, Walter illuminates citizens' self-advocacy and the important role of low-ranking party officials and state bureaucrats embedded within neighborhoods. The US occupation and ensuing sectarian fighting upended Baghdad's neighborhoods through violent displacement and the collapse of basic state services. This power vacuum paved the way for new power brokers, including militias and neighborhood councils, to compete for influence on the local level. Alissa Walter is Associate Professor of History at Seattle Pacific University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Body Count: The War on Terror and Civilian Deaths in Iraq (Bristol University Press, 2021), Lily Hamourtziadou's investigation into civilian victims during the conflicts that followed the US-led coalition's 2003 invasion of Iraq provides important new perspectives on the human cost of the War on Terror. From early fighting to the withdrawal and return of coalition troops, the Arab Spring and the rise of ISIS, the book explores the scale and causes of deaths and places them in the contexts of power struggles, US foreign policy and radicalisation. Casting fresh light on not just the conflict but international geopolitics and the history of Iraq, it constructs a unique and insightful human security approach to war. Lily Hamourtziadou is Senior Lecturer in Criminology with Security Studies and Deputy Course Director at Birmingham City University, and Principal Researcher of Iraq Body Count, which maintains the largest public database of violent civilian deaths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Kristian Aleixo is the Owner of Indiana Valor   Listen to Circle City Success Podcast episode 212, where you'll hear Kristian tell us about...   ● The diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes while in Iraq ended his dreams of becoming a helicopter pilot in the US Army changing his career trajectory ● His journey and time spent as a professional race car driver in autocross that led him to California, giving him access to the first race track opportunity including living in his car on the race track  ● Why he decided to bring a women's professional football team to Indiana, the process to recruit and train women in a newly defined sport in the state, the results of the first combine, and what you can expect from Indiana Valor football and the WFA Circle City Success Podcast Partners & Sponsors  

Contested City: Citizen Advocacy and Survival in Modern Baghdad (Stanford UP, 2025) offers a history of state-society relations in Baghdad, exploring how city residents managed through periods of economic growth, sanctions, and war, from the oil boom of the 1950s through the withdrawal of US troops in 2011. Interactions between citizens and their rulers shaped the social fabric and political realities of the city. Notably, low-ranking Ba'th party officials functioned as crucial intermediaries, deciding how regime policies would be applied. Charting the social, economic, and political transformations of Iraq's capital city, Alissa Walter examines how national policies translated into action at the local, everyday level. With this book, Walter reveals how authoritarian governance worked in practice. She follows shifts in mid-century housing and urban development, the impact of the Iran–Iraq and Gulf Wars on city life, and the manipulation of food rations and growth of black markets. Reading citizen petitions to the government, Walter illuminates citizens' self-advocacy and the important role of low-ranking party officials and state bureaucrats embedded within neighborhoods. The US occupation and ensuing sectarian fighting upended Baghdad's neighborhoods through violent displacement and the collapse of basic state services. This power vacuum paved the way for new power brokers, including militias and neighborhood councils, to compete for influence on the local level. Alissa Walter is Associate Professor of History at Seattle Pacific University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Body Count: The War on Terror and Civilian Deaths in Iraq (Bristol University Press, 2021), Lily Hamourtziadou's investigation into civilian victims during the conflicts that followed the US-led coalition's 2003 invasion of Iraq provides important new perspectives on the human cost of the War on Terror. From early fighting to the withdrawal and return of coalition troops, the Arab Spring and the rise of ISIS, the book explores the scale and causes of deaths and places them in the contexts of power struggles, US foreign policy and radicalisation. Casting fresh light on not just the conflict but international geopolitics and the history of Iraq, it constructs a unique and insightful human security approach to war. Lily Hamourtziadou is Senior Lecturer in Criminology with Security Studies and Deputy Course Director at Birmingham City University, and Principal Researcher of Iraq Body Count, which maintains the largest public database of violent civilian deaths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

In this episode, Jacob Winograd digs into one of the most uncomfortable questions Christians and libertarians can ask: What if America isn't the hero of the story? Tracing U.S. foreign policy from the Spanish-American War through 9/11 and into the present day, Jacob explores how the language of liberty, democracy, and even Christianity has been weaponized to justify empire. He unpacks how wars sold as moral crusades—from Iraq and Afghanistan to support for Israel and NATO expansion—have led to blowback, destabilization, and immense civilian suffering.But this isn't about hating America or denying its best ideals. Jacob argues that we can still appreciate the beauty of the American experiment—its suspicion of power, its protections of free speech and conscience—while being honest about the sins committed in its name. For Christians, that means refusing to let patriotism become idolatry. Our first allegiance is to Christ's kingdom, not the flag. True patriotism tells the truth, seeks repentance where needed, and distinguishes what reflects Christ from what reflects Caesar.Full Episode Notes at BiblicalAnarchyPodcast.comThe Biblical Anarchy Podcast is part of the Christians For Liberty Network, a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute.Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Body Count: The War on Terror and Civilian Deaths in Iraq (Bristol University Press, 2021), Lily Hamourtziadou's investigation into civilian victims during the conflicts that followed the US-led coalition's 2003 invasion of Iraq provides important new perspectives on the human cost of the War on Terror. From early fighting to the withdrawal and return of coalition troops, the Arab Spring and the rise of ISIS, the book explores the scale and causes of deaths and places them in the contexts of power struggles, US foreign policy and radicalisation. Casting fresh light on not just the conflict but international geopolitics and the history of Iraq, it constructs a unique and insightful human security approach to war. Lily Hamourtziadou is Senior Lecturer in Criminology with Security Studies and Deputy Course Director at Birmingham City University, and Principal Researcher of Iraq Body Count, which maintains the largest public database of violent civilian deaths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

This week we spoke with the International Spy Museum's Executive Director, Colonel Chris Costa. His decades-long career in the intelligence community spanned multiple continents, running sensitive operations in Panama, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where he earned two Bronze stars for his human intelligence contributions. Later, Costa advised Navy Seals as a civilian and eventually assumed the role of Executive Director here at the International Spy Museum. In this interview, we zeroed in on 2017 when he was detailed to the White House as the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism. Looking for more thoughtful analysis of contemporary intelligence issues? Check out our program Spy Chat – Each month, Chris sits down with a special guest for a live online discussion of the latest intelligence, national security, and terrorism issues in the news. Check our program calendar to register!  If you liked this episode, check out these links: Spy Chat with Chris Costa | Special Guest: Tal Sullivan An Evening with H.R. McMaster Operación Jaque - The Daring Rescue Mission That Freed 15 Hostages Prefer to watch your podcasts? Find us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@IntlSpyMuseum/podcasts.  Subscribe to Sasha's Substack, HUMINT, to get more intelligence stories: https://sashaingber.substack.com/  And if you have feedback or want to hear about a particular topic, you can reach us by E-mail at SpyCast@Spymuseum.org.  This show is brought to you from Goat Rodeo, Airwave, and the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Bellavia earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 10, 2004, during Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq—one of the most intense urban battles in U.S. military history. In this re-release of The Afterburn Podcast, Bellavia shares raw, unfiltered reflections on leadership in combat, the trauma of modern warfare, and the deep bonds of brotherhood forged in battle.David's book - Remember the Ramrods: https://amzn.to/453Rgj9 

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 fake news/[DS] trying to push the flooding as climate related. Lee Zeldin is going to release the climate modification program information. Trump places tariffs on more countries and adds addition 35% to Canada. The US has a surplus of billion, first time since 2005. Trump is pushing Powell to resign. The [DS] is in a panic. Trump and team lit a fire to flush out the enemy. The [DS] went along with the narrative and tried to push it further by pushing division. Trump can now see the board very clearly. The [DS] is afraid and its going to get worse. Trump is now shifting the Ukraine war to NATO and NATO is now paying for the weapons. Putin is assisting with the nuke deals with Iran. Trump and team are getting ready to unleash an investigation into the [DS], but first needed to prepare for it by flushing out the enemy.   Economy https://twitter.com/ChrisMartzWX/status/1943401373573234785  flood every year, assuming stationarity. Some years, there will be higher numbers, while in others, there will be fewer. So, yes, there can in fact be several “1-in-1,000-year” floods in the U.S. each year, and it doesn't tell us anything useful about long-term trends. That statistic does not apply to the entire nation uniformly. https://twitter.com/charliekirk11/status/1943353867833373054 https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1943743869989843326 (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");  President Trump Announces 35 Percent Baseline Tariff for Canadian Goods Not Covered Under USMCA President Donald Trump has announced a 35% baseline tariff rate for Canada on all imported goods not currently covered under the soon-to-expire USMCA trade agreement. “Instead of working with the United States, Canada retaliated with its own Tariffs,” President Trump shared on Truth Social. “Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Canada a Tariff of 35% on Canadian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs.” [LINK]   During the oval office meeting President Trump said, “as you know [USMCA] terminates fairly shortly. It gets renegotiated fairly shortly.” Then the biggest statement, “this was a transitional deal, and we'll see what happens, we're going to start renegotiating that”… “I don't know if it serves a purpose anymore.”  …. “And the biggest purpose it served was, we got rid of NAFTA.”  President Trump is going to exit the trilateral USMCA in favor of two distinctly different bilateral trade agreements between the U.S and Mexico; and the U.S and Canada.  The only consideration now is the timing.  President Trump is 100% focused on the BIG ECONOMIC PICTURE; it's not about the politics, it's all about the economics.   Source: theconservativetreehouse.com Trump Advises Countries to Make a Deal as Tariff Deadline Looms: ‘Keep Working; It's All Going to Work Out' The tariffs on various countries announced this week include: Algeria: 30 percent tariff Bangladesh: 35 percent tariff Bosnia and Herzegovin: 30 percent tariff Brazil: 50 percent tariff Brunei: 25 percent tariff Cambodia: 36 percent tariff Canada: 35 percent tariff Indonesia: 32 percent tariff Iraq: 30 percent tariff