Podcasts about Indian Ocean

Nicolle Wallace on the United States using a submarine-launched torpedo to sink an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka -- the first time an American submarine has been used to fire a torpedo against an enemy ship in combat since World War II. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh   For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, 150 Iranians were believed to have been killed. ‘It thought it was safe in international waters,” Pete Hegseth the US's self styled Secretary of War proclaimed. “Instead it was sunk by a torpedo, a quiet death.”More than a thousand civilians have been killed since the US and Israel launched their offensive. This is a campaign they are advancing ‘without mercy' Hegseth said.On Free State today we look at what the US, Israel and Donald Trump want. Are their aims of total control in the Middle East achievable? Or will the ambitions of the US and their allies spiral out of control as they have before but not before there is endless human misery? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Pentagon has released footage of a US submarine firing on an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean and sinking it. Earlier, the Sri Lankan Navy picked up a distress call from the IRIS Dena. Sri Lankan police and defence officials say 87 bodies have been recovered from the water, and 67 sailors are still missing. Also: Iran carries out missile and drone attacks on several countries as Israel and the US continue to strike targets in Iran; we report from eastern Turkey where some Iranians have been crossing the border; and could Kurdish forces lead an insurgency to help topple the government in Tehran?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

P.M. Edition for Mar. 4. The geography of the U.S.-Iran conflict is expanding: the U.S. shot down an Iranian missile fired at Turkey, and also sank an Iranian ship in the Indian Ocean. Plus, oil prices stabilized today but are still up about 15% this week. We hear from WSJ reporter Benoît Morenne about why American frackers aren't taking this as their cue to increase supply. And a record number of Americans are tapping into their 401(k)s to pay for emergencies. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed that the U.S. has complete control of Iranian airspace, the Iranian Navy is at the bottom of the ocean and the Iranian Air Force has been decimated. For the first time since WWII, a U.S. submarine torpedoed and sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. General Dan "Raizin' Caine took his time at the podium to honor 4 of the fallen 6 American heroes who lost their lives serving their country. Former SECNAV Kenneth Braithwaite gives us an inside perspective of Operation Epic Fury and why this was such a crucial accomplishment of President Trump. Iran was the United States' greatest threat, if they were able to secure a nuclear bomb they would of handed it to proxies outside of any jurisdiction and wreak havoc on American cities. Now that China has lost two of its greatest allies, the next big showdown will be the world's superpowers in the Arctic. Featuring: Kenneth Braithwaite 77th Secretary of the Navy Today's show is sponsored by: Patriot Mobile - PatriotMobile.com/SPICER for 1 free month Take a stand for faith, family, and freedom—switch to Patriot Mobile. Patriot Mobile provides PREMIUM service on all three major U.S. networks.  Patriot Mobile has the same or even better coverage, backed by 100% U.S.-based customer support. Get unlimited data plans, mobile hotspots, international roaming, and more with Patriot Mobile. Take a stand as a PATRIOT by going to ⁠https://PatriotMobile.com/SPICER⁠ or call 972-PATRIOT for a FREE month! Boll & Branch - bollandbranch.com/SPICER for 15% OFF and FREE SHIPPING The key to wellness starts with a good night's sleep. Making your night's sleep better starts with quality sheets. Boll & Branch sheets start unbelievably soft and get softer over time. Boll & Branch sheets are made with the finest 100% organic cotton in a soft, breathable, durable weave. If you're looking for sheets that last, feel amazing, and help you sleep better, Boll & Branch is where it's at. Feel the difference an extraordinary night's sleep can make with Boll & Branch. Just head to https://www.bollandbranch.com/SPICER for 15% OFF and FREE SHIPPING. ------------------------------------------------------------- 1️⃣ Subscribe and ring the bell for new videos: https://youtube.com/seanmspicer?sub_confirmation=1 2️⃣ Become a part of The Sean Spicer Show community: https://www.seanspicer.com/ 3️⃣ Listen to the full audio show on all platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sean-spicer-show/id1701280578 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32od2cKHBAjhMBd9XntcUd iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-sean-spicer-show-120471641/ 4️⃣ Stay in touch with Sean on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanmspicer Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicer Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanmspicer/ 5️⃣ Follow The Sean Spicer Show on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanspicershow Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicershow Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanspicershow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Wednesday confirmed that a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean with a torpedo, noting it was the first time a U.S. submarine sank an enemy vessel by torpedo since World War II. Hegseth vowed continued and intensifying military pressure on Iran, declaring that the campaign was “not a fair fight” and promising sustained operations in the days ahead.Turkey said that NATO air defenses destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile headed into Turkish airspace on Wednesday, marking the first time the alliance member has been drawn into the Middle East conflict and raising the possibility of a major expansion involving bloc allies.

AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports a U.S. submarine has sunk an Iranian warship of the coast of Sri Lanka - Colombo says it has recovered over 80 bodies and rescued dozens of people.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in international waters. Sri Lankan officials said the Iranian frigate was attacked in the Indian Ocean off the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

Fresh strikes by the US and Israel have begun in Iran tonight. Earlier in the day US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also confirmed an American submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile the US Senate failes in a bid to pass curbs on President Trump's war powers.We hear how the war is unfolding on the ground in Iran, and how the country's remaining leadership is responding. We also speak to a MAGA supporter who says Trump has abandoned his non-interventionist stance, and a US Republican Congressman who defends the military action.Also on the programme: how pregnancy changes a woman's brain, and the dog breeds that some owners fear could be phased out under new guidelines.

The US has torpedoed an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, killing dozens; Hundreds of Australians from the UAE arrive home on special flights; and in sport, Iranian players emotional, ahead of tonight's Women's Asian Cup game against the Matildas.

0:11 - 'Capital Conversations' with Melissa Caouette and Colin Aitchison. 9:55 - Attacks continue across the Middle East. 25:52 - US submarine torpedoed Iranian warship in Indian Ocean, Pentagon says. 28:47 -The NHL commissioner Gary Bettman confirms Calgary-Edmonton World Cup bid. 40:33- NASA has announced a big shake-up of the Artemis Moon program. 51:43 - We take your calls on the Artemis Moon program. 58:42 - Karl Bushby - the man who walked around the planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There have been emotional scenes at Sydney Airport after the first flight from the Middle East to Australia arrived safely late last night.Thousands of Australians remain stranded in the region. A second commercial flight is expected to leave Abu Dhabi later today.The federal government's also sending crisis teams to the region to help the thousands of Australians.Countries around the world are chartering repatriation flights from the Middle East, in an enormous logistical exercise that's likely to take days.There have been other developments relating to the conflict...Sri Lankan officials say at least 87 people have been killed after the United States torpedoed an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean.The latest figures show about 200 international oil tankers are stuck after traffic through the Strait of Hormuz ground to a halt, as owners wait to see if it's safe to cross through.The Australian treasurer's warning of big economic consequences impacting oil and gas prices as well as inflation.In other news, the alleged attempted bombing of an Invasion Day rally in Perth has sparked a federal parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Indigenous people.Police allege Liam Alexander Hall threw a homemade bomb into the crowd in Perth's CBD on January the 26th.The Labor-dominated committee is expected to explore the role of social media, and discuss ways to combat racism.Parts of North Queensland are on cyclone watch.The weather bureau says there's a moderate chance of a tropical low developing into a cyclone before making landfall between Cairns and Innisfail tomorrow.Heavy rain's forecast and winds are expected to pick up tomorrow.Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn will today learn if he'll be bailed as he awaits a retrial for the murder of Carol Clay in a remote campsite in Victoria's High Country.Mr Lynn's conviction for the murder of Ms Clay was overturned last year.Last week, Mr Lynn's defence team argued "exceptional circumstances" of the case meant their client should be released on bail to live with his son.

War in the Middle East is dominating headlines again this morning.There have been cheers and tears of relief at Sydney airport last night, as the first passengers to escape the conflict zone touched down on home soil on a commercial flight from Dubai.The first of six Federal Government crisis teams are on their way to the Middle East to assist thousands of stranded Australians.The government won't say where the teams are travelling due to security concerns.The Trump Administration says the Iranian regime is 'toast' and the secretary of war has also been talking up the torpedoing of an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, killing a large number of sailors on board.Israel's demanding the total evacuation of southern Lebanon as it expands strikes against Hezbollah which initially fired rockets at Israel in solidarity with Iran.NATO's shot down an Iranian ballistic missile which entered Turkish airspace, marking the first time a member of the alliance has been drawn into the conflict.Heavy rain is set to drench communities across parts of North Queensland, as a potential cyclone looms over the Coral Sea.The system's currently hundreds of kilometres east north east of Cairns.The weather bureau says there's a moderate chance it'll strengthen into a cyclone, before making landfall tomorrow.Forecasters are warning of severe impacts such as strong winds and flash flooding.

Today, President Trump has publicly criticised Keir Starmer saying “This is not Winston Churchill we're dealing with”.The comments came during a press conference at the White House alongside the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. President Trump said he was “not happy with the UK” because of the initial refusal from London to let Washington use the British base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean during its first strikes on Iran.It comes as the UK government has announced it is sending “helicopters with counter drone capabilities” and a warship to the region, after attacks on it's base in Cyprus. Financial markets have also reacted to the uncertainty with oil and gas prices rising, and share prices down. Adam and Chris are joined by Jane Corbin, Panorama Film Maker and Dharshini David Deputy Economics Editor. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can take part in the Newscast census here - https://bbc.in/newscastcensusYou can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi and Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

As the Gulf airlines - Etihad, Emirates and Qatar - reel from Iranian attacks across the Persian Gulf, travellers and expats are stranded and looking for answers. Today - what’s causing the uncertainty, and the scenarios that could see the chaos stretch for months or years. Follow our live blog here. Read more on this developing story: Gulf states in race against time to repel Iran’s counterattack Sydney mayor backs Shi’ite memorial for ‘martyred’ Ayatollah Khamenei, lashes Chris Minns The case for cautious optimism in Trump’s war against Iran How will the war in Iran end? The scenarios explained Dubai travel warnings: What to do if your flight is cancelled or you’re strandedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump says the US navy will, if necessary, escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.Iran has blocked the narrow strip between the Gulf and the Indian Ocean, through which about a fifth of global oil and gas is transported.Gas and oil prices have surged and world stock markets are tumbling as concerns grow about how long the conflict with Iran will last.Shadow foreign minister Ted O'Brien has accused the government of not doing enough to warn Australians about the dangers of travelling to the Middle East before the outbreak of the conflict.The government began offering voluntary departures to the families of Australian diplomats and officials in the region last Wednesday, before the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.Mr O'Brien says it took the government another three days before it issued 'do no travel' advice for a number of the impacted countries.The government says a flight is scheduled to depart from Dubai to Sydney this morning, but will depend on airspace remaining safe.New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has expressed sadness at the break-up of veteran Australian broadcasting duo Kyle and Jackie O, on whose show he's been a regular guest.Jackie Henderson quit as co host of the Kyle and Jackie O show after an on-air argument last month, ending her 100 million dollar contractThe pair have drawn regular controversy across their 25-year partnership and was found to have breached radio codes of practice a dozen times just in the last year.

In this episode of The Winston Marshall Show, I sit down with journalist and former government adviser Ben Judah to dissect the Chagos Islands deal, Diego Garcia, and the geopolitical battle shaping Britain's future.We examine why the UK agreed to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, the role of the International Court of Justice, and how UN decolonisation rulings placed mounting legal and diplomatic pressure on Britain. Judah explains the strategic importance of Diego Garcia, the sensitive US military capabilities based there, and why American officials quietly pushed London towards a settlement.The conversation explores China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean, the risk of Mauritius pivoting towards Beijing, and why British officials feared losing access to critical US military infrastructure. We debate sovereignty, international law, national security, and whether Britain was defending its interests or surrendering territory under diplomatic pressure.We also discuss the future of Britain's Overseas Territories, proposals to integrate them more fully into the United Kingdom, and whether the Chagos deal reflects strategic realism or managed decline.A serious and wide-ranging conversation about geopolitics, American power, China's rise, and whether Britain still knows how to protect its global position.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To see more exclusive content and interviews consider subscribing to my substack here: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Substack: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/X: https://twitter.com/mrwinmarshallInsta: https://www.instagram.com/winstonmarshallLinktree: https://linktr.ee/winstonmarshall----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:20 The Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia06:32 The Secret US–UK Deal and “Super Capacities”09:35 UN Rulings, ICJ Pressure & China's Role12:09 Why Washington Forced Britain's Hand14:47 Legal vs Military Defence: The China Risk18:52 Could Mauritius Win a Binding Judgment?21:17 Why the Americans Might Move the Base23:10 The Real Prize: UK Access to US Capabilities28:54 “Everything Changes So Nothing Changes” – Inside the Deal30:00 Can Mauritius Invite China In?32:31 Why Rubio, Vance & the Pentagon Backed It35:29 Trump's Flip-Flop and the Iran Question40:31 What If Mauritius Breaks the Agreement?42:31 Why Britain Is Paying 0.2% of Its Defence Budget44:33 This Isn't About Land — It's About Power45:30 Legal, Diplomatic & Hard Power Layers of Defence51:52 Overseas Territories: From Colonies to “Overseas Kingdoms” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

00:00 IntroChina Targets Dissidents Globally With ChatGPTFormer US Treasury Secretary to Resign From HarvardEx-Air Force Pilot Arrested for Training Chinese MilitaryHow Should the US Deal With Aiding China's Military?Rubio: US, China Reached “Strategic Stability”China's Military Purge Puts Taiwan Invasion in QuestionHong Kong Tycoon Jimmy Lai Wins Fraud Conviction AppealGoogle Disrupts China-Linked HackersGermany's Merz in Beijing, Hails China RelationsThird Round of US-Iran Talks Conclude in GenevaNorth Korea Vows More Nuclear WeaponsUS Seizes 3rd Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean

In this Conflicted Conversation, Thomas speaks to former BBC journalist Martin Plaut about his new book Unbroken Chains: A 5,000-Year History of African Enslavement, which tells the whole story of African slavery, a story far older and more global than the one that focuses only on the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Martin explains: How Africa's slavery story begins in the Nile Valley around 2900 BC Why the trans-Saharan slave routes remain less examined than Atlantic slavery What Islam did — and didn't — change about slavery in practice Indian Ocean slavery Oman's slave market in Zanzibar and its caravans that penetrated deep into central Africa Indigenous African slavery in Ethiopia and the Sokoto Caliphate The role of racial hierarchies and ‘slave blood' stigma within societies Barbary corsairs and European so-called ‘white slavery' Contemporary chattel slavery in Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Sudan, and Libya Why major institutions still prefer commemorating slavery in the past to confronting it in the present Follow Martin on X: https://x.com/martinplaut And his personal website: https://martinplaut.com/ Join the Conflicted Community here: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm Find Conflicted on X: https://x.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sdlF1mY5t4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. This episode was produced by Thomas Small and edited by Lizzy Andrews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

//The Wire//2000Z February 24, 2026////ROUTINE////BLUF: UNITED STATES CAPTURES LAST TANKER VESSEL THAT ESCAPED VENEZUELA. IDAHO VEHICLE RAMMING SUSPECT ARRESTED. WEATHER CONDITIONS POOR IN TEHRAN.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events-Indian Ocean: Overnight, the United States seized another tanker vessel, interdicting the last remaining vessel that had fled Venezuela in the wake of the Maduro regime's collapse. The M/T *BERTHA* was captured in the Indian Ocean this morning, after running the American blockade weeks ago.Mexico: Over the past 24 hours, most of the violence around the country has taken the form of arson attacks on convenience stores scattered around the nation, and subsequently looting has been reported at the burned-out stores and commercial venues which have been targeted by cartel militants. Sporadic cartel roadblocks continue to be emplaced on major roadways randomly, which mostly take the form of burning vehicles being used to block the roadway. Most of these roadblocks are resolved in a few hours, and are not usually manned by cartel members.Analyst Comment: Otherwise, Government forces have been able to secure the airports, and the US Embassy reported this afternoon that flights have resumed for anyone who so desires to depart. Most of the conflict throughout the past 24 hours has focused on CJNG forces conducting ambush-style attacks on federal forces, rather than overtly controlling terrain.-HomeFront-Washington D.C. - This afternoon President Trump is scheduled to give the State of the Union Address before Congress. The speech is scheduled for 9:00pm Eastern time.Analyst Comment: For those speculating that the war with Iran will be announced during this address, it will be a little late in the day for that. By the time the speech is scheduled to start, the sun will be about to rise in the Middle East, so it will probably be too late timing-wise if the cover of darkness is necessary for whatever is planned.Idaho: The suspect in the St. Luke's vehicle ramming attack has been identified and was arrested last night. Sarah Elizabeth George, a resident of Boise, has been charged with stealing the ambulance, conducting the ramming attack into the Portico Building, and the subsequent attempted arson.Analyst Comment: As one might expect, the suspect's digital profile indicates that the attack was conducted for ideological reasons, which meets the definition of being classified as terrorism. It is unclear as to if terrorism charges will be filed, but the suspect's social media accounts contain the usual indicators of mental instability and open calls for violence. The suspect was identified after leaving the credit card receipt for the gas cans that were to be used in the attack, at the scene of the crime.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Weather in Tehran is not great, with cloud cover rolling in this afternoon. METeorological Aerodrome Reports (METARs) for points around Tehran indicate an overcast sky at 10,000ft remained in place for much of the day, with a scattered layer situated at 4,000ft. The Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) for Imam Khomeini International Airport calls for suboptimal weather conditions (cloud cover and rain) until at least tomorrow night.Weather conditions are constantly changing, however very tentatively, cloud cover is forecasted to be murky at best over the next few days. Lunar illumination peaks this weekend, with the window of 80% illum taking place from roughly February 27th, to March 6th. Meanwhile, cargo flights continue unabated, as more resources constantly flow into the Middle East.Analyst: S2A1Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2undergroundDisclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report.//END REPORT//

In this episode host Iain Ballantyne talks to guest Steve Kershaw, a former Royal Navy submarine officer, about his amazing career under the sea and his work today helping to bring about the UK'S ‘Hybrid Navy' transformation.Iain kicks off by asking Steve to explain what led him to choose a naval career in the mid-1980s and why it was the engineering side of the Senior Service that appealed most.After talking about his time undergoing Initial Sea Training and being ‘streamed' to the Submarine Service as an engineer, Steve relates how for a short period he returned to the Surface Fleet. He spent time in HMS London, including a foray to Berlin as the infamous Wall dividing East and West came down in late 1989.Steve served in several Royal Navy nuclear-powered hunter killer submarines (SSNs) of the Trafalgar Class, including during the 1991 Gulf War. That boat spent 13 weeks dived in the Mediterranean watching Libya to ensure it did not come into the conflict on the side of Saddam Hussein.Steve also went to sea in the Upholder Class diesel-electric submarine HMS Unicorn for a marathon voyage from the UK to the Indian Ocean and Gulf and back. He reveals to Iain how he found the ‘dirty boat' world aboard Unicorn to be somewhat different to the nukes.While away the UK Government decided to take the four (fairly new) Upholders out of commission, which was a blow. Steve reveals the impact that had on Unicorn's crew. A deployment involving Steve, which hit the headlines for the wrong reasons was that of HMS Tireless as part of Naval Task Group 2000, and which saw a circumnavigation of the world cancelled. The SSN was ‘trapped' in Gibraltar for a year due to serious technical problems and Steve returned home rather than going around the world.Among other things Iain and Steve discuss is his time with Naval Sea Trials Party 30 (NSTP 30) and its work to ensure RN submarine sensors remained on the cutting edge during a continuing contest under the sea.Steve and Iain also discuss how the ‘Hybrid Navy' aims to provide a solution to giving the British fleet of today and tomorrow more mass and presence at sea as part of the new Atlantic Bastion concept.*For more on navies and their activities worldwide, get the magazine! Web site http://bit.ly/wifrmag Also, follow it on X @WarshipsIFR Facebook @WarshipsIFR and Warships IFR TV on YouTube @warshipsifrtv3668 • Steve Kershaw served 21 years in the UK submarine service and has spent the rest of his career consulting in Defence and Security. He has been at PwC for over 15 years and a partner for 11 of them. His primary role is to lead consulting teams working in the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). He is also PwC's Global Security and Defence Sector leader, helping individual territories and multi-national accounts such as NATO to develop and utilise the best that PwC has to offer. He specialises in improving military programmes and procurements and also enterprise-wide transformation.•Iain Ballantyne is the founding and current Editor of ‘Warships IFR' magazine (first published in 1998) along with its ‘Guide to the Royal Navy' (since 2003) and ‘Guide to the US Navy' (since 2018). Iain is also author of the books ‘Hunter Killers' (Orion) and ‘The Deadly Trade' (Weidenfeld & Nicolson), both about submarine warfare, plus ‘Arnhem: Ten Days in The Cauldron' and ‘Bismarck: 24 Hours to Doom' (both published by Canelo). In 2017 Iain was awarded a Fellowship by the British Maritime Foundation, which promotes awareness of the United Kingdom's dependence on the sea and seafarers. Visit his web site Bismarckbattle.com and follow him on X @IBallantyn

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Friday Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan reacts to President Trump's eyebrow-raising comments about classified information and aliens, then pivots to a far more earthly threat as new reporting reveals U.S. taxpayer dollars helped fund research collaborations with Chinese military-linked institutions. Bryan also breaks down fresh evidence that China secretly conducted a nuclear test, why Greenland's missile defense position is critical to America's survival, and why Trump has issued a 10-day warning to Iran as U.S. carrier groups surge into the Middle East. He explains the stakes surrounding Diego Garcia, rising tensions with Mauritius, and the seizure of another sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean. The episode turns to political shockwaves in the United Kingdom and Washington following new Jeffrey Epstein revelations, including the arrest of Prince Andrew and congressional demands for CIA transparency. Bryan then covers the rapid collapse of so-called transgender medicine programs across major U.S. hospitals and closes with new Harvard research showing that spiritual practice significantly reduces substance abuse risk.   "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: February 20 2026 Wright Report, Trump aliens classified comment Obama, China academic research Pentagon funding, China secret nuclear test decoupling Kazakhstan, Greenland missile defense China ICBM North Pole, Trump 10 day Iran ultimatum carrier strike group, Diego Garcia Chagos Islands Mauritius dispute, Veronica III oil tanker seizure Venezuela, Prince Andrew arrest Epstein email dump, CIA William Burns Epstein questions, NYU Langone transgender clinic closure, Munchausen by proxy discussion, Harvard spirituality addiction study     Keywords: February 17 2026 Wright Report, California oil gas crisis refinery shutdown Phillips 66 Valero, Jones Act Bahamas Panama Canal fuel route, Pacific war fuel risk Taiwan Xi Jinping, Gavin Newsom Munich Europe speech Trump, Marco Rubio Western civilization decline speech, California transgender secrecy law parental rights lawsuit, Linda McMahon education funding threat, OpenClaw AI agent attack Scott Shambaugh, Amanda Askell Anthropic philosopher Claude, AI Oracle morality debate Silicon Valley

Myanmar just held its latest round of so-called elections - but the military's proxy party won over 85% of seats after banning the country's most popular opposition party and imprisoning its leaders, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Voting couldn't even take place across large portions of the country because resistance forces control the territory. So why do these sham elections matter to the rest of the world?In this episode, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso sit down with retired three-time U.S. Ambassador and author Scot Marciel to unpack what these elections really mean, and why the stakes reach far beyond Southeast Asia.Myanmar has become the world's largest source of methamphetamines and a booming hub for cyber scam operations that bilk victims worldwide out of billions of dollars annually. China is simultaneously deepening its strategic footprint in the country, building ports and pipelines from its southern provinces to the Indian Ocean - a critical geopolitical waterway - while Chinese companies extract rare earth minerals from Myanmar's north that barely benefit the country's own people.Ambassador Marciel explains why the military held elections at all - not out of any democratic impulse, but to manufacture legitimacy and give countries like China, India, and Russia a convenient excuse to re-engage. He also breaks down why ASEAN, despite refusing to certify the results, remains largely paralyzed: constrained by its own consensus rules and non-interference norms, while watching China's influence expand with little competition.On the outlook, Marciel is candid: there is no magic bullet, no easy diplomatic compromise, and the most likely near-term scenario is more of the same - a grinding civil war fading into the background while a fatigued world looks away. But he closes with one reason for hope: the extraordinary, unbreakable resilience of the Myanmar people themselves.

Perfidious Albion This is Frank Gaffney with the Secure Freedom Minute. For over two centuries, Britain's treacherous diplomacy earned it the nickname of “Perfidious Albion.” Yesterday, President Trump subtly channeled that sentiment in a polite, but very firm, repudiation of Britain's latest act of diplomatic subterfuge – namely, its gambit effectively to give away its right, and ours, to use a strategically critical Indian Ocean base called Diego Garcia.  Worse yet, Prime Minister Kier Starmer's odious deal with the China-dominated nation of Mauritius would predictably result in our mortal enemy – the Chinese Communist Party taking over that vital asset.  Mr. Trump rightly told Starmer “DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA.” Given the Brit leader's utter perfidiousness – and that of the State Department, which blessed the deal on Tuesday – the President better explicitly rule out any surrender of the rest of the Chagos archiplego, as well.  This is Frank Gaffney.

From the beginning of the seventeenth century, French colonies and trading posts sprawled across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the first pan-imperial history of the early French Empire in the English language, Mélanie Lamotte shows how an increasingly cohesive legal culture came to govern the lives of enslaved and free people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent. She also illuminates the important role played by these populations in the development of the empire, from Louisiana to Guadeloupe, Senegambia, Madagascar, Isle Bourbon, and India. The early French Empire has often been portrayed as a fragmented conglomerate of isolated colonies or regions. Yet Lamotte shows that racial policies issued by the metropole, as well as by officials in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, significantly influenced one another. Rather than focusing on the actions of administrators, however, Lamotte also reveals the extensive influence of people on the ground—especially those of non-European descent. Through their sexuality and their labor, along with their socio-economic and political endeavors, they played a critical role in building the empire and setting its limits. As they sought justice for themselves, strove to protect their kin, and aimed to improve their social conditions, these individuals also pushed against the advancement of white dominion in unexpected ways. Archivally rich and rigorously documented, By Flesh and Toil: How Sex, Race, and Labor Shaped the Early French Empire (Harvard UP, 2026) illuminates the transoceanic connections that united the French colonial world—and recasts people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent as key actors in the story of empire-building. This interview is conducted by Dr Lewis Wade, a Humboldt Research Fellow at the University of Bamberg. He is the author of the prize-winning Privilege, Economy and State in Old Regime France and can be found on Bluesky @wadehistory.bsky.social. 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

From the beginning of the seventeenth century, French colonies and trading posts sprawled across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the first pan-imperial history of the early French Empire in the English language, Mélanie Lamotte shows how an increasingly cohesive legal culture came to govern the lives of enslaved and free people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent. She also illuminates the important role played by these populations in the development of the empire, from Louisiana to Guadeloupe, Senegambia, Madagascar, Isle Bourbon, and India. The early French Empire has often been portrayed as a fragmented conglomerate of isolated colonies or regions. Yet Lamotte shows that racial policies issued by the metropole, as well as by officials in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, significantly influenced one another. Rather than focusing on the actions of administrators, however, Lamotte also reveals the extensive influence of people on the ground—especially those of non-European descent. Through their sexuality and their labor, along with their socio-economic and political endeavors, they played a critical role in building the empire and setting its limits. As they sought justice for themselves, strove to protect their kin, and aimed to improve their social conditions, these individuals also pushed against the advancement of white dominion in unexpected ways. Archivally rich and rigorously documented, By Flesh and Toil: How Sex, Race, and Labor Shaped the Early French Empire (Harvard UP, 2026) illuminates the transoceanic connections that united the French colonial world—and recasts people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent as key actors in the story of empire-building. This interview is conducted by Dr Lewis Wade, a Humboldt Research Fellow at the University of Bamberg. He is the author of the prize-winning Privilege, Economy and State in Old Regime France and can be found on Bluesky @wadehistory.bsky.social. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

From the beginning of the seventeenth century, French colonies and trading posts sprawled across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the first pan-imperial history of the early French Empire in the English language, Mélanie Lamotte shows how an increasingly cohesive legal culture came to govern the lives of enslaved and free people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent. She also illuminates the important role played by these populations in the development of the empire, from Louisiana to Guadeloupe, Senegambia, Madagascar, Isle Bourbon, and India. The early French Empire has often been portrayed as a fragmented conglomerate of isolated colonies or regions. Yet Lamotte shows that racial policies issued by the metropole, as well as by officials in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, significantly influenced one another. Rather than focusing on the actions of administrators, however, Lamotte also reveals the extensive influence of people on the ground—especially those of non-European descent. Through their sexuality and their labor, along with their socio-economic and political endeavors, they played a critical role in building the empire and setting its limits. As they sought justice for themselves, strove to protect their kin, and aimed to improve their social conditions, these individuals also pushed against the advancement of white dominion in unexpected ways. Archivally rich and rigorously documented, By Flesh and Toil: How Sex, Race, and Labor Shaped the Early French Empire (Harvard UP, 2026) illuminates the transoceanic connections that united the French colonial world—and recasts people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent as key actors in the story of empire-building. This interview is conducted by Dr Lewis Wade, a Humboldt Research Fellow at the University of Bamberg. He is the author of the prize-winning Privilege, Economy and State in Old Regime France and can be found on Bluesky @wadehistory.bsky.social. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the beginning of the seventeenth century, French colonies and trading posts sprawled across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the first pan-imperial history of the early French Empire in the English language, Mélanie Lamotte shows how an increasingly cohesive legal culture came to govern the lives of enslaved and free people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent. She also illuminates the important role played by these populations in the development of the empire, from Louisiana to Guadeloupe, Senegambia, Madagascar, Isle Bourbon, and India. The early French Empire has often been portrayed as a fragmented conglomerate of isolated colonies or regions. Yet Lamotte shows that racial policies issued by the metropole, as well as by officials in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, significantly influenced one another. Rather than focusing on the actions of administrators, however, Lamotte also reveals the extensive influence of people on the ground—especially those of non-European descent. Through their sexuality and their labor, along with their socio-economic and political endeavors, they played a critical role in building the empire and setting its limits. As they sought justice for themselves, strove to protect their kin, and aimed to improve their social conditions, these individuals also pushed against the advancement of white dominion in unexpected ways. Archivally rich and rigorously documented, By Flesh and Toil: How Sex, Race, and Labor Shaped the Early French Empire (Harvard UP, 2026) illuminates the transoceanic connections that united the French colonial world—and recasts people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent as key actors in the story of empire-building. This interview is conducted by Dr Lewis Wade, a Humboldt Research Fellow at the University of Bamberg. He is the author of the prize-winning Privilege, Economy and State in Old Regime France and can be found on Bluesky @wadehistory.bsky.social. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

From the beginning of the seventeenth century, French colonies and trading posts sprawled across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the first pan-imperial history of the early French Empire in the English language, Mélanie Lamotte shows how an increasingly cohesive legal culture came to govern the lives of enslaved and free people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent. She also illuminates the important role played by these populations in the development of the empire, from Louisiana to Guadeloupe, Senegambia, Madagascar, Isle Bourbon, and India. The early French Empire has often been portrayed as a fragmented conglomerate of isolated colonies or regions. Yet Lamotte shows that racial policies issued by the metropole, as well as by officials in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, significantly influenced one another. Rather than focusing on the actions of administrators, however, Lamotte also reveals the extensive influence of people on the ground—especially those of non-European descent. Through their sexuality and their labor, along with their socio-economic and political endeavors, they played a critical role in building the empire and setting its limits. As they sought justice for themselves, strove to protect their kin, and aimed to improve their social conditions, these individuals also pushed against the advancement of white dominion in unexpected ways. Archivally rich and rigorously documented, By Flesh and Toil: How Sex, Race, and Labor Shaped the Early French Empire (Harvard UP, 2026) illuminates the transoceanic connections that united the French colonial world—and recasts people of African, Malagasy, South Asian, and Native American descent as key actors in the story of empire-building. This interview is conducted by Dr Lewis Wade, a Humboldt Research Fellow at the University of Bamberg. He is the author of the prize-winning Privilege, Economy and State in Old Regime France and can be found on Bluesky @wadehistory.bsky.social. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/french-studies

Over 130,000 years ago, White-throated Rails migrated across hundreds of miles from Madagascar to the tiny island of Aldabra. Fossil records show that these wayward birds evolved to be entirely flightless, and went extinct when the island was lost to sea level rise. But some 20,000 years later, Aldabra reemerged from the Indian Ocean and a new wave of rails settled in. Today, the Aldabra subspecies of White-throated Rails are flightless once again! It's a rare example of a phenomenon called iterative evolution.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The United States and China are pursuing sharply different strategies in a region that is no longer best understood as the "Middle East," but as part of a broader Asian-centered geopolitical system historically described as "West Asia." This vast region stretches from countries along the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, all the way to the Eastern Mediterranean. While the U.S. remains the undisputed military hegemon in this theater, China is steadily becoming the indispensable economic power, providing access to vast pools of capital, new technology, and expanding trade. Mohammed Soliman, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and a director at the geopolitical advisory firm McLarty Associates, joins Eric from Washington, D.C., to discuss his new book that explores how the U.S., China, and other powers are adapting to this new expanded view of the Middle East known as "West Asia." Purchase the book: West Asia: A New American Grand Strategy in the Middle East by Mohammed Soliman

Pippa Hudson speaks to adventure guide, Santie Gouw, about her hiking expedition planned for Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. Lunch with Pippa Hudson is CapeTalk’s mid-afternoon show. This 2-hour respite from hard news encourages the audience to take the time to explore, taste, read and reflect. The show - presented by former journalist, baker and water sports enthusiast Pippa Hudson - is unashamedly lifestyle driven. Popular features include a daily profile interview #OnTheCouch at 1:10 pm. Consumer issues are in the spotlight every Wednesday while the team also unpacks all things related to health, wealth & the environment. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Lunch with Pippa Hudson Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 13:00 and 15:00 (SA Time) to Lunch with Pippa Hudson broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/MdSlWEs or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/fDJWe69 Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dance of wood rising (masculine) and ether (feminine) begings to emerge as the exchange between northern and southern hemisphere flips once more. The wood is offering new beginnings, ether clearing the lines of communication. Balancing the preamble for the dynamic reunion of the masculine and feminine. Leading you to inner and outer peace, joy and love. The regenerative and continuous exchange of oxygen between all breathing organisms is the integral reflection of the delicate dance that sustains life. As the dawn of the new era emerges, tolerance coupled with patience with self and others will support each and of you as you find your true north. As inspired, continue step into radical honesty and accountability with self and others. Fostering reciprocal and mutual cheer for each other. You are stepping into mastery of self, serving communities with balance and reciprocation, season by season. May you dance freely with Mother Nature and Divine Love this incoming Spring/Fall transition.Simply. Listen. Reflect and then gently move into forward motion. The energy of the Horse provides an invitation for you all to honor all your directions. The energy of fire welcomes you to step into the flames and purify from your being that which perpetuates fear. No longer do you need to move from fear. It is time to move from deep knowing and objective awareness. The New Moon reached full potency on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, eliminating reference to chrono time. Coupled with a Solar Eclipse for our brothers and sisters in SOLAR ECLIPSE for our brothers and sistets in parts of SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE (Argentina, Southern Chile, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean) and Antartica (anticipated 96% coverage). These are sacred cosmological intersections that are a communication relay switch between the sun and moon or the moon and earth. The geological location is indicitave of an astronomical transference of energy to this region. Meant for those living in these regions. Coupled with the pracitce is to look inward. From the traditional ways of the earth, these moments like the NEW MOON are best met with silence and non-verbal listening. Contemplation: Humility. Patience. Self Awareness.Weekly talks are an offering to assist you in diving deeper into a spiritual practice, exploring your inner landscape, and cultivating inner peace.Time Stamps: Dharma 0:00 | Meditation 24:30 | Sound 53:00 | Outro 1:35:00Music Random Rab  Up Coming Shows: ‘Just Me' by Cadre Scott Sound Suzanne Toro Producer: Dante Marino Production brought to you by OmToro Wellness + Media Mind Training: 8 Limbs Yoga Session: Weekly Writings and Well Being Humanity + Earth Friendly Goodies: Superfeast Living Tea KindSpring Formula Flawless Balance + Focus Quick Link Ora Cacoa Book: SunPlay Honey Bee Hippie

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First up — a sanctioned oil tanker is tracked from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean and boarded by U.S. troops, marking another aggressive move in Washington's maritime sanctions campaign.  Later in the show — U.S. forces in Syria conduct ten coordinated strikes targeting more than 30 ISIS positions, as American commanders work to prevent the terror group from regrouping and reestablishing a foothold in the region. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Cozy Earth: Visit https://www.CozyEarth.com/PDB & Use code PDB for up to 20% off Ultra Pouches: Don't sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code PDB at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad HomeServe: Protect your home systems from costly repairs with HomeServe—plans start at $4.99/month at https://HomeServe.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Pentagon says U.S. forces have intercepted and boarded another Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean, following a similar operation just a week ago.

AP correspondent Julie Walker reports the US military boards another oil tanker in its sanctions crackdown.

Staunchly allied with Turkey, Somalia has become a flashpoint in Turkey's rivalry with Israel. Ankara recently deployed fighter jets to Mogadishu in the latest signal that it is determined to protect its strategic interests in the Horn of Africa after Israel recognised the breakaway region of Somaliland. In a conspicuous display of military strength, Turkish F-16 fighter jets roared over the Somali capital, Mogadishu, in late January. According to Turkish officials, the deployment was aimed at protecting Turkish interests and supporting Somali efforts to counter an insurgency by the radical Islamist group al-Shabaab.  It follows Israel's recognition of Somaliland in December, which Ankara condemned as a threat to Somalia's territorial integrity. Turkish international relations expert Soli Ozel said the jets send a message to Israel: "Don't mess with our interests here." Somalia is poised to become the latest point of tension between the countries, he predicts. "I don't think they will fight, but they are both showing their colours. Israel's recognition of Somaliland and the Turks sending F-16s and drones are attempts to set limits to what the other party can do," he said. "Could it get out of hand? I don't know. It may." The risky calculations behind Israel's recognition of Somaliland Mutual suspicion The episode reflects broader strains in Israeli-Turkish relations, which remain fraught over Ankara's support of Hamas and Israel's war in Gaza. "It's a new chapter in the competition between the two countries, which are now the dominant military powers in the Middle East," said Norman Ricklefs, CEO of geopolitical consultancy Namea Group. According to Gallia Lindenstrauss, an Israeli foreign policy specialist at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, Israel is not seeking to challenge the interests of Turkey or Somalia. Instead, she argues Israel's recognition of Somaliland and its commitment to deepening cooperation are motivated by the breakaway's state strategic location facing Yemen, where Houthi rebels launched attacks against Israeli cities last year. "The Houthis were the last ones who were still launching missiles against Israel, from the Iranian proxies. This is the most major threat for Israel," she said.  However, Lindenstrauss acknowledges that both sides increasingly view each other's actions with suspicion. "What Israel sees as defence, Turkey sees as something against Ankara." Rival blocs Turkey's suspicions could grow if Israel deploys military hardware in Somaliland to counter threats from Yemen, a move an anonymous Israeli expert suggested is Israel's aim. Ricklefs warns Israel needs to tread carefully, given the significant investments Turkey had made in Somalia over the past 15 years. Turkey has its largest overseas military base and embassy in Somalia, while Ankara has signed agreements with Mogadishu to explore potential energy reserves, as well as a naval accord. "Turkey is running the [Mogadishu] port, counterterrorism training, charities, NGOs, and all that kind of stuff. So it appears very important to Turkey's regional strategic ambitions," said Ricklefs. He noted that Somalia's location on the Horn of Africa, with coastlines in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, makes it "key for regional influence". With Somalia naval deal, Turkey steers into strategic but volatile region Lindenstrauss observed that the Turkish-Israeli rivalry over Somalia is further complicated by the emergence of two competing axes: "On the one hand, you see Greece, Cyprus, Israel, the UAE. On the other hand, you see Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Qatar," she explained.   "They are loose axes, but you do see that on many issues, these two axes think differently. And that's also a cause of the rising tensions." Ricklefs noted that tensions have already spilled over into confrontation elsewhere. “We've already seen the pretty strong competition leading to violence in Libya, between blocs aligned with the Emirates and, on the other side, blocs aligned with Turkey in Libya," he said. As for whether the same could happen in Somalia, Ricklefs said he doesn't believe the situation has yet reached that point.  "I don't think we're there just yet with Somaliland and Somalia," he said. "And frankly, the only party that can play a mediating role, a conflict-reducing role, in this situation is the United States."

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up—new details are emerging on what Iran is actually offering in nuclear talks with the United States, and it's a far narrower proposal than it first appeared, even as President Trump threatens to deploy a second aircraft carrier strike group if negotiations stall. Later in the show—the United States continues to take aim at Russia's shadow fleet, boarding a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean as Washington ramps up enforcement of sanctions. Plus—China issues fresh warnings to Taiwan, reaffirming its support for so-called “reunification forces” and vowing to crack down on what Beijing calls separatists. And in today's Back of the Brief—Washington edges closer to another partial government shutdown as lawmakers remain deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Glorify: Feel closer to God this year with Glorify—get full access for just $29.99 when you download the app now at https://glorify-app.com/PDB  American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB BRUNT Workwear: Get $10 Off at BRUNT with code PDB at https://www.bruntworkwear.com/PDB#Bruntpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Department of Justice has unredacted additional names in the Jeffrey Epstein files after mounting pressure from lawmakers. The Guthrie family is deploying a new strategy in the search for their missing 84-year-old mother. Federal immigration officials are testifying before Congress today, as lawmakers clash over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. US military forces have boarded a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean, though its connection to Venezuela is unclear. Plus, a new study suggests drinking tea and coffee may help reduce the risk of a major neurodegenerative disease.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once hailed as a beacon of democratic reform in Southeast Asia, Myanmar has devolved into a fractured state defined by a brutal, multi-front civil war following the 2021 military coup. The Junta clings to power in the central cities through terror and forced conscription, while a patchwork of resistance forces controls the periphery but struggles with donor fatigue and ammunition shortages. Yet, following the shockwaves of Operation 1027 and the rise of a narcotics-and-scam-fueled war economy, the conflict has shifted. China, the region's hesitant kingmaker, is now applying direct pressure on both sides to secure its strategic access to the Indian Ocean. With the country effectively split and neither side possessing the strength to deliver a knockout blow, the question remains: is Myanmar destined to fracture like Yugoslavia, or can a unified state still emerge from the ashes? Our panel of experts examines the stalled frontlines, Beijing's evolving strategy, and the grim reality of who, if anyone, can actually govern the nation in 2026. On the panel this week: - Zachary Abuza (National Defence University) - Derek Mitchell (CSIS) - Jason Tower (GI-TOC)  - Steve Ross (Stimson Center) Intro - 00:00 PART I - 02:15 PART II - 34:55 PART III - 1:01:52 PART IV - 1:15:09 Outro - 135:15 Follow the show on https://x.com/TheRedLinePod Follow Michael on https://x.com/MikeHilliardAus Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our news wrap Monday, the search for Nancy Guthrie entered its second week with an apparent ransom deadline hours away, the U.S. military boarded a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean and Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pushing her conservative agenda forward after her party secured a supermajority in Sunday's parliamentary election. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on U.S. forces boarding another tanker carrying sanctioned oil.

Nigel Farage speaks with U.S. Senator John Kennedy. regarding the Labour government's plan to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.Senator Kennedy shares details of his recent discussions with President Donald Trump concerning the strategic implications of the deal. He expresses sharp criticism of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's proposal, arguing that transferring control of the archipelago—home to the critical U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia—could jeopardize Western security interests and increase Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.Senator Kennedy pulls no punches in his assessment of the policy, describing the decision as "dumb" and questioning the long-term strategic logic of the handover. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women, Theory, Praxis, and Performativities: Transoceanic Entanglements in Francophone Settings (Liverpool UP, 2025) bridges the gap between the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. It collectively fosters new transoceanic modes of thinking to reframe postcolonial debates and reveal the interconnected dialogues led by women from former French colonies and post-contact island territories. Thus, the volume unsettles the male agenda (captains, missionaries, mariners, ethnographers), and pays attention to the ways in which artists, writers, and activists have theorized or poetized women and the seas, reclaimed agency and created transformative possibilities. To critically map out a gendered conversation with the ocean, the contributors explore activisms and feminisms, intersectional praxes of care, ecological and health impacts of nuclear radiation and chlordecone contamination, queerness, decolonizing dance, the unsettling of official archives and female tidalectical corporeality and embodiments, Mā'ohi epistemologies and ontologies, silence as empowerment against colonial violence, forced migration and vulnerability. The volume's overarching approach belongs to a "politics of refusal" which brings forth formerly discarded archives and discredited sites of knowledge to counter ideologies and doctrinal apparatus that promote forgetting or erasure among non-sovereign populations. In exploring transoceanic feminine spaces as vital sites of knowledge production, this interdisciplinary collaboration aims to ensure that readers actively engage with feminine praxes, understanding their significance not only as theoretical constructs but as lived experiences (re)occupying, (re)appropriating and transcending patriarchal and postcolonial spaces. Jacqueline Couti is the Laurence H. Favrot Professor of French in the Department of Modern & Classical Literatures & Cultures at Rice University and the author of 2016's Dangerous Creole Liaisons: Sexuality and Nationalism in French Caribbean Discourses from 1806 to 1897 and 2021's Sex, Sea, and Self: Sexuality and Nationalism in French Caribbean Discourses 1924–1948, as well as editing several critical editions and special journal issues, and authoring numerous articles and book chapters.  Anny-Dominique Curtius is Professor of Francophone Studies in the Department of French and Italian at the University of Iowa, and has published two monographs : Symbioses d'une mémoire: Manifestations religieuses et littératures de la Caraibe in 2006 and Suzanne Césaire. Archéologie littéraire et artistique d'une mémoire empêchée in 2020. She has also co-edited a special issue of Esprit Créateur on “Francophonies of the Early Modern,” and published extensively in academic journals and edited volumes. Host Gina Stamm is Associate Professor of French at The University of Alabama, with research concentrated on the environmental humanities and speculative literatures of the 20th and 21st centuries, from Surrealism to contemporary science fiction and feminist utopias, in Metropolitan France and the francophone Caribbean, with a book manuscript in progress on posthumanist ecological engagement in the surrealist movement. 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

Mary Kissel on Starmer giving away the Chagos Islands to no discernible purpose, surrendering strategic Britishterritory in the Indian Ocean without extracting meaningful concessions or advancing national interests.1942 NYC STORK CLUB

preview for later. Guest: Mary Kissel, former Senior Adviser to the Secretary of State Summary: Kissel critiques Prime Minister Starmer's plan to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, arguing the nation is heavily influenced by China. She highlights President Trump's opposition to the deal, emphasizing that the U.S. requires the Diego Garcia military base to project power across the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific.1901 OLD HOUSE

Cleo Paskal and Bill Roggio discuss the UK's giveaway of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, highlighting China'sinfluence over the Mauritian government. The transfer raises concerns about Beijing potentially gaining strategic access to a critical Indian Ocean location near vital shipping lanes and military installations.1789 BOURBON MAURITIUS

SHOW SCHEDULE 1-26-261808 GREAT HALL BANK OF ENGLAND Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani discuss global turmoil and confrontation, examining U.S. policy failures in Afghanistan. The conversation addresses the ongoing consequences of American withdrawal and the resurgence of threats in the region, highlighting how strategic missteps continue to destabilize the area and embolden adversaries. Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani examine how Africa remains unprotected from jihadists and plunderers. The discussion explores the continent's vulnerability to extremist expansion and resource exploitation, with weak governance and insufficient international attention allowing terrorist networks and predatory actors to operate with increasing impunity across multiple nations. Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Pena Esclusa analyze Venezuela's posture of public defiance while remaining privately obedient to the Trump administration. The segment explores the contradictions in Caracas's diplomatic stance, suggesting the regime's theatrical resistance masks behind-the-scenes accommodations driven by economic pressure and political survival calculations. Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Pena Esclusa report on a spontaneous Rio rally supporting the Bolsonaro family. The demonstration reflects continued popular backing for the former Brazilian president despite legal challenges, indicating that conservative movements in Latin America retain significant grassroots energy and organizational capacity. Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter discuss Iran's ongoing executions and mass murders. The segment details the regime's brutal crackdown on dissent, highlighting the systematic use of capital punishment against protesters and minorities as Tehran intensifies domestic repression amid international isolation and internal unrest. Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter examine Saudi Arabia's internal disagreements over a potential air campaign against Iran. The conversation explores Riyadh's strategic calculations, balancing regional security concerns against the risks of direct military confrontation with Tehran and the complexities of American alliance dynamics. Mark Simon and Gordon Chang address Hong Kong's persecution of democracy advocates through show trials. The discussion highlights Beijing's systematic dismantling of civil liberties, using the judicial system to silence opposition figures and signal that resistance to Communist Party authority will face severe consequences. Brandon Weichert and Gordon Chang analyze the PRC using ground-based nodes to influence states. The segment examines China's expanding infrastructure of political and economic pressure points, demonstrating how Beijing leverages physical assets to project power and shape foreign government policies. John Hardie reports that Russia continues targeting heat and light infrastructure in Kyiv, while Ukraine retaliates by striking Russian infrastructure. The segment examines the escalating war of attrition against civilian utilities as both sides seek to undermine morale and economic capacity through systematic attacks on essential services. Jack Burnham reveals that Chinese academics have been granted easy access to Energy Departmentsupercomputing resources used in nuclear weapon simulations. The discussion highlights alarming security lapses allowing potential adversaries to benefit from sensitive American technology with direct military applications and strategic implications. Cleo Paskal and Bill Roggio examine the PRC threat to Oceania from Guam's perspective. The segment details China's aggressive influence peddling and buying throughout the Pacific islands, as Beijing systematically works to undermine American strategic positioning and cultivate dependent relationships across the region. Cleo Paskal and Bill Roggio discuss the UK's giveaway of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, highlighting China's influence over the Mauritian government. The transfer raises concerns about Beijing potentially gaining strategic access to a critical Indian Ocean location near vital shipping lanes and military installations. Ahmad Sharawi reports that Al Sharaa continues attacking minorities in Syria, with Kurds being driven back while the U.S. stands aside. The Druze community also faces assault as the new regime consolidates power through ethnic persecution despite initial promises of inclusive governance. Janatyn Sayeh describes Iran's mass murders amid a broken economy with no communications or internet access. The segment portrays a regime in crisis, resorting to extreme violence against its population while infrastructure collapse and international isolation accelerate the government's deteriorating grip on power. David Daoud examines how Hezbollah reigns over villages in Lebanon. The segment details the organization's methods of social control, combining armed intimidation with provision of services to maintain dominance over Shia communities and enforce loyalty to the movement's political and military agenda. David Daoud explores what Hezbollah will manage if Tehran fails. The discussion considers the organization's future autonomy and survival prospects should its Iranian patron collapse, examining whether the group can sustain itself independently or faces inevitable decline without external support.

SEGMENT 7: CHAGOS ISLANDS GIVEAWAY TO CHINESE INFLUENCE Guest: Jim Fanell Fanell criticizes the decision to transfer Chagos Islands sovereignty, warning it opens doors to Chinese influence near the strategic Diego Garcia base. Discussion examines the geopolitical folly of this handover, implications for Indian Ocean security, and how Beijing exploits Western diplomatic missteps to expand its global footprint.1905 USN

SHOW SCHEDULE 1-21-20251928 MOSCOWSEGMENT 1: RUSSIA'S FAILING ECONOMY Guest: Michael Bernstam Bernstam analyzes the deteriorating state of Russia's economy under the weight of sanctions and war expenditures. Discussion examines inflation, labor shortages, industrial decline, and how long the Kremlin can sustain its military campaign in Ukraine as economic pressures mount and Western restrictions continue to squeeze Russian financial resources.SEGMENT 2: PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IN EGYPT Guest: Mariam Wahba Wahba reports on the ongoing persecution of Coptic Christians in Egypt, detailing discrimination, violence, and legal challenges facing the ancient community. Discussion covers recent incidents, government responses, the struggle for religious freedom, and what international pressure might do to improve conditions for Egypt's vulnerable Christian minority.SEGMENT 3: SPACE ENGINEERING AND BOOSTER TECHNOLOGY Guest: Bob Zimmerman Zimmerman discusses latest developments in space engineering, focusing on booster rocket technology and satellite deployment advances. Discussion covers SpaceX achievements, competing launch providers, the evolution of reusable rocket systems, and how private industry continues pushing boundaries in making space access more frequent and affordable.SEGMENT 4: MARS AVALANCHE AND SPACE EXPLORATION Guest: Bob Zimmerman Zimmerman examines stunning imagery of a Martian avalanche captured by orbiting spacecraft. Discussion explores what these geological events reveal about Mars surface dynamics, ongoing robotic exploration missions, scientific discoveries from current probes, and how such observations inform planning for eventual human missions to the red planet.SEGMENT 5: CANADA-CHINA TRADE RELATIONS Guest: Charles Burton Burton examines Canada's complex trade relationship with China amid growing geopolitical tensions. Discussion covers economic dependencies, security concerns over Chinese investment, and how Ottawa balances commercial interests against pressure from Washington to reduce reliance on Beijing for critical goods and strategic resources.SEGMENT 6: CANADA SUBSTITUTING CHINA FOR US TRADE Guest: Charles Burton Burton continues analysis of Canadian trade strategy, questioning whether Ottawa might pivot toward China as alternative to American markets under Trump tariff threats. Discussion weighs the risks of such realignment, political obstacles, security implications, and whether Canada can truly diversify away from its dominant southern neighbor.SEGMENT 7: CHAGOS ISLANDS GIVEAWAY TO CHINESE INFLUENCE Guest: Jim Fanell Fanell criticizes the decision to transfer Chagos Islands sovereignty, warning it opens doors to Chinese influence near the strategic Diego Garcia base. Discussion examines the geopolitical folly of this handover, implications for Indian Ocean security, and how Beijing exploits Western diplomatic missteps to expand its global footprint.SEGMENT 8: NEW NAVY CARRIER WARPLANE EXTENDS RANGE Guest: Jim Fanell Fanell discusses the Navy's next-generation carrier-based aircraft designed to extend strike range against adversaries. Discussion covers the strategic necessity of longer-range platforms to counter Chinese anti-access capabilities, development challenges, how this aircraft fits into Pacific defense strategy, and implications for future carrier operations.SEGMENT 9: OCEANIA DEFENSE AND CHINA THREAT Guest: Cleo Paskal Paskal reports from the Honolulu defense forum on Pacific island security concerns. Discussion examines China's aggressive expansion into Oceania through infrastructure deals and political influence, the strategic importance of these island nations, and American efforts to counter Beijing's growing presence across the vast Pacific region.SEGMENT 10: PALAU NEEDS HELP AGAINST CHINA CRIME GANGS Guest: Cleo Paskal Paskal highlights Palau's struggle against Chinese criminal organizations infiltrating the small Pacific nation. Discussion covers illegal activities, money laundering, and how Beijing uses organized crime as soft power tool. Palau seeks American assistance to combat these threats while maintaining its democratic independence against Chinese pressure.SEGMENT 11: SCOTTISH ENLIGHTENMENT AND NORTH AMERICAN UNITY Guest: Arthur HermanHerman traces intellectual roots of Canadian-American cooperation to the Scottish Enlightenment's shared influence on both nations. Discussion explores how common philosophical heritage shaped institutions and values, proposing this foundation supports a modern economic condominium uniting the two countries against current global challenges and trade uncertainties.SEGMENT 12: ENERGY, MINERALS, AND KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY PARTNERSHIP Guest: Arthur Herman Herman outlines his vision for a US-Canada economic condominium built on energy resources, critical minerals, and knowledge industries. Discussion details how combining Canadian natural wealth with American technology and markets creates mutual prosperity, strengthens continental security, and counters dependence on hostile foreign suppliers like China.SEGMENT 13: MERCOSUR DEAL UNPOPULAR AFTER 27 YEARS Guest: Simon Constable Constable reports from the Pyrenees foothills on European discontent with the Mercosur trade agreement finally concluded after 27 years of negotiations. Discussion covers farmer protests, industrial concerns, and widespread opposition across EU nations skeptical that this long-delayed deal serves their economic interests.SEGMENT 14: PM STARMER'S HISTORIC UNPOPULARITY Guest: Simon Constable Constable examines Keir Starmer's remarkable collapse in public approval, making him Britain's most unpopular prime minister in modern polling. Discussion analyzes policy missteps, economic challenges, public disillusionment with Labour's performance, and whether Starmer can recover from such dismal ratings this early in his government's tenure.SEGMENT 15: TRADE WITH CHINA REMAINS UNWISE Guest: Alan Tonelson Tonelson argues continued American trade dependence on China remains strategically foolish despite political rhetoric about decoupling. Discussion examines persistent vulnerabilities in supply chains, Beijing's economic leverage, the gap between tough talk and actual policy changes, and what genuine trade realignment would require from Washington.SEGMENT 16: 2025 BOOSTER LAUNCHES AND 2026 PROSPECTS Guest: Doug Messier Messier previews the ambitious global launch schedule for 2025 and beyond, with multiple nations expanding space capabilities. Discussion covers SpaceX dominance, emerging competitors from China, Europe, and commercial startups, technological advances in reusable systems, and how 2026 promises even more dramatic growth in worldwide launch activity.