International organization
POPULARITY
The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 1: 3:05pm- On Tuesday night, far-left candidate Zohran Mamdani earned 43% of the Democratic primary vote, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo to win the party's New York City mayoral nomination. Incumbent NYC Mayor Eric Adams will challenge Mamdani as an Independent in November. Cuomo has also hinted that he is considering a general election campaign as an Independent. 3:30pm- On Thursday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine held a press conference to address intelligence leaks—ultimately disputing the accuracy of a CNN report suggesting that Iranian nuclear development was only slowed by several months. According to the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the centrifuges at Fordo are “no longer operational.” Following a Senate intelligence committee hearing, Sen. Lindsey Graham said he has seen enough information to determine that Iran's nuclear “operational capability was obliterated.”
The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 3: 5:05pm- On Thursday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine held a press conference to address intelligence leaks—ultimately disputing the accuracy of a CNN report suggesting that Iranian nuclear development was only slowed by several months. According to the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the centrifuges at Fordo are “no longer operational.” Following a Senate intelligence committee hearing, Sen. Lindsey Graham said he has seen enough information to determine that Iran's nuclear “operational capability was obliterated.” 5:20pm- While appearing on Joe Rogan's podcast, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) was asked whether or not he intends to run for president in 2028—he didn't say “no,” though he did seem to suggest it was unlikely given his age. 5:30pm- Bill D'Agostino—Senior Research Analyst at Media Research Center—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to breakdown some of the best (and worst) clips from corporate media: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calls out CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand for her false reports about U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Nicolle Wallace feels “gutted” over the deportation of Tren de Aragua gang members, and the media blames everything on the “far-right.”
The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode (06/26/2025): 3:05pm- On Tuesday night, far-left candidate Zohran Mamdani earned 43% of the Democratic primary vote, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo to win the party's New York City mayoral nomination. Incumbent NYC Mayor Eric Adams will challenge Mamdani as an Independent in November. Cuomo has also hinted that he is considering a general election campaign as an Independent. 3:30pm- On Thursday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine held a press conference to address intelligence leaks—ultimately disputing the accuracy of a CNN report suggesting that Iranian nuclear development was only slowed by several months. According to the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the centrifuges at Fordo are “no longer operational.” Following a Senate intelligence committee hearing, Sen. Lindsey Graham said he has seen enough information to determine that Iran's nuclear “operational capability was obliterated.” 4:05pm- While appearing on NewsNation with Chris Cuomo, Rosie O'Donnell revealed that she suffered from depression following Donald Trump's election win—causing her to overeat and overdrink. PLUS: a morbidly obese man dressed in an orange Garfield shirt was dragged off a plane after he incessantly complained about not having enough room in his assigned seat. AND former Congressman Jamaal Bowman blames heart disease and diabetes on racism! 4:30pm- On Thursday, President Donald Trump delivered remarks from the White House—promoting the Republican Party's tax and spending legislation. 5:05pm- On Thursday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine held a press conference to address intelligence leaks—ultimately disputing the accuracy of a CNN report suggesting that Iranian nuclear development was only slowed by several months. According to the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the centrifuges at Fordo are “no longer operational.” Following a Senate intelligence committee hearing, Sen. Lindsey Graham said he has seen enough information to determine that Iran's nuclear “operational capability was obliterated.” 5:20pm- While appearing on Joe Rogan's podcast, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) was asked whether or not he intends to run for president in 2028—he didn't say “no,” though he did seem to suggest it was unlikely given his age. 5:30pm- Bill D'Agostino—Senior Research Analyst at Media Research Center—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to breakdown some of the best (and worst) clips from corporate media: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calls out CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand for her false reports about U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Nicolle Wallace feels “gutted” over the deportation of Tren de Aragua gang members, and the media blames everything on the “far-right.” 6:05pm- Dr. Wilfred Reilly—Professor of Political Science at Kentucky State University & Author of “Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me”—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss socialist Zohran Mamdani winning the New York City mayoral Democratic primary. On Thursday, rapper 50-Cent hilariously offered Mamdani $258,000 to drop out of the race and leave the city! Plus, what is “Alligator Alcatraz”? 6:40pm- According to a report from The New York Post, New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) is open to running for re-election as a Republican if Curtis Sliwa is willing to withdraw from the race.
On Saturday evening, President Trump ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, obliterating their target. Since then, Americans have wondered whether Iran will rebuild its nuclear program. International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi examines the damage caused to Iran's facilities and whether they will continue to strive for a nuclear bomb. Rafael highlights the importance of the International Atomic Energy Agency as they continue their work to account for all nuclear materials in Iran and ensure global transparency. He explains why the I.A.E.A. must return to the Iranian facilities to assess the damage and determine the results of the U.S. attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Iran's parliament has approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Both Russia and China are well-positioned to lead global efforts through multilateral institutions such as the UN and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports the International Atomic Energy Agency says U.S. strikes on a major Iran nuclear plant were highly effective.
The United Nations Security Council and International Atomic Energy Agency are calling for diplomacy after the US joined Israel's assault on Iran. Iran has vowed to respond and says it has the right to defend itself in the face of aggression, warning there will be irreparable consequences following the strikes.
THE WAR between Israel and Iran is just over a week old—but not really. This is a continuation of what began October 7, 2023, which in turn is a continuation of a low-grade conflict that's gone on for decades. Iran was the primary source of financial, technical, and military support for Hezbollah and Hamas, which have been responsible for attacks inside Israel since the 1980s in the case of Hezbollah, and since the mid-2000s in the case of Hamas. The attack on October 7, 2023 was the final straw for the conservative government in Israel, which is determined to put an end to the threat to its citizens. Was Iran close to developing a nuclear weapon? No one has said so publicly, although the Israeli government and conservative talk show hosts in the US have made that claim for more than 20 years. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency recently assessed that Iran had enough uranium refined to 60% purity to produce ten weapons (note: 90% purity is required) and that Iran was preventing IAEA inspectors from accessing areas they needed to see. Not surprisingly, media accounts of the IAEA report ranged from “Iran close to developing nuclear weapons” to “No evidence Iran is developing nuclear weapons.” At the end of the day, the theocratic government of Iran, run by men in their 70s and 80s who may see this as their last, best chance to see the Mahdi in the flesh, cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, and—sadly—their religious worldview prevents them from reaching a negotiated settlement. For a good overview of Islamic history, theology, and eschatology, we recommend the work of scholars Raymond Ibrahim and Dr. Timothy Furnish, both of whom Derek cited in his book Bad Moon Rising. Also: We revisit Roko's Basilisk, a thought experiment that highlights the danger of autonomous artificial super-intelligence. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Follow us! X (formerly Twitter): @pidradio | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert | @gilberthouse_tvTelegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunkerSubstack: gilberthouse.substack.comYouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelationFacebook.com/pidradio —————— JOIN US AND SPECIAL GUEST CARL TEICHRIB IN ISRAEL! We will tour the Holy Land October 19–30, 2025, with an optional three-day extension in Jordan. For more information, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! Our 1,200 square foot pole barn has a new HVAC system, epoxy floor, 100-amp electric service, new windows, insulation, lights, and ceiling fans! If you are so led, you can help out by clicking here: gilberthouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to this podcast, our weekly Bible studies, and our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker. The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at pidradio.com/app. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site: gilberthouse.org/video! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store/.
President Donald Trump says two more weeks he is waiting to decide to whether to attack Iran over its nuclear weapons program is “a time to see whether or not people come to their senses"; United Nations Ambassadors from Iran and Israel trade accusations at a UN Security Council meeting as their countries continue their military campaigns against each other; head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warns the Security Council of the dangers of a military campaign targeting nuclear facilities; federal appeals court in California rules President Trump likely had the authority to deploy National Guard troops to deal with protests against immigration raids without Gov. Newsom's consent but the courts do have a role in reviewing the specific actions the troops will be doing; Federal Reserve board member thinks interest rates should be cut as early as next month; Supreme Court releases decisions, including one allowing a lawsuit from fuel producers against California vehicle emissions standards to continue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since Israel launched Operation Rising Lion—a precise and defensive military campaign aimed at preventing the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons—Iran has responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, indiscriminately targeting Israeli civilians. Dr. Matthew Levitt, director of the Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and a leading expert on Iran's global terror network, explains what's at stake—and what could come next. Take Action: We must stop a regime that vows to murder millions of Israelis from gaining the weapons to do it. Urge your elected leaders to assure that Israel has all the necessary support to end Iran's nuclear threat. Resources and Analysis: Iranian Regime vs. Israel War Explained: What You Should Know AJC Advocacy Anywhere: Israel and Iran: Latest Updates, Global Responses, and the Path Ahead 5 Key Reasons Behind Israel's Defensive Strike on Iran's Imminent Nuclear Threat Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: Untold stories of Jews who left or were driven from Arab nations and Iran People of the Pod: Latest Episodes: Why Israel Had No Choice: Inside the Defensive Strike That Shook Iran's Nuclear Program What Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks' State of the Jewish World Teaches Us Today Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Israel's shadow war with the Iranian regime, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, erupted into open conflict last week following a stunning report from the International Atomic Energy Agency that confirmed Iran was much closer to obtaining nuclear weapons than previously known. Since Israel launched a wave of attacks on nuclear sites and facilities, Iran has fired missiles toward Israel's most populated cities. Joining us to discuss what this all means is one of the foremost experts on Iran and its global threats, and a regular guest when trouble arises with Iran. Dr. Matthew Levitt, director of the Reinhard Counterterrorism Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Matt, welcome back to People of the Pod. Matthew Levitt: It's a pleasure to be back, but I need to come sometime when the world's okay. Manya Brachear Pashman: That would be nice. That'd be nice. But what will we talk about? Matthew Levitt: Yeah, just call me one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Manya Brachear Pashman: Well, you are one of the foremost experts on the dangers posed by Iran, especially its terror proxies. And you've written the definitive book on Hezbollah, titled Hezbollah: the Global Footprint of Lebanon's Party of God. And I say that whole title, I want to get in there, because we are talking about global threats here. Can you explain the scale of Iran's global threat and the critical role that its terror proxies, like Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, play in advancing that strategy? Matthew Levitt: So I really appreciate the question, because it's really important to remind listeners that the Israel Iran war did not start Thursday night US time, Friday morning, Israel time. In fact, it's just the latest salvo where the Israelis, after years and years and years of Iranian we call it malign activity, but that's too soft a term. We're talking about Iran sending weapons and funds to proxies like Hamas to carry out October 7, like Hezbollah to fire rockets at Israel almost daily for almost a year. Like the Houthis, who were much more than a thorn in the Saudi backside until the Iranians came and gave them more sophisticated capabilities. We're talking about an Iran that a few years ago decided that instead of making sure that every gun that it sent to the West Bank had to go to Hamas or Islamic Jihad. They decided to just flood the West Bank with guns. Who cares who's shooting at the Israelis so long as somebody is. And an Iran that not only carries out human rights abuses of all kinds at home, but that threatens Israel and its neighbors with drones, low altitude cruise missiles, short range ballistic missiles, and medium and long range ballistic missiles. And so the totality of this, much like the totality of Hezbollah's striking Israel for almost a year, ultimately led Israel to do what most people thought couldn't be done, and just tear Hezbollah apart, that the Israel war on Hezbollah is the prequel to what we've been seeing over the past few days in Iran. Similarly, for the Israelis, it got to be too much. It wasn't even really that President Trump's 60 days expired and Israel attacked on day 61. It wasn't only that the IAEA came out with a report saying that the Iranians have refused to explain certain activities that can only be explained as nuclear weaponization activities. It was that the Israelis had information that two things were happening. One, that Iran was working very, very hard to rebuild its capability to manufacture medium, long range ballistic missiles that can hit Israel. After the Israeli reprisal attack last October took out a key component of that program, the mixers that are important for the solid propellant, without which you can't make ballistic missiles. And Iran is believed to have, at least the beginning of this recent round of the conflict –Thursday, Friday–about 2000 such missiles. Far fewer now, the Israelis say they've taken out about a third of them, plus launchers, plus radars, et cetera. But that Iran had a plan within just a few years to develop as many as 8000 of these. And that simply was not tolerable for the Israelis. And the second is that the Israelis say that they compiled evidence that Iran had a secret, secret nuclear weapons program that had been going on predating October 7, but was fast tracked after October 7, that they were planning to maintain this program, even as they were negotiating over the more overt program with the Trump administration. President Trump has even taken issue with his own Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who testified in March that the US intelligence committee does not assess that Iran is weaponizing. And President says, I don't care what she says, I think they were very close to weaponizing. The Israelis say they have shared this information at least recently with their US counterparts and that was not tolerable. So the primary goals that Israel has set out for itself with this campaign is beyond the critically important shattering the glass ceiling. Think where people in particular, in Iran thought this would never happen, was two things, one, addressing and significantly degrading and setting back the Iranian ballistic missile production program, and second, doing the same to the nuclear program. They've already carried out strikes at Isfahan, Natanz, even at the upper parts of Fordow. And there is an expectation that the Israelis are going to do something more. The Israeli national security advisor said on Israeli television today, We are not going to stop without addressing the nuclear activities at Fordow. Manya Brachear Pashman: You know, you called it a prequel, Israel's operations against Hezbollah last year. Did you know that it was a prequel at the time and to what extent did it weaken Iran and leave it more vulnerable in this particular war? Matthew Levitt: I'm going to be the last person in Washington, D.C. who tells you when he doesn't know. And anybody who tells you they did know is lying to you. None of us saw what Israel did to Hezbollah coming. None of us saw that and said, Oh, they did it to a non-state actor right across their border. So they'll definitely be able to do it to Iran, 1000+ kilometers away, big nation state with massive arsenals and a nuclear program and lots of proxies. One plus one does not equal three in this. In other words, the fact that Israel developed mind boggling capabilities and incredible intelligence, dominance and then special tools, pagers and walkie talkies, in the case of Hezbollah, did not mean that they were going to be able to do the same vis a vis Iran. And they did. The same type of intelligence dominance, the same type of intelligence, knowing where somebody was at a certain time, that the protocols would be that certain leaders would get in a certain secret bunker once hostilities started, and they'd be able to take them out in that bunker. As they did to a bunch of senior Hezbollah commanders just months ago. Drone operations from within Iran, Iran being hit with missiles that were fired at Iran from within Iran, all of it. One case did not necessarily translate into the other. It is exponentially impressive. And Israel's enemies have to be saying, you know, that the Israelis are just all capable. Now you're absolutely right. You hit the nail on the head on one critical issue. For a very long time, Israel was at least somewhat deterred, I would say very deterred, from targeting Iran. Because Iran had made very, very clear if Israel or the United States or anybody else targeted Iran or its nuclear program, one of the first things that would happen would be that Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel, Iran's first, most important proxy would rain hellfire in Israel in the form of 1000s upon 1000s of rockets. Until Israel addressed the problem, Hezbollah is believed to have had 150 to 200,000 different types of projectiles, up to and including precision guided munitions. Not only have the overwhelming majority of those been destroyed, Hezbollah still has 1000s of rockets, but Hezbollah leadership has been decimated. There's a new sheriff in town in Lebanon. There's a new government that immediately, when hostility started with Iran's, went to Hezbollah and said, You're not doing this, not dragging Lebanon back into a war that nobody wanted again. We are finally coming out of this economic crisis. And so Iran was faced with a situation where it didn't have Hezbollah to deter Israel. Israel, you know, paved the way for a highway in the air to Iran, taking out air defense systems. It was able to fly over and through Syria. The Syrians are not shedding any tears as they see the Quds Force and the IRGC getting beaten down after what Iran did in Syria. And the Israelis have air dominance now. President Trump said, We, using the we term, air dominance now, earlier today. And they're able to slowly and methodically continue to target the ballistic missile program. Primarily, the medium and long range missiles that target Israel, but sometimes it's the same production lines that produce the short range missiles that Iran uses to target U.S. Forces in the region, and our allies in the Gulf. So Israel is not just protecting itself, it's protecting the region. And then also taking out key military security intelligence personnel, sometimes taking out one person, then a couple days later, taking out the person who succeeded that person, and then also taking out key scientists who had the know-how to potentially rebuild all the things that Israel is now destroying. Manya Brachear Pashman: But Israel is also not hearing from the Houthis, is not hearing from Hamas. It's not hearing from other terror proxies either. Very few attacks from Iran's terror proxies in the aftermath of this wave. Why? Why do you think that is? Matthew Levitt: The crickets are loud. The crickets are loud. Look, we've discussed Hezbollah. Hezbollah understands that if it were to do something, the Israelis will come in even harder and destroy what's left. Hamas is still holding hostages. This is still an open wound, but it doesn't have the capabilities that it once had, and so there have been a couple of short range things that they tried to shoot, but it's not anything that's going to do huge damage, and the Israeli systems can deal with those. The Houthis did fire something, and it hurt some Palestinians near Hebron. You know, the Houthis and the Iranians in particular, in this conflict have killed Palestinians, and in one case, Syrians. They're continuing to hurt people that are not Israelis. One of the things that I think people are hopeful for is that as Iran tries to sue for peace, and it already is, it's been reaching out to Cyprus to pass messages, etcetera. The hope is that Iran will recognize that it's in a position whereby A) there has to be zero enrichment and the facilities have to be destroyed, whatever's left of them. And B) there's a hope that Israel and the United States together will be able to use this diplomatic moment to truly end the conflict in Gaza and get the hostages home. Manya Brachear Pashman: Well, that was what I was going to ask. I mean, if Israel achieves its objectives in this war, primarily eliminating Iran's nuclear threat, how significant a setback would that be for Hamas and Iran's other terror proxies, and could it indeed pave the way for an end of the war in Gaza and the return of the hostages? Matthew Levitt: Like everybody else, I'm so scarred, I don't want to get my hopes up, but I do see this as a distinct possibility, and here's why. Not Hezbollah, not the Houthis, not Hamas, none of them, and plenty of other proxies that don't start in the letter H, none of them could have been anywhere as capable as they've proven to be, were it not for Iranian money and weapons. Also some training, some intelligence, but primarily money and weapons. And so Hamas is already on its back foot in this regard. It can still get some money in. It's still being able to make money off of humanitarian aid. Iran is still sending money in through money exchange houses and hawaladars, but not weapons. Their ability to manufacture weapons, their military industrial complex within Gaza, this is destroyed. Hezbollah, we've discussed, discussed, and a lot of their capabilities have been destroyed. And those that remain are largely deterred. The Houthis did shoot up some rockets, and the Israelis did carry out one significant retaliatory attack. But I think people are beginning to see the writing on the wall. The Israelis are kicking the stuffing out of Iran with pinprick attacks that are targeting the worst of the bad guys, including people who have carried out some of the worst human rights transgressions against Iranians. Let's not pretend that this is not affecting the average Iranian. It is. The president says, Everybody get out of Tehran. That's just not possible. People, average Iranians, good people. It must be just an absolute terror. But Israel's not bombing, you know, apartment buildings, as Iran is doing in Israel, or as Russia is doing in Ukraine. And so it really is a different type of thing. And when the Houthis, when Hamas, when Hezbollah, look at this, you don't you don't poke the tiger when it's angry. I think they also understand now's the time to get into survival mode. What you want is for the regime in Iran not to be destroyed. This is no longer a moment, as it's been since long before October 7, but certainly since then, of how Iran as proxies, export Iran's revolution. This is now a question of how they maintain and preserve the revolution at home. And it's extremely important to the proxies that Iran remain, so that even if it's knocked down over time, hopefully, theoretically, from their perspective, it can regain its footing. It will still have, they hope, its oil and gas, etcetera, and they will get back to a point where they can continue to fund and arm the proxies in. Maybe even prioritize them as it takes them longer to rebuild their ballistic missile, drone, and nuclear programs. Manya Brachear Pashman: Which is a scary prospect as well to know that terror proxies could be spread throughout the world and empowered even a little bit more. President Trump left the G7 summit a day early to meet with security advisors, and just a few hours ago, prior to this interview, President Trump called for Iran's, quote, unconditional surrender, saying that the US knows where the Supreme Leader is, and some other threatening language. But I mean, this appears to be a kind of a clear commitment to Israel. So I'm curious how you assess his administration's actions before and during the war thus far, and do you see the United States edging toward direct involvement? Matthew Levitt: All politics is local, and there is a tug of war within the MAGA movement over whether or not the US should be getting involved. Not only in supporting an important ally, but in removing a critical threat. The President is clearly frustrated that Iran was not being more forthcoming in the negotiations. He said many times, we'd offered you a great deal, you should have taken the deal. He's very aware that his deadline ended, and they didn't particularly seem to care. There's also the background that once upon a time, they tried to assassinate him, I think, after the Israelis did what they did, the President appreciates capabilities. He appreciates success. He likes backing the winning horse. And so the New York Times is reporting that after getting off the phone with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump reportedly turned to some aides and said, maybe we need to help him. Now it's not clear that's what's going to happen, and my understanding is that the Israelis have plans of their own for things like the heavily fortified facility at Fordow, which is the most important and highly fortified, protected of the nuclear installations. The Israeli National Security Advisor spoke today and said, you know, we're not going to be done until we do something with Fordow. The United States can do multiple things only the United States has the MOP: the Massive Ordinance Penetrator, and the airplanes to deliver it, and they could end Fordow if they wanted. Short of that, they could do other things to support Israel. There's been defensive support for the State of Israel already, but there's other things they could do, refueling and other things if they wanted to. And at a minimum, I don't see the president restraining Israel at all. Now, I've heard some people say that so far, the President has fired nothing more than some social media postings, some of them even in all caps. But the truth is, those do have an effect, and so long as Israel is not restrained. I think the Israelis went into this with a plan. That plan is not necessarily to entirely destroy the entire nuclear program, but if the ballistic missile program and the nuclear program are sufficiently degraded so that it will take them years and a tremendous amount of time and money to rebuild, knowing that Israel has broken the glass ceiling on this idea of targeting Iran, that if the Israelis feel they need to, they will come back. If the Iranians rebuild their air defense systems, the Israelis will address them and create a new highway going if they need to. I think the Israelis are making that clear. Knowing that it's going to be a little bit of a road for Iran, especially when it will have to deal with some domestic issues coming out of this. Finally, the Israelis have started signaling there's other things they could do. The Israelis have not yet fully targeted oil and gas fields and facilities. For example, they had one set of attacks where they basically knocked at the front door of some of these facilities without walking in the house. That's signaling, and I think it's one of the reasons you're seeing Iran quietly trying to reach out for some type of a ceasefire. Other signaling, for example, is the Israelis deciding to fly all the way to Mashhad, which is in far eastern Iran, to take out an airplane. That airplane was not particularly important. It was the message. There is nowhere in Iran we can't go. It's not a question of distance, it's not a question of refueling, it's not a question of air defense systems. We can do what we need to do. And I think the Iranians understand that now. Manya Brachear Pashman: So we talked about the commitment to Israel, and how clear, how important it is to clarify that commitment to Israel. How important is it to clarify the United States commitment to Arab partners in the Middle East to help defend them in other words, if this conflict escalates? Matthew Levitt: This is critically important. You know, one of the individuals who was taken out, for example, was the person who was in charge of the drone attack on the Abqaiq oil facility in Saudi Arabia. If you look, for example, at the Saudi statement condemning the Israeli actions, it was issued by the Foreign Ministry without a single name attached to it. Wasn't issued by the Crown Prince, wasn't issued by the foreign minister. So I think you should expect a whole lot of public criticism. I imagine there's a different conversation going on behind closed doors. It's not necessarily, you know, pom-poming. This makes the Gulf states very, very nervous, in part because they understand that one way Iran could try and get out of this is to expand the conflict. And that the reason they haven't is because, short of trying to prevent Iranians from taking to the streets and potentially doing something to maybe overthrow the regime, short of that, the number one thing that the Iranian regime is most desperate to avoid is getting the United States involved militarily. And I think the Iranians really understand and the messaging's been clear. If you target US Forces in the region, if you target our allies in the region, we'll get involved. If you don't, then we might not. Now the President now is talking about potentially doing that, and as a lot of maybe this, maybe that, nothing very clear. I think what is clear is that the Israelis are going to continue doing what they need to do for another one to two weeks. Even going so far as doing something, though they haven't made clear what to address the really complicated problem of the fortified facility at Fordow. Manya Brachear Pashman: So how important is it for global security if Israel is successful in eliminating the nuclear threat in Iran? Matthew Levitt: Look, Iran has been the single most destabilizing factor in the region for a long time now. Imagine a region without a destabilizing revolutionary regime in Iran without a regime that is supporting Shia militants in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Imagine the Shia militias in Iraq suddenly without a funder and a patron, enabling the Shia government in Iraq to actually be able to take control of the country and establish a monopoly over the use of force. At a time when the Shia militias, because of Iran's backing, are becoming more dangerous and more powerful in Iraq. Imagine the Lebanese government being able to be more forward leaning in their effort to establish a monopoly over the use of force in that country, reclaim bases that Hezbollah has used for all this time, and establish a new Lebanon that is not beholden to Iran and Hezbollah. And imagine an Israeli-Palestinian situation where you didn't have Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad as spoilers. Recall that October 7 happened in large part because Hamas and Hezbollah and Iran could not tolerate the prospect of Israeli-Saudi normalization. For most Palestinians, this was great news. The Saudis were demanding real dividends for the Palestinians from the Netanyahu government, which was likely going to do them. This was great for Palestinians, bad for Hamas. Imagine Hamas no longer getting that support from Iran. Imagine Iran no longer able to send or being interested in sending millions upon millions of dollars to its proxies, and instead spending what money it has on helping its population, instead of cracking down on it with human rights violations. You could have a very, very different region, let alone imagine Iran no longer carrying out acts of terrorism, kidnapping plots, abduction plots of dissidents and Jews and Israelis and others around the world of the type that we've seen throughout Europe and throughout the Middle East and even in the United States over the past few years. Manya Brachear Pashman: That's quite an imagination you have. But I take your point. Let me ask you this then. Did you ever imagine that Israel would take this dramatic step? Matthew Levitt: What the Israelis have achieved, when you are so against the wall and you're forced to come up with solutions, because it's a matter of life or death – you make the impossible possible. And I think that perhaps the Iranians assumed that the Israeli post-October 7 doctrine applied to non-state actors only. And that doctrine is very simple. Israel will no longer allow adversaries who are openly committed to its destruction to build up weapons, arsenals that they can then use at some point to actually try and destroy Israel. They will not allow that to happen. They allowed it to happen with Hamas. It was a mistake. They allowed it to happen with Hezbollah. It was a mistake that they corrected. And Iran is the biggest, arguably, really, the only existential threat as huge, as a tasking as that was, clearly they invested in doing it. And the question became, not, why can't it be done? What is it that has to be overcome? And I don't think sitting here with you right now, you know, what is it, 3:30 on Tuesday, the 17th, that we've seen the last of the tricks up Israel's sleeve. Manya Brachear Pashman: I only have one last question for you, and that is about the United States. The importance of the United States getting directly involved. I mean, we've talked about previously undisclosed nuclear sites, and who knows how many there could be. We're talking about more than what, 600,000 square miles of Iran. If the goal is a non nuclear Iran, can Israel finish this war without the United States, or does it even matter? I mean, is this just a step to force Iran back to the negotiating table with virtually zero leverage? Matthew Levitt: So look, I don't think the goal here is completely destroying the Iranian nuclear program, or even completely destroying the Iranian ballistic missile program. The goal is to so degrade it that it is set back many, many years, and break that ceiling. People now understand if Israelis need to come back, they're coming back. I think they would like to do as much damage to these destructive programs as possible, of course, and I don't think we've seen the end of it. I think there are more tricks up Israel's sleeve when it comes to some of these complicated problems. Judged by this yardstick, by the way, the Israeli operation is a tremendous success, tremendous success, even though there have been some significant casualties back in Israel, and even though this has caused tremendous trauma for innocent Iranians who have no love for the regime. This is a situation that the Iranian regime has brought down on all of us. I do think that the Israelis have made very, very clear that this doesn't end until something is done to further disrupt and dismantle Fordow, which is the most important and the most heavily fortified, underground, under a mountain facility. It's not clear what the Israelis have in mind. It seems they have something in mind of their own. It's clear they would love for the United States to get involved, because the United States could do real damage to that facility and potentially end the Iranian nuclear program. But at the end of the day, if it can't be completely destroyed, I anticipate it's going to be damaged enough to significantly set it back. This phase of the Israel-Iran war, which didn't start last week, is not about pushing them back a week or a month or two months. Manya Brachear Pashman: Well, Matt, thank you so much for your wise counsel and perspective on this matter, and yes, hopefully we can have you back another time to talk about peace and love and things that have nothing to do with war and conflict with Iran or its terror proxies. Matthew Levitt: I would really look forward to prepping for that interview. In the meantime, I want to thank AJC for all the important work it does, and thank you guys for having me on the podcast. Manya Brachear Pashman: If you missed last week's episodes, be sure to tune in for our crossover episode with Books and Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast, a podcast of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy, and my conversation with AJC's Jerusalem Director Avital Liebovich. During a special breaking news episode the day after Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, the latest in Israel's ongoing war of self-defense against the Iranian regime.
President Trump took to social media to warn Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei that he's an "easy target" and calling for unconditional surrender, adding to the fears of Iranians who are desperately trying to leave the capital since Trump told all 10 million to "immediately evacuate." Just before Israel launched its massive attacks, the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation agreements for the first time in 20 years. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi joins Christiane from Vienna. Also on today's show: Jon Finer, Former US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor; DNC Chair Ken Martin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It's Tuesday, June 17th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Adam McManus North Korean Christian, arrested in 2007, has disappeared International Christian Concern remembers another persecuted saint today among those who have disappeared into the hands of a tyrannical state. Kim Sung-sik of North Korea, who was arrested at the age of 49 in 2007 at his home, was remembered for distributing Bibles and for handing out gifts to needy folks. A North Korean defector described this man of God as having “character like steel.” He never bowed to anyone, and would even confront public officers for accepting bribes. His grandfather was a Presbyterian minister who had been persecuted and imprisoned by the Communist regime. Sung-Sik's wife and children, who were also arrested, have also disappeared. According to Open Doors, North Korea is the most dangerous place worldwide to live as a Christian. Chinese Communists want churches to sing worship songs praising communism The Chinese Communist Party, China's ruling political class, released a plan on May 7 mandating that Protestant churches include songs in their worship praising communism. Sadly, reports of Protestants representing the official Three-Self Patriotic church indicate they are complying with the new regulations. Nigerian Muslims massacred 200 villagers, mostly Catholic This just in from Truth Nigeria. Fulani Muslim jihadists massacred 200 villagers from the farming community in Guma County located in Benue State. Most of the residents are Catholics. Witnesses report that 40 gunmen stormed the village shouting “Allahu Akbar.” The terrorists opened fire on civilians while setting homes on fire, and killing indiscriminately. Over 10,000 survivors who escaped are now needing clean water, medical aid, and facilities to house them. Equipping the Persecuted ministry is collecting resources to provide for immediate needs. Over the last two years, 10,217 Nigerians have been killed in Muslim-inspired massacres, and about 6,900 of those killings have occurred in Benue State. Israel bombed 80 more Iranian targets In its ongoing war with Iran, Israel bombed 80 more targets on Sunday. At least 200 Iranians have died thus far in the attacks. The International Atomic Energy Agency's director Rafael Grossi has stated that Iran's underground nuclear development has not been compromised at this point. Global military spending up 37% Sabers are rattling. Louder than ever. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's Yearbook, published on Monday, world military spending rose by 37 percent in the past decade, and by 9.4 percent last year alone, to $2.7 trillion. That's the largest bump since the early 1990s. China and India are installing nuclear bombs on warheads. That's a change in policy for these countries. China is up to 600 nukes, and North Korea has enough fissile materials for 90 total warheads. Proverbs 21:31 says, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” South Korea's largest homosexual pride parade South Korea is touting its largest homosexual pride parade ever this year. The organizers claim 170,000 participants. South Korea has absorbed western immorality faster than other eastern countries. The proportion of South Koreans holding that homosexuality is never justified decreased from 67% in the 1990s to 24% in the most recent survey. That's even lower than Taiwan -- the most pro-homosexual country in Asia. The Christian faith is falling off by generations in South Korea. At this point, 29% of their elderly people adhere to the Protestant faith, but only 13% of the 18 to 29-year-old age group call themselves Protestant Christians. Psalm 78:9 warns of “The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. They did not keep the covenant of God; They refused to walk in His law, and forgot His works and His wonders that He had shown them.” The rise of apostacy in America and China Christian apostasy continues to rise across the world. The recent Pew Research report on worldwide religious affiliation found that 35 nations have seen an increase between 2010 and 2020 in atheism or a non-affiliation with a church. And 40 nations have seen a substantial decrease in people aligning themselves with the Christian faith. Of all nations in the world, the United States has the second largest number of atheists or people unaffiliated with a church -- at 100 million people. China has the largest number of atheists or unaffiliated at 1.3 billion. Christians are still in the majority in 60% of the world's nations, while Muslims are in the majority in 26% of the countries. U.S. unemployment 4.2%, but higher for recent college grads Unemployment in the United States is running at 4.2%. But for recent college grads -- ages 22 through 27 -- the rate stands at 5.8% — the highest since 202, according to the US Labor Department. Minnesota political assassin captured Sunday night The gunman, Vance Boelter, wanted in the slaying of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband, as well as in the shooting of a state senator and his wife, was found Sunday night armed and crawling in a field in a sparsely populated stretch of Minnesota, reports NBC News. Police Chief Mark Bruley of the Brooklyn Park Police Department said it was without a doubt the biggest manhunt in the state's history. Authorities allege Boelter, age 57, who posed as a policeman, tried to kill state Senator John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, at their home in Champlin at roughly 2 a.m. Saturday before fatally shooting state Rep. Melissa Hortman, a 55-year-old Democrat, and her husband, Mark, in nearby Brooklyn Park. Boelter was arrested without incident. His motive is still unclear. NBC Chicago reports that police found a manifesto in Boelter's car with the names of 70 politicians including those in Illinois and Wisconsin. Worldview listeners in Georgia and Indiana and share their hearts I invited Worldview listeners to share what they enjoy about the newscast in 2-6 sentences by email. You can share your thoughts — along with your full name, city and state — and send it to adam@TheWorldview.com Max Wood in Macon, Georgia wrote, “Let not your heart be troubled by the slow response this year to your annual fundraising campaign. Americans are more mobile and active this summer than last because of the improved economy. You and the team produce a quality product that blesses many and will, in turn, be blessed by God. Keep the faith. American Miracles don't just happen on movie screens.” And Mary Collins in Elkhart, Indiana wrote, “I LOVE your newscast! Every day in our homeschool, I read the “good news” stories to my kids. I LOVE that you use biblical language; it helps us also think in such terms. I love that I can trust it to be from a Biblical worldview and I don't have to sift through any jargon. I love that I can trust it to be accurate and from God's perspective! I love that sometimes you include interesting things that no other news outlet would even consider. We have sure enjoyed those neat stories. THANK YOU for such a quality way to stay up to date with the world's current events.” 14 Worldview listeners gave $4,982.50 to fund our annual budget And finally, toward our $92,625 goal by this Friday, June 20th to fund three-quarters of The Worldview newscast's annual budget, 14 listeners stepped up to the plate. Our thanks to Cody in Hortense, Georgia who gave $32.50 as well as Braelon in Lincoln, Nebraska, Christina in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, and Joshua in Hortense, Georgia – each of whom gave $50. We're grateful to God for Eric in Tazewell, Virginia and Henry in Tazewell, Virginia –- both of whom gave $100 as well as James in Kennewick, Washington who gave $200, and Richard and LeAnn in Zeeland, North Dakota who gave $300. And we were touched by the generosity of Donovan in Denton, Texas, William in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and Madilynn in Green City, Missouri – each of whom gave $500, as well as Kathryn in Reddick, Florida who pledged $50 per month for 12 months for a gift of $600, Stephen in California, Maryland who gave $1,000, and Scooter in Naples, Florida who will match Stephen's gift with another $1,000. Those 14 Worldview listeners gave a total of $4,982.50. Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please. (Drum roll sound effect) $43,874.70 (People clapping and cheering sound effect) Toward this Friday, June 20th's goal of $92,625, we need to raise $48,750.30 Remember, if you are one of the 3 final people who give a one-time gift of $1,000, Scooter in Naples, Florida will match you with a corresponding $1,000 gift. Now, if that happens today, Tuesday, June 17th, we will have raised an additional $6,000. I'm wondering whether you might be one of four Worldview listeners to give $5,000 today. In order to raise the remaining amount, I need to find 23 Worldview listeners who will pledge $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600. And another 46 listeners to pledge $25/month for 12 months for a gift of $300. Please, we need your help right now! Go to TheWorldview.com and click on Give on the top right. Click on the button that indicates a recurring monthly donation if that's your wish. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, June 17th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. You can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports the International Atomic Energy Agency has re-assessed the damage done at a key Iran enrichment plant.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reports no further damage at Iran's Natanz nuclear enrichment plant since Israeli attacks last Friday.
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency says there is a possibility of both radiological and chemical contamination within Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility following Israeli strikes.
Why did Israel launch defensive strikes against Iran's nuclear sites — and what does this mean for regional security? AJC Jerusalem Director Lt. Col. (res.) Avital Leibovich joins from IDF reserve duty to explain Operation Rising Lion — Israel's precision military strikes aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. Find out why Israel saw this defensive action as vital to protect millions of lives and prevent Iran's nuclear breakout. Resources: 5 Key Reasons Behind Israel's Defensive Strike on Iran's Imminent Nuclear Threat Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: Untold stories of Jews who left or were driven from Arab nations and Iran People of the Pod: Latest Episodes: What Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks' State of the Jewish World Teaches Us Today AJC's CEO Ted Deutch: Messages That Moved Me After the D.C. Tragedy Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Manya Brachear Pashman Late Thursday night, Israel launched a series of preemptive strikes against Iran in a military offensive dubbed Operation Rising Lion. The wave of strikes comes after the International Atomic Energy Agency censured Iran for obstructing its inspections after the revelation of a secretive nuclear site. What is happening on the ground, what's next, and what are the implications for Israel, Iran, and the broader Middle East? AJC Jerusalem director, Avital Leibovich, who also serves as Lieutenant Colonel in the IDF reserves, joins us now from reserve duty as counterattacks from Iran have begun. Avital, thank you for joining us with pleasure. Avital, negotiations for a new nuclear deal with Iran have been underway since April. There have been five rounds, maybe six, and another was going to begin on Sunday. President Trump also asked Israel to hold off on this preemptive operation. So why did Israel choose to launch these strikes? At this particular time, Avital Leibovich Israel took a decision already to prepare for a preemptive attack on Iran. Since November, what happened in November? In November, Hezbollah lost the majority of its capabilities, of its military capabilities, and also of its leadership. Actually, a lot of his leaders, military leaders, have been eliminated, starting with Nasrallah, Hassan, Nasrallah, and going on to all the major generals of the organization. And basically the Shiite axis, as we call it here in Israel, was broken. Add to this, what happened a month later in December, when Assad's regime crashed, collapsed and was replaced by an anti Iranian man, jihadist, which jihadist background, by the name of Ahmed al Shara. So Iran was actually by on its own, really, because instead of circling Israel from the north, both from Syria and from Lebanon. Now it was circling in a very one dimension way, only from the east. So in order to do that, Iran figured out it needed to really upscale its nuclear capabilities, and for that, they sped up a few processes, for example, uranium enrichment, but not only that, also the weaponization of a potential nuclear bomb. And all of these steps actually brought us to a point that we are today, the point of no return. Iran will not be able to return to 20 years ago, 30 years ago, when it did not have those capabilities as it has today. For us in Israel, this is an issue of existence, either we exist or we don't, and that is the sole reason why the preemptive strike actually began today. This is according to Israeli intelligence, we have all the indications and data showing us this really major leap. And look the IAEA, you know, they issue reports every couple of months. It's their kind of responsibility for us. It's a matter of life and death. We cannot, you know, comply only with reports. And the reports sit on some shelf somewhere and and there's a lot of dust which is piling up on these reports for us, we needed action. So based on this very accurate intelligence, and some of this intelligence that has been accumulated for many, many years, you can see in the attack in Iran, you can see the very accurate attacks, the pinpointed strikes, which actually are directed at specific terrorists and not causing damage to uninvolved civilians, just To the locals. Yeah, Manya Brachear Pashman And how do you evaluate the Trump administration's response so far, given the diplomatic efforts underway? Well, Avital Leibovich I think that he is using the attacks to leverage and put pressure on Iran to resume the negotiation table in a few days. And as you know, there were six rounds of talks, and the best of my knowledge, there were huge gaps between the two sides, the American side and the Iranian side. I'm not sure these gaps can be bridged. We heard over and over again, President Trump say that Iran will never be able to enrich uranium. And then we heard Iranian leaders like Hamina say, this is the basic right of the Iranian people to enrich uranium. So I'm not sure how you can get you can bridge such a deep gap overall, I think that the President. Uh, has been congratulating Israel on its excellent attacks until now. But again, we are in the beginning. We're in the beginning phase of the attacks, although they're spread all over Iran. This is still the first day. We need to keep this in mind. Manya Brachear Pashman The targets included more than nuclear sites. It included ballistic missile sites as well, and we're receiving word that Iran has fired ballistic missiles toward Israel as we speak, they fired ballistic missiles on Israel in April. If this counterattack continues, do you expect the United States to step in to defend Israel, and do you expect some of your neighbors to step in and help as well as they did in April the United Arab Emirates or Bahrain Avital Leibovich So as for the neighbors, I think that if their aerial space will be violated and breached by Iran, then of course, they have the right, like any other country, they're sovereign, to protect their own airspace. First of all, they will be protecting themselves and their people, not Israel, as for the US. This really depends on what Iran chooses to do next. The retaliation that Iran had practiced until now was launching 100 plus drones, explosive drones, to Israel. Almost all of these drones have been intercepted. This happened in the morning today. Now if Iran will decide that the ballistic missiles or the cruise missiles that it will launch here, will attack not only Israel, but also US bases across the region. Then here, there's a question, how will the US respond? Will the US retaliate as well? If that would happen, we could have even a more significant strike together the US and Israel. Manya Brachear Pashman These attacks killed two lead scientists, IRGC commanders, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leaders. Is there a long-term goal of prompting a regime change? Avital Leibovich So first of all, there are few types of targets in Iran, and you mentioned some of them. Physics and nuclear scientists are, of course, a critical human resource to the Iranian regime, as they rely on their long term knowledge and expertise on producing the bomb as soon as possible, as quick as possible, and by eliminating them in a way, you are removing the immediate threat. Other options are economic options. For example, really Iran relies on oil and buys it from China and maybe other countries as well. So obviously, Israel could decide to target its oil reserves, and this will be, of course, a significant economic blow. The third option is to target the government, leadership, politicians. Now, Israel, up to this moment, did not choose an economic target or a political target, but this may change in the future. The military targets, of course, are the most immediate targets that Israel is attacking, and the idea is to eliminate the immediate threat on Israel for the long range? Well, in the Middle East, in this part of the world, unfortunately, long range is something we can only put as a vision which is not bad. I'm happy to dream. I'm dreaming often Iran, which is similar to the Iran we knew before 1979 before the revolution, a moderate country, a human, loving country with values that I can share and adopt just the same. I'm looking at a different Middle East, maybe in a few years, with an expansion of the Abraham Accords, and creating an axis of moderate countries and other Shiite countries. So all of these changes that we're witnessing right now in the region and may still witness in the future, may all have an impact also on the long range outcome of the current war, which is unprecedented. Manya Brachear Pashman I know Israel calls this a preemptive attack, but what do you say to countries who have already expressed concern about what they call an unprovoked attack? Avital Leibovich Well, I think it's enough for them just to look at the many kind of materials, which Israel and the Israeli. Army released today, showing what they have done, what Iran has done on its own soil. Now, when you follow the targets we just spoke about, you can see that these are not civilian targets. In other words, Israel is not attacking a school or a building just in the middle of Tehran for nothing. It's attacking deliberate military related sites. Actually, I think that, if I'm daring to dream again, I think that the people of Israel and the people of Iran have a lot in common. They're both people with deep heritage, with beautiful cultures. So I do envision one day a different regime in Iran, such a regime that could really bring the two countries together, opening a new page. And I think it will do a better Middle East here for all of us. Manya Brachear Pashman We have talked about how Hamas embeds itself among the Palestinian civilians in Gaza. So no matter how precise Israel's attacks are, civilians are killed. Does Iran do the same thing? Or, I should say, does the Iranian regime do the same thing in Iran? Avital Leibovich Obviously, Iran is not a democracy, and there is a similarity here with Hamas. We are talking about almost a fanaticist religious kind of aspect, which is also very similar to Hamas. Actually, Hamas and Iran have been connected for decades, for many, many decades, so they do share a lot of similarities. But unfortunately, the freedom of movement, freedom of speech, freedom of of culture, is not something which is of an ordinary situation in Iran. It's very unfortunate. You know, I'm sometimes following the social media in Iran, and I see how people speak about the regime. I see how they curse the regime. I see how they aspire for better lives. I see them organize parties in basements and so so the regime will not find out. I see them the women wearing jeans underneath hijabs long dresses, trying to conceal them for God forbid, so they would not be considered as not modest. So it's very unfortunate that the public is suffering in Iran, and we see that, not only in the general atmosphere, but also we see it with the standards of life, they have only electricity a couple of days of couple of hours a day. Water is scarce. The the prices of food, they are huge. Take, for example, today, one American dollar, it equals almost 1 million rials. For comparison, $1 equals three point 60 Israeli shekels. So yeah, they're suffering from many, many perspectives. Manya Brachear Pashman Thank you so much for joining us stay safe. Avital Leibovich Thank you, Manya, and I'll just thank everybody for their support. I'm Israel. If Manya Brachear Pashman you missed last week's episode, be sure to tune in for a special crossover episode between people of the pod and Books and Beyond, the podcast of the Rabbi Sacks legacy, Dr Tanya white, host of Books and Beyond, and Joanna benaroche, global, Chief Executive of the legacy, sit down with my colleague, Maggie wishegrad Fredman to discuss how the wisdom and perspective of the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks still endures today.
On this week's Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss uncertainty in Congress as reconciliation, the Trump administration's rescissions request, authorizations, appropriations and markups move ahead; President Trump deploys 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to LA amidst largely peaceful protests against the administration's deportation policies; American and Chinese negotiators agree to allow the US access to critically important rare earths as tariffs on China will be capped at 55 percent; the Pentagon reviews the agreement among Australia, Britain and the United States to cooperate on nuclear attack submarines; Russia surges drone attacks on Ukraine as it masses forces for a major offensive to retake territory; talks to craft a ceasefire increasingly diminish as Russia concludes it can win the war; Washington withdraws US diplomats from Iraq as Israel is imminently expected to attack Iran as the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency declares Tehran in breach of nonproliferation obligations as Iranian officials vow to expand their nuclear program.
Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 72-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,216 on turnover of $6.7-billion N-T. Kaohsiung Districts Suspend Work and Classes Due to Heavy Rain Parts of Kaohsiung are suspending work and classes, due to heavy rain. The city government announced that school and work in Mao-lin District, as well as parts of Tao-yuan District will be cancelled today for safety. Officials say a now-dissipated tropical depression has resulted in torrential (滂沱) showers in mountainous areas, with risks of rockslides and overflowing rivers. (NS) Israel Claims Tehran Attack Targeted MIlitary and Nuclear Program Officials Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel targeted Iran's main enrichment facility in Natanz and the country's ballistic missile program, as well as top nuclear scientists and officials, in an attack today. He said Iran was working on a new plan to destroy Israel after its old plan, failed. Netanyahu said in an address on social media that the attacks will continue “for as many days at it takes to remove this threat.” Iranian state television says the head of Iran
Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton! If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too. Here’s a sample episode recapping four Thursday takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Middle East Tensions Clay Travis and Buck Sexton broadcast live from Washington, D.C., where Clay and Buck share behind-the-scenes insights from their high-level meetings with members of President Donald Trump’s administration. The hour opens with lighthearted anecdotes about fan encounters in Georgetown and a humorous mishap involving Clay being denied entry to a White House meeting due to not having a Real ID. Despite the setback, Clay books former NFL kicker Jay Feely—now a congressional candidate in Arizona—for Hour 2 after a chance sidewalk meeting. The conversation quickly pivots to serious geopolitical developments, with a major focus on escalating tensions in the Middle East. Clay and Buck analyze the Trump administration’s strategic posture toward Iran amid reports of U.S. personnel being evacuated from embassies in the region. They discuss the implications of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) declaration that Iran is violating nuclear non-proliferation agreements—marking the first such ruling in 20 years—and the possibility of an imminent Israeli military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. President Trump’s firm stance that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon” is highlighted, along with his administration’s efforts to support Israel while avoiding direct U.S. military involvement. Buck, drawing on his CIA background, and Clay explore the broader regional dynamics, including the Abraham Accords, Saudi-Israeli relations, and Iran’s weakening influence through proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. They also examine the internal pressures facing the Iranian regime and speculate on whether a successful Israeli strike could destabilize the theocracy and pave the way for a more democratic future in Iran. Jay Feely for AZ Arizona congressional candidate Jay Feely. The former NFL kicker and sports broadcaster shares his journey from the football field to the political arena, emphasizing his commitment to President Donald Trump’s America First agenda. Feely discusses the challenges of campaign fundraising, the importance of border security, and the economic struggles facing young Americans, particularly in high-cost housing markets like Arizona. Feely also weighs in on the controversial topic of transgender athletes in women’s sports, defending fairness and safety for female competitors. He recounts his personal experience coaching girls' soccer and criticizes Simone Biles’ comments about Riley Gaines, highlighting the biological advantages male athletes have in women’s sports. The hour takes a lighter turn as Clay and Buck debate whether Clay could beat WNBA star Angel Reese in a one-on-one basketball game, sparking humorous banter about aging, athleticism, and dad pride. Feely joins in, joking about his own competitive edge and experiences playing with LPGA golfers. NYC Politics The upcoming mayoral race doesn't offer good options. Clay and Buck critique progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani’s past support for replacing police with social workers in high-crime areas, contrasting it with the potential return of Andrew Cuomo. Despite Cuomo’s controversial past, Clay argues he may be the most rational Democrat in the race, sparking debate among listeners. Obedience Training for the Masses The escalating national unrest, immigration enforcement, and cultural flashpoints shaping the political landscape under President Donald Trump. The hour opens with a critical analysis of the ongoing protests and riots across major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York City. Clay and Buck emphasize the distinction between peaceful protests and violent riots, highlighting the media's reluctance to acknowledge the latter. A major focus is on President Trump’s immigration policy, particularly his promise to execute the largest deportation operation in American history. The hosts underscore that this initiative, which prioritizes the removal of violent criminal offenders, aligns with the working-class majority’s support. They also discuss the exploitation of illegal labor by elites and the need for stricter enforcement against employers hiring undocumented workers. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts: ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck: https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton on Social Media: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TURKEY'S INTERNAL CHALLENGES AND EXTERNAL INFLUENCEHEADLINE 1: Israel's defense exports increased 13 percent in 2024. HEADLINE 2: Israel is arming jihadi criminals in Gaza.HEADLINE 3: The Syrian government agreed to give the International Atomic Energy Agency access to former Assad regime nuclear sites.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Sinan Ciddi, director of FDD's Turkey Program.Learn more at: www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/
GAZA AID, HAMAS, AND THE 'DAY AFTER'HEADLINE 1: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is talking about normalization with Israel.HEADLINE 2: The United States, Britain, France, and Germany, are planning to submit a resolution to the International Atomic Energy Agency board declaring Iran non-compliant with its non-proliferation obligations. Because it is.HEADLINE 3: A Saudi-led delegation of Arab foreign ministers was supposed to visit the West Bank yesterday. Israel blocked it. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely updates and sharp analysis, followed by a conversation with John Spencer, who serves as the chair of urban warfare studies at West Point's Modern War Institute.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/
China, Russia, and Iran support the International Atomic Energy Agency in playing a constructive role in resolving issues pertaining to Iran's nuclear program. A joint meeting between senior diplomats from the three countries and the head of the IAEA sent that message on Thursday. What's the significance of the joint meeting in Vienna? What came out of the Iranian Foreign Minister's visit to Beijing? What can we expect from the third round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S.?
The Isotopes for Hope Podcast is a series that highlightsCanadian leaders in the country's isotope and cancer care sector who are contributing to Canada's leadership role in fighting cancer. While this podcast aims to frame the industry's future in this area, we also feature unique stories and perspectives about the importance of isotopes from current industry leaders. This episode features Lisa Stevens, Director of Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Lisa joins James for a discussion about the important work that the IAEA leads, its Rays of Hope initiative, and the new partnership between the CNIC and the IAEA in support of the initiative. In 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched Rays of Hope, an initiative aimed at addressing disparities in radiation medicine for cancer treatment in low- and middle-income countries. Through partnerships with governments, internationalfinancial institutions, and the private sector, Rays of Hope helps to save lives by increasing access to radiotherapy infrastructure and diagnostic imaging used in cancer care.
Bruce Power's Chief Operating Officer James Scongack is Chairman of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council and, as he explains, the country aims to play a leadership role in nuclear medicine, not just for Canada's benefit, but also to provide health benefits for the rest of the world.He outlines the life-saving diagnostics and treatments that now exist thanks to isotopes produced in Canada's Candu reactors, research reactors and cyclotrons, and talks about the new trials and treatments which are emerging.The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council has recently signed an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency's Rays for Hope campaign and aims to help provide access to nuclear medicine's diagnostics and treatments to those parts of the world where people do not currently have access. This is part of what he sees as driving hugely growing demand in the years ahead.For those who may say that producing isotopes is the equivalent of a 'side hustle' for a nuclear power plant, Scongack says it might be "1% of the cashflow, but it's 50% of our contribution" in terms of tackling some of the greatest challenges that communities and society are facing.Scongack also talks about progress at Bruce Power, where the modernisation programme is adding extra capacity equivalent to that which would be provided by building three small modular reactors. There's also an update on Bruce C.Scongack, who sees a bright future for nuclear energy in general, says that communicating positive stories is key. He presents the Canadian Nuclear Isotopes Council's own podcast - called Isotopes for Hope - helping to spread the news about what he calls a "real hidden gem of what our industry around the world does".Key links to find out more:World Nuclear NewsCanadian Nuclear Isotopes CouncilIsotopes for HopeBruce PowerMilestones for Canada's Bruce Power unitsEmail newsletter:Sign up to the World Nuclear News daily or weekly news round-upsContact info:alex.hunt@world-nuclear.orgEpisode credit: Presenter Alex Hunt. Co-produced and mixed by Pixelkisser Production
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warns Iran is stepping up its uranium enrichment program, getting very close to what it needs for nuclear weapons; Iran is one of the major potential crises the incoming Trump administration ... ...
Jonathan Blake and Nils Gilman join us to discuss their recent book, Children of a Modest Star: Planetary Thinking for an Age of Crises, in which they propose a framework of "planetary thinking" to address the interconnected crises facing humanity. Drawing on historical lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the eradication of smallpox, among other examples, Blake and Gilman advocate for moving beyond traditional state-centered responses. They urge a reorientation toward systemic, planetary-scale challenges that acknowledge humanity's deep entanglement with ecological and biogeochemical systems. In this episode, we explore why "planetarity" is an idea whose time has come, the limitations of anthropocentric institutions, the practicalities of planetary governance in a world marked by socio-political differences, and the critical role of new epistemological frameworks in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and global security. Jonathan Blake is the Associate Director of Programs at the Berggruen Institute, where he oversees research projects and the broader research agenda for the Planetary Program. A political scientist with a PhD from UC Berkeley, his work focuses on planetary politics, ethnic conflict, and migration, among other topics. His writing has appeared in Noema, where he serves as Associate Editor, as well as in The Atlantic, Boston Review, The Nation, Los Angeles Review of Books, and various academic journals. Nils Gilman is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at the Berggruen Institute and also serves as Deputy Editor of Noema Magazine. He is the author of Mandarins of the Future: Modernization Theory in Cold War America (2004), Deviant Globalization: Black Market Economy in the 21st Century (2011), and Children of a Modest Star: Planetary Thinking for an Age of Crises (2024). Holding a Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate in History from UC Berkeley, Gilman is a historian and political theorist with a career spanning academia and consultancy in international security. His work has contributed to foundational insights on climate security and governance, and his writings frequently explore the limitations of current institutions in addressing planetary-scale crises, positioning him as a leading voice in reimagining governance frameworks for the Anthropocene. Jonathan tweets @jonathansblake: https://x.com/jonathansblake Nils tweets @nils_gilman: https://x.com/nils_gilman We discussed: Children of a Modest Star: Planetary Thinking for an Age of Crises (Stanford University Press, 2024): https://www.sup.org/books/politics/children-modest-star
It was an honor today to welcome Dr. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Dr. Grossi is a distinguished diplomat with an esteemed career spanning 40 years in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. He has served as the IAEA's Director General since December 2019 and was re-appointed for a second four-year term beginning in December 2023. Prior to his current role, Dr. Grossi served as Argentina's Ambassador to Austria. Other career highlights include Argentine Representative to the IAEA, President of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Assistant Director General for Policy and Chief of the Cabinet at the IAEA, and Chief of Cabinet at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. He began his career as Argentine Representative to NATO. We were delighted to visit with Dr. Grossi. In our conversation, we discuss the IAEA's critical role in nuclear safety, development, and nonproliferation amid global challenges, including efforts to prevent nuclear accidents in active conflict zones. Dr. Grossi discusses the agency's unprecedented decision to establish a permanent presence of IAEA experts at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine to ensure safety and security, the agency's ongoing communication with both Ukrainian and Russian leadership to mitigate risks during wartime, and the dedication of the IAEA staff who have volunteered for these high-risk missions. We cover the IAEA's history, which was inspired by President Eisenhower's “Atoms for Peace” initiative, the agency's evolving mission in regulatory and industrial standardization, the increasing interest in nuclear energy as a demand-driven solution to global power needs, and how the IAEA is supporting countries through their Milestones Program to provide guidance for adopting nuclear energy. Additionally, we explore the growing role of private capital in nuclear projects and the IAEA's efforts to engage with international financial institutions including the World Bank to create a more favorable investing environment for nuclear energy, geopolitical dynamics influencing the sector, and the IAEA's collaboration with nuclear CEOs, vendors, and clients worldwide. It was a profound look at the challenges and opportunities shaping nuclear energy and we are deeply grateful to Dr. Grossi for sharing his time and insights. Mike Bradley kicked off the show by highlighting that even though broader U.S. equity markets continue to post new highs, they're still trying to decipher Trump's current tariff “rhetoric” from future tariff “realism.” Trump surprised markets again this weekend by vowing to impose a 100% tariff on BRICS countries that don't/won't commit to be anchored to the U.S. dollar. He also noted that current global events (including South Korea's President declaring Marshall Law on Tuesday & French lawmakers possibly seeking to hold a no-confidence vote to topple the French President on Wednesday) could spill over and potentially stall the runup in U.S. equities. On the crude oil market front, WTI has traded up ~$2/bbl this week (~$70/bbl) on news the U.S. is sanctioning several foreign entities tied to the Iranian crude oil tanker “shadow fleet.” OPEC delayed their virtual meeting to Dec 5th and consensus is betting OPEC will agree to delay an oil production increase by another three months. On the natural gas front, U.S. natural gas price plunged this week to ~$3/MMBtu due to a warmer 6-10-day weather outlook and a rebound in U.S. gas production (~104bcfpd). European natural gas prices continue to stay elevated mostly due to extremely high November gas storage withdrawals. The EU raised their February gas storage target levels to 50% (up from 45%) due to growing 2025 supply concerns. On the energy equity front, Energy is among the worst performing S&P sectors this past week (down ~1%) due to the strong U.S. dollar, modest OPEC Meeting uncertainty and Canadian/Mexican crude oil
Dr. Justin Quinn Olmstead is a historian for Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His most recent book “From Nuclear Weapons to Global Security: 75 Years of Research and Development at Sandia National Laboratories.” Dr. Robert Oppenheimer helped launch the Sandia Labs, which is an engineering laboratory for the nation's nuclear deterrence. President Harry Truman was directly involved in setting up the Lab, whereas President Eisenhower initiated the Plowshare Program to explore the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the Atoms for Peace program in 1957. Sandia supports global security by working with US agencies, the UN's IAEA, and several of the United Nations treaties, such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty that focuses on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to avoid nuclear proliferation. Sandia has been “ hands-on” in helping mitigate the BP Oil Spill, Fukushima Disaster, Challenger explosion, the rapidly devastating climate crisis and the 9-11 destruction.
Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 244-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,800 on turnover of $5.09-billion N-T. Education Ministry-Funded Youth Overseas Program to Start Next Year The Ministry of Education says a program designed to encourage young people to participate in volunteering, internships, and other learning activities overseas with government funding will begin receiving applications next year. According to Deputy Education Minister Yeh Bing-cheng, the program is being supported by the newly established Youth Overseas Dream Fund and aims to help young people go abroad and "broaden their horizons." Yeh says the government hopes to select around 550 young people in 2025 for the program - which is open to Taiwan nationals aged between 15 to 30. The deputy education minister is encouraging young people with "good ideas," regardless of their family's financial status, to apply. Selected applicants (申請人) will receive grants of up to 2-million N-T for their own proposals. Projects currently being negotiated included student tours to the central government agencies in France as well as to different Indigenous villages in Canada. UN Condemns Iran Nuclear Noncompliance The U.N. nuclear watchdog's board has condemned Iran for failing to cooperate fully with the agency, the second time it has done so in just five months. The International Atomic Energy Agency also called on Tehran to provide answers in a long-running investigation into uranium particles found at two locations that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites. Diplomats say that 19 members of the IAEA board voted for the resolution, while Russia, China and Burkina Faso opposed it, and 12 abstained and one did not vote, according to diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the outcome of the closed-doors vote. The resolution comes on the heels of a confidential report earlier this week in which the IAEA said Iran has defied international demands to rein in its nuclear program and has increased its stockpile (儲存,逐步積累的東西) of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. Nigeria Calls for Military Partnerships in Africa Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has called on military formations in African countries to strengthen alliances in the bid to defeat insecurity (不安全) on the continent. Tesem Akende reports from Jos. Canada PM Announces Tax Break Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to temporarily lift the federal sales tax off a slew of items and send checks to millions of Canadians who are dealing with rising costs as a federal election looms. The measures come as an inflation-driven affordability (負擔能力) crunch (困難) has left voters unhappy with the Trudeau government. The federal goods and services tax break would begin Dec. 14 and end Feb. 15. It will apply to a number of items including children's clothing and shoes, toys, diapers, restaurant meals and beer and wine. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. ----以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供---- 華碩商用電腦ASUS Expert 台灣市佔第一! 通過多項美國軍規測試,以優異產品品質、高擴充性及完整的軟硬體解決方案,助企業降低擁有成本、簡化管理。 客製化保固與在地服務,IT專家華碩商用小隊是各企業、政教單位的最強後盾。 商用AIPC首選「華碩」,值得信賴! https://bit.ly/3CpbcSI -- 高雄美術特區2-4房全新落成,《惟美術》輕軌C22站散步即到家,近鄰青海商圈,卡位明星學區,徜徉萬坪綠海。 住近美術館,擁抱優雅日常,盡現驕傲風範!美術東四路X青海路 07-553-3838
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, warns space for diplomacy is 'getting smaller' for Iran's nuclear program.
“Switch me on.”When you think about it, the original Ghostbusters movie captivated a generation in a way that we usually reserve for franchises like Star Wars. Who would have thought that a big budget semi-horror comedy featuring a bunch of Saturday Night Live alums would become the kind of pop culture phenomenon that is still releasing films 40 years later, not to mention a parade of animated series, collectibles, video games, and more? And yet, that's exactly what happened!And perhaps a key part of that appeal was the central piece of equipment that the Ghostbusters outfitted themselves with: the proton pack. Essentially an “unlicensed nuclear accelerator” that they wear on their backs that allows them to “herd” ghosts into the equally fantastic traps (something that will perhaps be the focus of a future episode of Does it Fly?), the proton pack is as striking a visual as Star Wars' lightsaber or Star Trek's transporter. It's far from the only reason Ghostbusters has endured, but the millions of children of the 1980s who turned their school backpacks into ghost-fighting machines can't be wrong!At the heart of Ghostbusters is the fact that our heroes are all scientists, despite their shared interest in the paranormal. In a way, that's not too different from the dynamic of our brilliant hosts, who spend this special, spooky episode of Does it Fly? debating both the science and story logic of this beloved device.You can also watch the latest episode of Does it Fly? on our YouTube page. FURTHER READING Do you want to delve a little deeper into the facts, concepts, and stories Hakeem and Tamara referenced in today's episode? Of course you do! ProtonsYou can't wrap your head around a proton pack without first understanding the proton itself, which is simply a positively charged particle in the nucleus of an atom. Wait, did we say “simply?” No, these aren't that simple at all (note how Hakeem says in this episode that “the word particle can mean different things in different contexts”). Find out why right here.Particle AcceleratorsAccording to Hakeem, the proton pack is essentially a particle accelerator. Let the International Atomic Energy Agency explain them to you far better than we can. But the key here is the concept of the cyclotron, first developed by Ernest Lawrence, and which even existed in a surprisingly portable form (pending energy use necessity, of course).Beta DecayWe admit, this one is tough to follow on its own. Fortunately, there are visual references that help us follow along.Let's just let Hakeem explain how it all ties together: “The Ghostbusters use positrons to power their cyclotron which accelerates their protons so they can use them to capture ghosts.” (phew)The Real Inspiration for GhostbustersTamara brings up how Dan Aykroyd was inspired to pursue the Ghostbusters concept by an academic article from The Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research (which is absolutely real). We are pretty sure that the actual article in question can be read right here!SUGGESTED VIEWING It's almost unthinkable that anyone who has clicked on this episode hasn't seen the original Ghostbusters, which is truly a generational, all-time great movie. There's an entire franchise worth exploring beyond it, though. Here's a quick guide to watching them all in the appropriate order.Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989)The two movies that make up the bedrock of Ghostbusters canon. The first, is, of course, self-explanatory. Its sequel was seen as something of a disappointment upon release, but in the years since it's seen a critical re-evaluation from the general public. The first movie belongs to a unique category of high-concept genre comedies of the 1980s, which even had this not spawned a series of movies, a toy line, an animated series, and countless collectibles would have made it pretty unique. Others that played with the formula established here include Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Beetlejuice (which we did an entire episode on that you can watch right here).Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016)Unfairly maligned upon release for reasons we need not get into here, Paul Feig's complete reboot of the franchise (it's set in a parallel universe from the first films) is better than you've heard. HoweverGhostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)These are essentially the belated Ghostbusters III and IV. As is the case with Ghostbusters sequels, your mileage may vary.For those of you who really want to dig deeper, though, you'd be surprised at just how cool (and even scary!) The Real Ghostbusters cartoon from the 1980s was. In particular, if you're looking for some spooky seasonal viewing, allow us to suggest the first season episode “When Halloween Was Forever” which feels like a genuine Ghostbusters movie condensed down to less than 30 minutes. WANT MORE FROM DOES IT FLY?This isn't our first spooky rodeo, as we recently took a look at Beetlejuice to try and scientifically prove that demonic possession is a thing!Have you seen our awesome exclusive interview with the showrunner of Netflix's Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft yet? Watch it here!FOLLOW US!Stay in the loop! Follow DoesItFly? on YouTube and TikTok and let us know what you think! And don't forget to follow Roddenberry Entertainment:Instagram: @RoddenberryOfficial Facebook: RoddenberryTwitter: @Roddenberry For Advertising Inquiries: doesitfly@roddenberry.comCheck out the official Does it Fly? playlist, too!
The risk of the world's major powers engaging in conflict is at its highest level since the Cold War, and the possibility of nuclear war breaking out is greater today than it has been for several decades.On the final episode of Focus on the Future, Conor Lennon and Ben Malor from UN News concentrate on international peace and security, and how the Pact for the Future could help to reduce tensions.We'll hear from the UN's heads of Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (and explain the difference between the two concepts), and the Director- General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who warns against “normalizing” the idea of using nuclear weapons.Our email: thelidison@un.orgSummit of the Future Explainer: A new global peace plan for ‘uniquely dangerous' times | UN NewsUN Web TVGA Debate pageSDG Media ZoneInvisible killer: What is antimicrobial resistance? | UN News
Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the United Nations that Russia is preparing to attack Ukraine's nuclear plants. At the same time, Iranian officials have repeatedly stated they are interested in resuming nuclear diplomacy. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the United Nations that Russia is preparing to attack Ukraine's nuclear plants. At the same time, Iranian officials have repeatedly stated they are interested in resuming nuclear diplomacy. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
It's Tuesday, September 24th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Adam McManus Fulani Muslim herdsmen kill Nigerian Christians On Thursday, September 19th, Fulani Muslim herdsmen in central Nigeria, Africa killed two Christians, reports Morning Star News. Solomon Sanga, a local resident, said, “Audu Bala and Jonathan Moses were working on their farms when these Fulani herdsmen waylaid them and shot at them. The two died instantly, while another Christian victim, Japheth Yakubu, was kidnapped on September 10 while he was working on his farm.” In addition, the Fulani Muslim herdsmen murdered three other believers at church services the prior Sunday when they also kidnapped Pastor Yakubu and 30 congregation members. The assailants have phoned the pastor's family, demanding a ransom of $18,295. Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow's cause.” Please pray for Pastor Yakubu's safe return as well as the other congregation members and that these Muslim murderers will be brought to justice, repent of their sin, and trust Jesus Christ as their Savior. 16 Hezbollah terrorists killed After Israeli attacks on Hezbollah quarters in Lebanon over the weekend, the terrorist organization now reports 16 of its members were killed. Among the dead were senior Hezbollah leader Ibrahim Aqil and another top commander, Ahmed Wahb. Plus, 21 others were reportedly killed in the bombing. Aqil was a suspect in the US embassy and Marine barrack bombings that killed 300 people in 1983 in Beirut, Lebanon. Commenting on the Israeli attack, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said, “Any time a terrorist who has murdered Americans is brought to justice, we believe that that is a good outcome.” Israel launched 300 missiles Monday against Hezbollah Israel launched another 300 missiles on Monday at a Hezbollah target in Lebanon. They simultaneously issued text messages in Arabic, urging residents of the area to “move away from the village.” The full context declared, ”If you are in a building housing weapons for Hezbollah, move away from the village until further notice,” reports the Associated Press. The death toll from Monday's attack was 182 persons, at last report. Iran's growing nuclear threat Iran has 165 kilograms of 60% Uranium and 813 kilograms of 20% Uranium, according to the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency. The nuclear project is increasing Iran's store of highly-enriched Uranium at a rate of 100 kilograms per year. To put this into perspective, the nuclear bomb that America dropped on Hiroshima, Japan in August 1945 contained about 50 kilograms of highly-enriched Uranium. The report is only an estimate since Iran has discontinued international monitoring three and a half years ago. 1,000 West Africans drowned in flooding Severe flooding has impacted western Africa, especially the nations of Chad, Nigeria, Mali, and Niger, reports CBS News. At least 1,000 people have drowned in the deluges. Bridges and dams have collapsed. Public buildings and homes have been demolished by the waters. Dangerous flash floods occurring in the night have caught elderly people and those with disabilities unawares, resulting in the loss of life. Around 4,000,000 Africans have been affected — many of whom have been displaced. Borno State Museum Park estimates losing 80% of their animals. Oprah's endorsement of Kamala Harris in Michigan As The Worldview reported on Monday, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris sat down for a tightly scripted conversation with Oprah Winfrey in Michigan last Thursday. Sky News Australia called it a Cringe-fest. SKY NEWS NARRATOR: “Kamala Harris's interview with Oprah Winfrey went exactly as you would have expected. Commentators across the globe are mocking the interview, calling it a ‘cringe fest,' and slamming its pathetic attempt to mask democratic propaganda as a hard-hitting interview.” Oprah and Kamala were surrounded by liberal Hollywood actresses like Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, who joined by Zoom, and predictably parroted Democratic talking points and fawned over the Vice President. At the very end of the virtual infomercial, Oprah enthusiastically endorsed Kamala for President. Listen. WINFREY: “This is the moment for all decent people, all caring people who want the best for yourself and you want the best for other people. This is the moment for people who are tired of all of the bickering and all of the name calling, people who are exhausted by the craziness and the made up stories and the conspiracies. “This is the moment you want to get on with your life, because you know that we can do better and that we deserve better. As my friend and mentor Maya Angelou always said, ‘When you know better, you got to do better.' Thank you. So, let's do better and vote for Kamala Harris.” Poll: Trump edging out Harris in 4 battleground states Pollsters expect the US presidential election this November to be close, most likely coming down to seven battleground states. Recent Emerson College Polling and The Hill found Trump edging out Harris in Arizona (49% to 48%); Georgia (50% to 47%); Pennsylvania (48% to 47%); and Wisconsin (49% to 48%.) The polling discovered Harris leading Trump in Michigan (49% to 47%) and North Carolina (49% to 48%). The candidates were tied at 48% in Nevada. Whether it be the voters or the president of the United States, remember, “The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord. Like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21:1) Pentecostal and Baptist pastors more likely to vote for Trump And finally, more details now on that Lifeway poll which revealed how U.S. Protestant pastors plan to vote in the presidential election which we first reported on September 18th. Pastors of Pentecostal, Baptist, and non-denominational churches are the most enthusiastic supporters of Donald Trump with 64-65% of the leaders in these denominations planning to vote for the Republican presidential nominee. Conversely, only 24% of Presbyterian pastors and 26% of Methodist pastors are going for Trump. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, September 24th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
China has expressed readiness to work with African countries to jointly implement the Global Security Initiative(01:07). The European Union's naval mission has suspended efforts to salvage an oil tanker stranded in the Red Sea after an attack by Yemen's Houthi forces(12:30). The International Atomic Energy Agency says it will step up assistance to Ukraine to protect the country's energy infrastructure(19:25).
The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency has warned of a risk of a nuclear incident at the Kursk nuclear power plant due to the conflict nearby.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry says the country is committed to helping the development of its Global South partners, including those in Africa (01:05). The Pacific Islands Forum is underway in Tonga, with leaders hoping to draw global attention to the region's worsening climate situation (05:58). The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed evidence of a drone strike on a nuclear power plant in Russia's Kursk region (13:13).
*) Palestine invites those ‘with spine' to visit besieged Gaza Palestine's envoy to the UN has reiterated his call for a ceasefire in besieged Gaza and invited the UN Security Council members to witness firsthand the "horror" endured by Palestinians during the last 10 months of Israeli carnage. Speaking at a Security Council session on Palestine, Riyad Mansour has said that he calls on all those who have a “spine” to come and say we are coming to demand a ceasefire and to demand it now in Gaza. *)Pro-Palestine delegates blocked from speaking at DNC Pro-Palestine delegates at Democratic National Convention in Chicago were denied the opportunity to speak about the impact of Israel's war on Gaza, even as pro-Israel speakers were featured. Convention organisers denied a request to include a speaker addressing the impact of Israel's war on Gaza. *) Indian Muslims refute plans for a law on marriages Indian authorities in Assam state have introduced a bill that would require Muslims to register their marriages and divorces. Assam's state government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist BJP, said the bill would be tabled during the next state assembly. Many communities, particularly Muslims, fear a Uniform Civil Code would encroach on their religious laws. *) Russia accuses Ukraine of trying to strike Kursk nuclear power plant Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of trying to strike Russia's Kursk nuclear power plant in an overnight attack and said Moscow had informed the UN nuclear safety watchdog about the situation. Putin said that the enemy tried to strike at the nuclear power plant during the night and the International Atomic Energy Agency has been informed, they promise to come themselves and send specialists to assess the situation. And finally …. *) Botswana discovers largest diamond of century Botswana says one of the largest diamonds ever found has been unearthed at one of its mines and will be put on show. Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. said in a statement that it recovered the “exceptional” rough diamond from its Karowe Mine in western Botswana. The weight would make it the largest diamond found in more than 100 years and the second-largest ever dug out of a mine.
*) Hamas backs UN-proposed humanitarian pause in Gaza for polio vaccination Palestinian resistance group Hamas has supported a call from the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide concrete assurances from all parties guaranteeing humanitarian pauses in order for a polio vaccine campaign to be conducted. The group supports the request announced by the United Nations for a 7-day truce in order to vaccinate thousands of children. Hamas also demanded the delivery of medicine and food to more than two million Palestinians trapped in Gaza. *) Twin explosions in Somalia's capital leave multiple dead At least eight people have been killed and several others wounded in twin explosions in the Somali capital Mogadishu. Officials say that the attack targeted a busy tea shop in the Daynile district and bomb was planted inside the tea shop, frequently visited by security forces in the area. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion yet. *) Israel kills 18 members of same family in Gaza An Israel air strike in besieged Gaza has killed at least 18 people, all from the same family, hours after mediators expressed optimism for an imminent ceasefire. According to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah the air strike hit a house and adjacent warehouse sheltering displaced people in the Zawaida township. *) Safety 'deteriorating' at Ukraine nuclear plant amidst war: UN watchdog The UN's nuclear watchdog has warned that the safety situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was "deteriorating" following a nearby drone strike. Earlier, Russia accused Ukraine of dropping an explosive charge on a road near the occupied plant in southern Ukraine. International Atomic Energy Agency experts on site were informed of the detonation near essential plant facilities and immediately visited the area. *) X to cease operations in Brazil amid ongoing legal dispute Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter has said it was closing operations in Brazil, citing threats from Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The decision comes after X reported a "secret order" from Moraes, who allegedly threatened to arrest the company's legal representative in Brazil if the platform did not comply with demands related to content moderation.
Fire breaks out at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant amid Ukraine-Russia conflict A fire broke out in Europe's largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine, while the UN's atomic energy watchdog has said nuclear safety was not affected. Experts observed Sunday's "strong dark smoke" from the Zaporizhzhia power plant's northern area after explosions were heard in the evening, the International Atomic Energy Agency said on X, adding: "No impact has been reported for nuclear safety." Ukraine and Russia have been trading blame over the incident. *) US sends F-35s, submarine to Middle East amid Israeli conflict US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, the Pentagon has said. In a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin reiterated the US's commitment to take "every possible" step to defend Israel, the Pentagon said in a statement. *) Israel wipes out three Palestinian families in brutal Gaza school attack Israel's air strike on Al-Tab'een School in Gaza killed three families whose members are believed to have "disintegrated" due to the explosions, the Gaza media office has said. "The Israeli targeting resulted in the complete loss of 3 families whose bodies have not been found so far,” the media office said in a statement on Sunday. *) DR Congo, Zambia begin talks after border closure Democratic Republic of Congo has said it had begun talks with Zambia a day after its southern African neighbour sealed their common border, blocking a key export route for Congo, the world's second-largest copper producer. Zambian Trade Minister Chipoka Mulenga announced a temporary border closure after a Congolese ban on imported soft drinks and beer led to demonstrations by Congolese transporters in the town of Kasumbalesa on the Zambian border. *) Tom Cruise steals show, ignites excitement in Paris 2024 closing ceremony Tom Cruise rappelled into the Paris Games closing ceremony, grabbed the Olympic flag, and sped off, kicking off the countdown to the 2028 Los Angeles Games. A beaming Cruise high-fived athletes after making the roughly 160-foot descent and took the flag from LA Mayor Karen Bass, who was accompanied by US gymnast Simone Biles. Cruise then disappeared beneath the stage before reemerging on a motorcycle with the flag affixed to the back and exited as the crowd at the 80,000-seat stadium roared.
In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam interviews Pat Rhodes and Dave Jonas, who have been writing a series of articles on nuclear issues. David S. Jonas is a partner at the law firm of Fluet, Huber & Hoang (FH+H). His practice includes corporate transactions, employment law, government contracts, trial and appellate litigation, international law, administrative/regulatory compliance and investigations. He has extensive experience in national security issues and is recognized as one of a handful of experts worldwide in nuclear nonproliferation law. He was a career member of the Senior Executive Service and served as General Counsel of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) where he negotiated numerous multilateral and bilateral international agreements to include the U.S. – India Civil Nuclear Agreement. He also served as General Counsel of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.Prior to his civilian service, he was a career Marine Corps officer where he held a wide variety of command and staff billets. He served as nuclear nonproliferation planner for the Joint Chiefs of Staff negotiating multiple international agreements and has worked extensively with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Conference on Disarmament, and the United Nations. He is one of the only judge advocates to have commanded two units, including a company in an infantry regiment, the 5th Marines. He argued the case of Davis v. United States, 512, U.S. 452 (1994) at the U.S. Supreme Court becoming the first judge advocate in the history of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force to do so. He received the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces Award for Excellence in Legal Writing and was selected as the Outstanding Career Judge Advocate in the Marine Corps. He concluded his military service as a lieutenant colonel. Patrick Rhoads had a thirty-eight-year career as an engineer with the National Nuclear Security Administration. He started with Naval Reactors as an ensign in the Navy and worked his whole career in the uses of nuclear energy for national security missions. His career included nuclear design, construction, and operations. Late in his NNSA career, he led many nuclear construction activities, including billion-dollar acquisitions, and served as the Chief of Staff in three different organizations. After retiring from NNSA in 2020, he joined the National Strategic Research Institute as the Director of Nuclear Research. NSRI is a University Affiliated Research Center, chartered by STRATCOM, whose mission is to address Weapons of Mass Destruction.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org
On May 27th, China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea concluded their Ninth Trilateral Summit in Seoul. Leaders of the three countries resumed their highest-level annual meetings for the first time in over four years. At the conclusion of the meeting, they issued a joint declaration that includes six priority areas of cooperation, ranging from sustainable development to economic collaboration and trade. What were Beijing's interests and motivations in reviving this trilateral mechanism?To discuss China's participation in the trilateral summit, host Bonnie Glaser is joined by Yun Sun, a Senior Fellow and Co-director of the East Asia program and Director of the China program at the Stimson Center in Washington. Timestamps[01:18] Reestablishing the Trilateral Leadership Mechanism[06:14] Outcomes and Deliverables of the Trilateral Summit[10:37] 2019 Chengdu Denuclearization Agreement[13:38] China's Import Ban on Japanese Seafood[18:07] China on US-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation[23:58] Warming Russian-North Korean Relations[29:30] Would Xi Jinping express his concerns with Vladimir Putin?
This episode is presented by Carolina Readiness Supply – The UN's nuclear watchdog , the International Atomic Energy Agency, says Iran "has started up new cascades of advanced centrifuges and plans to install others in the coming weeks after facing criticism over its nuclear program," according to the Associated Press. Subscribe to the podcast at: https://ThePeteKalinerShow.com/ All the links to Pete's Prep are free: https://patreon.com/petekalinershow Get exclusive content here!: https://thepetekalinershow.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joe Biden unveiled his plan for a cease-fire for Israel's war in Gaza, but Hamas has refused to accept it so far. Will the president be able to get both sides to come to an agreement in time for Election Day? Plus, Hezbollah continues to attack villages in northern Israel and the International Atomic Energy Agency censures Iran for not cooperating with its inspectors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The trial of former President Trump may be coming to an end soon, but that didn't prevent the Biden campaign from making a stop in front of the courthouse. Actor Robert DeNiro appeared alongside Biden 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler and a few police officers present at the Capitol Riot to speak to the press about the former President's trial. Republican strategist Colin Reed and 2020 Biden campaign surrogate Kevin Walling join the Rundown to discuss how a guilty verdict for the former President could impact 2024, what voters are thinking with months left to decide on their candidate, and how President Biden is handling the rigors of the campaign trail. A new report from the International Atomic Energy Agency states that Iran has built up a stockpile of uranium, causing increased fear of Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities. Iran asserts that its nuclear program is a peaceful one. However, Democrats blame President Trump's 2018 decision to pull the United States from the country's nuclear deal for provoking the stockpile. Retired CIA Clandestine Services Officer and FOX News Contributor Daniel Hoffman joins to discuss why the U.S. should be concerned about uranium stockpiles and how the country should prepare for conflict with Iran. Plus, commentary by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alireza Jafarzadeh, the deputy director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, is credited with exposing Iranian nuclear sites in Natanz and Arak in 2002, triggering International Atomic Energy Agency inspections. He is the author of "The Iran Threat”. Iran's President's death. What does this mean for the United States?
Gabrielius Landsbergis is Lithuania's Foreign Minister and one of Ukraine's fiercest allies. He has repeatedly chastised Western allies for doing far too little, too late for Kyiv. Landsbergis is currently in the United States to drum up urgent support for Ukraine and joins Christiane to discuss the current state of the war. Also on today's show: Rafael Grossi, Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency; Ryan Calais Cameron, Playwright, “For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: We begin with a critical update from the International Atomic Energy Agency, reporting Iran's continued enrichment of uranium close to weapons-grade levels, challenging UN mandates and escalating global tensions. Our focus shifts to new sanctions against Russia in response to the death of Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin, amidst revelations of India's financial boon to Russia by becoming its largest crude oil purchaser. Delving into the shadows, we explore the possible involvement of Russian Intelligence Services in the assassination of a man in Spain, believed to be a defector and former Russian helicopter pilot who sought refuge in Ukraine. In tonight's Back of the Brief, we discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest gift to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. Email: PDB@TheFirstTV.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices