Podcasts about Kurdish

Who is the Sultan that beat back Richard the Lionheart, and earned his respect as a worthy foe?Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Jonathan Phillips to delve into the life and legacy of Saladin, the formidable Muslim leader who reclaimed Jerusalem for Islam and triggered the Third Crusade. They discuss Saladin's Kurdish origins, his strategic rise to power in Egypt, and the crucial battles that culminated in his historic victory at the Battle of Hattin.Prepare to navigate centuries of historical narratives, military strategies, and the enduring legacy of one of medieval history's most iconic figures.MORERichard the LionheartListen on AppleListen on SpotifyMedieval JerusalemListen on AppleListen on SpotifyGone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. Edited and produced by Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Kurdish diaspora has been demonstrating in major European cities for weeks now. Protesters are urging European and international authorities to respond to the takeover of the Kurdish autonomous region called Rojava by Syria's new government. They fear that their community is at risk of disappearing. What is the diaspora hoping from the European and international authorities?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.This episode is based on a story written by Blanche Ribault for Streetpress and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode examines the ongoing political deadlock in Iraq's government formation process following President Trump's controversial social media post opposing Nouri Al-Maliki's nomination for prime minister. The hosts analyze the impasse within the Coordination Framework, Sudani's prospects for a second term, U.S. and regional interference, Kurdish negotiations over the presidency, and the economic challenges facing Iraq including controversial customs reforms prior to Ramadan.

A little over a year from the start of the new government in Syria, violence returned to Aleppo. In January, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the forces of the interim Syrian government clashed in the Aleppo areas of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah.The SDF came off worse and were forced to retreat back to the northeast; and such was the scale of the defeat, they were forced into signing a deal that will see the SDF integrated into the Syrian army.For almost a year, the SDF has been resisting such a deal. This week, we look at the fighting in Aleppo, the deal that has been signed, and why, the status of the SDF and Syria's Kurds, and what these event mean for the Syria that President al-Sharaa is building.We're joined by Dr. Rahaf Aldoughli (@r_aldoughli), senior editor at Cogent Social Sciences and fellow at the Arab Reform Initiative (@ArabReform_ARI), and also, Joseph Daher (@JosephDaher19), a Syrian academic and specialist on the political economy of the Middle East.This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge).Theme music by Omar al-Fil with additional music from Audio Network.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email podcast@newarab.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guests: Bill Roggio and Ahmed Sharawi. Syrian leader Ahmed al-Shara secures resources by integrating the Kurdish SDF into his forces, while the U.S. watches for red lines regarding threats to Israel or regional stability.1836 DESERT MARCH

SPONSORS: 1) AMENTARA: Try Amentara's Blue Lotus Extract Gummies for a euphoric, relaxing experience—visit www.amentara.com/go/JULIAN and use code JD22 for 22% off your first order. 2) MIZZEN & MAIN: Get 20% off your first purchase at https://mizzenandmain.com with promo code JULIAN20. JOIN PATREON FOR EARLY UNCENSORED EPISODE RELEASES: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey (***TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ Trita Parsi is an Iranian-born geopolitical expert, author and Iran Freedom advocate. TRITA's LINKS: X: https://x.com/tparsi BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Treacherous-Alliance-Secret-Dealings-Israel/dp/0300143117 FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY INSTAGRAM (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/juliandoreypodcast/ INSTAGRAM (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://twitter.com/julianddorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 0:00 – Intro 01:44 - UN diplomacy, veto reform, Veto+1 proposal, reform vs collapse 11:44 - Iran revolution fears, civil war risk, MEK, Kurdish militias 22:44 - MEK cult tactics, US involvement, social media psyops, fog of war 35:56 - Shah coup history, 1979 revolution, Cold War politics 44:19 - Post-revolution repression, Guardian Council, middle-class collapse, sanctions 54:43 - Obama admin, Iran nuclear deal, secret negotiations 64:04 - Israel-Iran dynamics, regime change failures, Persian Gulf escalation 01:23:26 - Iranian negotiators, diplomacy value, Qatar mediation 01:34:37 - Hamas in Qatar, family split by revolution, exile stories 01:44:31 - Protest hijacking, foreign intervention, Mossad speculation 01:55:12 - Civil war realities, Saudi funding, China mediation, Israel strikes 02:06:37 - Saudi perspective, regional buffers, Iranian identity 02:19:17 - Swedish alienation, Khomeini rise, leftist betrayal 02:29:33 - Trump exits deal, mistrust, Axis of Evil legacy 02:38:30 - 2022 protests failure, middle-class revolt, intelligence penetration 02:47:52 - Mossad recruitment, espionage realities, geopolitics 02:57:26 - Regime legitimacy collapse, internal decay, unstable future 03:01:21 - Trita flight CREDITS: - Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey - COO, Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ - In-Studio Producer: Joey Deef - https://www.instagram.com/joeydeef/ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 382 - Trita Parsi Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Syria, last week's agreement between Kurdish forces and Damascus includes a humanitarian component, ultimately aimed at allowing refugees to return home. These families fled the fighting that followed the fall of Bashar al-Assad. There are now more than 100,000 internally displaced people in the Qamishli region, in Syria's far northeast. Report by Marie Charlotte Roupie, Abdulrahman Daoud and Josh Vardey.

What does it mean to be an Iranian?For Iranians, the enduring thread that has connected generations across centuries and continues to unite us is neither race, ancestry, native language, nor religion. What truly binds us is "being Iranian" — a deep-rooted, continuous identity with nearly three thousand years of shared history, thought, creativity, and resilience.Being Iranian means participating in a long collective story that began on the Iranian plateau: the story of diverse peoples who, despite their differences, have lived under the same sky, considered the same land home, and intertwined their destinies. In this land, Zoroastrians, Jews, Christians, Muslims, and non-believers have coexisted; Persian, Kurdish, Luri, Balochi, and Turkic speakers have thrived side by side. Yet what has held everyone together is the shared name and identity of Iran.Iran is more than geographical borders — it is a common memory of joys and sorrows, defeats and triumphs; a language of thought and a way of living that values kindness, justice, wisdom, and dialogue. This identity was not forged in a single moment or by one ruler; it evolved gradually over generations, enriched by every group, belief, and culture that contributed to it.In an era when ideological divisions and labels drive people apart, returning to the essence of being Iranian can serve as a powerful force for unity — not by erasing differences, but by bringing them together in harmony. Being Iranian means embracing diversity without breaking the profound bond that connects us.Today, if we ask what can draw us closer again, the answer lies in a living past that still breathes. Being Iranian is a home we have all built together — and only together can we preserve it.

The US military has begun to transfer up to 7000 Islamic State (IS) group detainees held in prisons in Syria to Iraq, which officials say is to prevent prisoners breaking out and regrouping. The transfer comes weeks after the US led large-scale strikes on IS group targets in Syria. The move comes after clashes between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which last week ended in a deal that would see the gradual integration of Kurdish forces and institutions into the state, and transfer control of the prisons to Damascus. Today we talk to Josh Baker, investigative journalist and host of the BBC podcast I Am Not A Monster, about the state of the IS group, and whether the country's instability could lead to a resurgence in Syria The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Lucy Pawle Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Photo: A member of the Syrian security forces stands in front of the gate of the Al-Hol camp, which houses families of suspected Islamic State (IS) group fighters. Credit: Mohammed al-Rifai/EPA/Shutterstock

Living above LustFor the Glory of God(1 Peter 2:11-12) Message SlidesRelationship Preceeds Repsonsibility - KuruvillaLiberty and Legalism - J.I. PackerThe Sea Lion's Heart - John EldridgeSummary of Holiness - J.I. PackerThe World - J.I. PackerExiles on Mission - Paul S. WilliamsFor the bulletin in PDF form, click here. INTRODUCTION: A Biblical Theology of Moral PurityThe Battle for Your SoulBelievers should actively make decisions in step with their identity. Cultural Values: Our family values do not fit a “me first” culture. (2:11a).Wrangling Desire: The real battle is the deep desires of your human nature (2:11b).High Stakes: The very essence of who you are hangs in the balance (2:11c).“Abstain” - άπέχω - to have or fully hold back, to have full control ofLifestyle EvangelismOur conduct impacts others in eternity.Attention: Your “walk” talks louder than your “talk” talks! (2:12a).Audience: The world is watching (2:12b).Accountability: Eventually, everything comes into the light (2:12c).“Keep” - έχω - to have or hold fast, have the resources ready for useThe way we live our lives and manage our deepest desireshas an impact on our very core identityand has an influence on others and eternity.“It's simple, but it is hard.”It's not hard because it's complex; it's because it's simple. Marriage [and spiritual growth] are hard, but it comes down to practicing a few simple things. Simple doesn't mean easy. Often it's actually difficult. Patrick LencioniHome Church QuestionsIdentity First:Peter calls believers “sojourners and exiles” again in this passage. How does remembering your identity in Christ as distinct from the world change the way you view temptation and purity?The Real Battle:Verse 11 says fleshly desires “wage war against the soul.” What are some ways you've seen corrupt desire shift from a momentary temptation into something that affects your spiritual vitality? It is a choice betwen life and death!“Abstain” as a Volitional Act of Self-Control:The word “abstain” implies holding back fully—have real and full control. It is taking seriously that we are volitional beings. What does biblical self-control look like in real life (not just avoiding sin, but actively fighting)?Culture vs. Christ:Where do you feel the strongest pressure from today's “me first” culture? How does that pressure show up in what you consume, desire, or justify?Purity and a Winsome Witness:Peter connects our conduct to evangelism. Why do you think the credibility of the gospel is often judged by the purity and character of Christians? Talk about why that should not matter, but it still does.When Accused Wrongly:Verse 12 says unbelievers often harshly judge Christians as evildoers or at least believe we have a “Strange Religion”. How should Christians respond when we're misunderstood or accused—especially in moral areas?Practical Next Step:What is one daily habit (or weekly practice) that would help you “keep your conduct honorable” and strengthen your spiritual readiness this week?UPG FOCUS: The Northern Zaza or Türkiye (Turkey)The Northern Zaza are a Kurdish people group living in eastern Turkey who follow a unique form of Islam shaped by mysticism and older traditions. They have faced long-standing marginalization and currently have no known believers, though some gospel resources exist in their language. Pray that God would open hearts, reveal Christ to them, and send faithful workers to share the hope of the gospel.FinancesWeekly Budget 34,615Giving For 01/25 28,180Giving For 02/01 378,325YTD Budget 1,073,077Giving 1,363,275 OVER/(UNDER) 290,198 Souper SundayFellowship, we're collecting food items for Bethlehem House TODAY! Needed items: hearty soups, canned chili, spaghetti sauce, Tuna Helper, canned meats, and Knorr brand pastas. A few cans or flats of these items would be greatly appreciated. If you aren't able to bring your items today, you can drop them off directly at Bethlehem House (1115 Parkway St.). Thank you for helping meet this need!New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Fellowship equipping - register at fellowshipconway.org/equipping • Faithful and Fruitful is a five-week course designed to help you live with greater purpose, clarity, and faithfulness by stewarding the key areas God has entrusted to you. Starts today! • Biblical Indispensable Relationships: Ever feel like navigating the relationships in your life is more like steering through a maze—where one friend or co-worker can push every button you have, and others leave you wishing for something deeper and more meaningful? You're not alone. Join Michael Mercer for a transformative four-week journey into Biblical Indispensable Relationships. This course starts next week, February 15th!Fellowship Women's Conference - Choosing Faith over FearJoin us February 21 from 9:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. for a meaningful day as women from our church share powerful stories of choosing faith over fear. You'll be encouraged, equipped with practical resources for life's storms, and reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness. Cost: $25 (includes lunch). Register at fellowshipconway.org/women. For childcare, please text Shanna at 501-336-0332. Registration & childcare deadline is February 15. Fellowship Youth & College Silent Auction | march 8 | 4 pm - 6pmJoin us for a fun evening supporting our mission trips to Arlington, TX, and the Czech Republic! Bid on baked goods, service certificates, gift baskets, overnight stays, and more. Light refreshments provided. Childcare available for ages 6 and under by request (contact Shanna 501-336-0332). Fellowship Men's MusterMen's Muster is April 17-19, 2026. Senior Teaching Pastor, Chris Moore, will be our speaker, and the weekend promises to be great for growing spiritually and connecting deeply with other men. Cost is $135 or $85 for a college/High School student. If money is an issue, please check the “contact me” button. We will reach out to see what you are able to pay. Register at fellowshipconway.org/men Fellowship Men's Ministry Game NightMen, this night is for you. Bring your favorite game and snacks, kick back, and get ready for some friendly competition. Men's Game Night is Friday, February 27, from 6-9 p.m. at the church. If you want a little taste of what Men's Muster is like, here's your chance.Ash Wednesday | February 18 | 7 am - 7 pm We are opening a space in the second-floor Fireside Room for prayer and confession Wednesday, February 18, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to prepare our hearts for celebrating Jesus' resurrection. This is a drop-in, self-directed prayer, confession, and reflection time. We have prompts to help you if you desire. Feel free to sit before the Lord as long as you want. Access the stairwell that leads up to the entrance on the back lot that faces the basketball goal and Grace Methodist Church.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Rémi Daniel about Turkey's Middle East policy. Together, they unpack President Erdoğan's grip on power, what Turkey is trying to achieve in Syria, and how does the Kurdish question affect Ankara's cross-border posture? The conversation also looks at Turkey's balancing act towards Iran and what Turkey's policy on Gaza could mean for Israel.  Dr Rémi Daniel is a specialist on Turkish affairs at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv, where he heads the European Research Program. He holds a PhD in International Relations from the Hebrew University and was a Mediterranean Dialogue Fellow at the NATO Defence College in Rome.

After more than a decade of war, a surge of violence in northern Syria is forcing thousands of people to flee – even as others return to a fractured country under a fragile interim government. With two-thirds of the population in need of urgent assistance and the UN humanitarian response underfunded, the Danish Refugee Council's Charlotte Slente tells RFI why aid groups fear catastrophic consequences as cold weather and economic collapse push millions to the brink. Clashes in and around Aleppo have displaced around 170,000 people since mid-January, as the Syrian army seeks to extend its control over previously Kurdish-controlled areas. Ongoing hostilities between government forces and armed groups continue to trigger displacement in several parts of the country, according to the UN. While political transition is underway after the fall of Bashar al-Assad at the end of 2024, reconstruction and recovery efforts are hindered by instability and lack of funding.  Access to healthcare remains unreliable, and basic services are severely disrupted. A harsh winter and long-term drought are exacerbating the crisis. More than 16 million Syrians are expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2026 – yet the UN's response plan is only 33.5 percent funded, leaving a $3.2 billion gap. "It is an incredibly fragile moment for Syria," said Slente, secretary-general of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), speaking to RFI on a visit to the Syria, including areas in and around Damascus.  "This is a country where two out of every three Syrians need humanitarian assistance, and 90 percent of the population lives below the poverty line." A year after Assad's fall, Syrian hopes for transitional justice are fading Returning to ruins, landmines Around 3 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced people have returned home since the fall of the Assad regime, over 1 million from other countries and nearly 2 million from within Syria. "Syria has had a new government in place for the last year," Slente said, "and it's time to sort of recap on our programming here and adapt our programming to the new realities on the ground. A vast percentage of the population here are in dire need of humanitarian assistance on the ground." Many people are returning to their homes to find almost nothing after more than 13 years of civil war, she added. One of the DRC's priorities now is to work on getting rid of the landmines that still litter areas where fighting took place, and pose a deadly threat to returnees. The organisation recently finished training local teams to help clear mines, Slente said. "We are helping build the capacity here of the National Mine Action Centre in the Ministry of Emergencies that needs to coordinate that very big endeavour of clearing Syria of unexploded ordinance and landmines. It means that now we can get more jobs done on the ground with the clearing of mines, getting them out of fields and villages, so that people can actually be safe when they move around the territory." As Syrian workers return home from Turkey, local businesses feel the loss Upheaval in Kurdish north In north-eastern Syria, near the border with Turkey, civilians say they are still fearful. After months of tension, Kurdish-led forces have ceded swathes of territory to advancing government troops. Under a deal agreed last week, Kurdish forces and administrative institutions are to be integrated into the state. It is a blow to the Kurds, who had sought to preserve the de facto autonomy they exercised after seizing swathes of territory in battles against the Islamic State jihadist group during the civil war. "We are afraid that they will attack our regions and that massacres and genocide will occur," one woman told RFI's reporter in the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli, where government forces entered on Tuesday. Another resident said he was hoping for "a positive resolution to the conflict, so that no more bloodshed occurs". This episode was mixed by Nicolas Doreau.

This episode of The Mohua Show is a powerful and unflinching conversation about racism, patriarchy, migration, and what it truly means to survive as a woman inside systems designed to control her.Writer, feminist, and co-author of The Politics of Patriarchy, Rahila Gupta speaks with rare honesty about arriving in Britain as a middle-class Indian woman — and watching racism strip her of class, security, and opportunity. From being pushed into “ethnic” writing boxes to fighting for abused migrant women trapped by immigration laws, Rahila reflects on how power, gender, and race intersect to shape women's lives.Drawing from decades of activism and scholarship, she speaks about why patriarchy survives every political system — from democracies to dictatorships — and why violence against women remains its most enduring weapon. She also introduces us to Rojava, a feminist-led Kurdish society inside war-torn Syria, offering a radical vision of what women's liberation can look like even in the most unlikely places.From landmark domestic violence cases that changed British law to the cultural impact of the film Provoked, Rahila reveals how stories, law, and feminist resistance combine to rewrite what justice can mean.A conversation about power over silence, survival over shame, and why dismantling patriarchy requires both courage and imagination.What this episode is REALLY aboutNot polite feminism.Not surface-level diversity.Not saving women without changing systems.It's about:• Racism and class — how migration erases social status• Writing as survival — finding identity through language• Patriarchy across the globe — why no system is free of it• Rojava — a women-led revolution inside Syria• Feminist resistance — how women build power even in war• Immigration laws — how the state traps abused migrant women• Killing to survive — when abused women are pushed to extremes• Bollywood and abuse — Aishwarya Rai and breaking the silence• Grief and poetry — writing as a way to hold onto loveIf you've ever wondered why women stay, why systems fail survivors, or how patriarchy hides inside law, culture, and even democracy — this episode will change how you see power.Support the PodcastIf this conversation made you rethink power, patriarchy, or justice — share it with someone who believes women deserve more than survival.Subscribe for conversations that challenge injustice, amplify resistance, and tell the stories that systems try to bury.Music Credits : https://pixabay.com/music/ambient-butterfly-113600/✅ Subscribe To Our Channel: /themohuashow Stay updated!

New research which has just been published in the British Medical Journal, suggests that testing menstrual blood for signs of cervical cancer could be an accurate way of screening for the disease. The BBC's Health Correspondent, Sophie Hutchinson, and Fiona Osgun, Head of Health information at Cancer Research UK join Anita Rani to talk about this new area of research and discuss the options currently open to women. English actor Imogen Poots is back on our screens taking on a challenging role in Kristen Stewart's first feature film, The Chronology of Water. It's a creative adaptation of an acclaimed memoir by American writer Lidia Yuknavitch which centres on her coming to terms with being abused as a child, battling pain and loss, and her ongoing healing journey. Imogen Poots joins Anita in the studio.The Kurdish-led self-administration in the north east of Syria is a territory where for years women have sat at the centre of political life, security and decision-making. But many are worried that the system is now under pressure following a new agreement between Kurdish authorities and the Syrian government, which will integrate the region into the Syrian state being rebuilt after the toppling of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Anita is joined by Lina Shaikhouni, journalist at the BBC World Service and Dilar Dirik, Kurdish writer and author of The Kurdish Women's Movement: History, Theory, Practice.Paula Varjack talks to Anita about her show Nine Sixteenths. It examines the fallout from the infamous Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake ‘wardrobe malfunction' incident at the 2004 Superbowl and the backlash that almost ruined Jackson's career. The play questions what this says about the demographics of who controls the media, the scrutinising of black women in the public eye and asks if anything has changed?Presenter: Anita Rani Producer : Corinna Jones

This week's episode of I'm Fun Now is a gathering. In this deeply personal episode, Sazan shares the grief she's been carrying as she watches the suffering unfolding in the Middle East, particularly among her Kurdish people, while life continues on at home. Rather than avoiding the heaviness, this episode makes space for truth, prayer, and the quiet presence of God in the middle of heartbreak. It closes with hotline prayers sent in for the Kurdish people, Iran, and anyone carrying grief right now.Call SazGPT Hotline: hereWatch on video: hereFollow us on Instagram: @imfunnow.podcast,Follow Saz on Instagram: @Sazan Visit the website: here Shop Sazan's Amazon Storefront: here I'm Fun Now finds: hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On The Streets is a new podcast by Green Left giving you bite-size updates about the protest movements and grassroots campaigns across the country. Isaac Herzog rally details: https://www.greenleft.org.au/2026/1446/news/protest-war-criminal-isaac-herzog Find more upcoming events here: https://www.greenleft.org.au/events Music and editing by Sean Valenzuela/@LittleArcherBeats We acknowledge that this video was produced on stolen Aboriginal land. We express solidarity with ongoing struggles for justice for First Nations people and pay our respects to Elders past and present. If you like our work, become a supporter: https://www.greenleft.org.au/support Support Green Left on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greenleft Green Left online: https://www.greenleft.org.au/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/greenleftonline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/greenleftonline TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greenleftonline Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenleftonline/ Podbean: https://greenleftonline.podbean.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/greenleftonline Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenleftaction

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Ahmed Sharawi. Sharawi warns the third ceasefire between the Syriangovernment and U.S.-allied Kurdish forces is fragile and likely to fail, risking renewed hostilities soon.1960 NASSER IN DAMASCUS

The US military has begun to transfer up to 7000 Islamic State (IS) group detainees held in prisons in Syria to Iraq, which officials say is to prevent prisoners breaking out and regrouping. The transfer comes weeks after the US led large-scale strikes on IS group targets in Syria. The move comes after clashes between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which last week ended in a deal that would see the gradual integration of Kurdish forces and institutions into the state, and transfer control of the prisons to Damascus. Today we talk to Josh Baker, investigative journalist and host of the BBC podcast I Am Not A Monster, about the state of the IS group, and whether the country's instability could lead to a resurgence in Syria Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Lucy Pawle Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Photo: A member of the Syrian security forces stands in front of the gate of the Al-Hol camp, which houses families of suspected Islamic State (IS) group fighters. Credit: Mohammed al-Rifai/EPA/Shutterstock

A last-minute "permanent ceasefire" may mean that northeast Syria is back from the brink of Arab-Kurdish ethnic war. But ceasefires have repeatedly broken down since fighting resumed earlier this year, with Damascus demanding disbandment of the Rojava autonomous zone, and the integration of its institutions—including its military wing, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—into the central government. While the new pact sets a more "gradual" pace for this integration, the Kurdish aspiration to regional autonomy and the central government's insistence on centralization may prove a long-term obstacle to peace. In Episode 315 of the CounterVortex podcast, Bill Weinberg weighs the odds for avoiding a conflict that holds the potential for escalation to genocide, with the connivance of the Great Powers that so recently backed the SDF to fight ISIS. Listen on SoundCloud or via Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/countervortex Production by Chris Rywalt We ask listeners to donate just $1 per weekly podcast via Patreon -- or $2 for our new special offer! We now have 61 subscribers. If you appreciate our work, please become Number 62!

Syria's government and Kurdish forces have reached a comprehensive agreement that includes the gradual integration of the Kurds' forces and administration into the central state. We talk to two Kurds in Ireland (Jude Bakar & Zhyan Phelan) and correspondent Jasper Mortimer.

US President Donald Trump is again threatening military strikes on Iran, saying he has sent a ‘huge armada' to the Middle East while signalling he is open to negotiations. Meanwhile, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has been holding talks in Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered to mediate. Also: during a visit to China, the UK prime minister Keir Starmer announces that Beijing has lifted sanctions on a group of British MPs who criticised its treatment of Uyghur Muslims; President Trump declares a national emergency on Cuba and imposes punitive tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island; a major study finds that our genes may be just as important as lifestyle and environment in determining lifespan; Kurdish-led forces in Syria say they've agreed a deal to integrate their fighters into the Syrian army; in New York, a man is arrested for allegedly impersonating an FBI agent in a bid to free a high-profile murder suspect, Luigi Mangione.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Syria is entering a new and terrifying phase. In this episode Breht is joined by a panel of scholars and activists (Angie Bittar, Adam, Joma, Nur and Jalyssa) to take a clear-eyed look at what's unfolded over the last year and how it fits into the longer arc of the Syrian civil war, including the rapid collapse of the Assad-era order and the emergence of a new regime centered around HTS and Ahmad al-Sharaa (Jolani). Together, they break down the latest waves of mass violence and displacement across the coast, Suwayda, Aleppo, and Rojava, and ask what these events reveal about the new Syria. From there, they turn to the Kurdish question. They discuss the SDF, the long history of US imperial instrumentalization of Kurdish forces, the recurring pattern of abandonment, and the growing pressure now facing Rojava amid shifting regional and international priorities. They also examine ongoing kidnappings and sect-based killings, the breakdown of accountability, and what the allegations surrounding Syrian security institutions tell us about the direction of the new order. Finally, they zoom out to the information war. They map the propaganda narratives being pushed in Western and Zionist media, and offer practical "tells" for separating genuine reporting from information operations. Then, they close by asking what Syria teaches us about the current political moment: imperial strategy, proxy warfare, sectarian fragmentation, and what real solidarity demands. Access a full list of all the sources used for this episode HERE Donate to Jalyssa on Cash App: $JalyssaDugrot Or donate at: BuyMeACoffee/Jalyssa Check out Joma's great podcast: JDPOD Previous Episodes on Syria and Rojava:  "The Situation in Syria" Episode w/ Angie last year "On Syria: Civil War and US Imperialism" with Rania Khalek from 2018  "The Kurds and Revolutionary Rojava" with Dr. Redcrow from 2017 Interview with Murray Bookchin's Daughter on his Life and Legacy ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/revleftradio Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at BuyMeACoffee.com/revleftradio Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio https://revleftradio.com/    

Started the week off with some brazen Mexico cartel killings, then talked about an important truce between the new Syrian government and a Kurdish militia. Plus another Minneapolis Fed shooting, Philippines ferry crash, Russia/Ukraine casualty updates, China's leader purges military, and a Canadian guy is caught on security cameras banging several horses. Music: Worakis/"Bleu"

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In the maelstrom created by Trump's return to the presidency, events in Syria building to a crisis have gone unreported . Why? In this FRDH podcast, Carne Ross, former British diplomat who resigned over the Iraq War explains how Trump policies have yet again created a crisis -- this one involving the release of 100s, perhaps 1000s of ISIS jihadists from Syrian jails. He also talks about the threat to the remarkable experiment in local democracy the mainly Kurdish region of Syria has been conducting. Give Ross and FRDH host Michael Goldfarb 48:43 to explain to you.

In this special podcast we go deep into the darkness that has descended upon the Kurdish ethnic minority in northern Syria. The massacre of civilians and brutality is reminiscent of ISIS. In fact, the Syrian state army is comprised of many former jihadists - some still openly wearing ISIS patches on their uniforms. The Kurds, of course, led the military force that led the assault on ISIS and its eventual retreat and defeat. But with the anointment of former al Qaeda man, Ahmed al Sharaa, as President of Syria…..violent Islamism has enjoyed something of a resurgence.Absolute hell has been visited upon the Syrian Kurds while the west and the world are distracted by chaos in the Islamic Republic of Iran. But the massacre of Syrian Kurds has barely been noticed. We feature interviews with four experts on the Syrian Kurds. (Their photos and bios are set out below in the Podcast Notes.) Each one brings a very deep understanding of the complexity of this situation. In order to assist as you work your way through this we have provided time stamps so that you may skip to particular bits that interest you more.In addition to the experts featured here we spoke to many others. I am grateful to all for their time and generosity in sharing their expertise and insight. I would like to draw particular attention to Noor Dahri, a devout Muslim living in the UK and originally from Pakistan. I learned so much from Noor and hope to share part of our interview in the near future. Editing such rich material is not easy. So thanks, Noor, for helping me to better understand the forces that are driving fanatical Islamism in the Middle East and the west.And to our loyal listeners, this episode is being made available to all subscribers in full. Consider it our contribution to doing whatever is possible to amplify awareness of the Kurdish plight.There are some graphic videos included in this podcast. If you prefer not to view them we provide advance notice so that you may skip over them.Timestamps:Introduction with video clips: 00:00Interview with Dr. Qanta A. Ahmed: 05:53Al Jazeera report on the release of ISIS prisoners in Al Hol Detention Camp in northern Syria: 36:41Interview with Ateret Shmuel: 39:22Interview with Dr. Jan Ilhan Kizilhan: 51:54Interview with Ahmad Sharawi: 01:02:15Conclusion: 1:19:08Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:* Maps referred to and shown in the podcast introduction:* X post of U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, on January 20, 2026:Full text of this post: The greatest opportunity for the Kurds in Syria right now lies in the post-Assad transition under the new government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This moment offers a pathway to full integration into a unified Syrian state with citizenship rights, cultural protections, and political participation— long denied under Bashar al-Assad's regime, where many Kurds faced statelessness, language restrictions, and systemic discrimination.Historically, the US military presence in northeastern Syria was justified primarily as a counter-ISIS partnership. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by Kurds, proved the most effective ground partner in defeating ISIS's territorial caliphate by 2019, detaining thousands of ISIS fighters and family members in prisons and camps like al-Hol and al-Shaddadi. At that time, there was no functioning central Syrian state to partner with—the Assad regime was weakened, contested, and not a viable partner against ISIS due to its alliances with Iran and Russia.Today, the situation has fundamentally changed. Syria now has an acknowledged central government that has joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (as its 90th member in late 2025), signaling a westward pivot and cooperation with the US on counterterrorism. This shifts the rationale for the US-SDF partnership: the original purpose of the SDF as the primary anti-ISIS force on the ground has largely expired, as Damascus is now both willing and positioned to take over security responsibilities, including control of ISIS detention facilities and camps.Recent developments show the US actively facilitating this transition, rather than prolonging a separate SDF role:• We have engaged extensively with the Syrian Government and SDF leadership to secure an integration agreement, signed on January 18, and to set a clear pathway for timely and peaceful implementation.• The deal integrates SDF fighters into the national military (as individuals, which remains among the most contentious issues), hand over key infrastructure (oil fields, dams, border crossings), and cede control of ISIS prisons and camps to Damascus.• The US has no interest in long-term military presence; it prioritizes defeating ISIS remnants, supporting reconciliation, and advancing national unity without endorsing separatism or federalism.This creates a unique window for the Kurds: integration into the new Syrian state offers full citizenship rights (including for those previously stateless), recognition as an integral part of Syria, constitutional protections for Kurdish language and culture (e.g., teaching in Kurdish, celebrating Nawruz as a national holiday), and participation in governance—far beyond the semi-autonomy the SDF held amid civil war chaos.While risks remain (e.g., fragile ceasefires, occasional clashes, concerns over hardliners, or the desire of some actors to relitigate past grievances), the United States is pushing for safeguards on Kurdish rights and counter-ISIS cooperation. The alternative—prolonged separation—could invite instability or ISIS resurgence. This integration, backed by US diplomacy, represents the strongest chance yet for Kurds to secure enduring rights and security within a recognized Syrian nation-state.In Syria, the United States is focused on: 1) ensuring the security of prison facilities holding ISIS prisoners, currently guarded by the SDF; and 2) facilitating talks between the SDF and the Syrian Government to allow for the peaceful integration of the SDF and the political inclusion of Syria's Kurdish population into a historic full Syrian citizenship.* Dr. Qanta A. AhmedDr. Ahmed is a physician, non-fiction author and broadcast media commentator. Her first book, In the Land of Invisible Women (Sourcebooks 2008) details her experience of living and working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has been published internationally in 14 countries. She is also a prolific opinion journalist and contributor to the American, British, Australian, Pakistani and Israeli media. Dr.Ahmad has been recognized for her work as a physician, researcher, journalist and advocate. She lives and works in New York City.* Ateret Shmuel Ateret Shmuel lives with her two children in Jerusalem and is the founder of the not-for profit organization Indigenous Bridges and has worked with Kurdish communities and organizations in the Middle East for more than 20 years. https://www.indigenousbridges.com/* Jan Ilhan KizilhanDr. Jan Ilhan Kizilhan is a psychologist, psychotherapist, trauma expert, orientalist, author and publisher. He is also the Director of the Institute for Health Science the State University in Baden-Württemberg, Germany and the chief psychologist of the Special-Quota Project, a programme funded by the State Government of Baden Württemberg. The project brought 1,100 women and children who were in IS captivity to Germany for medical treatment. He is the Founding Dean of the Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology at the University of Duhok/Northern Iraq.* Ahmad SharawiAhmad Sharawi is a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, focusing on Middle East affairs, specifically the Levant, Iraq, and Iranian intervention in Arab affairs, as well as U.S. foreign policy toward the region. Previously, Sharawi worked at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where he focused mainly on Hezbollah. He created a map visualizing the border clashes on the Israeli-Lebanese frontier and authored articles on Jordan and Morocco. Ahmad previously worked at the International Finance Corporation and S&P Global. He holds a B.A. in international relations from King's College London and an M.A. from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

HEADLINE 1: Turkish authorities detained six people suspected of spying for Iran.HEADLINE 2: The Saudis are in town, led by the crown prince's brother.HEADLINE 3: South Africa reportedly is moving ahead with investigations into naval drills that took place in early January.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Research Analyst Ahmad Sharawi.For all past episodes: https://bit.ly/3LENwPr--Featured FDD Pieces:"Iran Protests Highlight South Africa's Broken Moral Compass" - David May, The Algemeiner"Two Bad Apples Threaten to Spoil the Gaza Board of Peace" - Natalie Ecanow and Sinan Ciddi, National Review"In the Eye of the Storm" - Mark Dubowitz and Rich Goldberg, The Iran Breakdown

Zirian Fatah, President of Kurdish Lobby Australia, has expressed concern over the escalating crisis facing Kurdish communities in Iran and northern Syria. In a letter to the Australian Government, the Lobby highlighted a deadly crackdown in Iran, where thousands of civilians have died amid nationwide protests. Meanwhile, in northern Syria, intensified fighting around Kobani has forced many families to flee, as the city and surrounding areas face a growing humanitarian crisis. Kurdish Lobby Australia is calling on the Australian Government to take urgent action to address these interconnected humanitarian and security threats. - Zirian Fetah, serokê Lobiya Kurd a Australya, li ser krîza ku li hember civakên Kurd li Îran û bakurê Sûriyeyê rû bi rû ne, di xemê de ye. Di nameyeke ji Hukûmeta Australya re, balê dikişîne ser serkutkirina kujer a li Îranê, ku bi hezaran sivîl di nav xwepêşandanên seranserî welêt de mirine. Di heman demê de, li bakurê Sûriyê, şerên dijwar ên li dora Kobaniyê gelek malbat neçar kirine ku aware bibin, ji ber ku bajar û deverên derdorê bi topbaran û krîzeke mirovî ya mezin re rû bi rû dibe. Name banga tedbîrên lezgîn dike da ku van gefên mirovî û ewlehiyê yên bi hev re girêdayî çareser bikin.

It began as part of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement to stop the war in Gaza. But the "Board of Peace," a brainchild of US President Trump, has morphed into something with more grand ambitions, at least rhetorically. Also, police in Nigeria's largest city fired tear gas on people protesting the ongoing demolition of Makoko, an enormous informal settlement that stretches out into the Lagos Lagoon. And, fighting continues in Syria between Kurdish forces and the central government. Plus, the Most Reverend Sarah Mullally was formally confirmed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury at a ceremony held at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Syrian government forces have seized swathes of territory from Kurdish groups – including camps holding IS prisoners. Will Christou reports on why this is a dangerous moment. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In Syria localised clashes around Aleppo have deteriorated into all out war between Kurdish and government forces, as Perfidious Columbia declared that it's alliance with the former has "largely expired". So far the initiative seems to be squarely with the government, but will it be possible to reach an agreement which can stabilise Syria for the long term, or will disintegration and ethnic strife become permanent?Kalam Digest brings you the latest news from the Middle East.To listen to the full episode subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcastFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kalampodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more than a decade, Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria were America's most trusted ally, spearheading the war against Isis, taking responsibility for guarding thousands of jihadi prisoners of war, and in the process carving out an autonomous statelet that seemed poised to realise the dream of Kurdish independence. Over the past few weeks, that dream as has been crushed.In a sudden offensive, Ahmed Al Sharaa's transitional Syrian government has evicted the Kurds from vast territories including the country's biggest oilfield. Abandoned by their American allies, the Kurds have been forced to cede ground including the sprawling Isis prison camps. What now for the Kurds, for Syria, and for the jihadists Isis veterans?To answer this and more, Roland is joined by The Telegraph's senior foreign correspondent Sophia Yan and Senior Research Fellow, Middle East Security, Dr Burcu Ozcelik from RUSI.Read Dr Burcu's research paper on northern Syria: https://www.jstor.org/stable/27342855 Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shownotes: Syria's new president, former rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, has just made another quantum leap in establishing his power over Syria, by persuading the United States to let Sharaa take over the Kurdish statelet in northeast Syria. Sharaa has presented himself as an inclusive agent of change. On this episode of Order from Ashes, Century International fellow Frederick Deknatel discusses Syria's reconstruction agenda, which worries many Syrians and should concern international policymakers as well. Syria's reconstruction has an estimated cost of up to $400 billion, some twenty times the size of Syria's GDP, and so far has mirrored many of the authoritarian practices of the deposed Assasd regime. Without reforms, reconstruction risks ushering in a new era of clientelism and corruption in Syria, benefiting only Sharaa's allies and international developers, while the Syrian people continue to be locked out of the decisions that will shape their future.  *Commentary, “Syria's Reconstruction Risks Cutting Out the Syrian People,” by Frederick Deknatel Participants: * Frederick DeKnatel, non-resident fellow, Century International * Thanassis Cambanis, director, Century International Episode: Order from Ashes 99 Date: Jan. 26, 2026

After a lightning military advance in Kurdish-held northeastern Syria, Damascus is demanding that the Kurdish-led SDF, a key U.S. ally in the fight against ISIS, agree to integrate into the national army. The United States has thrown its support behind a unified Syria. Also: today's stories, including why the Pentagon is changing Stars and Stripes' independent status, one man's journey from a poor Russian village boy to custodian of state secrets, and our essayist's advice for when the world's worries threaten to weigh you down. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

Our Middle East correspondent reports from the largest holding camp for ISIS fighters in northern Syria, which government troops have just retaken from Kurdish control. What will happen to the inmates? Custom-made drugs are a medical milestone. And our obituaries editor remembers Cecilia Giménez, whose “Monkey Jesus” transformed the fortunes of a Spanish church. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SHOW SCHEDULE 1-22-20251954 BRUSSELSSEGMENT 1: GREENLAND, NATO, AND TRUMP'S REVERSALS Guest: Anatol Lieven, Co-Host: Jim McTague Lieven examines Trump's shifting positions on Greenland and NATO, unsettling European allies who question American reliability. Discussion covers the proposed Board of Peace concept and how Trump's unpredictable rhetoric complicates alliance management, leaving partners uncertain whether commitments will hold or dissolve without warning.SEGMENT 2: GAZA AND TRUMP'S SELF-ENRICHMENT CONCERNS Guest: Anatol Lieven, Co-Host: Jim McTague Lieven analyzes Gaza ceasefire dynamics and raises questions about Trump administration officials potentially mixing policy with personal financial interests. Discussion examines how self-enrichment concerns shadow diplomatic initiatives and whether conflicts of interest undermine credibility in Middle East negotiations and broader foreign policy.SEGMENT 3: GEN Z JOB STRUGGLES AND THE TRADES REVIVAL Guest: Chris Riegel, Co-Host: Jim McTague Riegel explains how artificial intelligence eliminates entry-level white-collar positions, leaving Gen Z struggling to launch careers in traditional professions. Meanwhile, skilled trades offer prosperity since AI cannot replicate physical work. Young people working with their hands find better opportunities than peers pursuing displaced office jobs.SEGMENT 4: MAGA EMBRACES BIG GOVERNMENT LIKE NEW DEALERS Guest: Veronique de Rugy De Rugy argues MAGA policies mirror New Deal-era big government activism through state industrial policy and massive spending programs. Traditional Republican principles of limited government appear obsolete or abandoned, with the RINO label now applied to anyone advocating fiscal restraint or free market economics.SEGMENT 5: PREPARING FOR IRAN BOMBING CAMPAIGN Guest: General Blaine Holt (USAF, Ret.) Holt describes military preparations for potential strikes against Iran, including warplane and warship deployments. The KC-135 tanker buildup signals offensive capability, providing aerial refueling that enables sustained bombing campaigns. This logistics infrastructure converts fuel into striking power against Tehran's nuclear and military installations.SEGMENT 6: ESCALATION TOWARD IRANIAN LEADERSHIP Guest: General Blaine Holt (USAF, Ret.) Holt outlines concentric circles of escalation targeting Iranian leadership if conflict erupts. Discussion covers strike planning that moves progressively toward regime centers of power. China's evacuation planes positioning near Iran suggest Beijing anticipates potential conflict and prepares to extract its nationals from the region.SEGMENT 7: MODI'S TIMID REFORM AGENDA Guest: Sadanand Dhume (Wall Street Journal) Dhume assesses Prime Minister Modi as a timid reformer constrained by political realities and socialist-era institutions. India's growth potential remains unrealized as legacy regulations protect inefficient industries. Modi raised some thresholds but fundamental transformation of labor laws and state enterprises remains politically impossible.SEGMENT 8: VENEZUELA'S UNFINISHED TRANSITION Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady (Wall Street Journal) O'Grady reports Venezuela's democratic transition stalled with the same regime intact. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Delcy Rodriguez control state security gunmen and prisons. No real handover to President-elect Edmundo Gonzalez has occurred, leaving the authoritarian apparatus firmly in power despite American pressure.SEGMENT 9: COSTA RICA ELECTION AND PANAMA CANAL TENSIONS Guest: Professor Evan Ellis (US Army War College) Ellis examines Costa Rica's upcoming election amid concerns over giant prison construction projects. Discussion turns to unresolved Panama Canal disputes where Chinese interference continues challenging American interests. Regional dynamics shift as nations balance between Washington's demands and Beijing's economic inducements throughout Central America.SEGMENT 10: PERU AND CHINESE INFLUENCE Guest: Professor Evan Ellis (US Army War College) Ellis analyzes China's growing investment and influence in Peru while the US offers military partnership as counterweight. Discussion covers political turmoil in Lima, economic promise from mineral wealth, and the competition between great powers for access to South American resources and strategic positioning.SEGMENT 11: TRUMP SEEKS CUBAN REGIME CHANGE Guest: Professor Evan Ellis (US Army War College) Ellis examines the Trump administration's push for regime change in Havana. Dictator Díaz-Canel faces collapsing conditions with no oil, no power, and a broken economy driving mass emigration. The Obama administration's engagement offered false hope; now Washington applies maximum pressure on the desperate regime.SEGMENT 12: MERCOSUR AGREEMENT FINALLY REACHED Guest: Professor Evan Ellis (US Army War College) Ellis reports good news as the Mercosur trade agreement concludes after 27 years of negotiations. The deal now faces court challenges while promising affordable food imports for Europe. EU farmers mount roadblock protests opposing competition from South American agriculture despite consumer benefits from the historic accord.SEGMENT 13: AL QAEDA IN DAMASCUS GOVERNMENT Guest: Bill Roggio and Ahmed Sharawi (FDD)Roggio and Sharawi examine Al Qaeda presence within Syria's new government under clever, effective President al-Sharaa. US forces struck an Al Qaeda commander responsible for killing Iowa National Guard soldiers, but ISIS elements remain unaddressed. The jihadi connections within Damascus leadership raise serious counterterrorism concerns.SEGMENT 14: SYRIAN NATIONAL ARMY DRIVES OUT KURDISH ALLIES Guest: Bill Roggio and Ahmed Sharawi (FDD) Roggio and Sharawi report the Syrian National Army increasingly resembles Al Qaeda while attacking Kurdish forces who remain US allies. The Kurds retreat under pressure from Turkish-backed militias with extremist ties. American partners face abandonment as Washington's attention focuses elsewhere in the chaotic Syrian landscape.SEGMENT 15: MUSK, CARLSON, AND VANCE DIVERGE FROM REPUBLICAN ORTHODOXY Guest: Peter Berkowitz Berkowitz discusses Michael Doran's Tablet article examining three Trump celebrities—Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson, and Vice President J.D. Vance—whose views diverge from traditional Republican policies. Musk favors government subsidies and China partnership, Carlson platforms hate speakers, and Vance promotes isolationism over American global leadership.SEGMENT 16: ABANDONING SMALL GOVERNMENT AND FREE TRADE Guest: Peter Berkowitz Berkowitz argues neither Musk, Carlson, nor Vance champions traditional conservative principles of small government, free trade, and private enterprise without government interference. The Republican Party's philosophical foundation erodes as prominent voices embrace statism, protectionism, and industrial policy once associated with the political left.

SEGMENT 14: SYRIAN NATIONAL ARMY DRIVES OUT KURDISH ALLIES Guest: Bill Roggio and Ahmed Sharawi (FDD) Roggio and Sharawi report the Syrian National Army increasingly resembles Al Qaeda while attacking Kurdish forces who remain US allies. The Kurds retreat under pressure from Turkish-backed militias with extremist ties. American partners face abandonment as Washington's attention focuses elsewhere in the chaotic Syrian landscape.1884 BRUSSELS

Our Middle East correspondent reports from the largest holding camp for ISIS fighters in northern Syria, which government troops have just retaken from Kurdish control. What will happen to the inmates? Custom-made drugs are a medical milestone. And our obituaries editor remembers Cecilia Giménez, whose “Monkey Jesus” transformed the fortunes of a Spanish church. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss the impending snowstorm hitting Virginia while reflecting on the challenges of winter weather and the importance of being prepared. Our host shares personal experiences with heart health and the risks associated with snow shoveling. We also delve into the ongoing crisis in Iran and the atrocities faced by the Kurdish people, emphasizing the need for global awareness and action against terrorism. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Aaron Zelin returns to Conflicted to unpack the extraordinary collapse of the Syrian Democratic Forces' position in northeast Syria over the past week — and what the fallout could mean for Syria's fragile post-Assad order. Aaron explains: Why the March 2025 framework agreement ultimately failed Why Sunni Arab tribes abandoned the SDF — and how Damascus prepared the ground How and why fighting erupted in Kurdish neighbourhoods of Aleppo The rapid fall of SDF-held areas in Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Hasakah What happened at ISIS prisons and detention camps during the collapse Why claims of ‘Kurdish abandonment' by the United States are misleading The PKK factor — and the risk of a new insurgency or terrorism campaign What Syria's consolidation means for ISIS, regional stability, and the country's future Follow Aaron on X: https://x.com/azelin This episode includes BONUS MATERIAL after the credits ONLY for subscribers to the Conflicted Community. Join the Conflicted Community here: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm  Find us on X: https://x.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. This episode was produced and edited by Thomas Small. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tommy and Ben talk about the growing and very real threat of President Trump attempting to take Greenland by force, the spectrum of reactions from world leaders from feckless NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to scorning French President Emmanuel Macron, and how this would lead to the end of NATO if Europeans don't stand up to the US. They also discuss how Trump's walking back of military threats to Iran led to the death of thousands of protesters, the confusing and corrupt intentions behind the “Board of Peace”, a rocky ceasefire between the Syrian government and Kurdish forces, Grok's sexualized image crisis, and a bizarre tribute to Stephen Hawking. Then, Ben speaks to Sky News Africa Correspondent, Yousra Elbagir, about Uganda's contested election. Preorder Ben's new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches, out on May 26. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump says "we will work something out" over Greenland, ahead of meetings with European leaders at the World Economic Forum. Mr Trump made the remarks at a news conference to mark the first anniversary of his second term. Also: Snapchat's parent company settles a social media addiction lawsuit. The Syrian government announces another ceasefire deal with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Relatives of anti-government protesters killed in a crackdown by the Iranian authorities struggle to identify the bodies of missing loved ones. Environmental activists are angry at plans to restart oil drilling in Nigeria. Scientists say they've developed a robotic hand that could be better than a human's. And the Swiss cow that has the ability to use tools. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight.Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

In recent days Syrian government troops have tried to retake territory held by the country's Kurdish minority. Our correspondent reports from the region. Factions are fighting to control Vietnam's Communist Party Congress: the winner will change Vietnam's future. And are millennial fathers more hands-on than their crusty forbears?Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent days Syrian government troops have tried to retake territory held by the country's Kurdish minority. Our correspondent reports from the region. Factions are fighting to control Vietnam's Communist Party Congress: the winner will change Vietnam's future. And are millennial fathers more hands-on than their crusty forbears?Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the MeidasTouch Podcast, we break down the rapidly escalating global crisis sparked by Donald Trump after he wrote to European leaders declaring he's done with “peace” following his failure to win a Nobel Peace Prize and threatening to invade Greenland, while simultaneously inviting Russia and Belarus to join his absurd “Board of Peace” grift as Europe forcefully rebukes him. We also cover the Trump DOJ's chilling threat to indict journalists for reporting on protests against ICE, the Trump DOJ's stunning admission about the Epstein Files, Trump's abandonment of Kurdish allies in Syria with potentially catastrophic consequences, the early and encouraging successes of Virginia Democrats pushing back against extremism, and more critical updates as the Trump regime continues to destabilize both the United States and the world. Ben, Brett, and Jordy break it all down! Subscribe to Meidas+ at https://meidasplus.com Get Meidas Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Deals from our sponsors!  Home Chef: For a limited time, Home Chef is offering my listeners FIFTY PERCENT OFF and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life! Go to https://homechef.com/meidas Tushy: Get 10% off TUSHY with the code MEIDAS10 at https://hellotushy.com/MEIDAS10 Done with Debt: Go to https://donewithdebt.com right now to schedule a free consultation Delete Me: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/MEIDAS and use promo code MEIDAS at checkout. Huel: Limited Time Offer – Get Huel's full High-Protein Starter Kit with my exclusive offer of 20% OFF online with my code MEIDAS20 at https://huel.com/MEIDAS20. New Customers Only. Code only valid for the bundle. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says "Europe won't be blackmailed", as she and other European leaders continue to weigh their response to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats over Greenland. Trump says he will impose new taxes on eight European nations, including Denmark, in February if they oppose his proposed takeover of Greenland. Also on the programme: The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have agreed an immediate ceasefire after nearly two weeks of fighting; and we hear about revolutionary treatment for people with an aggressive form of leukaemia, or blood cancer, which is being offered to patients in the UK.(Photo: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen speaks at a press conference in Copenhagen, Denmark on the 13th of January 13, 2026. Credit: Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix/via REUTERS)

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. An Iranian official said this morning that authorities verified at least 5,000 people had been killed in protests in Iran, including about 500 security personnel, since December 28. According to a Sunday Times report citing an account put together by a network of Iranian doctors, the toll is more than 16,500 dead -- most under 30 -- and at least 330,000 people injured. Berman delves into the conflicting reports and updates us on what US President Donald Trump said Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet on Saturday revealed the identities of several Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives killed in strikes across the Gaza Strip earlier in the week, which Israel said were carried out in response to a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire in western Rafah when gunmen opened fire at troops. With both sides claiming ceasefire violations, Berman reviews what a ceasefire entails. We also learn how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to reports that the executive board for Trump’s Board of Peace includes senior officials from Qatar and Turkey. Syria’s army took control of swathes of the country’s north over the weekend, dislodging Kurdish forces from territory over which they had held effective autonomy for more than a decade. President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree declaring Kurdish a “national language” and granting the minority group official recognition. All this comes before the president is meant to speak with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Tuesday, as Germany seeks to step up deportations of Syrians. Is this the start of a great return to Syria? Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: In first, Trump appears to call for end of ‘sick man’ Khamenei’s rule in Iran Deadly crackdown appears to have quashed Iran protests, residents say Iranian doctors put death toll in suppressed uprising at over 16,500 — report Hamas operative behind 1995 terror attack among those killed in Gaza strikes, says IDF Netanyahu fumes at Gaza oversight panel makeup as Trump invites Erdogan to peace board Syrian army extends hold over north, capturing areas held by Kurds for over a decade Sharaa to meet with German chancellor as Berlin seeks to deport Syrian refugees Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves and Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: A protester has her face painted to resemble bullet holes during a rally in support of the Iranian people in Rome, January 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of Red Eye Radio with Gary McNamara and Eric Harley, armed Kurdish separatist groups tried to cross into Iran from Iraq in recent days, stoking fears that the country's spiraling unrest has attracted dangerous foreign militants who could destabilize the wider region, according to reports. Iranian officials said the attempted breach came amid a sweeping crackdown on nationwide protests against the country's regime, with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leading the response. Now all eyes are on the skies of Tehran as questions loom over what President Trump will do regarding the leaders of Iran and how he will mitigate peace in that region. Also Minnesota Governor Tim Walz brought up on charges of impeachment regarding the Somalian fraud case and hilarious headlines from the Babylon Bee. For more talk on the issues that matter to you, listen on radio stations across America Monday-Friday 12am-5am CT (1am-6am ET and 10pm-3am PT), download the RED EYE RADIO SHOW app, asking your smart speaker, or listening at RedEyeRadioShow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESCALATING CONFLICT BETWEEN SYRIAN FORCES AND KURDISH ALLIES Colleague Akmed Khari. Clashes have erupted in Aleppo between the Syrian government and the Kurdish SDF after a failed integration agreement. Akmed Khari notes the complexity of the US coordinating with Syrian security forces that remain riddled with jihadists. The conflict is expected to expand into other contested regions. Analogy: The situation in Syria is like a shaky alliance between rival firefighters who, while ostensibly trying to put out the same blaze, begin turning their hoses on each other while the fire continues to spread. NUMBER 81920 ARMENIAN ORPHANAGE ALEPPO

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY CONFLICT IN ALEPPO: US COUNTERTERRORISM PARTNERS CLASH IN SYRIA Colleague Ahmed Sharawi. Ahmed Sharawi examines fighting in Aleppo between Kurdish forces and the Syrian National Army. Despite both being US counterterrorism partners, the Syrian government's forces remain riddled with jihadists. The US seeks stability and integration while conflict between these allied forces intensifies.1920 ALEPPO