Podcasts about Kurds

This week, Jason is joined by esteemed British historian and author, Simon Sebag Montefiore, to discuss his latest book, The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East. Jason and Sebag's discussion ranges over centuries of history and ping pongs back and forth on myriad topics. It tries to make the peripheral central by putting the non-Arab, non-Sunni groups at the centre of understanding the Modern Middle East. They unpack how the Middle East became the Disorderly region we know today and where to frame current conflicts historically to understand certain deeper dynamics, especially as pertains to minorities and their ambitions for statehood and peoplehood. They focus a lot on WWI and the dynamics that emerged from it and shaped the history of the Kurds, Armenians, Turks, and fleeing Ionian Greeks. These were the dynamics of population transfer and ethnonationalism that destroyed the old Middle East of the Millet System. They try to avoid the overdone Israel/Palestine dynamics which occasionally shed more heat than light. With this framing in place, they look at what tragedies took us to the current pointless and self-defeating Iran war, and where we might go from here. To get part 2 with bonus content, and hear it before anyone else, join our Mega Orderers Club at disordershow.com/club Producer: George McDonagh Subscribe to our Substack - https://natoandtheged.substack.com/ Disorder on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DisorderShow Show Notes Links: To get Simon's book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cauldron-Making-Modern-Middle-East/dp/1399634895/  For more Disorder about the history of the Middle East, try: What is Zionism and is it still relevant today? Israel's Independence Day with Phil Rosenberg  https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ug89R0zHLumkldJX5Cmo2 And Sir Vincent Fean The Case for Palestinian Statehood: https://disorder.supportingcast.fm/listen/disorder/ep74-part2-the-case-for-palestinian-statehood  And the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day: https://disorder.supportingcast.fm/listen/disorder/ep36-part-i-former-armenian-president-sarkissian-on-armenian-genocide-remembrance-day This episode is brought to you in partnership with the New Books Network, for more visit https://newbooksnetwork.com/category/up-partners/disorder 

Set in the counterterrorism courts and maximum-security prisons of Northern Kurdistan, Serra M. Hakyemez's ethnography Deadly Refusals: Kurdish Decolonization in Times of Counterterrorism examines how prosecuted and imprisoned Kurds from different socioeconomic backgrounds organize in refusal of the criminalization and colonization of their political demands and desires. Based on more than seventeen years of ethnographic research, this book uncovers the mechanisms through which counterterrorism law reproduces the colonial state. Here, Hakyemez is joined in conversation with Nadia Abu El-Haj and William Mazzarella.Serra Hakyemez is an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology and the Institute for Global Studies at the University of Minnesota. Hakyemez is author of Deadly Refusals: Kurdish Decolonization in TImes of Counterterrorism.Nadia Abu El-Haj is Ann Whitney Olin Professor in the Departments of Anthropology at Barnard College and Columbia University, Co-Director of the Center for Palestine Studies, and Chair of the Governing Board of the Society of Fellows/Heyman Center for the Humanities at Columbia University. William T. S. Mazzarella is Neukom Family Professor of Anthropology and of Social Sciences in the College; Faculty Fellow, Chicago Center for Contemporary Theory; and Associate Faculty in the University of Chicago Divinity School.REFERENCES:Conscripts of Modernity: The Tragedy of Colonial Enlightenment / David ScottFrantz FanonAudra SimpsonAbdullah ÖcalanJacques LacanNazım HikmetJoan CopjecHannah ArendtWalter BenjaminEric SantnerPRAISE FOR THE BOOK:"A dazzling book . . . repeatedly opens new paths for understanding what Raymond Williams called the emergent and the oppositional." —Rosalind C. Morris"An invaluable archive of the movement."—Banu BarguDeadly Refusals: Kurdish Decolonization in Times of Counterterrorism by Serra M. Hakyemez is available from University of Minnesota Press. Thank you for listening. 

Turkey stands on the threshold of closing a conflict spanning almost 50 years, after the Turkish parliament this week passed a law allowing exiled Kurdish militants to return home and rejoin society. The legislation aims to end the war with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has battled the Turkish state for independence since 1984. On Monday, legislators voted 468-88 in favour of a law detailing how the PKK will lay down arms, disband and guide most members back into civilian life. Many see this legislation as a turning point after decades of bloodshed. “This law in question is going to make a giant contribution,” predicts sociologist Mesut Yegen of the Diyarbakir-based Kurdish Studies Center. “If the PKK militants are convinced that they can be safe in Turkey, it's estimated that some 15,000 people in Europe, in Syria, in Iraq and in the prisons in Turkey are going to be either released or are going to be able to come back home.” The PKK leadership, based primarily in Iraq, is not covered by the legislation. Nor is the group's founder and leader Abdullah Ocalan, imprisoned since 1999 in a Turkish jail. He initiated the peace process and last year called for the disarmament and dissolution of the PKK. Hope, caution Istanbul, now the city's with the world's largest Kurdish population, became a sanctuary in the 1990s as hundreds of thousands fled the violence raging in Turkey's southeast. At the conflict's peak, the Turkish army destroyed villages in relentless scorched-earth campaigns. In Istanbul's Bagcilar district, home to a vibrant Kurdish community, conversations reveal a fragile mix of hope and caution. “This law seems good for the honour of the Kurds and to stop bloodshed,” said 31-year-old Ahmet, who only wanted to be identified by his first name. “Mothers should not shed tears anymore.”  But others were more wary. “The state has been delaying our rights for decades; I do not believe this process will be different,” said Kava, who also preferred not to give his full name. “I do not trust an arrangement in which Kurds do not have legal status.”  Kurds make up around a fifth of Turkey's population, but are not legally recognised as a minority. Emotions appear equally divided among Turks. “If they're agreeing to live under the Turkish flag and love our country, that's fine – let them,” said 51-year-old Mehmet Tas. But 40-year-old Ertugral Zengin is unconvinced. “They committed a crime – and now they are to be pardoned? Do I want something like that? No, I won't accept it.” PKK ends 40-year fight but doubts remain about the next steps Political momentum The decades-long conflict has claimed 40,000 lives and forced more than 3 million people from their homes. While major political parties support the peace process, hardline nationalist groups remain staunchly opposed, insisting it rewards a PKK they see as already defeated. The process hinges on the laborious task of disarming the PKK and verifying its weapons are gone. Maintaining the current political momentum is vital, warns Asli Aydintasbas, a Turkey expert at the Brookings Institution, a think tank in Washington DC. “If this drags on, political support for the legislation and for the return of former PKK members, seen by many Turks as terrorists, would become politically problematic for the government. Timing and moving fast is very important to achieve reconciliation,” she says. The government is expected to face growing pressure to address Kurdish rights, including Kurdish-language education in schools and local autonomy, along with broader democratic reforms. Social media buzzes with questions: how can PKK members walk free while critics of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan remain behind bars? Peace or politics? Turkey's fragile path to ending a decades-long conflict Yegen warns that since the new legislation fails to address Kurdish rights and democratisation reforms, the government needs to move swiftly. “The fact that these two issues are not touched upon by the law has created many doubts on both Kurdish and Turkish sides about whether disarmament will be the government's only agenda,” he says. For Erdogan, steering the peace process to success could secure the vital Kurdish vote in the 2028 elections. Yet extending Kurdish cultural rights risks alienating Turkish nationalists, and relaxing pressure on the opposition brings its own perils as their electoral strength grows. For now, the negotiations present a rare window for reconciliation and lasting peace.

How do languages die? Who's behind the death of languages from Ghana's Dagbani to regional Italian dialects? And does it matter if they decay? Almost half of our 7,000 languages are expected to go extinct by the next century and “linguicide”, the death of a language, is to blame. It can be intentional, such as the Turkish government's repression of Kurds or less intentional, due to simple neglect. So can anything be done to save languages from dying? Journalist, author and broadcaster Sophia Smith Galer joins Emma Kennedy to discuss the impending linguistic extinction.  • Buy Sophia's book How To Kill a Language: Power, Resistance and the Race to Save Our Words from our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. • Back us on Patreon – www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Emma Kennedy. Producer: James Liddell. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The mutual defense pact signed between the regional Muslim powers comes against the backdrop of the Iran war, which has hurt Gulf countries more than any others.Saudi Arabia's oil sales have plummeted. Its energy infrastructure is badly damaged. It hopes Turkey and Pakistan's help will deter further attacks from the Iran-backed Houthis as well. Iran scholar Hamidreza Azizi discusses what the pact means for Tehran and the region.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did disagreements between Mossad and the IDF help lead to systematic failure to deploy Kurdish fighters and to topple the regime in Iran? Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal who provides an in-depth analysis of Israel's covert plans to destabilize Iran, the role of Kurdish forces, and the internal decision-making failures that may have impacted the outcome of the war and regional security. This episode unpacks the complexities behind secret operations, disagreements between Mossad and the IDF, and the geopolitical implications for Israel and Iran.  —- Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back This episode is sponsored by The Shalom Hartman Institute. Register for The Road to the Israeli Elections webinar with the Shalom Hartman Institute's Tani Frank and Masua Sagiv.  This episode is also sponsored by Hayarkon 70.  Stay in the heart of Tel Aviv at Hayarkon 70, a restored 1934 landmark just steps from the beach. Its eight guest residences combine the building's character and history with full kitchens, spacious living areas, and 24/7 guest service. Call Me Back listeners receive 10% off their stay at Hayarkon70.com/callmeback.

Did disagreements between Mossad and the IDF help lead to systematic failure to deploy Kurdish fighters and to topple the regime in Iran? Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal who provides an in-depth analysis of Israel's covert plans to destabilize Iran, the role of Kurdish forces, and the internal decision-making failures that may have impacted […]

The launch of the Yeni Party in Turkey promises to energise the country's struggling opposition. But while some polls show it leading, it remains vulnerable – already beset by arrests it says are "politically motivated".  In a glitzy video, set to pumping music and shared widely across social media, Ozgur Ozel launched the Yeni Party – "New Party" – vowing to usher in a new era in Turkish politics and end President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's long rule. Ozel founded the New Party after a court removed him from leading the main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP). His rival, former party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, 77, who lost every election during his decade in charge of the CHP, replaced him. Many in the country believe Erdogan played a role in the removal of Ozel, as his popularity grew thanks to tireless campaigning. Riding the wave The New Party is settings its sights beyond the CHP's usual supporters. "It covers the whole political spectrum in Turkish political life," explains Ozel's advisor Ilham Uzel. "There are critical elements like democratisation, rule of law, secularism and a pro-Western approach, so we maintain these main pillars. But it is not confined to social democracy; we reach out to every section of Turkish society, including Islamists and conservatives, nationalists and liberals. We have Kurdish supporters." The New Party is riding a wave of excitement. Ninety-one out of 135 CHP parliamentary deputies have defected to its ranks, joined by dozens of mayors and it is swiftly becoming the main opposition in parliament. Turkey opposition worries that Europe is sacrificing democracy for security Some polls show the party soaring above 30 percent, leaving Erdogan's Justice and Development Party behind, while the CHP's support has collapsed. The New Party's broad approach is finding fertile ground. "Even those who still support the governing coalition, the AK Party and MHP, are unhappy with how things are or how politics is practised, especially regarding economic issues. So there is a push towards change," says political commentator Sezin Oney. "There is a yearning to change things at the grassroots, and the New Party may be the only party that can represent a new way of doing politics. But they have to live up to it, of course." Corruption charges Erdogan has remained in power for more than 20 years partly by exploiting divisions within the opposition, which is made up of conservatives, hardline secularists, and both Kurdish and Turkish nationalists.  The New Party has a key advantage over the strongly secular CHP, whose history is linked to past policies targeting Turkey's large Kurdish minority and religious conservatives. "CHP is identified with many bad experiences that the Kurds and conservative people had in past decades," said Mesut Yegen of the Diyarbakir-based Kurdish Studies Center. "If you look at what Ozgur Ozel says during his speeches, you may clearly see the Yeni Party doesn't have the baggage of CHP." Erdogan has also often exploited the CHP's history, painting it as anti-religious and hostile to Kurdish minority rights. The New Party faces the tricky task of keeping CHP loyalists on board while reaching new supporters. But for now, simply staying out of jail may be the most pressing concern for its representatives.  Turkey marks a decade since the coup that never was, but never really ended Several mayors who joined the New Party have been arrested on corruption charges, widely seen as politically motivated. In the past two years, 26 opposition mayors and hundreds of officials have been imprisoned on corruption allegations, compared to two mayors from Erdogan's AK Party. "They are cracking down on our party – every other day, mayors are arrested," says Uzgel. "They filed another charge against our leader. Nobody is safe in this authoritarian regime. So Mr Ozel is on the spot, definitely." Ozel is protected by parliamentary immunity, but Oney warns he may be running out of time. "Ozgur Ozel might be imprisoned himself once his immunity is removed by a parliamentary vote, that's a possibility. The only immunity he can have is the immunity bestowed upon him by the people. So only public opinion is protecting him. How much can it protect him? We'll see." With parliament about to break for summer until October, Ozel has a brief window to strengthen his party and rally public support.

Why did an Israeli-U.S. plan that counted on Kurdish fighters to help topple the Iranian regime fall apart?   Dan is joined by investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker Itai Anghel who risked his life to follow Kurdish fighters in Syria, Iraq and Iran to document their guerrilla warfare tactics, explore how Kurdish leaders viewed Israel, why that trust fractured, and how those experiences shaped their views of the Israeli-U.S. secret plan for Kurds to fight inside Iran. The conversation also examines why Kurdish women fighters are key, and the military, political, and regional obstacles that doomed the plot from the start.  On August 10th, Part 2 will examine the plan from Israel's intelligence and military perspectives. Watch Itai Anghel's documentary The Women Most Wanted in Iran ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back     Subscribe to Ark News Daily This episode is sponsored by The Israel Democracy Institute: For resources on Israel's upcoming election and to learn more about IDI, visit elections.idi.org.il/2026.  ___ In this episode: 1. Who are the Kurds, and why they matter 2. The surprising Kurdish bond with Israel 3. A stateless nation with big aspirations 4. Women fighters now and in the war against ISIS 5. Why Kurdish trust in Israel and the U.S. has eroded 6. Inside the Iranian Kurdish underground 7. The Kurds' view of the U.S.-Israeli plan for Kurdish boots on the ground in Iran 8. Why, when and how the plan for Kurdish fighters fell apart ___ More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Beth Pearlman, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo

Why did an Israeli-U.S. plan that counted on Kurdish fighters to help topple the Iranian regime fall apart? Dan is joined by investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker Itai Anghel who risked his life to follow Kurdish fighters in Syria, Iraq and Iran to document their guerrilla warfare tactics, explore how Kurdish leaders viewed Israel, why that […]

For many members of Arabic-speaking communities, identity cannot be reduced to a single label. A shared language does not always mean a shared background. Behind the Arabic language are communities with distinct histories, including Assyrians, Armenians, Kurds, Chaldeans, Amazigh and others, each with their own traditions and memories. In the opening episode of SBS Arabic's 'Different but One', we attempt to uncover the uniqueness of each layer of these identities and how these ethnicities are building a harmonious future in Australia. - هذه الحلقة من بودكاست "مختلفون ولكن" تغوص في سؤال الهوية والانتماء داخل المجتمعات الناطقة بالعربية في أستراليا، حيث تتقاطع اللغات والثقافات والذاكرة مع تجربة الهجرة. من الآشوريين والأكراد إلى الأرمن والأمازيغ، يروي ضيوف الحلقة كيف حافظوا على خصوصياتهم الثقافية دون أن يكون ذلك عائقًا أمام التعايش والانفتاح على الآخرين. وتستكشف الحلقة كيف منحت أستراليا مساحة للقاء هويات كانت تفصل بينها السياسة والصراعات، لتصبح القيم الإنسانية المشتركة أساسًا لبناء مجتمع أكثر تنوعًا ووئامًا. كما تطرح تساؤلات عميقة حول معنى الهوية، وإمكانية التمسك بالجذور مع احتضان الاختلاف، مؤكدة أن لكل اسم وقصة وانتماء مكانًا في فسيفساء المجتمع الأسترالي.

The withdrawal of the last US troops from Erbil marks the end of an era in which the Kurds were the United States' closest ally in Iraq, says Victoria Taylor, former deputy assistant secretary of state for Iraq and Iran affairs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the U.S. wages war in the Middle East that American Christians support, do we remember that some of the people beneath those bombs are fellow Christians? And even when they are not Christians, how can we forget that Jesus calls us to love our neighbor and enemy alike? Mennonite pastor, writer, screenwriter, and activist Nathan Perrin joins Craig for a conversation about the people Western headlines often leave out. Nathan has spent nearly a decade working alongside Assyrians, Kurds, Palestinians, and other Middle Eastern communities through local organizing and visits to northern Iraq. He recounts visiting an Assyrian church that had been rebuilt again and again after attempts to destroy it. A cross in its courtyard covered in bullet holes. Yet when new bombardments began, Christian and Muslim neighbors exchanged keys to their homes so each family would have a place of safety. That act of neighbor-love stands in sharp contrast to the fear often preached in American churches. Craig and Nathan explore why the word evangelical carries painful baggage in parts of the Middle East. Ancient Christian communities have sometimes been treated as mission targets, while humanitarian aid has been tied to conversion. Nathan challenges us to consider whether people abroad encounter Jesus through Western Christianity, or the pressure of empire. The conversation also covers: Christian communities in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine How US military action creates blowback against local Christians and Muslims Dispensationalism and unquestioning Christian support for the State of Israel The difference between loving Jewish neighbors and defending a government Craig's Ramadan meal with a Muslim neighbor Assyrians, Yazidis, Mandaeans, and other overlooked communities Christian nationalism, political personality cults, and closed media silos Books, sermons, documentaries, and films for deeper learning Nathan reminds listeners that ordinary Muslims he has met often describe Christians in simple terms: “Christians are our neighbors.” What would change if the Western church began there?

Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri says Pakistan welcomes Saudi Arabia's nuclear agreement with the United States and says Pakistan is bound by its treaty obligations to defend the Kingdom should it come under attack.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hansen, who spent more than a decade reporting from Turkey for The New York Times Magazine, is the author of a widely acclaimed new book on the country under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. She explains how his core supporters are feeling betrayed by the Turkish leader and how his reign might yet end.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Daily Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan breaks the news that the US is officially back at war with Iran, with President Trump notifying Congress under the War Powers framework as strikes continue across the region. Bryan covers the reinstated naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, the new 20 percent transit fee the US will charge shipping companies, and Iran's retaliatory strikes against Kurdish militia bases in Iraq. He also reports on a first ever US Navy sea drone strike on an Iranian naval facility, rising tension between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in Yemen, and mounting fuel shortages in Europe tied to the widening conflict. Bryan closes with his analysis on why bombing alone will not resolve the standoff with Tehran and what he hopes to hear in President Trump's upcoming address to the nation. Plus, Bryan runs through a series of domestic stories he sees as connected: political rhetoric out of Michigan, an arrest tied to international money laundering and terror financing charges, a church fire in Pittsburgh, controversy over a Minnesota pardon, and a casting debate surrounding a major Hollywood adaptation of The Odyssey. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32   Keywords: Wright Report, Bryan Dean Wright, Iran war, Trump, Strait of Hormuz, naval blockade, Iran strikes, IRGC, Kurds, Houthis, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Europe fuel shortage, War Powers, Congress, Michigan politics, Rashida Tlaib, Abdul El-Sayed, Tim Walz, pardon controversy, Pittsburgh church fire, Hollywood casting, The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan, CIA analysis, national security, foreign policy

See the full Sorani Kurd people group profile here https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11126 

Selim Koru, founder of the Kulturkampf Substack, argues that Turkey's World Cup loss is emblematic of the failure of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's civilizational project and may prove to be a milestone in the unraveling of his 24-year reign.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 of the Women Emerging podcast's Journey to Leadership series, Julia Middleton speaks with writer, social entrepreneur and Obama Leader Europe, Mevan Babakar, about a journey she never imagined would be described as leadership. Born in Baghdad, Mevan spent five years as a child refugee after her family fled Saddam Hussein's genocide of the Kurds. As she moved across borders and languages, she found herself translating not only words, but systems, cultures and opportunities for the people around her. Looking back, she can now see those moments as acts of leadership, even though she did not recognise them as such at the time. Together, Julia and Mevan explore what leadership looks like beyond titles and hierarchy. They discuss community, belonging, trust and the many ways people step forward when something needs doing. Mevan reflects on her work in technology, fact-checking and democracy, and why some of society's biggest challenges require more than quick fixes. The conversation also explores the relationship between intellect and instinct, and what happens when the work we do no longer aligns with what we know to be true. Drawing on her experiences at Full Fact and Google, Mevan shares why paying attention to both mind and body can be essential when making difficult decisions. Throughout the episode, she returns to a powerful idea: leadership is not reserved for a select few. It is something people step into every day, often long before they recognise it in themselves. This episode will resonate with anyone interested in leadership, women leading, social impact, community building, belonging, resilience, personal growth and finding the confidence to take up space.About the Guest: Mevan Babakar is a writer and technologist born in Baghdad to Kurdish refugee parents. She built award-winning AI fact-checking tools as Deputy CEO of Full Fact and later led information quality work at Google. In 2023, she she was named an Obama Leader for Europe. Her debut children's book, The Bicycle, was inspired by reuniting with the aid worker who gave her a bike as a refugee 25 years earlier.

See the full Kurmanji Kurd people group profile here https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12877 

President Donald Trump sought Kurdish support in efforts to topple Iran's regime, only to drop them like hot potatoes amid pressure from Turkey, a key NATO ally. Now, after signing a peace deal with Tehran, Trump has left Iran's Kurds more isolated than ever. But Dutch scholar Wladimir van Wilgenburg says the agreement will not stop the Kurds from continuing their struggle for recognition and rights.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The US and Iran have agreed to a truce and are expected to sign a preliminary agreement in Geneva later this week. Oil prices have eased, markets have rallied and fears over disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz have receded. In #CutTheClutter episode XXXX, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta breaks down the emerging Iran-US truce in 10 points, decoding the significance of the understanding, Pakistan's role in the diplomatic process, why Israel is unhappy with the outcome, what it means for the Gulf Arab states, and why the peace dividend is of enormous significance for India.----more----Read The Washington Post's article here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/06/12/qatar-pursued-secret-talks-with-iran-shield-gas-complex-strikes/----more----Read Barak Ravid's article here: https://www.axios.com/2026/06/14/trump-netanyahu-iran-deal-israel-beirut-strike----more----Watch 'Syria, Turkey, Kurds, ISIS, Trump & Putin, & how Middle East unravelled in murderous chaos | ep 294' here: https://youtu.be/mwKDHWXdIBc

Jack Murphy, former Army Ranger and Green Beret, host of The Team House podcast, co-founder of The High Side, and author of the new military thriller The Most Dangerous Man, joins Andy to break down the Iran war, the limits of an air campaign, what it would actually take to secure Iran's enriched uranium, the threat picture inside the US, and the unprecedented era of global change we're all now navigating. Jack's new book The Most Dangerous Man is out now wherever books are sold. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:09) Perpetual War Without a Declaration (11:05) Iran: How We Got Here and Why (22:39) The Air Campaign, the Reapers, and What We're Losing (28:33) The CIA, the Kurds, and Iran's Real Capability (34:57) The Enriched Uranium Problem Nobody's Talking About (43:28) Russia, China, and the Global Economic Fallout (52:23) The Truth About Iranian Sleeper Cells in the US (58:20) The Most Dangerous Man (New Book) and Closing Thoughts Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=ironclad&utm_campaign=ironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 4 of the Bob Rose Show, on a US attempt to arm Iranians and fuel regime change. Pres. Trump revealed his disappointment with Kurds, who didn't revolt...and kept US arms. Plus, all of Thursday morning's biggest stories for 6-11-26

Tigran Grigoryan, director of the Center for Democracy and Security, a Yerevan-based think tank, argues that the road ahead for Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is fraught with risk. Pashinyan won by a wide margin in the June 7 election, but failed to clinch the super majority needed to push through peace with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Economic pressure from Russia is adding to his woes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Visit us at Network2020.org. Recent hostilities with Iran have once again highlighted the role of the Kurds as a key player in regional conflicts. While seen as a threat by governments in Ankara, Tehran, Damascus, and Baghdad, the world's largest stateless group of people continues to be considered by Washington as potential allies when convenient. As the region faces new waves of destabilization, particularly with the war with Iran and the new Syrian government consolidating its territory, what will the role of the Kurds be across the region? How will the disparate views of 30-40 million people spread over four countries impact dynamics in this volatile region as well as for their own quest for independence? .Join us for a discussion with Bill Park, Visiting Research Fellow in the Defence Studies Department, King's College, London, where we will examine how today's rapidly shifting regional dynamics are creating both new opportunities and new vulnerabilities for Kurdish communities and whether potential support from the U.S. will be strong and sustainable or easily abandoned.Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Subscribe to Inside Call me Back. ____ Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ Did the Iran war solve the problem, postpone it or make it worse?  That fundamental debate has emerged over the outcome of the war with Iran. The campaigns degraded Iran's military infrastructure, but it also ended with a new, possibly more dangerous Supreme Leader in power, Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's nuclear capability largely intact.  Dan is joined by former Israeli Military Intelligence chief Tamir Hayman and FDD CEO Mark Dubowitz to discuss whether the war was a strategic success, a missed opportunity, or an unfinished chapter in a conflict that is far from over. Listen to Mark's podcast, The Iran Breakdown with Mark Dubowitz. In this episode: 04:51 - What is the most likely outcome of the U.S.-Iran negotiations? 08:00 - What were the tactical achievements of the US and Israeli attacks? 10:03 - Was the war strategically worth it? 19:42 - Can and will Trump still finish the job? 24:44 - Was the plan to have Kurds help topple the Iranian regime credible? 32:30 - Was Ahmadinejad a realistic replacement candidate? 35:42 - How formidable a foe is Mojtaba Khamenei? 41:48 - Is Iran more dangerous today than before the war? More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Watch Call me Back on YouTube Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo

Josh Szeps joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about Israel, Gaza, antisemitism, Zionism, Jewish identity and why the debate has become so exhausting and distorted. We talk about whether Jews outside Israel are being forced to answer for the Israeli government, what anti-Zionism really means, the failure of the peace process, Netanyahu, Gaza, drones, Palestinian leadership, the pressure to “circle the wagons,” and whether it is possible to criticize Israel without giving ammunition to people who hate Jews. Josh Szeps hosts one of the biggest shows on Substack, Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps, where he has funny, bullshit-free conversations with people like Sam Harris, Jimmy Carr, Bari Weiss and Mark Normand about subjects that the mainstream media fails to discuss honestly. He has been on Joe Rogan's show seven times, he was a founding host of HuffPost Live in New York, then went on to get cancelled from his own top-rating talk radio show on Australia's national public broadcaster. He's a columnist for Australia's most prestigious newspaper, the Australian Financial Review, and a major media figure Down Under. https://x.com/joshzepps?lang=en https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/about Chapters: 00:00 Intro and Josh Szeps joins the show 03:06 Josh's background, Australia, and his previous Israel controversy 07:12 Jokes, parenting, kids, porn and the internet 12:59 Antisemitism, Australia, and the post-October 7th climate 15:36 Anti-Zionism, Israel's legitimacy, and the meaning of a Jewish state 22:07 Palestinian refugees, Arab countries, and the right of return 27:26 Gaza, drones, October 7th, and whether Israel had another choice 30:29 Josh's controversial “abandon Israel” column 38:16 Circling the wagons, Jewish identity, and criticizing Israel from the diaspora 47:58 Anti-Israel backlash, boycotts, and Jews being blamed for Israel 54:16 Kristof, the dog allegations, and the difficulty of discussing ugly claims honestly 01:08:35 The flotilla, Israeli detention, and skepticism toward activist claims 01:11:23 War crimes, double standards, history, and modern technology 01:13:05 Uyghurs, Kurds, ethno-states, and why Israel gets singled out 01:17:00 Media collapse, audience capture, and trying to have sane conversations 01:18:29 Finkelstein, complexity, and final thoughts

Imagine if a quarter of our country suddenly had to flee their homes—unsure where they would sleep, how they would eat, or what tomorrow might bring. That is the kind of crisis many families in Lebanon are facing today. Innocent men, women, and children are caught in the middle of another humanitarian disaster, and the needs are urgent. But even in the pain and uncertainty, God is opening doors for His people to bring practical help and the hope of Christ. This quarter, FaithFi is partnering with Heart for Lebanon, a trusted ministry serving families on the ground with food, shelter, trauma care, and gospel-centered support. Camille Melki, co-founder and CEO of Heart for Lebanon, joined us today to share what families are experiencing—and how believers can respond. A Ministry Born in Crisis Camille knows the pain of war personally. He was just nine years old when Lebanon's brutal 15-year civil war began in 1975. His wife, Hoda, was eight. Decades later, in 2006, another conflict led them to launch Heart for Lebanon. The mission was clear from the beginning: to move people from despair to hope in Christ. Today, Lebanon's situation remains complicated and heartbreaking. Families from different religious and ethnic backgrounds are being displaced and forced into unfamiliar communities. Many have lost homes, loved ones, and any sense of security. Yet Camille sees something else as well: a bold opportunity to share the gospel with people who may never have had access to it before. As he put it, while innocent civilians continue to pay the highest price, “the mission of the church is still the same.” Families Facing Fear, Loss, and Trauma Many families in Lebanon have been displaced more than once. They are living with broken infrastructure, overwhelmed systems, and the emotional weight of war. Children, especially, are carrying deep trauma from what they have seen and heard. Camille shared the story of Gaia, a woman from Syria who had fled war with her husband and daughter and settled in southern Lebanon. She and her family came to faith through Heart for Lebanon's Hope Evangelical Church. Then the violence reached their neighborhood. Gaia had just spoken with her neighbors before lunch. Minutes later, those neighbors were killed in attacks. Her home was badly damaged, and she and her husband—who is terminally ill with cancer—were injured. When Heart for Lebanon's team finally reconnected with Gaia, and she was able to return to church, she said that hearing the Word of God made the heavy burden on her heart feel lighter. The fear had not disappeared completely, but she no longer felt alone. Through Heart for Lebanon, she experienced the tangible love of Christ. Caring for Children in the Shadows of War Heart for Lebanon also works with children through its Children at Risk programs. One of the ministry's leaders, Freddy, described how thousands of children are living in the shadows of war. Hallways once meant for learning have become shelters. Children have seen things no child should ever have to witness. The ministry responds with trauma-informed care through play, art, listening, and prayer. The goal is not merely to provide temporary relief, but to help children process fear and experience the peace of Christ. Camille shared the story of Ahmad, a 10-year-old Kurdish boy living in Lebanon with his parents, who recently came to know the love and hope found in Jesus. The sounds of rockets and explosions filled Ahmad with fear, especially for his 10-month-old brother. Whenever he heard missiles nearby, he would try to protect the baby with his small hands. His mother encouraged him through God's promises and prayed with him. Ahmad said he still sometimes remembers the sounds, but now he prays instead of panicking. Remembering that Jesus is with him helps him feel safer. Camille also shared that Yasmin, a third-grade student, did not miss a single day of prayer during the war. She prayed for her younger siblings and reminded them of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. Her faith helped her encourage others in the middle of fear. Meeting Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Needs One of the distinctives of Heart for Lebanon is its commitment to care for the whole person. Camille explained that poverty exists on three levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual. That means the ministry provides essentials such as food packages, mattresses, pillows, blankets, and hygiene kits. But those physical gifts are only the beginning. Heart for Lebanon's team also takes time to listen to families' stories, pray with them, share Scripture, and build relationships of trust. Camille described this movement as going from transactional care to relational care—and then to transformational care. When trust is built, the door opens for gospel conversations. Families who have never heard the good news of Jesus are introduced to the hope found in Him. Many come from Muslim backgrounds—Kurds, Sunnis, and Shias—but Camille emphasized that what matters most is not who they were before Christ, but who they are in Him. How Your Gift Can Help Heart for Lebanon is currently serving more than 2,000 displaced families, many of whom were forced from their homes in southern Lebanon. A gift of $90 can help provide a full month of support for one displaced family, including food, bedding, hygiene supplies, compassionate care, and gospel-centered support. FaithFi's goal is to help reach 275 displaced families. A gift of $180 could help two families. A gift of $450 could help five. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve families who have lost nearly everything and to help open the door to lasting hope in Christ. To give, text FAITH to 98656, or visit FaithFi.com/Lebanon. A Time to Give Generously In times of crisis, the church has an opportunity to become a living witness to the compassion of Christ. Families in Lebanon need food, shelter, safety, and care—but above all, they need the hope of the gospel. Through Heart for Lebanon, believers can help meet urgent needs while pointing families to the One who never leaves or forsakes His people. Give generously today at FaithFi.com/Lebanon. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have property in South Carolina that I'd like to sell, and I'm looking for a Christian realtor to help. After the sale, I'd like to give about 90% of the proceeds to charity. Who would you recommend to help me handle this wisely? I have investments and a financial advisor, and we're meeting soon. I heard you discuss aligning investments with biblical values. Where can I find a resource to help me evaluate whether my current companies or funds reflect those values? I inherited my mom's home through a Lady Bird deed and recently sold it. I have three questions: Where should I consider investing the proceeds, and are annuities a good option? Will I owe capital gains tax? And how should I think about tithing on this money? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Heart for Lebanon National Christian Foundation (NCF) List of Faith-Based Investment Funds Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Kurds have been loyal American allies for decades — so why are we getting them so wrong? In this episode, Stephen draws on his book "The Miracle of the Kurds" to set the record straight about one of the most misunderstood people in the world: a moderate, resilient ethnicity spread across the Middle East with no nation to call their own, yet fiercely devoted to their identity and their allies. The Kurds have earned America's friendship time and time again — and it's time we gave it to them. Let's reset our perception of the Kurds.Connect with Stephen:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

More from Dr. George Grant https://georgegrant.net/ Adoring God Foundation https://adoringgod.org/

More from Dr. George Grant https://georgegrant.net/ Adoring God Foundation https://adoringgod.org/

More from Dr. George Grant https://georgegrant.net/ Adoring God Foundation https://adoringgod.org/

Helen Haas speaks with political scientist Sean Lee about the changing relationship between majorities and minorities in the Middle East, the collapse of the post-October 2023 regional order, and why questions of citizenship, identity, and political power remain at the centre of conflicts from Syria and Lebanon to Israel–Palestine. In this episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Dr. Sean Lee, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the American University in Cairo, discusses the evolving relationship between majority and minority groups in the Middle East. He argues that the minority question is not simply about ethnic or religious groups themselves, but about how political power, history, and institutions shape the categories of majority and minority. These identities are not fixed; they change depending on political and historical circumstances. Using examples from Syria, Lebanon, Israel–Palestine, and other regional conflicts, Lee explains how civil wars and political violence reshape social boundaries and reinforce divisions between communities. In Syria, for example, the post-war political transition has intensified tensions between Sunni Arab majorities and minority groups such as the Druze, Kurds, and Alawites. Lee also highlights how outside powers increasingly use minority groups as instruments in regional politics. A major theme of the discussion is the breakdown of the liberal international order after October 2023. According to Lee, this has weakened international law and increased instability in the region. He suggests that unresolved questions about citizenship and equal rights, especially in Israel and Palestine, continue to fuel conflict and resistance. Drawing comparisons beyond the Middle East, Lee argues that similar dynamics can be observed globally, particularly with the rise of ethnonationalism and populism. He concludes that long-term stability depends on moving away from systems based on ethnic or religious identity and toward citizenship-based political systems in which all individuals enjoy equal rights regardless of background. Helen Haas is a Middle East researcher at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies and the Middle East Coordinator at the Asia Centre, University of Tartu. Her research focuses on the diversity of Islam. She teaches Turkish and courses on Islamic history and culture, and works as an interpreter and translator of Turkish literature. She is the managing editor of the Usuteaduslik Ajakiri (Journal of Religion). Sean Lee is an assistant professor of political science at The American University in Cairo. His research focuses on political violence and social movements in the Levant. He is currently completing a book manuscript on minoritized communities during the civil wars in Lebanon and Syria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Helen Haas speaks with political scientist Sean Lee about the changing relationship between majorities and minorities in the Middle East, the collapse of the post-October 2023 regional order, and why questions of citizenship, identity, and political power remain at the centre of conflicts from Syria and Lebanon to Israel–Palestine. In this episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Dr. Sean Lee, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the American University in Cairo, discusses the evolving relationship between majority and minority groups in the Middle East. He argues that the minority question is not simply about ethnic or religious groups themselves, but about how political power, history, and institutions shape the categories of majority and minority. These identities are not fixed; they change depending on political and historical circumstances. Using examples from Syria, Lebanon, Israel–Palestine, and other regional conflicts, Lee explains how civil wars and political violence reshape social boundaries and reinforce divisions between communities. In Syria, for example, the post-war political transition has intensified tensions between Sunni Arab majorities and minority groups such as the Druze, Kurds, and Alawites. Lee also highlights how outside powers increasingly use minority groups as instruments in regional politics. A major theme of the discussion is the breakdown of the liberal international order after October 2023. According to Lee, this has weakened international law and increased instability in the region. He suggests that unresolved questions about citizenship and equal rights, especially in Israel and Palestine, continue to fuel conflict and resistance. Drawing comparisons beyond the Middle East, Lee argues that similar dynamics can be observed globally, particularly with the rise of ethnonationalism and populism. He concludes that long-term stability depends on moving away from systems based on ethnic or religious identity and toward citizenship-based political systems in which all individuals enjoy equal rights regardless of background. Helen Haas is a Middle East researcher at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies and the Middle East Coordinator at the Asia Centre, University of Tartu. Her research focuses on the diversity of Islam. She teaches Turkish and courses on Islamic history and culture, and works as an interpreter and translator of Turkish literature. She is the managing editor of the Usuteaduslik Ajakiri (Journal of Religion). Sean Lee is an assistant professor of political science at The American University in Cairo. His research focuses on political violence and social movements in the Levant. He is currently completing a book manuscript on minoritized communities during the civil wars in Lebanon and Syria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Helen Haas speaks with political scientist Sean Lee about the changing relationship between majorities and minorities in the Middle East, the collapse of the post-October 2023 regional order, and why questions of citizenship, identity, and political power remain at the centre of conflicts from Syria and Lebanon to Israel–Palestine. In this episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Dr. Sean Lee, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the American University in Cairo, discusses the evolving relationship between majority and minority groups in the Middle East. He argues that the minority question is not simply about ethnic or religious groups themselves, but about how political power, history, and institutions shape the categories of majority and minority. These identities are not fixed; they change depending on political and historical circumstances. Using examples from Syria, Lebanon, Israel–Palestine, and other regional conflicts, Lee explains how civil wars and political violence reshape social boundaries and reinforce divisions between communities. In Syria, for example, the post-war political transition has intensified tensions between Sunni Arab majorities and minority groups such as the Druze, Kurds, and Alawites. Lee also highlights how outside powers increasingly use minority groups as instruments in regional politics. A major theme of the discussion is the breakdown of the liberal international order after October 2023. According to Lee, this has weakened international law and increased instability in the region. He suggests that unresolved questions about citizenship and equal rights, especially in Israel and Palestine, continue to fuel conflict and resistance. Drawing comparisons beyond the Middle East, Lee argues that similar dynamics can be observed globally, particularly with the rise of ethnonationalism and populism. He concludes that long-term stability depends on moving away from systems based on ethnic or religious identity and toward citizenship-based political systems in which all individuals enjoy equal rights regardless of background. Helen Haas is a Middle East researcher at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies and the Middle East Coordinator at the Asia Centre, University of Tartu. Her research focuses on the diversity of Islam. She teaches Turkish and courses on Islamic history and culture, and works as an interpreter and translator of Turkish literature. She is the managing editor of the Usuteaduslik Ajakiri (Journal of Religion). Sean Lee is an assistant professor of political science at The American University in Cairo. His research focuses on political violence and social movements in the Levant. He is currently completing a book manuscript on minoritized communities during the civil wars in Lebanon and Syria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies

Helen Haas speaks with political scientist Sean Lee about the changing relationship between majorities and minorities in the Middle East, the collapse of the post-October 2023 regional order, and why questions of citizenship, identity, and political power remain at the centre of conflicts from Syria and Lebanon to Israel–Palestine. In this episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Dr. Sean Lee, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the American University in Cairo, discusses the evolving relationship between majority and minority groups in the Middle East. He argues that the minority question is not simply about ethnic or religious groups themselves, but about how political power, history, and institutions shape the categories of majority and minority. These identities are not fixed; they change depending on political and historical circumstances. Using examples from Syria, Lebanon, Israel–Palestine, and other regional conflicts, Lee explains how civil wars and political violence reshape social boundaries and reinforce divisions between communities. In Syria, for example, the post-war political transition has intensified tensions between Sunni Arab majorities and minority groups such as the Druze, Kurds, and Alawites. Lee also highlights how outside powers increasingly use minority groups as instruments in regional politics. A major theme of the discussion is the breakdown of the liberal international order after October 2023. According to Lee, this has weakened international law and increased instability in the region. He suggests that unresolved questions about citizenship and equal rights, especially in Israel and Palestine, continue to fuel conflict and resistance. Drawing comparisons beyond the Middle East, Lee argues that similar dynamics can be observed globally, particularly with the rise of ethnonationalism and populism. He concludes that long-term stability depends on moving away from systems based on ethnic or religious identity and toward citizenship-based political systems in which all individuals enjoy equal rights regardless of background. Helen Haas is a Middle East researcher at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies and the Middle East Coordinator at the Asia Centre, University of Tartu. Her research focuses on the diversity of Islam. She teaches Turkish and courses on Islamic history and culture, and works as an interpreter and translator of Turkish literature. She is the managing editor of the Usuteaduslik Ajakiri (Journal of Religion). Sean Lee is an assistant professor of political science at The American University in Cairo. His research focuses on political violence and social movements in the Levant. He is currently completing a book manuscript on minoritized communities during the civil wars in Lebanon and Syria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

On the podcast today, I've brought back a returning guest and one of the leading American voices on the Kurds, New York Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield. Stephen has worked closely with the Kurdish diaspora in America, and has traveled in Kurdistan. There are few people in America that are better positioned to talk about the Kurds, their history with the US, and their potential role in a rapidly changing Middle East.Subscribe to Tim Talks Politics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the full show notes (30% off for podcast listeners)!

Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, an in-depth investigatory show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (5/1/26). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth is, or claiming they have the answer, is likely leading you astray, for one reason or another. Stay Vigilant. !function(r,u,m,b,l,e){r._Rumble=b,r[b]||(r[b]=function(){(r[b]._=r[b]._||[]).push(arguments);if(r[b]._.length==1){l=u.createElement(m),e=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0],l.async=1,l.src="https://rumble.com/embedJS/u2q643"+(arguments[1].video?'.'+arguments[1].video:'')+"/?url="+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+"&args="+encodeURIComponent(JSON.stringify([].slice.apply(arguments))),e.parentNode.insertBefore(l,e)}})}(window, document, "script", "Rumble");   Rumble("play", {"video":"v77387m","div":"rumble_v77387m"}); Source Links (In Chronological Order): The Zampolli-Melania Pact: Amanda Ungaro, Epstein Connections, and the Leaked Phone Call Amanda Ungaro on X: "@PamBondi Are you already aware of the situation? Do you fully understand the extent of the information I possess regarding you and the individuals associated with you? I strongly advise you to consider the seriousness of these matters. Any actions taken against me or attempts https://t.co/jB2rM8dRUF" / X (22) Report on X: "n un audio esclusivo che Report è in grado di farvi ascoltare per la prima volta, l'inviato speciale di Donald Trump Paolo Zampolli rivela in una telefonata dell'esistenza di un patto stipulato tra lui e Melania Trump prima delle elezione presidenziali del 2016. Domenica su Rai3 https://t.co/amwvKutUz0" / X 'Outrageous': Push in Congress for Ghislaine Maxwell to be pardoned New Tab Trump says Iran war 'terminated,' as war powers deadline arrives | Reuters White House Claims Ceasefire Resets War Powers Act Deadline - News From Antiwar.com (22) PredictFolio on X: "BREAKING: Trump sends letter to Congress notifying the “hostilities have ended” in Iran https://t.co/aiiEjq8v2q" / X Trump administration says its war in Iran has been 'terminated' | AP News New Tab Iran Sends New Proposal for Peace Talks with U.S., State Media Says - The New York Times (22) Lugifer on X: "@BarakRavid Witkoff is an Israel asset and a corrupt idi0t. https://t.co/DaA0cTs4Nc" / X (22) Drop Site on X: "

The Trump administration has deported as many as 15,000 people to countries they are not from, ranging from Mexico to South Sudan. Also, whale sightings in the Gulf of California have dropped in recent years, telling us something about the health of a vital ecosystem. And, the US and Israel saw groups of ethnic Kurds based in Iraq as potential forces to arm Iranian protesters and help bring regime change, but such an intervention never materialized. Plus, how our brains' process for making memories seems to be vulnerable to generative AI. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down a chaotic weekend in American foreign policy as the official narrative of a dramatic military rescue in Iran begins to unravel. While the government claims a heroic recovery of a missing weapons officer, the details point toward a massive cover-up of a failed special operations ambush near a nuclear site. The duo explores the staggering loss of military hardware and the purge of knowledgeable experts like General Randy George that has left the U.S. command vulnerable. The episode also tackles Donald Trump's unhinged Easter posts threatening war crimes and his bizarre public disclosure of alleged CIA gun-running operations through the Kurds. With a new 2027 budget proposing a record $1.5 trillion in military spending while gutting domestic agencies, it appears the administration is abandoning diplomacy for a total war footing. From the "peasant mindset" of modern governance to the looming echoes of pre-World War conditions, Jared and Nick examine why the institutions designed to save us are failing in real time. Support the show and get the Weekender at Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast.

Welcome back to The Majority Report   On today's program:   Donald Trump spent his Easter Sunday posting threats of war crimes on Iran and mocking Islam.   Trump once again claims that he is very close to announcing a deal with Iran in an attempt to juice the markets.   Senate candidate in Maine, Graham Platner says he absolutely supports Bernie Sanders proposal to end military aid to Israel. Platner went even further in saying that Israel is exterminating people and it would take an immense amount of work to repair the relationship.   Zahra Hankir, Lebanese author and journalist joins Emma for a conversation about her recent piece in Columbia Journalism Review: "Who is Left to Cover Lebanon?" For more from Zahra check out her book Eyeliner: A Cultural History   In the Fun Half:   On Pod Save America, Cory Booker cannot bring himself to admit that Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. Booker goes on to say that he had no idea who Hasan Piker was until a couple days ago despite condemning him.   Trump admits to Trey Yingst that the U.S. has sent weapons to Iranian dissenters through the Kurds.   Laura Loomer tweets at Marco Rubio to deport Trita Parsi.   Stephen Crowder and Dave Rubin share their idiotic thoughts on the war in Iran.   all that and more   Preorder Molly Crabapple's book: Here Where We Live is Our Country.   To connect and organize with your local ICE rapid response team visit ICERRT.com The Congress switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. You can use this number to connect with either the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives. Follow us on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase Check out today's sponsors: COZY EARTH: Go to cozyearth.com/MAJORITYREPORT for an exclusive deal only available April 6th - April 12th! SELECT QUOTE:  Get the right life insurance for you and save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/MAJORITY SUNSET LAKE: Use coupon code "Left Is Best" (all one word) for 20% off of your entire order at SunsetLakeCBD.com  Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech On Instagram: @MrBryanVokey Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on YouTube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com

From March 19, 2025: For today's episode, Lawfare Foreign Policy Editor Daniel Byman interviewed Steven Heydemann, the Director of the Middle East Studies Program at Smith College, to assess the fast-changing developments in Syria today. Heydemann discusses the surge in communal violence in Syria, the deal between the new Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led government and Syria's Kurds, Israel's counterproductive interventions, and U.S. policy toward the new regime in Damascus. To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Giuseppe Acconcia has been traveling, studying, and writing about the Middle East for decades and joined me for a great discussion of the U.S./Israeli war on the region. We discussed the various states being attacked, the damages done so far to Iran, the decision-making process in Tehran--including the roles of the military, revolutionary guard, and political elite, the economic impact of the war so far, the importance of the Kurds, and much more. Bio//Giuseppe Acconcia, (@stradedellest), professor at Padua University and the University of Milan, has been a journalist in various locations in the Middle East, and is the author of "The Great Iran," and co-authored, with Lorenza Perini, of "The Arab Uprisings: Protests, Gender, and War, 2011-2021."---------------

Israel struck Tehran's oil facilities as Iran named a new supreme leader, the hardline son of the Ayatollah Israel killed on day one, and a senior Israeli military official tells NPR the war needs three more weeks.President Trump reversed course on Kurdish fighters entering Iran, and Iraq's Kurdish deputy prime minister tells NPR in his first interview with western media since the war began that the Kurds will not be part of the fight and are not guns for hire.And the war is strangling the Strait of Hormuz, where hundreds of tankers and container ships are now stranded, raising fears of a global energy crisis.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Hannah Block, Tina Kraja, James Hider, Mohamad ElBardicy and HJ Mai.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ben Abrams.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Iran War Escalates(5:17)  Kurds Stay Out(10:52) Global Shipping CrisisTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Today's Headlines: Iran has a new Supreme Leader: Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah, who is reportedly a bigger hardliner than his father — whose death he can thank the U.S. and/or Israel for, along with his wife's. Trump immediately called him "unacceptable," which might've been useful information before the bombing campaign began. The U.S. death toll from Iranian retaliatory strikes is now at 8, oil just crossed $100 a barrel for the first time in four years, and the White House press secretary went on Fox News and refused to rule out a draft. Meanwhile, the CIA is reportedly arming Kurdish forces to stir up an internal uprising in Iran, while U.S. and Israeli officials are discussing sending special forces in to secure Iran's nuclear stockpile. Meanwhile, the White House blocked intelligence agencies from issuing a terrorism threat warning to local law enforcement about rising domestic risks tied to the war. When Trump was asked about Americans dying on home soil, he said "some people will die. When you go to war, some people will die."  Elsewhere in the hemisphere, Trump held a "Shield of the Americas" summit at his Doral golf club — because of course he did — gathering 17 Latin American leaders to announce a military coalition against cartels, with fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem elevated to special envoy of the whole thing. Trump also started floating regime change in Cuba, because the Iran war apparently wasn't enough. In other chaos: Hungary detained seven Ukrainian bank employees carrying $82 million in cash and two armored vehicles, which Ukraine called "state terrorism." Two teenagers from Pennsylvania were arrested for attempting to set off explosive devices outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's home during dueling protests. Senate Republicans blocked a bill that would have forced disclosure of Epstein's financial records, and no one is asking any follow-up questions about that. And Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales — currently under House Ethics investigation — is dropping his reelection bid but refusing to resign his seat. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WSJ: Live Updates: Iran Picks Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader NYT: Pentagon Announces Seventh U.S. Death in War With Iran Axios: U.S. weighs sending special forces to seize Iran's nuclear stockpile CNN: CIA working to arm Kurdish forces to spark uprising in Iran, sources say The Daily Beast: Leavitt Refuses to Rule Out Drastic Troops Option for Iran War Yahoo: Trump White House Reportedly Blocking Intelligence Report Warning of Homeland Security Threats in Midst of Iran War Time: Trump's War With Iran The Hill: Trump revamps war on drugs with ‘Shield of the Americas' endeavor NPR: Trump vows to 'take care of Cuba,' praises Venezuela cooperation at summit NYT: Oil Prices Surge Above $100 a Barrel for the First Time in Almost Four Years WSJ: U.S. Has a Big Ask for China: Buy Less Oil from Russia, More From America Bloomberg: US Considers Easing Russia Oil Sanctions NBC News: Hungary detains Ukrainians carrying $82 million in cash and gold; Kyiv calls it a hostage-taking NBC New York: Mayor Mamdani was home when protesters lit device outside Gracie Mansion AP News: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney calls for Mountbatten-Windsor's removal from line of succession KOBI 5: Sen. Ron Wyden pushes for senate passage of Epstein bank records bill Politico: Tony Gonzales drops reelection bid among pressure from GOP Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show, the US and Israel are now in week two of warring with Iran and Fareed speaks with Jake Sullivan, President Biden's former National Security Adviser, about how fighting is likely to proceed, the larger regional implications, and how the war might embolden Russia and China. Then, Fareed is joined by former US ambassador Peter Galbraith to discuss Trump's flip-flopping on bring Kurdish forces into the war with Iran. Later, Fareed talks to Mina Al-Oraibi, editor in chief of the UAE newspaper The National, about how Gulf countries are reacting amid ongoing drone and missile strikes from Iran—and how might this shift geopolitics in the region. Finally, the U.S. produces the most advanced weapons in the world. Fareed asks defense editor at The Economist Shashank Joshi if America has enough of them to sustain an extended war in the Middle East. Guests: Jake Sullivan (@jakejsullivan), Peter Galbraith, Mina Al-Oraibi (@AlOraibi), Shashank Joshi (@shashj) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Mark Levin Show, the situation in Iran is dire for the Iranian people. There's a holocaust taking place in Iran where the regime is brutally suppressing protests. The victims are primarily young people who simply want basic freedoms. Thousands are imprisoned, tortured, raped, summarily executed, or already dead with communications cut off. America needs to act decisively against this seventh century barbarian regime. Meanwhile, Tukey's Erdogan is trying to wipe out the Kurds. As time goes on, the urgency and immediacy for helping the Iranian people lessens in the public mind and among the decision-makers. Already, the media are losing interest. This is very worrisome. Later, the Wall Street Journal's accidental admission reveals that tariffs are not merely taxes but tools of foreign policy and diplomacy. The Constitution assigns Congress the power of the purse while granting the President plenary power over foreign policy and national security. Tariffs often intertwine these areas, making judicial intervention impractical and unwise, as courts would end up deciding case-by-case whether a tariff is more about national security or taxation, leading to endless litigation. Furthermore, the Islamo Nazi Iranian regime's leader Khamenei is executing protesters, even non-protesters on the streets. The media and politicians are growing bored of this and moving on from the issue despite the continuing atrocities. Economic pressure is insufficient, as Iran's economy is already nearly collapsed - Khamenei must be eliminated and sent to hell. Meanwhile, the Syrian leader is a mass murdering terrorist, not a reformer – he's horrifically slaughtering the Kurds while ISIS roams free in Syria due to actions by Erdogan and others. Finally, a candidate has every right to challenge election results, as President Trump did in 2020. Any candidate may legally question an election, claim it was stolen, or pursue alternate slates of electors - none of these actions are criminal. Jack Smith's criminal prosecution of Trump was a major assault on the Constitution and the Republic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wednesday's Mark Levin Show, the Islamo Nazi Iranian regime's leader Khamenei is executing protesters, even non-protesters on the streets. The media and politicians are growing bored of this and moving on from the issue despite the continuing atrocities. Economic pressure is insufficient, as Iran's economy is already nearly collapsed - Khamenei must be eliminated and sent to hell. Meanwhile, the Syrian leader is a mass murdering terrorist, not a reformer – he's horrifically slaughtering the Kurds while ISIS roams free in Syria due to actions by Erdogan and others. Also, NATO issued a statement following President Donald Trump's announcement of a framework deal on Greenland with NATO Secretary General Mark Root, which could involve the US gaining sovereignty over small pockets of land there for military bases. Trump aggressively moved the needle through his bold statements and negotiation tactics, sparking serious discussions that didn't exist. Later, Sen Bill Hagerty calls in and explains that Trump is keeping military action against Iran as a viable option by deploying two carrier strike groups to the region, demonstrating an impressive and unique show of American force. This is a powerful message to a regime that only respects strength. He also explains that the protests against ICE are highly contrived and coordinated. They are attempting to destabilize the country by repeating the George Floyd playbook ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices