Podcasts about Lebanese

Indefinite IDF Deployments in the Levant and the Strengthening of Turkey. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer explains that the IDF will remain in Lebanon and Syria indefinitely to destroy Hezbollah's massive underground tunnel complexes. He notes that Marco Rubio negotiated a framework emphasizing Lebanese sovereignty. Additionally, Ambassador Tom Barrack is reportedly pressuring Israel while seeking to empower Turkey as Iran's regional influence weakens. 2

SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-30-261893 HMS INFLEXIBLEThe Sloppy Memo of Understanding and Iran's Control of the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer.Batchelor and Schanzer discuss a "sloppily" written Memo of Understanding that allows Iran to project control over the Strait of Hormuz. Schanzer notes that while shipping continues, markets remain anxious because Iran is effectively holding international energy hostage. He criticizes the international community's lack of response to this global threat. 1Indefinite IDF Deployments in the Levant and the Strengthening of Turkey. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer explains that the IDF will remain in Lebanon and Syria indefinitely to destroy Hezbollah's massive underground tunnel complexes. He notes that Marco Rubio negotiated a framework emphasizing Lebanese sovereignty. Additionally, Ambassador Tom Barrack is reportedly pressuring Israel while seeking to empower Turkey as Iran's regional influence weakens. 2Volkswagen Layoffs and the Debate Over German Military Conscription. Guest: Judy Dempsey and Thaddeus McCotter. Judy Dempsey reports on the crisis at Volkswagen, where 100,000 workers face layoffs due to the global shift toward electric vehicles and Chinese competition. These layoffs will ripple through Germany's network of small suppliers. Thaddeus McCotter and Dempsey discuss how these economic shifts compare to the American auto industry's transformation. 3The Ankara NATO Summit and Ukraine's Offensive Against Russia. Guest: Judy Dempsey and Thaddeus McCotter. Dempsey and McCotter preview the NATO summit in Ankara, which Donald Trump may attend to reward President Erdoğan with fighter jets. The conversation highlights Ukraine's successful drone strikes on Russian refineries and resupply lines. Putin faces pressure from both domestic hawks and a population suffering under war-induced rationing. 4The Escalating Persecution of Christians Within the Islamic Republic of Iran. Guest: Mariam Wahba. Mariam Wahba describes how the Iranian regime is using current regional tensions as a pretext to clamp down on domestic Christians. The regime specifically targets converts, labeling them as "Zionist" mercenaries and national security threats. Imprisonment of Christians has surged sixfold as the regime seeks scapegoats for its international military setbacks. 5Iranian Drones and the Proxy War in the Sudan Conflict. Guest: Mariam Wahba. Wahba reports that Iranian drones are fueling a stalemate in Sudan's brutal civil war. Iran sells these weapons for revenue and to gain potential port access on the Red Sea near the Houthis. Egypt is intervening to prevent Islamist victories on its border, while the conflict devolves into a multi-power proxy war. 6Critiquing the 14-Point Memo of Understanding and Operation Epic Fury. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. Peter Berkowitz analyzes the 14-point Memo of Understanding, contrasting Secretary Marco Rubio's "peace through strength" approach with Vice President JD Vance's "restraint." He argues "Operation Epic Fury" failed because it did not secure the Strait of Hormuz before the ceasefire. Berkowitz notes that the administration's goals for the Iranian people became confused during operations. 7Diplomatic Failures and the Unsuccessful Campaign to Quell Iran. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. Berkowitz criticizes the administration for failing to prepare the American public for the Iranian conflict through major policy speeches. He highlights a split between Vance's negotiations with Iran and Rubio's Israel-Lebanon framework. Finally, he compares the current MOU to failed Gaza deals, suggesting the IRGC will never abandon its core mission of war. 8The UK's Changing Guard: Andy Burnham and the Defense Budget Black Hole. Guest: Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley discusses the rise of Andy Burnham in Britain following Keir Starmer's "complete detachment" from the electorate. Burnham must address a massive 45-million-pound black hole in the defense budget. The discussion also covers the intractable problem of illegal immigration across the English Channel and the lack of cooperation from France. 9Chilly Conflicts and Fractured Leadership in the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley describes the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz as a "chilly conflict" where Iranian leadership remains fractured and indecisive. While supertankers sail through, both the US and Iran are using the ceasefire to rebuild their depleted arsenals. Copley notes that the IRGC is increasingly taking power away from Iran's clerical leadership. 10Global Defense Shifts in a Multipolar World and the End of Intervention. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley examines the shift toward a multipolar world as countries like Canada and Turkey reduce their dependency on US weapon systems. This "reversion to sovereignty" allows middle powers to play a more independent role. Copley observes that the US is stepping back from its role as the "cop on the beat" except in existential matters. 11King Charles III and the Revitalization of the Royal Navy. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley highlights King Charles III's personal connection to the Royal Navy and his efforts to revitalize the service. Despite budget constraints, the UK is building new capital ships and submarines to maintain maritime power. The King's involvement is seen as crucial for maintaining military morale and national defense during periods of governmental incompetence. 12Disparate Impact, Merit-Based Admissions, and Federal Contracting Reforms. Guest: Michael Toth. Michael Toth discusses the historical use of "disparate impact" as a mechanism for discrimination in university admissions. He details the current administration's efforts to root out racial preferences in federal contracting. Toth argues for a return to merit-based standards to restore the principle of equal justice. 13The Mystery of Third-Party Litigation Finance and its Taxation. Guest: Michael Toth. Toth explains the emergence of third-party litigation finance, where external financial institutions fund tort cases against American companies. He notes this practice is uniquely American and creates a new market for legal conflict. Toth recommends that the Treasurytax these business gains at ordinary income rates rather than treating them as capital gains. 14Domestic Politics, Midterm Perils, and the SAVE Act. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. Thaddeus McCotter analyzes the upcoming midterms, noting that Democrats have reframed "inflation" as "affordability" to distance themselves from economic policies. He discusses the internal "civil wars" within both parties, including the rise of Democratic Socialists and divisions within the MAGA movement. The "SAVE Act" is highlighted as the president's primary political solution. 15Affordability, Energy Prices, and the Short-Term Gains of Midterm Politics. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. McCotter observes that all foreign policy eventually becomes domestic, especially through the lens of energy costs. He warns that the administration might prioritize short-term gas price relief over long-term strategic interests in the Middle East. Consequently, providing sanctions relief to Iran could allow the regime to continue funding global terrorism and its nuclear program. 16

Israel keeps bombing tent cities full of already-displaced Lebanese civilians with nowhere left to run and flight logs for aircraft N102DZ — the Gulfstream previously owned by Charlie Kirk and now controlled by Erika Kirk — have been completely erased from Flight Radar. I sat down with Jeff Berwick and shared how the Tesla machine instantly wiped out my decades-old shoulder injury at Anarchapulco, giving me my life and energy back in one session. Hear the unbelievable healing stories of cancer vanishing, Bell's palsy gone, and chronic pain destroyed — get yours at TZLA.club.

David Daoud explores the Israel-Lebanon security deal and the IDF's destruction of a major Hezbollah arsenal. Daoud explains the concept of "pilot zones" where the Lebanese Armed Forces must perform demonstrably before territorial expansion. He notes Hezbollah wants a pragmatic end to pain but rejects normalization. 7v

David Daoud and Bill Roggio analyze "pilot zones" as a mechanism to hold Lebanon's feet to the fire regarding Hezbollah's disarmament. Daoud warns that if the US prioritizes quiet with Iran, these zones could become pressure tactics against Israel rather than mechanisms for actual Lebanese performance. 8ř979 Iran

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-29-2026.1950Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio discuss the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and a flawed memorandum concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Roggio argues the agreement effectively grants Iran control, while Haqqani notes GCC countries feel excluded and wary of de-escalation on Iranian terms. The US lacks a plan to force Iranian understanding of consequences. 1Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio examine regional dynamics, noting the Iranian system remains unchanged despite the Supreme Leader's death. Haqqani describes the US-Iran memorandum as a "damp squib" that ignores fundamental security issues. Roggio suggests Saudi Arabia feels "stuck" with the US but may reconsider its primary regional backing. 2Ernesto Araújo addresses the Venezuelan earthquake and the Maduro regime's inability to manage the crisis, calling leadership a "gangster gathering." He sees international aid as a chance for accountability and renewal. He also questions why the US hesitates to allow democratic leader María Machado to return home. 3Ernesto Araújo discusses recent democratic victories in Colombia and Peru, characterizing them as a rejection of organized crime and socialism. He criticizes media bias for framing these shifts as a "right-wing drift" while ignoring the deep-seated corruption of regional leaders like Lula da Silva. 4Jonathan Schanzer and Bill Roggio analyze Iran's perceived "escalation dominance" in the Strait of Hormuz after the US lifted its naval blockade. Schanzer argues Iran uses the waterway as leverage to derail nuclear talks. Roggio critiques the US admission that there is no military solution to the waterway. 5Jonathan Schanzer and Bill Roggio investigate reports of damaged historic sites in Iran, suggesting they are Iranian information operations. Schanzer explains that many sites were actually torched by protesters rejecting Islamism. He also notes the morality police are doubling down on control following recent ceasefire stunts. 6David Daoud explores the Israel-Lebanon security deal and the IDF's destruction of a major Hezbollah arsenal. Daoud explains the concept of "pilot zones" where the Lebanese Armed Forces must perform demonstrably before territorial expansion. He notes Hezbollah wants a pragmatic end to pain but rejects normalization. 7David Daoud and Bill Roggio analyze "pilot zones" as a mechanism to hold Lebanon's feet to the fire regarding Hezbollah's disarmament. Daoud warns that if the US prioritizes quiet with Iran, these zones could become pressure tactics against Israel rather than mechanisms for actual Lebanese performance. 8Richard Epstein critiques the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision allowing the President to fire independent commission heads. Epstein argues this undermines the separation of powers between prosecution and adjudication. He warns that "presidential accountability" is an illusion in such a unitary power structure. 9John Hardie and Bill Roggio report on Russian fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on refineries. Hardie notes this crisis breaks Putin's "social contract" of stability for passivity. Despite economic trouble, Putin maintains maximalist war demands due to inflated military reports from his general staff. 10Edmund Fitton-Brown critiques the UN's "toxic obsession" with Israel and its lack of evidence regarding genocide claims. Fitton-Brown highlights how China and Russia manipulate the UN system to avoid scrutiny. He notes Israel is uniquely targeted by permanent commissions while worse regimes go free. 11Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio discuss the instability of the Iran MOU and the upcoming Doha talks. He contrasts this with a balanced Israel-Lebanon framework that aims to marginalize Hezbollah. However, the MOU's vague language allows Iran to claim legitimate control over the Strait of Hormuz. 12Henry Sokolski examines the stalemate over Iran's nuclear program following a previous B2 raid. Sokolski notes Iranrefuses IAEA inspections at damaged uranium enrichment sites. He warns of massive plutonium risks at the Bushehrplant and calls for public hearings on regional nuclear restraint. 13Ahmad Sharawi documents Hamas's presence in Turkey, where senior operatives enjoy sanctuary to plot attacks in the West Bank. Sharawi notes Turkey provides a permissive environment to weaken Israel's regional freedom. Hamas maintains leadership and financing networks despite being whittled down in Gaza. 14David Maxwell and Gordon Chang analyze North Korea's "salami slicing" strategy in the DMZ designed to normalize its activities. Maxwell warns Kim Jong-un seeks to divide the US-South Korea alliance. He urges a superior political warfare strategy to expose and strangulate North Korea's malign activities. 15Gordon Chang challenges China's manufacturing numbers as "science fiction" and the promotion of robotics to hide massive youth unemployment. Chang explains that Xi Jinping prioritizes manufacturing over consumption to keep the population dependent. He also warns of rising state-promoted xenophobia against foreigners. 16

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: The U.S. and Iran are trading strikes once again, with Tehran now targeting American bases in the Gulf. We'll break down what's happening and what it reveals about the fragile ceasefire. Israel agrees to withdraw from two positions in southern Lebanon under a new U.S.-brokered framework agreement. But Hezbollah is already rejecting the deal as a surrender of Lebanese sovereignty. Plus, we'll have the latest on the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, where the death toll continues to climb as rescuers race against time to find survivors beneath the rubble. And in today's Back of the Brief, we'll tell you how Somali intelligence helped U.S. authorities arrest the alleged ringleader of a massive Minnesota fraud case after locating him in Mogadishu. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Goldbelly: Celebrate America's 250th with iconic foods delivered—get free shipping and 20% off your first order at https://GOLDBELLY.com with code PDB.  Lean: Get 20% off plus free rush shipping when you go to https://TAKELEAN.com and use code PDB  Wild Alaskan Company: Get $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood—delivered right to your door. Go to: https://www.wildalaskan.com/PDB  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Lebanese president says he will not accept any peace deal that does not include the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. The two sides met in Washington on Tuesday for a fifth round of talks. Hezbollah has accused Israel of violating the recently-agreed ceasefire claiming IDF soldiers opened fire on a group of civilians in Lebanon killing two people. Also in this podcast: A United Nations-backed commission accuses Israel of deliberately targeting and killing Palestinian children in what it calls a "genocide". Kim Jong Un announces that he's equipping North Korea's navy with nuclear weapons. People across western Europe brace for what's forecast to be the hottest day of the year. Researchers in Australia discover why some memories are more vivid than others. And we hear from the men being paid $50,000 to watch the World Cup. 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 Photo: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a press conference in February 2026 Credit: Reuters/Mohamed Azakir

────────────────────────────────────────[00:02:09]Trump Unilaterally Rewrites the MOU — Demands Iran Spend Frozen Funds Only on US Farm GoodsPoint 11 of the signed MOU says funds are released without conditions; Trump invented the escrow-for-American-corn clause after Kushner pressed him.────────────────────────────────────────[00:05:00]Senate Votes to Halt the Iran War — Resolution Has No Force of Law, White House Dismisses ItPassed 50-48; does not go to the president for signature or veto; four Republicans broke ranks including Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy.────────────────────────────────────────[00:10:18]Ben Gvir: All of Lebanon Must Be Our Playground — For Every Israeli Tear, a Thousand Lebanese Must WeepIsraeli finance minister refuses any restriction on Lebanese territory and demands it all burn; Netanyahu confirmed forces are not leaving.────────────────────────────────────────[00:46:01]Rand Paul's Wife Bought Gilead Stock During Remdesivir Push — Knight Says He Has No Credibility on FauciFauci declared remdesivir standard of care one day after a WHO trial showed it ineffective; Paul's wife held Gilead shares throughout.────────────────────────────────────────[00:47:41]Trump Orders Ford and GM to Make Bombs Instead of Cars — Same Defense Production Act Used for VentilatorsKnight: they don't want people to have independent transportation; commandeering auto production is the same playbook used in 2020.────────────────────────────────────────[00:56:37]VA Study Claims COVID Vaccine Lowers Cardiac Risk — Knight: They Caused the Heart Disease and Now Claim the CureSeven children confirmed dead from the jabs per FDA data; New England Journal of Medicine ex-editor said the journal lost all credibility.────────────────────────────────────────[01:29:16]Tulsi Gabbard's Entire Career Was Guided by a Hare Krishna Cult Leader Named Chris ButlerYear-long Washington Post investigation; former cult members handed over internal records showing Butler shaped her public decisions.────────────────────────────────────────[01:43:44]Ben Gvir Repeats: All of Lebanon Must Burn — No Distinction Between Hezbollah and Lebanese CiviliansSame doctrine applied in Gaza; Knesset member adds they want to drag Hamas leaders across Gaza in front of cameras before prison.────────────────────────────────────────[01:47:00]Jared Kushner Invented the Escrow-for-Farm-Goods Clause — JD Vance Selling It as a Trump DealMOU says nothing about escrow or American goods; Kushner and Qataris fabricated it after signing; Vance repeating the lie publicly.────────────────────────────────────────[01:51:28]Zionist Lobbyist Brags About Sanctioning UN Rapporteur Albanese, Freezing Her Bank Accounts, Demoting Her HusbandAfter boasting of controlling Albanese's finances and barring her from the US, lobbyist Hillel Neuer insists the Jewish lobby does not control America. ──────────────────────────────────────── Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code “KNIGHT” For high quality made in America products go to HomeSteadProducts.shop and use promo code “Knight” for 10% off your purchases Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show Or you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

────────────────────────────────────────[00:02:09]Trump Unilaterally Rewrites the MOU — Demands Iran Spend Frozen Funds Only on US Farm GoodsPoint 11 of the signed MOU says funds are released without conditions; Trump invented the escrow-for-American-corn clause after Kushner pressed him.────────────────────────────────────────[00:05:00]Senate Votes to Halt the Iran War — Resolution Has No Force of Law, White House Dismisses ItPassed 50-48; does not go to the president for signature or veto; four Republicans broke ranks including Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy.────────────────────────────────────────[00:10:18]Ben Gvir: All of Lebanon Must Be Our Playground — For Every Israeli Tear, a Thousand Lebanese Must WeepIsraeli finance minister refuses any restriction on Lebanese territory and demands it all burn; Netanyahu confirmed forces are not leaving.────────────────────────────────────────[00:46:01]Rand Paul's Wife Bought Gilead Stock During Remdesivir Push — Knight Says He Has No Credibility on FauciFauci declared remdesivir standard of care one day after a WHO trial showed it ineffective; Paul's wife held Gilead shares throughout.────────────────────────────────────────[00:47:41]Trump Orders Ford and GM to Make Bombs Instead of Cars — Same Defense Production Act Used for VentilatorsKnight: they don't want people to have independent transportation; commandeering auto production is the same playbook used in 2020.────────────────────────────────────────[00:56:37]VA Study Claims COVID Vaccine Lowers Cardiac Risk — Knight: They Caused the Heart Disease and Now Claim the CureSeven children confirmed dead from the jabs per FDA data; New England Journal of Medicine ex-editor said the journal lost all credibility.────────────────────────────────────────[01:29:16]Tulsi Gabbard's Entire Career Was Guided by a Hare Krishna Cult Leader Named Chris ButlerYear-long Washington Post investigation; former cult members handed over internal records showing Butler shaped her public decisions.────────────────────────────────────────[01:43:44]Ben Gvir Repeats: All of Lebanon Must Burn — No Distinction Between Hezbollah and Lebanese CiviliansSame doctrine applied in Gaza; Knesset member adds they want to drag Hamas leaders across Gaza in front of cameras before prison.────────────────────────────────────────[01:47:00]Jared Kushner Invented the Escrow-for-Farm-Goods Clause — JD Vance Selling It as a Trump DealMOU says nothing about escrow or American goods; Kushner and Qataris fabricated it after signing; Vance repeating the lie publicly.────────────────────────────────────────[01:51:28]Zionist Lobbyist Brags About Sanctioning UN Rapporteur Albanese, Freezing Her Bank Accounts, Demoting Her HusbandAfter boasting of controlling Albanese's finances and barring her from the US, lobbyist Hillel Neuer insists the Jewish lobby does not control America. ──────────────────────────────────────── Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code “KNIGHT” For high quality made in America products go to HomeSteadProducts.shop and use promo code “Knight” for 10% off your purchases Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show Or you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

US President Trump reiterated that they are making a deal with Iran and will see how it goes. Though he pushed back on Iranian claims that there will be no IAEA inspectors at their nuclear facilities. Brent Aug'26 -0.8%.US Secretary of State Rubio said the Lebanon file is separate from the agreement with Iran and that the US will deal directly with the Lebanese government. He added that Iran will not able to charge tolls when a final deal is agreed upon.Israeli Ambassador to the US said Israel-Lebanon talks over the ceasefire are a "train wreck".APAC stocks traded mixed, whilst European equity futures are indicative of a slightly weaker open.DXY extends higher and trades towards 101.50, USD/JPY holds around 161.60.Looking ahead, highlights include German Ifo (Jun), Riksbank Minutes (Jun), BoC Minutes (Jun), Fed Bank Stress Test Report.Speakers including RBA's Hauser, BoE's Breeden & Dhingra, BoC's Rogers, ECB's Cipollone, Supply from UK, Italy, Germany & US, Earnings from Micron.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Hezbollah's Shadow Banking System. Guest: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio. Ahmad Sharawi examines Al-Qard Al-Hassan, Hezbollah's financial arm that provides social services and interest-free loans outside the official banking system. Although Israel has targeted its branches, the Lebanese government is hesitant to shut it down, allowing it to sustain the group's operations through gold-backed financing. 141909 Cairo

Hezbollah's Shadow Banking System. Guest: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio. Ahmad Sharawi examines Al-Qard Al-Hassan, Hezbollah's financial arm that provides social services and interest-free loans outside the official banking system. Although Israel has targeted its branches, the Lebanese government is hesitant to shut it down, allowing it to sustain the group's operations through gold-backed financing. 141909 Cairo

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-22-26.1787The Fog of Diplomacy in the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Ambassador Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio. Guests discuss competing headlines regarding "progress" in US-Iran negotiations and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ambassador Haqqani notes neither side has achieved its original war aims, while Bill Roggio argues the US lacks the military will to reopen the Strait, leaving Iran with the strategic advantage. 1Pakistan as a Strategic Mediator. Guest: Ambassador Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio. John Batchelor examines Pakistan's role as a mediator between the United States and Iran. Ambassador Haqqani explains that Pakistan provided an "exit ramp" for the Trump administration by utilizing its unique access to the IRGC and Iran's power structure to facilitate communication and avoid further military escalation. 2Hamas Sidelined in Regional Talks. Guest: Samuel Ben-Ur and Bill Roggio. Samuel Ben-Ur explains why Hamas has been sidelined in recent Iranian negotiations compared to Hezbollah. Relations soured when Hamas failed to support Iranian strikes against Qatari targets. Currently, Hamas remains funded by Qatar and Turkey while maintaining a brutal "reign of terror" over the portions of Gaza it still controls. 3The Legality and Lethality of Armed Conflict. Guest: Henry Sokolski. Henry Sokolski analyzes a public memo from Admiral Brad Cooper regarding the legitimacy of lethal force. They discuss the necessity of proportionality in conflict, arguing that avoiding civilian targets like nuclear reactors is a military requirement for success, as destroying essential infrastructure alienates populations and complicates future operations. 4Latin America's Shift to the Right. Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Guests discuss the right-wing political shift in Latin America following Abelardo De La Espriella's apparent victory in Colombia. They compare his security-focused platform to the Bukele model in El Salvador, emphasizing a mandate to combat the organized crime that has historically penetrated the region's political systems. 5The Slow-Motion Coup in Bolivia. Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. The segment addresses the crisis in Bolivia, where Evo Morales is accused of orchestrating a "slow motion coup" via blockades. Ernesto Araújo criticizes Brazilian President Lula's silence on the matter, while Alejandro Peña Esclusa suggests that regional support for the elected government may finally lead to Morales facing legal consequences. 6The Failure to Counter Chinese Influence. Guest: Bill Gertz and Gordon Chang. Bill Gertz details a GAO report revealing that the US spent $1.2 billion on countering Chinese influence without evaluating its impact. The discussion highlights the superior effectiveness of Chinese information warfare, which outspends the US significantly to shape global narratives while American efforts lack a cohesive strategy. 7The Crisis in Air Force Procurement. Guest: General Blaine Holt and Gordon Chang. General Blaine Holt critiques the broken US procurement system, specifically the Air Force's contradictory stance on retiring the A-10 Warthog while keeping the B-52 bomber for a century. He advocates for reform to break contractor monopolies, allowing the military to innovate faster and field cheaper equipment. 8Iran's Economic Demands in Switzerland. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer and Bill Roggio. Jonathan Schanzer argues that Iran is seeking a systemic economic lifeline through billions in unfrozen assets. He criticizes recent US oil waivers as a sign of caving to pressure. Iran aims to link a Lebanon ceasefire to negotiations to delay nuclear discussions and drive a wedge. 9Resurgent Piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Guest: Bridget Toomey and Bill Roggio. Bridget Toomey reports a resurgence of Somali piracy, with three ships recently captured for ransom in the Gulf of Aden. Bill Roggio links this spike to Al-Shabaab's growth and suggests that pirate networks may be coordinating with the Houthis to facilitate weapons smuggling and increase regional instability. 10The Flaws of the Iran Memorandum. Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio. Edmund Fitton-Brown critiques the current US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, calling it a failure of negotiation that incorporates "every Iranian trick." He argues Iran's core goals—the destruction of Israel and the expulsion of US influence—remain unchanged, and that the US has displayed a defeatist lack of patience. 11Eurasian Interests in Middle East Conflict. Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio. Guests discuss how Russia and China are benefiting from America's Middle East difficulties, often frustrating US objectives on the nuclear file. Fitton-Brown notes the Europeans have been "anemic," failing to coordinate a forceful naval presence to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains reliably open for global energy trade. 12Ukraine's Military Manpower Crisis. Guest: John Hardie and Bill Roggio. John Hardie discusses Ukrainian military reforms aimed at addressing the manpower crisis by clarifying pay and contract lengths. While intended to prevent desertion, there is skepticism that the government can fulfill promises to discharge long-serving troops without risking a collapse of the front lines against Russia. 13Hezbollah's Shadow Banking System. Guest: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio. Ahmad Sharawi examines Al-Qard Al-Hassan, Hezbollah's financial arm that provides social services and interest-free loans outside the official banking system. Although Israel has targeted its branches, the Lebanese government is hesitant to shut it down, allowing it to sustain the group's operations through gold-backed financing. 14The $216 Billion Rebuild of Syria. Guest: Josh Rogin and Bill Roggio. Josh Rogin reports that Syria requires $216 billion for reconstruction following the fall of the Assad regime. He explains that US "State Sponsor of Terrorism" sanctions prevent American businesses from bidding on contracts, leaving an opening for Chinese and Russian technology to dominate the new government's infrastructure. 15Recommendations for a New Syria Policy. Guest: Josh Rogin and Bill Roggio. Josh Rogin recommends that the US prepare to lift the terrorism designation on Syria to support reconstruction and counter adversarial influence. He argues the current Al-Shara government is the only viable partner for stability and that US bureaucratic inertia is currently benefiting China, Russia, and Iran. 16

Reporter, Joe Caulfield speaks to Lebanese people about the impact of the Middle East conflict on their daily lives.

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. Health reporter Diana Bletter joins host Gabriella Jacobs for today's episode. Bletter joins us from her home near Nahariya after speaking with residents across Israel's north about life during an uneasy, on-again-off-again ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. She describes a region unable to move forward. Residents are exhausted after another disrupted school year, uncertain about what the coming months will bring, yet determined to remain in the communities they call home. She shares stories of hardship and resilience from communities living just kilometers from the Lebanese border. Later in the episode, we move on to discuss a breakthrough in cancer therapy developed by scientists from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, who have engineered nanoparticles that treat aggressive “triple-negative” breast cancer tumors without chemotherapy or drugs. We conclude by diving into a revolutionary method of identifying life beyond Earth by analyzing the diversity of molecular groups, pioneered by Israeli researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Bletter explains how scientists plan to use this method on Eureka, an Israeli spacecraft concept currently in planning. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

74 MinutesPG-13 The parents of Hunger the Dye Merchant left Lebanon and immigrated to the US. He frequently travels to Lebanon.Pete and Hunger discussed the various political and religious ideologies at work in Lebanon. He also discusses the tensions that have existed between Israel and Hezbollah for the past 60 years. This was episode 1126.Hunger on Twitter The Delaware Crossing SocietyThe Chatham House Version RecordingsPete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's Substack Pete's SubscribestarPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookPete on TwitterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-quinones-show--6071361/support.

Iran says it has again closed the Strait of Hormuz, in response to Israel's continued strikes on southern Lebanon which have killed at least 25 people according to Lebanese state media. The Iranian military described the attacks as a violation of Tehran's peace deal with Washington. But a US military statement said the Strait remained open and at least 55 vessels had passed through during the day. Also in the programme: An escalating row between Ukraine and Poland leads to President Zelensky returning an award from Warsaw; and the secret behind the success of a legendary TV comedy director.(Photo: Vessels are anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Oman, June 19, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Stringer)

//The Wire//2300Z June 19, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: WAR IN LEBANON INTENSIFIES OVERNIGHT, IRANIAN DELEGATION DEPARTS SWITZERLAND AS STATUS OF PEACE TALKS REMAINS UNCERTAIN. UNIDENTIFIED MAN THROWS CHILD IN CROCODILE PIT IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE BEFORE BEING IMMEDIATELY RELEASED BY POLICE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Middle East: After the ceasefire document was signed in Versailles yesterday, Israeli forces conducted large-scale bombing campaigns in Lebanon. Dozens of airstrikes were reported along the southern and eastern fronts as the cities of Maifadoun, Nabatieh, and Toul were heavily targeted this morning. The number of casualties remains unknown as most of the region surrounding this cluster of towns was destroyed by the bombing. At some point during the night, Hezbollah conducted an ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) attack on an IDF tank which killed four crewmembers. This prompted an even more substantial IDF response, which continued throughout the night. By morning, several reports of a ceasefire emerged between the IDF and Hezbollah, scheduled to take place at 4:00pm local time. However, as of this report several strikes have taken place after the ceasefire, and the status of the alleged halt to the fighting remains uncertain.Analyst Comment: As the bombing in Lebanon has continued throughout this morning, limited reporting out of Switzerland suggests that the Iranian delegation has departed ahead of schedule, and peace talks have been halted. Some initial reports also circulated stating that the Strait of Hormuz had been re-closed as well, however as of this report this might have been a knee-jerk reaction that has been mitigated and merchant traffic has continued to increase throughout the Persian Gulf this afternoon.United Kingdom: This morning an attack was reported at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a tourist farm/venue in Cambridgeshire. The incident involved a 30-year-old man (who was attended by two caregivers), snatching a 3-year-old child, and throwing him into the crocodile enclosure at the small zoo section of the farm. The zoo owner's wife jumped into the enclosure and rescued the boy, while visitors detained the man who conducted the attack.Analyst Comment: The assailant had no connection with the victim, and the attack appears to be random. This case has added to the already-high levels of outrage as the suspect's name and appearance is being withheld...but he's already been released from police custody, as the police deemed him too mentally ill to even be interviewed. Instead, he was released from custody altogether. The boy who was thrown into the enclosure was bitten by a crocodile, and remains hospitalized undergoing treatment.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: If the bombing in Lebanon carries on, the peace deal has little chance of lasting the weekend. In fact, it might already be too late if the Iranians decide that the United States is not capable of constraining the Israelis in Lebanon. The White House has attempted to tame the situation by reportedly assuring the Iranians that the targeting is over, however as this reporting hit social media, the Israeli's were still hitting Lebanon. Also, reports on the timing of last night's events vary somewhat. Some reports claim that the Israeli's were only responding to the targeting of the armored column, which prompted the bombing. However, the tank that was hit was advancing (not withdrawing) and at the time it was located about 6 miles into Lebanese territory on the northwest side of the Litani River. Also, some reports claim that the bombing campaign actually began before the tank was struck by Hezbollah, but these local reports are hard to verify.In the context of the peace agreement that has found itself on rocky ground, the targeting efforts overnight were not a small engagement...this was a substantial bombing campaign that is probably the IDF's biggest push so far in Lebanon. Many locations were completely leveled and it's quite clear that the Israelis gave some cities throughout southern Lebanon a miniature version of the Gaza treatment last night. It is quite possible that this is the standard final punch below the belt after the bell, and it would have been extremely naive for either the United States or Iran to not assume that this would happen immediately upon a ceasefire agreement being signed. As a result, it's not certain as to if this will outright derail the deal; this may have been an assumption that was already baked in to what the U.S. and Iran agreed to behind closed doors. Nevertheless the main issue for the world, the Strait of Hormuz, remains the main point of leverage. If the Iranians want to press the issue by closing the Strait again, that's up to them and so far it's hard to say how they might handle the issue. Both sides can see the elephant in the room, and both sides know the difficulty in addressing it. The next big friction point will be in determining what this stunt has cost the American diplomatic team in terms of negotiating terms and getting the Iranians back to the table.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//

June 20, 2026; 7am: This morning, Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least five people, according to Lebanese state media, just hours after a ceasefire took effect between Israel and Hezbollah. It comes a day after that conflict delayed an expected first day of talks to reach a final peace deal between the United States and Iran. MS NOW Contributor Inzamam Rashid joins “The Weekend” from Dubai with the latest. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stacie Hueter delivers the latest news on U.S. air strikes killing Lebanese citizens and interrupting peace deals with Iran, the unveiling of the new Air Force One, and the status on Carlitos Ricardo Parias' detention in the Adelanto facility on 6/20/26.

For review:1. A B-52 on a routine test mission crashed shortly after takeoff Monday (15 June)  in Southern California, killing all eight crew members on board.2.  US Army aims to release proposal requests for its heavy variant of the ISV this fall, a senior service official told lawmakers, adding that the Army is attempting to field the capability as quickly as possible. The Army is seeking vehicles that can provide  60 kW of continuous high-voltage DC power, 15 kW of 28V DC power and 4.8 kW of 120V AC power. 3. After eight years as US Indo-Pacific Command, the Pentagon has announced it is restoring the original name to simply Pacific Command (PACOM).4. KNDS, the French-German maker of the Leopard tank and the Caesar truck-mounted gun, pitched a new howitzer with a barrel longer than any NATO production artillery, which the company said gives the weapon a range of up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) with standard high-explosive shells.The 155mm howitzer, named Loras for long-range artillery system, is equipped with a 58 caliber gun tube, about 12% longer than the 52 caliber barrels that equip most recent European cannons.5. President Trump on Friday unveiled the Boeing 747-8 that will serve as the new Air Force One, that the U.S. accepted as a gift from the Qatari government last year.6. US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Switzerland for the first round of talks with Iran on a potential nuclear deal, Axios reports, citing a US official.Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is already in Switzerland, it adds.7. Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire on Friday afternoon, a US official said, after another flare-up in southern Lebanon that saw four Israeli soldiers and dozens of Lebanese casualties.8. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has set up secretive new cells in Iraq to carry out attacks on Gulf countries that host American forces, bypassing established militia networks to avoid detection, eight Iraqi sources told Reuters. 

Israel has destroyed the memorandum of understanding and ongoing peace talks between the United States and Iran. Just five minutes after a ceasefire went into effect, Israel violated it with over 150 strikes, resulting in 55 Lebanese deaths. Israeli officials, including Ben Gvir saying “all of Lebanon must burn,” and Minister Katz claim that over […]

The Tara Show (Hour 1, Segment 2) outlines a severe escalation where Hezbollah initiated a barrage of over 50 missiles and rockets into Israel, triggering immediate ground engagements and a massive Israeli counteroffensive. Following the initial rocket fire, Hezbollah deployed explosive drones and anti-tank missiles that directly hit an Israeli Merkava tank near the southern Lebanese border. In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched an immediate wave of airstrikes targeting over 80 Hezbollah military command centers and weapons hubs across southern Lebanon, killing dozens of operatives. The segment emphasizes that these heavy cross-border clashes constitute direct violations of recent ceasefire agreements and severely threaten ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.

Tips for Cooking with a Salt Block. Sarah Trad, founder of Beit Trad, joins to chat about her latest book: “A House in the Lebanese Mountains”. A restored family home that has become a welcoming guesthouse, filled with Lebanese hospitality and traditional home-cooked recipes and dishes. Inspired slow living around the family table. My last bite: Mango Mojito BBQ Sauce

The Swiss government confirms that the plan still stands for the US, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar to meet on Friday in Switzerland to commence talks. Furthermore, Al Hadath added that the talks will include the legal aspects related to lifting Iranian sanctions, the issue of frozen funds and the Iranian nuclear file. A Lebanese source also stated that negotiations will discuss Israel's withdrawal along with a timetable for the experimental zone.SNB and Norges Bank leave their respective rates unchanged, as expected. The SNB highlighted increased readiness for FX intervention, while the Norges Bank stated a higher likelihood of near-term rate hikes. US equity futures pare post-Fed losses, with NQ outperforming as US President Trump announced AAPL-INTC collaboration.DXY hold onto post-FOMC bid, GBP to digest BoE and by-election, CHF softer following increased SNB intervention.Fixed income benchmarks mixed; energy benchmarks softer following MoU signing (Brent -1.8%).Looking ahead, highlights include Canadian PPI (May), US Initial Jobless Claims (Jun/13), New Zealand Trade Balance (May), BoE Policy Announcement, CNB Policy Announcement, UK Makerfield by-election, Speakers including ECB's Elderson, Cipollone & Lane, Supply from the US.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

President Trump has criticised Israel for continuing to strike Hezbollah targets ahead of the formal signing of a US-Iran deal in Switzerland on Friday. He said Israel didn't need to knock down an apartment block every time it was looking for someone from Hezbollah. Lebanese state media reported at least four deaths. Also: Britain's Ministry of Defence is investigating after a retired British couple said a Russian warship had fired warning shots near their yacht in the Channel on Tuesday; the US vice president JD Vance has a new memoir out - this time about religion; how illegal Iranian oil is smuggled across the mountains into Pakistan; and the Williams sisters return to Wimbledon at the ages of 44 and 46. 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 Photo: A car and ambulance belonging to Hezbollah's health unit damaged during an Israeli strike on the village of Al Shaabiyeh in southern Lebanon Credit: EPA/Shutterstock

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. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. During the course of the G7 summit of global leaders in France on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said that Syria should replace Israel in the fight against Lebanon’s Hezbollah. He argued that the Jewish state’s war on the Iran-backed terror group has been too prolonged and indiscriminate, adding that Israel would have been “blown off the face of the earth” if not for him. Horovitz unpacks the multilayered concerns plaguing Israel in the wake of Trump's statements. The US-Iran memorandum of understanding, expected to be signed at an in-person gathering on Friday, reportedly provides for a full cessation of hostilities by Iran, the United States and their allies — including in Lebanon, where Israel has been battling Tehran’s proxy Hezbollah. This comes as Israel and Lebanon are nearing a US-mediated lasting ceasefire agreement, according to a Tuesday report. If the IDF were to withdraw from southern Lebanon, are Lebanese forces really strong enough to face Hezbollah? Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claimed on Tuesday to have “abolished” components of the 1997 Hebron agreement that gave the Palestinian municipal council of Hebron authority over planning, zoning and construction in the H2 zone of the West Bank city, where the Jewish settlement of Hebron is located along with the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Can this effort be isolated from the looming elections? Horovitz weighs in on this and the current ultra-Orthodox move in the Knesset to pass Basic Law: Torah Study. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump: Israel’s war on Hezbollah is too long, too deadly; Syria should fight the group instead US-Iran deal said set to halt regional hostilities, including in Lebanon, lift blockade Israel-Lebanon talks said close to yielding lasting ceasefire deal Smotrich says he’s ‘abolished Hebron agreement,’ given Israel more power in flashpoint city Netanyahu denounces ‘police state’ trial as his cross-examination ends after over a year Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Episode 114 opens with a War Room clash: Rabbi Wallachie acknowledges that US and Israeli interests are diverging, but Ghost steps in to correct his claim that Hezbollah is simply the Iranian army, walking through its actual origins as a resistance movement. From there, Ghost breaks down a heated Bannon segment where Wallachie denies any Greater Israel expansion plan, a claim Ghost dismantles using Ben Gavir's own statements about expelling Lebanese civilians. At the G7 in France, Trump publicly criticizes Israel's conduct in Lebanon, suggests Syria's Jelani take over the Hezbollah fight, and reveals he was angry about the Beirut strike hours before the Iran deal was finalized. Ghost digs into the Strait of Hormuz numbers discrepancy between CENTCOM's leaked count and Bloomberg's tracker data, and explains why Trump is withholding the full 14 point memorandum until Friday. Putin and Trump's hour long birthday call gets coverage alongside Lukashenko's bombshell claim that the Vatican and Naftali Bennett deceived Putin into pulling back from Kyiv in 2022. The episode closes with Israel's political fallout: Lapid calling Netanyahu's handling an absolute failure, Smotrich and Katz refusing to be bound by the deal, and American Jewish leaders demanding the text be made public.

This week on "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan chats with one of our all-time favorite guests—food writer and researcher Anissa Helou. She's just published "Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of My Homeland" and spills the secrets of tabbouleh, falafel, skewered meat, hummus, labneh, and many other Lebanese specialities.  Things We Talk About in This Episode: Anissa's last interview with us https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925  "Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of My Homeland" https://bookshop.org/p/books/lebanon-cooking-the-foods-of-my-homeland-anissa-helou/77fff24da4bf58f4?ean=9780063334922&next=t  Pope Leo at the Sagrada Familia https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/10/world/europe/pope-leo-sagrada-familia-barcelona-visit.html

“The state of Lebanon needs to have an exclusivity of arms. And definitely, Hezbollah needs to be disarmed… Disarming a group or a community is not possible by force, it's possible by conviction. You put pressure, but you cannot eliminate a whole society, a whole community. We need to have an exclusivity of arms in the hand of the state, an exclusivity of decision through a political process, pressuring Hezbollah to disarm, but getting also in parallel a full withdrawal of the Israelis from occupied Lebanese territories and a full cessation of hostilities.”Jeremy Bowen speaks to Gebran Bassil, the Lebanese politician who served as the country's Foreign Minister between 2014 and 2020.Mr. Bassil, who is from the country's Maronite Christian ethnic group, leads the right-wing Free Patriotic Movement political party. The party was founded over 30 years ago by the former President of Lebanon, Michel Aoun, who is also Bassil's father-in-law.In October 2024, a year after the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October started the current Middle East conflict, the Free Patriotic Movement party announced that it was cutting ties with Hezbollah. Bassil slammed the Iranian-backed militant group for threatening the safety and stability of Lebanon when it launched its own attacks on Israel in support of Hamas.As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues in southern Lebanon, Bassil and his party are part of growing calls for the country to take a new direction. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with the World Health Organisation's Hanan Balkhy; Ali Bahreini, Iranian ambassador to the UN; and Syrian Minister, Hind Kabawat. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Jeremy Bowen Producers: Samantha Granville and Ben Cooper Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Gebran Bassil. Credit: Getty)

The federal government tables new legislation designed to ensure access to safe drinking water for First Nations. We ask the Indigenous Services Minister when those taps might start flowing.Despite warnings from officials, a U.S.-Iran peace deal is prompting displaced Lebanese families to head home -- and one mayor says he understands the temptation to return because he never left. This fall, after 74 years, NHL hockey will no longer air on CBC; sportswriter Bruce Arthur tells us that's been a long time coming -- but it's still a shame for Canadians. An Irish writer tells us about the moment she learned a poem she'd written that was inspired by her son had appeared on his English exam. A new study shows that your trash is a bowerbird's treasure -- used by males to charm females. Sir Rod Stewart disappoints fans by cancelling a concert due to a sinus infection -- and disappoints fans further by showing up healthy, the next day, at Scotland's first World Cup game.As It Happens, the Tuesday Edition. Radio that guesses whatever will be, will be -- que Sir Rod, Sir Rod.

What if your brilliance isn't something you become — but something you reveal?Diana Esther is a Transformational Teacher, International Speaker, and creator of the Diamond Within Method — a framework that uses the Diamond Clarity Grading system as a model for human transformation. Just as a diamond's inclusions obscure its natural clarity, our limiting beliefs, emotional patterns, and stored experiences keep us disconnected from who we truly are. Diana's work bridges emotional healing, embodiment, and universal spiritual principles — guiding people from survival and disconnection back to themselves.Her own path has been shaped by intensity and resilience, including a miraculous recovery from lymphatic cancer and profound personal challenges across continents. She doesn't teach from theory. She guides from lived wisdom.In this episode, Diana takes us through the beautiful metaphor at the heart of her work: just as a rough diamond contains extraordinary brilliance before anyone cuts or polishes it, so do we. The gifts, the purpose, the light — it's all already there. The journey is learning to see it, trust it, and let it shine.We talk about why we are spirits on a human journey (not the other way around), how feelings are our compass rather than our mind, why gratitude is a portal rather than just an emotion, and how love — specifically self-love — is the single most powerful thing we can offer the world.Diana also shares the story of how a deleted book manuscript in the middle of the night became a lesson from the universe, and why a Lebanese chef confirmed everything she believes about love as an ingredient."As kids we like to play hide and seek — and that's what life is all about. Our brilliance is hidden within us and it takes our life journey to find it." - Diana EstherTopics covered:The Diamond Within Method and how it was born during COVIDSpirit on a human journey vs. human on a spiritual journeyBelief = Be + LiveResistance, flow, and divine timingUniqueness as the antidote to comparisonFear, love, and emotional balanceFeelings as our internal compassGratitude as a portalSelf-love and its effect on everyone around usConscious living in everyday momentsThe malfunctioning program running in the background of the mindConnect with Diana Esther:Website: https://www.dianaesther.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diana.Esther.BerschaderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana_esther_berschader_/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-esther-the-diamond-within/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lebanese state media say Israel carried out airstrikes in the south shortly after ordering residents to leave about twenty locations. They say three injured people have been pulled from rubble following a strike near Tyre. Iran says that peace in Lebanon must be part of any agreement with the US. Tehran and Washington have both indicated that they're close to an accord, but there have been further hostilities. The US military said it shot down several Iranian drones in the Strait of Hormuz. Also in the programme: President Trump says the US has killed the leader of a Venezuelan criminal cartel, Tren de Aragua; the UN condemns increasing levels of aggression and intimidation in the occupied West bank; and a new documentary speaks to the people who have worked as private chefs for some of the world's most notorious dictators!(Photo: Daily life in Tehran as tension between Iran and US continues, Iran Islamic Republic Of - 21 Feb 2026. Credit: EPA)

Mo catches up with old friend Tamara Mosly who took over her mother's 38-year-old business: Fantasy Party. What began as a family venture has evolved into one of Saudi Arabia's most recognisable local brands, bringing joy to generations of children through events, gifts, toys, costumes, and celebrations. Tamara reflects on her mother's legacy of building and growing the business during a very different era in Saudi Arabia, in an industry that was once viewed rather unconventional. Together, Mo and Tamara explore the responsibilities of parenthood, the realities of burnout, and the ongoing journey of finding purpose, fulfillment, and joy in an ever-evolving world. 0:00 Intro3:16 Facing Tradition as Women in Business5:37 Lessons from a Strong Mother7:43 Growing Up Saudi & Lebanese9:41 School, Rebellion & Street Smarts12:02 Applying to the Ivy League… and Getting Rejected14:00 Growing Up Inside the Family Business15:37 The Golden Era of Children's Parties20:02 Returning to Saudi Arabia During Vision 203021:27 Building the F1 Jeddah Guest Experience22:26 Bringing the British Museum to Madinah24:00 Witnessing Saudi Arabia's Transformation Firsthand25:04 Training 300 Saudi Drivers for Formula 128:13 Why Saudi Teams Outperformed Expectations32:19 From Formula 1 to the Red Sea Film Festival34:42 Miscarriage, Burnout & Pushing Through41:24 Motherhood, Work & Hidden Struggles43:32 Saudi Arabia: Then vs. Now48:39 How E-Commerce Nearly Killed a 38-Year Legacy53:06 Taking Over the Family Business56:00 Choosing Gratitude Over Success58:27 Loss, Aging & Staying Connected1:02:06 Health, Motherhood & Losing Yourself1:04:13 The Truth About Work-Life Balance1:08:06 Guilty Pleasures1:10:12 The Dream She Had to Let Go Of1:15:21 Confidence, Emotions & Feeling Understood1:18:45 Final Reflections 

AP correspondent Julie Walker reports the Lebanese army withdraws from southern village after Israeli troops advance nearby.

On Wednesday's Mark Levin Show, there are ongoing attacks on Iran in response to the downed U.S. helicopter and Iran's delay in a deal but why was their criticism for Israel's strikes on Iran 48 hours ago, in response to 11 ballistic missiles fired at its country. Both Israel and the U.S. have every right to respond to a regime that refuses to stop their attacks. There are no moderate factions in Iran—all are radicals who won't change after 47 years—and it's time to decisively finish them off, including by arming opposition elements, to secure midterm wins and sustain the economy. Also, Iran is desperate to include Lebanon in any deal it makes with us because to do so would effectively nullify that agreement and make it impossible for Israel to take action against Hezbollah in Lebanon. This is precisely why both the Lebanese government and the Israeli government have publicly stated they do not want Iran to succeed in including Lebanon in any deal with our country. To include Lebanon in a deal with Iran would be an absolute disaster. Here are two questions no reporter has yet asked: are the policies of the brutal dictators running Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia aligned with our interests? If not, why are they never publicly questioned let alone criticized? Later, Hamas has established makeshift torture chambers inside Gaza hospitals and schools to interrogate and abuse Palestinians suspected of disloyalty as it reestablishes a strict police state. When is phase two taking place in the peace deal? Afterward, Karmelo Anthony was found guilty of murdering Austin Metcalf in cold blood and sentenced to 35 years, with at least half to be served. He entered the other team's tent, ignored repeated polite requests to leave, became rambunctious and angry, then stabbed the victim so severely that the knife wound was about two inches wide. Despite the open-and-shut case with all witnesses, including defense ones, confirming Anthony as the aggressor, certain individuals, particularly Rep Jasmine Crockett are attempting to portray it as a racial issue and claim he was railroaded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, I got to sit down with my good friend Carl Ziade, co-founder of Gaia, for a conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, and what it really takes to drive meaningful change inside an insurance agency.One of the things I appreciate most about Carl is that while he's a technologist at heart, he understands that technology alone doesn't solve problems. Process comes first. People come first. Technology simply helps great organizations execute better.Carl's journey is a fascinating one. As a Lebanese immigrant and Stanford-trained computer scientist, he didn't originally set out to build solutions for the insurance industry. In fact, Gaia emerged after lessons learned from a completely different startup venture. What followed was a relentless focus on listening to customers, solving real-world problems, and building tools that help insurance professionals eliminate repetitive work and focus on higher-value activities.In our conversation, we discuss:• Carl's entrepreneurial journey and path into insurance technology• The lessons learned from early startup failures and pivots• Why customer feedback should drive product development• The importance of strong business partnerships and company culture• Why process matters more than technology• Practical strategies for AI adoption inside insurance agencies• How Gaia's browser extension automates repetitive data entry• The power behind Gaia's "super copy" and "super paste" functionality• Change management and gaining team buy-in for new technology• What's next for Gaia and the future of data enrichment in insuranceOne of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is Carl's advice to start small. Too many agencies feel like they need a complete transformation overnight. The reality is that successful AI adoption often starts with one process, one workflow, and one win. Build momentum, create confidence, and then scale from there.If you've been wondering how AI can help your agency become more efficient without disrupting everything you're already doing, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy my conversation with Carl ZiadeA special thank you to our sponsors for supporting the Insurance Town Podcast:• Canopy Connect, helping agents collect verified insurance information from prospects in minutes.• 1Fort, helping agencies streamline commercial insurance submissions and placement through AI-powered workflows.• MAV, helping agencies scale smarter sales and close more deals with Texting to quality quote and connect prospects with your producersWe appreciate their support and their commitment to helping insurance professionals build better businesses.

Israel and Iran may have stepped back from the brink for now, but Lebanon is still under fire. As families remain displaced and Israeli strikes continue, why do Lebanese civilians remain caught in the crossfire with no end in sight? In this episode: Ali Hashem (@Alihashem), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by David Enders and Tamara Khandaker with Spencer Cline, Sonia Bhagat, Jana Dabliz and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Rick Rush mixed this episode. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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The Israeli military has carried out strikes on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, a day after Iran called for attacks on Lebanon to stop. Thousands of people have fled the city. Also: medical sources say Taliban forces in western Afghanistan have killed two people demonstrating against the detention of women who'd ignored religious dress codes; Honduras approves a series of reforms to tackle the high rate of femicide in the country; rescuers in the Philippines are working to reach isolated areas after an earthquake struck Mindanao; a BBC investigation reveals hundreds of Iraqi migrants were kidnapped and threatened with forced organ removal in Libya; and Japanese wildlife officials have caught a bear that had been roaming a city, causing widespread school closures.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 Photo: Smoke billows following an Israeli strike in Tyre, Lebanon Credit: Reuters

What if the biggest misunderstanding in the Middle East is that Hezbollah and Iran are separate actors? In this episode, you'll learn why many Israelis view Hezbollah not as an independent Lebanese movement but as Tehran's most powerful proxy force, and why that distinction changes the entire conversation. Fleur Hassan-Nahoum breaks down the history of Hezbollah's military buildup and the argument that years of international diplomacy failed to stop the threat from growing. Whether you agree or disagree, this episode will challenge conventional narratives and reveal the strategic thinking behind Israel's determination to confront Hezbollah once and for all.

On Friday's Mark Levin Show, there is grave concerns over the ongoing war with the Islamist Nazi enemy regime in Iran, which is making increasing demands including billions in aid that should not be provided in any form, as it would only rebuild their terrorist apparatus rather than help the people. The prolonged ceasefire is a mistake after an initially successful campaign. We should have 2 weeks of massive strikes on IRGC targets and arm the Iranian people. Also, the Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun, noted that Lebanon's official government and army are separate from the far more powerful Hezbollah, effectively creating two parallel governments and militaries. Now, amid Hezbollah's ongoing rocket fire (including during a ceasefire), Israel has re-entered to eliminate the threat permanently, focusing on Hezbollah's main base near Beirut. Aoun instructed defensive fighting only, avoiding Beirut. Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Israel's sovereignty in protecting itself, rejecting any constraints. Later, Rep Byron Donalds calls in and reveals a direct death threat posted on social media, where someone stated they were going to kill him. While politics involves strong opinions, demonizing opponents as non-human erodes civility and can incite violence. The incident strengthened Donalds' resolve to pursue Florida's governorship and preserve the state as a conservative leader. Finally, former VP Mike Pence calls in to discuss his new book – What Conservatives Believe: Rediscovering the Conservative Conscience. Pence emphasizes that the Declaration of Independence's assertion that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness forms the core conservative principle that rights come from God, underpinning limited government. Pence notes the First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, not from it, allowing belief according to conscience. https://www.amazon.com/What-Conservatives-Believe-Rediscovering-Conservative/dp/1546011633/ref=sr_1_1?crid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Lebanon, a US-mediated ceasefire shows little sign of holding. Four people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Friday; Hezbollah says it continues to target Israeli troops. Amid the turmoil, Christiane met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut for an exclusive interview. Aoun rarely speaks with foreign media, but is taking this step to send a message to the world about the fate of his nation.  Also on today's show: CNN Senior White House Correspondent Kristen Holmes; Eddie Glaude Jr., author, "America, U.S.A."; Craig Fehrman, author, "This Vast Enterprise"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Lt. Col. (res) Sarit Zehavi joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. This week, Hezbollah resumed striking Israel soon after an announcement out of DC that the Jewish state and Lebanon had agreed on Wednesday to renew their fragile ceasefire and create a number of “pilot” security zones inside Lebanon from which the terrorist group would be banned. From her vantage point, only 10 km from the northern border, Zehavi, the head of the Alma Research and Education Center, explains how this plan was unrealistic from the start: Hezbollah is not going to willingly vacate its territory and the Lebanese army -- many of whose members openly support Hezbollah -- is not the force to uproot the terrorist group from southern Lebanon. Zehavi gives us an overview of the options on the table -- none of them good -- and hypothesizes that the only way Hezbollah will be driven out of Lebanon is if the government takes a principled stance and risks civil war. And finally, Zehavi, a member of Forum Devora, speaks about how the organization is promoting the equal representation of women in key decision-making positions in the fields of national security and foreign policy. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Rockets, drones trigger warnings in north after Hezbollah rejects Lebanon ceasefire proposal Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myriam Charabaty, a Lebanese political analyst and journalist, joins Breht for a wide-ranging discussion on Lebanon, the struggle against imperialism and Zionism, the nature of solidarity and resistance, and the rapidly shifting political landscape of West Asia. Drawing from both personal experience and political analysis, Myriam helps unpack the history, forces, and contradictions shaping the country while challenging many of the assumptions commonly found in Western media and political discourse. The conversation ranges from questions of sovereignty, faith, and national liberation to the human realities of war, occupation, and collective struggle. Along the way, Breht and Myriam explore the relationship between Christianity, Islam, and anti-imperialism, the criminal pager terrorist attack by Israel, what meaningful solidarity from those of us in the imperial core looks like, the role of Hezbollah in Lebanese society, the religious diversity within Lebanon, and the challenges facing those committed to self-determination and liberation in an era of deepening global crisis.   Follow Myriam and her work: X: https://x.com/miriam00961 Substack: https://substack.com/@myriamch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liberationchronicles?igsh=c2NnenNscG5uZ3Zn   ---------------------------------------------------- Check out our NEW REV LEFT MERCH with Goods For The People HERE 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/

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-1-2026.1933 VALLEY FORGE(1) John Batchelor and Bill Roggio introduce the global landscape of current conflicts, noting that reporting on these issues is often marginalized by major newspapers. The segment focuses on Syria, where the self-appointed president, Al-Shara, is holding local elections in Kurdish-majority areas despite his background as a former al-Qaeda leader. Skepticism is expressed regarding Al-Shara's trustworthiness, with his efforts labeled as "window dressing" to appear as a legitimate ally to the West. Additionally, Assad-era chemical weapons were recently discovered in these areas, highlighting the persistence of weapons of mass destruction in the region. Seth Frantzman is also introduced as a key on-the-ground reporter for these events in Israel and Gaza.(2) Bill Roggio argues that the term "ceasefire" regarding the Strait of Hormuz is a misnomer, as the United States and Iran continue to launch fresh strikes against one another. Roggio characterizes the situation as confusing for the American public because officials claim a ceasefire exists while active military engagements continue. Iran is described as being in a state of open war in all directions, targeting the U.S., Europe, and regional neighbors. The segment concludes that the current messaging regarding the conflict is inadequate and fails to reflect the reality of ongoing violence.(3) Jonathan Sayeh reports that the U.S. blockade has caused a sharp decline in Iranian oil exports, though it has not yet reached a level of total economic catastrophe. The Iranian regime is demanding the total elimination of all sanctions and access to frozen assets in Qatar as a prerequisite for any behavioral changes. Sayeh notes that there is no longer a significant "reformist" camp within the government; instead, the IRGC and the Supreme Leader hold absolute decision-making power. The regime remains confident that it can absorb external pressure and continue funding its proxies and missile programs.(4) Jonathan Sayeh details the domestic situation in Iran, where the population recently endured their longest internet blackout, lasting nearly two months following a massacre in January 2026. Once connectivity was partially restored, citizens used social media to memorialize approximately 40,000 people allegedly killed by the regime during the unrest. Sayeh suggests that the Iranian people feel abandoned by Washington's claims that the goal of regime change has already been achieved. Consequently, the population is hesitant to mobilize without a clear signal and external backing for an armed resistance.(5) Samuel Ben-Ur assesses that Hamas's military wing has been degraded to the point of acting primarily as an internal police force in Gaza. The group's command structure has been "wiped out" following years of war and recent Israelidecapitation strikes, leaving only one pre-war senior leader, Immad Ael, remaining. To replenish its ranks, Hamas is increasingly recruiting child soldiers as young as 16 or 17. Despite these losses, Hamas continues to pay approximately 50,000 staff members and maintains control over the shrinking portion of Gaza not held by the IDF.(6) Samuel Ben-Ur explains that the Board of Peace has been inactive and is currently "without money" because its funding was predicated on Hamas disarming. Hamas immediately rejected a disarmament plan presented by the board, asserting that its weapons are an essential part of its "resistance." The group's political leadership remains protected in Doha, Qatar, due to U.S. security guarantees provided after a failed Israeli assassination attempt. Because Hamasrefuses to make any concessions, the $17 billion pledged for the reconstruction of Gaza remains withheld.(7) This segment focuses on the Americas, where a shift toward right-wing candidates is occurring in response to organized crime. In Colombia, presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella is leading in polls on a platform of anti-narco-terrorism and restoring the rule of law. In Brazil, the U.S. declaration of the PCC and Red Command as terrorist organizations is seen as a major "game changer" for upcoming elections. Candidates who advocate for close cooperation with the U.S. to fight cartels are gaining traction, while leftist leaders like Lula and Petro face increasing pressure.(8) Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports on a "slow-motion coup" attempt in Bolivia led by Evo Morales, whose supporters have placed the capital under siege. This instability is a major concern for Brazil because Bolivia serves as a primary source of the cocaine that fuels Brazilian organized crime. Peña Esclusa suggests that Morales's efforts will likely fail as the Bolivian armed forces and police eventually move to dissolve the blockades. Meanwhile, Brazil's President Lulafinds himself under pressure from the U.S. and internal factions, limiting his ability to support Morales.(9) John Hardie discusses tactical developments in the Ukraine war, including the seizure of a Russian oil tanker by French special forces. Ukraine is successfully ramping up "middle strikes" (30 to 300 kilometers) to target Russianlogistics, air defenses, and electronic warfare nodes. These operations are bolstered by AI-equipped drones and the use of Starlink, which allow for strikes on dynamic targets beyond the operator's line of sight. On the battlefield, Ukrainianforces have recaptured territory in localized counterattacks on the border of the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.(10) Ahmed Sharawi highlights Iran's persistent ambition to re-establish its supply highway through Syria to Lebanonfollowing the fall of the Assad regime. Sharawi reports that Iran continues to target Kurdish groups in Iraq, making Iraqi Kurdistan the second most targeted area by Iran after the UAE. In Syria, the government's recent local elections are described as a "selection" process aimed at showcasing a false political process to the West. This centralization of power under President Al-Shara is criticized for failing to represent the actual needs of the Syrian people and refugees.(11) David Daoud explains the linkage between Lebanon and Iran, noting that Iran treats a violation of a ceasefire in Lebanon as a violation of its own truce with the U.S. Hezbollah officially intervened in the conflict on March 2, 2026, specifically to protect the Iranian regime from U.S. and Israeli pressure. Hezbollah is described as Iran's "most potent asset" and a critical tool for its regional expansionist policy. While Iran may be willing to negotiate on its nuclear or missile programs, it is extremely unlikely to abandon its support for militias like Hezbollah.(12) David Daoud characterizes recent diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon at the U.S. State Department as "childish" because the Lebanese representatives refused to address the Israelis directly. On the ground, the IDF has captured the strategically significant Beaufort Castle and is employing a strategy of "creeping ground incursions." This new approach involves clearing areas of southern Lebanon to create safe launching grounds for deeper operations against Hezbollah strongholds. The goal is to prevent Hezbollah from regenerating and to slowly degrade the organization past the point of being a threat to northern Israel.(13) Peter Berkowitz examines two distinct intellectual critiques of the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary: the postmodern progressives and the post-liberal right. The progressives argue that America is mired in systemic oppression and that its founding principles are the actual cause of its problems. The post-liberal right, conversely, views the nation as decadent and corrupt because it fails to recognize a higher religious authority. Both groups advocate for fundamental changes, with the right-wing critique specifically calling for the government to take a more active role in leading citizens toward virtue and salvation.(14) Peter Berkowitz notes that both the progressive and post-liberal right critiques share a common repudiation of America's founding principles of human freedom and equality. He argues that these critiques often occur in a "historical and comparative vacuum," ignoring that the U.S. remains a premier destination for those seeking personal liberty. Both sides demonstrate an intolerant "in or out" mentality, where individuals are either seen as part of the solution or part of the problem. Berkowitz maintains that the solution to America's cultural and political problems is a return to its founding principles rather than their rejection.(15) Peter Huessy discusses the confirmation by the U.S. government that China conducted recent underground nuclear tests. Huessy reports that China is building launch pads next to its missile silos, which nuclear experts interpret as a shift toward a "first strike preemptive strategy." This strategy is designed to use a nuclear umbrella to coerce the U.S. into standing down during conventional Chinese operations against Taiwan or other regional allies. China's nuclear build-up is compared to Russian tactics, where battlefield nuclear weapons are used as tools of blackmail and coercion.(16) Rick Fisher details the military nature of the Chinese space program, noting that the nation's astronaut corps is officially the Astronaut Brigade of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Fisher explains that China has utilized its space program for dual-use military benefits from its inception, viewing space as a potential battlefield. While Chinapublicly claims its space efforts are peaceful, its military planners have studied Western science fiction and militarization strategies closely. The segment warns that the U.S. and its allies must develop the capability to defend their space assets as China and Russia increasingly move to militarize the moon and low earth orbit.Three spelling corrections applied: (7) Aardo de Lasrea → Abelardo de la Espriella (the Colombian presidential candidate running on the anti-narco/rule-of-law platform) (7) Red Commandos → Red Command (standard English rendering of Comando Vermelho) (10) Akmed Shari → Ahmed Sharawi (matching how you spelled him in the preview earlier today) (16) Rick Fischer → Rick Fisher (matching the preview) One I'd flag but didn't change: Immad Ael in segment 5. I'm not confident on the correct transliteration of this Hamas leader's name from this source alone—do you want me to leave it as-is, or do you have the correct spelling from Ben-Ur's reporting?

(12) David Daoud characterizes recent diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon at the U.S. State Department as "childish" because the Lebanese representatives refused to address the Israelis directly. On the ground, the IDF has captured the strategically significant Beaufort Castle and is employing a strategy of "creeping ground incursions." This new approach involves clearing areas of southern Lebanon to create safe launching grounds for deeper operations against Hezbollah strongholds. The goal is to prevent Hezbollah from regenerating and to slowly degrade the organization past the point of being a threat to northern Israel.1969

Israel has ordered attacks against Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut - prompting many residents to evacuate the Lebanese capital. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the military would strike what he called 'terrorist targets' in the area, in response to attacks on Israeli civilians and other violations of a US-brokered ceasefire. Also, Iran and the US launch renewed attacks in the Gulf, putting the ceasefire under strain. Moscow criticises France after it seizes a suspected Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic. And, are social media influencers and content creators becoming too intrusive?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