Podcasts about Middle East Policy

Buckle up because today's show is an absolute rollercoaster of explosive headlines!

The War between Israel and the US on one side and Iran and Lebanon on the other is in its fourth month. Despite claims from the White House that a deal is imminent, the war and the destruction have continued. Indeed the concept of a cease fire is undermined with every attack. The global economy is struggling with the increased energy costs due to the closing of the Straits of Hormuz. And people continue to die. So on today's show we update the news on the war, explore any potential pathways to end the war and examine the impact of the war particularly on both Iran and Lebanon. [ dur: 58mins. ] Yeghia Tashjian is the Regional and International Affairs Cluster Coordinator of Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy & International Affairs (IFI) and a part time Instructor at American University of Beirut. He is the author “The International North-South Transport Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative in the South Caucasus,” published in the edited volume of Routledge Handbook of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Eurasia (2025). Ervand Abrahamian is Professor Emeritus at City University of New York. He is the author of A History of Modern Iran and Inventing the Axis of Evil: The Truth About North Korea, Iran and Syria. Stephen Zunes is a Professor of Politics at the University of San Francisco. He is the author of numerous publications including Tinderbox: U.S. Middle East Policy and the Roots of Terrorism, Western Sahara: War, Nationalism and Conflict Irresolution co-authored with Jacob Mundy. This program is produced by Ankine Aghassian, Doug Becker and Sudd Dongre. Politics and Activism, War / Weapons, Middle East, Iran, Israel, Lebanon , US

Today on Uncommon Sense, we're discussing what may be the most consequential political moment of Donald Trump's career. With Trump's approval ratings slipping, the Iran conflict escalating, renewed questions surrounding the Epstein files, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk continuing to reverberate through the conservative movement, many Americans are asking whether these events are isolated, or part of a much larger story.In this episode, I examine the connections I believe may exist between these developments, including my view that the Epstein files may have been used as leverage against powerful political figures and that foreign interests have exerted significant influence over American policy in the Middle East.We'll discuss:Trump's declining support among his baseThe growing controversy surrounding U.S. involvement with IranThe unanswered questions surrounding the Epstein filesThe political impact of Charlie Kirk's assassination and its aftermathWhy I believe these stories intersect in ways the mainstream media refuses to exploreMy goal is not to tell you what to think, but to encourage you to question narratives, follow incentives, and examine who benefits from the decisions being made in Washington.--https://www.bible.com/

Shana Marshall joins This Is Hell! to talk about her new piece for Security In Context titled “A Violent Convergence: How Silicon Valley and Private Finance Are Reshaping War”. Shana Marshall is Associate Director of the Institute for Middle East Studies and Assistant Research Faculty member at the George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Her work has been published by The Middle East Report, The International Journal of Middle East Studies, Middle East Policy, Jadaliyya, the Carnegie Middle East Center, and various edited volumes. We will have new installments of Rotten History and Hangover Cure. We will also be sharing your answers to this week's Question from Hell! from Patreon. Help keep This Is Hell! completely listener supported and access bonus episodes by subscribing to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/thisishell https://www.securityincontext.org/team/shana-marshall

Shana Marshall joins This Is Hell! to talk about her new piece for Security In Context titled “A Violent Convergence: How Silicon Valley and Private Finance Are Reshaping War”. Shana Marshall is Associate Director of the Institute for Middle East Studies and Assistant Research Faculty member at the George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Her work has been published by The Middle East Report, The International Journal of Middle East Studies, Middle East Policy, Jadaliyya, the Carnegie Middle East Center, and various edited volumes. Help keep This Is Hell! completely listener supported and access bonus episodes by subscribing to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/thisishell https://www.securityincontext.org/team/shana-marshall

Heurtée de plein fouet par la guerre qui fait rage au Proche-Orient, l'économie égyptienne est aux abois. Monnaie dévaluée, inflation galopante et prix de l'énergie qui s'envolent. Pour faire face, le gouvernement a décrété samedi 28 mars un couvre-feu commercial d'un mois. Tous les magasins non essentiels sont tenus de fermer leurs portes en soirée pour économiser de l'énergie. De notre correspondant au Caire, Dans une rue commerciale du centre historique du Caire, l'ambiance rappelle celle d'un jour férié, une heure avant l'extinction des feux imposée par les autorités. Couteau et pierre à aiguiser en main, un boucher exprime sa frustration face à une mesure qu'il juge injuste. « Si seulement c'était que le week-end, mais non, cette loi va s'appliquer tous les jours », confie-t-il, résigné. Durant un mois, renouvelable au bon vouloir du gouvernement, une nouvelle réglementation impose aux commerces non essentiels de baisser leur rideau à 21 heures précises, et à 22 heures les week-ends. De l'autre côté du trottoir, un vendeur de grillades, lui, continue de travailler derrière son barbecue, sous certaines conditions. « On nous a dit qu'on pouvait continuer, mais à condition de baisser la lumière », explique-t-il. Pour beaucoup, cette mesure suscite avant tout de l'incompréhension. « Cela ressemble à un couvre-feu, mais les personnes peuvent quand même circuler. C'est une décision pourrie qui rappelle l'époque du coronavirus. On dit que c'est à cause de la guerre. Mais ceux qui sont bombardés, comme à Dubaï, ils n'ont pas de couvre-feu. C'est toujours les Égyptiens qui payent la facture », s'indigne ce chauffeur de taxi, qui préfère garder l'anonymat. Si l'Égypte échappe aux bombardements qui frappent d'autres pays de la région, elle n'en subit pas moins les conséquences économiques du conflit, en particulier dans le secteur de l'énergie. « L'Égypte est passée du statut d'exportateur net de gaz à celui d'importateur net, souligne Timothy Kaldas, directeur adjoint du think tank Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy. La majeure partie du gaz qu'elle importe provenait d'Israël. Or, en raison de la guerre, Israël a interrompu sa production. L'alternative consiste donc à essayer de réduire la consommation autant que possible. Les conséquences économiques de la guerre n'en sont qu'au tout début pour les pays fragiles comme l'Égypte. Une autre possibilité que nous avons déjà observée par le passé serait des coupures de courant tournantes. » En attendant, le gouvernement égyptien multiplie les mesures contraignantes pour faire face à la crise. Parmi elles figurent l'extinction partielle de l'éclairage public, le recours au télétravail obligatoire un jour par semaine pour les fonctionnaires, ou encore l'augmentation des prix des transports en commun. Autant de décisions qui pèsent un peu plus sur le quotidien des Égyptiens. À lire aussiÉgypte: au Caire, le marché des panneaux publicitaires en pleine progression

Heurtée de plein fouet par la guerre qui fait rage au Proche-Orient, l'économie égyptienne est aux abois. Monnaie dévaluée, inflation galopante et prix de l'énergie qui s'envolent. Pour faire face, le gouvernement a décrété samedi 28 mars un couvre-feu commercial d'un mois. Tous les magasins non essentiels sont tenus de fermer leurs portes en soirée pour économiser de l'énergie. De notre correspondant au Caire, Dans une rue commerciale du centre historique du Caire, l'ambiance rappelle celle d'un jour férié, une heure avant l'extinction des feux imposée par les autorités. Couteau et pierre à aiguiser en main, un boucher exprime sa frustration face à une mesure qu'il juge injuste. « Si seulement c'était que le week-end, mais non, cette loi va s'appliquer tous les jours », confie-t-il, résigné. Durant un mois, renouvelable au bon vouloir du gouvernement, une nouvelle réglementation impose aux commerces non essentiels de baisser leur rideau à 21 heures précises, et à 22 heures les week-ends. De l'autre côté du trottoir, un vendeur de grillades, lui, continue de travailler derrière son barbecue, sous certaines conditions. « On nous a dit qu'on pouvait continuer, mais à condition de baisser la lumière », explique-t-il. Pour beaucoup, cette mesure suscite avant tout de l'incompréhension. « Cela ressemble à un couvre-feu, mais les personnes peuvent quand même circuler. C'est une décision pourrie qui rappelle l'époque du coronavirus. On dit que c'est à cause de la guerre. Mais ceux qui sont bombardés, comme à Dubaï, ils n'ont pas de couvre-feu. C'est toujours les Égyptiens qui payent la facture », s'indigne ce chauffeur de taxi, qui préfère garder l'anonymat. Si l'Égypte échappe aux bombardements qui frappent d'autres pays de la région, elle n'en subit pas moins les conséquences économiques du conflit, en particulier dans le secteur de l'énergie. « L'Égypte est passée du statut d'exportateur net de gaz à celui d'importateur net, souligne Timothy Kaldas, directeur adjoint du think tank Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy. La majeure partie du gaz qu'elle importe provenait d'Israël. Or, en raison de la guerre, Israël a interrompu sa production. L'alternative consiste donc à essayer de réduire la consommation autant que possible. Les conséquences économiques de la guerre n'en sont qu'au tout début pour les pays fragiles comme l'Égypte. Une autre possibilité que nous avons déjà observée par le passé serait des coupures de courant tournantes. » En attendant, le gouvernement égyptien multiplie les mesures contraignantes pour faire face à la crise. Parmi elles figurent l'extinction partielle de l'éclairage public, le recours au télétravail obligatoire un jour par semaine pour les fonctionnaires, ou encore l'augmentation des prix des transports en commun. Autant de décisions qui pèsent un peu plus sur le quotidien des Égyptiens. À lire aussiÉgypte: au Caire, le marché des panneaux publicitaires en pleine progression

Marc Cox hosts Professor Alan Dershowitz to tackle rising anti-Semitism in American politics, addressing claims from figures like Tucker Carlson and Joe Kent regarding Israel's influence on foreign policy. Dershowitz contextualizes these attacks historically, critiques both political extremes, and shares his shift from the Democratic Party. The conversation pivots to Dershowitz's newly released book exploring constitutional pathways for a potential third term for Donald Trump, examining legal loopholes, vice-presidential appointments, and the framers' intent behind the 22nd Amendment. Hashtags: #MarcCox #AlanDershowitz #AntiSemitism #Israel #MiddleEastPolicy #DonaldTrump #ThirdTerm #Constitution #Politics

Washington Watch's Mary Stackhouse reports on the Senate floor debate over the SAVE America Act and provides the latest on Iran. Dr. David Wurmser, Senior Analyst for Middle East Policy at The Center for Security Policy, discusses the White House's

Marc Cox's Thursday show opens with March Madness energy, highlighting St. Louis preparations, Mizzou ticket frenzy, and local security measures ahead of the NCAA tournament. The morning transitions into national and political coverage: Hour 1 dissects Joe Kent's resignation and FBI leak investigation, Missouri voter division, and energy market realities; Hour 2 previews the tournament with Tom Ackerman, reviews DHS hearing drama with Markwayne Mullin and Rand Paul, and touches on offbeat news from Gen Z trends to Amazon delivery updates. Hour 3 examines the city's response to NCAA crowds, the Senate filibuster and SAVE Act with Jim Talent, local data center opposition with Steve Jeffery, and NIL financial guidance for athletes with Kim on a Whim. Hour 4 focuses on Capitol developments, including Tulsi Gabbard's testimony, the Pentagon press briefing, and Supreme Court updates with Shannon Bream, Griff Jenkins analyzing U.S. and allied Middle East strategy, and the Joe Kent controversy with John Bolton defending Trump's independence in foreign policy. The full show blends local, national, and global issues with political analysis, event coverage, and strategic insight. Hashtags: #MarcCoxShow #MarchMadness #JoeKent #TulsiGabbard #MiddleEast #ShannonBream #GriffJenkins #SupremeCourt #VotingRights #NCAATournament #StLouisEvents #SenateFilibuster #DataCenters #NILDeals #Politics #SportsAnalysis #Pentagon #Trump

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is criticizing the Trump administration's handling of the Middle East conflict, linking it to rising costs for Americans at home. He also pointed to Republican-backed policies on health care and voting as part of a broader economic and political impact. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is criticizing the Trump administration's handling of the Middle East conflict, linking it to rising costs for Americans at home. He also pointed to Republican-backed policies on health care and voting as part of a broader economic and political impact. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis dive deep into the latest political upheaval in Washington and the escalating tensions in the Middle East. You'll discover the real reasons behind Kristi Noem's dramatic departure from the Department of Homeland Security—and why it had less to do with policy failures and more to do with the cardinal sin of Trump world: making it about yourself instead of the boss. The hosts break down the behind-the-scenes maneuvering, including how congressional hearings were weaponized and why her $200 million ad campaign sealed her fate. This episode explores the appointment of Senator Markwayne Mullin as Noem's replacement, examining whether a senator best known for challenging witnesses to fistfights is the right choice to lead a department already plagued by concerns over excessive force. You'll hear differing perspectives on what qualifications actually matter for cabinet positions and whether political loyalty trumps administrative experience. The conversation shifts to the most pressing foreign policy crisis of the moment: Trump's strike on Iran and the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei. The hosts debate whether this was a strategic masterstroke or an impulsive decision without adequate planning. You'll learn about the War Powers Act, how it actually works, and whether the administration followed proper protocols in launching military action. Ashley provides insider perspective on congressional briefings and the supplemental funding battles ahead, while Kurt raises critical questions about the constantly shifting justifications and endgame for this conflict. Discover the stark contrasts between this military action and previous administrations' approaches to Middle East conflicts. The hosts examine whether this is truly a "once in a generational opportunity" as Condoleezza Rice suggested, or a war of choice that could cost Trump the midterms. You'll hear analysis of Iran's actual threat level, the frequency of attacks on U.S. assets, and whether the administration's response is proportional and strategic. The episode also tackles the political calculations behind major foreign policy decisions, including how economic concerns at home intersect with military adventures abroad. With Americans focused on grocery bills and affordability, can the administration sustain public support for a conflict costing a billion dollars per day? The hosts debate whether there's genuine bipartisan appetite for another Middle East engagement and what lessons should have been learned from Iraq and Afghanistan. You'll also get analysis of Senator Steve Daines' controversial last-minute retirement announcement and the political maneuvering around Senate seat succession—plus discussion of whether new laws are needed to prevent similar situations that disadvantage opposition parties. This episode offers multiple perspectives from across the political spectrum, with Dave bringing his progressive analysis, Kurt providing his Republican-turned-critic insights, and Ashley offering her insider Washington and homeland security expertise. Whether you agree or disagree with their takes, you'll come away with a deeper understanding of the complex political dynamics shaping American domestic and foreign policy. Practically Political delivers unfiltered political analysis and debate on the issues that matter most. Find more episodes and join the conversation about the intersection of policy, politics, and power in Washington. Connect with the show for more political insights and subscribe to never miss an episode of frank, substantive political discussion.

The attack on Iran by the US and Israel will have devastating consequences for Iran and the region. Is the intent to foment ethnic conflicts as a means to weaken Iran? What are the greater implications of this war, for Iran, the region, and the globe? What are the possibilities of successful resistance to American and Israeli aggression for an unpopular war, domestically and around the world? [ dur: 58mins. ] Stephen Zunes is a Professor of Politics at the University of San Francisco. He is the author of numerous publications including Tinderbox: U.S. Middle East Policy and the Roots of Terrorism, Western Sahara: War, Nationalism and Conflict Irresolution co-authored with Jacob Mundy. Ervand Abrahamian is Professor Emeritus at City University of New York. He is the author of A History of Modern Iran and Inventing the Axis of Evil: The Truth About North Korea, Iran and Syria. Hawzhin Azeez taught at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS). She was Co-Director of The Kurdish Center for Studies. She has worked closely with refugees and Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Rojava while a member of the Kobane Reconstruction Board after its liberation from ISIS. Her articles can be found on The Kurdish Center for Studies website. This program is produced by Doug Becker, Ankine Aghassian, Maria Armoudian, Anna Lapin and Sudd Dongre. Politics and Activism, War / Weapons, Middle East, Iran, Israel. USA 

In this episode of Opinionated, H.R. McMaster joins me to lodge his prediction on whether or not the U.S. will launch a strike against Iran. He also warned against isolationism, and praised the Israeli national security mindset. Next, retired IDF General Noam Tibon discussed his decision to enter the Israeli political fray and to join Yair Lapids Yesh Atid party. Finally, I tackled those overseas voices who continue the absurd call for Israel to enter into negotiations toward a Two State Solution.Enjoy!Support the showThe MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED

Behind the polite smiles and diplomatic clichés, something far more dangerous is unfolding. As Israel weighs its next move against Iran's ballistic missile threat, serious cracks are emerging between Jerusalem and Washington. In this episode of "Israel Undiplomatic", Mark Regev and Ruthie Blum cut through the speculation to ask the questions no one else will: Is the U.S. truly aligned with Israel's security needs or drifting toward strategic illusions? And what, really, might be brewing behind closed doors ahead of a possible Trump-Netanyahu meeting?

Krystal Ball joins Katie to discuss the Democrats pathetic caving in the face of the government shutdown. Then Jon Hoffman, PhD, of the Cato Institute joins to the political rift in America's right-wing over Israel and the potential for things to escalate with Iran. And then we speak to Etan Mabourakh, the Action Organizing Manager at the National Iranian American Council (NIAC). For the full interview with Krystal Ball, join us on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-krystal-143382865 Krystal Ball is an American political commentator and host of Breaking Points and Krystal Kyle & Friends. She was previously a political candidate, as well as co-host on the MSNBC show The Cycle, a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, and a co-host of The Hill's Rising. Jon Hoffman is a research fellow in defense and foreign policy at the Cato Institute. His research interests include U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, Middle East geopolitics, and political Islam. Hoffman's work has been featured in a number of academic and policy-oriented platforms, including Foreign Policy, The Washington Post, The National Interest, Middle East Policy, and more. Hoffman was included in the inaugural cohort of the “40 under 40” award provided by the Middle East Policy Council for furthering U.S. understanding of the Middle East. Hoffman holds a Ph.D. in political science, an M.A. in Middle East and Islamic Studies, and a B.A. in Global Affairs, all from George Mason University Etan Mabourakh is the Action Organizing Manager at the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), where oversees NIAC's grassroots efforts to empower Iranian American In every state around the country for pro-peace, pro civil rights and human rights advocacy. He also co-captains the NIAC New York Chapter mobilizing volunteer leaders, engaging policymakers, and advancing campaigns for peace and justice in the Middle East and U.S. **Please support The Katie Halper Show ** For bonus content, exclusive interviews, to support independent media & to help make this program possible, please join us on Patreon - / thekatiehalpershow Get your Katie Halper Show Merch here! https://katiehalper.myspreadshop.com/all Follow Katie on Twitter: https://x.com/kthalps Follow Katie on Instagram: / kthalps Follow Katie on TikTok: / kthalps

   US Middle East Policy Coordination and the Gaza Peace Plan Guest: Mike Wagenheim Mike Wagenheim characterizes US Middle East policy coordination as a functional division of labor focused on keeping the peace plan on track while accepting that ceasefire violations are inevitable. He notes Israel lacks meaningful leverage regarding the expanding roles of Turkey and Qatar in Gaza because Israel failed to provide a comprehensive "day after scenario." Qatar's ongoing financial support of Hamas remains ambiguous, but the United States is focused on ensuring all partners do not upset the potential peace achievement. 1914 MT. ZION       

Today:Josh Paul and Tariq Habash both resigned from the Biden administration over the president's handling of Israel's war in Gaza following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack in 2023. They have since co-founded “A New Policy”  – a group that aims to reform U.S. policy  – and join to discuss what a true "American first" policy in the Middle East would look like.

The world grows darker by the day. Today, we'll discuss the new so-called “peace deal” in the Middle East, reveal even more about who I believe is behind Charlie Kirk's assassination (the Israeli government), and go deeper into Taylor Swift's evil OnlyFans era.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

Sarah Cohen is a first year Cabinet member. She is pursuing a Master of International Affairs (MIA) at Columbia University SIPA, concentrating in International Security Policy and specializing in the Middle East. She is a speechwriter and research assistant for SIPA Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo. From 2020-2023, Sarah was chief of staff to the Chief Rabbi of the United Arab Emirates, serving as his lead advisor in connection with the Abraham Accords. Previously, Sarah served as chief speechwriter for Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, where she wrote extensively on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Middle East regional politics and security, counterterrorism, and more. Sarah also worked in the defense industry and in Spring 2024, co-taught an undergraduate course at New York University on violent extremism and methods to counter it.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow and Benjamin Whitfield, for the third installment of their insightful conversation, explore the evolving landscape of global security, the impact of Middle Eastern affairs on U.S. policy, and the challenges faced by intelligence professionals transitioning into the private sector. Benjamin shares practical advice for those leaving government roles, the importance of humility and networking, and how to leverage LinkedIn for career growth. The discussion also touches on the value of building security programs from the ground up and the power of professional connections in the security industry.Learn about all this and more in this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast.KEY TAKEAWAYSTransitioning from government to business requires humility and a willingness to learn. Networking and leveraging LinkedIn are essential for career growth after intelligence work. The security industry thrives on sharing knowledge and supporting one another. Understanding business fundamentals is crucial for success outside government roles.QUOTES“You're not worth what you think you're worth. You have to demonstrate that worth.” “Take off the government hat—now go and jump into the business world.” “The intro is so critical in a lot of these cases. It keeps you out of the automated circular file.” “I don't own any trade secrets about how you protect people. So why would I not share best practices?”Get to know more about Benjamin Whitfield through the links below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwhitfield/To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

The National Security Hour with Al Johnson – Assyrian Christians face an existential threat in their ancestral lands, enduring ongoing persecution, displacement, and cultural destruction. I examine how U.S. policy backs Kurdish leadership despite credible abuse claims, driven by geopolitical leverage over moral consistency. Without a principled shift, America risks repeating past betrayals and enabling the erasure of Christianity's roots in...

The National Security Hour with Al Johnson – Assyrian Christians face an existential threat in their ancestral lands, enduring ongoing persecution, displacement, and cultural destruction. I examine how U.S. policy backs Kurdish leadership despite credible abuse claims, driven by geopolitical leverage over moral consistency. Without a principled shift, America risks repeating past betrayals and enabling the erasure of Christianity's roots in...

Simone Ledeen is a national security expert and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy, where she oversaw U.S. defense strategies for countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and others.  With an MBA and finance background, she served as an advisor to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq and later as Executive Director at Standard Chartered Bank, leading the launch of its multi-national financial crime compliance program. Ledeen has held roles at the U.S. Treasury's Office of Intelligence and Analysis and is a Senior Fellow at the Strauss Center for International Security and Law at the University of Texas at Austin.  Her expertise spans technology, special operations, intelligence, and geopolitical issues, as seen in her 2025 discussions on Israel-Iran conflicts. The daughter of historian Michael Ledeen, she advocates for innovative defense solutions and public-private partnerships to address global threats. Based in Austin, Texas, Ledeen consults through Maven Defense Solutions and Vantage ROI, focusing on strategic advisory in defense and finance. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://americanfinancing.net/srs NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org https://tryarmra.com/srs https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://shawnlikesgold.com https://ketone.com/srs Visit https://ketone.com/srs for 30% OFF your subscription order https://lumen.me/srs https://patriotmobile.com/srs https://rocketmoney.com/srs https://ROKA.com – USE CODE SRS https://USCCA.com/srs https://ziprecruiter.com/srs https://betterhelp.com/srs This episode is sponsored. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. https://drinkhoist.com – USE CODE SRS Simone Ledeen Links:X - ⁠https://x.com/SimoneLedeen⁠  LI - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-ledeen⁠   Website - ⁠www.simoneledeen.com⁠  Maven Defense - ⁠www.mavendefense.com⁠  Strauss Center Profile - ⁠https://www.strausscenter.org/person/simone-ledeen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jacob interviews Dr. Van Jackson, an international relations scholar specializing in East Asian and Pacific security. They discuss the accelerating pace and volatility of U.S. foreign policy, characterizing Trump-era actions as part of a broader counter-revolutionary, oligarchic project. Van critiques both major U.S. parties and highlights the risk of diversionary wars as legitimacy crises grow. They explore the geopolitics of Iran, Israel, and China, and conclude with insights on North Korea and potential U.S. troop withdrawal from South Korea, outlining a rare “win-win-win” scenario for all parties on the Korean Peninsula.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(04:52) - Discussion on US Power and Global Politics(08:30) - Middle East Policy and US-Israel Relations(16:30) - Defining Fascism and White Nationalism(23:32) - Trump's Base and Political Dynamics(30:07) - Potential Diversionary Conflicts and Foreign Policy(35:19) - The Inevitability of War with China(35:52) - China's Strategic Interests in Taiwan and the South China Sea(36:49) - The Role of Allies in US-China Relations(38:25) - The Controversy Over Arming Allies(40:57) - Trump's Foreign Policy and Its Impact on Alliances(42:56) - Japan and South Korea's Dilemma(46:42) - The Future of US Hegemony and Global Alliances(51:01) - The Role of the Democratic Party in US Politics(58:52) - North Korea's Nuclear Deterrent and US Relations(01:05:15) - Potential US Troop Withdrawal from South Korea(01:08:49) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com --Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today's volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

On Tuesday's Mark Levin Show, it's important to hold the isolationists like Chatsworth Qatarlson (Tucker Carlson), Steve Bannon, and Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene accountable. They have undermined President Trump and aided enemies by opposing action against Iran's nuclear program. They attack Trump despite benefiting from his actions or pardons. They are dangerous liars who seek to undermine Trump's presidency. These isolationists engage in character assassination rather than legitimate policy disagreement, particularly Qatarlson's accusation that Trump is complicit in risking World War III. We should ignore their so-called influencers. Also, Iran has been militarily defeated by Israel and had its nuclear program destroyed by U.S. forces under Trump. Despite these setbacks, the enemy persists. Questions remain about whether any ceasefire with a terrorist regime known for decades of violence, deception, and refusal to abandon nuclear ambitions will work. Trump is to be trusted. He wants to win for America and his record is stellar. Let's see how it goes. Later, New York City Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa calls in to discuss the NYC Democratic primary, Andrew Cuomo vs Zohran Mamdani, an Islamist. Sliwa warns that Mamdani's potential victory could lead to a massive flight from NYC, further draining investment, and businesses. Sliwa is a solution to restore law and order, urging voters to ‘improve, don't move' by electing him. Later, the "only one missile was fired into Israel" argument wouldn't fly if only one missile is fired into our country -- especially after hundreds of these missiles had already been fired into our country aimed at our cities. Would that be ok with us? Of course not. And let us reiterate to our enemies, that it would not be ok. Finally, Daniel Flesch, Senior Policy Analyst for Middle East Policy at the Heritage Foundation, calls in and explains that Israel and the U.S. decisively set back Iran's nuclear ambitions and military capabilities in days. Israel's strikes, echoing the 1967 Six Day War, and the U.S.'s precise operation signaled to Iran, Russia, and China a readiness to use swift force to protect interests, strengthening regional dominance and U.S.-Israel ties, though risking Iranian retaliation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The episode covers the dramatic end of the 12-day Israel-Iran war, with President Trump announcing a ceasefire on Truth Social, effective after mutual 12-hour stand-downs. Iran's weak, symbolic rocket attack on a U.S. base in Qatar, telegraphed to avoid casualties, signals their diminished state. Trump confirms Fordow's nuclear facility was destroyed, countering Russian claims, and pushes “drill baby drill” to stabilize oil prices. VP JD Vance and Sen. Eric Schmidt praise Trump's restraint and peace-brokering, while House Speaker Mike Johnson hopes for lasting peace. The Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling greenlights Trump's deportation plans, despite a rogue judge's defiance. McIntire reflects on Trump's divine providence in achieving peace and questions future Middle East policy, warning of recurring strikes without Iran's regime change.   AM Update, Aaron McIntire, 12-day war, Israel, Iran, Trump, ceasefire, Fordow, JD Vance, Eric Schmidt, Mike Johnson, Supreme Court, deportations, Middle East policy, Tom Homan, American realism, divine providence

Fed Chair Jay Powell standing pat on interest rates during his House testimony today. What the Israel-Iran conflict means for Trump's mega bill. Plus, Hims' compounding conflicts.

Guest: Stephen Zunes is Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco where he chairs the program in Middle Eastern Studies.  He is the author of “Tinderbox: U.S. Middle East Policy and the Roots of Terrorism”, and the co-author of  “Western Sahara: War, Nationalism, and Conflict Irresolution.” The post The Israel-Iran Conflict and Trump's Mega-Bomb appeared first on KPFA.

Following Israel's wide operation in Iran, targeting nuclear sites and top officials, we bring you a special episode and talk to Dr. Suzanne Maloney, an expert on Iran and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution Center for Middle East Policy. 

Professor Samer Abboud from Villanova University is an expert on Syrian politics. He joins us to discuss the intricacies of Syria's political history from 1946 to the present, including the impact of French colonial rule, frequent coups, the United Arab Republic, the rise and governance of the Ba'ath Party, and the shift towards crony capitalism in the 2000s. Abboud shares insights on the lived experiences of Syrians through various political changes, the role of the military, and the economic philosophies underpinning different regimes. He also delves into the contemporary relevance of this history and offers a reading list for those interested in learning more about Syria.00:00 Introduction 02:27 Overview of Syrian Political History02:56 French Colonial Rule and Frequent Coups08:21 United Arab Republic (UAR) and Its Impact16:43 Ba'ath Party and the 1963 Coup30:55 Brutality and Efficiency of the Regime33:36 21st Century Syrian Politics41:16 Role of Security Apparatus and Loyalty47:38 Journalistic Perspectives on Syria57:49 Recommended Readings and Films on SyriaSamer Abboud is Associate Professor of Global Interdisciplinary Studies at Villanova University and the author of Syria (Polity, 2018), a book that explores the outbreak and trajectory of the Syrian uprising. His research is broadly interested in warfare in Syria and the emergence of an illiberal post-conflict order in the country. He has recently published articles in journals such as Citizenship Studies, Peacebuilding, Middle East Policy, and The Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding that explore themes of illiberalism, post-conflict order, knowledge production, and Syrian reconstruction. His current research project is interested in the production of fear as a central mechanism of political rule prior to, and during, the period of the conflict, and how Syrians have differentially envisioned and acted upon this fear in cultural production. Samer sits on the Editorial Board of Security Dialogue and is a co-editor of Jadaliyya's Syria page. Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna

**Hello listeners, an earlier version of this episode contained glitches due to an upload error. If you hear breaks in the audio, please download the episode again for the corrected version. Thanks for listening, and we apologize for the mishap!** Is Trump's Middle East Policy a Break From the Past? Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump visited three countries in the Middle East—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—on the first scheduled foreign trip of his second term. While many of the headlines from the trip focused on the 747 jetliner Qatar donated for use as Air Force One, it's probably more notable that Trump rejected decades of Western intervention in the region and declared that there would be “no more lectures” from America. Is the Trump administration re-aligning American priorities in the region? F. Gregory Gause, visiting scholar at the Middle East Institute, joins FP Live to discuss why the Gulf monarchies are rising in importance.  Suggested reading (FP links are paywall-free): Howard W. French: What Trump Got Right in the Middle East Agathe Demarais: The U.S. Economy Is Now Trump Enterprises Michael Hirsh: A New Authoritarian Era in the Mideast? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on a special edition of Babel, Will Todman speaks with Jon Alterman, the creator of Babel and the show's host since it began in 2019. They discuss Jon's reflections on 22 years directing the CSIS Middle East Program, his analysis of how the Middle East policy ecosystem has changed during that time, and his advice to those entering the field. Jon and Will cap off the conversation by discussing the lessons Jon will take to his new CSIS role as the Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy. Transcript: "⁠Babel Special: Jon Alterman's Next Chapter⁠⁠," CSIS, May 22, 2025. Jon's latest work:⁠ "Scenarios That Could Define 2035⁠," CSIS, May 14, 2025. Jon's career advice: ⁠"Advice for Job Seekers in Middle East Policy⁠," CSIS.

On this week's episode of Global Digest, we are joined by Prof. Noah Midamba, Senior Associate at Global Centre for Policy and Strategy to dissect President Trump's State visit of the Middle East, lifting of sanctions against Syria's interim administration as well as EU-Nato or Trump who claim.the bragging rights for securing the elusive Russia-Ukraine ceasefire. Domestically, President Ruto's declaration that Kenya and China are the new world triggered the US Senate into reviewing Kenya-US relations

New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart join Amna Nawaz to discuss the week in politics, including President Trump's trip to the Middle East and his policy shifts in the region, Qatar’s luxury plane gift, the Supreme Court's birthright citizenship hearing, talks of an immigration reality show and the administration investigating James Comey. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart join Amna Nawaz to discuss the week in politics, including President Trump's trip to the Middle East and his policy shifts in the region, Qatar’s luxury plane gift, the Supreme Court's birthright citizenship hearing, talks of an immigration reality show and the administration investigating James Comey. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Dave DeCamp returns to the show to discuss recent developments in the Middle East. They talk about Trump's meeting with the new bin Ladenite president of Syria, the end of US operations targeting the Houthis of Yemen, Trump's negotiations with Iran, whether Trump really is turning on Netanyahu and the status of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They finish with a quick look at the talks between Ukraine and Russia.  Discussed on the show: “Trump Meets With Syria's Al-Qaeda Leader-Turned President, Praises His ‘Strong Past'” (Antiwar.com) “Inside Waltz's ouster: Before Signalgate, talks with Israel angered Trump” (Washington Post) “Disagreements on Iran, Gaza straining Trump-Netanyahu relationship” (NBC News) “Some Israeli Officers Admit That Gaza Is on the Brink of Starvation” (New York Times) Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com and the host of Antiwar News with Dave DeCamp. Follow him on Twitter @decampdave This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Roberts and Roberts Brokerage Incorporated; Moon Does Artisan Coffee; Tom Woods' Liberty Classroom; Libertas Bella; ExpandDesigns.com/Scott. Get Scott's interviews before anyone else! Subscribe to the Substack. Shop Libertarian Institute merch or donate to the show through Patreon, PayPal or Bitcoin: 1DZBZNJrxUhQhEzgDh7k8JXHXRjY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Download Episode. Dave DeCamp returns to the show to discuss recent developments in the Middle East. They talk about Trump's meeting with the new bin Ladenite president of Syria, the end of US operations targeting the Houthis of Yemen, Trump's negotiations with Iran, whether Trump really is turning on Netanyahu and the status of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They finish with a quick look at the talks between Ukraine and Russia.  Discussed on the show: “Trump Meets With Syria's Al-Qaeda Leader-Turned President, Praises His ‘Strong Past'” (Antiwar.com) “Inside Waltz's ouster: Before Signalgate, talks with Israel angered Trump” (Washington Post) “Disagreements on Iran, Gaza straining Trump-Netanyahu relationship” (NBC News) “Some Israeli Officers Admit That Gaza Is on the Brink of Starvation” (New York Times) Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com and the host of Antiwar News with Dave DeCamp. Follow him on Twitter @decampdave This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Roberts and Roberts Brokerage Incorporated; Moon Does Artisan Coffee; Tom Woods' Liberty Classroom; Libertas Bella; ExpandDesigns.com/Scott. Get Scott's interviews before anyone else! Subscribe to the Substack. Shop Libertarian Institute merch or donate to the show through Patreon, PayPal or Bitcoin: 1DZBZNJrxUhQhEzgDh7k8JXHXRjY

President Trump and his team came into the White House determined to reverse the course of American foreign policy. Most every president does. It's what President Obama wished to do vis-à-vis President Bush, President Trump vis-à-vis President Obama, and President Biden vis-à-vis President Trump. Where Biden was for, Trump would be against; where Biden was left, Trump would be right; where Biden was blue; Trump would be red. Every question of foreign policy with any relevance whatsoever to the cut and thrust of domestic American politics would henceforth be set in the opposite direction. In the Middle East, President Trump thought that his predecessor was too acquiescent to Iran, too squeamish about empowering the Israelis to protect themselves, and too untroubled by Houthi attacks. For President Trump and many of his supporters, the quintessential act of the Biden administration was the withdrawal from Afghanistan in the fall of 2021—a symbol of American weakness, incompetence, fecklessness, and delusion. With the start of his second term as president, Donald Trump set about restoring the maximum-pressure campaign on Iran. He confronted—with aggressive military force—the Houthis. He restored the American supply of materiel to Israel. And yet, these decisions do not tell the whole story of the Trump administration's conduct of American foreign policy during its first hundred days. The foreign-policy record, the disorder, the personnel, and some possible future steps of the administration seem confused. To bring forth some clarity from this confusion, and to shed light on the murky picture of the Trump administration's approach to the Middle East, Michael Doran joins this week's podcast. Doran is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, contributor to Mosaic, Tablet, the Wall Street Journal, and the Free Press, and the co-host, with Gadi Taub, of a new podcast called Israel Update. This conversation was recorded live for an audience of members of the Tikvah Society. If you'd like to learn more about supporting our work, and joining the Tikvah Society, please visit Tikvah.org/Society. Musical selections in this podcast are drawn from the Quintet for Clarinet and Strings, op. 31a, composed by Paul Ben-Haim and performed by the ARC Ensemble.

 Download Episode. Scott brings Max Blumenthal of The Grayzone back onto the show to discuss developments in the Middle East. They start with a recording that The Grayzone recently published in which AIPAC leaders were bragging internally about having total control over Trump's foreign policy team. That leads into a broader discussion of AIPAC's playbook when steering Washington's Middle East policy to the Israeli government's benefit. Scott and Blumenthal also discuss how a war with Iran would most likely play out, what Israel is currently doing in Syria, the health of Turkish President Erdoğan and more.    Discussed on the show: Leaked audio: AIPAC leader details control over Trump natsec team Big Israel: How Israel's Lobby Moves America by Grant F. Smith Max Blumenthal is a senior editor of the Grayzone Project and the author Goliath, Republican Gomorrah and The 51 Day War. Follow him on Twitter @MaxBlumenthal. This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Roberts and Roberts Brokerage Incorporated; Moon Does Artisan Coffee; Tom Woods' Liberty Classroom; Libertas Bella; ExpandDesigns.com/Scott. Get Scott's interviews before anyone else! Subscribe to the Substack. Shop Libertarian Institute merch or donate to the show through Patreon, PayPal or Bitcoin: 1DZBZNJrxUhQhEzgDh7k8JXHXRjY

Sir Niall Ferguson, renowned historian and Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, joins Azeem Azhar to discuss the evolving relationship between the U.S. and China, Trump's foreign policy doctrine, and what the new global economic and security order might look like. (00:00)  What most analysts are missing about Trump (05:43)  The win-win outcome in Europe–U.S relations (11:17)  How the U.S. is reestablishing deterrence (15:50)  Can the U.S. economy weather the impact of tariffs? (23:33) Niall's read on China (29:29)  How is China performing in tech? (33:35)  What might happen with Taiwan (42:43) Predictions for the coming world order Sir Niall Ferguson's links:Substack: Time MachineBooks: War of the World, Doom: The Politics of CatastropheTwitter/X: https://x.com/nfergusAzeem's links:Substack: https://www.exponentialview.co/ Website: https://www.azeemazhar.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azhar Twitter/X: https://x.com/azeem Our new show This was originally recorded for "Friday with Azeem Azhar" on 28 March. Produced by supermix.io and EPIIPLUS1 Ltd

Scott brings Max Blumenthal of The Grayzone back onto the show to discuss developments in the Middle East. They start with a recording that The Grayzone recently published in which AIPAC leaders were bragging internally about having total control over Trump's foreign policy team. That leads into a broader discussion of AIPAC's playbook when steering Washington's Middle East policy to the Israeli government's benefit. Scott and Blumenthal also discuss how a war with Iran would most likely play out, what Israel is currently doing in Syria, the health of Turkish President Erdoğan and more.    Discussed on the show: Leaked audio: AIPAC leader details control over Trump natsec team Big Israel: How Israel's Lobby Moves America by Grant F. Smith Max Blumenthal is a senior editor of the Grayzone Project and the author Goliath, Republican Gomorrah and The 51 Day War. Follow him on Twitter @MaxBlumenthal. This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Roberts and Robers Brokerage Incorporated; Tom Woods' Liberty Classroom; Libertas Bella; ExpandDesigns.com/Scott. Get Scott's interviews before anyone else! Subscribe to the Substack. Shop Libertarian Institute merch or donate to the show through Patreon, PayPal or Bitcoin: 1DZBZNJrxUhQhEzgDh7k8JXHXRjY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

- Left-Wing Terrorism Against Tesla Owners (0:00) - Mike Adams' New Song "Baby, Don't Burn My Tesla" (1:27) - Details of the Tesla Owners' Doxxing Incident (5:25) - Elon Musk's Response and Mike Adams' Perspective (8:27) - Release of the JFK Files and Mike Adams' Award (9:33) - Critique of the Trump Administration's Middle East Policy (25:38) - Mike Adams' Music and Additional Announcements (50:50) - Interview with Congressman Michael Cloud (1:22:13) - Federal Employee Complaints and Opportunity Window (1:23:46) - Elon Musk's Interview with Senator Ted Cruz (1:24:39) - President Obama's Video and Money Laundering Scheme (1:25:33) - Power of Unelected Bureaucrats and AI Deployment (1:27:05) - Public Impatience and Bureaucratic Challenges (1:29:46) - Democrats' Dependence on Money Laundering (1:32:32) - Censorship and Social Media Platforms (1:34:31) - Role of the DOJ and Criminal Referrals (1:36:28) - Song About Regulatory Overreach (1:37:04) - Texas' Role in AI and Energy Production (1:53:22) - Challenges and Opportunities in Texas (2:01:49) For more updates, visit: http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport NaturalNews videos would not be possible without you, as always we remain passionately dedicated to our mission of educating people all over the world on the subject of natural healing remedies and personal liberty (food freedom, medical freedom, the freedom of speech, etc.). Together, we're helping create a better world, with more honest food labeling, reduced chemical contamination, the avoidance of toxic heavy metals and vastly increased scientific transparency. ▶️ Every dollar you spend at the Health Ranger Store goes toward helping us achieve important science and content goals for humanity: https://www.healthrangerstore.com/ ▶️ Sign Up For Our Newsletter: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html ▶️ Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport ▶️ Join Our Social Network: https://brighteon.social/@HealthRanger ▶️ Check In Stock Products at: https://PrepWithMike.com

Former CIA Middle East expert Norman Roule joins the podcast to discuss President Trump's muscular approach to the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas in Gaza.

This Week's Guests: Natan Sachs The director of the Center for Middle East Policy and a senior fellow in the Foreign Policy Program at Brookings Institute. Episode 349 Natan Sachs is the director of the Center for Middle East Policy and a senior fellow in the Foreign Policy Program at Brookings. He has taught as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University's Department of Government and its Security Studies Program. Prior to joining Brookings, Sachs was a Fulbright fellow in Indonesia, a visiting fellow at Tel Aviv University's Dayan Center for Middle East and African Studies, and a Hewlett fellow at Stanford's Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law. Sachs is an expert on Israeli foreign policy, its domestic politics, and on U.S. policy toward the Middle East. His writing has appeared in such publications as Foreign Affairs, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, The New York Times Global, Yediot Ahronot, and Haaretz. His forthcoming book describes the aftermath of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the dangers of both a one-state agenda and “anti-solutionism,” and recommends policy for promoting a more peaceful and just relationship among Israelis and Palestinians. Sachs has provided testimony before Congress and has offered expert commentary to the New York Times, The Washington Post, The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, and many other publications. He has appeared on TV and radio with CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, the BBC, Bloomberg, Israel Channel 12, Haaretz, and Galei Tzahal, among others. Sachs is a graduate of the Amirim Excellence program at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He received his master's and doctorate in political science from Stanford University. Follow Live From America YouTube @livefromamericapodcast twitter.com/AmericasPodcast www.LiveFromAmericaPodcast.com LiveFromAmericapodcast@gmail.com Follow Hatem Twitter.com/HatemNYC Instagram.com/hatemnyc/ Follow Noam Twitter.com/noam_dworman #Gaza #TRUMPGAZA #GAZADEAL

A new U.S. administration leads to shifting priorities in Israel, the story of an Israeli grandmother held hostage by Hamas, and a musical tribute to Creation. Plus, Steve Watters on a meaningful Christmas tradition and the Tuesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Knox Theological Seminary. Reformed, flexible, integrated certificate and post-graduate degree programs designed for you and your calling in ministry. Request more information about our fully online, accredited programs at Knoxseminary.edu/world.And from Dordt University, where students strive to become all that God created them to be and thrive intellectually, socially, and spiritually – until all is made new.Advent reading resources:Jotham's Journey by Arnold YtreeideThe Mystery Hidden for Ages by Sally MichaelGood News of Great Joy by John PiperCome, Let Us Adore Him by Paul TrippLove Came Down at Christmas by Sinclair FergusonRepeat the Sounding Joy by Christopher AshRecapturing the Glory of Christmas by Albert Mohler, Jr.

On Oct. 6 of last year, the Biden administration was hammering out a grand Middle East bargain in which Saudi Arabia would normalize relations with Israel in exchange for a Palestinian state. And even after Hamas's attack the following day, the U.S. hoped to keep that deal alive to preserve the conditions for some kind of durable peace. But that deal is now basically unviable. The war is expanding. Israel may be on the verge of occupying Gaza indefinitely and possibly southern Lebanon, too. So why was President Biden ineffective at achieving his goals? In the past year, has the U.S. been able to shape this conflict at all?Franklin Foer recently wrote a piece in The Atlantic trying to answer these questions. And he starts with the Biden administration's attempts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East — an effort that began well before Oct. 7. In this conversation, Foer walks through his reporting inside the diplomatic bubble of the conflict and the administrations of other Middle Eastern states that have serious stakes in Israel's war in Gaza.Book Recommendations:Our Man by George PackerSea Under by David GrossmanCollected Poems by Rita DoveThoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Annie Galvin. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris, with Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair . Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld, with additional mixing by Efim Shapiro, Isaac Jones and Aman Sahota. Our senior editor is Claire Gordon. The show's production team also includes Rollin Hu, Elias Isquith and Kristin Lin. Original music by Isaac Jones. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Emma Ashford, Shira Efron, Natasha Hall, Richard Haass, Michael Koplow, Selcuk Karaoglan and Switch and Board Podcast Studio. Soon, you'll need a subscription to maintain access to this show's back catalog, and the back catalogs of other New York Times podcasts, on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Don't miss out on exploring all of our shows, featuring everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts.

From October 11, 2023: This past Saturday, the terrorist group Hamas launched an unprecedented raid from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel that left more than 1000 people – most of them Israeli civilians, many of them women, children, and the elderly – brutally murdered. Dozens more were taken as hostages back into Gaza. A shocked Israel has in turn responded with missile attacks into Gaza that have killed more than 800 Palestinians there, and is planning a broader offensive there. And as people search for more information on what's transpired, there are concerns that events may yet spiral out into a broader regional war – one that, among other consequences, might derail efforts at normalization in the Israeli-Saudi relationship that have been a major focus of the United States in recent weeks.To discuss these tragic events and their potentially seismic consequences, Lawfare Senior Editor Scott Anderson sat down with a panel of leading experts: Natan Sachs, Fellow at the Brookings Institution and director of our Center for Middle East Policy; Dan Byman, from the Center for Strategic & International Studies as well as Lawfare's foreign policy editor; Ghaith al-Omeri of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy; and Lawfare's own Editor-In-Chief Benjamin Wittes. They discussed the ripple effects the attack is having throughout the region, the role that Iran and other actors may have played, and what it may yet mean for the region and the broader world.Please note that this episode contains content that some people may find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington, D.C., today to address a joint session of Congress. On Tuesday, hundreds of demonstrators opposed to the war in Gaza staged a sit-in at a congressional office building. Thousands more are expected to demonstrate today during Netanyahu's speech. Inside the Capitol, nearly two dozen Democratic lawmakers say they will not attend the joint session. At the same time, both Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Patty Murray of Washington declined to preside over Netanyahu's address. The Israeli prime minister is expected to meet with Harris and President Biden separately on Thursday. As Harris begins her presidential campaign in earnest, Politico national security reporter Eric Bazail-Eimil explains what a Harris foreign policy might look like.And in headlines: The head of the U.S. Secret Service resigned, convicted New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez announced he'd resign next month, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer endorsed Harris's campaign for president. Show Notes:Read and Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/bdzcrj7aWhat A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday