Podcasts about straits

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

On Thursday's Mark Levin Show, we have a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran requiring another 60 days of negotiations. The full details remain unreleased and unseen, which makes premature celebration impossible. If it is done and will be signed in 48-72 hours, let's see it. The core concern is long-term enforcement, given Iran's history as a terrorist regime that has never abided by any agreement, and exists to destroy the West and non-compliant Muslims through funding groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. How effective will enforcement be post-Trump presidency, especially under Democrats. We have the enemy where we want it. We may never again. It was right to attack them, and in a few weeks' time they were on their back. We hit the brakes for 9 weeks. First the Israelis and then we went back to military action this week, and the regime was badly damaged beyond the original damage. Rather than destroy it, including arming the Iranian people, we have an MOU and future negotiations. Also, Roger Zakheim, Director of the Ronald Reagan Institute, calls in and details the lack of any trustworthy record from the Iranian regime, warning that the deal may not be worth the paper it's written on despite the U.S. having weakened Iran through Operation Epic Fury and economic blockade pressure. Any worthwhile agreement must reverse the JCPOA by demanding zero enrichment, ending the missile program, halting support for terrorist groups like Hezbollah, and ensuring open Straits. Later, Rep Jamie Raskin is already leading a plot to impeach the President if the Democrats take the House. Republicans should move to expel Jamie Raskin from the House.  If he can continue to abuse our constitutional system and undermine our electoral process (ironic, since he blames Trump and Republicans for doing so), having led every effort described above, then take the necessary steps to charge him under the expulsion clause. Finally, Rep Bryan Steil calls in to discuss his three-year investigation into potential fraud at ActBlue, particularly its weak fraud prevention standards that allow foreign funds into U.S. elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Space Show Presents Rick Fisher, Tuesday, June 9, 2026Quick SummaryThe Space Show featured a discussion with national security consultant Rick Fisher about China's space program and its implications for national security. Rick explained that space has become a major component of American global national security considerations, with China positioning itself either as a major antagonist or cooperative partner depending on Earth-based conflicts. He detailed China's lunar program, including their Lanyue lunar lander and their manned capsule, while warning that Chinese dual-use systems on the moon could potentially extend Earth conflicts to lunar territory. The conversation covered China's energy independence efforts through nuclear fission, space solar power, and fusion energy development, as well as their reusable rocket capabilities with 20-25 Chinese companies developing reusable launch vehicles similar to SpaceX's approach. Rick also discussed the Artemis program's goals of establishing a semi-permanent presence on the moon by 2036, requiring 79-81 space launches and approximately $30 billion in total investment. The discussion concluded with analysis of Taiwan's potential response to Chinese aggression and the role of other Asian countries like India and Japan in balancing Chinese space ambitions.Detailed SummaryDavid and Rick discussed the role of space in national security, particularly regarding China's lunar program and its implications for Taiwan and the South China Sea. They also touched on UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena), with John contributing insights about China's interest in UAPs and the government's handling of the topic. The conversation highlighted differing perspectives on the significance of UAPs and the potential motivations behind government secrecy regarding the subject.David, Rick, and John discussed concerns about Chinese influence and espionage in the United States, including allegations against politicians like Feinstein and a California politician. They questioned why such activities are tolerated despite being known. The conversation then shifted to SpaceX's upcoming IPO and its performance. The conversation continued with the guest continuing to discuss China's space program and its broader implications for national security.Rick discussed the increasing importance of space in American national security, particularly in relation to China's space activities. He explained that space has become a determinant factor in global security, with both countries positioning themselves as either antagonists or cooperative partners. He praised President Trump's focus on returning to the moon through the Artemis program as a way to deter conflict and secure American access to space. He noted that Trump's second-term goal of establishing a permanent presence on the moon could help prevent conflicts not only on the moon but also in low Earth orbit and potentially on Earth.Rick was asked about China's energy strategies and vulnerabilities, explaining that China's reliance on oil passing through the Straits of Hormuz presents a strategic weakness. He detailed China's multi-pronged energy approach including nuclear fission plants, space solar power research, and fusion energy development. When asked about space-based data centers, he indicated China is following the American trend with plans to launch such facilities in the near future, potentially on a large scale to support AI functions on Earth. The discussion was cut off before John's question about potential lunar conflict could be addressed.Our guest discussed the potential risks and challenges associated with China's lunar lander program, particularly regarding the Lanyue lunar lander and its propulsion stage, which could pose hazards to other lunar missions or bases. He highlighted the need for deconfliction and transparency from China regarding their lunar lander operations. Rick also mentioned the deployment of hopper drones by both the United States and China around the moon, noting the potential for these to be modified for combat purposes if tensions escalate on Earth.China's potential space ambitions were brought to our attention, noting that if China were willing to use technology for political intimidation in low Earth orbit, they might extend similar activities to lunar or Martian environments. John suggested that getting to space first could provide an advantage in staking territorial claims. Dr. Kothari asked three questions about China's plans: circumnavigating the moon with astronauts in 2027, deploying thorium molten salt reactors for terrestrial use, and developing reusable rockets. Rick acknowledged limited knowledge about China's reactor plans but noted that China has 20-25 companies working on reusable space vehicles, with the potential for first stage recovery this year.Rick discussed China's space launch vehicle developments, focusing on the Long March 12, Long March 10, and the proposed Long March 9. He explained that Long March 10 could become a popular reusable launch vehicle, while the three-stage Long March 9, if developed, would be the world's most powerful space launch vehicle with a massive 19-meter payload fairing. Rick speculated that China might be developing the three-stage Long March 9 to avoid the complexity of low Earth orbit refueling required for Elon Musk's Starship, though he acknowledged that many technical details about its feasibility remain unknown.Rick discussed the potential impact of China's Long March 9 rocket on SpaceX's Starship, noting that while the first stage would be reusable, it remained unclear whether China would pursue reusability for the second stage. When asked about credible resistance movements in China, Richard explained that while there is a will among some people to resist the government, the Chinese Communist Party effectively prevents such movements through extensive digital surveillance and control systems. He compared China's digital surveillance capabilities to Iran's and highlighted how Israel's ability to take control of Iran's digital systems and use them against the regime should serve as a warning to China about potential threats from Taiwan and Israel.Ajay asked Rick about Taiwanese opinions on potential reunification with China. Rick explained that while many Taiwanese benefit economically from China relations, over 90% of the population values their democratic freedoms and would not willing give them up to become part of a Chinese communist dictatorship. He noted that the Chinese Communist Party's failure to acknowledge historical atrocities under Mao, including the deaths of 50-70 million people, undermines their historical appeals to Taiwanese people.Rick talked about the potential for Asian and oceanic countries like India and Australia to balance China's space activities through collaboration with the United States and the Artemis program. He noted that as these countries develop their own heavy launch vehicles, they will gain more autonomy to pursue lunar and Mars programs independently of potential Chinese-American conflicts. Richard also praised NASA's Artemis program revealed on March 23, which aims to establish a semi-permanent presence on the moon by 2036 through 79-81 space launches and $30 billion total investment, describing it as essential for winning the race to the moon and potentially deterring Chinese aggression.Our guest also discussed the relationship between China's space program and the US, noting that while competition exists, cooperation could follow a similar path to Cold War-era US-Soviet relations. He expressed confidence that the Artemis program would continue regardless of political party in power, though funding levels might vary. Richard believed the program would maintain strategic importance in the Earth-Moon-Mars system and would only be disrupted by major global conflicts.The conversation ended with David thanking Rick for his participation and discussing upcoming shows featuring Chris Carberry from Explore Mars and guests from Peruvian satellite systems and Luxembourg.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4548: Zoom: Chris Carberry | Friday 12 Jun 2026 930AM PTGuests: Chris CarberryZoom: Chris Carberry of Explore Mars, see discussion details on blog and Substack later this week.Broadcast 4549 Zoom: Manuel Cuba & Cesar Santisteban | Sunday 14 Jun 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Manuel Cuba, Cesar Sa SantistebanZoom: Manuel and Cesar or Peru space and more, Details to follow Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

On this week's Strait Talk, we dive into the geopolitical headwinds facing a US–Iran deal, with Israel and Lebanon at the centre of the challenge.

If more proof was needed that President Trump is an avid listener to The Trump Phenomenon, we got more proof tonight, June 10, 2026, as America’s greatest President by far heeded our very rare taking of exception to one of his policies. He reversed course, just as we hoped he would, on his uncharacteristically misguided obsession with “getting a great deal” with the IRGC thugs. Now he’s back on the right path, which is to blow the hell out of the IRGC and enable the Iranian people to free their 92-million-strong nation from 47 years of brutal Communist savagery. That savagery importantly included, for us and the whole world, the IRGC psychopathic march towards nuclear Armageddon. News just came in that President Trump launched 49 Tomahawk missiles into the IRGC tonight. That’s the way ya’ do it (to quote Mark Knopfler of Hormuz, err I mean Dire, Straits!)

This is an excerpt from my podcast This Week in Geopolitics. I record new episodes every Monday so give me a follow if you would like to see more!

BLOCK A Retired Air Force General John Teichert joins Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and Richard Porter to discuss the latest on the Iran War, including ongoing ceasefire negotiations and Monday's U.S. bombing of Iranian targets near the Straits of Hormuz. BLOCK B Documentary filmmaker Hannah Puder joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon to discuss her new short film “Operation Arnon,” which tells the story of a rescue mission to free four Israeli hostages held by Hamas after the October 7th attack. BLOCK C Ajit Pai, former FCC Chair and president and CEO of CTIA, the trade association that represents the wireless communications industry, joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon to discuss the FCC's role in regulating broadcast content, including late night programming. Also, a look at artificial intelligence and technological competition with China. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three months of US efforts to tame Iran, and Donald Trump is in a bind - there's still no deal, and Iran has a stranglehold on the Straits of Hormuz. Oil price rises mean the cost of filling up the car is painful for many Americans, and that could spell trouble for the Republicans in the upcoming mid-term elections. But the US stock market is buoyant and Trump seem unperturbed - so is he far more in control of all this than he seems? Is he using 'madman theory' to keep his enemies guessing? Phil and Roger ask Dr James Boys, senior research fellow at UCL's Centre on US Politics, and author of "US Grand Strategy and the Madman Theory" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #181 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-9:57: Mike Rogers' Beta CampaignPat Johnston opens this week's show pointing-out how feeble MAGA Michigan Republican Senate candidate, "Florida" Mike Rogers', really is as his campaign used Artificial Intelligence to give him a muscular body. These MAGA Republicans claim they're "manly men," but they're really just insecure little Beta men. Pat talks about how whenever he shares social media posts about Michigan progressive Democratic Senate candidate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, he gets bombarded by a rush of racist and Islamophobic comments by MAGA voters. But they're following MAGA Republicans in Congress, who have no issue spewing their hatred and racism against Arab-Americans. And a Michigan Republican voted with Democrats to end the Trump Regime's, and Israel's, War on Iran. 9:58-31:00: Line 5 Jeffrey Insko InterviewDr. Jeffrey Insko of The Current returns to the show as he shares some of the latest news surrounding the fight to close the Line 5 oil pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. They also discuss how Line 5 has negatively impacted Michigan's environment and public health. And they cover how the Trump Regime is working with the Canadian owner of Line 5 to keep it open for years to come. 31:03-46:01: Whitmer & Data CentersIn this week's "Last Call," Pat gives his take on Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer's decision to heartily embrace hyper-scale data centers in Michigan. Gov. Whitmer declares the huge data center in Saline Twp. will be a long-term victory for Michigan. However, many working class Michiganders, as well as many Lansing Democrats, believe lining-up with the billionaire tech bro authoritarians will hurt Michigan in a number of ways. 46:01-48:24: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:Visit Oil & Water Don't Mix"Chemical Valley and the Line 5 Death Toll." By Jeffrey Insko of The Current "Supreme Court rules for Michigan in effort to shut down Line 5 but fight not over." By Associated Press (via Michigan Public Radio)"Michigan plans to reissue Line 5 permit amid federal review, court fight." By Kelly House of Bridge Michigan "Where's a folder when you need one?" By Jon King of Michigan Advance "Gov. Whitmer addresses data centers day after Saline groundbreaking." By Arpan Lobo of The Detroit Free Press "Saline data center brings out bigwigs. Big day for Michigan or big betrayal?" By Paula Gardner of Bridge Michigan "Democrats Split on Saline Data Center Groundbreaking with OpenAI Founder." By Sam Robinson of Michigan Chronical "Iran vote caps Trump's congressional losing streak." By Connor O'Brien & Leo Shane III of Politico #politics #podcast #progressives #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Michigan #Line5 #Environment #Jobs #WorkingClass #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #GreatLakes #ClimateChange #IranWar #Trump #Israel #Gaza #MikeRogers #AbdulElSayed #Economy #WilliamLawrence #TomBarrett #GretchenWhitmer #DataCenters #EpsteinClass #CorporateWelfare #TechBros #Authoritarianism #Democracy #Left of Lansing

Rubio on opening the Straits, Trump speaks to Miranda Devine, social security fraud, CBS Scott Pelley fired, and Spurs celebrating out of hand.

Primary day has arrived with absolute intrigue as the radical, socialist left faces a massive pushback from voters who are completely fed up. Brian sits down in studio with Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt to celebrate the release of her new book, America, I'm So Glad You Were Born, and why our kids need to be taught the real history of Western exceptionalism. Later, Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery delivers a frontline update on the battle for the Straits of Hormuz. Finally, Julian Epstein details the political exodus of centrist Democrats running away from modern socialism, and Riley Gaines highlights the massive public support for saving women's sports. [00:00:00] Ainsley Earhardt   [00:18:25] Ben Midgley   [00:36:49] Dennis Ross   [00:55:12] Adm. Mark Montgomery (Ret.)   [01:13:36] Julian Epstein   [01:32:00] Riley Gaines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Journalist Tarric Brooker and I dive into the latest economic and political news this Friday, reflecting on the state of play in the Straits of Hormuz, the fall-out from the budget and the misdirection which is implied and discuss the New Zealand Reserve Bank decision this week, which underscores the divergent path of the Australian … Continue reading "In The Battle Of The Old V's The New World, There Are More Losers Than Winners: With Tarric Brooker"

Retired U.S. Navy SEAL Vice Admiral Robert Harward joins the Brian Kilmeade Show to shatter the viral social media conspiracy alleging he wore a prosthetic mask during a recent Fox News appearance. Harward breaks down the real-time drone strikes targeting Iran's launch stations and explains why the current economic blockade is pushing the regime to a catastrophic point of no return.  Plus, Marc Thiessen pulls no punches on the woke "religious left" candidate in Texas, why Donald Trump's Senate majority is fractured, and how Spencer Pratt's common-sense mayoral run could spark a massive political shift in Los Angeles. [00:00:00] Adm. Robert Harward (Ret.)   [00:18:26] Angelo “AJ” Pasciuti   [00:36:50] Marc Thiessen   [00:55:13] Josh Kraushaar   [01:13:38] Daniel Turner   [01:32:01] John Smoltz   [01:32:01] Randy Levine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She has been elected 5 times! Definitely doing something right. Mayor Bard Desjardins has been influential in shaping this township: its mix of housing, its recreational and retail spaces, plus the relationship with the Canadian Navy are part of what makes it work. Mayor Barb reflects on the intentions matched with the natural beauty of the shoreline, waterways, and spectacular views across the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Parks, walkability, even breweries and patios are all amenities that enhance quality of life.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP contributor Richard Porter discuss today's Texas Senate Republican primary between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and challenger State Attorney General Ken Paxton. They also take a look at the proposed Department of Justice “anti-weaponization” fund established as part of a settlement between the IRS and President Trump that would compensate victims of lawfare, and efforts in Congress to block it. Then, Retired Air Force General John Teichert joins the guys to discuss the latest on the Iran War, including ongoing ceasefire negotiations and Monday's U.S. bombing of Iranian targets near the Straits of Hormuz. Next, they discuss the Congressional Black Caucus and NAACP which are lobbying Black collegiate athletes to boycott SEC schools in protest of congressional redistricting. And finally, they talk about this weekend's Enhanced Games in Las Vegas featured athletes performing without strictures on doping. Only one world record was broken. Was it a bust or is this the future of competitive sports? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hour 1 of the Tuesday Bob Rose Show, on weekend developments in the Middle East, Israel retaliating after Hezbollah stepped up attacks, US retaliating against an Iranian attack and Iran's mining of the Straits of Hormuz. This while White House officials say a deal is close to end the war. Plus, all the morning's biggest stories for 5-26-26

Stijn Schmitz welcomes back Simon Hunt to the show. Simon is a consultant on the global economy, China, and the copper industry. The discussion opens with the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and its profound implications for global energy supplies. Hunt explains that Saudi Arabia is attempting to broker a new regional architecture involving China, Russia, Pakistan, and Turkey, partly in response to Iran's demonstrated military capabilities. He assesses only a fifty percent chance of success, warning that even if a ceasefire is reached, reopening the strait to normal traffic could take months, and oil stockpiles in Asia, Europe, and America may be exhausted by mid-July. This supply crunch, he argues, makes a global recession nearly certain by year-end, deepening significantly in the following year. The conversation shifts to China's strategic positioning. Hunt notes that China anticipated American geopolitical moves and has diversified its energy sources through pipelines from Russia and Kazakhstan, alongside massive domestic coal and renewable capacity. This allows China to withstand the Hormuz closure indefinitely, unlike Western nations. The discussion then turns to the evolving global monetary order, where Hunt describes a BRICS-led effort to create a multipolar system anchored in physical gold. He details China's construction of Shanghai Gold Exchange vaults in Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, enabling trade settlement in non-G7 currencies convertible to gold. While he sees gold prices reaching double-digit thousands in five years, he cautions that America is unlikely to revalue its gold reserves and warns of potential government confiscation during crises. On commodities, Hunt challenges the prevailing supercycle narrative, calling it premature. He predicts that a deep recession will cause physical demand to collapse, outweighing current supply constraints. He specifically highlights copper, noting that NVIDIA's shift to photonics could eliminate copper from data centers by 2028, undermining a key demand thesis. Strategic stockpiling of critical minerals by governments will eventually follow, but processing capacity remains a bottleneck controlled by China. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:00 – Middle East Conflict Origins 00:03:46 – New Gulf Security Architecture 00:06:05 – Oil Supply Disruption Impacts 00:08:06 – Straits of Hormuz Reopening 00:08:37 – China Trump Trade Dynamics 00:12:25 – Oil Prices Futures Disparity 00:14:14 – Fertilizer and Food Crisis 00:16:10 – BRICS Monetary System Shift 00:22:51 – Bond Yields and Instability 00:25:02 – Recession Outlook and Assets 00:30:40 – Commodity Supercycle Analysis 00:33:00 – Concluding Thoughts Guest Links: E-Mail: mailto:simon@shss.com Website: https://simon-hunt.com/ Report: https://www.theinstitutionalstrategist.com/products-and-services/frontline-china/ Simon Hunt began his career in 1956 in Central Africa as a PA to the Chairman of Rhodesian Selection Trust, one of the two large copper companies in what was then Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia. In 1961, he came back to London and joined Anglo American Corporation of South Africa as a PA to one of the Board Directors, followed by being part of a small sales and marketing team for copper. From there, he helped start up a new copper development organization, CIDEC, financed by copper producers, which he then joined, focusing on conducting end-use studies of copper in Europe. He then went into the City to gain financial experience and founded Brook Hunt in 1975. He was instrumental in setting up the company’s cost studies and end-use analyses. Simon appeared as material witness and consultant in two ITC anti-dumping cases in 1978 and 1984, winning both at the commission level. He has spent 2-4 months every year in China since 1993, and until a few years ago would be visiting some 80 wire and cable and brass mill factories across the country every year. He now restricts these factory visits to a smaller number, all of which he has known for many years. Simon also spends many weeks each year traveling around Asia. The focus of the company’s services is on the global economy, including the changing geopolitical and financial structures, China’s economy and its copper sector, and then the global copper industry as each part is interconnected. Simon is the author of the “Frontline China Report Service,” which is marketed by the TIS Group. The Service provides regular reports on China’s economy, politics, and financial outlook. Simon established this company in January 1996.

The outlook for inflation ahead is getting more concerning, as the lasting impacts of the closure of the Straits of Hormuz, plus the recent budget announcements, and the already higher for longer bond rates merge with the existing pattern of inflation lodged about the RBA's target range, before this all comes home to roost. Meantime, … Continue reading "The Inflation Picture Darkens, As The Property Market Stalls…"

After a fortnight of local and national elections drama - can the machinery of government get back moving again amid global instability?With the Straits of Hormuz still shut, Sam and Anne examine a raft of announcements coming from the Treasury. Is Rachel Reeves about to open a massive argument with the NIMBYs on the right to launch judicial reviews?Away from the levers of government, the duo look ahead to some upcoming by-elections and explain the rules around the coverage of electoral events.All the candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election can be found here.

In this edit of our live show in which we examined the impact of the budget and other economic factors, like the ongoing closure of the Straits of Hormuz, on the Australian Property Market, and the broader economy. Will prices fall? Will the proposed changes drive rents up? To decode the implications I was joined … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: Is The Australian 30-year Property Super-cycle Over? With Leith van Onselen"

“History is really interesting because it's about people. And people are interesting. So there are plenty of different ways of doing this, and I think there's room for everybody.” — Adrian Goldsworthy The greatest rivalry in antiquity is also uncomfortably relevant to us today. In Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry That Shaped Ancient Greece, the classical scholar Adrian Goldsworthy covers the long fifth century BC, from the Persian Wars that forced Athens and Sparta into alliance, through the Peloponnesian War that set them against each other. The parallels of the rivalry between Sparta and Athens are uncannily relevant today. Goldsworthy traces the NATO-like structure of the Athenian alliance, with its familiar complaint that the allies weren't paying enough. He notes that Athens, which outgrew its ability to grow its own food, had to secure its grain supply from the Black Sea — in the same way as closing the Straits of Hormuz has disrupted modern supply chains. And he observes that the Spartans won the Peloponnesian War by getting Persian money — while the Athenians were doing exactly the same thing. Persia, he notes, is always lurking in the background. There would be no “west” without it. Five Takeaways •       Athens and Sparta: Two Experiments, One Greek Longing: Both city states were driven by the same competitive Greek impulse — the desire to excel, to be the best. But they ran radically different experiments in how to achieve it. Athens: radical democracy, open society, maritime empire, philosophy, drama. Sparta: apartheid military state, in which a tiny Spartan elite was freed from all labour by a vast population of helots, so that they could devote their entire lives to being warriors and citizens. Two models for a polity that still structure political argument today. •       Thucydides: Essential but Embittered: The History of the Peloponnesian War is the essential source — and the problematic one. Thucydides was an Athenian general who failed to save a city from a Spartan-led force and went into exile as a result. He is analytical and apparently balanced in ways that seem modern. But he cannot hide his biases: the demagogue Cleon gets speeches written for him that make him look like a self-interested buffoon. And his silences are as revealing as his words — large events, including an Athenian disaster in Egypt, are mentioned only vaguely. He tells us what he wants to tell. •       The NATO Parallel: They Weren't Paying Enough: The Delian League — the Athenian alliance that emerged after the Persian Wars — has a structural similarity to NATO that Goldsworthy notes carefully. Athens, like the United States, is the dominant naval power that has mobilised for a great threat and then chosen not to demobilise. The allies, like European NATO members in successive administrations' complaints, weren't willing to send ships or men. They'd just send a bit of cash. The Athenian fleet ends up overwhelmingly Athenian. As the threat recedes, the other states increasingly resent the protection they're receiving from it. •       Persia Is Always There: The Spartans won the Peloponnesian War by securing subsidies from the Persian Empire. The Athenians were doing the same thing. The irony: both sides of the Greek world's greatest internal conflict ended up funded by the barbarian power they had united to defeat a generation earlier. Goldsworthy draws the modern parallel delicately: America is now fighting a war in Iran, once known as Persia. Europe chose not to join. The question of who Persia is in any given age is always live. Persia, he says, is always there. It always has been. •       Athens as a Theme Park: The Roman Legacy: In the Roman period, Athens and Sparta became what Goldsworthy calls “university cities or, in Sparta's case, a theme park.” Sparta, having lost any real military or political power, invented a public performance of its old customs — a tourist attraction for Roman visitors who wanted to see the old ways enacted. Athens was a university town for the Roman elite, whose children went there as we might go to Oxford. What we think we know about classical Greece is partly filtered through this late antique nostalgia — a celebration of how great we used to be. About the Guest Adrian Goldsworthy is a historian, novelist, and YouTuber with a DPhil from Oxford. He is the author of Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry That Shaped Ancient Greece (Basic Books, May 12, 2026), Caesar: Life of a Colossus, Augustus: First Emperor of Rome, How Rome Fell, Philip and Alexander, Rome and Persia, and many other books. He lives in Penarth, South Wales. References: •       Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry That Shaped Ancient Greece by Adrian Goldsworthy (Basic Books, May 12, 2026). •       Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War — the essential and problematic source, discussed at length. •       Episode 2897: Patrick Wyman on Lost Worlds — directly referenced in the interview as a contrasting style of history. •       Episode 2892: Jason Pack on the Iran war — the companion episode on the modern Persian conflict, referenced in the interview. About Keen On America Nobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 2,900 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting. WebsiteSubstackYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotify Chapters: 

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING LAANCE GATLING AND JIM MC TAGUE, 5-14-26.1920 SENATOR SMITH AND FAMILY,This broadcast transcript features John Batchelor and his guests, Jim McTague and Lance Gatling, discussing a convergence of global economic and geopolitical crises. The conversation primarily focuses on President Trump's high-stakes visit to Beijing and its implications for Taiwan and the Straits of Hormuz oil shipping routes. The participants analyze Japan's record-breaking stock market and its strategic oil reserves while weighing the impact of surging inflation on both American and Japanese consumers. Additionally, the dialogue touches on the Alex Murdaugh murder trial and the broader shift toward a new, unpredictable global order. Ultimately, the speakers express deep concern over whether diplomatic negotiations can successfully resolve mounting tensions regarding nuclear proliferation and international trade.

Journalist Tarric Brooker and I catch up for another end of week chat, and dive into the budget, the RBA rate hike, the fallout from recent polls, and the broadening impact of the blockage in the Straits of Hormuz. Tarric brought along his latest charts, you can follow along here: https://x.com/AvidCommentator/status/2055170656778813537 Across the board it … Continue reading "Yet Another Brick In The Wall… With Tarric Brooker"

Welcome to the first episode of True Thirty 30 | a new weekly conversation where Joey and his Producer Sean X break down the biggest stories, questions, and cultural moments shaping the week.In this episode, we discuss Iran, rising gas prices, tariffs, farming pressures, and the symbolism behind the “Golden Calf” controversy. We also talk about diesel prices, California regulations, global trade pressures, and the strange state of modern political culture.TIMESTAMPS0:00 Welcome to True Thirty 0:42 Iran War Questions 1:03 Gas Prices and Taxes 2:47 California Gas Island 3:41 Farmers Feeling the Squeeze 5:05 Tariffs Fertilizer and Margins 7:10 No End in Sight 8:01 Asymmetric War Explained 12:06 Hormuz and Global Ripple 13:29 Trump China and Ceasefire 14:57 Generational Farms at Risk 16:32 Golden Calf Statue Story 22:50 Wrap Up and SubscribeFULL TRANSCRIPTJoey Dumont: Hello, everyone. We are doing something called True Thirty 30, which is basically an idea of our members reaching out to us over the weekend with stories that they thought were either crazy, unfounded, or they wanna know more about. So that's what we're doing today. Some of the subjects, we're gonna cover the Iran war for all the obvious reasons.Joey Dumont: We're gonna talk a little bit about some of the deleterious effects of that war specific to farming. And we're gonna end the conversation with the golden calf discussion. In case you guys don't know what that is, you will soon find out. So I'm here with my producer, Sean X, and we are gonna go through these topics, um, as best as possible.Joey Dumont: Hey, buddy.Sean X: Hey. How you doing?Joey Dumont: I'm doing well. It's a happy Monday.Joey Dumont: So I don't know, why don't you share some of the comments we got specific to the... Well, they wanna know more about what's going on in Iran.Joey Dumont: For the most part, people have said, “Okay, what's the nuance with the war going in Iran?”Joey Dumont: Because we keep on hearing it's on again, it's off again. It's affecting prices. It's not affecting prices. Yeah.Joey Dumont: So The New York Times has Iran war long-term energy discussions specific to Iran defended its demands for a peace deal, and President Trump called them garbage.Joey Dumont: Mr. Trump said he wanted to suspend the federal gasoline tax. So obviously everyone knows that gas has been affected by the Straits of Hormuz being shut down because of this war. We're now seeing gas prices at what, six- Six, si- six.Sean X: It's $6.35Joey Dumont: For regular?Sean X: For regular in San Francisco. Yeah. It's $6.74 for premium, and it's-Joey Dumont: And diesel fuel is anywhere between 7 and 8Sean X: $7.80 for diesel.Joey Dumont: Um, a lot of it is from California policies, and some of it is from the pipelines or gas can't reach us. Yeah. We're a gas island. If a refinery goes down, we're screwed. So for the most part, we pay the worst gas prices, so we're feeling the biggest effect here.Joey Dumont: So we are up over a dollar compared to the rest of you folks out there in the United States of America.Joey Dumont: And Donald Trump wants to suspend the gasoline tax, which is how much? It's eight-Sean X: 18 cents.Joey Dumont: 18 cents.Joey Dumont: So- Do, do you know what 18 cents means for those of us in California?Joey Dumont: With the gas prices I just mentioned, it's 2 to 3%. Yeah, every little bit helps, but it's really our California regulations that are the things that are screwing us.Joey Dumont: I read a meme recently that said, uh, “Donald Trump is so awesome that my truck only used to hold $59 worth of gas and now it holds $130 worth of gas.”Joey Dumont: Which I thought was brilliant. Um, so whoever wrote that, good for you. Um, but yeah, the, the gas tax is not gonna help us and- for us, . No.Sean X: It's, it's not gonna help us.Joey Dumont: Like, what we need help with is all the regulations in our state- Yeah ... and let that make us... A lot of people don't understand.Sean X: We use different gasoline here.Joey Dumont: We do. We do. And it's actually called CARB, um, which stands for California Air Resources Board, in case you guys have never heard of it, ‘cause I sure haven't. And it basically means that our gas burns cleaner, reduces smog, lowers certain pollutants, and it's chemically different from gasoline used in the rest of the country.Joey Dumont: So when they say that we're a gas island or a, an actual island on its own, that's what they mean by our taxes. So yeah, I don't think the, uh, suspending the gasoline tax is gonna work. And by the way, he has to get congressional approval to do so. So there's another wrinkle.Joey Dumont: Dude- Uh, we'll see ... we need, we need, we need more help th- than from the federal government.Joey Dumont: So those are all problems, I can say that we have an issue with.Joey Dumont: But As we know, this is affecting everyone, not only the day-to-day people, but farmers specifically because a lot of farmers use diesel fuel as opposed to regular fuel. And, um, so let's talk a little bit about that, dude. I just moved back to Minnesota to be with my mommy, uh, for her 86th birthday, and, uh, it was cool.Joey Dumont: And I don't know, I think most of our listeners understand that I grew up there. I've been in California for now 44 years, and I have a lot of buddies both from high school here in California, as well as the people I grew up with in Minnesota who are in the farming business.Sean X: Yeah. They're also tend to be more conservative than out, uh, out in California.Joey Dumont: I mean, it's- All my friends from Minnesota are Red Hatters. Not all, but most. And then most of my relatives are Red Hatters as well. I've been talking to them for the four years that I've been reporting on politics. They come to me because they say I don't judge them, and that, you know, they know I love them.Joey Dumont: And so they're just like, “Joey, what's actually going on?” Yeah. And that's kind of why we wanted to start this program as well, is that it's, if I'm reaching out to my Republican friends all the time on a DL basis, which is kind of funny, um, they don't explain to everyone else, “Hey, I called Joey.Joey Dumont: I wanted to know what's going on.” That's really what I try to do with my friends and relatives the other side of the aisle, if you will.Joey Dumont: And what we tried to explain to them specific to gas is that I have a buddy of mine who's a soybean farmer, in the Midwest, and he called me previous to the election and said, you know, “What do I need to know?”Joey Dumont: And I tried to explain to him, I said, “Hey, buddy, look at where you're getting your potash,” because I knew he was actually getting potash. Potash, about 80% of our potash comes from Canada. In Project 2025, the Trump administration announced that they actually did want to tariff potash. And I told my buddy, I said, “Hey, just if you can, try to find another source.Joey Dumont: Look at supply chain issues. Figure out that specific to your EBITDA,” because farms, if you guys don't know out there, farmers run at a very small margin to begin with. And if there's increased prices specific to tariffs, which is on the potash, the Mexico-Canadian free trade agreement that Trump actually launched in 2017, which was a good free trade agreement, he blew it up, said it was the worst deal ever, and now we have supplies specific to John Deere, other maintenance issues that are going across the borders of Mexico and Canada, which is also putting up their prices.Joey Dumont: And some of the things that I talked about specific to the numerous farmers that I've talked to over the last month- Is that the Farmer Bureau is actually saying that, and I'll just repeat it here, “Fertilizer pre-booking rates up 19%. 70% of farmers being interviewed are unable to afford all the fertilizer they need,” so they're actually planting less, “And farm diesel prices have increased by 46% since the end of February.”Joey Dumont: So nearly six in 10 farmers report worsening finances, rising fertilizer, fuel cost during plant season, and the immediate economic assistance to keep these open is probably gonna help this year, but they're worried, they're very worried about next year. Yeah. So that's the big-Sean X: So, well, a lot of them, as you said, they pre-book.Joey Dumont: So they'll pre- Well, they're running out. That's the problem.Sean X: They'll order, and now it's running out. Yeah. So now the effects are hitting them. Yeah. So what, what were their main concern to you? What, what are they asking you?Joey Dumont: They're just asking me what I think based on my reporting, based on the homework we're doing here at True Thirty to figure out, you know, what do you guys see an end to this war?Joey Dumont: President Trump has said very publicly that there is so much disarray in Iran that there is actually no leadership to negotiate with. And if you read up on this, the Iranian leadership specifically are a Basarashi-Sean X: Well, that is a problem when you bomb their leadership.Joey Dumont: I- Well, he did mention that. He did mention that. He didn't kill the people they wanted to replace, Khomeini. But, uh, yeah, I, I, I don't see an end to the war. Obviously, there's a lot of people talking about that. We've had some war correspondents on the show to talk about the externalities of this war and the longevity and the possibly forever war specific to anything in the Middle East based on our history, based on us being the United States.Joey Dumont: I think what we're gonna try to explore here at True Thirty, some of the experts we're bringing on in the next couple months will be talking about what they have referred to as a asymmetric war, and the war is no longer about kinetic destruction.Sean X: Joey. What do you mean by,, asymmetric war?Joey Dumont: Great question. So asymmetric war in this sense is that historically kinetic war, we have big battleships, we have destroyers, we have the biggest military in the world.Joey Dumont: Iran's known this for as long as it's existed. So the way they fight us means the asymmetry to what we're doing. So if we're launching at $4 million-Sean X: It's not, it's not equal. Yeah. Like, it's like if we, we can't- It's not equal ... we can't launch $10 million missiles at $10,000 drones all day.Joey Dumont: There you go.Joey Dumont: That's it. Okay. That's a big piece of it. There's also something called mosquito boats. So there's these little tiny boats with engines and people and guns, and they go after the big boats, like our destroyers, and that's how they're actually taking Straits of Hormuz under siege, if you will.Joey Dumont: They only- So basically, they're not blowing up anything now, but they're, they're essentially taking it hostage because of these things.Joey Dumont: Through strategies that involve less dollars. Yeah. They have mines-Joey Dumont: A lot less dollars ...Joey Dumont: they plant a bunch of mines in the Straits of Hormuz because there's most of the narrow ways, some actual throughput is, like, two miles wide. It's very narrow, so they can actually take from the ground, from the coasts and defend it.Joey Dumont: They can defend it with the mosquito boats that I was talking about. They can defend it with drones. And then something that not a lot of people talk about is the topography o- of Iran to begin with. It's approximately four times the size of Iraq, and I mention that because when we had a surge in Iraq, um, I think we had 170,000 soldiers during the surge, 150,000 now.Joey Dumont: And one of the big things, and I think this, we learned this in our interview with Tom Shanker, uh, the New York Times war correspondent.Joey Dumont: Dude, that was a great interview, man.Sean X: Yeah, he's so smart.Joey Dumont: I think you were right about Bibi. I think, like, he convinced Trump- that's my guess. I have to, I, I think- Yeah.Joey Dumont: Like, I'm sorry, man. It's like, dude, someone said, somebody said “If we go into Iran, the people will rise up.” Yes. The problem is the people had just risen up, and they got slaughtered. Wow, that's- I mean, if you take out 10 to 20,000 protesters, guess what? All the people that are likely to lead the charge are gone.Joey Dumont: Wow. And yes, and, and people see people being slaughtered, that's not good for them either. So yeah, I mean, that's what I mean by asymmetric war, buddy.Joey Dumont: That's where we are today.Joey Dumont: Dude.Joey Dumont: So I think one of the things that we can admit across the board is that we, America, have proven to be unbelievably powerful in our military might.Joey Dumont: So what we did in Venezuela, where we swooped in and pulled out Nicolás Maduro in the middle of the night, put him in Rikers Prison, maybe one of the most efficient, wonderfully produced smashes-Sean X: Efficient leadership changes, yeah.Joey Dumont: Yeah, I mean, just... Well, I mean, it actually, the regime change didn't happenJoey Dumont: I think that was where Donald Trump got very excited about how he can go into other countries. And with Netanyahu coming in specifically to his war room and saying, “Hey, I think we can go-” Iran's weak. I think we can get them today.Joey Dumont: Let's go after them. Obviously, that's what took place on February 28th. Now we're seeing, you know what? Eight, seven, eight weeks later, , this very small military excursion, as he called it, has moved into a full-blown war.Joey Dumont: But back to my Republican friends and farmers, everything they mentioned to me in my one-on-ones with them, their fertilizer, their diesel fuel, their supplies, their maintenance, they're scared-Joey Dumont: they're going under. These are places that operate on, like, a 3 to 5% margin if they're lucky.Sean X: Yeah, now it's going up.Joey Dumont: And we're talking about 20... Yeah, and you're talking about, expenses that are just through the roof. Yeah. We talked about the farmers. There's also global aspects of this. Yeah.Joey Dumont: I mean, the Strait of Hormuz closing is most important to Japan, South Korea, China, and India. Yeah.Sean X: And you mentioned to me, one of, one of our members was literally asking about... Because they are international- Yeah ... they were asking about the international effect that this is having.Joey Dumont: Well, Prime Minister Modi actually asked all of his 1.4 billion citizens to cut back on gas and anything to do with,, fertilizer or anything to do with the things that we now have a shortage in.Joey Dumont: LNG, if, for those who don't know-Sean X: Liquid natural gas ...Joey Dumont: it's liquefied natural gas. Liquified natural gas is something that most people have never really talked about but please understand it's this: what we use LNG for is fertilizer, intensive food, electronics, textiles, plastics, household utility bills.Joey Dumont: Again, guys, what we're gonna try and do is bring some experts on the show to talk to these specifically. We're gonna bring some economists on, and we're gonna talk about the longevity of this war. Is it possible with the ceasefire? What does that mean?Joey Dumont: Well, uh, the, the nature of warfare has changed. I, it- People, and this is where I'll totally agree with Republicans, like people are growing frustrated with a war that is literally only 60 days old.Sean X: Yeah. It's just the fear of the effects long term.Joey Dumont: So Trump is going to China. What do you think he hopes to accomplish there?Joey Dumont: I think he hopes to accomplish some type of a trade deal. I don't know if he's gonna jump down on the, the tariffs or not, but I do know that this Iran war is not helping his negotiations with XiJoey Dumont: because obviously America is the biggest foe of China. I do know that there's rumor around the campfire that Donald Trump is trying to negotiate numerous deals specific to tariffs and opening up more markets here in America that he's shut down based on his, 100% or 145% tariff, I think, in the beginning of his first or second administration.Joey Dumont: The sad part about all this is that there's, there's no end in sight with anything to do with what's going on in Iran. Lebanon obviously is a big issue with that because Donald Trump wants to negotiate with Netanyahu to say, “Hey, we need you to stop bombing in Lebanon because that's part of our ceasefire agreement, and you're violating that.Joey Dumont: And if that's violation, if that continues to happen, then the ceasefire itself stops, and then we're right back to a kinetic war.” Bibi isn't listening. Let's just say that. Bibi's not listening. He's doing what he wants to do because he got us into this war, I think, and I don't think he wants us to leave anytime soon, and this is more of his issue specific to his place in the Middle East and the surrounding countries that have not been a big fan of him for many years now.Joey Dumont: So yeah. Yeah.Joey Dumont: I, I don- I wish I had better news for my friends, specifically in the farming business because it is... It's been really scary to talk to some of these people. And then, you know, the one-on-one conversations are different than the stuff we're reading from.Sean X: Yeah.Joey Dumont: Sitting down and talking with farmers who have, you know, third, fourth, fifth generation, farms that they're very proud of.Joey Dumont: And these are not big farms, by the way. These, you know, 1,000 acres, 2,000 acres. These are not huge farms. The farm my, my grandpa used to work when I was growing up I think was 400 acres. Um, and these are the typical farmers you read about growing up. You know, they jump on their tractors-Sean X: Yeah, these aren't, these aren't the big agribusinesses.Joey Dumont: No. These are your mom-and-pop farmers- These are mom-and-pop farmers ... just trying to, you know, waking up at 5:00 every morning- Yeah ... working 18-hour days.Joey Dumont: Yeah. Yeah. All day, every day till the sun drops, and then they go back and eat, and then they re- rinse and repeat. Yeah. And they're very s- they're very scared because, again, these are generational, and these farmers that I talk to specifically don't have any other skills.Joey Dumont: They've been doing this their whole life. They were born and raised on these farms. They watched their father go through exactly what they're now going through. There is some diversification in s- there's some big pig farmers that I talk to that are doing well on that, but the guys that are planting soybeans, corn, and wheat, and the typical commodities, they're very scared for all the aforementioned reasons, right?Joey Dumont: The fertilizer itself, the price of their supplies, their maintenance, the upkeep on their tractors, their combines, all that stuff, it's, it's pricey and it's, and it's scaring them.Joey Dumont: Okay. We'll get an update, on that issue. Yeah.Joey Dumont: One of the other big questions that I've got right in front of me from one of our members, and many people ask this, what is about this golden calf?Joey Dumont: It's probably good to end this on a little bit of a whimsical piece. So in case you guys don't know, Donald Trump had a golden statue erected in his honor at Doral, which is one of his golf courses here in the United States. It's 22 feet. It weighs seven tons. And if you guys aren't aware of the old story specific to the Bible-Sean X: With MosesJoey Dumont: Yeah. So- ... Exodus 32, I'm a recovering Catholic, so I know a little bit about this story. Um, it was when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the Bibles, or excuse me, with, with- The Ten Commandments ... Ten Commandments Ten Commandments. And he saw this golden calf that Aaron had a- had built for the staff because they needed an, an idol to worship.Joey Dumont: Moses was pretty pissed, to paraphrase. And he shattered the tablets, and then he melted down the golden calf, and he made all of the Israelites drink it. So not happy about that. Fast-forward to 2026, Donald Trump has erected a calf. Now,Sean X: who g- who gave, who gave this to him?Joey Dumont: Uh, it was a gift, and the Pastor Mark Burns was the one orchestrating this piece at the Trump National Doral in Miami, and he said this, to quote, “Let me be clear. This is not a golden calf,” he said. “This statue is a celebration of life. It is a symbol of resilience, freedom, patriotism, strength, and the willpower to keep fighting for the future of America.” Now, this was the statue from Trump's attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, which was obviously awful.Joey Dumont: Where he said, “Fight, fight, fight.” And they wanted to capture that moment for the remainder of time to prove how brave he was in, in the circumstance. He was pretty brave or foolish, but he was.Joey Dumont: If the pastor has to say, “This is not a golden calf”- Yeah ... that's an issue. Yeah. Like, you know, it, it's r- it reminds me of when Trump did that post a couple weeks ago, and he took it down because there was controversy of it.Joey Dumont: The Jesus post?Joey Dumont: The Jesus post. Yeah, yeah. He's like, this... You know, and then he comes out and he says, “I'm not being Jesus here.” Right. It's like, you know, don't tell people to not believe their eyes. So when I look at this 22-foot golden monument to Trump, like, how is that not a golden calf?Joey Dumont: Well, it is... And I think that's the funny thing, too, is check this out.Sean X: So there was a show called The Boys, and- Oh, my God ... have you seen it?Joey Dumont: Oh, it's a great show. My mom watches it. Okay. So- She's 85, by the way- All right ... watching superhero stuff.Joey Dumont: So Eric Kripke is... I guess he put, “What the fuck? Seriously?” And this idea, this is what he wrote on Instagram- So who, who is he? ... over the weekend.Sean X: Who is... He's one of the actors.Joey Dumont: He's the showrunner.Sean X: He's the showrunner.Joey Dumont: Okay, got it. And he said, “Seriously, what the fuck?” over a split image of a golden statue of Homelander from episode six of The Boys and the golden statue of Donald Trump. So in the sixth episode of the show features a larger than life golden Homelander statue.Joey Dumont: The psychotic leader of The Seven proclaims that he is the new Messiah following a visitation by an angel. So the showrunner, this was July of 2025, and he's saying everything that we put in here as parody about a ridiculous man trying to be the Messiah has now come to fruition. Except-Sean X: I've seen that.Joey Dumont: The craziest thing about it is- Except it happened here ... if you look at that statue that they had in that episode, I mean, it's obviously not the same pose as Trump- No ... but- It's so close ... it is so clo- Dude, it is so close He's got his arm out like this. He's got...Joey Dumont: and maybe because that was the JC being on the cross, all that.Joey Dumont: So, so they're like- But it's the same fucking A ... this is not a golden calf. Trump is not Jesus in this post. No. The, the showrunner for The Boys has basically come out and say... Now, the character on the show, the character on the show is one of the worst characters, right?Joey Dumont: Well, he's the Antichrist in this story.Joey Dumont: He's the Antichrist.Joey Dumont: But this is, and this is Pastor Burns again, to continue this quote, “We worship the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone,” he wrote on his social media. “Honor is not worship. Respect is not idolatry, and celebration is not bowing down to a false god.” So again- This is not a golden- It's right out of Central Casting.Joey Dumont: If you wanted to write a script- about what not, what isn't real while you're actually looking at what is real. This just took place in our life as citizens of the United States of America, and yeah, I don't think, I don't think there's enough, there's not enough jokes. I mean, the good news is there's plenty of jokes now.Joey Dumont: The memes are going everywhere with this. But the idea too, in case you haven't heard this, was that Donald Trump, who's never actually opened a Bible much less ridden it-Sean X: No, he opened a Bible. I saw him open a Bible.Joey Dumont: All right, true. But he's never read it.Joey Dumont: He opened the Bible that he held upside down- Down.Joey Dumont: True, true, true ... if you don't remember. He held it upside down when he was front of the church and he opened the Bible that he put, the Declaration of Independence in and the Bill of Rights, ‘cause he sold that once.Joey Dumont: Well, in his defense, in his defense he's probably never seen a picture of Jesus, so if he didn't think- ... he looked like Jesus, it, it actually might have been part of it. But I also heard this, and I have nothing to confirm this is true or not, but they said that either Caroline Leavitt or one of his comms people said, “Hey, Mr. President, say that the f- photo was doctored and that you had nothing to do with that.” I don't know if that's true, and then he came out and said, “Oh, I was supposed to be a doctor.” So I don't know if that's true or not, but it's one of those things where I just can't get over how silly this whole thing is and how...Joey Dumont: I thought it'd be good just to, uh, yeah- Yeah ... run this story through the ringer to- Yeah ... bring our- So- ... bring our members some fun-Sean X: That's the- ... on a Monday morning ...Sean X: true Thirty this week, and let's end it on this-Joey Dumont: Sounds like a good idea, buddy ...Sean X: pathetic note of the golden calf.Sean X: Thank- Thank you guys forJoey Dumont: listeningJoey Dumont: thank you. Thank you, Joey. Cheers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.truethirty.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we examine a remarkable moment: the leading architect of the Project for a New American Century, Robert Kagan, admitting that the Iran crisis is a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions – and that America has effectively lost the war.**The Project for a New American Century (PNAC) was the neoconservative think tank that shaped the foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration. Its vision was a unilateral American empire, able to fight and win two major wars simultaneously, with Iran at the top of its enemies list. But now, writing in *The Atlantic* – the house magazine of liberal interventionism – Kagan has declared that the Gulf War is unwinnable, that Iran has seized control of the Straits of Hormuz, and that the post-war American order is finished.What does it mean when the neocons themselves admit defeat? Kagan acknowledges that Iran has turned the straits from a passageway of free navigation into the world's most significant global pinch point. Iran will now decide which regimes can access Gulf shipping and which will be economically starved. America cannot project power into the Gulf; it has presented itself as an unreliable ally. The consequences for Taiwan, Japan, and other US partners are dire: they will not hesitate to break ties if a powerful regional predator comes calling.Kagan's only proposed alternative is a “massive generational land and air war” occupying Iran forever – an impossibility so absurd that it reveals the neocons' delusion. The Saudis, meanwhile, have concluded that the US and Israel are the aggressors, and that the entire attack was designed to drag them into a war with Iran. The eight-decade alliance forged by Franklin Roosevelt is now fraying. America is being expelled from the Gulf.This is the end of Pax Americana. Regional powers will now call the shots. Smaller nations will have to accommodate larger neighbours. And the neocons – after decades of advocating violent empire – have finally admitted that the project for a new American century is dead.**Topics covered:**- The Project for a New American Century (PNAC)- Robert Kagan's *Atlantic* article- Iran's control of the Straits of Hormuz- The end of American naval supremacy- Saudi Arabia's break with Washington- The collapse of Pax Americana- Neocon delusion and the impossibility of occupying Iran---*If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us – we are migrating from Patreon to Substack. Details in the show notes.*Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Friday, May 8th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Three North Korean prisoners to receive human rights award Three Korean missionaries detained for more than a decade in North Korea will receive the Graciela Fernandez Meijide Human Rights Award in August in absentia, reports International Christian Concern. The three men — missionary Choi Chun-gil, age 70, missionary Kim Jong-Uk, age 62, and Pastor Kim Kuk-gi, age 72— were helping North Korean defectors and underground churches in Northeast China before North Korean agents arrested them and took them to jails inside North Korea.  North Korea sentenced the three men to life in a North Korean labor camp. The South Korean government has repeatedly called for the missionaries' release. Analysts estimate that more than 30,000 Christians are currently suffering in these camps where they are overworked, starved, and tortured. Not surprisingly, North Korea denies the existence of such camps. According to Open Doors, North Korea is the most oppressive country worldwide for Christians. Vatican: Homosexual couples are not guilty of sin The new Vatican synod report published May 5th has just dropped a bombshell, reports LifeSiteNews.com. It said, “Sin, at its root, does not consist in the same-sex couple relationship.” Instead, the document suggests sin is merely a lack of faith in God. Homosexual relationships are presented by the Vatican through glowing testimonies. The document takes specific aim at Courage, a Catholic group established for the support of those with homosexual attraction who wish to live chastely and in accord with Catholic Church teaching.  And the report openly questions whether such unions could be considered analogous to marriage.  It asks whether homosexual “relationships” can be thought of as equal “to heterosexual conjugal union,” despite “the evident impossibility of procreation.” This is not a fringe document. It comes from a synodal study group operating with Vatican approval. But Leviticus 18:22 could not be more clear. “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” US launches strikes on two Iranian targets On May 7th,  U.S. Central Command confirmed military action within the Strait of Hormuz, saying American forces intercepted “unprovoked Iranian attacks” and struck back amid claims by Tehran that the Trump administration had violated a fragile ceasefire, reports NewsNation.com. According to Fox News, U.S. officials said Qeshm Port in the Strait of Hormuz and the port city of Bandar Abbas were struck. Plus, Iran's Bandar Kargan naval checkpoint in Minab was also hit. CENTCOM officials said Iran launched missiles, drones, and small boats on three U.S. guided-missile destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz headed to the Gulf of Oman. In response, U.S. forces “eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this. RUBIO:  “As President Trump has said, and the facts clearly bear out, the United States of America holds all the cards. There is no scenario here in which, if they decide to join a ladder of escalation, they wind up getting the last say. “But our preference is for these Straits [of Hormuz] to be opened to the way they're supposed to be open, back to the way it was. Anyone can use it. No mines in the water. Nobody paying tolls. That's what we have to get back to, and that's the goal here.” Mark Hamill of “Star Wars” posted image of dead President Trump Mark Hamill, the actor best known for playing Luke Skywalker in the original “Star Wars” trilogy of the 1970s and '80s, posted an image on May 6th that got the White House's attention, reports The Western Journal. The image, posted to Hamill's account on the social media platform BlueSky, showed President Donald Trump lying in a grave, hands folded, with a headstone that read “Donald J. Trump, 1946-2024.” Hamill wrote, “If only he should live long enough to witness his inevitable devastating loss in the midterms, be held accountable for his unprecedented corruption, impeached, convicted & humiliated for his countless crimes. Long enough to realize he'll be disgraced in the history books, forevermore.” Meanwhile, on the social media platform X, the official White House Rapid Response account, called Hamill “one sick individual.” Then, the White House linked Hamill-style rhetoric to other disturbing events, saying, “These Radical Left lunatics just can't help themselves. This kind of rhetoric is exactly what has inspired three assassination attempts in two years against our President.” Texas Governor pressures waterpark to cancel Muslim-only event A planned celebration of a Muslim-only day at the Epic Waters waterpark in Grand Prairie, Texas has been canceled after backlash over religious discrimination, reports Fox4News. The Epic Waters waterpark had planned to hold a private event throughout the park on June 1st to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice and the second of two main festivals in Islam. It honors the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as an act of obedience to God's command. When The Worldview first reported the story of the Muslim-only, waterpark-wide event, Cathy Blake of Fate, Texas emailed the Epic Waters leadership. She wrote, “I see you are hosting a Muslim celebration and closing the park to non-Muslims, which is religious discrimination. But, since you probably don't see it that way, and are wanting to be inclusive, I'm wondering what day the park will be available for only Jews or only Christians as those two religions are two of the most practiced religions in America, alongside Islam. Please let me know the date so I can plan my summer accordingly.” When Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott heard about the event, he sent a letter to the City of Grand Prairie in which he threatened to pull $530,000 in public safety grants if the city held the event. The letter states that the event was being advertised as "Muslim Only" before changing its advertisements to state only a requirement of a modest dress code would be enforced. Governor Abbott wrote, "The event purports to be public-facing and discriminatory at the same time: All Muslims—but only Muslims—may attend. An event at a city-owned pool that was publicly and indiscriminately advertised as ‘Whites only' would surely violate the Constitution.” On May 6, officials with the City of Grand Prairie wrote, "After further review and in the best interest of the City of Grand Prairie, the June 1st event at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark has been canceled." The organizer, Dr. Aminah Knight, noted that 600 people attended the event last year and she was “deeply disappointed.” American Bible Society celebrates its 210th anniversary And finally, on May 8th, 1816, the American Bible Society organized in New York to distribute the Bible worldwide. In 1816, there was a significant demand for Bibles in the United States following the American Revolutionary War.  The importation of Bibles from England had ceased, leading to a shortage as the nation sought to foster religious revival. Since then, it has distributed hundreds of millions of Bibles in thousands of languages worldwide. The first President of the American Bible Society was Elias Boudinot, who had been President of the Continental Congress from 1782 to 1783. John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, was named the Bible Society president in 1821. And Francis Scott Key, the writer of the United States' national anthem, served as a Vice President from 1817 until his death in 1843. Today, people around the world are longing for the hope and truth found only in Scripture. Consider making a one-time donation today to empower believers with God's Word in their own language. Every $2 you give provides another Bible. The website is www.AmericanBible.org. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, May 8th, in the year of our Lord 2026, my 60th birthday. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

The UAE has just walked out of OPEC after nearly 60 years, and the timing is no accident. This week, we head to Abu Dhabi and Dubai to ask what's really going on. Why now? Why leave the cartel in the middle of a war? What does it mean for the price of petrol in your car, for Trump's midterms, and for the geopolitics of the Gulf? We get into the strange tacit alliance between the UAE and Israel, why Iran's real leverage isn't the Straits of Hormuz but the Emirates themselves, and how Saudi Arabia's old swing-producer power is being quietly dismantled. We also draw a much bigger lesson for small countries everywhere, including Ireland: the multilateral world that small states have hidden inside since the 1940s is breaking down, and the UAE's gamble is a glimpse of the hard choices that lie ahead. Oil, war, money, and the end of an era, all in one episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth says the ceasefire in the Gulf is 'not over' despite attacks in Strait of HormuzAlso in the programme: Son of last and only Lebanese leader to meet an Israeli premier, says current Lebanese President Joseph Aoun should meet with Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the risks; and Chinese Wu Yize becomes second youngest winner of snooker's world championship.(Photo: U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth holds briefing on the Iran war, at the Pentagon in Washington. Credit: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

The goals of the Trump administration's war with Iran have remained undefined since hostilities began on February 28, 2026. It remains unclear if the objective is regime change, ballistic missile control, or the dismantling of the nuclear program. The war is characterized by a lack of harmony between Israeli and U.S. strategic goals, which Germanicusdescribes as an "operational gambit" rather than a coherent strategy. The Iranian government (the Parthians) has issued a 30-day ultimatum demanding the opening of the Straits of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions, reparations for air force damage, and an IDF retreat from Lebanon. The American presidency has transformed into an "Imperial Institution" or "Empire," allowing the president to prosecute wars without significant resistance from Congress, mirroring the authority of Roman emperors. The shift to an all-volunteer force and the federalization of the National Guard have created a military structure that is primarily loyal to the "emperor" (the president). A primary weakness of this "emperor system" is the suppression of dissent within the administration. Like the German general staff during Hitler's "Operation Sea Lion," current advisors offer only "consultative" or "weaselly" dissent rather than challenging the feasibility of the war. 2/31968 VIETNAM WAR PEOTESTERS

SummaryThis episode explores the strategic maritime operations off the Straits of Hormuz, the impact of economic sanctions on Iran, and the future of naval amphibious forces. Experts discuss the nuances of naval blockade effectiveness, the importance of leadership in amphibious ships, and the broader geopolitical implications.Show LinksDVIDS Hub - Defense Visual Information Distribution ServiceSecretary of the Treasury Bessent on Operation Economic FuryWilliam Toti, CAPT, USN (Ret.)USS Indianapolis and Captain McVeigh - Court Martial Records Story of the USS Indianapolis, as told by Quint in the movie JawsVenezuelan oil output changesKarim Sadjadpour's overview of economic impact of embargoSWOs take the amphibs backMidrats, Episode 712: Condition of the Navy's Amphibious Fleet And Its Impacts on Marines: the View from GAONavy's MQ-25A StingrayChapters00:00: Introduction to Maritime Topics01:58: The Blockade in the Straits of Hormuz06:47: Understanding the Impact of Blockades09:56: Economic Pressure on Iran12:57: The Role of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps18:01: Challenges of Regime Change in Iran24:00: Lessons from Iraq and Venezuela31:26: Naval Readiness and Command Changes34:54: Navigating Command Structures in the Navy39:00: The Role of Surface Warfare Officers42:03: Career Pathways in Amphibious Warfare45:47: The Future of Amphibious Forces53:02: Leadership Changes in the Navy1:00:04: Foreign Ship Designs and Naval Strategy

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP contributor Richard Porter discuss Reality TV star Spencer Pratt who is running for Mayor of Los Angeles as an outsider critical of the city's established leadership and his effective campaign on social media which mocks incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, challenger Nithya Raman, Governor Gavin Newsom, and the state's other Democratic establishment figures. The a conversation about Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey for threatening the life of President Donald Trump.  Also, a look ahead at tonight's Met Gala and the controversy over Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, who are lead sponsors of tonight's affair. Then, James Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC, joins the team to talk about “Project Freedom,” President Trump's initiative to restart commercial traffic through the Straits of Hormuz .    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The National Security Hour with LTC Sargis Sangari – Today, the contest runs from the Straits of Hormuz to the Strait of Malacca and into the Kra Isthmus. Deepwater harbors and pipelines were built as insurance. When those investments become stranded, it is a strategic blow to those who counted on them. At the same time, the new frontier is data. AI and massive server farms will ride fiber that follows...

5. Headline: Japan's Energy Fragility Amid the Straits of Hormuz Crisis Guest: Lance Gatling Summary: Japanfaces extreme pressure as 95% of its energy is imported, mostly through the volatile Straits of Hormuz. Prime Minister Takichi Sai is navigating this crisis by releasing strategic reserves and managing inflation, while the Bank of Japanmaintains an independent course on interest rates. 51880 WIEN

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-30-261880 WIEN STOCK EXCHANGE1. Headline: Peru's Electoral Uncertainty and the Simmering Falklands Dispute Guest: Professor Evan EllisSummary: Professor Ellis discusses Peru's presidential election, where leftist Roberto Sanchez has unexpectedly surged into a runoff against Keiko Fujimori. The conversation also covers a leaked Pentagon memo that has reignited the Falklands/Malvinas dispute, suggesting a potential shift in US policy toward supporting Argentine claims. 12. Headline: China's Economic Coercion and the Struggle for Panama's Ports Guest: Professor Evan EllisSummary: China is applying significant economic pressure on Panama after a Chinese shipping giant was removed from port operations. The US and regional allies have issued a joint statement opposing this coercion, highlighting the broader geopolitical struggle over control of the Panama Canal and international shipping lanes. 23. Headline: Mexican Cartel Indictments and the Irony of Venezuelan Authoritarianism Guest: Professor Evan Ellis Summary: The US has taken the unprecedented step of indicting a sitting Mexican governor for cartel ties, complicating relations during USMCA negotiations. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, the US has helped remove Maduro but continues to engage with the remaining dictatorship for oil, leaving the democratic opposition marginalized. 34. Headline: Colombia's Pivotal Election: A Choice Between Far-Left and Conservative Paths Guest: Professor Evan Ellis Summary: Colombia faces a critical election with far-left candidate Ivan Cepeda leading in early polls. Professor Ellis analyzes the contest between Cepeda and conservative candidates, noting that the outcome will determine Colombia's future regarding the rule of law and its strategic relationship with the United States. 45. Headline: Japan's Energy Fragility Amid the Straits of Hormuz Crisis Guest: Lance Gatling Summary: Japanfaces extreme pressure as 95% of its energy is imported, mostly through the volatile Straits of Hormuz. Prime Minister Takichi Sai is navigating this crisis by releasing strategic reserves and managing inflation, while the Bank of Japanmaintains an independent course on interest rates. 56. Headline: Japan's Strategic Awakening and Regional Threats from China and Russia Guest: Lance GatlingSummary: The war in Ukraine has fundamentally altered Japanese strategic thinking, particularly regarding its northern borders with Russia. Japan is adopting a more hawkish stance toward China's ambitions in Taiwan while facing the logistical challenge of shifting its energy dependency from Middle Eastern crude to American alternatives. 67. Headline: The "K-Shaped" American Economy: War, AI, and Inflationary Pressures Guests: Alan Tonelson and Jim McTague Summary: Experts describe a robust but uneven American economy where defense spending and an AIinvestment bubble are stimulating manufacturing. While wealthy sectors thrive, high inflation and energy costs create a "K-shaped" recovery, raising concerns about social cohesion and the long-term sustainability of current growth. 78. Headline: The AI Revolution: Job Displacement Fears and Massive Energy Needs Guests: Alan Tonelson and Jim McTague Summary: The AI boom is driving massive investment in data centers, boosting industries like steel and cooling equipment. While some compare this to the early industrial revolution, a major constraint is the "incomprehensible" amount of energy required to power these systems, potentially putting the US at a disadvantage. 89. Headline: Justice Samuel Alito: A "Practical Originalist" Reshaping the Court Guest: John Malcolm Summary:John Malcolm reviews a biography of Justice Samuel Alito, tracing his journey from a modest background to the Supreme Court. Alito is described as a "practical originalist" who has significantly influenced the court's direction on religious liberty and constitutional interpretation through his thorough and powerful writing. 910. Headline: The Dobbs Decision Leak: Security Risks and Internal Court Tensions Guest: John MalcolmSummary: The leak of the draft Dobbs opinion created an unprecedented security crisis, leading to an assassination attempt against a justice. Sources reveal dramatic internal scenes, including Justice Breyer's urgent plea to release the decision quickly to mitigate the bullseye placed on the conservative majority. 1011. Headline: The Iran Conflict: Strategic Impasse and the Need for Allies Guest: Colonel Jeff McCauslandSummary: The US and Iran are at a total impasse, with the potential closure of the Straits of Hormuz threatening the world economy. Colonel McCausland argues that the Trump administration's "America First" approach has alienated allies whose minesweeping capabilities are essential for reopening the strategic waterway. 1112. Headline: Ukraine's Drone Mastery: Redefining Modern Warfare Against Russia Guest: Colonel Jeff McCausland Summary: Ukraine has become a global leader in drone technology, using innovative systems to neutralize Russian forces and equipment. This technological edge has forced Russia to scale back its Victory Dayparade, signaling a fundamental shift in how modern wars are fought at long distances. 1213. Headline: The Ironclad Bridge: China's Strategic Military Foothold in Serbia Guest: Ivana StradnerSummary: Serbia and China have strengthened their "ironclad friendship" through a free trade agreement and military cooperation. President Vučić is integrating Chinese-made missiles and drones into Serbia's defense, creating a security threat for NATO and providing Beijing with a critical outpost in the Western Balkans. 1314. Headline: Dismantling Free Trade: The Trump Administration's Attack on USMCA Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady Summary: The Trump administration is seeking to renegotiate or dismantle the USMCA, preferring protectionist tariffs over a "fortress North America" approach. Mary Anastasia O'Grady warns that these policies will increase consumer prices and damage the global competitiveness of American companies by disrupting integrated regional supply chains. 1415. Headline: Betting on War: Corruption and Insider Trading in Prediction Markets Guest: Josh RoginSummary: Massive bets on prediction markets like Polymarket have occurred minutes before major US military announcements, suggesting widespread insider trading. Josh Rogin highlights potential corruption within the Trumpadministration, noting that investigators have been sidelined while the president's inner circle maintains ties to these platforms. 1516. Headline: The Marriage Penalty: How Welfare Policies Undermine Stable Families Guest: Veronique de RugySummary: Current US government policies create a "marriage penalty" that discourages low-income couples from marrying to avoid losing welfare benefits. Veronique de Rugy argues that these incentives contribute to a decline in intact marriages, which has significant negative long-term effects on children's education and achievement. 16

STREAMING MAKING OF THE JBS, FEATURING ALAN TONELSON , JIM MCTAGUE, LANCE GATLING, 4-30-261880 WIEN STADTTHEATERThese sources consist of transcript excerpts from The John Batchelor Show, featuring a roundtable discussion on the global economic and geopolitical landscape in early 2026. The participants analyze three primary stressors: the instability in the Middle East affecting energy prices, unresolved trade tensions between the U.S. and China, and the transformative yet unpredictable business of artificial intelligence. Expert guests offer local and international perspectives, noting that while the American economy shows surprising resilience and solid employment, it remains vulnerable to inflationary spikes driven by war and high energy costs. The dialogue further explores the military-industrial boost provided by defense spending and the specific energy challenges facing Japan, which relies heavily on imports through the Straits of Hormuz. Ultimately, the speakers weigh the optimism of technological innovation against the harsh realities of global conflict and shifting diplomatic alliances.

11. Headline: The Iran Conflict: Strategic Impasse and the Need for Allies Guest: Colonel Jeff McCauslandSummary: The US and Iran are at a total impasse, with the potential closure of the Straits of Hormuz threatening the world economy. Colonel McCausland argues that the Trump administration's "America First" approach has alienated allies whose minesweeping capabilities are essential for reopening the strategic waterway. 111880 WIEN

The Strait of Hormuz isn't just about Iran. It's a stress test for American will, allied confidence, and the deterrence architecture holding the Indo-Pacific together.FDD's RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, fresh from a trip to Taiwan, and Craig Singleton, FDD China Program Senior Director, join Cliff May to connect the dots — from the naval blockade's economic pressure to the lessons Beijing and Taipei are both drawing, in real time, from the Iran war.

SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-28-26.1900 BOSPHORUS1. HEADLINE: Kevin Warsh's Nomination to the Federal Reserve GUEST: Elizabeth Peek SUMMARY: Elizabeth Peek discusses Kevin Warsh's nomination as Federal Reserve Chair, characterizing him as an inflation hawk who intends to revamp the Fed's communication and narrow its mandate. Warsh aims to shrink the $7 trillion balance sheet and divorce the institution from political influence to ensure long-term monetary stability.2. HEADLINE: New York City's E-bike Enforcement Controversy GUEST: Elizabeth Peek SUMMARY: Elizabeth Peek criticizes NYC's decision to replace criminal summonses with civil penalties for e-bike violations. She argues this "virtue signaling" protects undocumented immigrants from deportation at the expense of pedestrian safety. Unregistered, fast-moving bikes frequently ignore traffic rules, and civil penalties are difficult to enforce against those without fixed abodes.3. HEADLINE: The UAE's Strategic Exit from the OPEC Cartel GUEST: Jonathan Schanzer SUMMARY:Jonathan Schanzer explains that the UAE is leaving OPEC to increase oil production, signaling a major rift with Saudi Arabia. This move aims to aid global prices and support Donald Trump's economic agenda. Meanwhile, Iran attempts to link the Straits of Hormuz crisis with Israeli-Lebanese ceasefire negotiations to complicate diplomacy.4. HEADLINE: International Scandals and Israel-Ukraine Tensions GUEST: Jonathan Schanzer SUMMARY:Reports suggest Qatar influenced ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to target Israeli leaders while helping suppress misconduct allegations against him. Simultaneously, Ukraine accuses Israel of purchasing stolen grain from occupied territories. Internally, Israeli politics are shifting as Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett unite to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership.5. HEADLINE: The Global Impact of the Iranian Energy Conflict GUEST: Mary Kissel SUMMARY: Mary Kisselhighlights a fertilizer crisis caused by the war in Iran, which threatens global food security, particularly in Africa. She views the UAE's OPEC exit as part of a fundamental regional reshaping. Kissel asserts that the U.S. must maintain the political will to secure waterways and address Iran's nuclear program.6. HEADLINE: Navigating the Rodriguez Transition in Venezuela GUEST: Mary Kissel SUMMARY: Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's provisional president, is traveling to project stability and attract energy investment. While she aims to present herself as a cooperative figurehead, her future depends on U.S. demands for democracy. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado continues to draw massive support and plans to return to Venezuela by year's end.7. HEADLINE: German Economic Stagnation and Strategic Critiques GUEST: Judy Dempsey SUMMARY:Friedrich Merz describes Germany as "humiliated" by Iran due to a lack of clear U.S. strategy. Germany faces its fourth year of stagnant growth and a severe demographic crunch with record-low births. While Merz remains an Atlanticist, he critiques the Trump administration's transactional approach and lack of a strategic exit plan.8. HEADLINE: The Decline of Viktor Orbán and Hungary's Pivot GUEST: Judy Dempsey SUMMARY:Hungary's business elite are moving away from Viktor Orbán as Peter Magyar gains popularity by campaigning against systemic corruption. Magyar focuses on delivering tangible public services like healthcare and infrastructure. Orbán's defeat represents a significant blow to Europe's far-right, including Germany's AfD party.9. HEADLINE: Keir Starmer's Leadership Amidst the Mandelson Scandal GUEST: Joseph SternbergSUMMARY: Joseph Sternberg examines UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's instability following the Mandelsonaffair, a bureaucratic scandal involving improper diplomatic nominations. Despite being under pressure, Starmer likely remains in office because the Labor Party lacks a plausible replacement. The scandal's complexity makes it difficult for ordinary voters to comprehend fully.10. HEADLINE: Kevin Warsh's Vision for a Smaller Federal Reserve GUEST: Joseph Sternberg SUMMARY:Joseph Sternberg describes Kevin Warsh as a policymaker who believes the Fed should "stick to its knitting" by focusing strictly on price stability. Warsh intends to shrink the Fed's balance sheet to reduce its political intrusiveness and scale back "forward guidance". This approach aims to defend the central bank's long-term independence.11. HEADLINE: Historical Precedents for Modern Maritime Chokepoints GUEST: Ziyuan (Emily) WangSUMMARY: Emily Wang explains how the 1936 Montreux Convention established Turkey as a durable gatekeeper for the Turkish Straits, offering lessons for modern conflicts. The treaty balanced the shared tacit interests of opposing powers like Britain and Russia. Its success highlights the importance of legally binding frameworks in managing strategic waterways.12. HEADLINE: Managing Risks in Global Maritime Chokepoints GUEST: Ziyuan (Emily) Wang SUMMARY:Emily Wang analyzes the current threats in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, noting that risk perception and insurance markets are as vital as physical security. She argues that long-term stability requires quantifying tacit interests and maintaining a strong navy to ensure credible gunboat diplomacy against revisionist powers.13. HEADLINE: Pakistan's Emerging Role as a Neutral Diplomatic Site GUEST: Sadanand Dhume SUMMARY:Sadanand Dhume discusses Pakistan's surprising role as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran, facilitated by its unique geography and ties to China. Field Marshal Asim Munir leads this effort. A successful resolution could weaken the pernicious ideology of Islamism, reverberating positively throughout the broader Muslim world.14. HEADLINE: Ideological Barriers in Pakistan's Foreign Policy GUEST: Sadanand Dhume SUMMARY:Sadanand Dhume explores Pakistan's deep-rooted hostility toward Israel, which persists despite regional shifts toward normalization. While India views Pakistan's mediation role with envy, Pakistan's military leadership, under Field Marshal Munir, maintains power behind a civilian facade to insulate itself from economic discontent and governance pressures.15. HEADLINE: Al-Qaeda's Massive Military Offensive in Mali GUEST: Caleb Weiss and Bill RoggioSUMMARY: Caleb Weiss and Bill Roggio report on an unprecedented offensive by JNIM, al-Qaeda's West Africanbranch, which has blockaded Mali's capital and seized key military bases. The Malian state and Russian forces are in retreat, leaving behind significant equipment. This operation signals a major failure in intelligence and coordination.16. HEADLINE: The Blueprint for Al-Qaeda's Transnational Expansion GUEST: Caleb Weiss and Bill RoggioSUMMARY: This offensive serves as a blueprint for al-Qaeda to target other Sahalian states like Burkina Faso and Niger. Alarmingly, Ukrainian-supplied drones used by Tuareg rebels have inadvertently aided al-Qaeda's efforts. Bill Roggio emphasizes that al-Qaeda and the Islamic State continue to fight for global dominance across multiple continents.

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING THADDEUS MCCOTTER, 4-28-2026.(ABRIDGED BY TECH ERRORS.)1930 BOSPHORUSThe current administration faces a dire economic landscape dominated by surging gasoline prices at $4.11 per gallon and oil hitting $111 a barrel. These pressures are exacerbated by escalating threats to global maritime choke points, specifically the Straits of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb, disrupting energy supplies to Asia and Europe while stalling growth in nations like Germany. Pocketbook issues further complicate the political environment, as the rising cost of beef, eggs, and staple goods create a "textbook" list of troubles for the incumbent party. Young people are increasingly forced to rent because high interest rates make purchasing a home prohibitively expensive.Despite holding the majority, Republicans are in a precarious position because immediate remedies, such as resolving the Iranian conflict, remain outside of congressional control. If voters do not feel the palpable benefit of Republicanpolicies, they will turn to the Democratic Party as a practical alternative in November. Democrats may win by positioning themselves as an effective check, mimicking Rahm Emanuel's 2006 strategy of simply not being Republicans. This strategy allows them to gain power without a detailed agenda by focusing instead on stopping the current administration's trajectory. While seeking tariff relief through negotiations with China, much of the inflation is already baked in and unlikely to drop immediately. Because this administration is transactional and far less predictable than traditional regimes, the Republican majority's path forward remains uncertain as the "hour is getting late".

12. HEADLINE: Managing Risks in Global Maritime Chokepoints GUEST: Ziyi (Emily) Wang SUMMARY:Emily Wang analyzes the current threats in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, noting that risk perception and insurance markets are as vital as physical security. She argues that long-term stability requires quantifying tacit interests and maintaining a strong navy to ensure credible gunboat diplomacy against revisionist powers.1916

11. HEADLINE: Historical Precedents for Modern Maritime Chokepoints GUEST: Ziyi (Emily) WangSUMMARY: Emily Wang explains how the 1936 Montreux Convention established Turkey as a durable gatekeeper for the Turkish Straits, offering lessons for modern conflicts. The treaty balanced the shared tacit interests of opposing powers like Britain and Russia. Its success highlights the importance of legally binding frameworks in managing strategic waterways.1912

3. HEADLINE: The UAE's Strategic Exit from the OPEC Cartel GUEST: Jonathan Schanzer SUMMARY:Jonathan Schanzer explains that the UAE is leaving OPEC to increase oil production, signaling a major rift with Saudi Arabia. This move aims to aid global prices and support Donald Trump's economic agenda. Meanwhile, Iran attempts to link the Straits of Hormuz crisis with Israeli-Lebanese ceasefire negotiations to complicate diplomacy.1895

Watch this episode on YouTube!! Yes, it's happening!Please susbcribe to our brand new channel.Are the Straits of Hormuz open or closed? Is "free shipping" actually real? How do you clear underwater mines? Do ships draw crude drawings on tracking maps? And why are Christmas sweaters designed in April?All that and more in our conversation with maritime historian, professor, and popular podcast host Dr. Sal Mercogliano, host of the hit show ‪“What's Going on With Shipping”. If you think his channel his niche, he only has 700,000 youtube subscribers. Also:* An Italian from Long Island? Practically a Jew.* Breaking: Sal doesn't like fish.* What are merchant mariners?* Every day is Monday on a ship.* Getting seasick is a thing.* What's up with the Southern Ocean.* The Titanic (movie) didn't have to end that way.* You realize your internet is connected with cables under the ocean, right?* Beware of blockade crypto scams.* Why blocking the strait of Hormuz is like blocking an artery* If Iran can't export oil, they're going to lose their wells.* Yes, Sal get's recognized on cruise ships.* You don't need mines to scare everyone about mines.And more…. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

SHOW SCHEDULE  THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-27-26.1993 YEMEN1. Headline: The Iran War on Pause: Diplomacy and Asymmetric Strategy Guest: Bill Roggio Summary: John Batchelor and Bill Roggio discuss the current pause in the Iran war, characterized by President Trump's decision to halt negotiations. While Iran's conventional military has suffered significant damage, concerns remain regarding its asymmetric warfare capabilities and its strategy to outlast the United States through "asymmetric diplomacy". 12. Headline: Saturday Night Assassination Attempt and the Danger of Misinformation Guest: Bill RoggioSummary: Batchelor and Roggio reflect on an assassination attempt by an American citizen at a Washington ballroom. They warn against the rapid spread of conspiracy theories following violent events, noting how misinformation has become mainstream. They emphasize that political violence is unacceptable and requires careful, factual reporting. 23. Headline: Escalating Negotiations: The Straits of Hormuz and Nuclear Files Guest: Jonathan Sayeh Summary:The discussion centers on the fragmented leadership in Tehran and whether negotiations will cover all fronts or remain separate. Iran is increasingly emboldened, using its control over the Straits of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb as powerful leverage against the United States and global economy. 34. Headline: Life Under Siege: Economic Pressure and Regime Stability in Iran Guest: Jonathan Sayeh Summary:Jonathan Sayeh describes the dire conditions inside Iran, where a U.S. Navy blockade is freezing the economy and threatening food security. Despite significant infrastructure damage, the regime's political leadership remains intact, focusing on reorganizing security forces and increasing internal repression to maintain control over the population. 45. Headline: The Houthi Wildcard: Maritime Chokepoints and Strategic Leverage Guest: Bridget ToomeySummary: Bridget Toomey explains how the Houthis use the Bab el-Mandeb as a maritime chokehold to influence the international economy. Reports suggest the Houthis have explored charging illegal tolls of up to $2 million per ship for transit through the Red Sea using cryptocurrency. 56. Headline: Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen and Iraqi Militia Aggression Guest: Bridget Toomey Summary: The UN has largely been pushed out of Houthi-controlled territory due to the illegal detention of 73 local staff members. Meanwhile, in Iraq, the U.S. has designated several militia commanders involved in attacks against energy infrastructure and American personnel in the region. 67. Headline: Canadian Diplomacy: The Tug-of-War Between the U.S. and China Guest: Charles Burton Summary:Experts discuss the potential for long-term concessions to China in exchange for short-term trade benefits during an upcoming Trump-Xi meeting. Canada faces internal pressure to diversify trade toward China, despite concerns about espionage and foreign interference in its political and economic sectors. 78. Headline: Typhoon Recovery and Systemic Corruption in the Northern Marianas Guest: Cleo Paskal Summary:A super typhoon has devastated the Northern Mariana Islands, leaving residents without water or electricity. However, there are significant concerns that federal relief funds will be misused due to a history of unaccounted-for billions and local officials with ties to Chinese casinos. 89. Headline: The Fragile Ceasefire: IDF Operations and Hezbollah's Defiance Guest: David Daoud Summary:Despite a ceasefire agreement, the IDF has resumed strikes in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley following continued Hezbollahfire. Hezbollah is reportedly exploiting U.S.-imposed constraints on Israel to claim a "victory image," while the Lebanese government remains ineffective in disarming the terror group. 910. Headline: Political Pressure in Israel: Security Zones and Self-Defense Guest: David Daoud Summary: David Daoud explains that the Lebanon ceasefire allows Israel to exercise self-defense against imminent Hezbollah attacks. Within Israel, there is significant political pressure from northern residents who feel abandoned by the ceasefire, arguing that it allows Hezbollah to regroup and metastasize across the border. 1011. Headline: Stalled Diplomacy and the Strategic Value of International Waterways Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown Summary: President Trump canceled high-level meetings in Islamabad, citing fragmented Iranian leadership. Iran has offered to reopen the Straits of Hormuz in exchange for nuclear concessions, but experts argue this would be an American retreat and suggest maintaining the economic blockade instead. 1112. Headline: Coordinated Threats: The Houthis, Iran, and Global Hunger Guest: Edmund Fitton-BrownSummary: The Houthis and Iran appear to use coordinated messaging to threaten strategic waterways, spooking global oil markets. Furthermore, the ongoing blockade risks creating a global famine due to fertilizer shortages, though the U.S.remains firm against Iranian "blackmail" using humanitarian crises. 1213. Headline: Russia's Drone Expansion: Recruitment Loopholes and Remote Warfare Guest: John HardieSummary: Russia is aggressively expanding its Unmanned Systems Forces, targeting 165,000 personnel by year's end. A recruitment drive at Alabuga Polytech offers high pay and conscription exemptions to workers producing Iranian-designed Geran-2 drones, promising service in the rear to minimize personal risk. 1314. Headline: Syria's Reconstruction: The State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Guest: Ahmad SharawiSummary: President Al-Shara is seeking over $200 billion for reconstruction, but Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) prevents significant investment. The U.S. maintains the SST status as leverage to demand the removal of foreign jihadists integrated into the Syrian army. 1415. Headline: Regional Disputes and Political Sabotage in Latin America Guests: Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Pinusa Summary: Argentina is calling for renewed negotiations over the Falkland Islands, a matter that remains a sensitive national symbol. Meanwhile, the Maduro regime in Venezuela is accused of sabotaging the political transition by refusing to release political prisoners or permit the return of exiled leaders. 1516. Headline: Electoral Turmoil: Allegations of Fraud in Peru and Brazil Guests: Alejandro Pinusa and Ernesto Araujo Summary: Allegations of electoral fraud in Peru have surfaced after voting centers in right-wing strongholds remained closed. Analysts warn this is a rehearsal for the upcoming Brazilian elections, where Flavio Bolsonaro is gaining ground against Lula da Silva despite efforts to censor information. 16

11. Headline: Stalled Diplomacy and the Strategic Value of International Waterways Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown Summary: President Trump canceled high-level meetings in Islamabad, citing fragmented Iranian leadership. Iran has offered to reopen the Straits of Hormuz in exchange for nuclear concessions, but experts argue this would be an American retreat and suggest maintaining the economic blockade instead. 111962 YEMEN

3. Headline: Escalating Negotiations: The Straits of Hormuz and Nuclear Files Guest: Jonathan Sayeh Summary:The discussion centers on the fragmented leadership in Tehran and whether negotiations will cover all fronts or remain separate. Iran is increasingly emboldened, using its control over the Straits of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb as powerful leverage against the United States and global economy. 31902 YEMEN

The dialogue continues with a focus on how the modern emperor utilizes diplomatic deadlines to navigate complex geopolitical crises. Three critical "clocks" are identified: mid-May trade negotiations with Emperor Xi Jinping in Beijing, a 60-day Congressional window regarding war powers, and the upcoming November federal elections. Germanicus suggests that the President's transactional nature and focus on political legacy may drive him to find an "exit" from the Iranian conflict to prioritize domestic economic stability. They propose a "Vietnam-style" resolution, referencing how the Paris Peace Accords allowed a protracted war to move off the front page, eventually causing the public to lose interest. This strategy would involve dismissing ideological advisors in favor of a professional negotiating team to establish a long-term ceasefire and a rigorous inspection regime for uranium enrichment. Such a scenario envisions lifting sanctions and potentially involving international powers to help rebuild Iran, which would satisfy China's desire for market stability. While rising oil prices threaten the upcoming election cycle, the speakers suggest the emperor might use "momentary jubilation" in the markets to mask a tactical retreat. By delegating security in the Straits of Hormuz to European allies, the emperor could claim an "impactful" victory while avoiding a costly, existential war. 21967 HUEY

In this episode, we recap this week's pop culture news. Join us as we unpack the desert chaos of Coachella and the latest updates on Taylor and Travis' wedding watch. Plus, we're checking in on The Masters, and comparing what really matters: the food.Relevant links: Our full show notes are at knoxandjamie.com/655Get the brand new, Popcast Moms, Dads & Grads Guide at knoxandjamie.com/SpringGiftGuide for FREE!Coachella: Katy Perry & Justin Trudeau | Watch It | Beyonce's Homecoming | Alix Earle vs Alex CooperT&T Wedding Details: Wedding date revealed (via NY post)The Masters: The music | The menusRed Light Mentions: NASA | The Pope being weak on crime | Fandoms that cannot chill | Straits being closed | Tobey Maguire & Mishka Silva | Beach Read movie casting | Sunrise on the Reaping TrailerUnofficial Green Light: The Astronauts Lived! (see also: Victor coming home | Christina's Dog)Green Lights:Jamie: show - Big Mistakes (netflix)Knox: book - I See You've Called In Dead by John KenneyBonus segment: Join us on Patreon to listen ad-free and get exclusive weekly and monthly content. Episode sponsors: HelloFresh | Blue Lizard | Pura | Storyworth | Merit | Bombas (code: POPCAST) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-13-2026.1979 WOMEN PROEST IN TEHRAN The Brewing Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Bill Roggio discusses the potential US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following failed talks in Islamabad. US demands include opening the strait, ending nuclear programs, and stopping proxy attacks against Middle Eastern neighbors.2. The Resilience of Iranian Surrogates. Bill Roggio analyzes the continued strength of Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis. Despite military pressure, these groups remain active, with the Houthis potentially held in reserve to threaten critical global shipping lanes.3. The Internal Struggle of the Iranian People. JANATYN SAYEH discusses the regime's brutal internal crackdown, noting over a thousand executions in 2026. The Iranian people feel abandoned by the current ceasefire, fearing the regime will survive without significant systemic change.4. Identifying Iran's Hardline Five-Man Leadership. Jonathan Schanzer outlines Iran's core leadership, including Ghalibaf and Vahidi, who possess deep ties to internal repression and international terror. These veterans represent an institutional commitment to the revolution, making significant concessions unlikely.5. Holocaust Remembrance and the Iranian Ideology. Malcolm Hoenlein reflects on Yom HaShoah and rising global anti-Semitism. He discusses how Iran's radical ideology drives its leaders to claim victory despite heavy military losses, refusing to compromise on their nuclear and proxy ambitions.6. Regional Realignments and the Houthi Threat. Malcolm Hoenlein warns the Gulf States face extreme vulnerability as Iran threatens their infrastructure. The Houthis remain a strategic reserve capable of closing the Bab al-Mandeb, while Europe continues to marginalize itself by staying on the sidelines.7. Operation Roaring Lion and Strikes on Beirut. David Daoud details the IDF's Operation Eternal Darkness, which targeted 100 Hezbollah sites in under ten minutes. The strikes hit densely populated areas of Beirut, causing massive displacement and raising questions about tactical objectives.8. Hezbollah's Inseparable Link to the Iranian Regime. David Daoud explains that Hezbollah is an essential extension of Iran's regional power, not a disposable proxy. Iran will likely fight to preserve the group, as Hezbollah's survival is critical to its revolutionary goals.9. Peru's Shift to the Right. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports on Peru's election, where right-wing candidates Kiko Fujimori and Rafael Lopez Aliaga are leading. This trend suggests a continental shift away from the pink tide and toward pro-Western governments.10. Political Stagnation and Repression in Venezuela. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports that the Rodriguez brothers maintain control in Venezuela by focusing on economic compliance while delaying political transitions. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado faces threats of imprisonment, hindering hopes for free elections and a democratic transition.11. Escalation and Extortion in the Straits. Edmund Fitton-Brown discusses the US Navy's mission to counter Iranian extortion and clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's big-stick strategy aims for a deal but risks a resumption of war.12. Viktor Orbán's Defeat and the European Center. Edmund Fitton-Brown analyzes the ousting of Hungary's Viktor Orbán by Peter Magyar as a victory for traditional democracy. This shift removes a major obstacle to EU aid for Ukraine and disrupts Vladimir Putin's influence.13. Ukraine's Easter Standoff and Prisoner Exchanges. John Hardy reports on Russian ceasefire violations during Orthodox Easter and significant prisoner exchanges. The removal of Viktor Orbán in Hungary is expected to unblock vital EU financial loans for the Ukrainian government.14. Iraqi Militias as Iran's Strategic Reserve. Ahmed Sharari discusses how Iraqi militias are fundraising to support Iran and Hezbollah. These groups serve as a strategic reserve for the Iranian regime, demonstrating their readiness to sacrifice resources for the revolution.15. Canada's Pivot Toward China. Conrad Black analyzes Prime Minister Mark Carney's efforts to strengthen trade with China amidst shifting relations with the US. While resource-rich Canada seeks new markets, political mistrust of China's undemocratic regime remains high.16. The Russian Mob and Political Kompromat. Craig Unger explores Viktor Orbán's long-standing ties to the Russian mafia and the FSB. He argues that both Orbán and Donald Trump have functioned as assets for Russian intelligence due to financial entanglements.

 11. Escalation and Extortion in the Straits. Edmund Fitton-Brown discusses the US Navy's mission to counter Iranian extortion and clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's big-stick strategy aims for a deal but risks a resumption of war.1701 ARABIA