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Since Israel launched Operation Rising Lion—a precise and defensive military campaign aimed at preventing the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons—Iran has responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, indiscriminately targeting Israeli civilians. Dr. Matthew Levitt, director of the Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and a leading expert on Iran's global terror network, explains what's at stake—and what could come next. Take Action: We must stop a regime that vows to murder millions of Israelis from gaining the weapons to do it. Urge your elected leaders to assure that Israel has all the necessary support to end Iran's nuclear threat. Resources and Analysis: Iranian Regime vs. Israel War Explained: What You Should Know AJC Advocacy Anywhere: Israel and Iran: Latest Updates, Global Responses, and the Path Ahead 5 Key Reasons Behind Israel's Defensive Strike on Iran's Imminent Nuclear Threat Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: Untold stories of Jews who left or were driven from Arab nations and Iran People of the Pod: Latest Episodes: Why Israel Had No Choice: Inside the Defensive Strike That Shook Iran's Nuclear Program What Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks' State of the Jewish World Teaches Us Today Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Israel's shadow war with the Iranian regime, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, erupted into open conflict last week following a stunning report from the International Atomic Energy Agency that confirmed Iran was much closer to obtaining nuclear weapons than previously known. Since Israel launched a wave of attacks on nuclear sites and facilities, Iran has fired missiles toward Israel's most populated cities. Joining us to discuss what this all means is one of the foremost experts on Iran and its global threats, and a regular guest when trouble arises with Iran. Dr. Matthew Levitt, director of the Reinhard Counterterrorism Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.  Matt, welcome back to People of the Pod. Matthew Levitt:   It's a pleasure to be back, but I need to come sometime when the world's okay.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   That would be nice. That'd be nice. But what will we talk about? Matthew Levitt:   Yeah, just call me one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well, you are one of the foremost experts on the dangers posed by Iran, especially its terror proxies. And you've written the definitive book on Hezbollah, titled Hezbollah: the Global Footprint of Lebanon's Party of God. And I say that whole title, I want to get in there, because we are talking about global threats here.  Can you explain the scale of Iran's global threat and the critical role that its terror proxies, like Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, play in advancing that strategy? Matthew Levitt:   So I really appreciate the question, because it's really important to remind listeners that the Israel Iran war did not start Thursday night US time, Friday morning, Israel time. In fact, it's just the latest salvo where the Israelis, after years and years and years of Iranian we call it malign activity, but that's too soft a term. We're talking about Iran sending weapons and funds to proxies like Hamas to carry out October 7, like Hezbollah to fire rockets at Israel almost daily for almost a year. Like the Houthis, who were much more than a thorn in the Saudi backside until the Iranians came and gave them more sophisticated capabilities.  We're talking about an Iran that a few years ago decided that instead of making sure that every gun that it sent to the West Bank had to go to Hamas or Islamic Jihad. They decided to just flood the West Bank with guns. Who cares who's shooting at the Israelis so long as somebody is. And an Iran that not only carries out human rights abuses of all kinds at home, but that threatens Israel and its neighbors with drones, low altitude cruise missiles, short range ballistic missiles, and medium and long range ballistic missiles.  And so the totality of this, much like the totality of Hezbollah's striking Israel for almost a year, ultimately led Israel to do what most people thought couldn't be done, and just tear Hezbollah apart, that the Israel war on Hezbollah is the prequel to what we've been seeing over the past few days in Iran. Similarly, for the Israelis, it got to be too much. It wasn't even really that President Trump's 60 days expired and Israel attacked on day 61. It wasn't only that the IAEA came out with a report saying that the Iranians have refused to explain certain activities that can only be explained as nuclear weaponization activities.  It was that the Israelis had information that two things were happening. One, that Iran was working very, very hard to rebuild its capability to manufacture medium, long range ballistic missiles that can hit Israel. After the Israeli reprisal attack last October took out a key component of that program, the mixers that are important for the solid propellant, without which you can't make ballistic missiles. And Iran is believed to have, at least the beginning of this recent round of the conflict –Thursday, Friday–about 2000 such missiles. Far fewer now, the Israelis say they've taken out about a third of them, plus launchers, plus radars, et cetera. But that Iran had a plan within just a few years to develop as many as 8000 of these. And that simply was not tolerable for the Israelis.  And the second is that the Israelis say that they compiled evidence that Iran had a secret, secret nuclear weapons program that had been going on predating October 7, but was fast tracked after October 7, that they were planning to maintain this program, even as they were negotiating over the more overt program with the Trump administration. President Trump has even taken issue with his own Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who testified in March that the US intelligence committee does not assess that Iran is weaponizing. And President says, I don't care what she says, I think they were very close to weaponizing.  The Israelis say they have shared this information at least recently with their US counterparts and that was not tolerable. So the primary goals that Israel has set out for itself with this campaign is beyond the critically important shattering the glass ceiling. Think where people in particular, in Iran thought this would never happen, was two things, one, addressing and significantly degrading and setting back the Iranian ballistic missile production program, and second, doing the same to the nuclear program. They've already carried out strikes at Isfahan, Natanz, even at the upper parts of Fordow. And there is an expectation that the Israelis are going to do something more. The Israeli national security advisor said on Israeli television today, We are not going to stop without addressing the nuclear activities at Fordow. Manya Brachear Pashman:   You know, you called it a prequel, Israel's operations against Hezbollah last year. Did you know that it was a prequel at the time and to what extent did it weaken Iran and leave it more vulnerable in this particular war? Matthew Levitt:   I'm going to be the last person in Washington, D.C. who tells you when he doesn't know. And anybody who tells you they did know is lying to you. None of us saw what Israel did to Hezbollah coming. None of us saw that and said, Oh, they did it to a non-state actor right across their border. So they'll definitely be able to do it to Iran, 1000+ kilometers away, big nation state with massive arsenals and a nuclear program and lots of proxies. One plus one does not equal three in this.  In other words, the fact that Israel developed mind boggling capabilities and incredible intelligence, dominance and then special tools, pagers and walkie talkies, in the case of Hezbollah, did not mean that they were going to be able to do the same vis a vis Iran. And they did. The same type of intelligence dominance, the same type of intelligence, knowing where somebody was at a certain time, that the protocols would be that certain leaders would get in a certain secret bunker once hostilities started, and they'd be able to take them out in that bunker. As they did to a bunch of senior Hezbollah commanders just months ago. Drone operations from within Iran, Iran being hit with missiles that were fired at Iran from within Iran, all of it. One case did not necessarily translate into the other. It is exponentially impressive. And Israel's enemies have to be saying, you know, that the Israelis are just all capable. Now you're absolutely right. You hit the nail on the head on one critical issue. For a very long time, Israel was at least somewhat deterred, I would say very deterred, from targeting Iran. Because Iran had made very, very clear if Israel or the United States or anybody else targeted Iran or its nuclear program, one of the first things that would happen would be that Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel, Iran's first, most important proxy would rain hellfire in Israel in the form of 1000s upon 1000s of rockets. Until Israel addressed the problem, Hezbollah is believed to have had 150 to 200,000 different types of projectiles, up to and including precision guided munitions.  Not only have the overwhelming majority of those been destroyed, Hezbollah still has 1000s of rockets, but Hezbollah leadership has been decimated. There's a new sheriff in town in Lebanon. There's a new government that immediately, when hostility started with Iran's, went to Hezbollah and said, You're not doing this, not dragging Lebanon back into a war that nobody wanted again. We are finally coming out of this economic crisis. And so Iran was faced with a situation where it didn't have Hezbollah to deter Israel.  Israel, you know, paved the way for a highway in the air to Iran, taking out air defense systems. It was able to fly over and through Syria. The Syrians are not shedding any tears as they see the Quds Force and the IRGC getting beaten down after what Iran did in Syria. And the Israelis have air dominance now. President Trump said, We, using the we term, air dominance now, earlier today. And they're able to slowly and methodically continue to target the ballistic missile program. Primarily, the medium and long range missiles that target Israel, but sometimes it's the same production lines that produce the short range missiles that Iran uses to target U.S. Forces in the region, and our allies in the Gulf. So Israel is not just protecting itself, it's protecting the region. And then also taking out key military security intelligence personnel, sometimes taking out one person, then a couple days later, taking out the person who succeeded that person, and then also taking out key scientists who had the know-how to potentially rebuild all the things that Israel is now destroying. Manya Brachear Pashman:   But Israel is also not hearing from the Houthis, is not hearing from Hamas. It's not hearing from other terror proxies either. Very few attacks from Iran's terror proxies in the aftermath of this wave. Why? Why do you think that is? Matthew Levitt:   The crickets are loud. The crickets are loud. Look, we've discussed Hezbollah. Hezbollah understands that if it were to do something, the Israelis will come in even harder and destroy what's left. Hamas is still holding hostages. This is still an open wound, but it doesn't have the capabilities that it once had, and so there have been a couple of short range things that they tried to shoot, but it's not anything that's going to do huge damage, and the Israeli systems can deal with those.  The Houthis did fire something, and it hurt some Palestinians near Hebron. You know, the Houthis and the Iranians in particular, in this conflict have killed Palestinians, and in one case, Syrians. They're continuing to hurt people that are not Israelis. One of the things that I think people are hopeful for is that as Iran tries to sue for peace, and it already is, it's been reaching out to Cyprus to pass messages, etcetera. The hope is that Iran will recognize that it's in a position whereby A) there has to be zero enrichment and the facilities have to be destroyed, whatever's left of them. And B) there's a hope that Israel and the United States together will be able to use this diplomatic moment to truly end the conflict in Gaza and get the hostages home. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well, that was what I was going to ask. I mean, if Israel achieves its objectives in this war, primarily eliminating Iran's nuclear threat, how significant a setback would that be for Hamas and Iran's other terror proxies, and could it indeed pave the way for an end of the war in Gaza and the return of the hostages? Matthew Levitt:   Like everybody else, I'm so scarred, I don't want to get my hopes up, but I do see this as a distinct possibility, and here's why. Not Hezbollah, not the Houthis, not Hamas, none of them, and plenty of other proxies that don't start in the letter H, none of them could have been anywhere as capable as they've proven to be, were it not for Iranian money and weapons. Also some training, some intelligence, but primarily money and weapons.  And so Hamas is already on its back foot in this regard. It can still get some money in. It's still being able to make money off of humanitarian aid. Iran is still sending money in through money exchange houses and hawaladars, but not weapons. Their ability to manufacture weapons, their military industrial complex within Gaza, this is destroyed. Hezbollah, we've discussed, discussed, and a lot of their capabilities have been destroyed. And those that remain are largely deterred. The Houthis did shoot up some rockets, and the Israelis did carry out one significant retaliatory attack. But I think people are beginning to see the writing on the wall. The Israelis are kicking the stuffing out of Iran with pinprick attacks that are targeting the worst of the bad guys, including people who have carried out some of the worst human rights transgressions against Iranians. Let's not pretend that this is not affecting the average Iranian. It is. The president says, Everybody get out of Tehran. That's just not possible. People, average Iranians, good people. It must be just an absolute terror.  But Israel's not bombing, you know, apartment buildings, as Iran is doing in Israel, or as Russia is doing in Ukraine. And so it really is a different type of thing. And when the Houthis, when Hamas, when Hezbollah, look at this, you don't you don't poke the tiger when it's angry. I think they also understand now's the time to get into survival mode. What you want is for the regime in Iran not to be destroyed. This is no longer a moment, as it's been since long before October 7, but certainly since then, of how Iran as proxies, export Iran's revolution. This is now a question of how they maintain and preserve the revolution at home. And it's extremely important to the proxies that Iran remain, so that even if it's knocked down over time, hopefully, theoretically, from their perspective, it can regain its footing. It will still have, they hope, its oil and gas, etcetera, and they will get back to a point where they can continue to fund and arm the proxies in. Maybe even prioritize them as it takes them longer to rebuild their ballistic missile, drone, and nuclear programs. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Which is a scary prospect as well to know that terror proxies could be spread throughout the world and empowered even a little bit more. President Trump left the G7 summit a day early to meet with security advisors, and just a few hours ago, prior to this interview, President Trump called for Iran's, quote, unconditional surrender, saying that the US knows where the Supreme Leader is, and some other threatening language. But I mean, this appears to be a kind of a clear commitment to Israel. So I'm curious how you assess his administration's actions before and during the war thus far, and do you see the United States edging toward direct involvement? Matthew Levitt:   All politics is local, and there is a tug of war within the MAGA movement over whether or not the US should be getting involved. Not only in supporting an important ally, but in removing a critical threat. The President is clearly frustrated that Iran was not being more forthcoming in the negotiations. He said many times, we'd offered you a great deal, you should have taken the deal. He's very aware that his deadline ended, and they didn't particularly seem to care. There's also the background that once upon a time, they tried to assassinate him, I think, after the Israelis did what they did, the President appreciates capabilities. He appreciates success. He likes backing the winning horse. And so the New York Times is reporting that after getting off the phone with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump reportedly turned to some aides and said, maybe we need to help him. Now it's not clear that's what's going to happen, and my understanding is that the Israelis have plans of their own for things like the heavily fortified facility at Fordow, which is the most important and highly fortified, protected of the nuclear installations. The Israeli National Security Advisor spoke today and said, you know, we're not going to be done until we do something with Fordow.  The United States can do multiple things only the United States has the MOP: the Massive Ordinance Penetrator, and the airplanes to deliver it, and they could end Fordow if they wanted. Short of that, they could do other things to support Israel. There's been defensive support for the State of Israel already, but there's other things they could do, refueling and other things if they wanted to. And at a minimum, I don't see the president restraining Israel at all. Now, I've heard some people say that so far, the President has fired nothing more than some social media postings, some of them even in all caps.  But the truth is, those do have an effect, and so long as Israel is not restrained. I think the Israelis went into this with a plan. That plan is not necessarily to entirely destroy the entire nuclear program, but if the ballistic missile program and the nuclear program are sufficiently degraded so that it will take them years and a tremendous amount of time and money to rebuild, knowing that Israel has broken the glass ceiling on this idea of targeting Iran, that if the Israelis feel they need to, they will come back. If the Iranians rebuild their air defense systems, the Israelis will address them and create a new highway going if they need to. I think the Israelis are making that clear. Knowing that it's going to be a little bit of a road for Iran, especially when it will have to deal with some domestic issues coming out of this.  Finally, the Israelis have started signaling there's other things they could do. The Israelis have not yet fully targeted oil and gas fields and facilities. For example, they had one set of attacks where they basically knocked at the front door of some of these facilities without walking in the house. That's signaling, and I think it's one of the reasons you're seeing Iran quietly trying to reach out for some type of a ceasefire. Other signaling, for example, is the Israelis deciding to fly all the way to Mashhad, which is in far eastern Iran, to take out an airplane. That airplane was not particularly important. It was the message. There is nowhere in Iran we can't go. It's not a question of distance, it's not a question of refueling, it's not a question of air defense systems. We can do what we need to do. And I think the Iranians understand that now. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So we talked about the commitment to Israel, and how clear, how important it is to clarify that commitment to Israel. How important is it to clarify the United States commitment to Arab partners in the Middle East to help defend them in other words, if this conflict escalates? Matthew Levitt:   This is critically important. You know, one of the individuals who was taken out, for example, was the person who was in charge of the drone attack on the Abqaiq oil facility in Saudi Arabia. If you look, for example, at the Saudi statement condemning the Israeli actions, it was issued by the Foreign Ministry without a single name attached to it. Wasn't issued by the Crown Prince, wasn't issued by the foreign minister. So I think you should expect a whole lot of public criticism. I imagine there's a different conversation going on behind closed doors. It's not necessarily, you know, pom-poming. This makes the Gulf states very, very nervous, in part because they understand that one way Iran could try and get out of this is to expand the conflict.  And that the reason they haven't is because, short of trying to prevent Iranians from taking to the streets and potentially doing something to maybe overthrow the regime, short of that, the number one thing that the Iranian regime is most desperate to avoid is getting the United States involved militarily. And I think the Iranians really understand and the messaging's been clear. If you target US Forces in the region, if you target our allies in the region, we'll get involved. If you don't, then we might not.  Now the President now is talking about potentially doing that, and as a lot of maybe this, maybe that, nothing very clear. I think what is clear is that the Israelis are going to continue doing what they need to do for another one to two weeks. Even going so far as doing something, though they haven't made clear what to address the really complicated problem of the fortified facility at Fordow. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So how important is it for global security if Israel is successful in eliminating the nuclear threat in Iran? Matthew Levitt:   Look, Iran has been the single most destabilizing factor in the region for a long time now. Imagine a region without a destabilizing revolutionary regime in Iran without a regime that is supporting Shia militants in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.  Imagine the Shia militias in Iraq suddenly without a funder and a patron, enabling the Shia government in Iraq to actually be able to take control of the country and establish a monopoly over the use of force. At a time when the Shia militias, because of Iran's backing, are becoming more dangerous and more powerful in Iraq.  Imagine the Lebanese government being able to be more forward leaning in their effort to establish a monopoly over the use of force in that country, reclaim bases that Hezbollah has used for all this time, and establish a new Lebanon that is not beholden to Iran and Hezbollah.  And imagine an Israeli-Palestinian situation where you didn't have Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad as spoilers. Recall that October 7 happened in large part because Hamas and Hezbollah and Iran could not tolerate the prospect of Israeli-Saudi normalization. For most Palestinians, this was great news. The Saudis were demanding real dividends for the Palestinians from the Netanyahu government, which was likely going to do them. This was great for Palestinians, bad for Hamas.  Imagine Hamas no longer getting that support from Iran. Imagine Iran no longer able to send or being interested in sending millions upon millions of dollars to its proxies, and instead spending what money it has on helping its population, instead of cracking down on it with human rights violations. You could have a very, very different region, let alone imagine Iran no longer carrying out acts of terrorism, kidnapping plots, abduction plots of dissidents and Jews and Israelis and others around the world of the type that we've seen throughout Europe and throughout the Middle East and even in the United States over the past few years. Manya Brachear Pashman:   That's quite an imagination you have. But I take your point. Let me ask you this then. Did you ever imagine that Israel would take this dramatic step?  Matthew Levitt:   What the Israelis have achieved, when you are so against the wall and you're forced to come up with solutions, because it's a matter of life or death – you make the impossible possible. And I think that perhaps the Iranians assumed that the Israeli post-October 7 doctrine applied to non-state actors only. And that doctrine is very simple. Israel will no longer allow adversaries who are openly committed to its destruction to build up weapons, arsenals that they can then use at some point to actually try and destroy Israel. They will not allow that to happen.  They allowed it to happen with Hamas. It was a mistake. They allowed it to happen with Hezbollah. It was a mistake that they corrected. And Iran is the biggest, arguably, really, the only existential threat as huge, as a tasking as that was, clearly they invested in doing it. And the question became, not, why can't it be done? What is it that has to be overcome? And I don't think sitting here with you right now, you know, what is it, 3:30 on Tuesday, the 17th, that we've seen the last of the tricks up Israel's sleeve.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   I only have one last question for you, and that is about the United States. The importance of the United States getting directly involved. I mean, we've talked about previously undisclosed nuclear sites, and who knows how many there could be. We're talking about more than what, 600,000 square miles of Iran. If the goal is a non nuclear Iran, can Israel finish this war without the United States, or does it even matter? I mean, is this just a step to force Iran back to the negotiating table with virtually zero leverage? Matthew Levitt:   So look, I don't think the goal here is completely destroying the Iranian nuclear program, or even completely destroying the Iranian ballistic missile program. The goal is to so degrade it that it is set back many, many years, and break that ceiling. People now understand if Israelis need to come back, they're coming back. I think they would like to do as much damage to these destructive programs as possible, of course, and I don't think we've seen the end of it. I think there are more tricks up Israel's sleeve when it comes to some of these complicated problems.  Judged by this yardstick, by the way, the Israeli operation is a tremendous success, tremendous success, even though there have been some significant casualties back in Israel, and even though this has caused tremendous trauma for innocent Iranians who have no love for the regime. This is a situation that the Iranian regime has brought down on all of us.  I do think that the Israelis have made very, very clear that this doesn't end until something is done to further disrupt and dismantle Fordow, which is the most important and the most heavily fortified, underground, under a mountain facility. It's not clear what the Israelis have in mind. It seems they have something in mind of their own. It's clear they would love for the United States to get involved, because the United States could do real damage to that facility and potentially end the Iranian nuclear program. But at the end of the day, if it can't be completely destroyed, I anticipate it's going to be damaged enough to significantly set it back. This phase of the Israel-Iran war, which didn't start last week, is not about pushing them back a week or a month or two months. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well, Matt, thank you so much for your wise counsel and perspective on this matter, and yes, hopefully we can have you back another time to talk about peace and love and things that have nothing to do with war and conflict with Iran or its terror proxies. Matthew Levitt:   I would really look forward to prepping for that interview. In the meantime, I want to thank AJC for all the important work it does, and thank you guys for having me on the podcast. Manya Brachear Pashman:   If you missed last week's episodes, be sure to tune in for our crossover episode with Books and Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast, a podcast of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy, and my conversation with AJC's Jerusalem Director Avital Liebovich. During a special breaking news episode the day after Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, the latest in Israel's ongoing war of self-defense against the Iranian regime.  

General Ben Hodge, Retired US Army Lieutenant General, and Commander of US forces in Europe

Talofa lava! This week on Tagata o te Moana: There are calls in Tonga for a rethink of the Sabbath Observance Laws; Tinian Island, in the Northern Marianas, was a pivotal site for US Forces in WW2 and there is now a US military resurgence there; In Papua New Guinea women continue to face hardship in maternity hospitals, where giving birth on the floors is not uncommon; The former Fiji attorney general Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum attacks the current government and we hear from a Bougainvillean carver who has been in New Zealand for the past month, showing his skills and learning from local artists.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

John Deni is a Research Professor of Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) Security Studies at the U.S. Army War College's Strategic Studies Institute. He just wrote an article for Foreign Policy titled: A Drawdown of U.S. Forces in Europe Is All but Certain. As this is a very hot topic, I wanted to know more about it. So why does John think a drawdown is basically certain, and what would it mean? And what does it have to do with the American nuclear deterrent in Europe and potential Russian plans? Listen to our conversation. And if you enjoy what I do, please support me on Ko-fi! Thank you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/amatisak

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: The Department of Justice orders a sweeping purge of FBI officials, targeting agents involved in Trump-related investigations and national security cases. Canada fires back against President Trump's trade restrictions with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, escalating economic tensions between the two allies. The U.S. military launches its first airstrikes against ISIS in Somalia under Trump's second term, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirming coordination with Somalia's government. And in today's Back of the Brief: An update on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where North Korean forces appear to have suffered heavy losses, prompting a sudden pullback from the front lines. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. After broken agreement & negotiations, Hamas to Release Three Hostages on Thursday- Gazans can begin moving north tomorrow. Israeli PM Netanyahu's office says Israel reached an agreement with Hamas after “strong and determined negotiations,” and reiterates that it will “not tolerate any violation of the agreement.”2. US President Trump to end delivery hold on 2,000 pound bombs to Israel.President Trump said to reporters aboard Air Force One, “We released them (the bombs). We released them today. And they'll have them. They paid for them and they've been waiting for them for a long time. They've been in storage.”3. Syria Seizes Shipment of Weapons Bound for Hezbollah.The shipment was heading to Hezbollah via smuggling routes on the Lebanon-Syria border, in the area of the border city of Sarghaya. Images showed several assault rifles, RPG launchers, and ammunition.4.  Italy's Leonardo and Turkish drone maker Baykar are discussing a team-up which could see Leonardo's electronics and radar mounted on Baykar's TB2 drones.5. Trump Administration looking into future support for Ukraine war effort.6.  President Trump Directs US Forces to Reinforce Southern Border.There are already roughly 2,500 military personnel along the border supporting the US Customs and Border Protection mission- & today's announcement brings the total up to around 4,000 troops deployed. Other assets, such as drones, are also under consideration to be sent to the border.

Full coverage of the incredible ceasefire news from Gaza.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/newsflash--2206348/support.

For review:1. IDF kills Hezbollah Commander in Syria that participated in the attack on US Forces in Karbala, Iraq in 2007. 2. US Rejects International Criminal Court (ICC) Warrants for Israeli PM & Former Defense Minister.The White House said Thursday that it “fundamentally rejects” the International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The warrants effectively bar PM Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant from entering the ICC's 124 member states. Israel and the US are not members of the court.3. IDF continues pushing into Southern Lebanon- searching & clearing a "second line of villages" of Hezbollah weapons and attack positions. In the second line of villages, the IDF is still finding Hezbollah staging grounds, along with fighting positions from which the terror group has launched anti-tank missiles directly at Israeli border communities and military posts along the border.4. Russia Strikes Ukraine with Intermediate-Range Missile.Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that Russia's missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. The attack struck the Pivdenmash munition plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles (6 1/2 kilometers) southwest of the center of Dnipro.5. Sweden to fund long-range missile and drone production inside Ukraine.Swedish Defense Minster Pal Jonson: "This will be produced in Ukraine by the Ukrainian defense industry. It will be financed by Sweden. President [Vladimir] Zelenskyy has stated that there is an especially high demand for funding long-range weapons and long-range drones.” 6. Romania Commits to Procure F-35A Warplanes. Romania has formally committed to the acquisition of 32 x Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets after signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) today. The procurement is valued at approximately $6.4 billion.7. Australia and Canada to collaborate in hypersonic missile defense. The two nations plan to spend up to $474 million over the next five years developing a “range of solutions."A press release noted that the Defence Research and Development Canada and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group will work together researching the emerging missile threats- to develop detection, monitoring, targeting and counter-measure technologies.

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on the latest from the Middle East.

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on new developments from the Middle East.

For review:1. US Forces in Iraq Struck in Rocket Attack.Several US personnel were injured in a suspected rocket attack at a military base in Iraq, Defense officials said Monday. 2. Russian National Security Council Secretary Shoigu Visits Tehran.Russian state news agencies reported that Sergei Shoigu was scheduled to meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian; the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Akbar Ahmadian; and chief of the Iranian military's General Staff, Mohammad Bagheri.3. IDF Locates Vehicle-Size Tunnel on Philadelphi Corridor.According to the IDF, the tunnel is about three meters (10 feet) tall and will be investigated before it is destroyed. 4. The Spanish army has signed a “framework agreement” with German defense firm Rheinmetall for an order of “around half a million modular propellant systems for 155mm extended-range artillery ammunition.” 5. BAE Systems has been awarded a $493-million contract to continue producing the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer and M992A3 ammunition carrier for US Army Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs).6. USAF B-52 Modernization (Radar and Engine) plans are running into schedule and cost troubles. 7. USAF estimating costs to refit 30 x B-52s, from Conventional to Nuclear-capable.The 30 B-52s in question had previously been equipped with the ability to carry nuclear weapons but were converted to conventional aircraft about 10 years ago to comply with a key US-Russia arms control treaty known as New START.8. USAF relieves Commander after Accident Investigation Board report is released concerning the 04 January 2024, B-1 Bomber crash at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. 

For review:1. USNI  posts the Memorandum of Understanding (11 June 2024), between the USMC & US Navy concerning amphibious warship readiness terms. 2. US has fully cleared equipment from Base 101 in Niger. Work on Base 201 continues in order to meet the 15 September 2024 departure date of US Forces agreed upon by the US & Niger. 3. US Secretary of Defense (Lloyd Austin) has Call with Russian Defense Minister (Andrei Belousov).  Last call between Secretary Austin and Russian Defense Minister was 15 March 2023. 4.  US & Israel Discuss Strategies for De-escalation in North with Hezbollah (Lebanon Border region).5.  IDF to control all of Rafah with two weeks.  162d Division has operational control of 60-70% of Rafah (Division Commander, Brigadier General Itzik Cohen).6. BAE Increases Production of AMPV at York, PA facility.  Goal is to produce up to 220 AMPVs per year- almost 2 x Brigades worth. 7. Oshkosh has contract worth $27.3 to deliver Medium Equipment Trailers (METs) to the US Army. METs are used for loading and shipping Bradley armored fighting vehicles, Paladin turreted self-propelled howitzers, M992 field artillery ammunition support vehicles, and Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles. 8. Germany is planning to order 105 additional Leopard 2 A8 battle tanks from defense firm KNDS. If approved, the tanks will be delivered from 2027 to 2030, with around 70 during the contract's final two years. Estimated purchase is worth 2.9-billion euros ($3.1 billion).9. Finland's Senop Unveils Carl Gustaf Day/Thermal Sight. The sight consists of a day camera, thermal camera, laser rangefinder, and ballistic calculation- which aids in first round probability of hit. The sight weighs 1.7 kilograms (3.74 pounds). 

AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports President Biden is praising Haiti for sending forces to quell a gang uprising in Haiti -- and defending the lack of American forces.

For Review:1.  Iranian President's (Ebrahim Raisi) Helicopter Crashes in Mountainous Region. Condition of passengers unknown. Heavy fog and bad weather challenge rescue efforts.2. Israeli Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) rejects normalization with Saudi Arabia at the cost of a two-state solution- (with Hamas in control- marginalized or not).3. US Forces Begin Departing Niger. All US Forces will depart country by 15 September 2024.4. Latest Denmark Assistance to Ukraine worth $813.5 million.5. The European Defense Fund (EDF) to invest $1.3 billion on 54 multinational research and development military projects.These include: future main battle tanks; new airlift capabilities; counter unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS); and directed energy weapons.6. MBDA will lead multi-national group for a European Hypersonic Defense Interceptor Study. Project partners include France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Project goal is to develop an endo-atmospheric hypersonic and ballistic missile interceptor by 2035.7. Rheinmetall to open air defense repair facility in Ukraine. Facility will serve as a repair base for IRIS-T SL, Skynex 30, and Gepard systems. 8. Germany and Slovakia negotiate to continue operating the KNDS repair hub for German & French manufactured combat vehicles damaged in Ukraine, 

NEWS: Sleepy towns to host returning US forces | May 14, 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Calls for the departure of US forces from Niger intensify by Radio Islam

In his report, Naseem Sadiq discusses how Iraqis observed drone and cruise missiles soaring through the skies of Erbil, located in Northern Iraq. He highlights the successful interception by the American anti-missile defense system, which neutralized two missiles. Consequently, these intercepted missiles fell in Rawandoz, within the Kurdistan region, without causing any damage.

There was an anti-US protest in Niger over the weekend calling for the departure of the US and all foreign military forces. US forces have been helping Niger's government combat Islamic militants in the Sahel. VOA's French to Africa reporter Abdoul Razak in Niamey tells VOA's James Butty, the protest was called by civil society organizations sympathetic to the military government and that it comes as Russian troops arrived in the country last week to provide security for the junta.

Antony Blinken plays the blues while Danny and Derek bring you the news. This week: in Gaza, famine sets in (0:29), U.S.-Israel tensions rise over a potential Rafah invasion (3:52), and more; Pakistan conducts airstrikes in Afghanistan (12:11); Indonesia's general election results are confirmed (14:37); the DPRK/North Korea tests a hypersonic missile engine (17:28); there's new evidence of coral bleaching in Australia's Great Barrier Reef (19:15); a Sudan humanitarian update (20:55); Niger's junta government kicks out U.S. forces (23:00); Vladimir Putin wins reelection in Russia (26:42); Ukraine strikes targets in Russia and is debating a new conscription bill (27:52); the EU debates using Russian assets to support Ukraine* (32:52); the Colombian government is in peace talks with the Clan Del Golfo (Gulf Clan) (35:41); an update on CARICOM's transition plan for Haiti (37:26); and a new study finds no evidence of brain damage from Havana Syndrome (40:02).*Note: After the time of recording, the EU came to a preliminary agreement on a plan to use Russian assets. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.americanprestigepod.com/subscribe

On this episode of American Prestige, Antony Blinken plays the blues while Danny and Derek bring you the news. This week: in Gaza, famine sets in (0:29), U.S.-Israel tensions rise over a potential Rafah invasion (3:52), and more; Pakistan conducts airstrikes in Afghanistan (12:11); Indonesia's general election results are confirmed (14:37); the DPRK/North Korea tests a hypersonic missile engine (17:28); there's new evidence of coral bleaching in Australia's Great Barrier Reef (19:15); a Sudan humanitarian update (20:55); Niger's junta government kicks out U.S. forces (23:00); Vladimir Putin wins reelection in Russia (26:42); Ukraine strikes targets in Russia and is debating a new conscription bill (27:52); the EU debates using Russian assets to support Ukraine* (32:52); the Colombian government is in peace talks with the Clan Del Golfo (Gulf Clan) (35:41); an update on CARICOM's transition plan for Haiti (37:26); and a new study finds no evidence of brain damage from Havana Syndrome (40:02).Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

PREVIEW: #USMC: #PRC: Conversation with Colonel Grant Newsham, USMC (ret) re the now five year old plan, FD 2030, to transform the Marines into something akin to the Coast Watchers who helped defend the US forces on Guadalcanal in 1942-43. With missiles and mobility to combat the PLA-Navy.  With large unexplained expectations. . More of this later today. 1899 Fiji

According to the Pentagon, since the start of Israel's war in Gaza, there have been about 200 attacks on US forces stationed in Iraq and Syria. These attacks have been carried out by militia groups supported by Iran. And, on Monday, the European Union sent a message to Apple and other tech giants: "We will ensure compliance with our regulations." It followed a massive $2 billion antitrust fine for Apple. Also, research has shown that the vast majority of children in orphanages actually have families. Still, many Americans are giving their money to these institutions. In Uganda, those well-intentioned funds have created a whole industry around orphans. Plus, Mexico's lawsuit against US gunmakers could be a game-changer.

* Discount Code after description* Colonel Eric Buer is a former Marine Attack Helicopter Pilot who flew hundreds of missions throughout the most worn torn and dangerous areas of the Middle East, he served on the staff of the Joint Chiefs, was an Associate Professor of National Security Strategy and Policy at the National War College, and was Special Advisor to the Commander of US Forces in Afghanistan. His book is called “Ghosts of Baghdad” In this episode he talks about his time flying helicopters in the Middle East and collecting some souvenirs while he was there, his book, deployments, close calls, the current geopolitical situation around the world, and more... Fast going trees link and discount below!!! DISCOUNT CODE: SURVIVEPOD Link: https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/collections/sale?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=canyousurvivethispodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antiwarcom/Phone bank for Defend the Guard: https://defendtheguard.us/phonebankChapters00:00 - Intro00:21 - Netanyahu Blocked Palestinian State 'For Decades'03:19 - Gantz: Israel Will Launch Assault on Rafah by Ramadan07:25 - US Drafts Own Gaza UN Measure After Threatening to Veto Ceasefire09:06 - Houthis Shoot Down US Drone, Hit British Ship11:49 - Israel Carries Out Strikes Near Major Lebanese City of Sidon13:37 - Iraq Militias Stopped Attacks on US Forces at Request of Iran General17:09 - Israel To Limit Al-Aqsa Entry During Ramadan19:21 - ICJ Begins Historic Hearings on Israel's Occupation of Palestine21:06 - Assange Wife Warns He Will Die if Extradited to US25:21 - US Develops Naval Drone Swarms for War With China27:35 - Viewpoints/Outro

In this fourth and final installment, Azeez reflects on the chaos he and the Iraqi people faced when the US Forces pulled out of Iraq and whether is was worth it. He also details the two years of purgatory (and danger!) he endured in Iraq as he waited to get his green card, to becoming a US citizen. Support the show

Chapters00:00 - Intro00:21 - Israel Backing Off on Hostage Talks04:17 - Israel To Attack Rafah, UN Warns of 'Large-Scale Loss of Civilian Life'05:35 - 1000s at Risk of Death in Khan Younis Hospitals Under Israeli Siege06:50 - Iraq Repeats Call for US Forces to Withdraw09:51 - US Launches More Rounds of Strikes Against Houthis in Yemen12:35 - Hezbollah, Israel Trade Strikes Along Lebanon Border14:23 - Zelensky Removes His Top General Zaluzhny19:12 - Front-Line Ukrainian Infantry Units Report Acute Shortage of Soldiers21:54 - Sweden Closes Nord Stream Investigation, Hands It off to Germany24:23 - Senate Votes To Deliberate on Foreign Military Aid Bill26:56 - Viewpoints/OutroSupport the show: Antiwar.com/donate BUY MERCH: https://merchengine.com/collections/antiwar-comContact the show: News@antiwar.com Sign up for our newsletters: Antiwar.com/newsletter Support the show: Antiwar.com/Donate Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuGQ0-iW7CPj-ul-DKHmh2A/videosWatch on Odysee: https://odysee.com/@AntiWarNews:fWatch on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1996424 

//The Wire//1900Z February 8, 2024////ROUTINE////BLUF: USMC HELICOPTER FOUND IN CALIFORNIA, NO SURVIVORS REPORTED.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Middle East: The U.S. conducted multiple airstrikes in Baghdad overnight, targeting senior leadership of local Kataib Hezbollah brigades. This is a continuation of the sporadic strikes that have been conducted in the region since the attack on the US Tower 22 base in Jordan.Far East: Taiwanese and American tensions with China have escalated following the quiet announcement that the U.S. will permanently station Special Forces troops at observation posts on the islands of Kinmen and Matsu. These troops will be supporting the Taiwanese 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion.Europe: Widespread protests continue as before. In Spain, demonstrators have begun blocking distribution centers for grocery store chains affiliated with the climate agenda. This follows protesters in France using agricultural equipment to dig up the pavement in grocery store parking lots that have pledged support for climate policies.-HomeFront-CA: The search has concluded for TIGER11, the CH-53E that went down early yesterday morning. Rescue teams have located the crash site in Pine Valley, and have begun recovering the remains of all 5 crew members. No further details have been provided on the cause or exact location of the crash.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Despite much thought to the contrary, Taiwan is not merely one island many miles off the coast of mainland China. Taiwan has claimed several of the very small islands immediately off the coast of the mainland. For instance, Kinmen Island is located in the heart of Weitou Bay, which is host to a major Chinese logistics hub and the nearby city of Xiamen. The Mashan Observation Post (where US Forces are stationed) is literally two miles from the Chinese mainland. For reference, Ellis Island is about a mile from Manhattan. Though this observation post has been operational for many years (as a propaganda broadcast station), the public admittance of a permanent US presence will likely lead to increased tensions in the region.Analyst: S2A1//END REPORT//

 Tom Steigleman FEMA Youth Council applications, Roof collapse, the latest drone strikes against US Forces, Anchorage Mayoral candidate BIll Popp calls in to talk about his run for Anchorage Mayor and what he'd like to accomplish if elected and talks about the snow removal situation and the homeless issue.  Find out more information at PoppForAnchorage.com.Tom gives a brief update on Tom Anderson's return, Dalton calls in about Taylor Swift being an operative for George Soros. Tom talks about the rain in California and the warming shelters being closed.  Todd Smolden from the Governor's office calls in to talk about State of the State speech and energy issues. Here is a link to the Governor's State of the State address:  https://www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/governors-state-of-the-state-address-2024011031/?eventID=2024011031

Dan served in the War Plans office of the US Army VII Corps working on counterattack plans and reorganization of the US Army's General Defence Plan. He describes the debriefing of a Polish Special Forces operator who had defected to the West and who revealed surprising knowledge of US plans and order of battle. Dan also details his experiences on the Able Archer 83 exercise and his views about how dangerous that was. In addition to his work in the War Plans office, we discuss terror attacks on the US Army in West Germany including the bombing of the LaBelle disco in West Berlin where 2 US soldiers and one Turkish woman were killed and 79 wounded. The terrorist threat to US Forces was significant and this is highlighted by the attempted assassination of General Kroesen commander of United States Army Europe by the Red Army Faction aka The Baader-Meinhof Group. Dan describes his own experiences in the immediate aftermath of the attack., including the issuing of live ammunition to US Forces in the field. Extra info here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode330/  0:00 Introduction 1:32 Dan's Insights in the War Plans Office 10:29 The defector's shocking intel on US plans 18:13 Reflections on Able Archer 83 24:33 Terrorism and the attack on the La Belle disco 33:21 Red Army Faction attempted assassination of General Kroesen 42:20 The impact of these events on US forces 58:41 Dan's views on the sudden changes in Eastern Europe 1:13:38 Podcast extras, appreciation for financial supporters, and closing remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The deaths of three US servicemen Sunday in an attack by an Iran-backed Shiite militia at a base wedged between Syria and Jordan has raised the specter of a direct confrontation between the United States and Iran like never before. But are things as black and white as they seem? Does Iran have full control over the Shiite militias that are part of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces created to fight the Islamic State? A US withdrawal from Iraq and Syria would help resuscitate the Islamic State which recently killed hundreds of civilians inside Iran. What is the end game? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AP correspondent Jennifer King reports on Biden-United States Red Sea Houthis

British and US forces have bombed Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. Plus: Israel have given their defence against accusations of genocide at the international court of justice. With Ash Sarkar and Aaron Bastani.

It's our final week of best bits before we kick off a new season. We're going through the archives and pulling out the best bits from the past year including:50 Cent and Lil' Kim's collaboration on 'Magic Stick' - the song that changed the game in strip clubs around the world. US Forces kill Saddam Hussein's sons - former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's sons, Qusay and Uday Hussein, are killed after a three-hour firefight with U.S. forces in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, striking a major blow for the allies in the Iraq War. Fountains of Wayne release Stacy's Mom -  the music video for this one is a sight to behold, with uber milf Rachel Hunter. Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson star in Newlyweds - the latest in a trend of celebreality TV, does the show still stand up? We discuss why history isn't so kind to Nick Lachey. Blu Cantrell reases 'Breathe' - Blu Cantrell a.k.a. Tiffany Cobb... did her father really invent the famous loaf?Eminem buys a house - Detroit property values soar as Eminem picks up a mansion for a song from one of the head honchos over at KMart. Schwarzenegger announces run for Governor of California - this came as a surprise to everyone, even his agent, when he went on the Tonight Show to promote a movie and ended up dropping this bombshell announcement. Chingy releases 'Right Thurr' - we discuss and put to the test the Mother Goose factor that underpins everything Ching-a-ling spits. Thanks again for sticking with us! We'll see you next week with a brand new season! Hang with us on socials to chat more noughties nostalgia - Facebook (@tminus20) or Instagram (tminus20podcast). You can also contact us there if you want to be a part of the show.

AP correspondent Julie Walker reports on Red Sea Shipping

At a summit in Brussels European leaders announced they will open accession talks with Kiev as well as Moldova, whilst Georgia has been awarded candidate status. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky called the decision "a victory" for his country and the whole of Europe.Vivienne Nunis discusses this and more business news from around the world with journalist Mehmal Sarfraz, Co-founder of the Current PK and Alison Van Diggelen, Host of Fresh Dialogues based in Silicon Valley.(Picture: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and U.S. Army General Christopher G. Cavoli (2-L), Commander of the US Forces for Europe and Supreme Commander of the NATO Forces in Europe (SACEUR), during Zelensky's visit to the headquarters of the U.S. Army Command in Europe and Africa in Wiesbaden, Germany, 14 December 2023. Credit: UKRAINE PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

On today's episode, Matt is joined again by Phillip Smyth. Phillip is a leading expert on Iranian proxy groups, such as Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, and has conducted research at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the University of Maryland. They discuss the spate of attacks by Iranian-backed militias against US forces in the Middle East since the Gaza War began. Phillip tells us who these groups are, what their strategy is, and if he sees potential for the violence to escalate. Phillip's research at the Washington Institute: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip-smyth. Follow Phillip on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth. If you enjoyed the podcast please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Check out Chris's short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4 For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/  Support Secrets and Spies:    * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg * Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies * You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Connect with us on social media.  BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

The number of attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East has increased.

US forces are under fire in the Middle East. As Iran warns an expansion of Gaza conflict is ‘inevitable,' our journalists reveal how a defective drone in Iraq may have helped keep America from being dragged in deeper. Plus, what the polls mean for Biden and the unlikely hero of cricket's World Cup is Afghanistan.  Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

Support Us Here! --> https://anchor.fm/politicana/support Welcome to the Politicana Podcast, your go-to source for the latest updates, analysis, and honest conversation on world politics. Join hosts Tyler, Prateek, and Nick as they dive into current events, world affairs, policy debates, elections, gaffes, and everything in between! Tune in every week for new episodes (Typically Monday). Don't miss out on staying informed – follow us on your preferred podcasting platform to receive notifications whenever we release new episodes. For any comments, questions, or inquiries, reach out to us at ⁠⁠Backofthemob@gmail.com⁠⁠. Stay engaged and informed with the Politicana Podcast! -- Topics And Timestamps -- 00:00 - Biden Speaks on Maine Massacre The man suspected in Wednesday's massacre that killed 18 people in Lewiston, Maine, has been found dead, authorities confirmed Friday night. 9:55 - US Prepares To Go To War With Iran  On Friday, US F-16 fighter jets bombed facilities used by Iranian proxies and their  Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in Syria. After the attack, Iranian proxies fired back by launching an attack drone at US Forces stationed in West Iraq.  25:40 - It's Going To Be Long and Difficult  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the nation, Saturday night, “the military has opened a “second stage” in the war against Hamas by sending ground forces into Gaza and expanding attacks from the ground, air and sea.” Netanyahu said they will only increase their attacks ahead of a broad ground invasion into the territory. 29:35 - Pence Realizes That Nobody Cares About Him  Former Vice President Mike Pence decided on Saturday to suspend his 2024 Republican presidential campaign at the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) conference in Las Vegas. 42:20 - Your Invited, Your Invited, Everyone's Invited”  Rep. Dean Phillips launched a Democratic primary challenge against President Biden in Concord, NH. The 54-year-old Minnesota congressman aims to steer the party toward the future, highlighting issues like the economy and border chaos. 45:50 -  Biden Takes on AI  According to NPR, President Biden signed a sweeping executive order to create some federal oversight of rapidly expanding AI systems today. More Details Yet To Come.  55:45 - Bye Bye Bye—Three Week Diva  Rep. Patrick McHenry, fresh from a grueling three-week caretaker speaker role, candidly shared his frustration, casting doubt on the House GOP's unity  1:00:40 - Fifty Shades of Foreign Policy Nikki Haley did her best at snubbing Trump without trashing his foreign policy of which she was the second biggest face. At the RJC, Haley criticized Trump for praising foreign strong men, and warned that his style of “chaos, vendettas and drama” would be dangerous.  “Eight years ago, it was good to have a leader who broke things,” Haley said of Trump. “But right now, we need to have a leader who also knows how to put things back together.” 1:06:25 - Wanna Be My Frenemy?  President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, as per a U.S. official. The meeting agreement was made during talks between Chinese and U.S. officials, but specifics like the date and venue are yet to be finalized. 1:14:25 - Trump v Biden v RFK  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/politicana/support

The House elects a new speaker, Bud Light partners with the UFC, and US forces begin life fire training in the Middle East after several attacks on US populated bases.    Support our show sponsor at:  https://shellshockcbd.com/ https://allamericansavageshow.com/ https://www.1920brand.com/ Follow my socials at: Kick app: https://kick.com/johnburk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnburkofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnburk39 Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@JohnBurk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnburkig

US officials have intelligence that Iranian-backed militia groups are planning increased attacks against US forces in the Middle East. This comes as Iran looks to take advantage of the regional backlash to US support for Israel. The militias have already launched drone attacks and there are concerns they may escalate further amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Iran is not explicitly directing the groups, it is providing guidance and telling them they won't face punishment for targeting US or Israeli targets.  

BUY CAST BREW COFFEE TO FIGHT BACK - https://castbrew.com/ Become a Member For Uncensored Videos - https://timcast.com/join-us/ Hang Out With Tim Pool & Crew LIVE At - http://Youtube.com/TimcastIRL Elon Musk WARNS WWIII Is Coming, US Declares Iran Responsible For Attack On US Forces, Vows Reaction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

##Gaza: #Iran backed militia attacks US forces in Iraq and Syria. Bill Roggio, FDD. Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2023/10/iran-backed-shia-militias-target-2-u-s-bases-in-iraq.php 1910 Damascus

WARBIRD RADIO - Warbird Radio Downunder Hosts Dave and Grant speak with Matt Henderson, who with his wife Kaz moved to Tocumwal airport's airpark in New South Wales in 2017, and then in 2019 they set up the Tocumwal Aviation Museum there. Matt has researched the fascinating history of Tocumwal, which was one of he biggest aerodromes in the world when it was built by the Australian Government for the US Forces in WWII. By the time the construction was completed the war situation had changed, and the USAAF no longer required it. It was therefore handed over to the Royal Australian Air Force who made it into a massive repair and maintenance base for the RAAF Consolidated B-24 Liberators and other aircraft, as well as a paratroop training school, and more.As well as the museum, and the popular cafe, Matt and Kaz also run airshows at Tocumwal, their third such event having just taken place in September 2023.And they have just taken possession of a new addition to the museum, an ex-RAAF Macchi 326, A7-083, handed over by the Air Force on the 20th of October 2023. This episode was recorded two weeks earlier but was embargoed till the handover had happened. #warbirdradio #tocumwal #warbirds #aviation #airmuseums

U.S. forces were attacked several times over the last two days in the Middle East, after corporate media spread fake stories, claiming that Israel bombed a hospital in Gaza. It's now clear that the news outlets published false photos, gave fake numbers of deaths, and also pinned the blame on Israel, while it turns out it was a jihadist group operating alongside the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza. These stories led to mass protests and riots around the globe. We'll discuss, in this episode of "Crossroads."   Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.    ⭕️

NTD Good Morning—10/19/20231. Biden Says Egypt Will Open Gaza Border Crossing2. Israel Outlines Conditions on US Aid to Gaza3. IDF Vows to Destroy US Aid if it Reaches Hamas4. Senators Attend Classified Briefing on Israel5. Analysis: Geopolitical Aftermath of Israel-Hamas War6. Protesters Swarm Capitol Building7. Jordan Loses Again in Speaker Vote8. Senate Considers New Ambassador to Israel9. State Dept. Official Quits Over Israel Policy10. New Sanctions on Iran's Weapons Programs11. US Sanctions Seek to Disrupt Hamas' Revenue12. Judge Denies Delay in Trump Civil Lawsuit13. Van Der Sloot Admits Killing Natalee Holloway14. First Deportation Flight for Venezuelans15. USS Mount Whitney Heading to Mediterranean16. Donors Lash Out at Colleges Over War Stances17. 'Speech First' Reaction to Anti-Semitism on Campuses18. US Forces in Iraq Attacked By Drones19. Violent Protests Erupt Across Europe20. China Willing to Strengthen Coordination With Egypt21. Link Between US Green Energy and Terrorism?22. Where Will US Funding to Gaza Go?23. IDF: Will Not Rest Until Hostages Brought Home24. Assessing Israel-Hamas War in Moral Sense25. Jordan Strikes Out in Speaker Vote26. 300 Protesters Arrested in Capitol Building27. Where Does Hamas Get Its Funding?28. Analyzing Digital Front in Israel-Hamas War

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Marine Corps Maj Max Nauta discusses his Master's thesis from the US Army Command and General Staff College entitled: Multinational Operations in Strategic Competition: Leveraging the Inherent Informational Aspects through Culture and Narrative. Strategic competitors have significantly increased their influence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in ways that jeopardize US influence and threaten democratic governance. The People's Republic of China (PRC) and Russia do this by exploiting the ambiguity of gray zone activities, such as predatory, opaque lending practices and the spreading of disinformation. US Forces, Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) builds resiliency against these gray zone activities through transparency, which it promotes through cooperation activities to strengthen partnerships and build trust in LAC. SOUTHCOM accomplished this, in part, through Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Southern Command (SPMAGTF-SC), whose mission was to conduct mutually beneficial engagements with partner nations (PN) to address shared challenges in the region. SPMAGTF-SC 15, 16, and 17 were US-only task forces. SPMAGTF-SC 18, however, became the first multinational task force. SPMAGTF-SC 19 grew on this by integrating ten PN officers from Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Belize, and the Dominican Republic. The author found that integrating PN officers into SPMAGTF-SC 18 and 19 exponentially strengthened partnerships in LAC at a relatively insignificant cost. This paper examines the degree to which integrating PN officers into SPMAGTF-SC 18 and 19 strengthened partnerships, and then compares those findings with theories on narrative and culture. In conclusion, the author presents the concept of a shared regional narrative and illuminates asymmetric characteristics of strategic competition in LAC. Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #37 Bill Vivian on MCDP 1-4 Competing #89 Ajit Mann and Paul Cobaugh on Narrative #137 Vic Garcia and Mike Berger on Information Operations and Intelligence #151 Daniel Runde on Chinese Soft Power #148 Kalev Leetaru on GDELT Video Presentation: Multinational Operations in Strategic Competition: Leveraging the IIA through Culture and Narrative The Village by Bing West The Role of Information in U.S. Concepts for Strategic Competition. A RAND study by Chris Paul, Michael Schwille, Michael Vasseur, Elizabeth Bartels, and Ryan Bauer Artificial Intelligence Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction by Tom Taulli Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio:  Major Maxwell Nauta grew up in Chester Country, Pennsylvania, graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and commissioned in the United States Marine Corps on March 18, 2011.  After Officer Candidate School, he attended The Basic School, Infantry Officer Course, and Light Armored Reconnaissance Leaders Course. In January 2012 he reported to 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion, MCAGCC, 29 Palms, CA, where he served as an LAR Platoon Commander from February 2012 to June 2013.  In April 2012 Maj Nauta deployed as the senior Infantry Marine to New Zealand for the six-week joint, multinational exercise, Exercise Alam Halfa.  From December 2012 to June 2013 he and his platoon independently deployed to Okinawa, Japan reporting to 3rd Combat Assault Battalion under the Unit Deployment Program.  In June, he and his LAR platoon deployed to the Republic of Korea to participate in Exercise Ssang Yong 13, forming a multination LAR platoon with Australian Cavalry Soldiers. Upon returning from Okinawa, Japan, Maj Nauta served as the Assistant Operations Officer for 3rd LAR Battalion until March 2014 when he augmented into the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR). In the SMCR, Maj Nauta first reported to Company C, 4th LAR Battalion, Salt Lake City, Utah serving as a Platoon Commander from March 2014 to March 2015.  He then transferred to Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 453 (CLB-453) in Aurora, Colorado, serving as the Headquarters Company Executive Officer until attending Supply Officers Course at Camp Johnson, North Carolina in August 2015. In January 2016, Maj Nauta activated to serve as the Supply Officer for Special Purpose Marine-Air Ground Task Force – Southern Command (SPMAGTF-SC) 16, deploying to Honduras.  Upon re-deployment in January 2017 he served as the Current Operations Officer, CLB-453. In January 2018, Maj Nauta activated to serve as the Liaison Officer to the U.S. Embassy in Honduras for SPMAGTF-SC 18. In March 2019, he reactivated as the Key Leadership Engagement Coordinator for SPMAGTF-SC 19, deploying throughout the Southern Command area of responsibility.  In preparation for this final SPMAGTF-SC deployment he attended the Civil Affairs Officers Course in March 2019.  Upon completion of SPMAGTF-SC 19 in February, 2019, he transferred to U. S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa (MARFOREUR/AF) and activated as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) serving as a Logistics Planner, G-4 and the Prepositioning Officer, MARFOREUR/AF. In October, 2021, he deactivated and was hired by Valiant Integrated Services as a Program Analysit in support of Africa Future Operations, G-35, MARFOREUR/AF. Maj Nauta is participating in U.S. Army Command and General Staff College's Information Advantage Scholars Program and is expected to transfer to Marine Corps Information Operations Center upon graduation. Maj Nauta's awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three Gold Stars in lieu of fourth award.  His formal education includes Infantry Officer Course, Light Armored Reconnaissance Leaders Course, Supply Officer Course, and Civil Affairs Officer Course and Expeditionary Warfare School. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Hey BillOReilly.com Premium and Concierge Members, welcome to the No Spin News for Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Stand Up for Your Country.   Tonight's rundown:  ·         Talking Points Memo: Joe Biden continues to decline with the world watching and remains out of the press' reach ·         Presidential Historian Larry Cook weighs in on how Biden's relationship with the press compares to past presidents ·         US Special Forces have been confirmed to be in Ukraine ·         O'Reilly describes Democrats hosting the DNC in Chicago as ‘Crazy Arrogant'  ·         The trial of Fox News gets underway  ·         58% of Americans are now living paycheck to paycheck even as inflation begins to cool off ·         Smart Life: Utilizing Kelly Blue Book when searching for a new car ·         This Day in History: FDR dies in office  ·         Final Thought: what to do when someone is disrespectful to you In Case You Missed It: ·         Read Bill's latest column, "Reason to Believe" ·         Join 'Team Normal!' Order your gear now at BillOReilly.com! ·         Pre-order Bill's next bestseller ‘Killing the Witches' NOW   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights:  ●      “We now know that the Biden administration is actively spying on Ukrainian President Zelensky, which shows that, despite all the fanfare surrounding the Ukrainian leader, they don't trust him.” ●      “Fox News is reporting that we have confirmation that a ‘small U.S. military presence is indeed at the American embassy inside Ukraine.' This was confirmed just today by White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. This is a very disturbing development for a nation that is overwhelmingly opposed to any direct US involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.” ●      “We now know that the Biden administration and NATO have been lying to the world regarding the casualties suffered on the ground. According to the leaked document, Ukraine is suffering four times the casualties of Russia, and the death toll in Ukraine is 71,000 in contrast to Russia's 17,000.” ●      “We're finding that the Dolts in DC as well as their mouthpieces in the legacy media are all lying. It's Vietnam all over again. The Deep State has learned nothing. Now the question is: have we?”      Timestamps:   [01:15] On a leaked classified Pentagon Docs and the revelation that the US is spying on Zelensky [02:25] The revelation that the US is spying on South Korea and that US forces are inside Ukraine [05:32] How this leaked document revealed how deceitful the Biden administration and NATO  Resources: ●      Get carrying TODAY with Countrywide Concealed HERE: https://www.frebahlem.com/BG484F42/G38H44Q/ ●      Learn how to protect your life savings from inflation and an irresponsible government, with Gold and Silver. Go to http://www.turleytalkslikesgold.com/ ●      Ep. 1539 Elon Musk DESTROYS Smug BBC Reporter on Hate Speech and Covid!!! ●      Go to https://www.hometitlelock.com/turleytalks -- and use promo code: TURLEYTALKS. Then enter your address for your no-obligation home title scan to see if you're already a victim. That's a $100 value -- FREE. ●      Support the Americans Protecting Our Border!!! Take Action at https://www.patriotsforamericamilitia.com ●      Get Over 66% OFF All of Mike Lindell's Products using code TURLEY: https://www.mypillow.com/turley ●      Join Dr. Steve for an unedited, uncensored extended analysis of current events in his Insiders Club at https://insidersclub.turleytalks.com/ ●      BOLDLY stand up for TRUTH in Turley Merch! Browse our new designs right now at: https://store.turleytalks.com/ ●      Make sure to FOLLOW me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrTurleyTalks ●      Get 25% off Patriotic Coffee and ALL ITEMS with Code TURLEY at https://mystore.com/turley   Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode.  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and/or leave a review. Sick and tired of Big Tech, censorship, and endless propaganda? Join my Insiders Club with a FREE TRIAL today at: https://insidersclub.turleytalks.com Do you want to be a part of the podcast and be our sponsor? Click here to partner with us and defy liberal culture!  If you would like to get lots of articles on conservative trends make sure to sign-up for the 'New Conservative Age Rising' Email Alerts.