Podcasts about Uzbekistan

La storia della seta, dalle sue origini in Cina alla Via della Seta, arrivando a conquistare il mondo interoStoria della Fustanella, la leggendaria gonna dei guerrieri albanesi ancora oggi simbolo del popolo delle aquileIscriviti qui alla nuova newsletter, ogni 7 del mese un nuovo appuntamentoRispondi a questo sondaggio di 7 domande per migliorare i contenuti ed i progetti futuri di Medio Oriente e Dintorni Qui trovate tutti i link di Medio Oriente e Dintorni: Linktree, ma, andando un po' nel dettaglio: -Tutti gli aggiornamenti sulla pagina instagram @medioorienteedintorni -Per articoli visitate il sito https://mediorientedintorni.com/ trovate anche la "versione articolo" di questo podcast. - Qui il link al canale Youtube- Podcast su tutte le principali piattaforme in Italia e del mondo-Vuoi tutte le uscite in tempo reale? Iscriviti al gruppo Telegram: https://t.me/mediorientedintorniOgni like, condivisione o supporto è ben accetto e mi aiuta a dedicarmi sempre di più alla mia passione: raccontare il Medio Oriente ed il "mondo islamico"

Max had wide-ranging conversation with Jade McGlynn while she was traveling in Ukraine. Topics covered include the Ukrainian war effort, the situation behind the lines in the Russian-occupied territories, and the recent protests in Ukraine against perceived efforts by the Zelenskyy administration to limit the independence of domestic anti-corruption agencies. This conversation was recorded on August 1, 2025 "Crossing Thresholds: Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Occupation," by Jade McGlynn (June 2024, CSIS).

Ghost dives into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in China, where Putin held a string of bilateral talks with leaders from China, Serbia, Slovakia, Mongolia, Belarus, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. He highlights Serbia and Slovakia's resistance to Western pressure, Lukashenko's strong defense of Russia, and Putin's message that NATO expansion, not EU membership, is the real red line with Ukraine. The episode also covers Kim Jong Un's high-profile appearance with his daughter, Russia and China's gas pipeline deal, and the shifting global order as nations break free from U.S. control. Ghost then pivots to Trump's announcement moving U.S. Space Command headquarters to Huntsville, Alabama, tying it to General Kwast's comments on the future of energy and space as the drivers of peace and innovation. With sidebars on propaganda tricks, Venezuela tensions, and even Denmark's scandals, this episode shows how geopolitics, sovereignty, and emerging technology are colliding on the world stage.

It's Tuesday, September 2nd, A.D. 2025. 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 Kevin Swanson Pakistani Muslim kidnapped 16-year-old Christian girl Pakistan is in the persecution news again. This time for a 16-year-old Christian girl kidnapped and forced into sex slavery by a Muslim in the Punjab district. She was rescued by court order on August 14th. This is just one of thousands of these cases occurring each year, where girls and women are kidnapped and forced into conversions, marriages, and prostitution. Pakistan is the seventh worst nation in the world on The Worldview's International Morality Index, and the eighth worst on Open Doors' World Watch List. Finnish politician tried third time for condemning perversion A Finnish Member of Parliament, Päivi Räsänen, is back in court this month, after already being acquitted twice for the so-called hate crime of calling homosexual relationships “sinful.” Räsänen has been charged with “agitation against a minority group” under the Finnish criminal code addressing “war crimes and crimes against humanity.” She's been under attack for seven years. This time the prosecutor is taking the case to Finland's Supreme Court. Afghanistan earthquake claims 800 lives In God's providence, Afghanistan has been hit by a third major earthquake since the Taliban took over, reports Reuters. This has claimed 800 lives and wounded 2,800 more, mostly in the Kunar Province. The 2022 quake killed over 1,000 people and the 2023 quake killed over 2,000 people. Russia's Putin, India's Modi and China's Jinping met in summit The new Axis power base was further solidified yesterday in a meeting which took place in Tianjin, China, with the presidents of China, India, and Russia — Presidents Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and Vladimir Putin. This was Modi's first visit to China in seven years. Modi expressed his desire to Putin that the two nations deepen cooperation “in all sectors.”  The meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization boasts “the world's largest regional organization” including nations with a combined economic output of nearly $30 trillion. That's just over the United States' annual Gross Domestic Product. Russia's Putin called the alliance the beginnings of a “new system” of security in Eurasia.  The Shanghai Cooperation Organization consists of the communist, Hindu, and Islamic states of Russia, Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Chinese Navy boasts more warships than America The BBC reports that the Chinese Navy has exceeded America's Navy in number of warships -- 234 to 219. However, the Chinese are still behind the United States in overall tonnage and aircraft carriers.  Importantly, the Chinese shipyards have upwards of 200 times the ship-building capacity of America at this point. Brazilian socialists want to lock up Jair Bolsonaro Socialist elements in the Brazilian government are looking at locking up the nation's previous president Jair Bolsonaro for 30 years. Bolsonaro is accused of staging a coup after disagreeing with the election results in January of 2023.   The Associated Press reports that the evidence includes “an unsigned document that sought to invalidate the election and his alleged push for supporters to destroy government buildings in Brasilia on January 8, 2023.”  Low Scottish birth rate Scotland's birth rate is the lowest on record — hitting 1.23 children per woman. The nation's abortion rate is 17.9 per 1,000 women. Out of 50 countries, that's the fifth lowest birth rate in Europe. Only Malta, Spain, Lithuania, and Italy have lower birth rates.  Deuteronomy 7:12 and 14a makes a promise to a nation. “Because you listen to these judgments, and keep and do them. …You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you or among your livestock.” Not so much for Scotland. Vice President JD Vance defends prayer U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance defended prayer as a proper response to the recent massacre at the Minneapolis, Minnesota Catholic School. His X post explained that, “We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action.” Vance was responding to Jen Psaki, Joe Biden's previous press secretary, who skeptically asserted that “Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does [sic] not end school shootings. Prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back.” In addition to Vice President Vance, CNN's conservative commentator Scott Jennings defended prayer as well. Listen. JENNINGS: “I think it's wrong, frankly, to vilify or attack people of faith. I think ‘thoughts and prayers' are the most solid on days of tragedy for people who live their faith every day. And I think on a day like today, particularly in a church community, there are probably people praying harder for comfort today than they have ever prayed in their life. “And I heard others on the Left today go down this line of attack against people of faith, sort of denigrating the idea that they might want to pray today.” Proverbs 28:9 reminds us that “If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.” And Proverbs 15:29 says, “The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” Chip and Joanna Gaines roll out “LGBTQ roller skating show” The reality show pop-star couple and known-to- be professing Christians, Chip Gaines and his wife, Joanna, are under fire again. This time, they are producing a program on their Magnolia Network featuring what has been termed “an LGBTQ+ roller skating reality show” called “Roller Jam.” Joanna Gaines called it “a show the whole family can watch together,” according to Protestia and FaithWire.  Office mortgages hit record 11.7% delinquency rate In economic news, delinquency rates on office mortgages in the United States have hit a record 11.7%, exceeding the last record set during the 2008 recession. That delinquency rate was only 1.6% just two years ago. Silver and gold keep climbing According to TradingView.com, silver surged to $40.76 per ounce and gold hit $3,475 per ounce on Monday — record highs for the metals. Married mothers happier than childless single women And finally, no surprise here. The Institute for Family Studies surveyed 3,000 women and found that married mothers were more likely to enjoy life.   The report documented that 47% of married mothers say their lives are enjoyable most or all the time, compared to 34% of unmarried, childless women who say the same thing. Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, September 2nd, in the year of our Lord 2025. 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.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

A father faked his own death and abandoned his family to go be with his mistress from Uzbekistan, It happened again: Bullfighter dead after debut performance, Bill Belichick's girlfriend Jordan Hudson filed a trademark claim for term 'Gold Digger'

Last time we spoke about the Battle for South Sakhalin and the Kurile Islands. In August 1945, as Japan teetered on the edge of destruction following the atomic bombings, a desperate situation unfolded. The Soviet Union launched a sudden invasion of Manchuria, catching Japanese forces off guard. On August 14, Japan's decision to surrender was made, announced to the world the following day. However, the Kwantung Army resisted fiercely, engaging in frantic evacuations. In South Sakhalin, Japanese defenders clashed with advancing Soviet troops, facing overwhelming odds. By August 18, chaos reigned on the Japanese side, with forces surrendering and civilians in panic. As the Soviets pushed forward, the situation became increasingly dire for Japan. Despite valiant resistance, the imminent defeat became clear. In a moment of critical decision, Emperor Hirohito accepted the surrender terms, officially sealing Japan's fate and marking the end of the Pacific War. However the Soviets had not yet stopped their onslaught.  This episode is the Soviet Victory in Asia Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  We are drawing near to the real conclusion of this series! Japan has officially surrendered, however the Soviets are not done just yet. East asia is a delicious piece of cake, laid wide open and Stalin intends to take every piece he can grab before the curtain falls. Now as we last left off it was August 18, and General Yamada's Kwantung Army had surrendered to the Soviet forces led by Marshal Vasilevsky, who were advancing rapidly through Manchuria. Yet, some Japanese units, like those at Kalgan, continued to resist occupation until the month's end. On August 19, following Yamada's announcement that all military operations had ceased, a Soviet delegation arrived at Hsinking.  A daring operation took place, where a 225-strong detachment from the 6th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, part of the 5th Guards Tank Corps, was airlifted to the city's main airfield. This mission, along with others, was carried out under orders from Marshal Vasilevsky on August 18, following the commander's initial offer of surrender from the Kwantung Army. Vasilevsky's directive was urgent: “The Japanese resistance is broken, and the challenging road conditions hinder the swift advance of our main forces. We need to deploy specially formed, fast-moving, and well-equipped units to capture Changchun, Mukden, Jilin, and Harbin immediately. These units should remain flexible for future missions, regardless of their distance from the main forces.”The push to accelerate operations came directly from Stalin himself. In Kulichkin's biography of Marshal Vasilevsky, he recounts a pivotal phone call on August 15. Stalin was informed that the Japanese had “lost command and control” and were unable to mount a strong defense, with their forces divided into several fragmented groups. Vasilevsky confidently stated, “Even a miracle cannot save the Japanese from total defeat,” stressing the need to maintain the momentum of the offensive. Stalin's response was straightforward: “Good. We need to increase the pace. What proposals do you have?” Vasilevsky revealed plans to use airborne assault forces against larger cities like Harbin, Changchun, Jilin, and Mukden, alongside advanced mobile units across all combined arms armies. These units, consisting of tanks and assault guns, were fully equipped with desantniki, ready to engage firmly in the ongoing operations. The landing at Shenyang revealed a remarkable twist of fate. Waiting at the airfield for evacuation to Japan was none other than the recently abdicated Emperor Puyi of Manchukuo. On August 15, 1945, Puyi tuned in to the radio and listened to Emperor Hirohito's address announcing Japan's surrender. In this historic speech, the Showa Emperor referred to the Americans' use of a "most unusual and cruel bomb," which had just devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki. For Puyi, this was the first revelation of the atomic bombings, information that the Japanese had conveniently withheld from him until that moment. The aircraft carrying Major Chelyshev's force, escorted by fighter planes, landed at 1:15 PM without any opposition and captured him. This small unit's survival hinged on remaining unchallenged, and they successfully secured the airfield. They also freed several Allied personnel held at the nearby Hoten prisoner-of-war camp. As soon as the landing was secured, additional reinforcements were airlifted in later that day, led by General Kravchenko, the commander of the 6th Guards Tank Army. He formally accepted the city's surrender, and the Soviets then transported Puyi to the Siberian town of Chita.  Meanwhile, Vasilevsky's ground offensive pressed on, mostly unopposed, though some resistance persisted. In the Transbaikal Front, Marshal Malinovsky's General Pliyev led his cavalry-mechanized units against the Japanese forces at Kalgan. Other units reached Jehol and accepted the surrender of the 108th Division. General Danilov's 17th Army secured the Shanhaiguan coast, while General Managarov's 53rd Army pushed towards Kailu. The main force of General Kravchenko's 6th Guards Tank Army regrouped at Tungliao and Kaitung, preparing to advance south toward Mukden. General Lyudnikov's 39th Army steadily approached Changchun, confronting the bypassed 107th Division, and General Luchinsky's 36th Army occupied Tsitsihar, accepting the surrender of the 136th Independent Mixed Brigade. At the same time, on General Purkayev's 2nd Far Eastern Front, General Teryokhin's 2nd Red Banner Army continued its siege of the Aihun fortified region. Meanwhile, a forward detachment moved slowly south through the Lesser Khinghan Mountains. General Mamonov's 15th Army began capturing and processing prisoners from the many retreating Japanese units after a successful amphibious assault secured Sansing. The Amur Flotilla supported the army's push towards Harbin, while General Pashkov's 5th Rifle Corps finally reached Poli, which had already been occupied by other Soviet units. In Marshal Meretskov's 1st Far Eastern Front, forward detachments of General Zakhvatayev's 35th Army began arriving at Linkou, focusing on the surrender of Japanese units in the area. Rear elements effectively eliminated the last traces of enemy resistance in the Hutou fortified area.  After a challenging struggle through the wetlands and the capture of Mishan on August 12, advanced detachments of the 35th Army's main force, the 66th and 363rd Rifle Divisions, continued their advance against minimal opposition. The situation was starkly different to their rear, where the 1056th Rifle Regiment of the 264th Rifle Division, supported by the heavily reinforced 109th Fortified Region, worked to dismantle the now-isolated Hutou fortified area. Despite the dire circumstances, the garrison refused to surrender. Thus, the focus shifted to systematically eliminating their defenses, which became a painstaking task. The attackers deployed an artillery destruction group, secured air supremacy, and utilized well-trained assault formations. Their techniques included pouring kerosene or gasoline into ventilation shafts of underground structures, sometimes in alarming quantities. For instance, two tonnes of gasoline were recorded being poured into a single installation before ignition was applied. Despite the brutal and methodical obliteration of their positions, the defenders continued to ignore orders to surrender. Notably, on August 18, a Japanese prisoner was sent under a flag of truce to inform those still holding out that the war was officially over; tragically, he was hacked to death by a sword-wielding officer. Ultimately, this stubbornness led to catastrophic consequences: about 3,000 defenders were killed, blasted and burned, before a small number finally capitulated. Additionally, advanced detachments of General Beloborodov's 1st Red Banner Army reached Shangzhi before continuing towards Harbin, and forward elements of General Krylov's 5th Army pushed on toward Jilin. General Chistyakov's 25th Army commenced disarming General Murakami's 3rd Army, while the 10th Mechanized Corps advanced rapidly westward, crossing the Laoilin Mountain passes to arrive at Tunhua by nightfall. Over in North Korea, the 335th Rifle Division successfully landed in Chongjin, as General Kabanov's Southern Defense Region prepared for an assault on Gensan. In South Sakhalin, despite the surrender of the 125th Regiment and ongoing negotiations with General Mineki's 88th Division, Soviet forces opted to proceed with the planned landing at Maoka. Consequently, Admiral Andreyev's Northern Pacific Flotilla departed from Sovetskaya Gavan in the morning, carrying the bulk of the 113th Rifle Brigade along with a battalion of marines for the long and challenging voyage to Maoka. On Shumshu Island, as General Gnechko's forces were landing their artillery to renew their assault, Japanese officers unexpectedly approached the Soviets under flags of truce, carrying a letter from General Tsutsumi proposing negotiations for surrender. Representatives from both sides began discussions, and by 6 PM, the 91st Division formally surrendered the garrisons of Shumshu, Paramushir, and Onekotan. On August 20, Gnechko dispatched a small detachment on six vessels to seize control of the airfield at Kataoka. However, as they crossed the Second Kuril Strait, batteries on both sides of the narrow waterway opened heavy fire on the Soviet ships, forcing them to withdraw. This breach of the surrender agreement sparked a renewed offensive at 1 PM, coordinated with air strikes. The bases at Kataoka and Kashiwabar were bombed by 61 aircraft, which dropped over 200 bombs, enabling ground troops to push forward up to six kilometers. It was not until General Tsutsumi intervened that the Soviets were assured the Japanese would indeed lay down their arms. Meanwhile, Andreyev's convoy arrived at Maoka harbor on the morning of August 20, successfully landing the first wave of marines amid heavy fog. They quickly spread out and secured the area while the second and third waves of infantry followed behind. By noon, the port area was secured, and the marines began advancing eastward into the city, supported by infantry on their flanks. Taken by surprise, the Japanese defenders were ultimately compelled to retreat, with the 113th Rifle Brigade pursuing them through the mountains to the villages of Futamata and Osaka. In Manchuria, between August 20 and 21, Vasilevsky's units continued their advance to occupy the region's main centers. Stalin urged for greater speed, fearing that any delay might prompt President Truman to order General MacArthur's air-naval assault forces to land there. Notably, Pliyev's first column successfully captured Kalgan, while his second column moved south toward Beijing, securing Gubeikou at the border. Located in one of the passes through the Great Wall, marking the border between Manchukuo and China, the town was garrisoned by Japanese units. These forces surrendered upon the approach of the Soviet troops, who then quickly advanced toward Beijing, about 100 kilometers away. Although not the former capital itself, this area was under the control of Chinese Communist forces known as the 8th Route Army, who aligned with the Soviets. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek was acutely aware that any Japanese capitulation to the Communists in northern China would allow the latter to occupy vital territories, making their removal difficult. Consequently, he commanded the 8th Route Army not to accept any Japanese surrenders, insisting they only surrender to Nationalist forces, with dire punishments threatened for defiance. Adding to the complexity, the Soviet Union and China had signed the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Alliance, discussed at Yalta, just six days earlier on August 14. This treaty promised mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. The Soviets had also committed to providing “moral support and aid in military supplies and other material resources” exclusively to the National Government as the legitimate central authority of China. Thus, a significant political and military predicament loomed. However, the Soviets quickly extricated themselves from this situation when Malinovsky issued an order forbidding Pliyev's forces from crossing the border. As Pliyev recounted, his formations were poised just halfway between Chengde and Beijing, needing “only one 'leap' to the Chinese capital.” He noted, “I had to suspend the offensive and move north beyond the Great Wall.” Units from the 6th Guards Tank Army occupied both Changchun and Mukden, initiating a rail movement towards Port Arthur and Dairen. For those curious, at Pingfan and Changchun, General Shiro Ishii and the remaining personnel from Units 731 and 100 were captured by Soviet forces. In a tragic turn of events, all test subjects were murdered and cremated, while the Japanese attempted to destroy evidence of their facilities but were unable to do so in time. Following their capture, the Soviets launched an extensive campaign to uncover the secrets behind Units 731 and 100, leading to the Khabarovsk Trial. If you want to learn more about what I would call “japans operation paperclip”, the secret dealings between Unit 731 and the Allies after the war, I did make an episode about it over on my patreon. Its pretty gruesome stuff so big disclaimer there.' The Soviets arrived to Dairen on 24 August, although these places had surrendered to air-landed forces two days earlier. This was, no doubt, much to the relief of Stalin, as these were amongst the main locations where he most feared American intervention. Indeed, on the day of the landing he had told Vasilevsky to ‘keep in mind' the fact that any delay could mean ‘Truman will order General MacArthur to land his naval assault forces'. The long-resisting 135th Independent Mixed Brigade finally surrendered at Aihun, while advanced units of the 2nd Red Banner Army secured Nencheng and Peian before pushing towards Tsitsihar and Harbin. Forward detachments from the 15th and 1st Red Banner Armies also reached the already-occupied Harbin. Furthermore, advanced units of the 5th and 25th Armies arrived in Jilin to reinforce the air-landed detachment there. Additionally, units from the 88th Rifle Corps and the 10th Mechanized Corps began their southward movement into Korea, heading toward the 38th Parallel. In North Korea, Kabanov dispatched a marine battalion and other units, totaling around 2,000 men, to occupy the fortified port of Gensan on August 20. The following morning, the landing force arrived and disembarked without opposition. However, the Japanese garrison refused to surrender until orders from higher command were received. Meanwhile, Japanese troops began to peacefully surround the harbor area, while Soviet sailors and marines, in a similarly calm manner, took up their defensive positions. As Kabanov noted, “An incomprehensible situation arose, neither peace nor war. The enemy has numerical superiority, but he neither fights nor wants to capitulate.” Unsurprisingly, he added, “the night passed in suspense.” The surreal situation was resolved when Rear Admiral Hori Yugoro and Colonel Tado boarded the frigate EK-3 to meet with Captain Studenichnikov on the morning of August 22. During their discussions, they attempted to negotiate terms, but the Soviet captain issued a bold threat of an immediate large-scale air strike and the initiation of hostilities at the port unless they surrendered unconditionally. While the latter was likely an empty threat, the Japanese officers signed the surrender agreement nonetheless. The process of surrendering the garrison began that evening and continued until August 26. In total, the Soviets captured more than 7,000 officers and men, along with all their military equipment. Looking toward the northern Kuriles, Japanese forces on Shumshu finally began to lay down their weapons on the afternoon of August 22, as Gnechko's units spread out to secure the island. In Manchuria, airborne detachments were also landed at Dairen and Port Arthur to secure these key administrative centers before the Americans could take control. Vanguard units of the 6th Guards Tank Army arrived to reinforce them two days later. Meanwhile, in South Sakhalin, heavy fighting persisted at Futamata despite Mineki's ceasefire agreement on August 22. Soviet air strikes supported the ground forces when weather conditions allowed, and the Japanese finally surrendered by the nightfall of August 23. At the same time, Andreyev dispatched three marine battalions on a small convoy to capture Otomari. However, a fierce storm forced the flotilla to seek refuge in the port of Honto on the morning of August 24. Once the storm subsided that evening, the force left a company of marines to garrison the port and resumed their voyage to Otomari, arriving there on the morning of August 25, just as elements of the 113th Rifle Brigade reached the eastern outskirts of the city. By noon, the 88th Division surrendered, and the city was secured. Shortly after, the 214th Tank Brigade arrived at Toyohara to secure South Sakhalin's administrative center. Thus, the South Sakhalin operation concluded with nearly 18,320 Japanese soldiers taken prisoner. Yet, this wouldn't mark the end of operations for General Cheremisov's 16th Army. Stalin pushed for the 87th and 135th Rifle Brigades, along with three marine battalions, to assemble at Otomari and execute amphibious landings on the southern Kurile Islands, specifically, Etorofu, Shikotan, and Kunashiri, and the islets of the Habomai group. The failure to include the Kuril Islands in the areas designated for surrender to Soviet forces in Truman's General Order No. 1, originally issued on August 15, exacerbated Stalin's inherent suspicions regarding American intentions. Consequently, Vasilevsky was instructed to organize landings on the Kurils, ensuring that, similar to Port Arthur, Soviet occupation would manifest physically through boots on the ground. Despite Truman's subsequent correction of the omission, mistrust endured, as did the directive to occupy the islands. However, where Stalin hesitated was concerning Hokkaido. Truman's somewhat abrupt rejection of Stalin's demand for a portion of Hokkaido undoubtedly irritated the Soviet dictator, yet he chose not to take further action. Scholarly debates have arisen around the rationale behind Stalin's ‘retreat.' When viewed within the framework of his stated geostrategic goal of securing the Soviet Union's sea lines of communication in the Pacific, it becomes understandable. Churchill once likened the Soviet Union's challenges in this regard to those of a “giant with his nostrils pinched.” A look at the map reveals that control of the Kurils would significantly alleviate this pressure in the Far East, making their acquisition crucial. Similarly, occupying southern Sakhalin would allow the Soviet Union to control the northern side of the La Pérouse Strait, which connects the Sea of Japan to the Sea of Okhotsk. The strait's opposite shore is formed by the northern coast of Hokkaido, and possessing this area would undeniably enhance the security of communications and is therefore highly desirable. However, any unilateral action in this regard would incur a significant and public breach with the Americans, the consequences of which could not be easily predicted. Given that Stalin's claim to the Kurils was firmly based on the agreement reached at Yalta, an agreement which Truman honored, his choice to avoid completely rupturing relations with the U.S. was motivated by strategic self-interest. Consequently, Andreyev's flotilla, carrying these units, departed Otomari on August 27, reaching the west coast of Etorofu at 3:15 AM on August 28. The landing, conducted using small boats, went unopposed and was met by the surrender of General Ogawa's 89th Division. The occupation of the other islands was also peaceful, with the Soviets securing Kunashiri by September 2, and Shikotan and the Habomai islets by September 5. The remaining northern Kurile Islands surrendered without incident as elements of Gnechko's Kamchatka forces arrived at Paramushir on August 24, Onekotan and Shiashkotan on August 25, Matsuwa by August 26, Shimushiru on August 27, and Uruppu by August 29. In total, 63,840 prisoners were taken throughout the Kuriles. On August 24, air-landed detachments arrived at the cities of Pyongyang and Kange to secure the last administrative centers in North Korea. Two days later, units of the 25th Army reached Gensan. With this move, albeit with some geographical liberties, Chistyakov asserted that "the troops of the 25th Army, on the orders of Marshal Meretskov, reached the 38th Parallel.” In the days that followed, units of General Kushibuchi's 34th Army gradually began to surrender and disarm. Finally, in Manchuria, most of Yamada's units had surrendered and were being disarmed. However, one unit continued to resist until the end of the month. The bypassed and encircled 107th Division was engaged in fierce fighting for survival against the 94th Rifle Corps. Due to a lack of communication with Kwantung Army Headquarters, they did not receive any ceasefire orders. As a result, a staff officer from General Iida's 30th Army was dispatched by plane to locate the division and deliver the ceasefire orders. The 107th Division was found near Chalai, and the plane made a forced landing between the Japanese troops and the opposing Soviet forces. The staff officer successfully delivered the orders terminating hostilities in that sector on August 30, which the Japanese troops promptly complied with. By September 1, units of the 53rd Army occupied Kailu, Chaoyang, Fuhsin, and Gushanbeitseifu, while forward detachments secured the Chinchou area on the Liaotung Peninsula. This marked the conclusion of the Manchurian campaign, with the Soviets claiming to have captured between 594,000 and 609,000 prisoners of war across Inner Mongolia, Manchuria, and North Korea. The captured Japanese military personnel were subjected to forced labor in Siberian internment camps, as well as camps in Sakhalin, Manchuria, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. A significant number were assigned to the construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline. Unfortunately, the treatment of prisoners of war was deemed inhumane and mishandled. Many suffered from malnutrition, overwork, cave-ins, floods, unsanitary working conditions leading to epidemics, harsh winter weather, violent guards, and brutal suppression of even mild resistance. Disturbingly, some Japanese prisoners were even lynched by their fellow captives. Estimates suggest that between 60,000 and 347,000 Japanese died in captivity. Although 18,616 prisoners were released in 1946, the process of repatriating prisoners of war extended into the 1950s. Those who remained after 1950 were detained for various convictions. However, their release began in 1953 under different amnesties. Following Josef Stalin's death and the subsequent Khrushchev Thaw, the Soviet attitude toward the remaining Japanese prisoners shifted significantly. Accompanied by Soviet officials, they were taken on tours of cities and allowed to purchase gifts for their families. Before repatriation, a banquet in Khabarovsk, hosted by Nikolai Gagen, included high-ranking prisoners such as Jun Ushiroku as attendees. The last major group of 1,025 Japanese POWs was released on December 23, 1956. After that, some Japanese POWs were released in small groups, with some only returning in the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Interestingly, some prisoners who had been held for decades, many of whom had married and started families during their captivity, chose not to return permanently to Japan. The Soviets committed numerous war crimes during their invasion and occupation of Manchuria and other Japanese territories. During the invasion, Soviet soldiers killed and raped Japanese civilians and looted civilian property. Following the Soviet invasion of Manchuria on August 9, 1945, a large number of Japanese citizens residing in the region sought to repatriate to Japan. The Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers supervised this mass movement and, in October 1945, delegated responsibility to Japan's Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Kwantung Army, which was meant to protect the Japanese settlers in Manchuria, quickly retreated and abandoned them. With most able-bodied men drafted into the army, the majority of those left behind were women, children, and the elderly, rendering them highly vulnerable to attacks from Soviet soldiers and local Chinese seeking revenge.In Soviet-occupied Manchuria and North Korea, the repatriation of Japanese civilians was characterized by violent expulsions, accompanied by widespread looting, mass killings, and rampant sexual violence perpetrated by both Soviet soldiers and local populations seeking retribution. Many Japanese civilians succumbed to starvation, disease, mass killings, and mass suicides. Approximately 223,000 Japanese civilians residing in the Soviet-occupied zones died, most within a year and a half after August 9, 1945. Regarding the extensive rape of Japanese women and girls by Soviet soldiers, a former Japanese soldier, Wakatsuki Yoshio, detailed these grim experiences in his memoir, The Records of Postwar Repatriation “What word can possibly describe the violence committed by the Soviet soldiers on Japanese women? I can only think of the word “hideous”. The victim could be a girl of twelve or thirteen years old or an old lady of almost seventy years old. These soldiers did not choose the sites where they raped them, in public, in broad daylight, even on snow-covered roads”. The Soviet invasion of Manchuria in 1945 left many Japanese women stranded after their male family members were either conscripted or killed. These women, including young girls, endured severe hardships, facing gang rapes by Soviet soldiers and local Chinese militia groups. In a desperate effort to survive, many were forced to marry Chinese men, either out of necessity or in exchange for assistance in repatriating their remaining family members. Disturbingly, some victims were as young as thirteen. Some women were held in groups and subjected to repeated sexual violence over extended periods. In certain instances, to ensure the safety of the group, members of the Japanese community offered women to their perpetrators. There were also reports of women voluntarily submitting themselves to protect their families, younger peers, or others in their communities. After Japan's defeat in 1945, leaders of the Kurokawa Settler Group in Manchuria offered approximately 15 young women, aged 17 to 21, to Soviet soldiers in exchange for protection. This tragic practice continued from September to November 1945, with some of the women later being offered to Chinese soldiers as well. With no protection from Japanese soldiers, Japanese women often had to devise unique strategies to avoid rape. Memoirs from female repatriates detail various escape tactics. Some women hid in attics every night, narrowly avoiding capture or even gunfire. Others managed to trap intruders in rooms before fleeing or bribed Soviet soldiers with valuables, such as wristwatches, to secure their escape. Notably, some women, particularly former geisha and bar workers, voluntarily went with Soviet soldiers to protect others. These women were referred to as tokkōtai (kamikaze) for their self-sacrifice. Additionally, it wasn't just Japanese women who suffered; Korean and Chinese women were also victims of sexual violence at the hands of various perpetrators in Manchuria. British and American reports indicate that Soviet Red Army troops looted and terrorized the local population in Shenyang, a city in Manchuria. A foreign witness described how Soviet troops, formerly stationed in Berlin, were permitted by the Soviet military to enter Shenyang for "three days of rape and pillage." In Harbin, Soviet forces ignored protests from leaders of the Chinese Communist Party regarding the widespread mass rape and looting committed by their troops. In the immediate aftermath of the war in 1945, in areas of Manchuria occupied by the National Revolutionary Army, 176 Koreans were killed, 1,866 were injured, 3,468 were detained, and 320 were raped by armed Chinese mobs. The attacks against Korean residents in Manchuria were believed to stem from a perception of Korean collaboration with Japanese colonial rule. One of the most infamous instances was the Gegenmiao massacre. On August 10 and 11, Xing'an was bombed, nearly destroying its urban functions. It is estimated that 3,000 of the 4,000 civilians. Anticipating the Soviet invasion, Xing'an had prepared an evacuation plan divided into three groups based on residential area and workplace. The Kwantung Army, however, failed to inform the General Office officials about their retreat. As a result, residents in the eastern area, many of whom were self-employed or office workers, had difficulty obtaining information and securing transportation, while those in the western area had military personnel who were first to learn of the situation. Some of the civilians with a handful of armed men had proceeded on foot towards Gegenmiao Township, about 35 kilometers southeast of Xing'an Street, to wait for a train at Gegenmiao Station and then evacuate to Baichengzi. They aimed to receive protection from the Kwantung Army in Baichengzi. Around 11:40 AM on August 14 in the vicinity of Gegenmyo Hill, where a Lamaist temple was located, they encountered an infantry unit consisting of 14 Soviet medium tanks and 20 trucks. The column reportedly stretched for two kilometers, with about a hundred survivors among them. Soviet troops launched an attack from the hilltop, deploying tanks with machine-gun fire. The tanks attacked multiple times, and when they ceased, Soviet soldiers disembarked and ruthlessly shot and bayoneted survivors. Many who escaped death from gunfire were still severely injured or witnessed family members being killed. Some were left holding their loved ones or chose to commit suicide. It is estimated that only about a hundred survivors were later confirmed, including nearly 200 schoolchildren from the Xing'an Street Zaiman National School. Kwantung Army units, which were supposed to escort the civilians and counterattack, had already retreated southward. Even after the Soviet soldiers left, sporadic gunfire continued, presumably due to suicides. Local residents began to plunder the bodies, stripping them of clothes and valuables. Others drowned in the river while attempting to escape. Reports tell of one woman who had her child killed by Soviet soldiers, only to later face an attack from Chinese militia, who stripped her of her clothes and mutilated her. Surviving mothers and children were also attacked, and those separated were often taken by the Chinese. At the time, it was common for Japanese boys to be sold for 300 yen and girls for 500 yen. Some survivors gathered together and began committing mass suicide, killing those who wished to end their lives. Others expressed intentions to form a death squad with rifles for revenge but ultimately did not resist.   After the war ended on August 15, attacks on displaced persons continued. A 12-year-old girl who joined a group of about ten women after the incident reported that they were attacked and robbed, taking over a week to reach Zhenxi Station, 10 kilometers from Gegenmiao Station. The women sought shelter in an abandoned house near the station but were discovered by Soviet soldiers that night who assaulted them until midnight. Afterward, the soldiers piled dry grass into the house, setting it ablaze in an attempt to burn the women alive. The girl and her sister managed to escape through a window, but many others could not flee in time due to the fire's rapid spread. The girl was forced to live as a residual orphan afterward. Fortunately, some Chinese, Mongolians, and Koreans provided food for the survivors, with some Chinese showing kindness towards the children. Those orphaned children, whose parents had been killed, became known as residual orphans, with about 30 in this unfortunate situation. Many women were forced to become residual women as well. Tragically, around 200 students from a local school, including the headmaster and his wife, were killed during this chaos. Some historians believe the attack stemmed from Soviet soldiers mistaking the refugees for armed Japanese troops because men within the group were carrying firearms for protection. In general, displaced persons at this time often carried small weapons like rifles, and some groups were even armed with light machine guns. In the pioneer groups, women sometimes participated in fighting against bandits, and in the Sado pioneer group incident, children above the fifth grade were forced into combat, regardless of gender. There may also have been prior skirmishes with other Japanese civilian groups before the war's end, further complicating the situation as the Soviet Army, which included female soldiers, may have regarded these mixed civilian and armed groups as a threat. According to Soviet military combat records, on August 14, the Soviet 17th Guards Rifle Division, 19th Guards Rifle Division, 91st Guards Rifle Division, and 61st Tank Division were stationed northwest of Gezhne Temple, but there was no combat activity in the area. On August 15, this unit advanced toward Bai Chengzi and occupied Bai Chengzi Station, which was then taken over by tanks from the 61st Tank Division. Despite extensive documentation, nothing about this incident was revealed until 2014 during the process of perestroika. Reports from British and American sources indicate that the 700,000 Soviet troops occupying Manchuria also terrorized and looted the local population in Mukden. They were not deterred by Soviet authorities and engaged in what was described as "three days of rape and pillage," with similar atrocities occurring in Harbin and across the country. Amid the mass repatriation of Japanese civilians living in the region, Japanese women in Manchuria faced repeated sexual violence at the hands of Russian soldiers every day. In North Korea, it was similarly reported that Soviet soldiers raped both Japanese and Korean women. Additionally, Soviet soldiers looted the property of Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans residing in Manchuria and North Korea. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Amid chaotic surrenders, Emperor Hirohito accepted defeat, but Soviet advances continued relentlessly. As they pushed deeper, the Soviets captured key cities, including Harbin, while Japan's soldiers and civilians struggled for survival against the onslaught. War crimes committed by Soviet troops added to the tragedy, with rampant violence against Japanese civilians. Amidst political tensions, the Soviets secured territory, culminating in the surrender of remaining Japanese forces. The grim conclusion of this campaign marked a profound shift in the power dynamics of East Asia and paved the way for post-war ramifications.

Max and Maria give their takes on the recent efforts to negotiate a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. They analyze the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska, and then the meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders at the White House.   This episode was recorded on August 20, 2025.

NIO just announced massive expansion into Singapore, Uzbekistan, and Costa Rica - but this isn't just about new markets. This is strategic chess positioning for the next decade of EV dominance.In this episode, we break down:NIO's partnership with 118-year-old Wearnes Automotive in Singapore and why the right-hand drive Firefly unlocks massive global marketsLi Auto's third sales restructuring in 6 months and what it reveals about the pure EV transition struggleXPeng's shocking partnership helping Volkswagen upgrade gas cars (yes, really)Silicon Valley's first Level 4 autonomous car you can actually buy in 2026While everyone else talks delivery numbers, we analyze the strategic moves that determine who wins the EV revolution. This week's developments show NIO executing methodical global expansion while competitors face internal chaos and risky pivots.Key insights include NIO's light asset strategy validation, why Costa Rica is the perfect Americas testing ground, how Li Auto's dual-powertrain confusion is reshaping their entire organization, and why XPeng's technology licensing could be genius positioning.The EV industry is transforming from product-centric to platform-centric. Companies building the most valuable platforms - battery swapping networks, electronic architectures, autonomous driving stacks - will dominate the next decade.Keywords: NIO stock, NIO expansion, Singapore EV market, Li Auto sales, XPeng Volkswagen, Level 4 autonomous driving, EV industry analysis, Chinese EV stocks, battery swapping technology, global EV expansion

In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we sit down with Dina Babsky, Director of Economic and Urban Development for the City of Las Vegas, to hear her inspiring journey and learn about the exciting projects shaping the city's future.Born in Uzbekistan, Dina came to the U.S. at age 15 through the Department of State's Future Leaders Exchange Program. She spent a year in Wolf City, Texas, returned home to finish high school, and later came back to earn her bachelor's in business administration from Texas A&M University Commerce. After starting her career in Texas as a sales service manager for a corrugated box manufacturer, she eventually moved to Las Vegas in 2012. There, she earned a master's in management information systems from UNLV and worked for the City of Henderson before joining the City of Las Vegas in 2017. Her previous role managing the city's Strategic Initiatives Office paved the way to her current position, where she leads redevelopment, business attraction, and economic diversification efforts.Dina shares her passion for seeing projects come to life, from small neighborhood businesses to large-scale developments like the new high-rise residential tower downtown. She discusses the city's priorities of public safety, healthcare, and economic diversification, highlighting initiatives in the medical district, innovation hubs, and programs that support entrepreneurs with grants, security upgrades, and visual improvements. She also offers a preview of the upcoming Civic Center opening and ribbon-cutting on September 4th, along with future restaurant openings and public spaces designed to foster community engagement.Outside of work, Dina enjoys traveling, karaoke, playing piano, and spending time with her husband, three sons, and stepdaughter. Her advice to young people: Don't be afraid to change direction if a job isn't fulfilling. Careers can take many turns before you find the right fit. Keep going, stay open to opportunities, and don't be afraid to start over.City of Las Vegas-Business Resources:https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Business

Subscribe to Chris Arnade's Substack - https://walkingtheworld.substack.com/Who is Chris Arnade!He started as a physicist, earning a PHD from Johns Hopkins and then took to Wall St spending two decades on an elite trading desk at CitiGroup before disillusioning his well dressed allies to engage in the photography, walking and writing of the great and forgotten cities of this world. He is a best selling author, but as well… a best subscribed substacker!'Chris Arnade Walks The World' is the publications name…And in it, Chris lives up to the title. Japan, Europe, China, Australia, The Faroe Islands, Canada, the expansive US of A, Turkey, Korea, Indonesia even Uzbekistan (which gets a special mention in this podcast). Cities within all of these great nations and many more, Chris has trod and documented. His format is slow and empathetic. Chris will embark on several 20-30km journeys at his location, take photos and then report on his walk. I can't remember how long I've been subscribed, although it feels like years, but the other day I woke up to an email which detailed Chris's initial impressions of Sydney! I replied to the email right away, and just a few hours later was guiding him along the Malabar to Bondi trail. Steve and I - guiding Chris from the area I grew up to the most iconic beach in Australia. That was a special serendipity which came out of no-where and furthermore, led to this podcast today...00:00 Introduction to Chris Arnade — physicist, Wall Street trader, turned global walker/writer.02:00 First impressions of Sydney — “child of LA and London,” with beaches, pubs, suburbs, and good living.Sydney Observations03:40 Sydney's trains: efficient, sprawling, but designed to avoid beaches.06:00 Sydney friendliness vs. UK cynicism — “Australians are like puppy dogs, eager to please.”09:30 Suburbs as “democratized manors,” good life for the average person, housing affordability issues.13:00 Housing supply constraints, coastline beauty, and why Sydney isn't as bad as people think.Walking & Method16:30 From physics & Wall Street to walking: walks as stress relief, learning, meditation.20:30 Spreadsheet brain → toy models → refining worldview through walking.22:30 Cities that defied expectations: Tashkent & Jakarta.Global Perspectives25:30 Africa's challenges: Nigeria & Dakar as examples of dysfunction despite resources.29:00 Australia's weak ties with Indonesia, lack of Indonesians in Sydney, food culture, overlapping economic models.33:30 Chinese-Indonesian business dominance — parallels to Jews, Lebanese, minorities elsewhere.36:00 High-trust vs. low-trust societies: Japan as the archetype.Culture & Writing41:30 Why he avoids fame, prefers anonymity, but respects subscribers deeply.44:00 Pressure to deliver as a Substack writer — treating it like a job.47:00 Writing inspiration, uninspired cities (Bangkok), and the challenges of always producing.53:00 Strong opinions drive trafficDignity & Underclass55:00 “Dignity” project in the US — underclass and addiction.Personal Life56:20 Family and frugality58:50 Why he doesn't read other travel writersPhilosophy & Serendipity01:04:50 Serendipity? “I don't believe in coincidence.” 01:07:00  Country he's most bullish on01:09:00 Next destinations

Ancora una volta, voglio portarvi in viaggio con me: l'Uzbekistan - l'ultima destinazione della famiglia Cappelli - è un luogo fuori dal comune, dove si incontrano gli imperi e si possono trovare resti persiani lavati dal tempo, monete del più orientali degli stati greco-macedoni, tracce della dominazione araba e dell'ascesa delle città della via della Seta, delle distruzioni dei Mongoli e della contesa - il grande gioco - tra Russia e Impero britannico. Viaggiate con me e Umberto Molinatti - del podcast "So You Think You Can Rule Persia" - alla scoperta di questo paese allo stesso tempo lontano e vicino. --- Per ascoltare il podcast di Umberto: So you think you can rule Persia: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ggELg80II8yhqewa3ZCgS?si=95e7fd2e176e4743 --- Tutti i link di "Storia d'Italia": sito, libri, guerre incivili, patreon, tipeee... ⁠https://linktr.ee/italiastoria⁠ --- Per comprare "Quando Venezia distrusse l'Impero romano": Amazon libro: ⁠https://amzn.to/4gR4tzG⁠ Amazon ebook: ⁠https://amzn.to/4hWFn36⁠ Altre opere letterarie: Per comprare "Ammiano": ⁠acquista fumetto⁠ Per comprare "Per un pugno di barbari":⁠https://amzn.to/3rniBwd⁠ Per comprare "Il miglior nemico di Roma": ⁠https://amzn.to/3Zgzy8w⁠ --- Per supportarmi: ⁠www.patreon.com/italiastoria⁠ ⁠https://it.tipeee.com/italiastoria⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

copyright NDR Live, off-air, three-hour recording of the special annual Gruss an Bord program from German broadcaster NDR, Norddeutscher Rundfunk, on 24 December 2024 with an introductory "warm-up" segment beginning shortly after 18:00 UTC with Gruss an Bord itself starting at 19:00 UTC. The "warm-up segment" featured reports on seafaring, its economic relevance, and everyday life at sea. Gruss an Bord features music and greetings to and from mariners around the world. The Christmas greetings were recorded at an event in Hamburg. Unlike for the past several years, there was no event in Leer.Relatives and friends had the opportunity to wish their loved ones at sea a happy holiday and a happy new year. The Hamburg event was recorded on 8 December in the Duckdalben International Seamen's Club and was hosted by Birgit Langhammer and Ocke Bandixen. Music was provided by the Swedish-South African duo "Fjarill." The broadcast was primarily in German with some greetings in other languages.In addition to being carried on the NDR Info and NDR Info Spezial networks, the broadcast was transmitted around the world on shortwave using transmitters at Nauen, Germany; Moosbrunn, Austria; Issoudun, France; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; and Okeechobee, Florida, U.S.A.; and was organized by Media Broadcast.The frequencies (kHz) were: 6030 (via Issoudun) for the Northeast Atlantic, 6080 (via Tashkent) for Europe, 9635 (via Moosbrunn) for the Indian Ocean,11650 (via Issoudun) for the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, 13830 (via Nauen) for the Southern Atlantic, and15770 (via Okeechobee) for the Northwest AtlanticThe "warm-up" segment was not carried on the NDR Info Spezial network, which broadcast the children's program Mikado instead. And as the Moosbrunn transmitter took the feed from the NDR Info Spezial network, the "warm-up" segment didn't go out on this shortwave transmitter.The recording is of the transmission on the frequency of 11650 kHz for the full three hours.The program was received outdoors on a Belka-DX receiver in pseudo-synchronous (AM2) mode with a bandwidth of 50 Hz - 2.7 kHz with a Tecsun AN-03L 7-metre wire antenna in Hanwell (just outside Fredericton), New Brunswick, Canada. Reception was fairly good for the most part with a bit of noise at times.

For decades, conservationists in Tajikistan assumed that the striped hyena – a shy, less vocal cousin of the spotted hyena – was extinct there. But in 2017 a motion-sensitive camera trap in the country's south-western corner, near the borders with Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, detected the presence of a female with cubs. The discovery stunned local observers, and ever since, one man and his colleagues have struggled to find out more about the few remaining Tajik striped hyenas with a view to saving them from oblivion. The challenges are immense, including the international animal parts trade, competition between animals and humans for habitat, and often-negative public perceptions of the hyena itself. Eight years on, Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent travels to the grassy lowlands of Tajikistan to join the small team in their fight to save these elusive, persecuted mammals, and in doing so learns how vital hyenas are to both the ecosystem and human health.This episode of The Documentary comes to you from Assignment, investigations and journeys into the heart of global events.

For decades, conservationists in Tajikistan assumed that the striped hyena – a shy, less vocal cousin of the spotted hyena – was extinct there. But in 2017 a motion-sensitive camera trap in the country's south-western corner, near the borders with Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, detected the presence of a female with cubs. The discovery stunned local observers, and ever since, one man and his colleagues have struggled to find out more about the few remaining Tajik striped hyenas with a view to saving them from oblivion. The challenges are immense, including the international animal parts trade, competition between animals and humans for habitat, and often-negative public perceptions of the hyena itself. Eight years on, Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent travels to the grassy lowlands of Tajikistan to join the small team in their fight to save these elusive, persecuted mammals, and in doing so learns how vital hyenas are to both the ecosystem and human health.Reporter: Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent Producer: Mike Gallagher Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman Sound mixer: Neil Churchill Series editor: Penny Murphy

Max and Maria spoke with Harley Balzer and Sergei Guriev about the recently released volume, Failure. Russia Under Putin. This conversation was recorded on July 17, 2025. Failure. Russia Under Putin is available now from Bloomsbury Publishing.

Sara Raza is the Artistic Director and Chief Curator of the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Of Iranian and Central Asian origin and a member of the international diaspora, Raza focuses on global art and visual cultures from a postcolonial and post-Soviet perspective with a specialism in Orientalism. She is the author of Punk Orientalism: The Art of Rebellion(Black Dog Press, London, 2022). At the helm of the CCA, Raza leads its creative mission to foster cultural and educational partnerships, while championing regional and international artists in their engagement with Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage and dynamic contemporary art scene. Raza is the recipient of the 11th ArtTable New Leadership Award for Women in the Arts and was honoured by Deutsche Bank and Apollo as one of 40 under 40 global art specialists (thinkers' category). Formerly, she was the Guggenheim UBS MAP Curator for the Middle East and North Africa at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and Curator of Public Programs at Tate Modern in London. She currently teaches in NYU's Media, Cultures, and Communication Department, and is a 2025 Yale School of Art Guest Critic and Visiting Faculty member.She and Zuckerman discuss looking beyond the borders of Europe and the EU, being a global citizen, translation, constellations, mathematics and abstraction, moments of crisis, understanding the present through the past, looking back to look forward, cultures of interruption, finding similarities, punk as a way to combine desperate ideas, reciprocal cultural labor, accessibility, retelling moral tales, art as a re-orientation, and shifting both the imagination and the heart!

What if the key to navigating career pivots, global uncertainty, and personal reinvention was simply learning to listen to your gut, your experiences, and the world around you? In this episode, we sit down with Rhett Power author, speaker, and executive coach whose journey spans from Clear Channel Communications to the Peace Corps in Uzbekistan to co-founding a thriving toy company. Through bold transitions and unexpected turns, Rhett reveals how following his instincts became his most reliable compass. We explore the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, especially what happens after the exit and why no one talks about it enough. Rhett shares how executive coaching, when rooted in accountability and lived experience, can transform how leaders show up for themselves and their teams. But this isn't just a business conversation. It's a global one. Rhett brings stories of resilience and gratitude from some of the world's poorest countries, reminding us how simplicity and service can shape our values. We dig into his take on technology, the rise of AI, and how to stay optimistic in a future that often feels uncertain. From mindset and leadership to legacy and perspective, this episode invites you to rethink success and find joy in the unexpected. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Business Legacy Podcast 00:00:09 - Meet Rhett Power: Author, Speaker, Executive Coach 00:00:45 - From Clear Channel Communications to the Peace Corps 00:01:30 - Founding a Children's Toy Company 00:02:15 - Trusting Instincts and Career Changes 00:03:00 - Post-Business Exit Challenges and New Opportunities 00:04:00 - Rhett's Executive Coaching Approach 00:05:00 - Entrepreneurial Insights and Coaching Accountability 00:06:30 - Career Transitions, Self-Awareness, Adaptability 00:08:38 - Shifting from Entrepreneurship to Global Awareness 00:09:15 - Embracing Technology and AI 00:10:00 - Lessons on Gratitude and Simplicity 00:11:00 - Philanthropy and Giving Back 00:12:00 - Balancing Ventures and Personal Growth 00:15:07 - Rhett's Writing Journey 00:16:00 - "One Million Frogs" and Toy Company Lessons 00:17:00 - Insights from "The Entrepreneur's Book of Actions" 00:18:00 - Upcoming Book "Head of Mentals" on Self-Talk 00:19:00 - Leadership Self-Talk and Team Dynamics 00:20:00 - Reframing Negative Self-Talk in Teams 00:21:00 - Transforming Negative Team Dynamics 00:23:00 - Balancing Life Experiences 00:24:00 - Conclusion and More on Rhett Power 00:27:00 - Closing and Review Encouragement Episode Resources: Connect with Rhett here for more information:  https://digitalneighbor.com/about/eric-ritter Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit businesslegacypodcast.com to access the shownotes and additional resources on the episode.

Barry Kenny, we know him from his job in Irish Rail but in his spare time he also likes to holiday by rail and Melanie May, Travel Writer and broadcaster

There's a lot at stake. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” - Romans 8:14 (KJV)

Príbeh, ktorý odhaľuje, ako sa ruský podnikateľ Vasilij Shimko zmocnil slovenských zdravotníckych značiek a technológií. Od slávnostného otvorenia výroby Chirany v Moskve za prítomnosti Andreja Danka až po súčasné právne kroky ministerstva zahraničných vecí - sledujte dramatický obrat v slovensko-ruských obchodných vzťahoch.Dozviete sa, ako Shimko cez svoj koncern Shimco Group získal kontrolu nad lukratívnymi zdravotníckymi technológiami vrátane biotechnologickej firmy DB Biotech, ktorá sa špecializuje na diagnostiku rakoviny. Odhaľujeme nejasné obchodné modely, podozrivé firmy a cesty, akými sa slovenské high-tech technológie dostávajú do krajín spolupracujúcich s Ruskom.Investigatíva ukazuje, ako sa od Dankovej podpory v roku 2019 dostávame k Blanárovmu odvolaniu v roku 2024, pričom slovenské technológie stále slúžia ruským záujmom cez Uzbekistan. Príbeh plný politických obratov, nejasných licencií a otázok o tom, kde končia slovenské záujmy a začínajú ruské.

This week, Max spoke with Michael Kimmage about the recent headlines connected to Russia and Ukraine, and what they mean for the coming months. "The Limits of Putin's Balancing Act: What the Kremlin Will Sacrifice in Pursuit of Victory in Ukraine," by Michael Kimmage and Maria Lipman (Foreign Affairs, July 2025)

Stella Escobedo is an Emmy award winning news anchor-reporter with nearly 20 years experience,  a fearless journalist and an advocate who immigrated to the U.S. from Uzbekistan from the Soviet Union.  Stella is currently a news anchor for One American News (OAN). In this conversation, Stella shares how her upbringing shaped her values, her global perspective, and the causes of her disillusionment with mainstream media. Journalism was always Stella's passion. but during the COVID-19 pandemic, something shifted. Stella began to question the media's silence on critical issues: the voices of parents during lockdowns, the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, and the dangerously skewed coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict. We discuss  the deeply embedded bias against Israel in U.S. media and the painful, recurring truth that Jews are violently scapegoated in every generation. When serious issues arise, too many default to an intellectually lazy and ancient habit: blame the Jews, and deflect accountability. This conversation is both a warning and a call to action. It's about truth, courage, and refusing to stay silent while history repeats itself. Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG A few of our favorite quotes from this episode: "If not me, then who?" "I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless." "The media completely ignored what we should have been able to have open conversations about." "The indoctrination of their children must stop for peace to exist."

Hi, I'm John Sorensen, President of Evangelism Explosion International, and you're listening to Share Life Today. In the Middle East, sharing the Gospel isn't just difficult — it's dangerous. But that hasn't stopped believers like Jasur in Uzbekistan. This past June, he traveled to the city of Gulistan to support a fellow Christian and reconnect with some old contacts. What followed was a powerful, Spirit-led gathering where testimonies were shared and the Gospel was presented to a room full of attentive hearts. And one young woman, Gulnora, and her sister were struggling—torn between Islam, their father's religion, and Christianity, their mother's faith. Their hearts leaned toward Jesus. Jasur didn't pressure them. He shared the Gospel clearly with them, left a Bible, and promised to pray. If Jasur can share the Gospel even in such a dangerous region, well, we certainly can share to our communities too. There are people waiting to hear the hope that can only be found in Jesus. So let's be bold in our witness. To learn how, visit our website at sharelife.today.

Comedy writer Rob Kutner (Conan, The Daily Show) joins the show to talk about his new book, The Jews: 5000 Years and Counting. As someone with a confusing relationship with myself, I had some questions! We also talked about Rob's retro case of Covid, growing up in Atlanta, being deported from Uzbekistan, writing for Dennis Miller vs. Jon Stewart vs. Conan and so much more. Plus we did a round of Just Me or Everyone, HGFY and Podcast Pals Product Picks! Get yourself some new ARIYNBF merch here: https://alison-rosen-shop.fourthwall.com/ Subscribe to my Substack: http://alisonrosen.substack.com Podcast Palz Product Picks: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonrosen/list/2CS1QRYTRP6ER?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfalisonrosen_0K0AJFYP84PF1Z61QW2H Products I Use/Recommend/Love: http://amazon.com/shop/alisonrosen Check us out on Patreon: http://patreon.com/alisonrosen   Buy Alison's Fifth Anniversary Edition Book (with new material): Tropical Attire Encouraged (and Other Phrases That Scare Me) https://amzn.to/2JuOqcd You probably need to buy the HGFY ringtone! https://www.alisonrosen.com/store/

We (belatedly) celebrate our 250th episode and toot our own horns, before getting into more important matters by discussing the draw for the Fourth Round of Asian Qualifiers. Is it fair? Which group is toughest? Which teams have the best chance? We discuss all of that and more, plus get some reaction from Qatar from Doha News reporter Sudesh Baniya. We also discuss reports of Joachim Low coaching Uzbekistan, the purpose of the EAFF-E1 Championships, Anderson Lopes' move to Lion City Sailors and the mess surrounding the Indian Super League. Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

The number of foreigners coming to China visa-free has increased significantly in the first six months of the year, as the nation continues to open its doors wider for international travelers.随着中国持续向国际游客进一步开放，今年上半年入境中国的免签外国人数大幅增加。From January to June, immigration management authorities across China recorded a total of 13.64 million visa-free inbound trips made by foreigners, up 53.9 percent year-on-year, Lyu Ning, a spokeswoman for the National Immigration Administration, said on Wednesday.国家移民管理局发言人吕宁周三表示，1 月至 6 月，全国移民管理机构共记录外国免签入境人次 1364 万，同比增长 53.9%。These trips accounted for 71.2 percent of all inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of the year, Lyu said.吕宁称，这些免签入境人次占上半年外国人入境总人次的 71.2%。During the first six months, foreigners made more than 38 million trips to and from China, up 30.2 percent year-on-year. Authorities also recorded a total of 333 million cross-border trips, up 15.8 percent compared with the same period last year.上半年，外国人出入境超 3800 万人次，同比增长 30.2%；全国共记录跨境出行 3.33 亿人次，同比增长 15.8%。This year, China introduced additional favorable policies to facilitate cross-border travel and attract more foreign visitors.今年，中国推出了更多利好政策，以便利跨境出行并吸引更多外国游客。In June, it added Indonesia to the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free transit, allowing Indonesians traveling to a third country to enter China visa-free through designated ports, and stay for up to 10 days.6 月，中国将印度尼西亚纳入免签过境国家名单，允许前往第三国的印尼公民经指定口岸免签入境中国，停留最长 10 天。In February, China allowed tourist groups from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to stay in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, for up to six days after entering the country visa-free through designated ports.2 月，中国允许东南亚国家联盟成员国旅游团经指定口岸免签入境后，在云南省西双版纳停留最长 6 天。China has also adopted unilateral visa-free policies for nine other countries, including Brazil, Argentina and Chile, and signed comprehensive mutual visa-free agreements with Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Azerbaijan.中国还对巴西、阿根廷、智利等另外 9 个国家实施单方面免签政策，并与乌兹别克斯坦、马来西亚、阿塞拜疆签署了全面互免签证协定。Furthermore, Lyu said that China's immigration management authorities issue visas to foreign ordinary passport holders who arrive at the country's ports for emergency or humanitarian reasons, but didn't have time to apply for a visa at Chinese embassies.此外，吕宁表示，对于因紧急或人道主义原因抵达中国口岸、但来不及在驻华使领馆申请签证的外国普通护照持有人，中国移民管理机构会为其签发签证。"These visa facilitation measures have encouraged a large number of foreign friends to come to China for tourism and business, boosted inbound consumption, and further enhanced understanding and friendship between people in China and other countries," she said.她说：“这些签证便利化措施鼓励了大批外国朋友来华旅游、经商，带动了入境消费，进一步增进了中国与世界各国人民之间的了解和友谊。”A 22-year-old woman from Poland, who asked to be identified by only her first name, Julia, is in China with a friend to attend a summer camp on Chinese language and culture, as well as for sightseeing. The duo, who arrived on Tuesday, will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.一名 22 岁的波兰女子（仅愿透露名字为朱莉娅）正与朋友在中国参加汉语和中国文化夏令营，并进行观光。这对搭档于周二抵达，将游览北京、上海和香港。"We are very excited for the time that we will spend here," said Julia, who is on her second trip to China but entered the country visa-free for the first time.朱莉娅说：“我们对即将在这里度过的时光感到非常兴奋。” 这是她第二次来中国，但却是第一次免签入境。Poland was among countries whose citizens were granted visa-free entry to China in 2024.波兰是 2024 年获得中国免签入境待遇的国家之一。"It's a very nice policy," Julia said, adding that the policy spared her the potentially cumbersome documentation process needed for getting a visa.朱莉娅说：“这是一项非常好的政策。” 她还表示，这项政策省去了她申请签证时可能繁琐的文件准备流程。Yang Jinsong, a researcher at the China Tourism Academy, said the figures released on Wednesday reflect the positive effect of the country's measures for stimulating cross-border travel.中国旅游研究院研究员杨劲松表示，周三公布的数据反映了中国刺激跨境旅游措施的积极效果。These measures have increased China's popularity among international travelers, he said, noting that the country's inbound tourism market has shown strong recovery momentum in recent years.他说，这些措施提高了中国在国际游客中的受欢迎程度，并指出近年来中国入境旅游市场呈现出强劲的复苏势头。Lyu, the spokeswoman for the National Immigration Administration, said the administration will come up with more diversified and effective measures for cross-border travel and foreigners' stays in China.国家移民管理局发言人吕宁表示，该局将推出更多元、更有效的措施，便利跨境出行和外国人在华停留。facilitation /fəˌsɪlɪˈteɪʃn/ 便利化，促进inbound /ˈɪnbaʊnd/ 入境的，进来的transit /ˈtrænzɪt/ 过境，中转cumbersome /ˈkʌmbəsəm/ 繁琐的，麻烦的

Max and Maria are joined by Richard Giragosian and Jeffrey Mankoff to talk about the current geopolitical moment in the South Caucasus, with a particular focus on the dynamics at play in the relationships between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. This conversation was recorded on July 9, 2025.

Join host Sangar Paykhar and Eurasian affairs analyst Eldaniz Gusseinov as they revisit the inaugural Termez Dialogue in southern Uzbekistan. In this episode, they explore how Afghanistan is poised to become the linchpin of trade, commercial growth and geopolitical shifts across Central Asia, Russia and South Asia. Key topics include: * Russia's recognition of Afghanistan's de facto authorities and the region's great-power dynamics * Shared Silk Road heritage and people-to-people cultural ties * Concrete recommendations: annual Dialogues, thematic working groups, legal frameworks for water treaties, pilot projects and SCO-backed financing Connect with Eldaniz Gusseinov: Eldaniz.gusseinov@gmail.com linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eldaniz-gusseinov/ Nightingale Intelligence https://nightingale-int.com/Support the show♦ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Afgeye ♦ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/afghaneye ♦ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghaneyeinsta/ ♦ X: https://X.com/AfgEye♦ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afgeyeFB/ ♦ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yb4sz7bh ♦ Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycjlytsz ♦ Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y5qsvqq2 ♦ Shop: https://teespring.com/stores/the-afghan-eye-podcast

Last week on VOMOz radio (https://soundcloud.com/vom-oz/mongolia-was-i-called-was-i-chosen-and-did-i-obey), Brian and Louise Hogan, trainers to church planters and former missionaries to Mongolia, shared about their efforts to plant a church in Mongolia – and the high cost they paid for serving there when their infant son died. This week, listen as they unwrap some of the principles they learned in that process, lessons they are now teaching to pastors and church leaders around the world, including hostile areas and restricted nations where VOM works. Listen also for a special testimony from a former prisoner for Christ in Uzbekistan, Dmitry ‘David' Shestakov. Hear the difference it made when Christians around the world wrote letters to him in prison. To write to Christians in prison, please visit https://vom.com.au/write-to-a-christian-prisoner/

Last week Brian and Louise Hogan, trainers to church planters and former missionaries to Mongolia, shared about their efforts to plant a church in Mongolia—and the high cost they paid for serving there when their infant son died. This week, listen as they unwrap some of the principles they learned in that process, lessons they are now teaching to pastors and church leaders around the world, including hostile areas and restricted nations where VOM works. Brian, the author of There's a Sheep in My Bathtub and An A-Z of Near-Death Adventures, says that many in Western churches want to “buy a box” and follow a checklist for church planting, skipping the difficult process of seeking the Holy Spirit's wisdom and guidance. He challenges church planters to empty themselves of their own culture and learn the people and culture of where they are church planting, while always keeping in step with the New Testament. “If we don't see it in the New Testament,” Brian says, “then we're not going to institute it on the nations.” Brian and Louise also share how generous and missions-minded the church in Mongolia is. They ask, “What can we do to obey Jesus?” As Brian & Louise train Mongolian missionaries to go out to the nations, these radical church planters know that the core of missions is the church. They are not willing that anyone should be unreached. A nation that once sent out violent conquerors is now sending missionaries committed to conquering hearts with the Prince of Peace. Please pray for Mongolian Christians, and for church planters throughout the world as they work and sacrifice to bring every tribe, tongue, and nation into fellowship with Christ. Listen also for a special testimony from a former prisoner for Christ in Uzbekistan, Dmitry “David” Shestakov. Hear the difference it made when Christians around the world wrote letters to him in prison, then go and write letters to Christians in prison right now at PrisonerAlert.com. You can also hear Shestakov share his story in this episode of VOM Radio. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Emma Martins and Austin Knuppe recently attended the Diplomacy of the Heart Conference in Uzbekistan, an international gathering dedicated to intercultural understanding and peacebuilding.

Hanna Notte returns to the show for a conversation with Max and Maria about what the most recent round of hostilities between Israel and Iran, plus the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, mean for Russia's own Middle Eastern strategy.  This conversation was recorded on June 25, 2025. "Russia no longer needs Iran's help to sustain the war in Ukraine," by Hanna Notte (June 2025, Financial Times) "Why Isn't Russia Defending Iran?" by Hanna Notte (June 2025, The Atlantic)

Max moderated a live panel discussion with Maria, and two leading experts on the Russian economy, Elina Ribakova and Vladislav Inozemtsev. The conversation focused on the findings of the recent report from the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program, "The Russian Wartime Economy: From Sugar High to Hangover."

The telecom industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. This shift is creating new business opportunities and services but also brings significant challenges in transformation and modernization. In this special bonus episode, building on our Reimagining Telecoms mini-series, we dive into the current opportunities shaping today's dynamic telco landscape.This week, Dave, Esmee and Rob talk to Vivek Badrinath,  Director General of the GSMA about the current opportunities shaping today's dynamic telco landscape and the role of GSMA. TLDR01:38 Introduction to Vivek and the bonus episode03:48 In-depth conversation with Vivek Badrinath42:13 Can empathy become a strategic KPI in telecom?47:20 Event in Uzbekistan and doubling down on the digital ecosystem GuestVivek Badrinath: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekbadrinath/HostsDave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Esmee van de Giessen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/Rob Kernahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/ ProductionMarcel van der Burg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/Dave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/with Praveen Shankar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/praveen-shankar-capgemini/SoundBen Corbett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Corbett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/'Cloud Realities' is an original podcast from Capgemini

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Stephen Ridley comes from a small village in South Yorkshire, England, with a population of just 40 people. He began playing the piano at the tender age of two. Following the death of his father when he was a teenager, his family was plunged into deep poverty, a circumstance that profoundly shaped his drive. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically, graduating from Durham University with a triple first-class honors degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. This led to a prestigious and financially rewarding job at a world-renowned investment bank. However, the security of his banking career came at a great personal cost, leaving him feeling numb and miserable. In a defining moment of clarity, he walked out of his job for good. Just 30 minutes later, he bought a £100 piano from a thrift store, pulled it onto a London street, and began to play. The spontaneous performance drew smiling crowds, and for the first time in years, he felt a sense of joy and purpose. This single act of rebellion launched an incredible international music career. Ridley went from playing on the street to performing in over 60 countries. His unique journey has seen him play for world leaders, at exclusive events like the Monaco Grand Prix, and alongside A-list artists on superyachts and in palaces. He has also shared his music in children's hospitals, orphanages, and shanty towns, and performed at the largest outdoor concert in Uzbekistan's history. Beyond his live performances, Stephen is passionate about making music accessible to everyone. He founded an online piano academy to help students worldwide experience the power and joy of music. Translating his passion into a thriving enterprise, his courses have generated over $60 million in sales, empowering countless others to find their own connection to the piano. For More Info: https://RidleyAcademy.com https://instagram.com/stephenridley/

Behzod Abduraimov's performances combine an immense depth of musicality with phenomenal technique and breath-taking delicacy. He performs with renowned orchestras worldwide including Philharmonia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, San Francisco Symphony, The Cleveland Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, Concertgebouworkest, Czech Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, NHK Symphony and Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin (RSB). Regular festival appearances include Aspen, Verbier, Rheingau, La Roque Antheron, Lucerne and Ravello festivals. Behzod's second recording for Alpha Classics, featuring works by Ravel, Prokofiev, and Uzbek composer Dilorom Saidaminova, was released on 12 January 2024. The album was Gramophone' Editor's Choice in January 2024, and was included in Apple Music ‘10 Classical Albums You Must Hear This Month' of February 2024.  The year 2021 saw the highly successful release of his first recital album for Alpha Classics based on a program of Miniatures including Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. In 2020, recordings included Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with Lucerne Symphony Orchestra under James Gaffigan, recorded on Rachmaninoff's own piano from Villa Senar for Sony Classical, and Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No.3 with Concertgebouworkest, for the RCO live label. Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 1990, Behzod began the piano at age five, as a pupil of Tamara Popovich at Uspensky State Central Lyceum in Tashkent.

Max and Maria get another update from military expert Mike Kofman on the state of the frontlines in Ukraine.  This conversation was recorded on June 11, 2025. "The Russian Wartime Economy: From Sugar High to Hangover" by Maria Snegovaya, Nicholas Fenton, Tina Dolbaia, and Max Bergmann (June 2025, CSIS.org) "Russia's Battlefield Woes in Ukraine" by Seth Jones and Riely McCabe (June 2025, CSIS.org) "Assessing Russian Military Adaptation in 2023" by Michael Kofman (October 2024, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Send us a textUzbekistan Qualify, Iran's Worst Window, Qatar Make No Sense | AFC Group A June 2025 RECAP

"I wish I had 640 days to do this trip, not 64." Bali-based Stuart McDonald, founder of Travelfish, is 34 days into an ambitious two-month overland trip across 18 countries from his Bali home to Leeds in the UK. So, why is he doing it? What has he experienced en route? And what have been the finest discoveries of the journey so far? This week, Gary catches up with Stuart in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, to track back across his train and-bus route so far, which has taken him from Bali to Jakarta, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Stuart describes the dramatic natural landscapes viewed from numerous train windows. He also tells compelling stories about his encounters with Chinese backpacking culture, entire mountains clad with solar panels, the lowering of a giant Lenin statue, an under-construction China-Central Asia railway, and the cultured urban delights of Almaty. We preview the anticipated highlights of the rest of the trip, including Tbilisi, Istanbul, Bucharest and Budapest, before a rapid dash to Paris to catch the Eurostar to London - and a connection to the journey's end: Leeds. A remarkable journey, which Stuart describes as "exhausting" and a "gruelling mission", but - overall - the "trip of a lifetime".

After 217 matches and 613 goals, we've almost reached the conclusion of FIFA World Cup qualifying for 2026, with just the small matter of the Fourth and the Fifth Rounds to come. We are joined by the founder of Futbol Palestine, Bassil Mikdadi, to dissect the wild and controversial final finish to the Third Round of Asian Qualifiers. Was Palestine robbed? Uzbekistan banish past demons Jordan set for the world stage Has Indonesia lost their identity? The Gulf of Disappointment Plus, we discuss AFC Asian Cup qualification and Malaysia's statement win over Vietnam, as well as look ahead to the start of the FIFA Club World Cup and what to expect from Asia's quartet - Al Hilal, Al Ain, Ulsan HD and Urawa Reds.

It's Friday, June 13th, A.D. 2025. 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 Christians in former Soviet Central Asian nations increasingly face persecution Formerly part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the five “stan” countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — have a mix of ex-Soviet authoritarianism and Islamic nationalism that can be troublesome and even dangerous to Christians, reports International Christian Concern. The region has seen increasing repression of religious minorities during the last few years. Three of these five countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan — have seen a sharp rise in the persecution rankings. Even the comparatively less repressive nation of Kyrgyzstan has just this year returned to the Open Doors Top 50 list for the first time in more than a decade.   Kyrgyzstan has used special operations police to raid state-registered Protestant and Catholic churches and threatened to banish the entire Catholic Church from the country.   In rural Kazakhstan, authorities often pressure Christian business owners to pay bribes. Meanwhile, in neighboring Turkmenistan, a network of secret police and Muslim imams are primed and ready to flush out anyone partaking in so-called aberrant religious activity.  In John 15:8, Jesus said, "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you" Air India plane crash kills 241 aboard with one survivor An Air India passenger plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad at 1:38pm local time, soon after departing for London, reports CBS News. Ramesh Viswashkumar, the sole survivor of the Air India crash, escaped by jumping from the plane, reports India Today.  He was in seat 11A.  Campbell Wilson, Air India's CEO, expressed his condolences. WILSON: “First and most importantly, I would like to express our deep sorrow about this event.” Officials feared numerous casualties on the ground, as the aircraft had crashed into buildings, including the BJ Medical College undergraduate hostel mess, according to a social post on X. Christian leaders have also offered condolences and are vowing to help the families of the dead passengers, reports The Christian Post. Marines prepare for Los Angeles deployment as protests spread across U.S. California will face off with the White House in court today over President Donald Trump's deployment of U.S. troops in Los Angeles after demonstrators again took to the streets in major cities to protest Trump's crackdown on illegal aliens, reports Reuters. According to the Pentagon, 700 U.S. Marines will be on the streets of Los Angeles by Friday to support up to 4,000 National Guard troops in protecting federal property and federal agents, especially as they round up illegal aliens. Trump's decision to dispatch troops to Los Angeles, over the objections of California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, has sparked a national debate about the use of the military on U.S. soil. Carmen Colado, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst, spoke out publicly in uniform, condemning her own Commander-in-Chief, reports The Independent. COLADO: “We are not pawns for Donald Trump's agenda. Why now? It's because the military was called upon against the protesters. In our oath to serve, we serve the people of the United States, the Constitution. These constitutional rights are being stripped and just denied. The military will not be pawns to that. “So, I'm calling upon the conscience of military members who served previously and now. We have a duty and moral obligation to say no and resist evil.” In response, patriots have called for Carmen Colado to be dishonorably discharged or court-martialed for publicly criticizing the commander-in-chief's orders. Some argued that her actions constituted a violation of the U.S. military's Uniform Code of Military Justice and called for Article 15 to be invoked against her, which empowers a commanding officer to order nonjudicial punishments less severe than a court-martial. On Instagram, Colado describes herself as the “proud daughter of an illegal immigrant.” House cuts $9.4 billion in funding for NPR, PBS and foreign aid On Thursday, the House of Representatives narrowly voted to cut $9.4 billion in spending already approved by Congress as President Donald Trump's administration looks to follow through on work done by the Department of Government Efficiency when it was overseen by Elon Musk, reports The Associated Press. The package targets foreign aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides money for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. The vote was 214-212. This bill was passed at the request of President Trump, who has criticized PBS and NPR for alleged bias. Michelle Obama: Creating life is the least of what reproductive system does On the latest episode of the podcast “In My Opinion with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson,” the former first lady said creating life is “the least” of what a woman's reproductive system does, reports the New York Post. Listen. MICHELLE OBAMA: “A lot of male lawmakers, a lot of male politicians, a lot of male religious leaders think about the issue of choice as if it's just about the fetus, the baby. But women's reproductive health is about our life. It's about this whole complicated reproductive system -- the least of what it does is produce life.” Sadly, the former first lady despises the truth of Psalm 127:3 which declares, "Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Marcus Rogers, a Christian YouTuber, was horrified. ROGERS: “It's called the reproductive system for a reason. I really believe it's just a very demonic, antichrist spirit that these people are just so obsessed with killing babies. There's so many ways that you can prevent getting pregnant by someone you don't want to be pregnant by. There's so many things that you can do to take accountability. But the reality is these people don't want accountability. “They want to sacrifice their babies on the altar of self. They don't want a baby to inconvenience them. But they don't want to live a godly life where you would avoid all of that being a problem if you just got with the person that God has for you in the first place, instead of sleeping around.” Worldview listeners in South Carolina, Texas and Illinois share their hearts I invited Worldview listeners to share what they enjoy about the newscast in 2-6 sentences.  You can share your thoughts -- along with your  full name, city and state -- and send it to adam@theworldview.com Helen Mordente in Blythewood, South Carolina wrote,  “Because we have a small farm and my days are full, I don't listen to the newscast.  I scan the transcript to get the highlights which is all I have time to do.  I trust you as a reliable source of info.” Grace Cox in Duncanville, Texas wrote, “I just started listening this week. I like the stories of the persecuted church. It informs me on how to pray and I think it is important news for Christians to hear. “ And Rene Hernandez in Chicago, Illinois, wrote, “My wife, Adriana, and I, along with our four sons -- Naithan, Neo, Kal-El, and Othniel -- have enjoyed listening to The Worldview in 5 Minutes because you give us the news from a biblical perspective. When we hear about missionaries and those being persecuted in another country, it gives us an opportunity to pray.  It is great to hear the connection with God's Word and the news.” 10 Worldview listeners gave $7,506 to fund our annual budget And finally, toward our midpoint goal of $61,750 to fund half of The Worldview newscast's annual budget by tonight at 12 midnight, 9 listeners stepped up to the plate. Our thanks to Stephanie in Murrieta, California and George in Leesburg, Virginia – both of whom gave $100. We're grateful to God for Peter in Seaside, California and Kevin and Paula in Durham, Kansas – both of whom gave $300 as well as Nathan in Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom who gave $506. And we were touched by the generosity of David and Tylaine in San Antonio who pledged $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600, Victoria in  Paradise, Pennsylvania who also pledged  $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600, Sydney in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada who gave $1,000, Roger in Crossville, Tennessee who gave $2,000, and Scooter in Naples, Florida who will match those last two donations with an additional $2,000 gift. Those 10 Worldview listeners gave a total of $7,506   Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please.  (Drum roll sound effect) $32,071.20 (People clapping sound effect) That means we still need to raise $29,678.80 by midnight tonight, Friday, June 13th to hit the half-way mark, to stay on the air, and fund our 6-member Worldview newscast team for another fiscal year. Remember, if you are one of 6 final people who give a one-time gift of $1,000, Scooter in Naples, Florida will match you with a corresponding $1,000 gift.  Now, if that happens today, we will have raised $12,000. In order to raise the remaining amount, I need to find 15 Worldview listeners who will pledge $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600. And another 30 listeners to pledge $25/month for 12 months for a gift of $300. Has God placed it on your heart to be one of the Christian patriots to fund this unparalleled newscast which links Scriptures to stories, calls sin sin, and informs you about the persecuted church worldwide? Please, we need your help right now!  Go to TheWorldview.com and click on Give on the top right.   Click on the button that indicates a recurring donation if that's your wish. Let's see what the Lord will do! Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, June 13th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Austin and Amit recap June's World Cup Qualifyihg, with six teams earning World Cup Spots. The guys break down the action from Asia, including historic berths for Uzbekistan and Jordan and heartbreak for Palestine. The guys then evaluate Italy's rough start and bask in Belgium's drama. Then, they look at the fight for seventh in CONMEBOL and recap the action from CONCACAF.

On Washington Wednesday, the House considers rescission packages; on World Tour, news from Columbia, India, the DRC, and Uzbekistan; and Andrew Klavan on lessons learned from dark and difficult stories. Plus, a tired father mistaken for a homeless man, Janie B. Cheaney on the importance of reading aloud, and the Wednesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from WatersEdge Kingdom Investments — personal investments that build churches. 5.05% APY on a three-month term. WatersEdge.com/investWatersEdge Kingdom Investments - WatersEdge securities are subject to certain risk factors as described in our Offering Circular and are not FDIC or SIPC insured. This is not an offer to sell or solicit securities. WatersEdge offers and sells securities only where authorized; this offering is made solely by our Offering Circular.From Ambassadors Impact Network. Unlocking the power of faith-based financing for your startup. More at ambassadorsimpact.comAnd from Dordt University, where future teachers are shaped to love who, what, and how they teach—until all is made new. More at Dordt.edu

This episode is brought to you in association with FIFA+. Click below to get your free FIFA+ account and watch live club and international football from around the world: ⁠www.tinyurl.com/FIFAPlusSweeper Part 1 is all about the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Will the players of New Zealand outfit Auckland City get time off for the tournament? Why have LAFC replaced Club Leon at the last minute? How on earth did Red Bull Salzburg qualify? Why are the Seattle Sounders players protesting about the competition? And what should you know about Wydad Casablanca, Flamengo and Palmeiras? World Cup qualifying action is the focal point in Part 2. Which petty measures did Albania resort to at their crunch clash against rivals Serbia? Why did Venezuela stop Bolivia from leaving the country on Friday? Will Curacao replace Iceland as the World Cup's smallest-ever nation? Plus: Uzbekistan and Jordan achieve historic World Cup qualifications and Finland's women accidentally call up a 51-year-old ex-player. Join The Sweeper on Patreon: patreon.com/SweeperPod Support The Sweeper on Buy Me A Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sweeperpod Editor: Ralph Foster Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just over a year to go until the 2026 World Cup, the guys preview an exciting June window. In Asia, World Cup berths are on the line, with all eyes (and pressure) on Uzbekistan, Jordan and Australia. Meanwhile, Venezuela face Bolivia in a key CONMEBOL clash, while Italy make their qualification debut with a stiff test against Norway, and CONCACAF gets set to cut their field from 30 to 12.

Elina Ribakova returned to the show to speak with Max and Maria about the evolution of the Ukrainian economy since February 2022.

Emerging markets are reshaping the global economy, and a convergence of powerful, long-term trends is accelerating this shift. These include surging demand for commodities, exploding middle-class spending power and booming inter-regional trade. Investment specialist Andrew Keiller reveals some of the standout growth companies positioned to capitalise on this transformation and why now might be the perfect time to take advantage. Background:Andrew Keiller is a partner in Baillie Gifford and an investment specialist in our Emerging Markets Clients Team.In this episode, he discusses how some of the fastest-growing developing economies are driving change in the world and the forces that could further hasten that trend. The discussion builds on his recent paper, Emerging markets in 2050: growth in a changing world, which identifies long-term structural shifts tilting the odds in favour of standout companies in Asia, Latin America and eastern Europe. In the podcast, he expands on this by identifying some of the companies that could be big winners, including:the lithium miner SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile), which is set to benefit from a mismatch in supply and demand for the critical ingredient to electric car batteries and other energy storage systems the South Korean high bandwidth memory chipmaker, SK Hynix, whose products are critical to training artificial intelligence systems at speedthe ‘super-app' operator Kaspi.kz, which provides everything from bill payments, banking and travel bookings to shopping, maps and messaging  the Singaporean ecommerce, fintech and gaming conglomerate Sea, whose chief executive has ambitions to extend into further sectorsChina's biggest coffee chain, Luckin Coffee, which is giving the country's 1.4 billion citizens a passion for the beverage with its ever-changing menu of inventive recipes In addition, Keiller discusses the implications of President Trump's tariffs and why many Chinese companies still offer an exciting investment opportunity. Resources: Emerging markets in 2050: growth in a changing worldEmerging markets: our philosophyEmerging markets: rethinking the opportunityFinding high-calibre growth companies in emerging markets (podcast)Luckin Coffee: looking forwardKaspi's super-appSouth-east Asia's rising export stars (podcast)SQM: powering the futureThe Time-Travelling Economist by Charlie Robertson Companies mentioned include:Kaspi.kzLuckin CoffeeSeaSK HynixSQMTimecodes:00:00  Introduction01:35  Baillie Gifford beginnings and a trip to Hong Kong03:15  Transformational trends playing out to 2050 and beyond05:05  US exceptionalism and multiple spheres of influence07:25  Rising trade between emerging market nations08:35  Redesigning Chinese e-scooters for Vietnam and the Philippines10:15  The possibility of reduced reliance on the US dollar11:40  Increasing demand for raw materials and semiconductors12:35 Digital-first companies and underserved communities 14:45  Four types of firms capitalising on long-term growth factors16:25  SQM's lithium mines in Chile's Atacama Desert17:55  Lithium's long-term commodity cycle opportunity18:45  SK Hynix's high bandwith memory and its role in AI20:40  Kaspi.kz's Kazakh super-app21:40  Kaspi's expansion plans in Uzbekistan and beyond23:00  Sea's founder Forrest Li and importance of culture24:30  Luckin Coffee's huge domestic opportunity25:25  Luckin's taste for invention26:40  Investing in China amid a trade clash28:50  The risk of underexposure29:40  Book choice30:55  Investing in Africa

We bring back our fan-favorite segment: Dinosaurs on Trial! Patrons submitted dinosaur “crimes,” and we argue the cases like whether or not compsognathids are misidentified juvenile theropods. Plus a new ornithomimid from Uzbekistan named Dzharacursor.For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Nurosaurus, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Nurosaurus-Episode-538/Join us at www.patreon.com/iknowdino for dinosaur requests, bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more.Dinosaur of the day Nurosaurus, an informally named sauropod with a stress fracture in its toe.In dinosaur news this week:There's a new ornithomimid dinosaur, Dzharacursor bissektensis, that may contain medullary bone For our Dinosaurs on Trial segment, patrons submitted dinosaur “crimes,” and we argue the cases:Did Ankylosaurus cruelly attack a mother T. rex in Walking With Dinosaurs?Are compsognathids just mislabeled juvenile theropods?Did T. rex throw the fight against Spinosaurus in Jurassic Park 3?Did T. rex really hunt with F-14s?Was Oviraptor a misunderstood parent or an egg thief?Vote on our Patreon to decide who's guilty! patreon.com/iknowdinoSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marat Gabidullin, born in Siberia and raised in Uzbekistan, served in Soviet airborne forces until 1994, then spent three years in prison for shooting a crime boss. After security work in Russia, he joined the Wagner Group in 2015, rose to lead a reconnaissance company, and was badly wounded near Palmyra in 2016. He later advised the ISIS Hunters Battalion and fought at Khasham, but quit Wagner in 2019, briefly ran a Redut detachment in Syria, and left disillusioned. Gabidullin's 2022 memoir denounced Wagner and Russia's invasion of Ukraine; he now lives in France. Journalist and researcher John Lechner reports from conflict zones and specializes in Russian PMCs. His book Death Is Our Business (Bloomsbury, 2025) charts the rise of Wagner, following earlier work such as Beginner's Chechen and upcoming Circassian and Sango language texts. A former policy analyst for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and an emerging-markets banker at Deutsche Bank and Lazard, Lechner holds degrees from Harvard (Slavic Languages) and Georgetown (MSFS). Fluent in five languages and conversant in several others, he is a recognized expert on Russian foreign policy and has written for The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Foreign Policy. He lives in Washington, DC. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: ⁠https://www.roka.com⁠ - USE CODE SRS https://www.americanfinancing.net/SRS NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org https://www.expressvpn.com/SRS https://www.shawnlikesgold.com https://www.hillsdale.edu/SRS https://www.shopify.com/SRS https://trueclassic.com/SRS https://www.ziprecruiter.com/SRS Guest Links: Marat Gabidullin FB - https://www.facebook.com/share/15TBVmf2mt/  Book - Moi, Marat, ex-commandant de l'armée Wagner - Les dessous de l'armée secrète de Poutine enfin révélé https://a.co/d/csNMjFH  Book - Ma vérité https://a.co/d/bLZYssf  John Lechner X - https://x.com/JohnLechner1 IG - https://www.instagram.com/johnalechner/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/john.lechner.5 Book - Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare https://a.co/d/7rKXhnI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices