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Myriam Charabaty, a Lebanese political analyst and journalist, joins Breht for a wide-ranging discussion on Lebanon, the struggle against imperialism and Zionism, the nature of solidarity and resistance, and the rapidly shifting political landscape of West Asia. Drawing from both personal experience and political analysis, Myriam helps unpack the history, forces, and contradictions shaping the country while challenging many of the assumptions commonly found in Western media and political discourse. The conversation ranges from questions of sovereignty, faith, and national liberation to the human realities of war, occupation, and collective struggle. Along the way, Breht and Myriam explore the relationship between Christianity, Islam, and anti-imperialism, the criminal pager terrorist attack by Israel, what meaningful solidarity from those of us in the imperial core looks like, the role of Hezbollah in Lebanese society, the religious diversity within Lebanon, and the challenges facing those committed to self-determination and liberation in an era of deepening global crisis. Follow Myriam and her work: X: https://x.com/miriam00961 Substack: https://substack.com/@myriamch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liberationchronicles?igsh=c2NnenNscG5uZ3Zn ---------------------------------------------------- Check out our NEW REV LEFT MERCH with Goods For The People HERE Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/revleftradio Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at BuyMeACoffee.com/revleftradio Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio https://revleftradio.com/
ThePrintPod: Pakistan's role in West Asia conflict mirrors a familiar pattern—use and discard by the US
Historian David Yaghoubian joins Rev Left Radio to discuss the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, the genocide in Gaza, the assault on Lebanon, and the broader imperial-Zionist project to dominate West Asia. Drawing from his 2014 monograph Ethnicity, Identity, and the Development of Nationalism in Iran, Yaghoubian explains why Washington and Tel Aviv have repeatedly misunderstood Iranian society, underestimated Iranian national cohesion, and fantasized that sanctions, bombing, covert operations, or minority pressure could fracture the country from within. Together, Breht and David explore Iran's history of resisting foreign domination, the reactionary nature of the Iranian diaspora in the United States, the ethno-religious complexity of Iranian society, Iranian national cohesion, the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, the relationship between Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, and the ideological inversion through which the U.S. and Israel present themselves as defenders of "stability" while unleashing coups, sanctions, assassinations, occupations, and genocide across the region. They also discuss how anti-imperialists should defend Iran against U.S.-Zionist aggression without flattening Iranian society or denying its internal contradictions. This is a conversation about nationalism, sovereignty, resistance, and the failure of empire to understand the peoples it seeks to dominate. Dr. David N. Yaghoubian is Professor of Modern West Asian and Islamic History at California State University-San Bernardino and author of "Ethnicity, Identity, and the Development of Nationalism in Iran" (Syracuse, 2014) and co-editor of "Struggle and Survival in the Modern Middle East" (3rd edition forthcoming). ----------------------------------------- Check out a great new resource for revolutionary education, Unlearning Capitalism: https://unlearn.capital/ Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/revleftradio Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at BuyMeACoffee.com/revleftradio Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio https://revleftradio.com/
President Trump's latest remarks on Iran and the sudden shift in U.S. messaging have once again placed West Asia on edge. Reports suggest key Gulf allies, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, played a role in pushing for diplomacy over immediate military escalation. But is this a temporary pause or the beginning of a larger geopolitical confrontation? Guest: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The Hindu Host: Smriti Sudesh Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the West Asia crisis pushes up oil prices and adds pressure on the rupee, India faces a crucial question. How should the government, RBI, businesses and investors respond to a fast-changing global economy?In this episode of The Core Report Special Edition, Dr Rakesh Mohan, President Emeritus and Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Social and Economic Progress joins Financial Journalist Govindraj Ethiraj to break down the impact of rising energy prices, crude oil imports, fertiliser costs, foreign investment flows, FDI, FPI and the depreciating rupee. He explains why India's challenge is not just the current oil shock, but also deeper issues around private sector investment, manufacturing competitiveness, exports, R&D, infrastructure and the real exchange rate.The conversation also explores why India may need a sharper strategy on China, trade, RCEP, CPTPP and labour-intensive manufacturing. Dr. Mohan discusses highways, rail freight, ports, airports, telecom, power, renewables and why dedicated freight corridors could play a major role in India's next phase of growth.For India-based professionals, investors, consultants, business leaders and policy watchers, this podcast offers a clear and timely view of India's economy, rupee pressure, oil prices, global uncertainty and the policy choices that could shape India's future.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 79-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 41,830 on turnover of $17.7-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Thursday as the electronics sector was in focus, but the gains were capped by technical resistance ahead of the 42,000-point mark - as the main board followed a rally on Wall Street overnight, led by large-cap AI-related electronics stocks. Taipei Zoo otter arrives in New Zealand for conservation program The Taipei Zoo says one of its Asian small-clawed otters has arrived at New Zealand's Auckland Zoo to participate in an international conservation program aimed at contributing to biodiversity. According to the zoo, the otter departed for Auckland on Tuesday evening to participate in the program, which is being coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. The program selected the Taiwan-born otter to help conserve the Asian small-clawed otter population by contributing to genetic diversity through its transfer (搬遷) to the New Zealand zoo. The otter is currently undergoing quarantine procedures in Auckland, after which it will join the zoo's Asian small-clawed otter family. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter species and is commonly found in the wetlands, rivers, and lakes of Southeast and South Asia. It is listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister says India's mediator role would be welcome Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister says he told top Indian officials that Tehran would welcome any diplomatic initiative (新措施) by New Delhi regarding the West Asia war. This comes as the Foreign Ministers of BRICS nations, which include India, Russia, China, Iran, and the UAE are meeting in New Delhi. Ishan Garg tells us more. Bolivia Clashes Erupt as Miners Protest in Capital Clashes have erupted in Bolivia's capital as police use tear gas to disperse miners trying to breach the government palace. The miners set off small dynamite charges, a tactic that's become common during this second week of nationwide unrest. The unrest challenges President Rodrigo Paz, who was sworn in late last year, marking a new era after nearly 20 years of one-party rule. Thousands of miners descended (降臨) on downtown La Paz to demand labor reforms and fuel. As the hours passed, they began chanting for the president's resignation. Blockades and marches have paralyzed the Bolivian capital in recent days. Austria Eurovision Heads into Finale The Eurovision Song Contest final lineup is set after Thursday's second semifinal. Fifteen countries competed for 10 spots in Saturday's finale, with votes from national juries and viewers worldwide deciding the outcome. Denmark, Australia, and Bulgaria are among those advancing. The U.K., France, Germany, Italy, and host Austria automatically qualify. Political tensions are clouding the pan-continental pop contest, with protests against Israel's participation and a five-country boycott. Despite challenges, Eurovision plans to expand with a spinoff (分支,番外篇) in Asia later this year. Organizers also hope Hungary will return to the contest for the first time since 2016. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. ----以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告---- 找工作不再焦慮! 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫,讓你在職場脫穎而出! 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源: 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉,煉就鋼鐵通才:https://sofm.pse.is/94dfaj -- 左岸咖啡館乘載巴黎塞納河左岸的人文底蘊,還有每個人對法式生活的美好嚮往。 走進左岸咖啡館,點一杯深焙濃郁的曼特寧風味咖啡,用極致香醇喚醒法式浪漫的靈魂… 享受一個人的獨白時光☕ 我在左岸咖啡館
On Episode 873 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Atul Chaturvedi, Chairman of the Asian Palm Oil Alliance as well as Indrani Bagchi, CEO at Ananta Aspen Centre.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:50) Markets rise on China-US talks as a sign of possible peace in West Asia(03:19) India's Whole Sale Price Inflation jumps sharply(06:43) Can India reduce its dependence on cooking/vegetable oil?(13:46) What will a ban on sugar exports mean?(17:23) Viewing the China-US talks in Beijing right now through an Indian lensCheck out our Live Earnings tracker: https://earnings.thecore.in/For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
India's decision to raise gold and silver import duties to 15% signals an aggressive attempt to protect the rupee and conserve forex reserves amid the West Asia crisis. This package explores the wider economic impact, from fears of rising gold smuggling and pressure on jewellery demand to concerns over EV-related imports and possible curbs under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme. The edition also tracks Vodafone Idea's fresh fundraising push under Kumar Mangalam Birla, governance tensions within Tata Trusts, new BIS quality norms, Nazara Technologies' gaming pivot, upGrad's expansion plans, and Skyroot Aerospace's growing global ambitions as India's private space sector accelerates.
For more than a decade, India has steadily deepened its ties with the Gulf while trying to balance competing interests across the region. But today, that strategy is under strain—thanks to the Iran conflict, shifting regional alignments, a reemerging Pakistan. How is India being impacted by the Iran crisis? And what do these geopolitical shifts mean for India's West Asia policy? To discuss these and other questions, Milan is joined on the show this week by Kabir Taneja. Kabir is the Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation's Middle East office. He has worked extensively on India's relations with the Middle East, examining domestic political dynamics, terrorism, non-state militant actors, and the region's evolving security architecture. He is also the author of The ISIS Peril: The World's Most Feared Terror Group and Its Shadow on South Asia. Milan and Kabir discuss India's emerging political and strategic relationships in the Gulf, the risks the country faces from the Iran conflict, and the potential for India to play a larger regional security role in the Middle East. Plus, the two discuss Pakistan's frenetic diplomatic maneuvering and the state of Afghanistan-India ties. Episode notes: Kabir Taneja, “Pak Is Finally Back In Middle East's 'Good Books'. But Can It Stay There?” NDTV, April 30, 2026. Kabir Taneja, “How Air Power will Reshape Geopolitics in the Gulf,” ORF Middle East, April 17, 2026. Kabir Taneja, “A West Asia security rethink amid America's role,” Hindu, April 2, 2026. Kabir Taneja, “Reading the tea leaves in the conflict in West Asia,” Hindustan Times, March 10, 2026. Kabir Taneja, “Navigating Strategic Autonomy: India and the Middle East in a Multipolar World,” February 9, 2026. Nicolas Blarel, “India Navigates a Divided Middle East,” in Milan Vaishnav, ed. India and a Changing Global Order: Foreign Policy in the Trump 2.0 Era (Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2026). Kabir Taneja, “Between New Delhi & Kabul, a fine balance,” Hindustan Times, October 13, 2025.
First, we speak to The Indian Express' Sukalp Sharma about the mounting pressure on India's state-owned oil marketing companies as global energy prices remain elevated amid the continuing West Asia conflict.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sweety Kumari about the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and why investigators now believe the killing may be part of a larger conspiracy. (10:35)And in the end, we look at the partial collapse of Bihar's Vikramshila bridge, after repeated warnings about its deteriorating condition allegedly went unaddressed for nearly two years. (22:05)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
For the second time in a couple of days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the public to take some austerity measures: reduce fuel consumption, defer gold purchases, reduce foreign travel and consume less edible oil and fertilisers. “The West Asia crisis is one of the worst in the decade; just as we overcame the COVID-19 pandemic, we will come out of this also,” he said while addressing an audience in Vadodara on May 11, 2026. On May 10, 2026, he called for collective participation to help the country withstand global economic uncertainties, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. He asked the public to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, promote the use of metro rail and public transport, car-pooling, and railway transport for freight movement, besides wider adoption of electric vehicles. He also spoke about strengthening India's economic resilience and promoting responsible living. How worried should we be? Guest: Prof. B. Bhagwan Das, Former Associate Professor of Economics, Loyola College, Chennai Host: Nivedita V Producer and editor: Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Episode 871 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Neil Atkinson, Senior Fellow at The National Center for Energy Analytics as well as Deep Vadodaria, Managing Director at Nila Spaces.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) Markets sink as economic uncertainty and West Asia war fears take hold(02:47) Rupee hits fresh low, as outflows continue(06:16) What is the actual cost of a barrel of oil, it's not what you see(22:13) New guidelines for use of AI in advertising are on the anvil(23:13) Not many people want to move to offshore financial centre GIFT CityCheck out our Live Earnings tracker: https://earnings.thecore.in/For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's austerity call amid the West Asia conflict rattled markets, dragging the Sensex lower and pushing the rupee to a record low as fears over India's import bill intensified. Moneycontrol examines how curbing spending on crude oil, fertilisers, cooking gas and gold could potentially save billions in forex outflows, even as fuel retailers brace for massive losses due to elevated crude prices. The gold industry, meanwhile, is seeking urgent clarity after Modi urged citizens to avoid buying the precious metal for a year. In other news, governance tensions at Tata Trusts have intensified around Noel Tata's succession-related moves, and NTPC's massive Bihar nuclear project signals India's accelerating clean energy ambitions. Tune in for more headline-making stories from the day.
A version of this essay has been published by rediff.com at https://www.rediff.com/news/column/gulf-war-crisis-why-india-will-take-a-huge-hit/20260511.htmIn the heat and dust of elections, many of us have forgotten that there is a war going on. But the PM's warning about sacrifices and conservation reminds us that this essentially unwinnable war, and the on-again, off-again negotiations to bring it to a closure, are going to hit every one of us in our wallets.On 30th April, the Pentagon announced that the US had so far spent $25 billion on the West Asia war. This is a staggeringly huge number, and I was startled because I had casually thrown around this number as the ultimate cost of the war for all parties. Clearly I underestimated the damage, if this is the US' cost alone. Add the other frontline states, and then the untold misery and cost imposed on all of us innocent bystanders. And it's not over yet by any means.Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of war (self-fulfilling prophecy, isn't it, they changed the name from secretary of defense, and lo! they went to war immediately thereafter) bristled at the idea of a quagmire, according to The Economist. But I am old enough to remember Vietnam, and then Afghanistan. These forever wars are easy to get into, but hard to get out of.Indeed, the war has become not only an impasse, but also a charade. Even considering how the narrative gets bizarre from all sides during every war, this one seems especially messed up. So much so that there literally is no point in paying attention to the day-to-day events, because they don't seem to make much difference. Except of course, when the price of Brent crude hits $120, as it did on April 30th, twice what it was before the war. Ouch! And Hormuz is still closed.India is reeling under a heatwave, and we live under the Damocles' sword of power cuts. Kerala announced a half hour of rolling cuts (anodyne euphemism: “load shedding”) every night, but they will not tell you when or where the cuts will be. This is like the Malayalam proverb: “the guy who got hit by lightning was then bitten by a snake”. Incidentally, there's been a number of deaths from snakebites in Kerala as the reptiles enter houses seeking cooler temperatures.If this El Nino weather holds up, India's assumptions about load (maximum 270 GW) will be challenged: we hit a record on April 25th of 256 GW peak demand, and the fact that the grid didn't collapse is admirable, but being so close to the maximum is worrying. In Kerala, the grid cannot absorb the solar electricity produced by many households during the day because the Electricity Board did not purchase enough storage batteries: so much for on-grid.I am also fairly confident that once the elections are over, the government will be forced to increase fuel prices. Petrol has held steady at pump prices of Rs. 107.45/liter for a few years, but as crude oil prices have doubled, I see an inevitable rise not of Rs. 28 or so as speculated, but Rs. 50-100 based on how much inflation the Reserve Bank is willing to tolerate. In passing, I remember seeing somewhere that petrol prices have reached Pak Rs. 500/liter in that country.Therefore I have stopped paying much attention to the daily press releases and JUST IN, BREAKING NEWS types of ‘analysis' (some of the most prominent of these are clear AI slop, possibly manufactured by Chinese troll farms). The big picture is that the Straits of Hormuz remain blocked, the amount of oil and gas coming from the Persian Gulf remains diminished dramatically, and recovery may take months, if not years, even if the strait is unblocked.The chances are increasing that this will become a protracted war, as the principals are standing by their maximalist positions, where this is little reason to believe they will be able to arrive at a via media and a lasting ceasefire.It is not business as usual. This is the biggest energy shock since 1973, and as always, it is developing countries that will be most seriously affected. India is going to take a large hit, with inflation rising by, say, 2%, and GDP growth falling from 7+% to 6%.There are several things India needs to do urgently:* Strive for self-reliance (“Atmanirbhar”) in a variety of areas* Diversify its sources of hydrocarbons to other geographies eg. Africa, South America, Central Asia (through Chabahar), and accelerate exploration of its own (offshore and onshore) blocks as Mumbai High and Assam fields are aging rapidly* Pursue other forms of energy:* Renewables* Coal, including carbon sequestration* Biofuels* Nuclear (both SMR and FBR)* Shift households from LPG to LNG, including tapping Krishna Godavari wells, coal gasification, biomassEspecially at a time when electricity demand for new industries (eg. generativeAI data centers, semiconductors) is ramping up, it is important for India's manufacturing rise to ensure that this does not become a constraint. From a consumer perspective, increased affluence brings increased electricity demand.In addition, the Indian migrant worker population of about 10 million in West Asia, and their inward remittances of some $40-$50 billion per annum (total of $120 billion globally) may be increasingly under pressure if oil/gas production does not go back to pre-war levels.There is one more factor: India needs military muscle. As I said about Pax Indica, the Indian Ocean needs a strong, impartial facilitator of trade in the Hormuz to Malacca sea-lanes, and India is best placed to do this, harking back to Rajendra Chola re-opening Malacca in 1025 CE. But this requires three things:* Major container ports: Trivandrum (Vizhinjam), Vadhavan, Great Nicobar (Galathea Bay)* The ‘switch' to ease multiparty, multi-protocol trade: the India Stack* Security: three aircraft carrier groups, two dozen SSBNs, SSNs, AIP diesel submarinesThis is the time for India to plan forward fully, with the goal of Atmanirbharata, and energy security. The Persian Gulf is no longer a reliable source. The war is indeed a quagmire.950 words This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe
Donald Trump claims Iran has been "militarily defeated", but many reports have come out showing this to be a lie. Tehran destroyed the majority of US military bases in West Asia (aka the Middle East), and Iran still maintains most of its missile capabilities. Meanwhile, experts estimate the USA's war against Iran will cost $1 trillion. Ben Norton reviews the evidence, showing how Washington is clearly losing this war that it started. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_wC4KuEcWI Topics 0:00 US government narrative 0:23 (CLIP) Trump: Iran is defeated 1:20 Reality: USA is losing the war 2:34 Reviewing the evidence 4:34 Iran destroyed US bases 5:37 US troops expelled from region 6:54 US military bases in rubble 7:37 Donald Trump lied 8:11 USA running out of missiles 9:33 War will cost $1 TRILLION 10:38 Iran still has most missiles 12:38 US government is lying 13:05 Saudi Arabia gets cold feet 14:00 Huge economic damage 15:44 Gulf "safe haven" myth 16:28 USA is losing the war 18:04 USA failed to achieve goals 19:57 Outro
A crucial round of Tata Trusts meetings has been postponed, delaying discussions around N Chandrasekaran's reappointment and the possible listing of Tata Sons. Meanwhile, India is pushing for advanced AI models such as Anthropic's Claude Mythos to be hosted domestically amid concerns over sensitive sector usage. Quick commerce startup Zepto has received Sebi approval for its IPO and could hit the markets within 60-90 days. The government is also exploring securitisation of TReDS invoices to improve MSME cash flows and unlock financing for smaller receivables. Separately, exports to the Gulf plunged 58% in March as the West Asia conflict disrupted shipping and hit industrial shipments hard. Tune in for everything making headlines on the day's Moneycontrol Editor's Picks.
First, we speak to The Indian Express' Tanushree Bose about the BJP's sweeping victory in West Bengal, the factors behind Mamata Banerjee's defeat, and who the party is likely to pick as the next chief minister.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sujit Bisoyi about the first phase of India's Census exercise, and the challenges enumerators are facing on the ground as the country undertakes its first fully digital Census. (14:20)And in the end, we look at the Union Cabinet approving a revived emergency credit guarantee scheme for MSMEs and airlines affected by the ongoing West Asia conflict. (27:35)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode, Breht speaks with Mohanad Alsayed about his memoir Scars and Medals (Iskra Books), a powerful and deeply human account of growing up Palestinian under occupation, carrying exile across continents, and trying to make sense of memory, loss, family, and resistance. Through the story of his grandmother Jamila, his missing uncle Ghazi, and his own journey from Palestine to the United States, Alsayed offers an intimate portrait of how dispossession enters not only history and politics, but childhood, identity, and the inner life. The conversation explores occupation as a lived and psychological reality, the tension between assimilation and memory, the many meanings of resistance, and the current situation across West Asia - including how Palestinians view Iran. At once personal and collective, Scars and Medals opens onto the wider Palestinian experience with honesty, dignity, and emotional force. Buy or get a FREE pdf of Scars and Medals here: https://www.iskrabooks.org/books/p/scars-and-medals ----------------------------------------- Check out a great new resource for revolutionary education, Unlearning Capitalism: https://unlearn.capital/ Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/revleftradio Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at BuyMeACoffee.com/revleftradio Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio https://revleftradio.com/
The Parle-G packet has cost five rupees since the 1990s. Once, when the company tried raising it by 50 paise, consumers switched to Britannia's Tiger within weeks. The price was rolled back. That's how sensitive this market is.But something else has been changing — quietly, and without announcement. The packet that was once 100 grams is now 45. And Parle-G isn't alone. Dabur, Britannia, Nestlé, Godrej — all cutting weight, all in the same quarter, all for the same reason.A war in West Asia has sent packaging costs up by 40 to 75%. The buffer won't last. What comes next?Tune in.Daybreak is produced from the newsroom of The Ken, India's first subscriber-only business news platform. Subscribe for more exclusive, deeply-reported, and analytical business stories.
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Quantum Nurse https://graceasagra.com/ Freedom International Livestream May 4, 2026 Monday 9:00 AM EST Topic: HIDDEN CURRENTS: Flores, Vedadi & Kharazmi on STRATEGIC DIALOGUE Bios: Joaquin Flores is an author, exceptional geopolitical analyst, and curator of the New Resistance Telegram channel, offering sharp geostrategic insights on global developments. His work covers Ukraine, shifting power structures, and dynamics within Western and Global South politics. Educated in IR and IPE at California State University Los Angeles, he has published internationally on geopolitics, war, and diplomacy. He is Director of the Belgrade-based Center for Syncretic Studies and Chief Editor at Fort Russ News. https://t.me/NewResistance - Xoaquin Flores https://www.patreon.com/JoaquinF https://strategic-culture.su/contributors/joaquin-flores/ Dr. Reza John Vedadi is a filmmaker and scholar with 12 years' experience producing over 50 documentaries on West Asian and Muslim identity. He holds degrees from London Guildhall University, London Metropolitan University, and Middlesex University, and earned his PhD from Loughborough University London in 2023. His work examines how media—especially Hollywood—shapes perceptions of West Asia, linking film, culture, and geopolitics. He presents internationally and writes on the intersection of cinema, foreign policy, and decolonial thought. Instagram- LinkedIn - X Zohreh Kharazmi is an Associate Professor at the University of Tehran specializing in cultural studies and Islamic feminism. Her work explores identity, modernity, and the evolving roles of women across the Middle East and global discourse. She is co-author of Islamic Feminism in Iran and editor of Women in SDGs UN Documents, and appears as a commentator on outlets like Al Jazeera, TRT World, and ZDF. Hosts: NICK PITRUZELLO (Algo Cowboy) https://www.youtube.com/@AlgoFactory Grace Asagra, RN MA Podcast: Quantum Nurse: Out of the Rabbit Hole from Stress to Bliss TIP/DONATE LINK for Grace Asagra @ Quantum Nurse Podcast https://patron.podbean.com/QuantumNurse https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=FHUXTQVAVJDPU Venmo - @Grace-Asagra 609-203-5854 WELLNESS RESOURCES Premier Research Labs - https://prlabs.com/customer/account/create/code/59n84f/ - 15% discount - 15%_59N84F_05
First, The Indian Express' Sukalp Sharma discusses the situation in West Asia where Iran has weaponised the Strait of Hormuz and jeopardized global fuel supplies.Next, we speak to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about what the recent heatwaves tell us about the kind of summer India will experience this year, and the extent to which government preparedness has helped mitigate the impact of extreme weather in the past. (13:05)And lastly, The Indian Express' Brendan Dabhi discusses the Gujarat Police investigating a case involving a woman who went missing in 1992. (25:45)Hosted, written and produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Sandeep Unnithan unpack one of the most complex parts of modern warfare: the art and science of shooting things out of the sky. India is preparing to induct another S-400 regiment, the system that grabbed attention during Operation Sindoor and remains one of the most formidable long-range air-defence systems in the world. But the S-400 is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. The episode breaks down India's layered air-defence architecture: VSHORADS, MANPADS, Akash, MRSAM, Barak-8, S-400, ballistic missile defence, and the crucial command-and-control network that ties it all together: IACCS. The episode also looks at what recent conflicts have shown us: from mass drone and missile attacks in West Asia to the growing challenge of cheap drones forcing expensive interceptors into action. And then, we turn to the uncomfortable but necessary question: what happens when air defence goes wrong? This is not just about missiles. It is about sensors, software, human judgement, rules of engagement, friendly-fire risks, and the terrifying pressure of deciding what to shoot -- and what not to shoot -- in real time Tune In! Produced by Taniya Dutta Sound mixed by Aman Pal
First, we speak to The Indian Express' National Legal Editor Apurva Vishwanath about Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal refusing to appear before a Delhi High Court judge in the excise policy case, and what this means for the proceedings.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' National Rural Affairs & Agriculture Editor Harish Damodaran about how the conflict in West Asia is beginning to affect Indian agriculture, particularly through disruptions in fertiliser and fuel supply chains. (15:40)And in the end, we look at an incident from Odisha, where a man carried his deceased sister's skeletal remains to a bank branch to prove her death and claim her savings. (24:43)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
https://theprint.in/diplomacy/mixed-signals-mistrust-pakistan-miscommunication-why-us-iran-talks-to-end-west-asia-war-are-faltering/2914600/
In this week's Live from the Vault, Andrew Maguire and Paul of the Sirius Report warn that escalating conflict in West Asia risks triggering financial instability, eroding confidence in paper currencies, and accelerating breakdown of the petrodollar.The discussion highlights how rising oil costs feed directly into inflation across essential goods and services, intensifying cost-of-living pressures, while also increasing demand for gold and silver as trust in leveraged paper trading systems weakens.Check out Paul's links below:https://www.thesiriusreport.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa5XOgYU8ac_Ai4C1QXPOIgSend your questions to Andy here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LFTVTimestamps: 00:00 Start01:02 West Asia escalation, and systemic risk to global stability08:36 Oil shock fuelling global inflation pressures10:19 Loss of confidence in fiat currencies and rising hyperinflation risk26:05 Petrodollar erosion and rise of yuan-based oil trade34:21 Chinese military support improving Iran's air defence systems42:00 Shift from paper markets to physically-backed gold pricing46:22 Record Chinese demand for physical gold and silver1:00:18 Western financial fragility and accelerating currency debasementSign up for Kinesis on desktop:https://kinesis.money/kinesis-precious-metals/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=lftv_270Download the Kinesis Mobile app - available App Store and Google Play:Apple: https://kms.kinesis.money/signupGoogle: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kinesis.kinesisappAlso, don't forget to check out our social channels where you can stay up to date with all the latest news and developments from the team.X: https://twitter.com/KinesisMonetaryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinesismoney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinesismoney/Telegram: https://t.me/kinesismoneyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kinesismoneyThe opinions expressed in this video by Andrew Maguire and any guest are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy, position, or views of Kinesis. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, or any other type of professional advice.Viewers are encouraged to seek independent financial advice tailored to their individual circumstances before making any decisions related to the gold market or other investments. Kinesis does not accept any responsibility or liability for actions taken based on the content of this video.
India Inc is in the middle of a major transformation. Sun Pharma has acquired US-based Organon in the biggest-ever overseas deal by an Indian drugmaker. Tata Trusts are set to hold a crucial meeting on May 8, where issues such as a fresh term for N Chandrasekaran, the possible listing of Tata Sons, and governance matters may come up for discussion. Despite the West Asia war, early fourth-quarter earnings have surprised positively, with revenue growth hitting a three-year high and profits reaching a five-quarter peak. In capital markets, Acko is preparing for an IPO at a valuation of $2-2.5 billion. At the same time, AI-led disruption is reshaping IT and banking, driving stronger deal wins but also leaner hiring. Also inside: the surge in instant home services and how consumers are taking to them.
On the evening of April 23, JWE president Helena Cobban sat down with Dr. Moeed Pirzada, a prominent Pakistani journalist based in Washington, D.C. and founder-editor of Global Village Space magazine. Together they examined the rapidly shifting situation around the U.S.-Iran conflict, Pakistan's role as a mediator, and the broader geopolitical realignments taking place across West Asia and beyond.This was latest episode in our continuing series on the Iran Crisis. Find the multimedia records of this episode and all its others at this Online Learning Hub on our website.Support the show
India's fiscal math is coming under pressure as the West Asia crisis drives up subsidies and government spending. Despite macro headwinds, market sentiment remains resilient, supported by sustained FII inflows into both primary and secondary markets. In the corporate space, Tata Motors is backing a $4.45 billion Iveco acquisition with significant guarantees. At the same time, D2C brand Vahdam has initiated a majority stake sale, signalling churn in the startup investment landscape. On the ground, electoral data from West Bengal reveals turnout patterns linked to electoral roll revisions and demographics. Meanwhile, domestic travel is surging , with Indians opting for closer destinations and driving a sharp rise in bookings and spending.
William Figueroa returns to PTO to talk about China's response to the US-Israeli war on Iran and the country's role in the subsequent peace negotiations. We chatted about whether the conflict has substantially changed Chinese foreign policy in West Asia, and whether Iran's ability to withstand the extraordinary violence of the US and Israeli assault has changed the weight China gives to its relationship with the Islamic Republic. We also talked about whether the failings of the US military and the depletion of its weapons stocks changes Chinese calculations regarding Taiwan. Finally, we talked about Chinese soft power and how the Iran war has been portrayed in Chinese media.
India's economy is beginning to show visible strain as the prolonged West Asia conflict pushes the Eco Pulse index into contraction territory - layoffs are slowing housing demand and rising input costs are forcing brands to rethink pricing strategies. However, India remains central to global tech manufacturing strategies, with Asus doubling down on local production as part of broader supply chain diversification. Also inside: Zerodha's rethink about its Zero1 content venture, the dip in IT sector sentiment following disappointing earnings and Fairfax's advanced talks to pick up a significant stake in IIFL Capital. Tune in for all this and more.
In today's Tech3 episode, we break down Zerodha shutting its creator network amid regulatory pressure, continued weakness in IT growth despite strong deal pipelines, and how the West Asia conflict is driving up costs for food startups. We also track the rollout of India's Online Gaming Authority and decode what Tamil Nadu's election manifestos mean for jobs and startups
Recent conflicts have proven why satellites are the new instruments of war. As per reports, Iran acquired a Chinese spy satellite, giving the country necessary capabilities to target US bases in the Middle East. #CutTheClutter Episode 1827 explains the role of satellites in modern warfare- from Op Sindoor to the war in Iran. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains where India stands on satellite power, and the recent setbacks. ----more----Read the Financial Times Story here: https://www.ft.com/content/1fddd2cd-1294-4e9c-a17d-5ea06b399355?syn-25a6b1a6=1----more----Read TheEconomist Story here: https://www.economist.com/china/2026/04/19/how-chinese-satellites-have-boosted-irans-war-effort----more----Read what Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff said in July 2025: https://theprint.in/defence/1-border-3-adversaries-army-deputy-chief-on-op-sindoor-says-pakistan-got-live-inputs-from-china/2679483/
On the day before the current two-week ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. is due to end, the veteran scholar of Iranian and international affairs Trita Parsi sat down with JWE president Helena Cobban to review the prospects for war or peace in West Asia. This was latest episode in our continuing series on the Iran Crisis. Find the multimedia records of this episode and all its others at this Online Learning Hub on our website.Support the show
As the American empire teeters, China gains dominance, and war spreads across Eastern Europe and West Asia, questions arise as to Europe's place in this rapidly changing world order. On Downstream this week, Ash Sarkar speaks to Roderick Beaton, former Koraes Professor of History at King’s College London, about his latest book Europe: A New History. How did the boundaries between Europe and Asia come to be drawn in the first place? How were immigration and borders managed by the ancients in Greece and Rome? How do the stories we tell about our collective history in Europe shape contemporary political thought? And in an age of mass migration, who gets to be European today – and why?
On Episode 851 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Brian Torrey, General Manager - India and West Asia at Scoot as well as Arihant Jain, Fund Manager and Senior Investment Analyst at Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India).SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take: The Lost Art of the Adventurer Capitalist(04:50) Resumption of peace talks will provide a floor to the markets.(07:21) India can access Russian oil again, for a month.(09:14) The first principles of investing in India, throwback with Mark Mobius.(15:06) Meet a mutual fund scheme that will short stocks.(21:44) How Indian travellers are choosing first time international destinations. For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
In this April 17 conversation, JWE president Helena Cobban and the veteran Palestinian political analyst Mouin Rabbani discussed the implications, for West Asia and the world, of some of Pres. Trump's crucial recent decisions regarding the ongoing crisis over Iran. Rabbani reviewed, in particular, the decision Trump took mid-week to publicly pressure Israel to accede to a ceasefire in Lebanon, which it had previously refused to do. He also explored what that decision, and Israel's speedy compliance with it, tells us about the nature of the U.S.-Israeli relationship.Cobban and Rabbani also reviewed (among other topics): the history of the U.S. relationship since the beginning of the longer crisis sparked by Hamas's Operation Al-Aqsa Flood of October 2023,the prospects for the peace negotiations that were tentatively launched April 10-11 in Islamabad, Pakistan,the implications of the current U.S.-Iran and Israel-Lebanon ceasefires for the Palestinians of Gaza, and the big changes for the situations in West Asia and globally that were spurred by the U.S.-Israeli decision to launch the current War of Choice against Iran.This summer Rabbani will be publishing his first sole-authored book, Gaza Apocalypse: A Gencoide Diary (OR Books.)This conversation was the thirteenth in Just World Educational's ongoing series on the Iran Crisis/War. Find all the records of this project here.Support the show
Russian Embassy in Pakistan posts article by retd Russian ambassador extraordinary calling Islamabad an 'effective player in resolving external problems not directly related to its interests'.----more----https://theprint.in/world/after-us-china-russia-praises-pakistans-effective-role-as-peace-broker-in-west-asia-war/2906138/
First, we remince the beautiful music of Asha Bhonsle with The Indian Express' Suanshu Khurana. She talks about the versatility of her voice, how she experimented with different genres of music, how she managed to gather fans across generations by singing at least 12,000 songs in 20 different languages and what her work says about her as an artist. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Nikhila Henry about the Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026, which the Telangana assembly passed last month. She talks about the bill and highlights that it seeks to hold both government and private employees accountable for supporting their aged, dependent parents. (18:02)Lastly, we talk about the impact of the war in West Asia on different industries and brands in India. (26:05)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed the country's readiness to reach a "balanced and fair" agreement with the United States to ensure lasting peace in West Asia.
First, we speak to The Indian Express' Anil Sasi about a major milestone in India's nuclear programme, as the Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam attains criticality, marking a significant step in the country's long-term three-stage nuclear energy strategy.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sukalp Sharma about why the West Asia ceasefire has not fully eased the energy shock, especially for import-dependent countries like India, with continued risks around supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. (13:35)And in the end, we take a look at the first big round of polling across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, as key political contests unfold ahead of results next month. (24:00)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Welcome back to Inside Track. Today we're diving into the breaking news out of West Asia that has the whole world holding its breath.Just hours ago (as of April 8th 2026), an 11th-hour agreement was reached between the U.S. and Iran for a two-week ceasefire. This 'operational pause' comes after weeks of escalating tension and a direct threat to Iran's infrastructure. The goal? To reopen the Strait of Hormuz and get both sides to the negotiating table in Islamabad.Joining us to break down the logistics and what this means for regional stability is Bob Wells. We're looking at why the U.S. is taking this specific pause, the 10-point proposal on the table, and the different perspectives on whether this is a genuine path to peace or just a temporary silence before a larger storm.Let's get into it.
Tensions in West Asia are escalating fast. Trump is threatening Iran, while China and Pakistan step in with a surprise peace plan that could reshape the conflict—and global energy markets. Alice Han and James Kynge break down whether it could actually de-escalate the crisis or shift the balance of power in the region. They also dig into China's new trade investigations against the U.S. and a major FBI cyber breach, exploring what these developments mean for the upcoming Trump-Xi summit and the broader U.S.-China relationship. Finally, Alice and James look at China's AI boom, as models like OpenClaw surge in usage, transforming cloud pricing and the global AI landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Recorded hours after Iraq qualified for this summer's World Cup, West Asian Football expert and host of the Football Palestine Podcast Bassil Mikdadi joined Dotun and Tim to discuss football in West Asia. He discussed what we could expect from the teams qualified from the Middle East, what the war in the region means for Iran's participation, the wonder of the Palestine side and the impact Mo Salah has had on Arab Football.Join the Brazilian Shirt Name Whatsapp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBNgO58PgsAgQXRP32TPurchase Tim's New Book, Mundiales:https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/mundiales
First, we talk to The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He shares the recent developments, everything that is going on, President Trump's speech and what all predictions can be made for the upcoming days as far as the war is concerned.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Jatin Anand about AAP leader Raghav Chadha being removed from the position of party's deputy leader in Rajya Sabha. He talks about the reasons that the party has given for doing this, what this step means, and what Raghav Chadha had to say about the same. (16:11)Lastly, we talk the government of Odisha increasing the percentage of reserved seats for SC, ST and SCBC students. (26:41)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Iran is winning the war that was started by the USA and Israel. This is now admitted even by major Western media outlets. Tehran has successfully destroyed the US military bases in West Asia (aka the Middle East), forcing the Pentagon to operate from Europe. Ben Norton explains Iran's goals, and how it is seeking to establish deterrence and escalation dominance, using asymmetric tactics. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV26rb-9YsE Topics 0:00 Iran is winning the war 2:32 Iran's strategic goals 2:47 Failure of regime change 3:34 US military bases 4:25 Iran destroyed US bases 7:32 USA wages war from Europe 8:53 Bases used by USA in Europe 9:30 Iran's objectives 10:05 Gulf monarchies (GCC) 13:46 Normalization with Israel 14:54 Threats to Gulf regimes 16:40 Lifting of US sanctions 19:10 Oil and Strait of Hormuz 22:34 Escalation dominance 23:33 Costs of the war 25:34 USA running out of missiles 26:59 Deterrence 29:17 US and Israel are losing 29:42 Multipolar world 31:34 Outro
Friend of the show and returning guest Séamus Malekafzali joins us to discuss Events in West Asia, specifically as regards Israel's ground invasion of southern Lebanon, and Trump's seeming gestures towards escalating a war with Iran that is already going very badly. Get more of Séamus' writing here! Get the whole episode on Patreon here! Get more TF episodes each week by subscribing to our Patreon here! TF Merch is still available here! *MILO ALERT* Check out Milo's tour dates here: https://www.miloedwards.co.uk/liveshows Trashfuture are: Riley (@raaleh), Milo (@Milo_Edwards), Hussein (@HKesvani), Nate (@inthesedeserts), and November (@postoctobrist)
Today it's a special honor to welcome Serhat Tutkal and Hevin Karakurt to Speaking Out of Place. These two scholars engage in a broad discussion of Kurdish history, culture, politics, literature and language, with particular attention to issues of statelessness, identity, and violence. We talk about the current moment with regard to Turkey, Syria, Palestine, and the US-Israel war on Iran and beyond. We use as a starting poet Serhat's remarkable essay, “Note from Non-People,” and then move to a discussion of his work on dehumanization. We end with imagining paths out of cycles of violence and dehumanization, and consider specifically the way we might imagine new sorts of utopias and vistas of life-affirmation.Hevin Karakurt is a PhD candidate in Comparative Literature at Stanford University, where she studies Kurdish literature across languages and territories. In this way, she works on the question of how a literature of a collective that shares neither one nation nor any one language might function. Before coming to Stanford, she worked as a researcher in the Swiss National Science Foundation funded research project “Half-Truths. Truth, Fiction, and Conspiracy in the ‘Post-Factual' Age”, at the University of Basel.Serhat Tutkal is a Kurdish academic. He is a postdoctoral researcher funded by the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation (Secihti) in Mexico. He has a PhD from Universidad Nacional de Colombia (Bogotá) with a dissertation on the legitimation and delegitimation of Colombian state violence. He mainly works on violence, racism, and dehumanization in West Asia and Latin America
Today on The Natural Birth Podcast we have Shiva Shiva is a mom of three and stepmom of one, originally from Turkey and now raising their four boys with her husband in Denver, Colorado. Half Iranian and half Turkish, she's a bilingual psychotherapist whose work in health psychology, PTSD, perinatal mental health, and parenting is shaped by cultural diversity and a commitment to health equity across communities. She is devoted to raising heart-centered boys, the practice of yoga, and exploring women's liberation and bodily autonomy in West Asia, threads that powerfully shaped her three physiologic births.This is the second time Shiva guests this podcast and she comes with so much birthing wisdom yet again. Shivas first episode is called Riding the waves and power of birth through mantra and is the 10th most listened to birth story of all time.I hope you'll enjoy this one as much as her first.This was her third natural birth and her second home birth. The time period of the pregnancy had a good bit of stress and hardship and she was concerned that with the stress and her age, she wouldn't be able to have the birth she wished for. But she decided to trust and nature did what it is good at. It heard the whispering of what she dared to hope for, and it went so smoothly, exactly as she had hoped: a fast, healthy water birth at home witnessed by two of the older brothers.Curious about Shiva? Find her on Instagram as @shivajenkinsCurious about what's happening at the Midwitch Cottage this summer? Visit themidwitchcottage.comWant to work with Anna or join The Sacred Birth Worker Mentorship?Find Anna's Website, about her Mentorship & How to Work with Her, as well as all Links & Resources she mentions in the episode here:www.sacredbirthinternational.com/links-podcast
TRN Podcast host Nick Estes live in conversation with Sina Rahmani, host of The East is a Podcast and producer of The Red Nation Podcast, on the wider context of the Ramadan War and what is at stake in this historic confrontation. Watch the livestream edition on The Red Nation Podcast Empower our work: GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-red-medias-indigenous-content Subscribe to The Red Nation Newsletter: https://www.therednation.org/ Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/redmediapr
In this episode, Breht interviews Adnan Husain -- Professor of Medieval history and Chair of the Religious Studies department at Queens college -- about the deep historical roots of today's Middle East. The conversation traces the arc from ancient Persia to the Islamic era, explores how Iran became a center of Shi'a Islam, and examines the long rivalry between Persian and Ottoman power. Along the way, they unpack the Sunni-Shia split, the political role of Turkey in the region, the ways Western narratives about Islam were forged through the Crusades and carried forward into the modern world, Zionist Expansionism, and the ongoing illegal war of aggression waged by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, and indeed, the whole region. Check out Adnan's previous appearences on Rev Left HERE Subscribe to Adnan's YouTube channel HERE Watch Adnan's 2 Part episode on Yemen HERE Listen to Guerrilla History podcast HERE --------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get bonus episodes on Patreon Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at BuyMeACoffee.com/revleftradio Follow RLR on IG HERE Learn more about Rev Left HERE