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Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this episode of The Wright Report, Bryan breaks down the White House's economic messaging blitz ahead of the midterms, from red diesel tax breaks to a new Iowa steel plant, and why GOP Senate Majority Leader John Thune says the war with Iran is drowning out all of it. Bryan covers the deaths of two Mississippi college students linked to the unregulated drug kratom sold by Yemeni migrants near Ole Miss, and President Xi's offer to bring 100,000 American students to China, a proposal Bryan argues is a national security gift horse. Plus, Bryan covers a Pennsylvania township being offered $10,000 checks per household to approve a new data center, an OpenAI backed startup designing antibody cures for pathogens it fears future AI could create, and a promising new AI tool that predicts where brain cancer is most likely to return after surgery. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32 Keywords: Wright Report, Bryan Dean Wright, midterm elections, John Thune, Iran war, diesel prices, economy, kratom, Mississippi, Yemen, Ole Miss, Xi Jinping, student exchange, China, AI data centers, OpenAI, bioweapons, glioblastoma, brain cancer
Yemen's Houthi rebels have further complicated any chance at restoring global security and trade in the Middle East, after taking control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Yemen's Red Sea coastline. They've since attacked numerous Saudi Arabian ships trying to pass through, as well as launched drone attacks into country. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has asked US President Trump for help, but Trump has ruled out US airstrikes, rather offering intelligence and other supports. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Peter Bates, a former Canadian Foreign Service Officer and Fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, to discuss what the Houthis are after, what Iran has to gain, and whether or not Trump will rethink the US' involvement. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In Yemen, fighting is intensifying around the Yemeni city of Taiz, where government forces are trying to halt a new advance by Houthi fighters closing in on the city. We have a frontline report from the BBC's international investigations correspondent. Also on the programme: investigations continue into a suspected terror plot at an air force base in southern England; and a potential breakthrough in the storage of mRNA vaccines, which could revolutionise rural healthcare.(Photo: A displaced Yemeni woman, Fatma Mohammed Saleh, speaks to the BBC. Credit: Liam Weir/BBC)
These are the top headlines from Arab News, the Middle East's leading English-language daily, on Monnday Sept. 28th at 6am GMT. - Trump expects more Iran talks this week: Axios - Iran stands firm on Hormuz plan after US rejection - Over 60,000 Syrians returned home from displacement camps since January: UN - Saudi foreign minister arrives in Washington to meet US counterpart - Yemeni warplanes strike major Houthi military base east of Taiz Check out the latest updates on https://arabnews.com
Attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia are putting Turkey's new defence pact with the kingdom to its first major test – forcing Ankara to weigh support for its ally against the risk of being drawn deeper into the conflict. Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on 7 August, committing themselves to the principle that an attack on one is an attack on all. The three countries' military chiefs met in the Saudi capital on Friday, a day after the Iran-backed Houthis launched their latest barrage of missiles targeting Riyadh and Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Yanbu. In recent weeks, Saudi Arabia has reported intercepting numerous Houthi drone and ballistic missile attacks from neighbouring Yemen. The military chiefs discussed intelligence sharing, military coordination and integrating their capabilities, Saudi and Pakistani statements said. Turkey's defence ministry did not comment on the meeting. Erdogan hints at larger nuclear partnership with Russia, unsettling Turkey's allies Saudi expectations Turkey has so far stopped short of committing itself to military action. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said this month that Ankara was looking into providing what he called “technical support”, without elaborating on what that could involve. Saudi Arabia could look to Turkey for air defence systems, counter-drone technology, radars and maritime security, given the expertise and capabilities of the Turkish military and defence industry, said Amed Khuzaie of the Washington-based think tank N7 Foundation. “The Mecca Agreement pact will prove its vitality and importance only if it's deemed to be functional,” Khuzaie told RFI. The Riyadh meeting followed talks in New York on Thursday involving the Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers and Pakistan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Turkish media citing foreign ministry sources said the meeting focused on ongoing “technical negotiations”. But providing support to Saudi Arabia could expose Turkey to retaliation from the Houthis. “By God, if Turkey and Pakistan become involved, we will strike them with an iron fist,” Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a senior member of the Houthis, said in an Iraqi television interview. Turkey seeks Black Sea shipping deal as attacks threaten grain trade Risk of retaliation The warning should be taken seriously given the Houthis' military presence around the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical waterway linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, explained Amed Nagi, a Yemen expert at the International Crisis Group. “[The Houthis] targeted US and UK shipping in the Red Sea,” Nagi said. “They could do the same beyond [that] to the Gulf of Aden, because we know Turkey is very active in the Horn of Africa. "So I think these are the areas that the Houthis will think about if there is any sort of retaliation against Turkey.” In 2024, the Houthis attacked US military and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, damaging the Gibraltar Eagle bulk carrier with a cruise missile and sinking the British-linked cargo ship MV Rubymar. Saudi Arabia could also look to Israel for support if its new partners do not provide what it needs, Khuzaie said. “Who has better intelligence in the region than the Israelis today?” he said. “Diversifying resources, if one fails you, you have another side that could assist.” The risks for Ankara go beyond possible Houthi retaliation. Turkey must also manage its relationship with Iran, which backs the Yemeni group. “It is not in the interest of Turkey to have a direct confrontation with any actor in the region, and the Houthis have become a proxy of Iran; Turkey doesn't want a confrontation with Iran directly," said Bilgehan Alagoz, an international relations professor at Istanbul's Marmara University. "Turkey is trying to solve the issue from a diplomatic point of view.” In a joint statement last week, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt said that dialogue and diplomacy were the only sustainable way to resolve the region's conflicts, while affirming Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself under international law. Fidan met his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in New York on Friday. Fidan later said they discussed Iran's negotiations with the United States and conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but that diplomatic efforts had yet to produce a breakthrough. What the SDF's dissolution means for Syria's Kurds and neighbouring Turkey Iran balancing act The diplomatic efforts come as Turkey's relationship with Iran faces other strains. Turkey-based international relations analyst Soli Ozel said Ankara has for decades walked a “fine line” between rivalry and cooperation with Tehran while balancing its relationships with Iran and Western allies, particularly the United States. Turkey's banking regulator recently revoked the operating licence of Iran's Bank Mellat branch in Istanbul, although the official notice did not say the move was intended to enforce US sanctions. The US Treasury also said Ankara had agreed after talks with Washington to stop flights by Iran's Mahan Air as part of efforts to comply with US measures against Tehran. Three Turkish airlines also suspended flights to Iran. Turkish authorities have also repeatedly accused Iran of hostile operations inside the country, including assassinations and abductions of Iranian dissidents. In January, security forces arrested six people suspected of spying for Iran and gathering information about the Incirlik air base, which is used by US forces. Becoming involved in the conflict against the Houthis could upset Ankara's already delicate relationship with Tehran, Ozel told RFI. “The Iranians who actually have a lot of [intelligence] capabilities in Turkey, we've seen that before, then you find yourself in a hot or cold war,” he said.
Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, an in-depth investigatory show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (9/27/26). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth is, or claiming they have the answer, is likely leading you astray, for one reason or another. Stay Vigilant. !function(r,u,m,b,l,e){r._Rumble=b,r[b]||(r[b]=function(){(r[b]._=r[b]._||[]).push(arguments);if(r[b]._.length==1){l=u.createElement(m),e=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0],l.async=1,l.src="https://rumble.com/embedJS/u2q643"+(arguments[1].video?'.'+arguments[1].video:'')+"/?url="+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+"&args="+encodeURIComponent(JSON.stringify([].slice.apply(arguments))),e.parentNode.insertBefore(l,e)}})}(window, document, "script", "Rumble"); Rumble("play", {"video":"v7dw7p6","div":"rumble_v7dw7p6"}); Source Links (In Chronological Order): RAF Fairford terror plot ‘looking to do big damage', Donald Trump says | The Standard (22) ColonelTowner-Watkins on X: "So NATO is going to launch drone attacks on their own countries and pretend Russia did it. Got it. #OperationGladio" / X (22) Sulaiman Ahmed on X: "JUST IN: IRAN PRESIDENT PEZESHKIAN SAYS ISRAEL MAY HAVE CARRIED OUT FALSE FLAG ATTACK ON SAUDI PIPELINES “We and Yemen had no involvement in the attack on Saudi Arabia's pipeline. It is not unlikely that Israel carried out this action in order to inflame tensions and fuel https://t.co/yx6706pY5Y" / X Iran offers deal to US to reopen Strait of Hormuz that Donald Trump rejects - ABC News Trump Reportedly Rejects Iranian Proposal and Plans To Resume Bombing After Election - NewsBreak (22) Seyed Mohammad Marandi on X: "Remember this when the global and US economies crash." / X Waltz says Iran wanted sanctions relief up front in rejected deal; Tehran pushes back - POLITICO State Dept Revealed To Be Using Israeli Intelligence-Linked Chat App Involved In Trump Admin Hack (22) The Last American Vagabond on X: "There is just no question which nations are the ones perpetuating this madness. That Trump still pretends to "control the strait" is not only a lie, it's pathetic and suggests he is not the one controlling the situation at all." / X Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian Says 'We Have No Trust' in the U.S. (22) Esha K on X: "By March 11, US/Israel has struck 18 hospitals https://t.co/bTkMD8lkpw" / X WHO confirms 18 attacks on healthcare sites in Iran | Reuters (22) MintPress News on X: "
These are the top headlines from Arab News, the Middle East's leading English-language daily, on Sunday Sept. 27th at 6am GMT. - Saudi FM warns the world to take Gulf security seriously - Houthis threatening civil aviation by using modified Iranian defense weapons, Yemeni army says - Houthis forcing children to fight on Yemen's battlefields, civil society groups warn - Trump rejects Iranian proposal to open Hormuz Strait - Russia calls for implementing US-Iran MoU after Trump rejects new proposal Check out the latest updates on https://arabnews.com
Kate Adie presents stories from Mongolia, Turkey, Djibouti, Brazil and Africa.Xi Jinping met Donald Trump in Washington this week. Talking points included Taiwan, the Iran War, the trade truce – and Artificial Intelligence. Our China correspondent Laura Bicker has travelled to Inner Mongolia, where Chinese data centres are being built at a rapid rate as China seeks industry dominance. A court in Turkey has sentenced the already-jailed former Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu to two more years in prison and banned him from politics. Rights groups have said this legal action is political motivated – as journalists, comedians and the LGBT plus community have also been targeted by government crackdowns. Emily Wither has been in Istanbul.Djibouti has seen an influx of thousands of Yemeni refugees in the space of a week, fleeing the regional conflict which has escalated as Saudi-backed Yemeni forces try to regain territory from Iran-backed Houthis. Frank Gardner has been to a refugee camp in Djibouti - and reflects on his past visits.Brazil is split between those who believe in light regulation – and further exploitation of natural resources - and those who want to preserve Brazil's rich natural eco-systems. Kirsty Lang has just come back from one of the country's major cattle producing regions, where a new initiative could be part of the solution.And finally, the BBC's World Affairs correspondent Mark Doyle died this week. He was best known for his reporting from across Africa, and his colleague and fellow Africa correspondent, Andrew Harding, wrote a tribute to him in 2015 when he left the BBC, which still resonates today.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Big show to wrap up the week. Today we are on location at Jabal Coffee House on Mason Street in West Dearborn to kick off Dearborn Coffee Week! Norris, and Devon join me around the table to taste-test Yemeni lattes, Sanani coffee, and tasty cakes while talking about what to know and where to go in Metro Detroit. Topics: Dearborn Coffee Capital: How coffee shops have officially taken over as Metro Detroit's third space, the rapid rise of Yemeni coffee culture, and why local shops are expanding nationally. A $30 Million High-Rise Repair Bill: Routine facade work on Detroit's historic Water Board Building revealed serious structural issues. We debate the best future for this iconic 23-story tower. Expanding the People Mover: A new mobility study lays out three potential routes to expand the transit loop to Corktown, the Riverfront, and Eastern Market. What do you think? Dearborn x Detroit: Busting online myths about the border, historical context vs. lived reality, and the community block party happening this Sunday. Support our all-local work on Patreon. Got feedback or story tips? Email us at dailydetroit@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211.
Your daily news in under three minutes.For more on these stories, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com And connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
The Houthis of Yemen are increasingly becoming a subject of major global concern. Having ramped up attacks on commercial shipping passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, they pose a direct threat to international maritime trade and the global economy. As a vital passage supplementing the Strait of Hormuz, disruptions here risk driving global prices for oil and essential commodities significantly higher, carrying severe financial and political consequences worldwide. Yet, the highest price of this ongoing crisis is borne by the Yemeni people. Amid 11 years of devastating civil war, an estimated 400,000 people have died from combat or famine, with thousands more forced to flee their homes as refugees. What is officially a domestic conflict between the Houthis and the Yemeni government has escalated into a broad regional war involving Saudi Arabia, backed by the United States, the UK, and Israel. With Saudi Arabia calling on the US for a renewed military campaign following a Houthi attack on Mecca, the world eagerly awaits President Donald Trump's next move. In a rare and exclusive interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, senior Houthi official Nasr al-Din Amer joins Piers Morgan to address these escalating tensions, the attacks in the Red Sea, and what comes next for Yemen and the region. Piers is then joined by Tehran University's Professor Mohammad Marandi, Middle East Forum chief strategist Jim Hanson and military analyst and political scientist Robert Pape. Editor's note: Nasr al-Din Amer contacted us after the broadcast to say that some of the simultaneous translation may have been abbreviated for speed. While no inaccuracies have been reported, he requests that we provide his full answer to Piers Morgan's question about Trump. We are happy to do this as a matter of journalistic record. "That is something for him to explain, not me. But as far as we are concerned, we have reassured the entire world and stated that we are currently targeting only Saudi ships. There is no active military engagement between us and the United States at present, and we do not intend to launch any strikes against the United States as long as it does not wage war on us, because we have no confrontation with them right now.If they choose to launch airstrikes against us, they will be in a state of aggression, in a dishonorable position, and it will certainly not serve their interests. Does the world currently need a new war in the region? Does America need to expand the war in the region? This does not serve its interests.As for why he called it off, that was in his own best interest. It is far better for him, and far better for the United States, not to launch airstrikes against us, lest they become further embroiled. They must not give in to Saudi Arabia - neither the United States nor the rest of the world. They must not succumb to Saudi demands, embroil themselves in further conflict in Yemen, and exacerbate the suffering of the Yemeni people." (00:00.00) Introduction (00:02:03) Naser Al-Din Amer on accusations of a Houthi attack on Mecca (00:06:19) Houthis believe Saudi Arabia was planning a ground invasion (00:09:16) Responding to claims of being a terrorist organisation (00:13:08) What do the Houthis plan to do with the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (00:20:56) What is the end game for the Houthis? (00:26:51) Professor Marandi on the Houthis' reluctance to admit who their allies are 30:57 Trump's ‘annihilate Islamic republic' UN speech 35:30 Jim Hanson argues President Trump's plan is working 42:06 Marandi: ‘Your other guest is openly genocidal' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Today on Trending Middle East, both Iran and the US have confirmed they held talks through mediators during the UN General Assembly. This marks the first known negotiation between both sides since an interim agreement broke down in July. Also on the sidelines of the event, Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara told The National he may run in a future election if he is needed, but that he was focused on governing during the transitional period for now. The Houthis are battling Yemeni pro-government forces for control of the strategic Kahboub mountain range in the country's south-west. In the UAE, President Sheikh Mohamed and the Rulers and Crown Princes of the Emirates gathered in Dubai to offer condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, following the death of his brother, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid. Sheikh Ahmed was laid to rest on Tuesday. The dirham symbol has officially been added to Unicode, the leading organisation that standardises emojis and digital characters. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.
Fighting on Yemen's west coast has prompted thousands of people to flee by boat across the Bab al-Mandab Strait to Djibouti over the last ten days.The crossings were sparked by an offensive by the Iran-backed Houthi movement to take control of a key island and seize the strategically important port of Mokha. We have a report from a refugee camp in a small port town where officials are preparing for the arrival of up to 10,000 refugees.Also in the programme: Germany's chancellor admits the latest elections were a disaster for his party; artificial intelligence expected to be a core part of talks at Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States later this week: and a raft of potential medical breakthroughs for Alzheimer's disease.(Photo shows Yemeni people fleeing clashes in their country gather to receive supplies from the International Organization for Migration at the Markazi refugee camp after arriving in Djibouti on 18 September 2026. Abdourahim Arteh/Reuters)
American television networks have stopped providing joint coverage of Donald Trump's official events, after the president banned some news organisations from the White House. Also in the programme: the Yemeni refugees seeking refuge in Djibouti; and Star Wars creator George Lucas is about to open a new art gallery to house his huge art collection.(Photo: Poster of solidarity with the US networks barred from the White House outside AP's White House booth. Credit: Reuters)
Fighting is intensifying between Yemen's Ansar Allah Houthis and Saudi Arabia. For the first time since a ceasefire in 2022, the Houthis have fired missiles towards the capital, Riyadh. The Iran-backed group says it will respond to any escalation with an escalation of its own. But it also risks dragging the wider region into conflict. What will it take to stop the attacks? In this episode: Nawaf Obaid, Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London and former advisor to the Saudi government Muhanad Seloom, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs Ibrahim Jalal, Yemeni affairs analyst who specialises in regional security and armed groups Host: Rob Matheson Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
These are the top headlines from Arab News, the Middle East's leading English-language daily, on Sunday Sept. 20th at 6am GMT. - Coalition intercepts and destroys ballistic missile fired toward Riyadh - Condemnations after Houthis target Saudi capital - Yemeni forces target Houthi positions and reinforcements in Marib - US military: Strait of Hormuz shipping traffic at 6-month high - Pakistani, Iranian foreign ministers talk energy supply, shipping safety Check out the latest updates on https://arabnews.com
These are the top headlines from Arab News, the Middle East's leading English-language daily, on Saturday Sept. 19th at 6pm GMT. - US military: Strait of Hormuz shipping traffic at 6-month high - Yemeni forces target Houthi positions and reinforcements in Marib - Israel launches airstrikes in southern Lebanon - Pakistani, Iranian foreign ministers talk energy supply, shipping safety - Syria says Friday blast at military site killed 11
These are the top headlines from Arab News, the Middle East's leading English-language daily, on Saturday Sept. 19th at 6am GMT. - UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, backs Riyadh's right to self-defense - Saudi Civil Defense issues, then lifts warnings of potential danger in Riyadh and other areas - Yemeni forces battle Houthi assaults on strategic heights overlooking Bab Al-Mandab - Yemen fighting displaces 112,000, pushes thousands toward Djibouti - UN chief ‘deeply regrets' US visa refusal to Abbas for annual meeting Check out the latest updates on https://arabnews.com
Subscribe now for an ad-free experience and all of our episodes. Derek has journeyed to Bolivia seeking contact with the newly discovered cat species, so Alex Jordan of Always at War steps in to bring you the headlines. This week: in New Delhi, BRICS member states issue a fractured joint statement on restraint in the Middle East (1:12); Iran strikes a U.S.-contracted vessel near the Strait of Hormuz (5:42); a cyberattack disables Texas-bound tankers (8:30); a new Pentagon report puts the Iran war's cost at $33.4 billion (9:59); the Houthis/Ansar Allah advance in Taiz and hit Saudi Arabia (14:46); Yemeni government forces strike back while the U.S. rules out direct involvement (19:00); China pushes Iran to restrain the Houthis (22:37); an Israeli strike collapses a building in Gaza City, killing at least 21 people (25:12); the U.S. approves a $2.8 billion weapons sale to Israel (27:34); Russia and Ukraine strike each other's energy infrastructure (30:57); the House passes a Russia sanctions bill named in honor of Lindsey Graham (33:37); a banking scandal roils Brazil's presidential race (37:53); and in Sweden, a left-wing bloc narrowly wins an election (41:12). Don't forget to grab your copy of Danny's new book Imperialist Realism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Derek has journeyed to Bolivia seeking contact with the newly discovered cat species, so Alex Jordan of Always at War steps in to bring you the headlines. This week: in New Delhi, BRICS member states issue a fractured joint statement on restraint in the Middle East (1:12); Iran strikes a U.S.-contracted vessel near the Strait of Hormuz (5:42); a cyberattack disables Texas-bound tankers (8:30); a new Pentagon report puts the Iran war's cost at $33.4 billion (9:59); the Houthis/Ansar Allah advance in Taiz and hit Saudi Arabia (14:46); Yemeni government forces strike back while the U.S. rules out direct involvement (19:00); China pushes Iran to restrain the Houthis (22:37); an Israeli strike collapses a building in Gaza City, killing at least 21 people (25:12); the U.S. approves a $2.8 billion weapons sale to Israel (27:34); Russia and Ukraine strike each other's energy infrastructure (30:57); the House passes a Russia sanctions bill named in honor of Lindsey Graham (33:37); a banking scandal roils Brazil's presidential race (37:53); and in Sweden, a left-wing bloc narrowly wins an election (41:12). Don't forget to grab your copy of Danny's new book Imperialist Realism.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
China has held a solemn ceremony to mark the 95th anniversary of the September 18th Incident, the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (01:06). Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group in Yemen have continued to trade strikes, forcing many Yemeni civilians to flee (08:16). The Canadian prime minister says his country welcomes the opportunity to become the EU's first associate member, but insists that Canadian lawmakers will have their say before any decisions are made (16:32).
A landmark Pentagon report has exposed the devastating cost of the Iran war for the US military: 59 aircraft damaged or destroyed, bases struck across the Middle East, and critical missile stockpiles depleted for up to 5 years.On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to former Defense and State Department insider Kori Schake, now a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. She unpicks how the report lays bare the underpreparedness of Donald Trump's administration for Iran's precision missile attacks on key US assets. They also discuss how the toll of the war has created a critical window of vulnerability that China could exploit in the Pacific if it wanted to seize Taiwan. Plus, Anthropic's new threat report reveals how Iran and the Houthis are using Claude AI to finetune weapons and target the US Navy, Trump goes behind Saudi Arabia's back to make a secret deal with the Yemeni militants over the Red Sea, and will Pete Hegseth be impeached?PIC CREDIT: CBS HighlightsPentagon exposes mass US aircraft losses and base damage from Iran warTrump makes secret deal with the Houthis over the Red SeaCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyKori Schake, director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute @KoriSchakeWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Houthis claim to have shot down Saudi fighter jethttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/16/houthis-claim-downing-of-saudi-fighter-jet/Akhtar Makoii: Four ways the Houthis became a major military powerhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/17/four-ways-houthis-major-military-power-yemen-iran-weapons/US committed war crimes in Iran school strike, say UN expertshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/09/17/us-committed-war-crimes-iran-school-strike-experts/CBS: New photos show widespread damage at U.S. positions caused by Iranian missile, drone attackshttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-photos-damage-u-s-kuwait-saudi-arabia-iran-drone-missile-attacks/LEAD INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT ON OPERATION EPIC FURYhttps://media.defense.gov/2026/Sep/09/2003993626/-1/-1/1/OEF_Q3_JUN2026_FINAL_508%20SECURE.PDFAnthropic: Detecting and countering misuse of AI - September 2026https://www-cdn.anthropic.com/e50be2e51e7695dc4b1366a37a245a597377d3b5/Anthropic-Detecting-and-countering-091026.pdfWinner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: Peter Shevlin Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Over the past several weeks, the Houthis have seized the port city of Mokha, Yemen's western coastline, and several islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and they are now massing around Marib and Taiz in the first major frontline shift since 2022. MEI Associate Fellow Nadwa Al-Dawsari joins host Matthew Czekaj to unpack the latest developments. Together, they discuss what has allowed the Houthis to advance against Yemeni government forces, the role the militant group plays in Iran's regional strategy, and what it will take to contain the threat. Recorded on September 15, 2026.
These are the top headlines from Arab News, the Middle East's leading English-language daily on Thursday Sept. 17th at 6pm GMT: - Houthi drone debris kills Yemeni resident in Saudi Arabia's Taif - Yemen interior minister: Iran seeking to militarize Bab Al-Mandeb through the Houthis - UN-backed experts cite possible US war crimes in Iran strikes - Syria's Tartus port could offer alternative to Strait of Hormuz, Al-Sharaa says - Macron hosts Lebanon security talks as UN mission nears end Check out the latest updates on https://arabnews.com
On today's Wednesday show Ryan and Emily speak to Former Pentagon official David Pyne about the merging of the Israel U.S. militaries. After we look at Kash Patel's latest hearing on a myriad of topics and finally Ryan speaks to Yemeni journalist Hussain Al-Bukhaiti about the Houthis. To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.com Merch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More than 2,000 people have fled across the Red Sea into neighbouring Djibouti as fighting in Yemen escalates. The renewed conflict between the Iran-backed Houthi movement and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government has also displaced more than 100,000 people inside Yemen. Iran‑aligned Houthi rebels have seized Yemen's entire Red Sea coast after fierce battles with government forces, tightening their hold on crucial shipping lanes. With thousands more seeking safety across the Red Sea. We take a closer look at the human cost of the conflict and why the latest developments matter for Africa. And as African cities expand, forests, wetlands and other natural spaces are being cleared for development. Experts say this is altering how cities absorb heat, manage flooding and store carbon. We explore the importance of natural ecosystems to African cities.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Iliya, Bella Twine and Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla
CAPTION 1962 SOVIET EMBASSYHistorical Roots Shape Modern Yemeni ConflictGregory Copley details the deep historical context of Yemen, tracing its lineage from the ancient Sabaean kingdom through the Mutawakkilite Kingdom. He explains how Saudi hostility toward Northern Yemen stems partly from historical Hashemite claims to Mecca and Medina. Copley emphasizes that Northern Yemeni forces are tough professional fighters rather than simple rebel groups, driven to fight for survival against Saudi strikes. He suggests that Washington and London should engage in separate diplomatic negotiations, leveraging Oman's Sultan as a discreet mediator during upcoming visits to negotiate an accommodation and establish regional peace. (3)
CAPTION 1962 VS THE EGYPTIANSHouthis Expand Reach Across Strategic WaterwaysBridget Toomey discusses how Houthi rebels rapidly expanded control across Yemen's western coast, seizing the strategic port of Mocha and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb choke point. Yemeni armed forces conducted counter-operations in a designated killbox around Mocha while displaying strikes on Houthi positions. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabiaclosed its critical oil pipeline following drone attacks attributed to Iran-backed Iraqi militias operating in coordination with the Houthis. The Trump administration continues offering intelligence support to Saudi Arabia while maintaining its policy of avoiding direct airstrikes under an existing mutual non-engagement agreement. (1)
CAPTION 1916 YEMEN FIGHTING.CONTENTS-JBS-9-14-2026Houthis Expand Reach Across Strategic WaterwaysBridget Toomey discusses how Houthi rebels rapidly expanded control across Yemen's western coast, seizing the strategic port of Mocha and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb choke point. Yemeni armed forces conducted counter-operations in a designated killbox around Mocha while displaying strikes on Houthi positions. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabiaclosed its critical oil pipeline following drone attacks attributed to Iran-backed Iraqi militias operating in coordination with the Houthis. The Trump administration continues offering intelligence support to Saudi Arabia while maintaining its policy of avoiding direct airstrikes under an existing mutual non-engagement agreement. (1)Israeli Strikes Target Reconstituting Hamas LeadershipSamuel Ben-Ur analyzes recent Israel Defense Forces eliminations of key Hamas figures in Gaza, notably Khan Yuniscommander Muhammad Abdul Salam al-Yuzuri. Al-Yuzuri was actively attempting to rebuild the Qassam Brigadesand plan attacks prior to his elimination. Hamas maintains military dominance across thirty percent of the yellow line and remains heavily integrated within civilian population centers. Meanwhile, progress on the Board of Peace disarmament plan remains stalled until after Israeli elections due to political sensitivity surrounding territorial concessions. Ben-Ur notes that voluntary Hamas disarmament is improbable, highlighting alternative stabilization initiatives like pilot zones. (2)Historical Roots Shape Modern Yemeni ConflictGregory Copley details the deep historical context of Yemen, tracing its lineage from the ancient Sabaean kingdom through the Mutawakkilite Kingdom. He explains how Saudi hostility toward Northern Yemen stems partly from historical Hashemite claims to Mecca and Medina. Copley emphasizes that Northern Yemeni forces are tough professional fighters rather than simple rebel groups, driven to fight for survival against Saudi strikes. He suggests that Washington and London should engage in separate diplomatic negotiations, leveraging Oman's Sultan as a discreet mediator during upcoming visits to negotiate an accommodation and establish regional peace. (3)Latin American Leaders Engage European ForumErnesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa discuss their participation in Slovenia's Bled Strategic Forum, highlighting growing Eastern European engagement with Latin America. Araújo draws parallels between Eastern Europe's 1989 liberation and Latin America's current struggle against narco-socialism. Regarding Venezuela, Peña Esclusa emphasizes that citizens reject interim president Delcy Rodríguez despite opposition leader María Corina Machado's primary victory. Turning to Brazil's upcoming election, Araújo outlines a major judicial scandal tying Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes to a fraudulent banker, severely impacting President Lula da Silva's reelection campaign against Flavio Bolsonaro. (4)Israeli Forces Detonate Strategic Hezbollah UndergroundDavid Daoud examines an Israeli detonation of Hezbollah's subterranean nerve center at Aita al-Shaab, which caused a 4.1 magnitude seismic event. The complex was originally designed for Hezbollah's planned invasion of the Galilee, a doctrine later mirrored by Hamas on October 7th. Daoud reports that Israeli forces are turning South Lebanon into a buffer zone to eliminate threats. However, he criticizes the Lebanese Armed Forces for failing to demonstrate real will to disarm Hezbollah, noting that 86% of reported LAF weapon seizures consisted merely of militarily insignificant bullets. (5)Canada Explores Strategic European Union AllianceConrad Black evaluates Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposal for a unique associate alliance with the European Union. Black notes Canadians would support freer trade and cultural exchanges, though full political submission to Brussels directives would be rejected. He highlights French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming meeting with Carney in St. Pierre and Miquelon as a significant recognition of Canadian distinctiveness. Furthermore, Black criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats and trade deficit claims, pointing out that Canada sells oil at discounted rates and maintains balanced cross-border auto manufacturing integration. (6)Economic Analysis Exposes Costs Of TariffsVeronique de Rugy analyzes the economic consequences of trade wars, specifically examining cross-border tariffs between the United States and Canada. She refutes mercantilist arguments, demonstrating that domestic consumers shoulder tariff costs through higher prices and product scarcity rather than foreign producers paying the fees. De Rugy explains that protectionist tariffs harm domestic manufacturing by raising input costs on imported components. She notes that even domestic producers unexposed to foreign competition raise prices when shielded, and highlights how tariffs on Canadian lumber directly elevate American housing costs. (7)Russian Strikes Target Ukrainian Railway NetworksJohn Hardie assesses a Russian drone strike targeting a Ukrainian train near the Polish border where international VIPs and former European officials had recently passed. While French officials viewed the strike as intentional intimidation, Hardie notes precise Russian motives remain speculative. Additionally, Hardie analyzes reports surrounding President Trump's statements regarding an energy target ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. He defends Ukraine's strategy of striking Russian oil refineries, explaining that disrupting refined diesel production effectively squeezes Moscow's military budget and creates domestic public pressure. (8)United States Secures Historic Venezuelan PetroleumSamuel Ben-Ur provides updates on Venezuela's political transition and energy sector, detailing a massive 25-year oil agreement executed with interim president Delcy Rodríguez. The deal involves North American companies redeveloping 17 oil fields containing 65 billion barrels of proved reserves, redirecting petroleum exports exclusively to the United States away from China and Russia. Ben-Ur notes that major firms like Chevron will lead a hundred-billion-dollar infrastructure revitalization effort. However, he emphasizes that no firm election date has been established, leaving the political timetable for returning to democratic governance uncertain. (9)BRICS Summit Highlights Internal Geopolitical FracturesMelik Kaylan, co-host Gordon Chang: Kaylan and Chang analyze the BRICS summit in India, characterizing the bloc as an incoherent coalition marked by deep internal rivalries, particularly between China and India. Kaylan explains that while member nations grandstand against Western policies in the Middle East, they lack real unified operational strength. Turning to Turkey, Kaylan argues President Erdoğan pursues neo-Ottoman expansionism across Syria, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa to distract from severe domestic economic weakness. Chang adds that Erdoğan reversed his prior support for Uyghurs to secure Chinese financial backing. (10)
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Ukraine says Russia hit a civilian train near the Polish border, the Swedish opposition holds a slim lead in a tight election, Trump calls AI backlash a "sick conspiracy" and criticizes Anthropic's CEO, protests break out across Syria over fuel price increases, the 10-year Treasury yield hits 5% for the first time since 2023, the search widens for 129 missing after a Java Sea ferry capsize, BRICS leaders wrap up the New Delhi Summit with a push for cooperation, more than 85,00 Yemenis are displaced as fighting intensifies, the EPA is expected to repeal greenhouse gas limits for power plants, and a Malaysian boy is acquitted for the murder of a schoolgirl on grounds of insanity. Sources: Verity.News
Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, an in-depth investigatory show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (9/14/26). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth is, or claiming they have the answer, is likely leading you astray, for one reason or another. Stay Vigilant. !function(r,u,m,b,l,e){r._Rumble=b,r[b]||(r[b]=function(){(r[b]._=r[b]._||[]).push(arguments);if(r[b]._.length==1){l=u.createElement(m),e=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0],l.async=1,l.src="https://rumble.com/embedJS/u2q643"+(arguments[1].video?'.'+arguments[1].video:'')+"/?url="+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+"&args="+encodeURIComponent(JSON.stringify([].slice.apply(arguments))),e.parentNode.insertBefore(l,e)}})}(window, document, "script", "Rumble"); Rumble("play", {"video":"v7dc3tg","div":"rumble_v7dc3tg"}); Source Links (In Chronological Order): (22) This You? on X: "Lmfaoo @LibsOfTiktok, politicians and a bunch of influencers just got baited Turns out this wasn't a real event and it was a "psy-op" to get people to listen to the band's music https://t.co/Bs0qZLIlIN" / X (22) Sam Tripoli on X: "It's all fucking theater! They ran Cameltoe to drive everyone to Trump. She was the lost rated Vp in history and they had to make sure she got the nod for her Presidential run so the DNC just gave her the nomination. Only a fool thinks any of the political kabuki is real!" / X (21) Max Blumenthal on X: "I've obtained a contract between TPUSA and a group that partners with the Israeli govt that shows how much Charlie Kirk had on the line when he denounced hyper-controlling Jewish "stakeholders" weeks before his death The contract helps cover TPUSA Faith events through this year" / X (22) Mr. Sausage on X: "He relishes the betrayal. Basks in our demoralization." / X (22) The Last American Vagabond on X: "
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says President Xi Jinping's attendance at the BRICS summit in India was of strategic significance for steering the high-quality development for greater BRICS cooperation (01:10). The Houthi group in Yemen says Saudi Arabia has launched 58 airstrikes across six provinces of the country, following Houthi drone and missile attacks on a military base in southern Saudi Arabia near the Yemeni border (07:50). China pledges to prioritize health development and deepen the reform of the medical and health system during the next five years (20:27).
These are the top headlines from Arab News, the Middle East's leading English-language daily, at 6am GMT. • Saudi Arabia condemns drone attack from Iraq after East-West Pipeline shut as precaution • Gulf, Muslim organizations rally behind Saudi Arabia after pipeline attack * Yemeni forces begin airstrikes in declared ‘kill zone' as fighting intensifies near Mokha • Lebanese President Aoun makes surprise visit to Nabatieh • Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome delayed to October: US official Check out the latest updates on https://arabnews.com
JD Vance took center stage as the GOP convention concluded. NPR’s Stephen Fowler, who covered the event, explains how it was shaped by the midterms. A quarter of a century after 9/11, the number of people with illnesses linked to the attack is still growing. New York magazine’s Lukas Alpert discusses who's eligible for federal care and why many people haven’t enrolled. Iran-backed Houthis seized a Yemeni port near a vital shipping route, and oil prices topped $100 a barrel. Bloomberg’s Veena Ali-Khan explains the developments' significance. Plus, the Supreme Court again blocked Missouri’s new congressional map, Jimmy Kimmel moved an interview with a Senate candidate to YouTube, and how the U.S. Open’s late-night finishes are coming under scrutiny. Today’s episode was hosted by Gideon Resnick.
September 10, 2026Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants have taken control of an area near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, With the Strait of Hormuz largely closed, the Bab el-Mandeb has become very important for global shipping, The Iran-backed Houthis have been in a struggle against the Saudi Arabia-backed Yemeni government, The attacks on Saudi targets started fires at oil facilities and wounded more than 70, Reports indicated that Iran had planned an economic “nuclear option” closing the Bab e-Mandeb, The price of oil jumped to $109 a barrel, The average price of diesel hit $6.00 for the first time ever, The new record will be painful, especially if diesel prices continue to climb, Trump spent the day at the Dallas rally that is intended to fire up his base before the midterms. Watch today's recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/g9TUa1Rwd6U?si=T8_KKcHQZElhpnZ-Get full, free access to Letters from an American here: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribeYou can also find me:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hcrichardson.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathercoxrichardson/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heathercoxrichardson Get full access to Letters from an American at heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribe
Subscribe now for an ad-free experience and all of our episodes. I, for one, welcome our new AI overlords. In this week's news: the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service confirms last month was tied for the hottest ever recorded (0:52); the Houthis/Ansar Allah take the port city of Mokha (1:45); the U.S. and Iran exchange ship attacks as oil prices rise (5:25); the IAEA refers Iran to the United Nations (7:32); Trump predicts an end to the Iran war immediately after the midterms (8:59); 12 countries ban products made in Israeli settlements (10:52); a new report alleges that Netanyahu ignored October 7 warnings and a chance to recover hostages (13:49); the IDF takes a strategic ridge in Lebanon, then escalates strikes (18:30); an arbitration court rules against India on the Indus Waters Treaty (20:49); new claims of famine emerge in Sudan's Darfur region (23:05); the Nigerian government and Boko Haram maintain a ceasefire (24:59); the Trump administration phases out U.S. support for anti-AIDS programs in Namibia (27:21); American envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visit Russia and Ukraine (29:22); Ukraine tries to close Russian airspace (31:20); and in a trade war update, Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods take effect (32:50). Don't forget Derek's Substack, Foreign Exchanges. Enjoy Danny's new Substack, Imperialist Realism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I, for one, welcome our new AI overlords. In this week's news: the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service confirms last month was tied for the hottest ever recorded (0:52); the Houthis/Ansar Allah take the port city of Mokha (1:45); the U.S. and Iran exchange ship attacks as oil prices rise (5:25); the IAEA refers Iran to the United Nations (7:32); Trump predicts an end to the Iran war immediately after the midterms (8:59); 12 countries ban products made in Israeli settlements (10:52); a new report alleges that Netanyahu ignored October 7 warnings and a chance to recover hostages (13:49); the IDF takes a strategic ridge in Lebanon, then escalates strikes (18:30); an arbitration court rules against India on the Indus Waters Treaty (20:49); new claims of famine emerge in Sudan's Darfur region (23:05); the Nigerian government and Boko Haram maintain a ceasefire (24:59); the Trump administration phases out U.S. support for anti-AIDS programs in Namibia (27:21); American envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visit Russia and Ukraine (29:22); Ukraine tries to close Russian airspace (31:20); and in a trade war update, Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods take effect (32:50). Don't forget Derek's Substack, Foreign Exchanges.Enjoy Danny's new Substack, Imperialist Realism.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
(September 11, 2026) Amy King and Neil Saavedra join Bill for Handel on the News. Federal bulletin issued ahead of 9/11 anniversary warns foreign terrorist groups continue to encourage attacks. Houthis seize key Yemeni port of Mocha in drive to take control of Red Sea coast. New police arrests, firings for Flock misuse after our investigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the week of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Secretary of the Army walked into the White House, told the president the force is breaking, and quit. Days earlier his boss had fired the Chief of Staff, disbanded the Army's only drone battalion, and cashiered Chris Donahue — the last man out of Kabul. Bryan Clark, Justin McIntosh, and Tony Stark join Jordan for a hosts-only edition marking a quarter-century of the Global War on Terror. We discuss… Twenty-five years on the treadmill — how Rumsfeld's transformation agenda collided with GWOT budgets to produce LCS, FCS, and the F-35, and why a rotational, casualty-averse force forgot how to accept risk Driscoll walks — the OSD meddling behind the exit, why Congress won't confirm anyone Hegseth nominates, and a Pentagon run by acting officials through 2029 The meritocracy of meritocracies — what firing Donahue tells every field-grade officer weighing the exit, the auto-promoted NCO corps nobody talks about, and why the Ranger tab discourse is real Budget Steve takes the fall — Feinberg blamed for a munitions shortage created by fighting Iran with the stealthiest, priciest weapons in the inventory, plus NIH biodefense money quietly rerouted to the Pentagon Lying to Putin with AI — ISW's report on Russian commanders faking battlefield progress, and what generative deception does to OSINT and soldiers' feeds The Houthis have Claude Code — Anthropic's threat report, Yemeni drone guidance software, and DeepSeek routing PLA subcontractors' queries to Claude through a transfer station Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the week of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Secretary of the Army walked into the White House, told the president the force is breaking, and quit. Days earlier his boss had fired the Chief of Staff, disbanded the Army's only drone battalion, and cashiered Chris Donahue — the last man out of Kabul. Bryan Clark, Justin McIntosh, and Tony Stark join Jordan for a hosts-only edition marking a quarter-century of the Global War on Terror. We discuss… Twenty-five years on the treadmill — how Rumsfeld's transformation agenda collided with GWOT budgets to produce LCS, FCS, and the F-35, and why a rotational, casualty-averse force forgot how to accept risk Driscoll walks — the OSD meddling behind the exit, why Congress won't confirm anyone Hegseth nominates, and a Pentagon run by acting officials through 2029 The meritocracy of meritocracies — what firing Donahue tells every field-grade officer weighing the exit, the auto-promoted NCO corps nobody talks about, and why the Ranger tab discourse is real Budget Steve takes the fall — Feinberg blamed for a munitions shortage created by fighting Iran with the stealthiest, priciest weapons in the inventory, plus NIH biodefense money quietly rerouted to the Pentagon Lying to Putin with AI — ISW's report on Russian commanders faking battlefield progress, and what generative deception does to OSINT and soldiers' feeds The Houthis have Claude Code — Anthropic's threat report, Yemeni drone guidance software, and DeepSeek routing PLA subcontractors' queries to Claude through a transfer station Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Headlines:The Houthis seized the Yemeni port of Mokha yesterday, days after launching a combinedballistic missile and drone attack in Saudi Arabia.President Trump warned that the U.S. could strike Pickaxe Mountain — the deeply buried, hard-to-reach nuclear facility in central Iran near Natanz.Algeria severed diplomatic ties with the UAE, citing quote “provocative or hostile” actions.Iran's Basij force is reportedly tightening its grip over the country under the direction of its returning commander, Hossein Taeb.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with terrorism expert Bruce Hoffman of the Council on Foreign Relations.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
The Yemeni authorities say Houthi fighters have seized Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces. The port sits on the Bab al‑Mandab strait linking the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean and strengthens the Iranian-backed group's control of a key shipping route for oil and goods between the Gulf, Asia and Europe.Also in the programme: We hear from former White House chief strategist, Steve Bannon about the legacy of Charlie Kirk as well as the dangers of AI; and a royal succession dispute in Uganda's Tooro Kingdom.(Picture: An armed man walks next to an armoured vehicle, as according to military sources Iran-aligned Houthis seized control of Mocha, Yemen. Credit: Reuters)
//The Wire//2100Z September 10, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: HOUTHIS MAKE MAJOR TERRITORIAL GAINS AS SAUDI-BACKED FORCES COLLAPSE OVERNIGHT. TRUMP AND NETANYAHU BEGIN INCREASING STATEMENTS REGARDING IRANIAN NUCLEAR AMBITIONS. DAMAGE REPORTS EMERGE AFTER THE ESCALATION OF TARGETING THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST YESTERDAY.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events-Middle East: Following the large-scale missile strikes in Jordan, a more clear picture of the damage caused by Iran has emerged. MSM reporters with access to closed-sources stated that a total 8x F-15 fighter aircraft were damaged, most of which have been returned to service since the strikes. One additional A-10 ground attack aircraft sustained damage during the strikes, and was damaged beyond repair. In the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian forces have posted a video of the destruction of an American Saildrone Explorer Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), with the video evidence confirming that the vessel caught fire as a result of the attack.Yemen: The Houthis have continued their advance on Yemeni government positions, after the Saudi-backed government forces attempted to kick off a renewed ground offensive a few days ago. Houthi forces conducted an attack of their own, which has resulted in major gains being made by Houthi forces over the past 24 hours. The Houthis made advances of several hundred kilometers (in some cases), which concluded with the capture of the city of Mocha. The mass surrender and disbandment of several pro-Saudi factions has been reported as Houthis forces have made some of the most significant advances of the past few years.-HomeFront-Washington D.C. - President Trump stated that if the Republicans win both the House and the Senate in midterms, he plans to issue a $5,000 payment to every American.Separately, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Iran is once again attempting to build nuclear weapons, which President Trump also alluded to by recent statements regarding Pickaxe Mountain, where digging and possibly fortification activity has allegedly been observed.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Even though the war in Yemen has been largely classified as a tribal conflict that most people have not cared about for years, the developments in Yemen over the past week have been rather important when viewed in conjunction with the Gulf War. Time and time again, an extremely complicated series of interconnected geopolitical developments can be boiled down to rocks on the beach. In other words, geography and weather are nearly always the most important aspects of any military efforts that are undertaken. If both features can be read correctly, success can be obtained. If analyzed incorrectly (or if ignored altogether) geography can humble the strongest military in the world.Saudi Arabia (much like the United States) is learning this lesson the hard way right now.The town of Mocha was previously contested, but mostly held by Yemeni government forces, which were still clinging to the notion that they (not the Houthis) controlled Yemen, despite the Houthis controlling most major cities and the capital. Most importantly, it is a coastal port city, which allowed Saudi Arabia to land supplies to fight the Houthis. As of this morning, this city appears to be in Houthi control. Whether or not they can hold it after they advanced into the town, is anyone's guess. Controlling the port facilities themselves, while a very small port, is still a major loss of cargo offloading capability that the Saudis were counting on to wage their war against the Houthis. In hindsight, it was probably unwise for the Saudis to bomb dirt next to a runway in Sana'a two weeks ago, because it has snowballed into them losing their main foothold in Yemen on the Red Sea. Even worse, some reports emerged this morning indicating that Houthi forces have captured Zuqar Island, in the southern Red Sea.If this island can be held, this will be a major problem in very short order. This island offers superior command and control of the southern Red Sea and the Bab el Mandeb Strait. It's also a mountain that is hard to attack, but easy to defend. The Houthis did conduct their own version of an amphibious assault with small boats, landing on the island this morning, however this assault was probably not necessary because most of the pro-Saudi, pro-Yemeni Government forces stationed on these islands immediately defected and/or surrendered, because these islands were being supplied by the port of Mocha...when Mocha fell, the islands were cut off within hours. As far as what military advantage this island offers, it's mostly beneficial for projecting power out into the Red Sea. There is a helicopter base on the island, but minimal port facilities and structures. If the Houthis can hold this terrain for a few months, and dig in, this island could probably be a very effective base from which to launch drones and missiles, which could threaten maritime shipping quite significantly over the next few months. At this rate, the Persian Gulf being mostly shut off to the United States Navy is not the only complicating factor...this morning's advances are setting the stage for the Red Sea to be cut off as well, as the Houthis now have the terrain and logistical capability to create a lot of problems throughout the region.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground NomadNet: 5fa68c88be727a0e1a250a75e5e79269 Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//
//The Wire//1300Z September 8, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: WAR REIGNITES BETWEEN SAUDI ARABIA AND THE HOUTHIS, WITH SEVERAL STRIKES REPORTED ON SAUDI POWER PLANTS AND REFINERIES OVERNIGHT. SABOTAGE ATTACKS ON SUBSTATIONS IN GERMANY CONTINUE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events-Saudi Arabia: Overnight, major escalations occurred between the Saudis and the Houthis, after a few days of fighting snowballed into a wider conflict. After several days of staging forces near Yemeni government sites, the Houthis caught wind of the Saudis preparing for a larger campaign, prompting the Houthis to launch major strikes overnight. The Jazan Refinery was struck again, with abnormal thermal hotspots being observed (which are not normal gas flaring) at much of the facility. To the south, the entire Jazan Bulk Plant remains on fire, and there is a large thermal hotspot near the airport. To the north, the Abha Bulk Plant was hit and remains on fire, and the Asir Power Plant was struck as well.Germany: More sabotage attacks were reported over the weekend, with more rocket launch sites being located near the Weisweiler Power Plant, the same power plant where the initial rocket tubes were found last week. Separately, German authorities announced the arrest of one suspect who they claim is the only individual suspected of being linked to the series of sabotage attacks on power infrastructure. The suspect has not been identified, and authorities are still investigating whether or not the suspect acted alone.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: The Houthi strikes in Saudi Arabia were no-joke, and these are the largest attacks conducted by the Houthis in a long time (possible ever). As a result it is almost certain that the Saudis will have to shut down a significant portion of their oil production due to the damage from the strikes. This will compound the energy crisis, and possibly erase much of the mitigating efforts that have been undertaken to use the Saudi pipelines to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. As a reminder, in July Saudi west coast exports dropped below 1 million bbl/day (a fraction of their rated output), which was caused by a combination of export bottlenecks at the ports, and the Houthi strikes causing several major facilities to shut down. The Jazan refinery itself has minimal effect on the export market (it mostly serves domestic Saudi markets), but this many strikes targeting multiple facilities...to include power plants...is a sharp escalation that is going to have wider impact than might be noticeable at first. Since the Yemeni Civil War appears to be ramping up again, this is another front to be concerned about, since the Houthis have confirmed that they can hit the oil terminals at Yanbu and if they so desire, bring Saudi exports nearly to zero.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground NomadNet: 5fa68c88be727a0e1a250a75e5e79269 Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//
Iran warned that economic warfare will be met with a maritime exclusion zone from the Persian Gulf to the blockade perimeter, and said it has the ability to strike ships participating in the US blockade.Yemeni forces reportedly launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia, including around Khamis Mushait, Abha airport and King Khalid Airbase.Canada's retaliatory tariffs on US goods took effect as scheduled, while US President Trump called for a halt to US sales of Bombardier aircraft.USD/JPY extended declines and briefly dipped beneath the 153.00 level as the yen continues to strengthen amid BoJ rate hike expectations; Japanese GDP was revised higher and wage growth beat expectations. APAC stocks traded mixed in the absence of a lead from Wall Street; European equity futures indicate a flat cash market open.Looking ahead, highlights include German Trade Balance (Jul), US ADP Employment Change Weekly. Speakers include ECB's Elderson, BoE's Bailey, Ramsden, Greene & Taylor. Supply from the Netherlands, Germany & the US.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk
//The Wire//2300Z September 4, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: ENERGY CRISIS CONTINUES TO WORSEN AS GAS PRICES REACH ALL-TIME HIGHS. ANOTHER SABOTAGE ATTACK REPORTED IN GERMANY. RUSSIA AND UKRAINE CONTINUE TO ESCALATE TARGETING EFFORTS. IRANIAN TARGETING CONTINUES IN THE MIDDLE EAST.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events-Middle East: This afternoon Iran conducted more strikes around the region, allegedly targeting American bases in Jordan. The United States has disputed these specific launches, however locals have provided videos of the missiles in the air. Battle damage reports are expected by morning, when new satellite imagery products become available.Yemen: Clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces escalated as both sides conducted strikes on each other overnight. Fighting has being reported in western regions of the country and several missile launches have been reported throughout the night, though most missiles appear to have targeted locations inside Yemen.Germany: Yesterday evening another possible sabotage attack on an electrical substation was reported in Dormagen-Gohr. Local authorities responded to reports of at least one rocket launcher being emplaced near a substation, complete with copper wire and a timer mechanism. Separately, German police in Cologne stated that they received a letter from Vulkangruppe claiming credit for at least one of the attacks this week.Analyst Comment: Vulkangruppe is an infamous ecoterrorist organization that is well known for conducting sabotage attacks on critical infrastructure around the country. Whether or not this group actually is the culprit, will be a part of the investigation. Homemade rocket launchers trailing copper wire set up on timers is a level of sophistication that would be a big leap from what Vulkangruppe has conducted in the past, so they might just be taking credit for attacks that were committed by somebody else. Nevertheless, if it is ecoterrorists trying to conduct attacks, these incidents are taking place at a time of maximum pressure within Germany.Russia/Ukraine: Attacks continue to escalate by both sides, with Ukraine intensifying attacks on the Russian port of Sochi. Ukrainian drone boats carried out strikes targeting Russian shipping in the port, with at least one boat being intercepted. In the city of Adler to the south, Ukrainian drones successfully struck a Russian SAM system near the local airport.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: On the energy crisis front, the situation continues to deteriorate further. This morning the national average for diesel climbed to the all-time high of $5.85 per gallon. During the month of August, the national average for gasoline reached a high point never before seen in history, with the national average remaining over $4.00 per gallon every single day of the month. Spikes in gas prices due to sporadic targeting and market speculation notwithstanding, the energy crisis has crept into more serious territory as the war in the Middle East doesn't just continue, but continues to escalate.Over the past few days, the White House has touted the recent deal with Venezuela to take control of a portion of their oil industry, and provide access to 17 different oil fields, which are assessed to contain roughly 65 million barrels of crude. The main concern, is that it will take many years to actually get that oil out of the ground. Right now, Venezuela is assessed to be providing an absolute maximum of 1.25 million barrels of crude per day, all total. Due to the earthquake and the recent political upheaval in the wake of the capture of Maduro, investments in Venezuela have been rather tepid, with most American oil companies not being enthusiastic about ramping up operations during a time of uncertainly. Just from purely a numbers game, if Venezuela were to increase their output by ten times they would be able to make up a little more than half of the oil that transited through the Strait of Hormuz each day, before the war. At this point, every single barrel that can be reliably provided each day is valued greatly, but it's going to be several more years before Venezuela is able to even put a dent in the daily American demand for oil.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground NomadNet: 5fa68c88be727a0e1a250a75e5e79269 Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//
TABLE OF CONTENTS, THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 8-17-2026.Bill Roggio reflects on the five-year anniversary of the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, highlighting the accuracy of the maps he built that predicted the Taliban's takeover. He describes the withdrawal as disorganized, noting there was zero plan for the Afghan government or military equipment. Roggio specifically criticizes the abandonment of Bagram Air Base, which he believes was the superior evacuation site. He also addresses current Middle East policy, dismissing proposed land blockades against Iran as "fanciful" and impractical. He warns that current strategic failures mirror the indifference seen in Afghanistan. (1)Bridget Toomey analyzes the reawakening of the Yemeni Civil War, noting that the Houthis are launching fresh offensives to seize the Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb choke point. While the Houthis claim to target Saudiinterests, their primary focus has shifted to defeating government-backed ground troops. Toomey highlights the extensive use of drone technology by both sides, with the Houthis demonstrating sophisticated capabilities while the Yemeni government adopts modified Chinese systems. She notes that Saudi Arabia remains hesitant to fully re-initiate a large-scale military intervention despite continued Houthi aggression. (2)Janatyn Sayeh explores the "secret plan" of Iranian hardliners to escalate regional conflict and raise costs for the United States. He notes that while the Iranian economy is an existential vulnerability, the regime is willing to ride out sanctions to maintain its Islamist agenda. Sayeh critiques the viability of a U.S. land blockade, citing the difficulty of gaining cooperation from neighbors like Afghanistan and Pakistan. He argues that power is concentrated within the IRGCsecurity establishment rather than just the Supreme Leader, and that internal rifts are secondary to the elite's collective survival. (3)Malcolm Hoenlein provides an overview of the October 27th Israeli election, explaining the complex "list" voting system and Netanyahu's challenges. He discusses the "Board of Peace" negotiations, stressing that the central hurdle remains Hamas's refusal to disarm before Israeli withdrawal. Hoenlein also touches on regional tensions, including Hezbollah's rearming and internal unrest in Iran fueled by economic desperation. Finally, he notes Turkey's significant lobbying efforts in Washington through a new headquarters and a "glorious new front" of diplomatic normalization between Israel and several South American nations including Colombia. (4)Edmund Fitton-Brown argues that the U.S. is "running out of ideas" regarding economic pressure on Iran, labeling a land blockade as far-fetched due to uncooperative neighbors. He suggests that secondary sanctions on Chinese "teapot" refineries are a more practical tool. Regarding Yemen, Fitton-Brown observes that the Houthis have become emboldened by U.S. irresolution and are pushing south to capture the Bab el-Mandeb. He expresses cautious optimism regarding Jared Kushner's diplomatic delegation, noting that experienced figures like Tony Blair are unlikely to be "dupes" for Hamas during negotiations. (5)John Hardie reports on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, specifically Russia's rejection of a Black Sea ceasefire in favor of striking Ukrainian food supplies. He notes that while Russia maintains a maritime blockade advantage, Ukraine is retaliating with high-precision long-range drone strikes against Russian oil refineries and defense plants. Hardie suggests that the Kremlin may be receptive to a moratorium on deep-strike operations because their own infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable. He concludes that Ukraine currently holds a tactical edge in drone technology, aided by Western intelligence to bypass Russian air defenses. (6)David Daoud details the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, noting that Hezbollah's refusal to disarm has prompted the IDF to prepare for a major operation. Israel is currently conducting "clearing operations" to destroy Hezbollah installations near the Al-Aishiyeh Ridge. Daoud highlights the recent deaths of senior commanders from the elite Radwan and Badr units, which indicates that Hezbollah's operational security remains compromised. Despite these losses, Hezbollah is working with Iran to rebuild its command structure and has attempted to smuggle advanced weaponry, including cruise missiles, into Lebanon. (7)Kamran Bokhari examines the evolution of the Iranian regime, arguing that the Supreme Leader has become a figurehead for the IRGC and security establishment. He suggests that the war has accelerated a process of internal fragmentation, though the elite remains united by a shared fear of collapse. While public uprisings have gone "underground," the regime continues to conduct mass arrests to prevent a critical mass of resistance. Bokhari describes a "post-clergy" era where the military dominates political life, noting that the regime has evolved into a different entity than it was decades ago. (8)Alan Tonelson exposes a massive Chinese tariff evasion scheme, where goods are rerouted through countries like Cambodia and Mexico to bypass U.S. duties. This "scam" is estimated to cost the U.S. up to $26 billion in annual revenue. While the White House is developing AI-based systems to strengthen customs enforcement, there is criticism regarding the lack of direct penalties against Beijing. Tonelson notes that 40 countries are currently complicit in these practices, harming the U.S. manufacturing base. He predicts only modest changes to these trade dynamics through the remainder of the current administration. (9)Samuel Ben-Ur discusses the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, focusing on Jared Kushner's meeting with Hamas leadership to discuss a 15-point peace plan. Ben-Ur explains that Israel rejected the plan because it lacked a verifiable mechanism for Hamas's disarmament before Israeli withdrawal. He dismisses reports of famine in Gaza as propaganda, noting that international bodies currently view aid levels as acceptable. The conversation emphasizes that Hamas remains committed to the destruction of Israel, making voluntary disarmament a "fiction," while Israeli politics remain divided over the war's prosecution. (10)Richard Epstein critiques Senator Bernie Sanders' characterization of Israeli politicians as "extremists," viewing it as a provocative attempt to shift American Democratic policy. Epstein argues that a two-state solution is fundamentally unstable because an autonomous Palestinian region cannot be prevented from remilitarizing. He contends that proponents of this solution often act in bad faith, ignoring Hamas's history of violated ceasefires. Furthermore, Epstein describes the Democratic Socialists of America as isolationists who focus disproportionately on Israel while ignoring other global aggressors like Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. (11)Jeremy Zakis reports on the looming weather crisis in Australia, where meteorologists predict a "super El Niño" combined with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole. This rare combination is expected to cause extreme drought and record-breaking temperatures in New South Wales and Victoria. Zakis warns that a wet winter has fueled rampant eucalyptus growth, creating a massive volume of flammable oils. These conditions have "primed" the landscape for catastrophic wildfires. Residents are being urged to clear undergrowth immediately, as the upcoming fire season could surpass the severity of the devastating 2020–2021 bushfires. (12)One small fix beyond the log: Badr unit (source had "Bader," segment 7) — the standard rendering of Hezbollah's Badr unit. Janatyn Sayeh applied per your confirmed spelling.
Bridget Toomey analyzes the reawakening of the Yemeni Civil War, noting that the Houthis are launching fresh offensives to seize the Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb choke point. While the Houthis claim to target Saudiinterests, their primary focus has shifted to defeating government-backed ground troops. Toomey highlights the extensive use of drone technology by both sides, with the Houthis demonstrating sophisticated capabilities while the Yemeni government adopts modified Chinese systems. She notes that Saudi Arabia remains hesitant to fully re-initiate a large-scale military intervention despite continued Houthi aggression. (2)
Trump evades Iran via catering truck, Pete Hegseth's Pentagon is a disaster, and Jared pays off a gangster and drug trafficker as part of his Albanian island takeover.This week Tommy and Ben cover shocking new info on how Trump hid from Iran on his way back from the NATO summit in Turkey, leaving his staff and the press behind as decoys. They shake off their déjà vu to dig into the latest developments in Iran and Israel before touching down in Yemen as the conflict between the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Houthis heats up. In London, a brave Sudanese protester calls out the UAE's prime minister for underwriting the war in Sudan. Over at the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth continues to try to remake the military in MAGA's image, but still finds time to blame an underling for our dire munitions shortage and cozy up to defense contractors. They dig into the strategy behind Ukraine's attacks on Wildberries (the Amazon.com of Russia), Jared Kushner's payout to a gangster in his quest to steal an island from Albania, the grim news on Ebola and Trump's inaction on the crisis, and why Claude is coming for political speechwriters. Then, Ben speaks to Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group about the state of play in Myanmar, how coup leader and now-president Min Aung Hlaing is making diplomatic inroads with his neighbors, and the recent—and rare—glimpse of Myanmar's detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi.Hate listening to ads? Become a Friends of the Pod subscriber for ad-free episodes of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Lovett or Leave It, Runaway Country, Offline with Jon Favreau, and more—plus exclusive content, including bonus episodes of Pod Save America. Subscribe now at crooked.com/friends, on Apple Podcasts, or through the Pod Save America YouTube channel.To watch this episode with subtitles, click here and turn on closed captions (CC).You can request a transcript by emailing transcripts@crooked.com. Include the podcast name, episode title, and air date. Please allow 48 hours for delivery.