Foreign Exchanges: the Podcast World roundup: November 29-30 2025
Dec 1, 2025
Derek Davison dives into global conflicts as he discusses Israel's military actions in Syria and Lebanon, raising concerns about civilian casualties. The stalled Turkey-PKK peace process stirs tensions while Iran's seizure of tankers in the Strait of Hormuz escalates regional anxieties. A coup reshapes Guinea-Bissau's politics amidst drug-related instability, and Kyrgyzstan's elections see Japparov tighten his grip. On the U.S. front, Trump makes controversial statements regarding Venezuela, immigration, and possible intervention in Honduras.
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PKK Says It Has Done Its Part
- The PKK says it has fulfilled Abdullah Öcalan's roadmap and now expects reciprocal moves from Ankara.
- This shifts the onus onto the Turkish government and highlights Ocalan's continued influence inside prison.
Self-Defense Claims Are Contestable
- Derek Davison questions Israel's legal right to operate militarily inside southern Syria while noting Israeli claims about militant targets.
- He frames self-defense claims as contestable when forces enter another sovereign state's territory.
Hezbollah Faces Pressure To Respond
- The killing of a senior Hezbollah official could prompt retaliation but formal response timing remains unclear.
- The strike is notable as the highest-profile Hezbollah death since the November 2024 ceasefire.