FDD Morning Brief France under fire | feat. Simone Rodan-Benzaquen
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Oct 19, 2026 
Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, a senior European affairs envoy and longtime adviser on security and antisemitism, examines France’s mounting unrest. The conversation explores school protests turned political chaos, Marine Le Pen’s resurgence, organized riots, economic crisis, Islamism, and deepening polarization. It also considers France’s Middle East policy and the risk of protest movements spreading across Europe.
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Egypt Reverses Sides In Yemen
- Egypt’s planned support for Saudi Arabia reverses the sides in Yemen’s historic conflict.
- Nasser once sent 70,000 Egyptian troops against Saudi-aligned forces, calling Yemen Egypt’s Vietnam.
Saudi Executions Raise Due Process Questions
- Saudi Arabia executed five citizens for terrorism-related offenses without identifying their alleged organization.
- The broad accusations and limited due-process details show how fear can drive authoritarian policy.
Qatari Cash Claims Resurface Before Israel’s Election
- Reports alleging Israeli officials directed Qatari cash into Gaza may be election messaging rather than new revelations.
- Jon Schanzer says similar claims have circulated for three years, just before Israel’s vote.