Foreign Exchanges: the Podcast World roundup: December 6-7 2025
Dec 8, 2025
Explore global tensions from December, including escalating conflicts in Gaza and the complex Israel-Palestine ceasefire issues. Discover disturbing reports on Iran's arms deals with Russia impacting regional power dynamics. Uncover border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and airstrikes along the Thailand-Cambodia border jeopardizing peace. Delve into Tunisia's protests against authoritarian rule and allegations of abuses in Mali. The U.S.-led peace talks in Ukraine face challenges while Honduras grapples with election turmoil.
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Ceasefire Fragility Over Disarmament
- Derek Davison outlines deep uncertainties in the Gaza ceasefire plan, especially around stabilization forces and governance.
- Discrepancies over Hamas disarmament and who will enforce it could derail progress quickly.
Rafah Exit-Only Raises Ethnic-Cleanse Fears
- Eight foreign ministers condemned Israel's decision to open Rafah only for Palestinians to leave, not to allow entry of aid or people.
- Davison warns that allowing exit-only movement risks slow depopulation while preserving plausible deniability.
Russian Su-35 Sale Could Shift Regional Balance
- Leaks indicate Russia may sell Su-35 fighters to Iran, offering Tehran a meaningful upgrade from older aircraft.
- Davison notes this could shift Israeli calculations and signal Russian reciprocity for Iran's support in Ukraine.