Joyce Karam, a senior news editor at Al-Monitor, shares her insights on the fallout from the Assad regime in Syria and the potential rise of extremism. David Sirota, Editor-in-Chief of The Lever, sparks a heated discussion on the healthcare industry’s greed, especially following the controversial murder of a healthcare CEO. The podcast also dives into the complexities surrounding recent political pardons, reactions to high-profile court cases, and the evolving discourse on mental health and public safety, stirring a mix of outrage and reflection.

Guests include Eva McKend, CNN's national politics correspondent, and Arthur Delaney, HuffPost's senior reporter. They discuss the alarming plane-helicopter collision in D.C. and the political repercussions, including Trump's freeze on federal grants affecting essential services. Wendy Benjaminson addresses the humanitarian crisis returning to Gaza, while Joyce Karam highlights international tensions. James Kitfield analyzes the implications of a new Chinese AI app on U.S. tech dominance, and Kriti Gupta explores global economic challenges. A deep dive into today's critical political landscape!

Joyce Karam is a senior news editor at Al-Monitor specializing in the Syrian conflict, while Nanar Hawash is a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group focusing on Syria's political dynamics. They discuss Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's unexpected victory and the flight of Bashar al-Assad, marking a dramatic shift in power. The chaos brings both hope and uncertainty for Syria's future governance. The conversation dives into the roles of regional powers and the potential for a transformed HTS as it attempts to shed its extremist legacy.

Joyce Karam, a senior news editor at Al Monitor and author specializing in Middle Eastern affairs, discusses a significant shift in the Syrian civil war. Rebel groups have seized control of most of Aleppo, raising questions about the future of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Karam highlights the potential repercussions for U.S. military strategy in the region, the changing alliances among factions, and the dire humanitarian implications for civilians. As the power dynamics shift, she reflects on Syria’s intricate political landscape and international interests.

Barack Ravid, a political reporter at Axios, Nancy Youssef, a national security correspondent at the Wall Street Journal, and Joyce Karam, senior news editor at Al-Monitor, delve into the humanitarian crisis in Gaza one year after the Hamas-led attacks. They discuss the implications of U.S. financial aid to Israel amid rising tensions, the escalating conflict with Iran, and how these events may shape the upcoming U.S. elections. The trio examines the challenges of brokering peace and the evolving role of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.