The Promised Land

In this episode of the Promised Land podcast, MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb sits down with Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, an Egyptian-American intellectual and senior research fellow at the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Recording on June 18th during the sixth day of hostilities, they explore the strategic implications of Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear program and whether the United States will join the fight.Hussein brings his expertise on Middle Eastern geopolitics, foreign funding of universities, and regional dynamics to analyze why this confrontation was inevitable given Iran's nuclear ambitions and Israel's existential imperatives. The conversation covers the realistic prospects for regime change in Iran, the ongoing Gaza conflict and hostage situation, and why traditional solutions like the two-state solution may be counterproductive.They also examine shifting Arab attitudes toward Israel, particularly among Gulf elites, and discuss the rise of Western radicalism and anti-Semitism. Hussein argues that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become a complex system of international political maneuvering rather than a genuine bilateral dispute.Hussein Aboubakr Mansour is an Egyptian-American intellectual specializing in modern intellectual history. His work focuses on Arab political thought, Arab intellectual history, and the globalization of antisemitism and revolutionary radicalism. Hussein previously served as an assistant professor of Hebrew language and culture at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. His writings have appeared in Commentary, Tablet, Mosaic, and the Athens Review of Books. Hussein is a sought-after commentator and speaker on issues of antisemitism and extremism in the Middle East. In 2022, he was awarded the Per Ahlmark Award by the UN Watch for his advocacy for human rights, and in 2024, he was awarded the German Mercator Fellowship from the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien in Heidelberg. He is a senior research fellow at ISGAP, the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy.   Show notes: -       Hussein’s recent Substack article:  https://critiqueanddigest.substack.com/p/why-america-must-join-israel-against -       Israel's 1981 strike on Iraq’s nuclear reactor :             https://www.airandspaceforces.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Documents/2012/April%202012/0412osirak.pdf  -       Israel’s 2007 strike on Syrian nuclear reactor : https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/israels-2007-strike-syrian-nuclear-reactor-lessons-learned-iran -       Qatar and Al Jazeera : https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/dec/05/wikileaks-cables-al-jazeera-qatari-foreign-policy- Civilian toll : https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-most-vulnerable-iranian-missile-destroys-rehab-center-for-disabled-kids/https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/live-updates-israel-iran-reactor-hospital-rcna213904https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-few-shelters-but-plenty-of-roadblocks-east-jerusalem-arabs-squeezed-by-war/https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/16/israeli-death-toll-rises-to-24-nearly-600-injured/    

In this poignant episode of The Promised Land podcast, research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Mariam Wahba shares her deeply personal reflections on the tragic murder of her friend, Yaron Lischinsky, and Sarah Milgram, murdered by an anti-Israel fanatic in Washington, DC. Mariam recounts her shock at learning of their deaths, an event that seemed inevitable in the face of rising anti-Semitic and anti-American sentiment. As she navigates the complexities of grief and loss, she also underscores the urgent need for the West to confront the reality of globalized anti-Semitism, a growing threat that extends far beyond mere rhetoric.From her experience growing up in Egypt as a Christian, Mariam provides unique insights into the persistent anti-Semitism and hostility faced by minorities in the Middle East. She delves into the complicated relationship between Egypt, Israel, and Gaza, shedding light on Egypt’s political calculus and the delicate balance it must maintain with its neighbor. Throughout the conversation, Mariam calls for greater awareness, solidarity, and action in confronting the rising tide of extremism and preserving the shared values of Western civilization.

In this episode, MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb sits down with Loay Alshareef – a Saudi intellectual, historian, and prominent thought leader who has dedicated his career to promoting interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding across the Middle East. Loay challenges the narratives that dominate Western discourse—from the myth of Israel as a colonial enterprise to the deliberate misuse of the term “Islamophobia” to shield extremists from legitimate criticism. He draws a critical distinction between anti-Muslim bigotry, and the need to confront the very real threat posed by radical ideologies cloaked in religious legitimacy. This episode is a call to courage and discernment. It’s a warning—delivered with wisdom, grace, and unwavering conviction—from someone who knows exactly what is at stake. 

In this episode, Casey Babb sits down with Ahmed Alkhatib, a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, to discuss the complex and evolving situation in Gaza, the rise of Hamas, and the broader implications for Palestinians and Israelis. Alkhatib, a former Gaza resident, shares his personal experiences growing up amidst the violence of the Second Intifada, the rise of Hamas, and the challenges of navigating life under constant tension. He discusses the nuances of Gaza’s internal political dynamics, the complexities of Palestinian identity, and the human cost of the ongoing conflict.The conversation delves into Alkhatib's current work with Realign for Palestine, an initiative aimed at redefining Palestinian activism and fostering dialogue around a two-nation solution. They explore the recent shifts in public opinion, the misconceptions surrounding support for Hamas, and the way forward for a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With insights into regional geopolitics, Alkhatib provides a pragmatic yet hopeful vision for Gaza's future - one rooted in cooperation, self-determination, and resilience.

In this episode of The Promised Land, Senior Fellow Casey Babb sits down with David Hirsh, CEO of the London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, to explore the resurgence of antisemitism in the 21st century. Together, they discuss the intersection of anti-Zionism and antisemitism, the impact of the October 7th attacks on Jewish communities worldwide, and the challenges of combating hate in an increasingly polarized world. With insights drawn from research, advocacy, and lived experience, this conversation highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to antisemitism and the role of democratic resilience in countering intolerance.

In this episode, we are privileged to welcome Irwin Cotler to the show. Irwin is not just a scholar of human rights - he is one of its fiercest defenders. A former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, an advocate for political prisoners across the world, and now a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, he has spent his career exposing injustice, calling out hypocrisy, and standing where others have wavered.MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb sits down with Irwin to dissect the perilous state of the West - where free societies are paralyzed by their own moral confusion, where antisemitism has returned as an acceptable form of bigotry, and where the very principles that once held our civilization together are being abandoned in real time. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

In this episode, MLI senior fellow Casey Babb sits down with Susan Heller Pinto, Vice President of International Policy at the Anti Defamation League (ADL), to explore the enduring fight against antisemitism. As the world grapples with rising hostility toward Jewish communities and a resurgence of radical ideologies, the ADL's mission has never been more urgent. From grassroots advocacy to international collaborations, Susan shares how the ADL remains a leader in the struggle for justice and pluralism.The conversation delves into the ADL's recent global survey, revealing both troubling signs of antisemitism and glimmers of hope in places like Canada. Susan's insights are a timely reminder that combating hate requires more than policy changes—it demands individuals willing to speak out and take action.We invite you to listen, reflect, and perhaps find inspiration in this compelling conversation about how we can all stand against hatred. 

In this episode, Peter Copeland, Deputy Director of Domestic Policy at MLI interviews Mark Sandler, a distinguished criminal lawyer, educator, and Chair of the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism. Mark has an extensive background in addressing hate crimes and shaping policy responses to protests and public order challenges.Together, they delve into the rising social tensions in Canada—escalating protests, demonstrations, and hate crimes—and the challenges and opportunities they present for law enforcement. They explore how policing can be improved to better manage these societal tensions, drawing on insights from Mark’s decades of experience.

Mustafa Akyol, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and author renowned for his insights on Islam and liberty, joins the discussion. He explores the tensions between Islam and Western civilization, the complexities of governance and individual freedoms in Islamic contexts, and the roots of extremism. Akyol emphasizes that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is primarily political, not religious. He also addresses the increasing search for meaning among the youth today, advocating for balance between tradition and openness in faith.

In this episode, we turn our focus to the power of interfaith allyship in confronting antisemitism and championing pluralism. Reverend Dr. Andrew Bennett is uniquely suited to this conversation. As Canada’s first ambassador for religious freedom, a Deacon of the Catholic Church, and the program director for faith communities at Cardus, his career has been devoted to fostering dialogue across divides. His work has consistently championed the belief that true pluralism rests on our shared humanity and the dignity inherent in every person.Andrew sits down with your host, MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb, whose expertise in counterterrorism and public policy offers a nuanced perspective to the discussion. Together, they delve into the troubling rise of antisemitism, the moral erosion in our public discourse, and the urgent need for solidarity between Christian and Jewish communities. They also explore Andrew’s work on a ground-breaking effort to build interfaith partnerships across Canada.