Deconstructed

The war in Ukraine was supposed to be a short conflict. But it has been three years since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, killing hundreds of thousands of people and destroying huge portions of the country. Now, the Trump administration has signaled that it wants to end the war in Ukraine, but there are significant questions and deep concerns about Trump’s plans for how to end the fighting.The Trump administration has signaled it wants Ukraine to pay back the U.S. for American financial support of the war. But there are fears now that the U.S. may impose a diplomatic agreement onto Ukraine that results in crushing economic debts, damaging the country, while doing little to permanently ending the conflict..Drop Site News’ Murtaza Hussain is joined by Rajan Menon, an expert on Ukraine and a Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University’s Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies.Listen above or on the Drop Site channel on Apple, Spotify, RSS, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During a recent press briefing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump floated an idea for the U.S. to take ownership of the Gaza Strip, while expelling the surviving Palestinian population from the territory.While outlandish, Trump’s statement emboldened many on the Israeli right who continue to dream of eliminating the Palestinian population of the land through forced displacement, siege, and mass killings.On the latest episode of Drop Site News’s podcast, author Pankaj Mishra joins Murtaza Hussain for a discussion on the genocide in Gaza, how various regions of the world have responded to the genocide, and the broad historical context. Mishra’s book “The World After Gaza: A History” is out now.Listen above or on the Drop Site News channel on Apple, Spotify, RSS, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, a historian and translator specializing in jihadist groups, dives deep into the complex dynamics of Syria's conflict. He discusses how Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has attempted to redefine itself from its extremist roots. The conversation explores the rapid changes in Aleppo, and contrasts the governance styles of HTS and ISIS. Al-Tamimi also addresses the intricate relationships involving the U.S., Turkey, and local factions and sheds light on the human impact of war through personal stories from Aleppo. Stay tuned for rich insights!

Sami Al-Aryan, Director of the Center for Islam and Global Affairs, sheds light on the fragile ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon. He discusses how the agreement allows Israel to rearm while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists. Al-Aryan critiques U.S. foreign policy and its complex implications for peace efforts. He highlights the resilience of Palestinians amidst escalating violence and the evolving political dynamics involving groups like Hamas. The conversation questions Israel's narrative of invincibility and calls for genuine resolutions respecting all rights.

On this week's Deconstructed, the Drop Site News team gathered to discuss what we know about how Donald Trump might handle Israel and what that will mean for war with Iran; who might lead the State Department; and the broader dynamics of the Middle East. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join award-winning screenwriter and director Adam McKay, known for acclaimed films like Vice, as he discusses the intriguing endorsement of Kamala Harris by the Cheney family. The conversation dives into the strange alliances forming ahead of the 2024 election and the potential impact on swing-state voters. McKay critiques the ethics of these partnerships while exploring Dick Cheney's complex legacy and the implications of the unitary executive theory in modern politics. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at power, influence, and the shifting landscape of American democracy.

This week we’re sharing an excerpt of the first episode of The Lever's new investigative series Master Plan, which was recently named a must-listen by The Guardian and Apple Podcasts.In each episode of Master Plan, The Lever’s David Sirota and his team of journalists expose the secret scheme that legalized corruption for the wealthy. With the help of never-before-reported documents, they look back at where this plot began, how it is accelerating in the 2024 election - and how it can be stopped. In this epic tale, you’ll learn things you never knew about icons like President Richard Nixon, Senator Mitch McConnell, Fox News founder Roger Ailes, and Supreme Court justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito. You’ll learn how their master plan to legalize corruption affects you and your family - and undermines American democracy today. Listen now to the full first episodes of Master Plan and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Sirota, an investigative journalist and creator of the podcast series Master Plan, dives into the roots of corporate influence in politics. He discusses the historical significance of the Powell Memo, revealing how it reshaped American political dynamics over the past 50 years. The conversation highlights the evolution of corruption, recent Supreme Court decisions granting immunity to former presidents, and the ongoing fight for campaign finance reform. Sirota emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the face of powerful corporate interests.

James Galbraith, an economist known for his insights on economic policy and social justice, delves into the hot topic of price controls. He discusses their historical context, particularly during World War II, and their potential impact on inflation. The conversation highlights how strategic price regulation could protect workers and enhance productivity. Galbraith also addresses the backlash against corporate price gouging proposals and critiques conventional economic views, making a compelling case for government intervention in today’s economic landscape.

Former President Manuel Zelaya discusses the 2009 coup in Honduras, US involvement, the left's resurgence under his wife's presidency, controversial elections, elite influence, and reflections on happiness and human nature.