FDD Events Podcast

Israel has launched precision strikes against nuclear and military facilities in Iran — just days after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) formally declared Iran in violation of its nuclear nonproliferation commitments for the first time since 2005.The Islamic Republic — closer than ever to acquiring a nuclear weapon — had dismissed U.S. diplomatic overtures and accelerated its nuclear program in ways that clearly exceed any plausible civilian use.What are the implications for regional security and America’s allies? How will these developments affect Iran’s nuclear trajectory? And how might continued escalation shift the strategic balance across the Middle East and beyond?To deconstruct, Jonathan Schanzer hosts an all-star lineup of experts: RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, Eyal Hulata, and Mark Dubowitz.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

TURKEY'S NEO-OTTOMAN VISIONHEADLINE 1: The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on a network of sham charities that fund Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, or “PFLP.”HEADLINE 2: Israel carried out strikes against Yemen’s Hodeida port.HEADLINE 3: The IDF took out two Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak — author, researcher, and one of the world’s foremost experts on Turkey — from the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

RUSSIA, UKRAINE, AND ... GRETA THUNBERG? HEADLINE 1: Iranian intelligence agencies say they’ve acquired a cache of sensitive Israeli documents.HEADLINE 2: Al Qaeda in Yemen is back in the spotlight.HEADLINE 3: The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon may soon be a thing of the past.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Founder and President Cliff May.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

Sinan Ciddi, Director of FDD's Turkey Program, shares his insights on Turkey's complex internal challenges and its evolving international role. He discusses the political turmoil in Turkey, including the implications of opposition figure imprisonments and authoritarian tactics by Erdogan. The conversation also touches on Turkey's shifting relationship with Israel and the geopolitical significance of recent defense developments, like potential F-35 sales, highlighting the intricate dynamics shaping the Middle East.

For malign actors seeking to undermine U.S. global leadership and economic prosperity, AI is the latest battleground. To learn how U.S. adversaries leverage AI to advance their military, cyber, and malign influence capabilities, join RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, senior director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI); Matt Pottinger, chairman of FDD’s China Program and CEO of Garnaut Global LLC; and Leah Siskind, AI research fellow and director of impact at FDD.This panel will discuss how the government and private sector innovation base can collaborate to combat national security threats, counter adversarial AI use, and expand the innovation capabilities of America and its allies around the world.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/06/04/battleground-ai-us-national-security-and-adversarial-use-of-ai/

Eitan Fischberger, a writer and Middle East analyst known for his insights on Qatari influence and Hamas, dives deep into pressing topics. He discusses the intertwining of Qatar and Hamas, unpacking recent leadership changes and the misinformation crisis in Gaza. Fischberger highlights the chaotic humanitarian situation, revealing how propaganda shapes public perception. Additionally, he addresses the growing concerns over Qatari influence in the West, especially within academia and media, reflecting on its implications for Western values and the Jewish community.

Join John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point's Modern War Institute, as he delves into the escalating conflict in Gaza. He shares insights on Israel’s innovative military operations and their impact on humanitarian aid distribution. The discussion navigates the complex dynamics between Israel and Hamas, particularly in light of the aid's influence on civilian life. Spencer also analyzes the intricacies of conflict resolution and the geopolitical ramifications involving Iran and U.S. sanctions, highlighting the path toward a more stable future.

Jacob Magid, U.S. bureau chief at The Times of Israel, dives into the intricate weave of U.S.-Israel relations and the tense landscape of Israeli domestic politics. He highlights Israel's impressive defense tech, like using lasers to intercept missiles, alongside Lebanon's clampdown on Hezbollah. The episode also unpacks the complexities of hostage negotiations between Hamas and Israel, and the shifting dynamics of Middle Eastern diplomacy, particularly involving Syria and its historical ties with the U.S.

In this insightful discussion, Scooter Libby, a FDD Distinguished Fellow and former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, shares his expertise on Middle Eastern politics. He delves into the complexities of humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza, highlighting the newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The conversation examines Germany's shifting stance on Israel and the politically charged decision by the World Health Organization to acknowledge the Palestinian flag. Libby also reflects on his impressive career in U.S. government and its impact on contemporary geopolitics.

Brandy Shufutinsky, Director of FDD's new education and national security program, delves into the troubling rise of foreign influence in the U.S. education system. She discusses the impact of anti-American and anti-Jewish rhetoric in K-12 schools and the urgent need for accountability in education. The conversation highlights risks from external financial influences and the importance of transparency. Shufutinsky also examines how recent geopolitical tensions affect educational integrity, emphasizing the intricate relationship between education and national security.