FDD Events Podcast

Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council and expert on Iranian opposition, delves into the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. He discusses the rising tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, highlighting military dynamics and strategic deployments. Berman elaborates on the Iranian opposition's role in potentially shaping a future post-theocratic Iran and explores U.S. strategies to support these groups while maintaining national security. The podcast also touches on Iran's nuclear ambitions and their implications for regional stability.

Nadav Eyal, an award-winning Israeli journalist from Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynetnews, joins to delve into the complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. He discusses Israel's military strategies in response to Hezbollah's provocations and the intricate negotiations surrounding a proposed ceasefire. Eyal highlights the political ramifications of upcoming U.S. elections on Israeli policy, as well as the significance of international positions, like Germany's response to Iran. Insights on the ongoing insurgency in Gaza and its foreign backing provide a critical context for the conflict.

Bradley Bowman, an expert on information warfare, joins cybersecurity guru Mark Montgomery, former Homeland Security undersecretary Suzanne Spaulding, and Russia analyst Ivana Stradner for a critical discussion on the integrity of U.S. elections. They dive into how China, Russia, and Iran exploit division among Americans while exposing specific tactics these adversaries use to erode public trust. The conversation emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures and media literacy to combat the pervasive disinformation threatening American democracy.

Eyal Hulata, FDD Senior International Fellow and former Israeli national security advisor, dives deep into Israel's military operations against Iran. He discusses the precision of recent airstrikes and their implications for regional security. The conversation also highlights Israel’s unwavering commitment to preventing a nuclear Iran, which remains a pressing concern. Additionally, Hulata addresses the threat of disinformation from nations like Russia and China, emphasizing the need for strong U.S. countermeasures. It's a gripping look at the current geopolitical landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Dana Stroul, Research Director at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, dives into the recent military escalations in the Middle East. They address Israel's decisive strikes against Iranian military facilities and the broader implications for regional security. The conversation also touches on the shifting alliances involving Russia and Iran, and how these dynamics affect U.S. interests. Stroul's insights shed light on the complexities of military aid and the evolving geopolitical landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Casey Babb, a respected foreign policy expert with ties to major think tanks, delves into the intricate web of current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He analyzes Hamas's connections with Russia and the repercussions of their actions. Babb also addresses Canada's shifting foreign policy in light of rising anti-Semitism. The conversation highlights the urgent need for collaboration to combat hate and bolster diplomatic efforts, illuminating the broader implications for global peace.

Representative Mike Waltz, a Republican Congressman from Florida and a combat-decorated Green Beret, shares his insights on pressing Middle Eastern issues. He discusses the implications of leaked U.S. classified documents on Israeli operations and the critical role of Qatar in U.S. military strategy. Waltz explores leadership lessons from the Green Berets, emphasizing relationship-building in complex political terrains. He also addresses U.S. sanctions on China to mitigate Iranian influence and the importance of strategic alliances in the region.

Join Eugene Kontorovich, an Israeli legal scholar and George Mason University professor, as he discusses the heated multi-front war in the Middle East. He dives into the ramifications of recent military actions, particularly the impact of Yahya Sinwar's death on Palestinian leadership. Kontorovich highlights the complexities of the Palestinian Authority's role in the conflict, the implications of U.S. sanctions, and critiques the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping efforts. He also examines the contrasting refugee law obligations faced by Palestinians and Ukrainians.

Robert Greenway, Director of the Allison Center for National Defense at the Heritage Foundation, shares insights from his time in the Trump administration. He discusses the impact of Yahya Sinwar's death on Hamas and strategies for U.S. involvement in the region. Greenway analyzes the geopolitical implications of the Abraham Accords and military operations in Yemen. He also addresses rising anti-Semitism in the U.S., emphasizing the need for initiatives like Project Esther to combat this issue and the role of virtual currencies in financing terrorism.

Jonathan Conricus, a former IDF spokesperson, and Hussain Abdul-Hussain, an FDD research fellow, delve into the implications of Yahya Sinwar's death, the former Hamas leader known for his role in violence against Israel. They discuss the impact on Israel's military strategy and the potential shifts in Hamas's leadership dynamics. The conversation also covers regional reactions, particularly from the Arab world, and the broader implications for U.S. involvement and the fight against Iranian influence in the region.