

FDD Morning Brief
FDD
The FDD Morning Brief provides timely situational updates on contemporary events. Start your Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 8:30am (ET) with digestible analysis and the headlines our experts are watching. The FDD Morning Brief can be streamed on YouTube, X, and is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 24, 2025 • 27min
FDD Morning Brief | feat. Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak (Jan. 24)
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, a renowned professor at Tel Aviv University and expert on Turkey's political landscape, sheds light on Turkey's evolving alliances and its historical ties to the Ottoman Empire. He discusses Turkey’s shift from a secular ally of Israel to a supporter of Hamas, exploring the ramifications for regional geopolitics. The conversation also touches on Turkey's role in Syrian reconstruction and the pressing challenges related to Kurdish issues, unveiling the complex interplay of power in the Middle East.

Jan 22, 2025 • 28min
FDD Morning Brief | feat. Mouaz Moustafa (Jan. 22)
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF).Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

9 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 24min
FDD Morning Brief | feat. Oded Ailam (Jan. 20)
Oded Ailam, former head of the Terrorism Division at Mossad, shares his in-depth analysis of the ongoing Middle East conflict and the recent ceasefire. He discusses the complexities of hostage negotiations amid internal divisions in Israel, emphasizing a moral approach over military action. Ailam also addresses Iran and Russia's strategic partnership and its implications for regional stability, while exploring Qatar's role in negotiations involving Hamas. His insights shed light on the intricate dynamics shaping the geopolitical landscape.

Jan 17, 2025 • 28min
FDD Morning Brief | feat. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus and BG (Ret.) Amir Avivi (Jan. 17)
Join Brigadier General (Ret.) Amir Avivi, founder of the Israel Defense and Security Forum, as he discusses the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal alongside former IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus. They delve into the intricacies of hostage negotiations and the potential impact on regional stability, including relations with Saudi Arabia. The conversation also covers ongoing military operations in the region, the role of the Palestinian Authority, and the political implications for Israeli society in light of these developments.

Jan 15, 2025 • 23min
FDD Morning Brief | feat. Samuel Tadros (Jan. 15)
FDD Research Analyst Mariam Wahba fills in for Jon Schanzer on the FDD Morning Brief. She delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Middle East scholar and author Samuel Tadros. The pair will be traveling west of Israel to analyze the latest news relating to Egypt.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Jan 13, 2025 • 23min
FDD Morning Brief, hosted by RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery | feat. Isaac 'Ike' Harris
RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, senior director of FDD's Center on Cyber Technology and Innovation (CCTI), fills in for Jon Schanzer on the FDD Morning Brief. He delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Isaac 'Ike' Harris, adjunct fellow at CCTI and retired commander in the U.S. Navy.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Jan 10, 2025 • 24min
FDD Morning Brief | feat. Bonnie Glick (Jan. 10)
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Bonnie Glick, FDD adjunct senior fellow and former deputy administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Jan 8, 2025 • 26min
FDD Morning Brief | feat. Brigadier General (Res.) Professor Jacob Nagel (Jan. 8)
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Brigadier General (Res.) Professor Jacob Nagel, FDD senior fellow and former head of Israel's National Security Council.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Jan 6, 2025 • 26min
FDD Morning Brief | feat. Kenneth Stein (Jan. 6)
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Dr. Kenneth Stein, founding president of the Atlanta-based Center for Israel Education and former director of the Institute for the Study of Modern Israel at Emory University.Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

11 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 23min
FDD Morning Brief | feat. Andrew Fox (Dec. 20)
Andrew Fox, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society and former British military officer, shares insights into the intricate geopolitics of the Middle East. He discusses Iran’s influence in Syria and Turkey’s support for Hamas, highlighting critical military actions. Fox also delves into his report 'Questionable Counting,' revealing discrepancies in casualty figures from both IDF and Hamas, and critiques the media's role in shaping these narratives. Lastly, he addresses the challenges in Syria and the implications for UK political dynamics.