Honestly with Bari Weiss

Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador and author, Jay Solomon, an investigative journalist specializing in Iran, and Matti Friedman, a Jerusalem-based columnist, dive deep into the aftermath of U.S. military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. They discuss the effectiveness of these strikes, the uncertainty surrounding Iran's nuclear program, and the shifting dynamics in the Middle East. The experts also highlight the emotional and strategic implications of ongoing conflicts, reevaluate the strength of the Iranian regime, and examine the responses of Western youth to these geopolitical tensions.

Join Middle East expert Michael Doran, veteran journalist Haviv Rettig Gur, and FDD's Mark Dubowitz as they unravel the implications of the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. They discuss the strategic importance of these military actions, potential Iranian responses, and the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. Insights from historian Eli Lake and political analyst Matt Continetti shed light on Trump's motivations and the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, while Amit Segal highlights regional tensions and resilience amid conflict.

Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and Free Press columnist, joins Dexter Filkins, a veteran foreign correspondent and contributor to The New Yorker, to explore the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. They delve into whether Israel can effectively dismantle Iran's nuclear ambitions, the potential U.S. military involvement, and the long-term geopolitical repercussions of this war on global tensions, including the U.S.-China rivalry. The duo also discusses the future of Iran's regime amid internal dissent and the risks of nuclear proliferation.

Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, shares his expertise on the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. He discusses the recent missile strikes by Iran and Israel's retaliatory actions, emphasizing the complexities of U.S. involvement. Doran delves into the dangerous miscalculations of Iranian officials and Israel's military strategies under Netanyahu. The conversation also touches on the historical context of the conflict and how it reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, including the implications of Trump's foreign policy approach.

Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., and Naftali Bennett, former prime minister of Israel, come together to dissect Israel's recent historic military operations against Iran. They delve into the implications of targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, exploring the urgency of national security threats. The conversation shifts to potential retaliatory actions from Iran, the effectiveness of Israeli defense systems, and the need for national unity amidst conflict. This tense geopolitical landscape underscores Israel's critical role in defending democracy while navigating international complexities.

Mike Huckabee, America’s ambassador to Israel and former governor of Arkansas, discusses pivotal topics in a time of global unrest. He sheds light on the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the threat of Iran's nuclear ambitions. Huckabee critiques misleading media narratives that fuel anti-Semitism, stressing the need for responsible reporting. He also explores the U.S.-Qatar relationship and its implications, while pushing for proactive engagement in foreign policy to ensure stability in the region.

In the past few weeks, Qatar has been all over the news with flashy headlines of a $400 million luxury jet that the country gifted to President Donald Trump. It symbolized their opulence and eagerness to please the U.S. But 40 years ago, Qatar was a country with a gross domestic product (GDP) of a few billion dollars. Since the 19th century, it has been run by the Al Thani family, which can trace its roots in the region back thousands of years. Qatar was long considered a backwater. The main industries were fishing and pearls. It was impoverished for the vast majority of its history. Its royal family was dwarfed by rivals in Saudi Arabia. Then everything changed. It turned out that the largest liquified natural gas field was sitting just off the coast of Qatar. And with the help of American energy giants like ExxonMobil, Qatar began exporting LNG in 1997. In a few decades, Qatar’s GDP grew exponentially. Today it’s over $200 billion. Qatar hosts the main air base for American forces in the Middle East. It hosted the World Cup in 2022. And it’s embarking on a series of business and military deals with the U.S.—earmarked at $1.2 trillion. There are a lot of petro-states in the region. Some, like Saudi Arabia, exceed Qatar’s wealth by hundreds of billions. But what Qatar has chosen to do with its money—morality aside—is farsighted. Qatar has chosen to focus a huge amount of money and resources on influence. In the past 15 years, Qatar has developed a sophisticated apparatus to embed itself into American society in a way that would shock most Americans. They’ve done it by investing in our politicians, universities, newsrooms, think tanks, lobbying firms, and corporations—all on an unprecedented scale. In all, the tiny Gulf nation has spent almost $100 billion to establish this influence. So what’s the problem? Well, Qatar’s push to buy influence has made their connection to the Muslim Brotherhood ever more alarming and apparent. Frannie Block and Jay Solomon published a massive investigative report on Qatar’s seismic influence strategy for The Free Press. It’s called “How Qatar Bought America.” Today on Honestly, I ask Jay and Frannie how Qatar built this ecosystem, what they want in return, and what it has already gotten them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and co-author of "Original Sin," and Alex Thompson, Axios political reporter, delve into the unsettling reality of President Biden's cognitive decline. They discuss a cover-up by both the Biden administration and the media, dismissing troubling evidence for political convenience. The guests emphasize the media's failure to hold power accountable while unraveling the dynamics of Biden's leadership and the loyalty culture that stifles dissent. Their insights raise critical questions about journalistic integrity and the nation's political future.

Agnes Callard, a philosophy professor at the University of Chicago and author of 'Open Socrates,' shares her unconventional love story. She fell in love while married, leading to a swift divorce, and now lives with both her ex-husband and current partner, all while raising their children together. Agnes dives deep into complex topics like love, consent, and societal expectations, urging listeners to balance personal aspirations with the dynamics of relationships. Her philosophical insights serve as a guide to understanding the intricacies of love and personal growth.

A heartbreaking account unfolds as two young Israeli embassy staffers are murdered, revealing a troubling rise in antisemitism and violence. The discussion highlights the disconnect between media narratives and the real threats facing communities. Attention is drawn to how radical ideologies are becoming normalized, challenging previous beliefs about their isolation. The urgent need for public awareness and engagement in combating hatred is underscored, alongside reflections on societal silence regarding these pressing issues.