The Abraham Accords offer peace and prosperity, an era of repose from some of the constant warfare that plagues the Middle East.The UAE, a signatory of the Accords, houses the Abrahamic Family House—a synagogue side-by-side with a mosque and side-by-side with a church. It’s a beautiful symbol of tolerance and peace between the world’s Christians, Jews, and Muslims.But if Jihad against unbelievers is what Islam demands of the faithful, is it a paradox? On the contrary, say Amjad Taha and Ed Husain.They tell Cliff May that warm relations between Muslims and Jews shouldn’t be considered breaking the norms of Islam, and recall when the Prophet saw a funeral procession go by in Medina and stood up. When his friends asked him, “Why are you standing up for a Jewish funeral?” The Prophet responds, “Is this not a human soul?”“We are friends. We are cousins. We are brothers. We have the same father in Abraham. It’s not that we’re apostates—if anything, we’re family,” Ed says.But given the mosaic of diversity that is the Muslim world—from North Africa and the Middle East to south and Southeast Asia—how widely (or not) are these sentiments actually held?

Episodes 1-3 of The Iran Breakdown drop on Wednesday, March 19. Follow now wherever you get your podcasts, including on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.About this exclusive sneak peekIn this special edition of Foreign Podicy, we're excited to introduce FDD's new podcast series hosted by Mark Dubowitz: The Iran Breakdown. Episodes 1-3 drop on Wednesday, March 19, but Foreign Podicy followers can enjoy the below exclusive preview of The Iran Breakdown, Episode II. In this sneak peek, Mark gets a masterclass on the Iran nuclear file from his FDD colleague Rich Goldberg, who previously served as the White House National Security Council's director for countering Iranian weapons of mass destruction. Rich helped coordinate key elements of President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Tehran, aimed at denying the regime pathways to nuclear weapons. Like Mark, Rich is sanctioned by the Islamic Republic of Iran.About The Iran BreakdownTehran’s fingerprints are on some of the most critical challenges that the world grapples with today. Because its illicit activity spans the globe, the Islamic Republic dominates international headlines. From exporting terrorism and racing for the nuclear bomb to brutal human rights violations, news on Iran is often dark and convoluted. Further widening this information gap, many consequential stories from inside Iran—like the regime's decaying legitimacy and the restless population's insatiable hunger for freedom— don’t always make it out of Iran. That has regime fingerprints on it, too. The international community's conflicting views on 'the Iran threat' also muddy the water. To make it make sense, Mark sits down with some of the top voices on Iran to unpack and explore the fundamental dynamics that shape it. In 10 episodes of The Iran Breakdown, viewers and listeners will build a sturdy foundation for responsible Iran-watching.Episodes 1-3 of The Iran Breakdown drop on Wednesday, March 19. Follow now wherever you get your podcasts, including on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this insightful discussion, Peter Pomerantsev, a senior fellow at the NSF Agora Institute and expert on Russian propaganda, teams up with Ivana Stradner, a research fellow focusing on Russia's security strategies. They dive into the surreal landscape of Russian disinformation, revealing how media consumption has evolved under authoritarianism. They also highlight the stark contrast between Ukraine's push for democracy and Russia's entrenched regime. The conversation touches on the complexities of Putin's legacy and the ongoing struggle for freedom amidst sophisticated propaganda tactics.

In this discussion, Marcus Ruzek, a combat veteran and Senior Program Director at The Marcus Foundation, joins Dan Goldenberg, a retired Navy Captain leading the Call of Duty Endowment. They delve into the vital connection between veterans' well-being and national security. Key topics include the importance of supporting veterans for moral reasons, the challenges they face in transitioning to civilian life, and the urgent need for reform in veteran mental health services. Their insights emphasize that veterans are not just a burden but valuable assets for society.

Jonathan Conricus, a senior fellow at FDD and former IDF member, joins Rich Goldberg, an experienced national security advisor, to dissect the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They discuss the long history of two-state proposals rejected by Palestinian leaders and the shifting foreign policy landscape influenced by Trump. They also critique the effectiveness of international institutions like the UN, analyze ongoing hostage negotiations, and explore the geopolitical complexities surrounding Gaza and Lebanon. Their insights provide a fresh perspective on a deeply rooted conflict.

Victoria Coates, a national security expert and former Deputy Assistant to President Trump, dives into her book about U.S.-Israel relations. She discusses the ideological shifts in the U.S. support for Israel and highlights the rise of anti-Semitism in academia. Coates examines how youth perspectives shape political attitudes towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and critiques media narratives surrounding Gaza. She also emphasizes the strategic implications of military investment and natural gas exports in the region's future.

David Wurmser, a seasoned analyst and former advisor to high-profile U.S. officials, delves into the seismic changes in Middle Eastern politics following recent conflicts. He unravels the complexities of rivalries among various groups and the implications for local populations. Wurmser critiques traditional views on Gaza while proposing innovative solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. He also discusses Turkey's rising influence and its potential imperial ambitions, along with the shifting alliances among global powers like Russia and China.

Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, a national security expert, and Bradley Bowman, a former U.S. Army officer, dive deep into President Trump's national security agenda upon his return to the White House. They discuss the rising threats from authoritarian regimes and the urgent need for enhanced military capabilities and cyber defenses. The duo emphasizes the importance of increased defense spending, strategic alliances, and assertive policies to counter Iranian influence and address geopolitical complexities. Cybersecurity and missile strategies also take center stage in their compelling conversation.

A few facts central to any discussion of a deal between Israel and Hamas:On Oct. 6, 2023. Gaza was not occupied. No Israelis lived there. No Israeli soldiers patrolled there.Gaza was not an open-air prison. It had schools, malls, libraries, hospitals, restaurants, sandy beaches.Hamas initiated a war on Oct. 7, 2023 by staging the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust.Hamas could have brought a halt to this war at any time by releasing the hostages and laying down their weapons. They refused to do so.Hamas deserves the blame for every death, on both sides, over the past 468 days.Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for a ceasefire and the return of hostages – over time – in exchange for Israel halting its offensive and releasing hundreds of convicted terrorists from prison.Host Cliff May asks his FDD colleagues Jonathan Schanzer and Richard Goldberg some of the many questions that arise.

Matt Pottinger, former deputy national security advisor and AI expert, joins retired Admiral Mark Montgomery, a cybersecurity authority, to dissect the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in global power dynamics. They stress the urgent need for the U.S. to maintain AI leadership against rivals like China. Key discussions include enticing global AI talent, the criticality of energy sources for AI development, and the geopolitics surrounding Taiwan's semiconductor industry, emphasizing the necessity of strategic responses in a competitive landscape.