Foreign Podicy

The two most recent attacks on Israel did not take place in the Middle East. The first was in Turtle Bay at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The second was in The Hague where the International Criminal Court is located — and about 40 miles from Amsterdam where Israeli soccer fans were violently assaulted earlier this month. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The action comes as Israel continues to fight a war on seven other fronts against Tehran-backed enemies.Host Cliff May discusses with his FDD colleagues Orde Kittrie and Rich Goldberg.

Richard Goldberg, a former White House National Security Council staff member and advisor to Senator Mark Kirk, shares insights on President-elect Trump's foreign policy team. They discuss the challenges posed by Iran, Russia, and China, emphasizing a 'peace through strength' approach. The conversation covers controversial cabinet appointments and the strategic implications for U.S. relations with authoritarian regimes. Goldberg also touches on energy security, potential shifts in U.S. policy towards Israel, and the need for reform in the UN to better address global threats.

Ilan Berman, Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council and author of "Navigating the Iranian Opposition," delves into the enduring challenges posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. He discusses the significance of Iran's diverse opposition movements, like the Women's Life Freedom Movement, and the complexities of shaping a future society. Berman highlights governance options post-revolution, including the role of youth in driving change and the urgent need for effective U.S. policies to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional stability.

Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, an expert in operational planning and joint operations, recently returned from Ukraine, where he supported the general staff in military strategies. He discusses Russia’s illegal war, revealing the alarming collaboration with North Korean soldiers. Montgomery explores the complex geopolitical tensions, NATO aspirations for Ukraine, and the urgent need for increased military support. He also highlights the resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst ongoing conflict and the vital humanitarian efforts from U.S. nonprofits.

On Oct. 8, 2023, one day after Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel and carried out the largest mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust, Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon began firing missiles at Israel, and the attacks have continued ever since.Last month, Israelis defended themselves against Hezbollah in new ways, including by exploding thousands of pagers worn on the belts of Hezbollah members and eliminating longtime Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.Soon after, Israeli troops began operating in southern Lebanon and uncovered a Hezbollah plot to invade Israel — all right under the noses of UN employees who claim to be peacekeepers and are bankrolled by U.S. tax dollars.To discuss Lebanon’s colonization by Tehran, its war with Israel, its storied past, its troubled present, and its uncertain future – host Cliff May is joined by his FDD colleagues Hussain Abdul-Hussain and David Daoud.

In this discussion, Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Jonathan Schanzer, terrorism finance expert, and Hussain Abdul-Hussain, Middle East political analyst, dive into the implications of Yahya Sinwar's death. They explore how this loss could embolden adversaries like Iran, analyze the complex dynamics of military operations, and highlight the shifting landscape of Hamas leadership. The conversation also touches on U.S.-Israel tensions, the role of hostages in diplomacy, and the challenges of peace efforts in a volatile region.

General H.R. McMaster, a former National Security Advisor and historian, and Bradley Bowman, Senior Director at FDD's Center on Military and Political Power, provide insightful commentary on global security threats. They discuss McMaster's memoir and analyze the 'axis of aggressors' formed by China, Russia, and Iran. The conversation navigates U.S. foreign policy challenges, especially regarding Iran's influence and nuclear ambitions. With humor and depth, they emphasize the need for effective strategies to ensure national security in a complex geopolitical landscape.

Jonathan Shanzer, Senior Vice President for Research at FDD and author, joins Eyal Halada, former Israeli national security advisor, to discuss Israel's ongoing conflicts. They analyze the impact of Hamas's attack on October 7, emphasizing intelligence failures and public trust issues in the IDF. The conversation shifts to Israel's military strategies against regional threats, particularly from Hezbollah and Iran. They highlight the complexities of recent geopolitical tensions and the importance of vigilance in defense amidst evolving security dynamics.

Bernard Henri-Lévy is a renowned French philosopher and public intellectual, while Oleksandra Matviichuk is a human rights lawyer and activist in Ukraine. They discuss the inadequacy of Western responses to authoritarian threats, particularly regarding Ukraine and Israel. The conversation dives into Putin's expansionism, the implications of claims against Israel, and the historical legitimacy of Russia's UN Security Council seat. They emphasize the urgent need for stronger military support for Ukraine and argue against ceasefires that can embolden adversaries.

The podcast delves into the shocking Hamas and Hezbollah attacks on Israel, framed by Iranian influence. Experts discuss how international law is manipulated, highlighting the concept of 'lawfare' against Israel. There's a deep dive into the enforcement issues within international law and the critique of biases in courts and media narratives. The complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are examined, stressing the importance of accurate legal discourse. Lastly, the threats faced by journalists in Gaza due to coercive narratives are explored, emphasizing the need for integrity in reporting.