Foreign Podicy

As the Israel Defense Forces appear to have almost completed their mission to defeat Hamas terrorists in Rafah, a Gazan city along the Egyptian border, the Islamic Republic of Iran is utilizing Hezbollah, its proxy in Lebanon, to attack – even more aggressively – Israel’s northern territories. Behind Hezbollah, behind Hamas, behind Islamic Jihad, behind the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and multiple Shia militias in Syria and Iraq is an expanding jihadist empire whose metropole is in Tehran.Seth Cropsey, former naval officer and deputy undersecretary of the Navy, recently wrote in the Wall Street Journal that Israel faces a tough choice: to go to war directly against the Tehran regime now, or to go war against the Tehran regime later. He joins host Cliff May along with FDD’s RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery to discuss his article and Tehran’s war strategy, the Houthi chokehold on commercial shipping, and Beijing’s threat to Taiwan.

After attending a conference she was invited to in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2018, Australian-British academic Dr. Kylie Moore-Gilbert was arrested by the intelligence arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and eventually sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of espionage which the Australian government rejected as "baseless.” Two years later, she was released in exchange for three convicted Iranian terrorists connected to a bomb plot in Bangkok in 2012. Two years ago, she published a memoir which became a bestseller: The Uncaged Sky: My 804 Days in an Iranian Prison. From her forced confession and kangaroo court sentencing presided over by Tehran’s notorious “hanging judge” Salavati to her solitary confinement and near-escape at the infamous Evin Prison and successful Australia- and UK-led efforts to free her in a prisoner swap, Kylie joins host Cliff May and his FDD colleague Behnam Ben Taleblu to discuss how her time in captivity shaped her current views on Iran’s regional aggression, the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ protests, and hostage diplomacy — and how the West can help the Iranian people by not helping the regime. 

The podcast delves into South Africa's recent lawsuit against Israel, highlighting the motives behind it. They discuss the country's evolution post-apartheid, challenges like political corruption and unemployment, and the influence of radical far-left populists. The conversation also explores Namibia's potential in global politics, the rise of terrorism in Southern Africa, and the challenges of transitioning to cleaner energy sources for economic development. Additionally, they touch on the concept of climate imperialism and colonial devastation.

Turkey is a NATO ally, but not a reliable one. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has developed close relations with authoritarian powers like Russia and China. Like his neo-imperialist friends, Erdogan longs for the resurrection of the Ottoman Empire which ruled much of the Middle East for centuries. But is that what the Turkish people want? And despite its regular illicit activity ranging from smuggling, sanctions evasion, and being a terrorist safe haven to unprecedented efforts to normalize Hamas on the global stage, Turkey maintains cozy military-to-military relations with the U.S. — and a NATO membership.To discuss what Turkey under Erdogan has become, where it may be going, and what Turkey’s role in the world ought to be, host Cliff May is joined by Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at FDD, Jonathan Schanzer, FDD’s Senior Vice President for Research, and Tyler Stapleton, director of congressional relations at FDD Action.

Karim Sadjadpour and Mark Dubowitz discuss the US foreign policy on Iran, analyzing the 2015 nuclear deal and Trump's withdrawal. They emphasize the importance of maximum pressure on the regime and support for the Iranian people. Topics include flaws of the JCPOA, negotiation skills of Iranian leaders, US leverage through sanctions, and Iranian society's aspirations vs. the regime's reality.

Exploring the complex relationship between Egypt and Israel, focusing on Egypt's deceptive behavior towards Israel by allowing weapons to flow to Hamas. Delving into recent tensions at the Israeli-Egyptian border and the challenges of mediation by Egypt and Qatar. Discussing the strategic considerations in the Hamas-Israel conflict and emphasizing the historical context of the peace treaty between the two countries.

The podcast delves into the archaeological significance of the ancient city of David in Jerusalem, exploring its connections to key religious sites. It discusses the historical context of the Six Day War, Jerusalem's rich history and symbolism, and the validity of biblical narratives through archaeology. The episode also touches on Hebron's ties to King David, ancient pilgrimage sites, and the struggles for sovereignty in Jerusalem and the Galilee.

Exploring the challenges posed by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea and the importance of alliances with Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel. Can the US be the 'Arsenal of Democracy' again? Discussions on weapon supply, bipartisan consensus in foreign policy, trilateral defense collaboration, challenges in the defense sector, Hamas-Iran alliance, and enhancing defense capabilities through timely appropriations.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar discusses ongoing conflict in Israel, Biden's weapon halt, and deterrence strategies. Analyzing political dynamics, military tactics, and American presence in geopolitics while addressing hostage situations and ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Exploring Israel's strategic considerations amidst threats and relations.

The podcast delves into UN corruption, the recent Hamas attack on Israel, and the urgent need for UN reform. Experts discuss the organization's fall from grace and potential rehabilitation. Topics include terrorist organizations, controversial votes, Iran's influence, US neglect of the UN, Taliban-controlled Afghanistan aid provision, and the importance of reevaluating US strategies within the UN system.