FDD's Foreign Podicy

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.

Tensions escalate as Iran surrounds Israel with proxy forces in a perilous 'ring of fire.' The regime's advancements in nuclear weaponry and missile technology pose a global threat. Crucial alliances with China, Russia, and North Korea form an alarming axis of aggressors. The podcast reveals the complexities of Iran's political hostility toward Israel, while exploring the struggles of ethnic minorities amidst regime oppression. Engaging discussions also cover U.S. sanctions, past policies, and the Iranian people's quest for freedom.

Twenty-three years post-9/11, the podcast unpacks the intelligence failures that missed the Al-Qaeda threat. It explores radical Islam's complexities and the challenges faced by moderate Muslims. The discussion critiques U.S. military policies in the Middle East, examining the consequences of recent withdrawals. The rise of ISIS and the need for a proactive American foreign policy are highlighted. Lastly, reflections on U.S. leadership emphasize the importance of engaging in national security dialogues.

General Randy A. George is the 41st Army Chief of Staff, making him a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the highest ranking officer in the U.S. Army. He enlisted in the Army decades ago, has commanded at all levels, and deployed to war multiple times.What are America’s adversaries up to, and what lessons can be drawn from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East? How is the character of war changing, and what is he doing to ensure that the U.S. Army is ready to deploy, fight, and win?To find out, Bradley Bowman — senior director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power and guest host — went to the Pentagon to ask the general.

Matt Pottinger, a former U.S. Marine and senior director for Asia at the National Security Council, shares his unique insights as a distinguished fellow at the Hoover Institution. He delves into Xi Jinping's rhetoric and historical ties to Mao, unraveling China's ambitions and the implications for Taiwan. Pottinger highlights the urgency of strengthening Taiwan's defense amid rising tensions and the strategic importance of its semiconductor industry. With personal anecdotes from his diverse career, he paints a vivid picture of contemporary Sino-American relations.