FDD's Foreign Podicy

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.

Ali Khamenei, Iran’s longtime ruler, saw the possibility of normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia as a threat to his hegemonic ambitions. On Oct. 7, Hamas, one of Tehran’s proxies, invaded Israel and committed multiple acts of barbarism. That sparked a war and froze prospects for a new Saudi-Israeli relationship.  However, The Wall Street Journal reports that Washington is pushing for a “long-shot diplomatic deal” – one in which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would “accept a new commitment to Palestinian statehood” in exchange for diplomatic recognition of Israel by Saudi Arabia. What else would have to be in such a deal? Can it happen while the war in Gaza is ongoing? Do the Saudis secretly want Israel to enter Rafah and finish off Hamas? To discuss the current state of diplomatic and kinetic play, host Cliff May is joined by Mark Dubowitz, FDD's Chief Executive; and Bernard Haykel, Professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and a leading expert on Saudi Arabia.

Last weekend, Iran’s rulers launched a massive missile and drone assault on Israel.Though the attack was thwarted, it should be obvious that the Islamic Republic is willing to pursue its goal of “Death to Israel!” — not just by utilizing Arab proxies and pawns, but now also directly from within its own territory. We must assume that Iran’s rulers are also now adjusting their strategies for the jihad they are waging and the genocide they vow to carry out.A reminder: If Iran’s rulers acquire nuclear weapons and missiles capable of delivering them to targets anywhere in the world that would be a game-changer. Israel’s leaders must now think harder than ever about how to fight this long war.  To explore such questions, host Cliff May is joined by his FDD colleagues Behnam Ben Taleblu, FDD Senior Fellow; Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power; and retired Admiral Mark Montgomery, Senior Director of FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation.Editor's note: We are releasing this episode ahead of schedule. We recorded it late afternoon (ET) on Thursday, April 18. Hours later the same evening, explosions have been reported in Isfahan, Iran, and Iranian airspace has been closed. Although Israel has yet to claim any involvement in or responsibility for these explosions, we are releasing this episode early due to the discussion's timeliness and relevance to these unfolding events.

Bradley Bowman and Jacob Nagel discuss Israel's ground war against Hamas and conflict with Hezbollah, challenges of aiding Gaza while fighting Hamas, President Biden's support for Israel, and Tehran's threats. They emphasize the strategic imperative of defeating Hamas in Rafah, Israel's defense buildup against Hezbollah and Iran, and the importance of supporting allies like Israel privately during crises.

Top IRGC-QF commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi's assassination sparks potential retaliation from Iran as Israel remains on high-alert. FDD experts analyze the strategic thinking behind Israel's airstrike, diplomatic immunity issues, and international reactions. Exploring the wider implications for regional conflicts involving Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and the role of the Biden administration in the Middle East.