Ask Haviv Anything

The ongoing conflict with Iran escalates as Israel intensifies military strategies against the IRGC and its nuclear ambitions. Questions loom about whether Israel can achieve regime change alone. Delving into the 1979 Iranian Revolution reveals how the initial uprising was twisted into theocratic control. The discussion highlights the Iranian regime's resilience and the cultural complexities that shape the nation. Amidst rising secularization, citizens grapple with oppression while yearning for change.

Discover the recent Israeli military operations targeting Iran's nuclear ambitions and their surprising success. The podcast highlights Israel's shifting perspectives towards its adversaries after October 7, underscoring a strategic evolution away from mere deterrence. Explore the intricate link between democracy, military preparedness, and global alliances, especially with the U.S. Delve into the challenges of maintaining security in a volatile region and the importance of proactive measures to ensure a stable future.

The Trump administration has been trying to hammer out a deal to dismantle Iran's nuclear program. In the last 24 hours, the rhetoric has ratcheted up on both sides, as both Iranian and US officials have warned about impending military action.A week ago, we recorded a conversation with Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, on the Iranian regime's strategy, its nuclear aspirations and what it would take to disrupt those aspirations diplomatically or, failing that, militarily.Can Iran's nuclear program be stopped? Can the regime be reined in or even toppled? Do the interests of Israel and America overlap, or are there meaningful gaps that could force a divergence in policy? How do we support the Iranian people, who have repeatedly rebelled against the tyranny of the ayatollahs in Tehran?Mark joined Rachel and Haviv to tackle these questions in a conversation that has only grown more relevant as the days have passed.This episode was sponsored by Julie and Frank Cohen because they believe this podcast is a way to teach our story, and because understanding our past and present is key to building a better future.Julie and Frank have asked to dedicate this episode to someone we lost on October 7.Today we remember 1st Sgt. Eliran Abergil, who was 29 when he died fighting the Hamas terrorists who invaded Kibbutz Be'eri. On the morning of the attack, Eliran was in Tiberias in Israel's north celebrating the Simchat Torah holiday with family.He rushed down south to join his comrades, met them on the front lines, and volunteered to be one of the first officers to enter Kibbutz Be'eri. He was killed in a firefight with Hamas gunmen. Eliran's wife discovered she was pregnant with their first child shortly after his death.Please join me on Patreon to support this project: ⁠ www.patreon.com/AskHavivAnything⁠ If you would like to sponsor an episode, please email us at ⁠haviv@askhavivanything.com⁠.A podcast by Haviv Rettig Gur

Matti Friedman, a veteran of the Lebanon War and bestselling author of 'Pumpkinflowers', shares poignant insights on the 25th anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon. He discusses how the conflict's legacy continues to shape the situation in Gaza today. Friedman explores Hezbollah’s innovative use of media as a weapon, the complexities of the Lebanon War, and the contrasting definitions of success between groups like Israel and Hamas. His reflections highlight the profound societal implications and the urgent need for nuanced political leadership in addressing ongoing conflicts.

Explore the fascinating evolution of Hamas from its roots in 19th-century Islamic reform movements to its current theocratic rule in Gaza. Delve into how modern interpretations of Islam could offer pathways for de-radicalization and peace. Discover the key thinkers like al-Afghani and Abduh, who once championed modernization, and analyze the shift toward extremist ideologies. The conversation raises thought-provoking questions about the interplay between reform, nationalism, and the rigid interpretations that challenge cultural diversity.

Explore the historical and emotional significance of Jerusalem Day, marked by the unification of the city in the 1967 war. Discover the contrasting feelings of liberation and the challenges of occupying another people. Hear about the unexpected military triumphs that shifted public sentiment from dread to confidence. Dive into the rich tapestry of personal stories and shared narratives that connect various Jewish sects, underscoring the importance of human connection in this complex city.

Ben Wahlhaus, a former IDF legal advisor with 12 years of international law experience, delves into the complexities of Israel's legal challenges. He questions the effectiveness of international law in conflicts, especially when adversaries manipulate legal frameworks. The discussion reveals the tension between morality and law in warfare, addressing the ethical dilemmas faced by the IDF. Wahlhaus shares personal experiences that highlight the emotional struggles of defending Israel amidst global scrutiny and accusations of legal violations.

After a delay (Haviv got a bad flu), we're happy to share a great panel with Haviv and Prof. John Spencer that took place at the Woodbury Jewish Center in Woodbury, New York on May 7.Thank you to Rabbi Jason Fruithandler and Rob Dwek for hosting, and to the Malin family for sponsoring the speaker series this event was part of.Haviv and John talked about whether victory was in the cards against Hamas, what it would require, and whether Israeli society would persevere; about claims of starvation and genocide and the role of propaganda in conflict; about whether Gazans all support Hamas; about the distinction between civilian and combatant and what it might mean for the IDF to be, as many Israel defenders say, the "most moral" army; about Netanyahu's leadership and politicking over the past 19 months; about whether Israel could go it alone on Iran; and finally, about what the rise of a new American antisemitism might mean for the biggest diaspora Jewish community in all of history.Lots and lots of topics, so it went on a bit longer than our usual episodes.This episode is sponsored by someone who asked to remain anonymous and to dedicate the episode to someone who fell on October 7. We are dedicating the episode to Yoram Bar-Sinai, architect, kibbutznik and grandpa, who died age 75 in a gunbattle with Hamas terrorists while defending the home of his daughter Ruti in Kibbutz Be'eri. Yoram died in that firefight, but not before forcing the Hamas gunmen to give up on the house, saving his daughter and grandchildren who were inside. May his memory be a blessing.Please join me on Patreon to support this project: ⁠ www.patreon.com/AskHavivAnything⁠ If you would like to sponsor an episode, please email us at ⁠haviv@askhavivanything.com⁠.A podcast by Haviv Rettig Gur

In a compelling discussion, Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, an expert in terror financing and Middle Eastern politics, reveals how Qatar wields its considerable wealth to influence both regional dynamics and American academia. He highlights Qatar’s crucial role in funding Hamas and the unsettling impact of its donations to elite universities, driving radicalization. Schanzer also debates whether the Trump administration can hold this small yet powerful nation accountable for its actions, raising larger questions about foreign influence and U.S. policy.

As the Trump administration tries to strike a deal curtailing Iran's nuclear program, I turned to Dr. Sharona Mazalian Levi, an Iran expert and proud Persian Jew, to try to take us past the headlines and political elites to the conditions and hopes of ordinary Iranians.Dr. Mazalian paints a dire picture. Desperate shortages of clean water, electricity and gas, a collapsed currency, a third of the population under the poverty line, an oppressive religious police, the highest rate of executions in the world, severe air pollution and environmental degradation -- and a regime more interested in exporting its "revolution" than tackling any of these problems.Iran, one of the most energy-rich places on Earth, is "a poor nation in a rich country."Today’s episode is sponsored by the Sapir, the quarterly journal edited by Pulitzer-prize-winning commentator Bret Stephens. If you’re in the US, you can get this excellent journal sent to you absolutely free by going to http://sapirjournal.org/AskHaviv. Please use the link. It helps the podcast if they know we sent you.Sapir are initiating the Sapir Debates, a series of live debates on issues facing the Jewish people. The first debate will take place at 92NY on May 15 at 7 pm.Former Obama chief of staff and Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel and former Trump special envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt will debate the topic: “Is Donald Trump good for the Jews?”To purchase tickets to the inaugural SAPIR debate, go to http://sapirjournal.org/sapirdebate.Please join me on Patreon to support this project: ⁠ www.patreon.com/AskHavivAnything⁠If you would like to sponsor an episode, please email us at ⁠haviv@askhavivanything.com⁠.A podcast by Haviv Rettig Gur