LATEST

Episode 301 | Inside the Israel-Lebanon peace process

A military post in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, on October 29, 2025.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Hagar Chemali about the prospects for Israel-Lebanon peace and the US-led diplomatic efforts taking place in Washington. Chemali outlines why she believes Hezbollah’s weakened position, shifting Lebanese public opinion and the Trump administration’s regional approach have created a rare opportunity for progress. Hagar also assesses Hezbollah’s current strength, […]

Episode 300 | Egypt’s regional posture

A Palestinian protestor puts up an Egyptian flag during a rally in front of the Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip on September 16, 2013.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Ambassador Amira Oron about Egypt’s role in the Middle East. Ambassador Oron outlines Egypt’s approach to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and the Iranian issue. They also discuss Israel-Egypt relations and Turkey’s efforts to play a role in Gaza. Ambassador Amira Oron served for three decades in Israel’s Foreign […]

Episode 299 | Palestinian politics in search for new leadership

Palestinians vote during the Palestinian local elections, in the West Bank city of Al-Bireh, April 25, 2026.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Samer Sinijlawi about Palestinian politics. Sinijlawi outlines why he believes the recent Palestinian local elections were so significant and what the results reveal about public frustration with both Hamas and President Abbas. He outlines why reform is long overdue and must begin with a new democratic mandate. They […]

Episode 298 | Two fragile ceasefires

Israeli army jeeps inside southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel. April 19, 2026.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Professor Chuck Freilich about the fragile ceasefires with Iran and Lebanon and the current negotiations. Prof Freilich outlines Iran’s perspective on the talks and the status of their nuclear programme. They also discuss Hezbollah’s remaining capabilities as well as wider implications for US-Israel relations. Prof. Chuck Freilich is […]

Episode 297 | Assessing the ceasefire from Washington

View of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, April 14, 2026.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Ilan Berman about the war with Iran, the ceasefire talks, and how Washington is thinking about what comes next. He examines the unresolved question of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, and the implications for Gulf allies, NATO, and the UK-US relationship. Dr Ilan Berman is Senior Vice President […]

Episode 296 | Assessing the changing regional dynamics

People walking next to a large billboard reading "a time for war, a time for settlement. now is the time for the "Abrahamic Covenant'", in Tel Aviv, June 27, 2025.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Koby Huberman, who reflects on how the war with Iran is influencing the thinking across the Gulf and wider region. He examines changing perceptions of Iran among Gulf leaders, the long-term challenges, and opportunities that could emerge. Koby Huberman is an Israeli high-tech veteran and business strategist. He […]

Episode 295 | The War with Iran from the Gulf perspective

Persian Gulf, a photo from space.

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Ahmed Al Khuzaie, who reflects on how the war with Iran is being experienced in Bahrain and across the Gulf. He examines shifting public attitudes towards Iran, the mounting concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure, the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz […]

Episode 294 | Strategic choices in the War with Iran

A fragment of a missile fired from Iran toward Israel, intercepted by Israeli air defence systems, seen lodged in the ground in the Golan Heights, March 19, 2026.

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Dr. Eran Lerman, who assesses the achievements so far of the War with Iran, while examining the unresolved challenges around Iran’s nuclear programme and the strategic contest over control of the Strait of Hormuz. He also explores the role of the United States […]

Episode 293 | Understanding Iran’s resilience

Iranian flag over a dark sky.

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr. Arash Azizi about the ongoing US–Israel campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Azizi examines the impact of leadership decapitation, including the elimination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and why the regime has so far maintained cohesion. He also explores the […]

Episode 292 | Inside Iran’s war strategy with a Mossad veteran

A man views a message published on the Mossad website, Israel’s secret intelligence service, on a computer screen, in Mishmar David, February 28. 2026.

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Sima Shine about the trajectory of the war with Iran. Sima examines the Iranian threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the implications for Gulf states and regional alliances, and the internal dynamics inside Iran as the regime works to maintain control […]

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