Episode 285 | Turkey’s regional game
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Rémi Daniel about Turkey’s Middle East policy. Together, they unpack President Erdoğan’s grip on power, what Turkey is trying to achieve in Syria, and how does the Kurdish question affect Ankara’s cross-border posture? The conversation also looks at Turkey’s balancing act towards Iran and what Turkey’s policy […]
Episode 284 | Bahrain: between Iran and the Abraham Accords
In this episode we focus on Bahrain. Recorded in the country’s capital, Manama, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Ahmed Al Khuzaie about Bahrain’s strategic outlook, its place within the Gulf, and the regional impact of Iran’s behaviour. Drawing on Bahrain’s history, its role within the GCC, and its decision to join the Abraham Accords, […]
Episode 283 | Inside the Jewish Century
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Terry Newman about Israel’s transition into what he calls the Jewish Century. Newman argues that Israel’s mainstream Jewish majority is seeking to reclaim ownership of Jewish identity, culture, and tradition from increasingly radical religious monopolies. The conversation explores how this struggle is shaping debates over democracy, national ceremonies, education, […]
Episode 282 | Approaching elections with the Israeli right
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Jonathan Javor as they look ahead to the 2026 Knesset election. Javor who broadly reflects a right-wing perspective explains how Israeli politics has shifted towards the right and examines the electoral challenges facing Likud and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The conversation also reviews the role of the ultra-Orthodox, […]
Episode 281 | Trump’s year in the Middle East
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Jonathan Paris, who outlines how Trump’s personalised diplomacy has reshaped regional dynamics. They discuss Trump’s relationships with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and the new Syrian leadership. Jonathan also explains the US and Israeli strategy towards Iran and reflects on Yemen, Hezbollah, and the rise of antisemitism across Europe […]
Episode 280 | Countering AI misinformation
In this episode, recorded during BICOM briefing, Tal Hagin presents his VIST method for identifying AI generated misinformation, and discusses the use of AI in psychological operations and information warfare. Tal also outlines how AI-driven manipulation is reshaping conflict reporting and what can be done to counter deception with case studies from Gaza, Sudan, and […]
Episode 279 | Will the ceasefire with Hezbollah hold?
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Orna Mizrahi about where things stand a year after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, examining Hezbollah’s military recovery, the evolving Iranian role, the state of Lebanon’s political leadership, and whether a renewed round of conflict is becoming more likely. Orna Mizrahi served for 26 years in […]
Episode 278 | Inside Israeli diplomacy at the UN
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Jonathan Harounoff Israel’s Spokesperson to the United Nations. They discuss relations with the UK and other missions, combatting anti-Israeli prejudice including the debate over recognition of Palestinian statehood, and the next steps for the international stabilisation effort in Gaza. Jonathan was born in London, graduated with a degree […]
Episode 277 | Iran. What next?
In this episode, recorded live in London, Richard Pater speaks with Andrea Stricker and Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) about Iran’s nuclear, missile, and regional threat landscape five months after the Twelve-Day War and the snapback sanctions. Together, they discuss the whereabouts and condition of Iran’s highly enriched uranium […]
Episode 276 | Saudi perspective on normalisation
In this episode, recorded during a BICOM media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Najah Alotaibi and Dr Efrat Sopher about the prospects for Saudi–Israeli normalisation following the Gaza War. They discuss how Saudi Arabia’s social and educational reforms are reshaping public attitudes toward Israel. They also relate to the growing empowerment of women and […]