Episode 291 | How US special operations support the Kurds
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Jonathan Hackett about reported efforts to work with Kurdish forces against Iran. Jonathan examines the history and ambitions of different Kurdish groups and explains the mechanics of unconventional warfare. He also relates to the regional implications, and the possible outcomes of a […]
Episode 290 | Israel moves against Hezbollah
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi about the threat from Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border. Speaking from the Galilee amid ongoing rocket and drone fire, Sarit assesses Hezbollah’s current capabilities, the IDF’s response across Lebanon including Beirut, and the risks of escalation due to Iranian influence. Lt. Col. (res.) […]
Episode 289 | War with Iran: Day 4 Intelligence Update
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing on 3 March, Richard Pater speaks with Danny Citrinowicz about the trajectory of the campaign so far and what may come next. Citrinowicz explores the strategic logic behind targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure, pressure on Gulf states, and who could become Iran’s new Supreme Leader. Danny […]
Episode 288 | Assessing the threat from Iraqi militias and the Houthis
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Bridget Toomey about the Iraqi militia ecosystem under the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) umbrella and the Houthis of Yemen. Toomey assesses their military capabilities and the implications for Israel, US forces, and regional stability. The discussion also examines what Iraqi militias, and the […]
Episode 287 | Egypt’s approach to Gaza
In this episode, we look at Egypt’s role in the shifting post-war picture around Gaza. Recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Ruth Wasserman Lande. They discuss the implications of emerging plans for Gaza’s future governance, Egypt’s approach to Rafah and Sinai, and the wider regional influence of actors including Turkey and […]
Episode 286 | Oman: The Gulf’s window to Iran
In this episode we look at Oman. Recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Marc Sievers, former US Ambassador to Oman, about the latest indirect US–Iran nuclear talks and why Oman so often sits at the centre of regional diplomacy. Sievers explains how Oman’s distinctive relationship with Iran developed from the Sultan […]
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, […]