Some four decades ago, out of the chaos of the Lebanese civil war, a Shia militant group was born who would grow into one of the most dominant and malign forces in Lebanese politics. A proxy for Iran, staunchly opposed to Israel and aggressive in their aims, they have now effectively established themselves as a state within a state within Lebanon. Who are th ... Show More
Oct 8
CC: Alex Vatanka – How has the 12 Day War Changed Iran?
This week on Conflicted, host Thomas Small is joined by Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and a leading scholar of Iranian domestic and foreign policy. Together, they explore the profound impact of the recent 12-Day War between Iran, Israel, and the Unite ... Show More
24m 15s
Feb 2024
123. Hezbollah: The Party of God
In June 1982, Israeli tanks rolled over the Lebanese border. Soon after, Iran sent 1,500 Revolutionary Guards into Lebanon to help fight them. Thereafter, funded by Iran but largely manned by Lebanese Shi’ites, Hezbollah established itself as the most powerful militia in Lebanon ... Show More
47m 59s
May 2024
MeK - Iran's Scientologists
On today's episode, we talk about MeK, an Iranian opposition group operating out of Albania who's entire purpose is to overthrow the Islamic republic of Iran. Also, they're pretty much a cult, definitely a terrorist group, and has been buying up US politicians since the early 00' ... Show More
1h 25m
Feb 2021
Episode 99 - Hezbollah, the Syrian regime and impunity in Lebanon
Discussion on Hezbollah, the Syrian regime and political impunity in Lebanon begins at 16:45.
Nizar and Timour are joined this week by political researcher and commentator Ziad Majed to discuss the lack of accountability over political assassinations in Lebanon, the differences b ... Show More
52m 54s
Jan 2024
Attacks in Beirut and Baghdad, and fears of a wider war
A Hamas leader killed in Beirut. U.S. strikes in Baghdad. This week, tensions in the Middle East have been rising – and with them, the specter of a widening Israel-Gaza war. Our correspondent in Beirut joins us to explain what happened this week.
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On Tuesday, senior Ham ... Show More
18m 10s