For decades, Israel has wanted American support to bomb Iranian nuclear sites. But U.S. presidents, both Republican and Democrat, have resisted — until President Trump. So, what changed? And what are the likely consequences of that decision?
Aaron David Miller is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a longtime diplomat in th ... Show More
Nov 18
Patti Smith on the One Desire That Lasts Forever
<p>Patti Smith, “the Godmother of Punk,” has lived a wild life and accumulated so much wisdom in the process. In the 1960s and ’70s, Smith was a fixture of the New York City creative scene — hanging out with the likes of Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Allen Ginsberg and Robert Mappleth ... Show More
1h 17m
Sep 8
How America’s Largest Bank Helped Jeffrey Epstein, and a Show of Resistance in D.C.
<p>Plus, why you’re wrong about your Zodiac sign.</p><p><strong>On Today’s Episode:</strong></p><p><a href="http://nytimes.com/2025/09/08/magazine/jeffrey-epstein-jp-morgan.html" target="_blank"><strong>How JPMorgan Enabled the Crimes of Jeffrey Epstein</strong></a>, <i>by David ... Show More
10m 38s
Jul 2024
295. Question Time: Israel vs. Hezbollah, legalising cannabis, and Kamala Harris' Middle East strategy
Will the attack on the Golan Heights push Israel and Hezbollah into war? How does Harris’ approach to the Middle East differ from Trump's? How do Rory and Alastair square their beliefs with what people want to hear? And, was Starmer right to suspend seven MPs over the two child b ... Show More
36m 24s
Oct 19
The Untold Story of the Gaza Ceasefire - Thomas Small
Thomas Small is a historian and filmmaker best known as co-host of the Conflicted podcast, where he explores Middle Eastern history, geopolitics, and religious thought alongside ex-jihadi Aimen Dean. He also writes on ancient Christian spirituality and global conflict dynamics. T ... Show More
1h 22m
Feb 2025
Who's Running America... Trump's Defence Chief (Pete Hegseth)
Our latest mini series is here and this time we're profiling some of the key players in Donald Trump's presidency, who are now running America. Over the next few weeks, new profiles will drop every Sunday.Pete Hegseth is the new Secretary of Defence, overseeing America’s military ... Show More
28m 10s
Feb 2025
372. Syria, al-Sharaa, and the future of the Middle East
What does al-Sharaa's rise to power mean for Syria? Given his surprise takeover, how will today’s CIA analysts be changing the way they think about the country and what happens next? Will Syria be the next Libya?
Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss Syria’s rapidly shifting po ... Show More
1h 6m
Sep 11
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
<p>Charlie Kirk, the conservative organizer, activist and media mogul, died on Wednesday after being shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University.</p><p>Mr. Kirk brought millions of young Americans in to the Republican Party, and to the ballot box for Donald Trump.</p><p>R ... Show More
37m 5s
Oct 15
What Jared Kushner’s Middle East diplomacy means for Gaza
Jared Kushner, billionaire real estate scion, is shaping Gaza’s future. Why is the US President’s son-in-law at the heart of the Gaza ceasefire deal – and the future of the Middle East? In this episode: Ali Harb (@harbpeace), Journalist, Al Jazeera Episode credits: This episode w ... Show More
25m 13s
Oct 20
Violence Flares in Gaza, and White House Responds to Protests: ‘Who Cares?’
<p>Plus, a brazen heist at the Louvre. </p><p>Here’s what we’re covering:</p><p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/world/middleeast/gaza-israel-hamas-cease-fire.html" target="_blank">Clashes in Gaza Reveal Cease-Fire’s Fragility, With Rougher Road Ahead</a> by David M. H ... Show More
10m 19s