badlands podcast by borzou daragahi
Incisive and engaging commentary and intelligence on global affairs, hosted by journalist Borzou Daragahi. The podcast covers international politics, conflicts, and geopolitical trends with sharp analysis. It is part of the Substack platform, offering in-depth perspectives on world events.
Episodes
War, And Rumors of War Across The Middle East (S01E170)
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, ParisWe’re on the precipice of a major escalation in the Middle East, drawing in numerous regional countries and global powers. In the latest totally free episode of badlands, I sort through the various dimensions of the conflict—from the Iranian strikes on ships passing through the US-protected corridor along the Strait of Hormuz, to the uneasy, temporary calm between
Bombshell: Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Ambitions Began Under The Shah (S01E169)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comTuesday, October 13, 2026, ParisWhy is the US buying diesel fuel from Russia while supporting Ukraine? Why is the Saudi Arabia hiding images of the damage being inflicted by Yemen’s Houthis? And why is the UK warning of an alleged Iranian attack on its soil without actually releasing any details of the plot? In the la
The Kids Are Right: Why France’s Protests Are Spreading (S01E168)
Monday, October 12, 2026, ParisStudent protests continue to expand across Europe, shaking France, Spain, and Belgium and revealing the underlying crises that threaten public trust and social stability.In the latest totally free episode of badlands, I unpack the escalating protests—including at my own daughter’s school—their implications for the future.With hundreds of thousands of students taking
Inside Iran’s Machinery Of Death And Torture (S01E167)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comFriday, October 9, 2026, ParisIran continues to execute political dissidents at an unprecedented rate, flouting its laws and international standards in applying the death penalty to cases that clearly do not merit it.In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss Iran’s use of the death penalty and how the regime is cru
How The Gulf Plays Both Sides In The Ukraine-Russia War (S01E166)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comThursday, October 8, 2026, ParisEarlier this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tried to convince Gulf countries to join the effort to counter Russia’s invasion of his country, to frame the conflict against Islamic Republic and Putin’s autocracy as part of the same war.It was a tough sell. Russia has deep fi
Germany’s Israel-Friendly Ex-Spy Chief Busted In Espionage Scandal (S01E165)
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, ParisΑ messy divorce case in Germany led to the discovery of evidence that the country’s former intelligence chief is was allegedly providing state secrets to another country.In the latest episode of badlands, I break down the case of August Hanning, Germany’s fanatically pro-Israel former intel chief and what is says about Europe’s disturbing ties to a particularly con
Why Saudi Will Likely Lose Its New War Against Houthis (S01E164)
Monday, October 5, 2026, ParisAs if the Middle East didn’t have enough troubles, as if energy markets weren’t already constrained, Saudi Arabia declared a fresh military offensive against Yemen’s Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, which controls the capital and an expanding swath of territory. The escalation comes amid major victories by Ansar Allah in it’s attempt to expand control over Yeme
The Inside Story Of How Saudi Arabia Was Transformed (S01E163)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comFriday, October 2, 2026, IstanbulFor more than a decade, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has undertaken effort to transform Saudi Arabia from a staid welfare state largely dependent on oil revenues and imported labor into a more dynamic economy. Former Swedish Minister of Employment Sven Otto Littorin has spent the
Iran’s Economy Crushed Under Sanctions, Blockade, Mismanagement (S01E162)
Thursday, October 1, 2026, IstanbulTehran tech entrepreneur Hamidreza Ahmadi joins badlands from Tehran to discuss the state of the economy inside Iran. He describes enormous pressure on ordinary Iranians, compounded by the government’s refusal to shift away from its version of neoliberal economics.In addition, I discuss the latest on the comical alleged attack on a UK military base, the alleged t
Neocons Still Lusting After Iran War ‘Wins’ (S01E161)
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Istanbul Most normal people would be relieved when a reports of a possible terrorist attack turns out to be a false alarm. Not so the neocons and their less conspicuous fellow travelers in the international media and intelligentsia. They voiced disappointment and even rage when it turned what was initially hyped as possible Iranian “terror” attack on a UK military ba
The Stalemate In The Middle East Won’t Last (S01E160)
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, IstanbulMore and more oil is getting out of the Strait of Hormuz, helping the Trump administration bolster its argument is “winning” its conflict against the US.But is the US framing of the contest even the right way to look at the conflict, especially when sneaking oil out of the Persian Gulf is costing American taxpayers untold millions and perhaps billions.In the la
‘Ponzi Scheme’: Massive Financial Scandal Engulfs Turkey (S01E159)
Monday, September 28, 2026, IstanbulTurkey is being rocked by one of the worst financial scandals in its history, with some estimated that $19 billion in investor assets have been pilfered.What’s worse, many of those allegedly involved in the collapse of Tera Investment are connected to the ruling Justice and Development Party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.In the latest episode of badlands, I
Why The Relationship Between The US And Iran Is So Bizarre (S01E158)
Friday, September 25, 2026, IstanbulAmerica has long had adversaries, but it has also communicated with those adversaries. It staffed its embassy in Nazi Germany well into the Second World War. All of which makes the relationship between the US and Iran so anomalous.In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the history of US-Iran relations and why they are so bad…and so weird.Also in this episo
The Iran War Redraws The Rules (S01E157)
Thursday, September 24, 2026, Istanbul Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly that the Middle East will not be safe so long as Iran is under threat.In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss Iran’s new position and what it means for the region and the world. Also in an interview with Obsidian Risk Advisors founder Brett Erickson, we assess
Trump Threatens To Annihilate Iran. World Shrugs (S01E156)
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, IstanbulDonald Trump’s speech to the United Nations General Assembly was filled with lies and bluster. It was in part a campaign speech ahead of the midterm elections he falsely claims not to care about. He also threatened war crimes against Iran, prompting nary a peep from upholders of the global order.In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss Trump’s speech, inc
On Ukraine, What If Everyone Is In The Wrong? (S01E155)
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, IstanbulThe war between Ukraine and Russia appears locked in a deadly stalemate with few signs of either side gaining major ground.In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the escalating conflict, highlighting the complexities of the situation and the choices Ukraine is facing: swallowing a terrible deal or continuing a terrible war, despite the fallibility of its
US Close To Fusing And Escalating Wars In Iran And Yemen (S01E154)
Monday, September 21, 2026, IstanbulThe US is signaling that it could once again escalate its war with Iran, prompted in part by advances by Tehran’s Yemeni allies against Saudi Arabia. In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the muddled, idiotic thinking by Washington policymakers who are fusing the Yemeni and Iranian conflicts—pushing the US deeper into the war.Also in this episode, the fir
ICE Continues To Wage War On America (S01E153)
Friday, September 18, 2026, IstanbulAmerica under Donald Trump has become a darker, scarier place.In this edition of badlands, College of DuPage professor David Goldberg joins for a discussion about the complexities of American life, focusing on immigration issues, public reactions to government policies, and the upcoming elections.We discuss the political climate in the Midwest as it relates to b
Leaks Expose Iran War Damage, Iranian Capability (S01E152)
Thursday, September 17, 2026, IstanbulSeveral leaks reported in media in recent days showcased just how badly the US has been lying about the impact of the war, and Iran’s capabilities.In the latest FREE edition of badlands, I discuss reports by CBS News, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN that showed the extent of the damage caused by Iran’s attacks on the Arabian Peninsula and its under-appreciate
Yemen Crisis Another Consequence of Neocon War (S01E151)
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, IstanbulUnintended consequences of the US decision to attack Iran now include the destabilization of the Syrian government as well as crises in the Arabian Peninsula and Lebanon. In the latest episode of badlands, Yemen expert Hannah Porter joins me for a fascinating discussion about what is happening in Yemen—an expanding… This is a public episode. If you'd like to
A Political Earthquake In Yemen (S01E150)
Monday, September 14, 2026, IstanbulYemen’s Ansar Allah seized control over huge swaths of the country, defeating Saudi-backed forces in an extraordinary offensive that appears to have been in the works for months.In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the ramifications of the so-called Houthi’s battlefield successes for the broader conflict in the Middle East as well as for energy prices an
A World Still Haunted By The Shadow Of September 11 (S01E149)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comFriday, September 11, 2026, IstanbulIt was 25 years ago today that I watched from the Brooklyn Promenade as the Twin Towers burned, spewing smoke into the skies and forever changing our world. In the latest episode of badlands, Turkish journalist and security analyst Ahu Ozyurt joins for a talk about 9/11 and Turkey’s
How Do I Deceive Thee? Let Me Count The Ways (S01E148)
Thursday, September 10, 2026, IstanbulFor months the US claimed that its war against Iran was a success because it had “degraded” Iran’s military and nuclear programBut recent recent military exchanges and news reports have revealed the reality of Iran’s missile capabilities and its nuclear program has emerged, showing the lies and contradictions driving US policy.In the latest episode, I delve in
A New Hope: Fighting Back Against Israel’s Extremism (S01E147)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comWednesday, September 9, 2026, IstanbulIran launched dozens of ballistic missiles against US bases in Jordan late Tuesday in response to the continued targeting of Iranian commercial vessels by the American fleet. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthis escalated their conflict against Saudi Arabia, hitting oil infra
America Needs An Intervention (S01E146)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comTuesday, September 8, 2026, IstanbulCanada is finally standing up to America’s abuses and the UK finally is standing up to Israel’s crimes. But will such interventions be enough?In the latest jam-packed episode of badlands, I discuss the Ottawa’s doubling down on its confrontation with the US and the UK’s proposal to
Sacrifice American Lives, Wealth For Israel’s Regime Change War In Iran (S01E145)
Monday, September 7, 2026, IstanbulAn article in Israel’s Jerusalem Post last week made waves for a provocative suggestion to boost military recruitment numbers to fight the Iran war. In this special Labor Day episode of badlands, I discuss the sheer chutzpah of the suggestion and one aspect of it that hasn’t been widely pointed out. In interviews with India’s NewsX World, I discuss the latest rou
Why Canada Is Challenging The US (S01E144)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comFriday, September 4, 2026, IstanbulIt’s not just Iran and Cuba. The US seems to be waging wars of various sorts even against allies, including Canada, which is locked in a trade war with Washington.Unique among allies, Canada has stood up to the US, with Premier Mark Carney refusing to buckle to American pressure.In t
When Empires Meet Their Match In Iran, Ukraine (S01E143)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comThursday, September 3, 2026, IstanbulThe US has yet to overcome its hubris about its own ability to shape the world. In the latest episode of badlands, former US Pentagon official Jasmine el-Gamal joins me for a candid discussion about American arrogance.We talk about how the Iran conflict as well as the Ukraine war a
Iran Wedding Horror Sparks Waves Of Missiles At US Bases (S01E142)
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, IstanbulThe war between Iran and the US continued to escalate, with the countries trading blows for the sceond day in a row. At least four Iranian civilians were killed, including a child, and dozens more injured after the US struck a wedding party in southern Iran,Iran responded by launching several waves of missiles at US basses in Jordan and in. Bahrain and Kuwait,
US Wants To ‘Mow The Lawn’ In Iran. It Won’t Work (S01E141)
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, IstanbulThe US appears to be floating the notion that it could manage the crisis in Iran and the Persian Gulf by adopting the Israeli strategy of “mowing the lawn.”In the latest edition of badlands, I explain why it won’t work in Iran, and didn’t even work for Israel.Plus, I discuss how badly the US scheme of isolating Iran is already going.Finally, I talk about the lat
Back To Bombs: US Launches Fresh Attacks On Iran (S01E140)
Monday, August 31, 2026, IstanbulThe US claimed it launched attacks on two missile launchers preparing to attack Persian Gulf shipping on Iran’s Larak Island. Iran says two military personnel were killed and two injured, and launched overnight counterattacks targeting US military sites in Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula.In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the inevitability of the return
US Bases, How Low You Can You Go? (S01E139)
Friday, August 28, 2026, IstanbulIt’s the six-month anniversary of the Iran war, and the conflict shows no sign of ending soon, even as fighting has momentarily calmed down. It is shaping up to be another forever war, but one that has ramifications for the whole world. In the latest episode of badlands, I briefly assess the state of the conflict, with a focus on the US bases that were hit by the I
Oil’s Well That Ends Well In The Persian Gulf (S01E138)
Thursday, August 27, 2026, Istanbul An extraordinary series of images published by Tanker Trackers showed the ship-to-ship transfers being used by the US to get oil across the Strait of Hormuz despite an Iranian blockade of the waterway. In the latest edition of badlands, energy analyst Nader Itayim joins me to sort through the lies and hype to figure out just how much oil is being moved out of th
Iran Sanctions Could Tank The World Economy (S01E137)
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, IstanbulBoth US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Iran Parliament acknowledged that the US is treading on fragile economic ice with bond yields spiking and oil reserves plummeting. In the latest edition of badlands, I discuss why the US imposition of sanctions on Iran risks damaging an already weakened global economy.Also in this edition, I discuss the potential effi
Neocon Wars Have All Been Failures. Will Iran Be Different?
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Istanbul US Secretary of State Scott Bessent launched the Trump administration’s “D-Day” sanctions on Iran to much fanfare. In the latest edition of badlands, I delve into the sanctions and attempt to assess whether they will be any more effective than previous rounds of sanctions on Iran.Plus, Nadim Shehadi and I debate models for the future of the Middle East, whether t
Economic War Against Iran: Will It Work? (S01E136)
Monday, August 24, 2026, Istanbul After full-throttled war and half-hearted diplomacy, the administration of Donald Trump has settled on sanctions as away of achieving its goals on Iran. But does it even know what those goals are, and are they achievable?In the latest edition of badlands, retired American diplomat Alan Eyre joins me for a discussion about the ever-shifting nature of US policy on.
US To Go Max On Iran Sanctions (S01E134)
Friday, August 21, 2026, ParisThe US has begun to unveil the next phase in its campaign agaisnt Iran, and it looks a bit like previous attempts to pressure the country. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the aim is to use the combination of sanctions, international pressure on third countries, and a naval blockade to “collapse” Iran. In the latest edition of badlands, I discuss the sanctions
Israel Is Choking The West Bank Economy. The World Is Finally Noticing (S01E133)
Thursday, August 20, 2026, ParisThe New York Times this week published a well-reported piece about how Israel is destroying the economy of the West Bank. In the latest edition of badlands, I discuss the various ways in which Israel has manipulated its control over the territory meant to be the main component of a future Palestinian state to impoverish the population and prevent the economy from t
Iran Has Lots Of Secrets. Its War Plans Ain’t Among Them (S01E132)
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, ParisIran has been warning for months that it plans to escalate its war against the US unless the Americans take steps that include freezing its assets and acknowledging its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.It has not only signaled such escalation, it has begun to implement its plans, activating or coordinating with proxy forces to spread the conflict from the Persia
Screwing Over Your Friends And Neighbors (S01E131)
Donald Trump plumbs new depths of dishonor and disloyalty by threatening to bomb one ally while throwing another to the nuclear-armed wolves.In the latest episode of badlands, I ask why Iran or any country not named Israel would trust the US or make any deals with it.Also, badlands re-posts an interview with former Chinese diplomat and host of the podcast “Devil’s Advocate” Han Yang from March, wh
Donald Trump Can’t Shut His Big Fat Mouth (S01E130)
Monday, August 17, 2026, ParisLots of threats and bluster by Iranian officials over the weekend, including a warning that Iran would “cut off the legs” of Donald Trump, who prompted the exchange of ballistic trash talk with his apparently jocular vow to turn the Strait of Hormuz into American territory.On the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the latest rhetorical flourishes by US and Iranian
Rogue Regimes: Governments Which Oppress, Abduct, And Brutalize (S01E129)
Friday, August 15, 2026, ParisOne kidnapped innocent people and forced them into concentration camps. Another aired a forced confession live on television. Yet another stole people’s homes and terrorized their inhabitants. In this very special, jam-packed episode of badlands, three misbehaving governments compete for the dubious honor of “rogue regime of the week.”I also give a quick update on the
Axing The ‘Axis': Ditching Tired Thinking On Foreign Policy (S01E128)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comThursday, August 13, 2026, ParisForeign policy podcaster and former US Department of Defense official Jasmine El-Gamal joins badlands for a lively discussion on Syria, her area of focus when she was in government, as well as on latest diplomatic and security machinations surrounding the Iran war. Among the topics of
Donald Trump Is Stuck In The Quicksand of Iran (S01E127)
Wednesday, August 12, 2026, ParisRecent comments by US President Donald Trump on Iran show how stuck he is in his Iran failures.In the latest episode of badlands, host Borzou Daragahi breaks down Trump’s latest lies and misinformation and sketch out how Iran has become a hell of his own making.badlands is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episode and support my work, consider becoming a
Is A Free Syria Still Possible? (S01E126)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comTuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, ParisA Syrian court just sentenced former dictator Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia over his role in the country’s 13-year civil war. His brother Maher and cousin Atef Najib were also convicted and sentenced to death by a Syrian court.Assad fled to Russia in 2024 as rebel forces seized cont
What It Means For The US To Lose, What It Means For Iran to Win (S01E125)
Monday, August 10, 2026, ParisAmerican defeat over Iran can lead to a smarter, less militaristic, and ultimately more succesful US.Meanwhile, an Islamic Republic victory could lead to a more arrogant, belligerent, repressive Iran—a regime with a measure of historic legitimacy and a renewed lease on life.On the latest edition of badlands, I step back from the headlines a bit to discuss what the eme
Sour Grapes: US, Israel Lose On Hormuz, Diplomatic Alliances (S01E124)
Friday, August 7, 2026, ChicagoTwo major developments in the Middle East this week. The US appears poised to hand over control of the Strait of Hormuz over to the Iranians, even as it whines that it doesn’t need it anyway.Meanwhile, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan inked a major security partnership, dissing the US attempt to corral the countries of the region into the pro-Israel Abraham Accords
Who Screwed Lebanon? Iran? Israel? US? (S01E123)
Thursday, August 6, 2026, ChicagoIsrael continues to hammer away at Lebanon and occupy much of the country’s south, even as the US and Iran appear to be heading toward another deal on the Persian Gulf.In the latest episode of badlands, scholar Nadim Shehadi joins me for a deep analysis and debate about which country—Iran, Israel, or the US—ultimately played the biggest role in turning Lebanon into
Narrow Michigan Victory Will Embolden AIPAC (S01E122)
Wednesday, August 5, 2026, ChicagoProgressives and sane people celebrated an imporant victory for Senate candidate Abdul el-Sayed, who defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Michigan Democratic Party primary. The Israel lobby and other corrupt donors spent more than $60 million Stevens, but the very narrow margin of victory will likely convince them they could have won if they’d only lavished
How Israel Lost Michigan, And American Jews (S01E121)
Tuesday, August 4, 2026, ChicagoIt’s not just the Israel lobby. It also the defense lobby. And the insurance, gun, banking, law, pharamaceutical, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates lobbies. Washington has become a fetid cesspool of corruption that is increasingly failing ordinary Americans, whether they are trying to get through a summer storm or through a disastrous airport.In the latest episode of
Spoils Of War: Why Iran Won’t Give Up The Strait of Hormuz (S01E120)
Monday, August 3, 2026, ChicagoDonald Trump backed off again from his latest threat to launch a major campaign against Iran, citing a fresh breakthrough in talks between Iran and Oman over re-establishing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss why Iran feels entitled to keep control of the Strait of Hormuz, which it sees as its spoils in a war that was un
War Escalates In Iran, While Trump Peddles Peace For Gaza (S01E119)
Friday, July 31, 2026, BostonThe war continues to escalate as neocons demand the US commit more war crimes. In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the latest atrocity in the war, the latest act of malpractice in mainstream journalism, and the intellectual crimes being committed by the neoconservatives in Washington. Plus, in interviews with India’s NewsX World, I discuss the latest developm
The Real Story Of The CIA’s Regime Change Plot In Syria (S01E118)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comThursday, July 30, 2026, BostonAuthor and intellectual Robin Yassin-Kassab tells badlands the story behind the not-so-clandestine effort by the CIA and regional powers to arm the Syrian rebel groups which ultimately toppled the regime of Bashar al-Assad.Robin is author of the new book “The Blood Betwen Us,” which chro
Iran: Two Publicly Hanged In Isfahan (S01E117)
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, ChicagoIranians authorities publicly executed two young men early Tuesday in the city of Isfahan. Abolfazl Sepahi and Amirhossein Safari were protesters accused of taking part in the violent January 8 and 9 uprising that engulfed the country and that became used to trigger the ongoing war against the country by the US and Israel.In this edition of badlands, I briefly revi
Lindsey Graham: More Of A Warmongering Freak Than We Ever Imagined (S01E116)
Monday, July 27, 2026, ChicagoNewly released video excerpts from a documentary movie show the late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham giddy about goading the US into a war against Iran, eagerly hoping for the country to collapse into warring segments, and supplicating himself before his true master—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.In the latest edition of badlands, I discuss Graham’s l
How A TV Channel Drove The Iran War (S01E115)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comFriday, July 24, 2026, ChicagoScholar Nahid Siamdoust joins badlands to disuss her new article for The New York Review of Books in which she explores how the Saudi-financed and Israeli-controlled satellite news channel Iran International shaped opinons of the war in both Iran and the diaspora, spewing a distorted visi
What Yemen Tells Us About The Iran War (S01E114)
Thursday, July 22, 2026, ChicagoIn the latest edition of badlands, I discuss the Yemeni Houthi’s attacks on Saudi ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, American attacks on civilian sites in Iran. Plus, I offer my take on those who predict that Iran’s capabilities and resilience are overrated, and why I think they totally miss the point. Also, watch or listen to my latest NewsX World interview
Chicago Stories: Nick Fuentes, ICE, And The Pope (S01E113)
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, IstanbulIn this edition of badlands, I speak with Chicago-area college professor and activist David Goldberg about rightwing streamer Nicholas J. Fuentes and Pope Leo—both locals—about the various tides of political activism and discourse in the US.We also discuss the impact that Donald Trump’s ICE immigration crackdowns have had on communities in the city in the first pa
Why Libya Was A Neocon Regime Change War, And Why It Wasn’t (S01E112)
Tuesday, July 21, 2026, ChicagoIn the latest edition of badlands, Libya expert Anas el-Gomati and I examine our sympathy for the 2011 uprising that toppled ruler Muammer Gaddafi and ignited an ongoing civil conflict that has impoverished the country and handed it to rival armed gangs, (as described in S01E109).Gomati describes why Libya remained in the crosshairs of Israel and Washington even afte
Here’s What The Iran War Looks Like (S01E111)
Monday, July 20, 2026, ChicagoThe US military completed a ninth consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, and Iran reciprocated with missile and drone strikes of its own over the weekend targeting not just the Gulf states but Jordan and Iraq. At least two US soldiers died in Jordan, and another soldier remains missing. Another US solider was killed in northern Iraq, apparently while attempting to d
Sleepwalking Into A Forever War With Iran (S01E110)
Friday, July 17, 2026, ChicagoAs the Iran war escalates, Donald Trump rehashes his nonsensical election conspiracy theories. The Democrats come out strongly opposed to the war, but their criticism that the US has no plan appears off-the-mark. Washington indeed seems to have a single-minded goal for the escalation: get the Strait of Hormuz reopened, and potentially create regional divisions inside
Corrupt, Violent Gangs Rule Over Libya (S01E109)
Thursday, July 16, 2026, ChicagoLibya has often been described as yet another US-led Middle East regime change operations that led to catastrophic results for its people and for the world. Nearly 15 years after the 2011 overthrow of dictator Muammer Gaddafi, the country is indeed a mess. It is divided by civil conflict and being exploited for its resources by rival families working in conjunction
Why Israel Has Gone Off The Rails (S01E108)
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, ChicagoIsrael’s wars in Gaza, the West Bank, Iran, and Lebanon have led to ambiguous military outcomes but undoubtedly increased the isolation of the country, both in terms of diplomacy and its worldwide image. In part two of her interview with badlands, Noga Tarnopolsky discusses what I describe as the “malaise” that seems to be afflicting Israeli society. She describes
Neocons Drag World Back To Brink Of Total Iran War (S01E107)
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, ChicagoUS President Donald Trump plans to re-impose the blockade on Iranian ships transiting the Persian Gulf. As for other ships, he claims that not only is the Strait of Hormuz is “OPEN” but soon to become a cash machine for America!In the latest episode of badlands, Brett Erickson of Obsidian Risk Advisors joins the podcast again to help unravel the combination of delusi
Can Israel Handle The Truth? (S01E106)
Monday, July 13, 2026, ChicagoThe US and Iran hammered away at each other over the weekend, with Tehran effectively imposing a closure on the Strait of Hormuz and Washington all but tossing the memorandum of understanding it signed last month into the trash heap.While this may appear to be the new normal in the Persian Gulf, it is not sustainable for Americans, Iranians, or the rest of the world.
Fragile Lebanon Is Disintegrating Under Weight Of Israeli War, US Pressure (S01E105)
Friday, July 10, 2026, IstanbulIsrael continues to occupy a huge swath of Lebanon, attacking Lebanese civilians in horrific atrocities taking place regularly.In the latest edition of the badlands podcast, Lebanon-based journalist Habib Battah, founder of the Beirut Report, joins in for a discussion about how the country has been further fragmented along both sectarian and class lines as Israel con
Fear, Treachery, Lies: Iran Crisis Continues To Rattle The Gulf (S01E104)
Thursday, July 9, 2026, ParisOvernight attacks between the US and Iran continued for a second day, with reports that Donald Trump pushed the envelope by hitting two railroad bridges in Iran’s north. That move could trigger Iranian retaliation against similar civilian infrastructure in the Arabian Peninsula states. The war pits the US against Iran, but the Persian Gulf has been the main battlegroun
'The War Has Started Again’: US, Iran Trade Major Attacks (S01E103)
Wednesday, July 8, 2026, ParisThe US and Iran traded major military strikes overnight in the most serious threat to the framework ceasefire deal signed last month so far.The attacks continued into the morning with attacks by both countries into the late morning. Donald Trump said at the NATO summit in Turkey that he’s sick of negotiating with the Iranians and considers the memorandum of understand
The Energy Crisis Is Still Not Over (S01E102)
Tuesday, July 7, 2026, ParisIs the oil shock finished? Not really. Energy analyst Robin Mills joins the latest edition of badlands for an interview on whether the tentative opening of the Strait of Hormuz will lead to a normalization of energy prices.Mills says energy is still below pre-war levels, in part because Gulf states are tentative about ramping up production.In today’s edition, I also dis
Hero Or Scoundrel? Putting Iran's Ali Khamenei To Rest (S01E101)
Monday, July 6, 2026, ParisMillions of people are taking part in ceremonies marking the Feb. 28 death of Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, a confounding historical figure who ruled Iran for 37 years.I wrote extensively about Khamenei in an article some years ago. But he remains something of an enigma. In this edition of badlands, I talk a bit about Khamenei and his legacy. In the end, he
JD Vance Discloses Trump’s Real Plan On Iran (S01E100)
Thursday, July 2, 2026, IstanbulIn an interview with Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire network, Vice President JD Vance strongly suggested that the US was playing Iran, replenishing world energy stockpiles ahead of a possible future kinetic action.Needless to say, such talk will not help ongoing negotiations, only feeding into Iranian suspicions that the memorandum of understanding the US signed was a ruse
Armenia Rejects Israel's ‘Weaponization’ of Genocide (S01E99)
Wednesday, July 1, 2026, IstanbulIsrael recently began taking steps to recognize the Armenian Genocide, the horrific massacre of Armenian people at the hands of Ottoman Turks some 110 years ago. The move is meant in large part to provoke Israel rival Turkey. Problem is, even the Armenians are telling Israel to bugger off.On the latest edition of the badlands podcast, I explain how Israel’s ill-tim
Lebanon Peace Deal Fuels War (S01E98)
The US managed to get Lebanon and Israel to sign on to a peace deal that key constituencies reject. The country’s parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri along with Hezbollah have rejected terms that seem to force the Lebanese Army and state to disarm Hezbollah without any guarantee that Israel will vacate Lebanese territory in now occupies. In the latest edition of the badlands podcast, Sciences Po sch
Offside in Seattle, And In The Strait Of Hormuz (S01E97)
Monday, June 29, 2026, IstanbulIran was booted from the World Cup, failing to advance to the knockout round after a controversial referee call and a heartbreaking game for Iranian football fans.Meanwhile in Strait of Hormuz, Iran and the US traded strikes after Iran attacked ships that were using a path Tehran considers forbidden.Ambiguity and misunderstandings led to confusion in both cases.In th
Spoiler Alert: Many Ways Iran Deal Could Be Derailed (S01E96)
Friday, June 26, 2026, Istanbul On Thursday, Iran attacked a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, violating a provision of the memorandum of understanding it signed with Iran. Meanwhile, Israel continued its attacks on Lebanon, killing more civilians, also in violation of the memorandum which requires the US to leash Benjamin Netanyahu.So many things could go wrong in the ongoing talks with Iran, and so
The Gulf Considers Giving Iran A Bear Hug (S01E95)
Thursday, June 25, 2026, Istanbul Even as Marco Rubio attempts to keep America’s Gulf clients in line, some of them are already finding their own way. In today’s podcast I discuss the ongoing diplomatic intrigues involving the US, Gulf countries, and an emerging power bloc consisting of regional powers determined to avoid being dragged into another war. This bloc—I argue—seems at the very least am
Atomic Cafe: Why Trump Is So Fixated On Iran’s Nuclear Program (S01E94)
Wednesday, June 24, 2026, IstanbulDonald Trump keeps making claims about Iran’s agreement to compromise on its nuclear program that Iran keeps swatting down. To make matters worse, even war hawks and neocons in Washington keep noting that he has actually achieved little in negotiations.Making matters even worse is the possibility that Iran has abandoned any pretense of adhering to its nuclear obli
Deconstructing The Scheme To Sabotage Iran Diplomacy (S01E93)
(Photo: AI-generated image posted online to intimidate Trita Parsi).) Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Istanbul Trita Parsi has been among the most measured and well-informed experts on Iran and the Middle East in the public eye. Yet for years, he’s been targeted by nefarious and well-funded forces seeking to paint him as an asset of the Islamic Republic, where he would be arrested on national security cha
US-Iran Talks Balk Over Lebanon, Trump Threats (S01E92)
Monday, June 22, 2026, Istanbul Iran and the US talks get underway in Switzerland, but almost immediately fall apart. The Iranian delegation stood up JD Vance just as he was waiting for his photo op! In today’s podcast I discuss why I believe the talks will continue in fits and starts over the coming weeks despite the initial hiccups. Plus, comedian Tim Dillon hilariously describes Iran as a poor
Sipping Neocon Tears: Warmongers Rage Over Iran Deal (S01E91)
Thursday, June 18, 2026, IstanbulNext week we could be in a war again, with Donald Trump bombing the s**t out of Iran and Iran destroying the Gulf’s energy infrastructure.But this week, we are drinking neocon tears, as warmongers crash out over the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the US and upcoming negotiations to hammer out a durable deal.In today’s podcast, I savor some of t
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