CONFLICTED

A deep dive into JNIM’s rise from AQIM and the shadowy “privateers” who financed it. Discussion of slavery, racial hierarchies and Tuareg-Fulani dynamics in the Sahel. Analysis of economic warfare like fuel blockades and gold-mine raids. Debate over whether Mali’s secular state can survive as jihadists press toward Bamako and political power shifts.

Aaron Zelin, a senior fellow and expert on Middle East policy, dissects the recent dramatic shifts in northeast Syria. He reveals why the March 2025 framework failed and how Sunni Arab tribes turned against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The collapse of SDF-held territories and the impacts on ISIS prisons are alarming. Zelin also clarifies misconceptions about U.S. support for the Kurds, the PKK's role in potential new insurgencies, and the ramifications of Syria's consolidation on regional stability.

This discussion dives deep into the unexpected dismantling of USAID, sparked by Trump’s executive order. The hosts explore USAID's historical ties to anti-communism and its collaboration with the CIA during the War on Terror. They reveal the organization's evolution, from humanitarian roots to modern challenges and corruption issues. The conversation also highlights the reactions to rights-based humanitarianism and the implications of new global players like China and Gulf states reshaping aid dynamics, questioning the future of American influence.

Baraa Shiban, a Yemeni researcher and political analyst, dives deep into the fractured alliance between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen’s civil war. He reveals how differing goals fueled tensions and led to a public rift. The conversation explores the role of Yemeni political factions, the rise of the Southern Transitional Council, and the impact of parallel security structures. Shiban also discusses the UAE's counterterror strategies and the ongoing ramifications of these internal conflicts in the region.

A surprising rift has emerged between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, sparked by escalating tensions over Yemen. The discussion dives into historical roots of their rivalry and contrasts their governance styles—the UAE’s maritime influence against Saudi Arabia’s continental grip. Personal stories interweave with geopolitical analysis, highlighting their cultural similarities despite political disparities. The fallout from recent airstrikes raises questions about regional stability, while the role of third-party misinformation adds another layer to this complex feud.

In this enlightening conversation, James McDougall, a Professor at Oxford and author of Worlds of Islam: A Global History, explores the interwoven histories of Islam and the West. He challenges the myth of Islamic resistance to modernity, emphasizing how Islamic empires shaped global dynamics. McDougall discusses the implications of the Mongol sack of Baghdad, the role of Central Asia in Islamic history, and how Muslim thinkers redefined civilization concepts. He calls for a nuanced understanding of modernity as a shared global experience rather than a Western-dominated narrative.

The podcast dives into the historical roots of US-Iran tensions, beginning with the Iran Hostage Crisis. It examines recent protests in Iran fueled by economic struggles, while discussing perspectives on Trump's warning of being 'locked and loaded.' Listeners learn how the embassy takeover represented 'revolutionary entrepreneurship' and why Khomeini endorsed it. The conversation shifts to modern geopolitical dynamics, exploring the Iran-Venezuela-Hezbollah nexus and implications of potential US actions in the region.

Hussein Mansour, a writer and researcher on radical ideologies, dives deep into Third Worldism's resurgence and significance, especially through the lens of Zohran Mamdani's rise in New York City. He traces the term's historical roots back to the French Revolution and discusses the emergence of key intellectuals in interwar Paris. Mansour explores the relationship between decolonization and radical political thought, sharing insights on figures like Frantz Fanon and Aimé Césaire. The conversation reveals how present-day Third Worldism reflects elite posturing rather than a genuine political agenda.

As 2025 wraps up, the hosts dive into the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States and its implications for regional unity. They explore the chaotic dynamics of Sudan's civil war, dissecting international influences and support. The conversation shifts to the EU's renewed interest in Central Asia and the Turkic bloc's rising influence. Bangladesh's pivot away from India toward China is also highlighted. Finally, the ongoing Malay-Muslim insurgency in Thailand receives much-needed attention, showcasing the complexities of state authority in tumultuous regions.

Jakub Jaitzai, a former Slovak Army officer and volunteer infantryman in Ukraine, shares gripping insights from his 18-month frontline experience. He reveals the stark realities of trench warfare, blending fear, boredom, and adrenaline. Jakub contrasts NATO training with Ukrainian military realities and discusses the challenges of modern warfare, including the role of drones. He critiques popular misconceptions in Western media and reflects on the morale and motivations of Ukrainian fighters, all while contemplating the complex dynamics of potential peace negotiations with Russia.