Mehdi Unfiltered

Shui-Qin Jiang, a Chinese-Canadian educator and YouTube personality known as Professor Jiang, blends game-theory and historical patterning to make bold geopolitical forecasts. He discusses his methods, defends viral Trump and Iran predictions, and debates China's role and allegations about secret societies. The conversation probes prediction skill versus luck and the limits of his provocative scholarship.

Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman and a senior figure in recent nuclear talks, discusses Iran's view of victory and deterrence. He explains what security guarantees Iran seeks and defends its enrichment choices. He addresses diplomacy, regional tensions, human rights criticisms, and Iran's readiness to respond to threats.

LaMonica McIver, a New Jersey congresswoman and immigration activist known for inspecting ICE detention centers, explains why she faced charges and public smear attempts. She discusses her oversight visit to Delaney Hall, calls to abolish ICE, critiques of party leadership, and why she keeps returning to confront detention abuses.

Anand Gopal, Middle East journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist who wrote Days of Love and Rage, discusses Syria’s messy democratic experiment in Manbij. He compares Syria and Iran, warns foreign interventions can deepen chaos, and explains why a civil war in Iran would be far more deadly and destabilizing. He also examines regional power plays and the long, uncertain path of political change.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland lawmaker on foreign policy and fiscal matters, critiques U.S. actions toward Iran and Israel. He discusses shifting administration rationales for war, Netanyahu’s motives, presidential decision-making, calls to block further war funding, and growing U.S. sympathy for Palestinians. He also rebuts antisemitism weaponization and denies rumors about Netanyahu.

Ece Temelkuran, Turkish journalist and author of Nation of Strangers, writes on authoritarianism and exile. She discusses being 'unhomed,' how emotional forces propel fascism, and rapid threats to democracy in the US. Conversations cover global authoritarian tactics, steps fascism takes to seize power, and how displacement reshapes belonging.

Ibram X. Kendi, historian and author known for writing on racism and anti-racist ideas, discusses the Great Replacement theory and its antisemitic origins. He traces how the idea fuels real-world violence and spreads across politics and media. The conversation covers economic drivers, shifting targets, and how influential voices amplify the narrative.

Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor and foreign policy commentator. He argues Israel and Netanyahu pushed the US toward conflict with Iran. They discuss how US leaders missed diplomatic chances, Democratic rhetoric that hardened policy, and the risks of regional escalation. The conversation focuses on political pressure, missed opportunities, and who stands to gain or lose.

Junaid Ahmed, grassroots candidate in IL-8 focused on working-class issues and fighting outside spending. Kat Abughazaleh, progressive activist of Palestinian descent running in IL-9 for foreign policy accountability. Robert Peters, state senator from IL-2 with a progressive legislative record. They discuss AIPAC-funded ad campaigns, shell PAC tactics, AI-generated attacks, community backlash, and grassroots resistance.

Mohamed ElBaradei, former IAEA director and Nobel laureate, explains why inspectors found no proof of an Iranian weapons program. He compares current nuclear claims to the bogus WMD case for Iraq. He discusses Iran’s 60% enrichment as a political move, the risks of unequal nuclear rules, and the need for a regional security framework.