The Mishal Husain Show

Shira Efron, a Middle East analyst and RAND chair with 20 years advising on Israeli policy, reflects on life under sirens in Tel Aviv. She discusses Israeli public support and war fatigue. She examines Netanyahu's political calculations, risks of deeper involvement in Lebanon, and how U.S. decisions could force Israel to stop.

Ro Khanna, Democratic U.S. Representative from California known for tech-district advocacy, pushed to release the Epstein files and fights elite impunity. He discusses building a cross-party coalition, efforts to halt the war with Iran, risks of further interventions, and proposing a billionaire tax to fund social programs. Multiple candid takes on politics, accountability, and strategy.

Despite the intensity of the US-Israel bombing campaign, Iran’s regime, now under a new supreme leader, hasn’t given President Donald Trump the “unconditional surrender” he’s seeking.Mishal Husain speaks with Vali Nasr, a professor at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies and a preeminent scholar on the Islamic Republic. His life has been shaped by the story of Iran over the last 50 years, starting when his family fled amid the 1979 revolution.His life’s work has been to study the region and its relationship with the US. He’s also worked  as an adviser to the US State Department during the Obama administration.Nasr explains why Tehran believes time is on its side in the war, and that a prolonged conflict may only strengthen Iranian nationalism.02:34 - Why Iran is “prepared to suffer more”06:28 - What drives the new ayatollah10:03 - How Iranians view the US and Israel12:07 - War will last “longer” than Trump hopes14:00 - School strike, destruction of heritage sites15:35 - Lessons from the Iran-Iraq war19:03 - “This is the final battle”20:17 - Impact of US sanctions22:40 - Will Iran pursue a nuclear bomb?26:02 - Iran’s experience of foreign intervention28:27 - Can Reza Pahlavi, son of the Shah, succeed? 30:48 - Nasr’s experience fleeing Iran in 197935:15 - Mood among Iranian-Americans39:32 - Iran’s “rightful place in the world” Contact The Mishal Husain Show mishalshow@bloomberg.net Read this interview with Mishal’s notes on Bloomberg Weekend: www.bloomberg.com/latest/weekend-interviewSubscribe today on Apple Podcasts and SpotifySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bernard Haykel, Princeton professor of Near Eastern Studies born in Lebanon, weighs in on Iran, Saudi Arabia and shifting regional power. He outlines how retaliation spread across the Gulf. He describes three possible futures for Iran and why he thinks the regime is likely to survive. He contrasts Saudi and Israeli aims and explains Mohammad bin Salman’s calculus and regional rivalry.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General and former Ethiopian health and foreign minister, speaks with urgency shaped by childhood in conflict. He discusses COVID origins and China's lack of full answers. He talks about global preparedness for future pandemics. He describes ongoing cooperation with US health officials despite political rifts and warns about rising child deaths and vaccine misinformation.

Maggie Kang, a Korean-Canadian animator and director behind KPop Demon Hunters, reflects on making a modern Korean story and her path from Lego and Kung Fu Panda projects to a global hit. She describes fan sing-alongs, blending Korean and Western influences, the songwriting process, anime-inspired design choices, theatrical vs streaming experiences, and hints about a possible sequel.

Allegra Stratton, former senior communications official turned Bloomberg editor, offers political context. Harry Wilson, Bloomberg reporter who has investigated Epstein’s emails, explains the reporting. They discuss Andrew’s arrest, alleged sharing of briefings with Epstein, palace distancing, business links, and the wider implications for British institutions and reputation.

Andrey Kurkov, acclaimed Ukrainian novelist behind Death and the Penguin and wartime diaries, speaks from Kyiv and France. He describes the brutal winter, why he left for a residency, and how daily life and writing have changed. He warns against pressured peace deals, urges stronger European support, and shares plans to return to Kyiv in spring.

David Miliband, former UK foreign secretary and now president of the International Rescue Committee, reflects on a world with rising autocracy and shrinking aid. He talks about frontline humanitarian crises like Sudan and the occupied Palestinian territory. He discusses the changing US role, debates over reconstruction plans, and political challenges facing Labour and UK foreign aid.

Laura Poitras, Oscar- and Pulitzer-winning filmmaker who exposed Snowden and state surveillance, discusses her Netflix film on Seymour Hersh. She examines surveillance, being placed on a watchlist, the power of citizen video to challenge official narratives, and cycles of impunity in U.S. power. Short, urgent conversations about investigative journalism, accountability and how visuals reshape public understanding.