badlands podcast by borzou daragahi

Episoder

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  The Inside Story Of How Saudi Arabia Was Transformed (S01E163) 02.10.2026 25min

  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 better part of the last 10 years inside Saudi Arabia’s labor ministry as an adviser to the government. He helped come up with the reforms and new policies that have brought women into the workforce for the time first time in the country’s history and helped ignite the country’s dormant entrepreneurial spirit. In an exclusive interview with badlands, Sven and I explore the country’s economic reforms, social changes, and regional geopolitics, with insights into the transformation from oil dependence to a more diversified and open society. Sven also offers a preview of his brand new book, Kingdom in Motion, his personal account of his decade inside the machinery of the Saudi state. In the free segment of the episode, I discuss the FlyDubai and the UK airbase incidents, as well as the what appears to be a major build-up of US military forces in the Persian Gulf region.Additionally, in an interview with India’s NewsX World, I assess the global media varied coverage of the FlyDubai incident.badlands is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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  Iran’s Economy Crushed Under Sanctions, Blockade, Mismanagement (S01E162) 01.10.2026 20min

  This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comThursday, 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 terrorist incident aboard a FlyDubai flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, energy prices and escalation in the Iran-US war, and the ongoing financial scandal in Turkey.badlands is a viewer-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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  Neocons Still Lusting After Iran War ‘Wins’ (S01E161) 30.09.2026 50min

  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 base turned out to be a group of w*****s trying to steal diesel from the local yokels. In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the mental gyrations and conniving cynicism of “neocon lite,” elites depraved enough to lust after another war that leads to more dead brown people, but clever enough to cloak their unfettered bloodlust in platitudes about “competence” and “process.”Also, in this jam-packed episode, a detailed interview with Turkish analyst and YouTube star İlkan Dalkuç about the political crisis caused by the burgeoning scandal surrounding the $18 billion collapse of several major financial institutions. Finally, I answer questions about the diplomatic endeavors surrounding the Persian Gulf crisis in an interview with India’s NewsX World. badlands is an audience-supported platform. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  The Stalemate In The Middle East Won’t Last (S01E160) 04.10.2026 55min

  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 latest episode of badlands, I discuss what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz and assess the contention that the US is “winning.”Also, I interview strategic analyst Ali Ahmadi on a gamut of subjects, including the prospects for the war, the recent United Nations General Assembly gathering, and the impact of US sanctions on Iran as well as the role of the Pahlavist opposition in the Diaspora. Ali also discusses the hassle of getting a plane ticket from Tehran to Istanbul, which has gotten more complicated because of US sanctions.(Read Ali’s latest article for Foreign Policy).badlands is an audience-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  ‘Ponzi Scheme’: Massive Financial Scandal Engulfs Turkey (S01E159) 28.09.2026 35min

  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 break down the scandal and discuss the mounting public outrage.Also, in interviews with India’s NewsX World, I discuss a gamut of topics, including Xi Jinping’s visit to the US, Iran’s offering to return to the negotiating table with the US, Yemeni Houthis’ conflict with Saudi Arabia, and the US pressure on Cuba.MILESTONE: Thanks to you, badlands’ channel on YouTube has amassed 1,000 subscribers, a crucial threshold in meeting the requirements for earning ad revenue. Much appreciated!badlands is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  Why The Relationship Between The US And Iran Is So Bizarre (S01E158) 25.09.2026 41min

  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 episode, Chatham House’s stellar Sanam Vakil joins me for a discussion about the diplomacy around Iran, as well as heartfelt concerns for ordinary people as the conflict between Iran and the US continues.Additionally, I offer some thoughts about whether Iran will be on the agenda item in the talks between Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping in an interview with India’s NewsX World.badlands is a audience-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  The Iran War Redraws The Rules (S01E157) 27.09.2026 50min

  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 the new US restrictions imposed on Iran’s aviation sector and the impact of sanctions on civilians, as well as the overall US strategy. Brett and I also assess the impact of a US proposal to restrict the export of diesel fuel.In an interview with India’s NewsX World, I answer questions about Pezeshkian’s speech and whether Iran might pursue nuclear weapons. badlands is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  Trump Threatens To Annihilate Iran. World Shrugs (S01E156) 23.09.2026 21min

  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, including his claim that Iran killed “72,000” people in January, and what the world’s non-reaction to his speech says about international diplomacy and multilateral institutions.In interviews with India’s NewsX World, I also discuss Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s speech, Iran’s claims of new weapons, and the prospects for a diplomatic solution in the Iran conflict.badlands is a lister-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  On Ukraine, What If Everyone Is In The Wrong? (S01E155) 22.09.2026 28min

  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 European and US backers.In interviews with India’s NewsX World, I also talk about US sanctions on Russian crude, whether they will have any impact on policy in Moscow, Delhi, or Beijing, and prospects for Donald Trump’s Republican Party in the 2026 midterm elections.badlands is a viewer-supported show. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  US Close To Fusing And Escalating Wars In Iran And Yemen (S01E154) 21.09.2026 52min

  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 first part of my interview with former Iranian political prisoner Morad Tahbaz, an environmental advocate who was locked up in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison for six years on trumped-up national security charges. Plus, in interviews with India’s NewsX World, I discuss Donald Trump’s latest threats against Iran, Pete Hegseth’s lies, and the White House decision to bar certain media outlets. badlands is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  ICE Continues To Wage War On America (S01E153) 18.09.2026 46min

  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 broader national trends, and the frustrations with both major political parties and the implications of data centers.We also talk about the shifting perspectives of younger generations regarding materialism and economic stability, as well as the engagement of students in contemporary politics.Also in interviews with India’s NewsX World, I discuss Trump’s attempts to undermine the upcoming elections, and the controversy over rogue AI models.badlands is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, become a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  Leaks Expose Iran War Damage, Iranian Capability (S01E152) 17.09.2026 17min

  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-appreciated capabilities.In interviews with NewsX World, I also discuss depleted US weapons stockpiles, Donald Trump’s dishonesty, and the latest claims and counter-claims from Yemen.badlands is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, why not become a paid subscriber? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  Yemen Crisis Another Consequence of Neocon War (S01E151) 16.09.2026 54min

  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 discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  A Political Earthquake In Yemen (S01E150) 14.09.2026 30min

  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 and markets.In interviews with France 24 and India’s NewsX World, I also discuss the often meaningless word thingies coming out of Donald Trump’s facehole, the prospects for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, and the unlearned lessons of September 11 and its aftermath.badlands is a viewer-supported podcast. To receive the latest episode and show your support, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  A World Still Haunted By The Shadow Of September 11 (S01E149) 11.09.2026 25min

  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 role in region’s conflicts, then and now. We also discuss Turkish domestic politics, and the latest surge by a new opposition party. Also, I speak about Donald Trump and the Republican Party, as well as human rights in China, in an interview with India’s NewsX World. badlands is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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  How Do I Deceive Thee? Let Me Count The Ways (S01E148) 10.09.2026 26min

  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 into Iran’s strategic calculations and potential future actions in response to US sanctions and military pressure.Plus in an interview with Pakistan’s Asia One, I discuss escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, with a focus on recent military actions and the latest demands by Iran.badlands is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes as soon as poossible and support my work, become a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  A New Hope: Fighting Back Against Israel’s Extremism (S01E147) 09.09.2026 26min

  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 infrastructure and injuring dozens of civilians. Meanwhile, France, Canada, other Western countries joined the UK in announcing new sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.On the latest episode of badlands, I discuss Israel’s reaction to the sanctions and the significance on the trading restrictions imposed on Israel, as well as the latest escalation in Yemen.The fun-filled and jam-packed episode features part two of an interview with the astute retired US diplomat Alan Eyre (exclusively for paying customers), who talks about US foreign policy in the age of Donald Trump.Also, in interviews with India’s NewsX World, I discuss how the US has gone off the rails, violating human rights, failing as a democracy, botching diplomacy with Russia, and destroying Cuba.badlands is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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  America Needs An Intervention (S01E146) 08.09.2026 34min

  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 impose sanctions on Israeli settlements.The episode features part one of my interview with Chatham House’s brilliant Sanam Vakil, who has a critical, well-informed take on the crisis in the Persian Gulf.Also in the episode, I discuss the wider implications of the the US war against Iran in an in-depth interview with Pakistan TV.Additionally, I discuss Iran’s latest attempt to impose its control over the Strait of Hormuz and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s attempt to bring a measure of control over Iran’s nuclear program in an interview with India’s NewsX World.badlands is a viewer-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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  Sacrifice American Lives, Wealth For Israel’s Regime Change War In Iran (S01E145) 07.09.2026 33min

  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 round of attacks between Iran and the US, an investigation into civilian casualties caused by an American attack on southern Iran, and Pete Hegseth’s latest foibles over leaks in Washington. I also discuss Israel’s call to expel Palestinians in Gaza and the intensifying war in Ukraine. badlands is supported by you. To receive the latest updates and support my work, consider becoming paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe
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  Why Canada Is Challenging The US (S01E144) 04.09.2026 26min

  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 the latest episode of badlands, University of Ottawa professor Thomas Juneau discusses Canada’s stance on both Trump and the ongoing Middle East war.I also discuss how Donald Trump is setting the stage to indefinitely delay a decision on Iran, cementing yet another long-term Middle East quagmire.Additionally, I discuss a Republican US senator’s demand that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth be removed from office and the deaths of two teenagers in the West Bank in an interview with India’s NewsX World.badlands is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.