badlands podcast by borzou daragahi

Episodios

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  US Close to Fusing and Escalating Wars in Iran And Yemen (S01E154) 21.09.2026 52m

  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 46m

  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 17m

  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 54m

  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 30m

  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 25m

  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 26m

  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 26m

  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 34m

  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 33m

  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 26m

  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.
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  When Empires Meet Their Match In Iran, Ukraine (S01E143) 03.09.2026 23m

  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 are part of a historical pattern of military misadventures, and whether the US has the responsibility to use its power for good and the danger of the testosterone-fueled approaches to the world.(Here’s part one of the interview with Jasmine.)In another segment, I speak about an alternative universe where Donald Trump embraced rather than immediately violated the terms of the memorandum of understanding he signed with Iran.And in an interview with India’s NewsX World, I answer questions about the latest war developments, the pressure on Iran to submit to fresh inspections on its nuclear program, and the escalating rhetoric between Tehran and Washington.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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  Iran Wedding Horror Sparks Waves Of Missiles At US Bases (S01E142) 02.09.2026 34m

  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, with US local and local officials heavily suppressing any news on casualties or damage.In the latest episode of badlands, I bring you up to speed on what happened and explain why the return to kinetic warfare was inevitable.Plus, I describe my interview with the Crisis Group’s Amjad Iraqi, who recently published a lengthy report on the dashed hopes for peace in Gaza, and the built-in flaws within Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.In addition, I describe the latest humanitarian situation inside Gaza in interviews 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. 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 Wants To ‘Mow The Lawn’ In Iran. It Won’t Work (S01E141) 01.09.2026 15m

  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 latest in Iran 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. 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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  Back To Bombs: US Launches Fresh Attacks On Iran (S01E140) 31.08.2026 29m

  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 to warfare as well as the escalating rhetoric preceding the bombing and the danger of the type of “preemptive” war thinking that drives the US thinking.In an interview with BBC News, I also discuss the deadly capsizing of a ferry departing from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.Plus more talk about Iran as well as the CIA chief’s visit to Moscow last week in interviews 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. 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 Bases, How Low You Can You Go? (S01E139) 28.08.2026 27m

  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 Iranians during the war and may never ever be rescuscitated.I also examine the diplomatic fallout of the conflict, including a new strategic alliance formed by regional countries in reaction to the chaos and unpredictability of the US, which I discuss in an interview with South Era Networks.badlands is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, please, please, 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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  Oil’s Well That Ends Well In The Persian Gulf (S01E138) 27.08.2026 46m

  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 the Persian Gulf and whether global energy supplies are dwindling. In an interview with India’s NewsX World, I discuss the latest US efforts to impose Iran sanctions on other countries. Will they comply or not? I also discuss, Microsoft founder and Epstein class member Bill Gates attempt to rehabiliate his image by rebranding himself as an advocate for controls on artificial intelligence. Should we trust tech oligarchs to police themselves when it comes to AI?badlands is a listener-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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  Iran Sanctions Could Tank The World Economy (S01E137) 26.08.2026 26m

  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 efficacy of the sanctions with India’s NewsX World.Also, in this episode I discuss the Pakistan’s continuing mediation efforts with the US and Iran in an interview with Pakistan’s Asia One.badlands is a viewer-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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  Neocon Wars Have All Been Failures. Will Iran Be Different? 25.08.2026 15m

  This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comTuesday, 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 glittery global-connectedness of Dubai or the gritty resilience of Tehran is more desirable or feasible, as well as the successes and failures of the US wars in the Middle East. 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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  Economic War Against Iran: Will It Work? 24.08.2026 26m

  This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.comMonday, 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. Alan is a noted Iran specialist and fluent Persian speaker who became famous on Iranian social media for his eloquent posts and stellar language skills. Also in this episode, join for me a lively discussion with Pakistan TV about the efficacy of US sanctions—whether the Trump administration’s scheme to use economic pressure to get Tehran to accede to its demands might work.In a separate inteview with India’s NewsX World, I discuss the recent shift by Iran’s armed forces toward a more aggressive posture. And in non-Iran news, I discuss the recent attempts by governments and courts to rein in the abuses and power of big tech social media companies. badlands is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.