badlands podcast by borzou daragahi

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

  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 34min

  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 15min

  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 29min

  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 27min

  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 46min

  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 26min

  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 15min

  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 26min

  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.
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  US To Go Max On Iran Sanctions (S01E134) 21.08.2026 1t 2min

  Friday, August 21, 2026, ParisThe US has begun to unveil the next phase in its campaign agaisnt Iran, and it looks a bit like previous attempts to pressure the country. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the aim is to use the combination of sanctions, international pressure on third countries, and a naval blockade to “collapse” Iran. In the latest edition of badlands, I discuss the sanctions and what “regime collapse” could mean. Also in the episode, a replay of an April interview with Hossein Rassam, the former adviser to the UK Embassy in Iran about the current crisis and how the Iranian government may evolve as a result of the war.Finally, I discuss what the world should do about an increasingy reckless and belligerent US and Israel and a range of topics—in a pair of 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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  Israel Is Choking The West Bank Economy. The World Is Finally Noticing (S01E133) 20.08.2026 34min

  Thursday, August 20, 2026, ParisThe New York Times this week published a well-reported piece about how Israel is destroying the economy of the West Bank. In the latest edition of badlands, I discuss the various ways in which Israel has manipulated its control over the territory meant to be the main component of a future Palestinian state to impoverish the population and prevent the economy from thriving. The New York Times piece follows a June 15 report by Joost Hiltermann of the Crisis Group warning of an economic collapse in the West Bank thanks to the restrictions. In the latest episode, I repost an edited version of that interview with Joost.Plus, in a brief interview with India’s NewsX World, I discuss Oman’s dilemma following the Trump administration’s threats to bomb it.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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  Iran Has Lots Of Secrets. Its War Plans Ain’t Among Them (S01E132) 19.08.2026 45min

  Wednesday, August 19, 2026, ParisIran has been warning for months that it plans to escalate its war against the US unless the Americans take steps that include freezing its assets and acknowledging its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.It has not only signaled such escalation, it has begun to implement its plans, activating or coordinating with proxy forces to spread the conflict from the Persian Gulf to the Levant to Iraq to the Red Sea.It recently, listed all the sites it would strike if the US were to launch an attack on Iranian civilian infrastructure.In the latest episode of badlands, I talk apart a recent Wall Street Journal article which contained some nuggets of decent reporting, but was framed as a revelatory scoop depicting Iranians as devious warmongers and Americans as naive simpletons merely hoping to wind down the conflict.Also in this episode, I speak about the latest security developments in the Gulf in an interview with India’s NewX World.Finally, the episode includes a rerun of my interview with Ali Ahmadi, a former advisor to the Iranian mission to the United Nations, in which he discusses Iran’s military capacity.badlands is a viewr-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