Fault Lines
371 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★★ - 37 ratingsFault Lines, the National Security Institute’s flagship podcast, gets you quickly up to speed, three-times-a-week, on the national security and foreign policy debates shaking up America.
Our regular cast of foreign policy experts includes NSI Executive Director Jamil Jaffer, NSI Senior Fellow Lester Munson, and NSI Deputy Executive Director Jessica Jones.
Tune in to learn more about the issues dominating headlines and the news stories you may have missed.
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Episodes
Episode 354: Ballot Boxes from Paris to Tehran
July 01, 2024 15:36 - 11 minutes - 5.15 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Jeffrey discuss two pivotal elections - the French Parliamentary and the Iranian Presidential Election. French President Emmanuel Macron, after his party was trounced in the European Parliamentary elections, called for a snap election. In which after the first round of voting on Sunday saw Marine Le Pen’s right-wing National Rally party take first place with all eyes on the run-off on Sunday, July 9th. In Iran, elections were held in the wake of the death of Pr...
Episode 353: Kenya - is the Beacon of Stability Flickering?
June 28, 2024 14:46 - 9 minutes - 4.52 MBToday, Jess, Les, Martha, and Matt discuss the recent violent protests in Kenya’s capital of Nairobi over a tax bill that would increase taxes on bread, fuel, and other necessities, which was aimed at alleviating the country’s massive debt burden. Protestors stormed the nation’s parliament building, setting parts ablaze, and clashes with police and military forces have left more than 300 injured and 22 dead. Kenyan President William Ruto has now abandoned the bill but vows to quash the conti...
Episode 352: Julian Assange - Justice Served?
June 27, 2024 20:46 - 13 minutes - 6.06 MBToday, Les, Jess, Bishop, and Amy discuss Wikileaks founder Julian Assange's plea deal with the Department of Justice in which he agreed to plead guilty to one count of espionage, in exchange for a sentence of five years in prison, which - due to time served in the U.K. - means he is a free man. Assange also refused to set foot on the mainland United States, appearing instead in Saipan (an American territory). Is this plea deal justice served? How does Assange’s case impact future accounta...
Episode 351: Houthis and Hezbollah – Ongoing Proxy Pressure
June 24, 2024 15:52 - 7 minutes - 3.35 MBToday, Jess, Les, Martha, and Jeffrey discuss two ongoing stories – increased border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which have raised fears in the region that the escalating tensions could turn into all-out war, as well as the Houthis ongoing attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. Should Israel and the United States be worried about escalation with Hezbollah? How would the group rate the Biden Administration’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East? Has the U.S. effectivel...
Episode 350: The Axis of Upheaval Deepens
June 21, 2024 15:32 - 10 minutes - 4.63 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Jeffrey discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to North Korea where he met with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, the first time President Putin has been to North Korea in over 20 years. At the end of the visit, Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defense agreement marking the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. What does this agreement mean for possible technology sharing between Russia and North K...
Episode 349: All Aboard the Ukrainian Peace Train?
June 17, 2024 15:23 - 8 minutes - 3.93 MBToday, Jess, Les, and Amy discuss the two-day peace summit in Switzerland dedicated to forging an end to the war in Ukraine with over 90 countries attending, including Vice President Kamala Harris on behalf of the U.S. The summit concluded with a communique reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity, among other things. Notably absent from the summit were Russia and China. Of those who did attend, several countries including India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates d...
Episode 348: Port Call in Cuba
June 14, 2024 15:10 - 11 minutes - 5.47 MBToday, Jess, Les, and Bishop discuss the arrival of a Russian flotilla, including a nuclear-powered submarine to the port of Havana, Cuba. This Russian show of force comes weeks after President Biden authorized Ukraine’s use of U.S.-provided weapons for strikes within Russian territory. Amidst the arrival of Russian ships, a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine made a “routine port visit” to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. What do we make of the timing of Russia’s visit to Cuba? Was the U.S. sub arriving ...
Episode 347: The Old World Tilts Right
June 12, 2024 15:26 - 12 minutes - 5.53 MBToday, Jess, Les, and Bishop discuss the outcome of the European Union’s parliamentary elections where 720 seats were up for grabs. After four days of voting, the centrist European People’s Party (EPP) was the biggest single winner with 186 seats. However, far-right parties are also set to win 150 seats many of which came from France, Italy, and Germany. What are the implications of this election for the U.S.’ trans-Atlantic policy? How does this election impact Europe's support of Ukraine?...
Episode 346: Sudan - From Bad to Worse
June 10, 2024 15:09 - 8 minutes - 3.99 MBToday, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss the ongoing civil war in Sudan between the Rapid Support Force (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) which has displaced over 8 million people. Most recently, the RSF assaulted Wad al-Nour village in the central Al-Jazira state on Wednesday, killing over 150 civilians, including women and children. This attack reinforces the assessment by the U.S. State Department in December 2023 that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing are ongo...
Episode 345: Lessons from D-Day
June 07, 2024 14:46 - 9 minutes - 4.24 MBToday, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss the 80th anniversary of D-Day, which marked the beginning of the end of Nazi-occupied Europe. President Biden joined many heads of state, including Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, in France yesterday to honor and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and democracy. In remarks, President Biden drew parallels between the allied fight in WWII and the need to once again defend democracy in the face of tyranny. At the 90th anniversary o...
Episode 344: Mixed Messages from the White House
June 05, 2024 16:16 - 10 minutes - 4.67 MBToday, Les, Jess, and Bishop discuss the recent developments in the War in Gaza including President Biden’s recent comments stating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war to stay in power. These comments come amidst a flurry of diplomatic activity by the United States to Egypt and Qatar to hammer out a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Why has President Biden made these public statements? How do these comments impact Israel’s policy on the war in Gaza? Were ...
Episode 343: 999 Trash Balloons
June 03, 2024 14:50 - 9 minutes - 4.38 MBToday, Jamil, Les, and Morgan discuss the recent developments on the Korean Peninsula including North Korea sending over hundreds of trash-filled balloons containing roughly 15 tonnes of waste to its southern neighbor. This was in response to South Korean activist groups sending balloons to the north containing propaganda pamphlets. The South Korean government is considering its response including resuming playing K-pop on loudspeakers across the DMZ toward the north. How does this tit-fo...
Episode 342: Biden’s Yellow (or Green) Light for Ukraine
May 31, 2024 15:28 - 9 minutes - 4.48 MBToday, Jamil, Les, and Morgan discuss U.S. President Joe Biden’s (limited) decision to permit Ukraine to use (some) American-supplied weapons to strike targets inside of Russia. Under pressure from European allies, the Biden administration appears—once again—to have evolved (part of) its policy for the supply and use of US weapons, but the restrictions that remain in place will likely continue to hamstring Ukraine’s effort to retake the advantage and ultimately bring the war to a successful...
Episode 341: An Icy Reception to the ICC
May 29, 2024 15:10 - 9 minutes - 13.1 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss recent developments amidst the Israel-Hamas war. The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor has sought arrest warrants for both the leadership of Hamas as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Additionally, Ireland, Spain, and Norway have officially recognized a Palestinian state leading Israel to recall their ambassadors in protest for “rewarding terror.” What are the impacts of Western recognit...
Episode 340: Biden's Kenyan Courtship
May 24, 2024 15:46 - 11 minutes - 5.4 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss President Biden hosting Kenyan President William Ruto for a state visit - the first state visit a U.S. president has held for a president of an African nation since 2008. Last night’s state dinner also marked the designation of Kenya as a U.S. Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). This dinner took place during President Ruto’s three-day state visit that coincides with Kenya’s imminent deployment of forces to Haiti, as part of a U.N.-led, largely U.S.-finan...
Episode 339: A Nickel for Democracy
May 22, 2024 15:33 - 8 minutes - 3.81 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss this week's deadly riots in the French South Pacific territory of New Caledonia where there is upheaval over a constitutional amendment passed by lawmakers in Paris expanding suffrage in the territory and diluting indigenous voting power. French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting the territory today and has deployed an additional 1,500 troops to quell the violence in the strategically important territory which is the 3rd largest nickel producer...
Episode 338: Ebrahim Raisi Is Dead
May 20, 2024 15:40 - 10 minutes - 4.59 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss this weekend’s fatal helicopter crash in the mountainous border region between Azerbaijan and Iran that led to the deaths of both the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, and Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian. The helicopter also carried the governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, a senior cleric from Tabriz, three crew members, and a Revolutionary Guard official. How does this crash impact the succession order of Iran's Supreme ...
Episode 337: Putin Bows to Xi in Beijing
May 17, 2024 15:54 - 8 minutes - 4.09 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Beijing at the head of a large delegation to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Russian offensive toward Kharkiv. This marks the first international trip by President Putin since his recent re-election to his 5th term as President of Russia. What message does this trip send? What role did the U.S. play in driving Russia closer to China? How does this ...
Episode 336: Heavy Metal: Strategic Competition Persists
May 15, 2024 15:34 - 12 minutes - 5.91 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Bishop discuss … copper! A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights the increasing competition between China and the United States over obtaining the critical mineral, which is used in everything from electric vehicles, solar panels, to cutting-edge military equipment, and is found across Latin America and in Central Africa. What is the Biden Administration's strategy to increase the US’ acquisition of copper? Is copper mining sustainable? How can the Unite...
Episode 335: China and Hungary: Europe’s New Storm Front?
May 13, 2024 16:05 - 9 minutes - 4.32 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, and Morgan discuss Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hungary, where Xi received a warm welcome from Hungarian Prime Minister Vicktor Orban. After their meeting, Xi and Orban announced that China and Hungary had elevated ties to an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership” and Orban endorsed China's peace plan for Ukraine, going against the rest of the NATO alliance. How will the deepening relationship between Hungary and China impact the NATO alliance? Wh...
Episode 334: Continental Drift? The EU Goes the Polls
May 10, 2024 15:06 - 9 minutes - 4.13 MBToday, Jess, Morgan, and Martha discuss the upcoming EU Parliament elections where up to 450 million people from 27 member states will elect roughly 700 parliamentary members in the world’s only directly elected transnational assembly. These elections have the power to shape the EU amid the conflict in Ukraine, rise of support for right-wing politics, and many questioning the very purpose of the European Union. What does this upcoming election show about the health of the EU’s unity? How mu...
Episode 333: Xi’s European Tour – An Olympic Truce?
May 08, 2024 16:08 - 9 minutes - 4.48 MBToday, Jess, Morgan, and Les discussed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to Europe where he is visiting three countries: France, Serbia, and Hungary. On Monday, Xi met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss China’s unfair trade practices and China’s ongoing support for Russia, before receiving a warmer welcome in the two Eastern European countries. Does Europe have the leverage needed to change China’s policies? Does Xi’s tour impact U.S.-EU relations? Can Europe provide a unif...
Episode 332: No End In Sight for the Gaza War?
May 06, 2024 14:37 - 7 minutes - 3.52 MBToday Morgan, Les, Bishop, and Andy discuss the recent rocket attack by Hamas on the Kerem Shalom border crossing in Gaza - the main entry point of humanitarian aid. This attack comes as the Biden administration reportedly withheld an ammunition shipment to Israel, and in Cairo, ceasefire and hostage negotiations are ongoing. Does withholding the ammunition shipment demonstrate a change in policy by the Biden administration? Will this attack impede negotiations to reach a ceasefire and hos...
Episode 331: Troubling Signs in Paradise
May 03, 2024 15:40 - 9 minutes - 4.18 MBToday Les, Morgan, Bishop, and Andy discussed the recent elections in the Solomon Islands in which former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele was elected as Prime Minister. The now-Prime Minister Manele is widely expected to continue the Solomon Islands’ shift toward closer ties with China which has included the derecognition of Taiwan and increasing security and policing ties. Why do the Solomon Islands matter geopolitically? How has the Biden administration handled the increasing influence...
Episode 330: Israeli Policy on Campus and in the Courts
May 01, 2024 15:33 - 14 minutes - 6.68 MBToday Jamil, Les, Morgan, and Bishop discussed the rash of nationwide campus protests against the Israel-Hamas War, focusing on Columbia University where over 100 students were arrested after occupying a building. They also discuss rumors of arrest warrants aimed at Israeli officials from the International Criminal Court and potential U.S. responses. What effect, if any, will the pressure from college campuses and international courts have on Israeli war policy and the U.S. role in the conf...
Episode 329: The Sahel Gives America the Boot
April 29, 2024 15:09 - 8 minutes - 4 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, and Morgan discuss the United States’ decision to begin pulling troops out of Chad and Niger after deteriorating relations with the couped states resulted in demands for U.S. troops to leave. Chad and Niger, have been key U.S. bases against terrorism in the region including Boko Haram, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, ISIS, and affiliated groups. Should the U.S. reprioritize Africa? Why does having bases in these countries matter for U.S. national security? Will the Un...
Episode 328: Fools Gold - China’s Olympic Cheating
April 26, 2024 16:43 - 13 minutes - 9.7 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss the New York Times’ report uncovering that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs on the eve of the 2021 Olympic Games. The report also revealed that the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency covered up these results. This report resurfaced the many Olympic scandals that have plagued China. Will this scandal damage China’s international reputation? Will this scandal convince the general publ...
Episode 327: Secretary Blinken Enters the Dragon’s Den
April 24, 2024 14:32 - 9 minutes - 4.57 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China where he will be meeting with senior Chinese officials. On the agenda - potential sanctions against Chinese financial institutions if China continues to support Russia’s build-up of its defense industrial base, including by providing significant quantities of machine tools, microelectronics, drone and turbojet engines, and technology for cruise missiles. Will the threat of sanctions against C...
Episode 326: The Largest Democracy Goes to the Polls!
April 22, 2024 15:31 - 9 minutes - 4.28 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, and Morgan discuss the ongoing Indian general election which began last week and goes through June 1, with over 950 million votes and a million polling places. The ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), seeks to expand its controlling majority from 350 seats to over 400 seats in the Parliament and allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi to obtain an unprecedented 3rd term. What role will this election play in U.S.-India relations? Will concerns of democratic back...
Episode 325: One for One, is Everyone Done?
April 19, 2024 14:33 - 10 minutes - 5.03 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Israel’s response to the over 300 drones and missiles launched against them by Iran earlier this week. Last night Israel struck the airbases near the Iranian city of Isfahan, near where Iran’s nuclear programme is located. The IAEA confirmed that there was no damage to Iran’s nuclear sites. Will this strike lead to further escalation? What was the message sent by Israel by the targets they picked to strike? Has Iran’s status decreased regionall...
Episode 324: Speaker Johnson's Aid Package Gambit
April 17, 2024 15:20 - 8 minutes - 3.92 MBToday, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss House Speaker Mike Johnson’s new strategy to pass the long-awaited aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific and his attempts to rebuff members of his own party who seek to oust him through a motion to vacate. What will the resulting aid package look like? What will the reputational impact for the United States be if the House fails to pass one or more of the aid bills? With an outstanding motion for Speaker Johnson to vacate the chair, wil...
Episode 323: Tehran Strikes Out
April 15, 2024 14:58 - 11 minutes - 5.07 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Iran’s massive drone and missile attack against Israel which occurred over the weekend. Israel, in a coordinated air defense operation with the U.S. and others, was able to intercept 99% of Iran’s missiles and drones. Israel’s war cabinet met yesterday to formulate a response, while the Biden Administration said the U.S. would not participate in a counter-strike. Did Iran intend this attack merely as theatre or as the opening salvo of a larger es...
Episode 322: Capitol Hill Shakeup Over Spy Powers
April 12, 2024 15:44 - 10 minutes - 4.82 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss another ongoing fight within Congress - the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a vital national security program that allows the U.S. to gather intelligence on foreign adversaries and terrorists. Earlier this week, former President Donald Trump called on House Republicans to "Kill FISA,” leading to 19 GOP House members joining Democrats in blocking FISA legislation from moving forward. Why is Section 702 ...
Episode 321: Will Johnson Be Ukraine’s Savior?
April 10, 2024 15:09 - 10 minutes - 4.82 MBToday, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss the ongoing conflicts within the U.S. House of Representatives over the $95 billion supplemental aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson faces threats from Republican rabble-rousers to oust him if he brings Ukraine aid to vote on the House floor. There is also speculation whether House Democrats will support the White House supplemental given the ongoing war in Gaza. How do these shakeups impact U.S. reputatio...
Episode 320: Mexican - Diplomatic - Standoff
April 08, 2024 15:40 - 7 minutes - 3.64 MBToday, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Ecuador’s recent decision to send police officers into the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who has been convicted on corruption and bribery charges. The raid has been with met international condemnation and Mexico has severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador. Why did Mexico grant political asylum to Jorge Glas? Are there any long-term implications for Ecuador’s violation of the Vienna Convention? Was Ecu...
Episode 319: Secretary Yellen Take 2
April 05, 2024 14:59 - 10 minutes - 5 MBToday, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s second trip to China, where she will advocate for fair treatment of American workers and businesses, press Chinese counterparts on unfair trade practices, and warn of the consequences of Chinese industrial overcapacity. This trip follows a domestic tour by Secretary Yellen to key swing states selling President Biden’s economic and industrial policies to the American Public. What is the Biden administration’s strateg...
Episode 318: Havana - or Moscow - Syndrome
April 03, 2024 15:37 - 8 minutes - 3.94 MBToday, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss a recent joint investigation by 60 Minutes, The Insider, and Der Spiegel on Havana syndrome – a mysterious illness causing a variety of debilitating symptoms often seen in American diplomats and intelligence officials – that points the finger at Russia. This report contracts the U.S. Intelligence Community’s formal assessment from a year ago that found it was “very unlikely” that symptoms were caused by enemy operatives. How credible is this joint invest...
Episode 317: The Four Horsemen Visit Sudan
April 01, 2024 15:20 - 10 minutes - 4.94 MBToday, Jamil, Les, Bishop, and Martha discuss the civil war in Sudan which is entering its second year with a UN report stating that Sudan needs 'immediate action' on hunger to avert widespread death due to famine. Amidst the hunger and conflict, Sudan has seen the outbreak of several deadly diseases including a Cholera outbreak which has impacted thousands. How can the United States help resolve the humanitarian crisis in Sudan? Does Iran and Russia’s backing opposing sides of the civil w...
Episode 316: West Philippine Sea Clashes
March 29, 2024 15:45 - 9 minutes - 4.52 MBToday, Jamil, Les, Bishop, and Andy discuss the recent confrontation between two Chinese Coast Guard ships and a Philippine Navy vessel near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands that resulted in injuries to several Philippine sailors after the use of high-pressure water cannons. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to counter what he called “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks” by China’s coast guard and said that the Philippines would not be “c...
Episode 315: The U.S. Breaks with Israel?
March 27, 2024 14:27 - 11 minutes - 5.08 MBToday, Jess, Les, Morgan, and John discuss the recent passing of a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. The United States angered Israel by abstaining from the vote, the fifth attempt to pass the resolution, which it previously vetoed leading to Israel canceling a visit to Washington by a high-level delegation. Is the Biden administration truly breaking with Israel in policy? Will the U.N. Security Council resolution impact the situation on the ground in Gaza?...
Episode 314: Terror Strikes the Heart of Moscow
March 25, 2024 15:59 - 9 minutes - 4.51 MBToday, Jess, Les, Morgan, and John discuss last week’s terror attack in Moscow at the Crocus City complex, which killed more than 130 people. ISIS-K, an Afghanistan-based offshoot of ISIS, claimed responsibility for the deadliest terror attack in Russia in decades, and Russia formally charged four men on Sunday for committing terrorism. What does this terror attack do to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strongman image? Does ongoing the war in Ukraine leave Russia more vulnerable to terro...
Episode 313: China Has Its Trade and Houthi Terror Too
March 22, 2024 20:44 - 9 minutes - 4.37 MBToday, Les, John, and Morgan discuss the recent deal brokered by Russia and China with the Houthi rebels in Yemen for the safe passage of their ships through the Red Sea amidst their continuous attacks on commercial shipping in the region. How effective have U.S. and allied strikes against the Houthis been at deterring attacks on shipping? What are the implications of the Houthi attacks on the freedom of navigation? What role does the UN Security Council play in this conflict? Check out th...
Episode 312: Local Elections - Geopolitical Impact
March 20, 2024 14:52 - 8 minutes - 4 MBToday, Jess, John, Bishop, and Morgan discuss Turkey’s upcoming local elections on March 31st, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) seek to regain the key cities lost in 2019 of Istanbul and Ankara. If the AKP regains control, President Erdogan has pledged further constitutional reform. How will these local elections impact Turkish foreign policy? What is the Biden Administration’s role in working with transactional powers such as Turkey?...
Episode 311: Is Niger Giving America the Boot?
March 18, 2024 15:42 - 11 minutes - 5.48 MBToday, Les, Jess, John, and Morgan discuss this weekend’s announcement by Niger’s junta that it was suspending military cooperation with Washington and ordering U.S. troops to leave the country. This comes upon the heels of a coup last summer in Niger, the resulting restrictions on U.S. aid to the country, and recent stories that U.S. and Western intelligence show that Niger is exploring a deal to allow Iran access to its uranium reserves. What did last week’s visit to Niger by U.S. offici...
Episode 310: Appeasement at Home and Abroad?
March 15, 2024 14:53 - 9 minutes - 4.54 MBToday, Les, Jess, Jamil, and Morgan discuss this week’s Financial Times report that broke the news that the Biden Administration held secret talks with Iran this year to convince Tehran to use its influence to end Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. They also discuss Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s calls for Israel to hold new elections. Were Senator Schumer’s comments driven by the upcoming election? Can the United States truly have productive negotiations with Iran? Is the Uni...
Episode 309: President Duda in Washington
March 13, 2024 15:47 - 10 minutes - 4.86 MBToday, Les, Jess, Jamil, and Morgan discuss Polish President Andrzej Duda’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with President Joe Biden and Congressional leaders to lobby for U.S. support for Ukraine. President Duda also sent a message to his NATO allies by suggesting that NATO members should raise defense spending to 3% of GDP, above the 2% requirement that only a third of the alliance meet. Will President Duda’s pressure campaign sway the minds of U.S. policymakers on Ukraine ...
Episode 308: Haiti on the Brink
March 11, 2024 14:10 - 9 minutes - 4.25 MBToday, Les, Jess, Jamil, and Morgan discuss the deteriorating situation in Haiti where criminal gangs have burned police stations, closed the main international airports, and raided the country’s two biggest prisons releasing thousands of prisoners, while acting Prime Minister and President of Haiti, Ariel Henry, remains in Puerto Rico after being unable to return to Haiti after recent trip to Kenya to build support for a peacekeeping mission. Should the United States intervene directly in...
Episode 307: Fault Lines on the State of the Union
March 08, 2024 16:35 - 10 minutes - 5.01 MBToday, Les, Jess, Jamil, and Morgan discuss President Biden’s State of the Union address, where contrary to some expectations, President Biden delivered a fiery speech beginning with references to FDR’s 1941 State of the Union speech given as war raged across Europe, and then touching upon the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war. What were the Fault Lines team’s reactions to the State of the Union speech? Did President Biden beat the team’s expectations? Did the President’s speech...
Episode 306: Benny in the Dog House
March 06, 2024 16:19 - 7 minutes - 3.54 MBToday, Les, Jess, Jamil, and Morgan discuss Israeli War Cabinet member and former Defense Minister Benny Gantz's visit to Washington, DC. Gantz met with Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza. What does this trip mean for the unity of the Israeli War Cabinet? Does Gantz's meeting with Vice President Harris indicate a shift in the Biden administration's handling of the war in Gaza? How do the domestic political situations ...
Episode 305: Guyana and Cuba - a Diplomatic Dance?
March 04, 2024 16:30 - 7 minutes - 3.66 MBToday, Les, Morgan, and Jamil discuss Guyana’s recent diplomatic overtures towards Cuba amidst the ongoing Crisis between Guyana and Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region. These overtures include the Guyanese President Irfaan Ali calling for the dismantling of sanctions against Cuba, to the University systems of both countries agreeing to collaborate, among many others. Are these diplomatic overtures a play to counter Venezuela with their ally Cuba, or is this an attempt by Guyana...