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S8 Ep1149: Samuel Ben-Ur and Bill Roggio. The Hamas political bureau has relocated to Istanbul, choosing Khalil al-Hayya as a leader closely Jul 21, 2026

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Samuel Ben-Ur and Bill Roggio. The Hamas political bureau has relocated to Istanbul, choosing Khalil al-Hayya as a leader closely aligned with Iran and Hezbollah. Inside Gaza, Hamas continues to obstruct food distribution and hijack aid supplies. While Israel successfully eliminated several military commanders, the organization has yet to name replacements. New "pilot zones" are being explored to distribute aid through Palestinian alternatives, potentially bypassing Hamas control. (10)
1962 YEMEN

S8 Ep1149: Bridget Toomey. The Houthis have declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, targeting ports and vessels in the Red Sea to demand Jul 21, 2026

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Bridget Toomey. The Houthis have declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, targeting ports and vessels in the Red Sea to demand compensation for the civil war. While their missile capabilities rely on Iran, the Houthis have refined domestic drone production using Chinese components. Shippers are already rerouting around Africa, as even the threat of sporadic attacks makes transiting the Bab al-Mandeb a risk global enterprises are unwilling to take. (9)
1962 SOVIET EMBASSY YEMEN

S8 Ep1149: Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo. In Venezuela, "pot-banging" protests reflect deep public anger toward an illegitimate Jul 21, 2026

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Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo. In Venezuela, "pot-banging" protests reflect deep public anger toward an illegitimate interim government that failed to manage earthquake recovery. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has imposed tariffs on Brazil following Lula's refusal to fight organized crime and his alignment with the BRICS currency initiative. Ernesto Araújo argues these tariffs are a geopolitical tool to pressure Brazil back into the "free world" and away from totalitarian influences. (8)
1962 YEMMEN

S8 Ep1149: Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo. Alejandro Peña Esclusa highlights CIA-documented election interference in Venezuela sp Jul 21, 2026

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Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo. Alejandro Peña Esclusa highlights CIA-documented election interference in Venezuela spanning 20 years, delegitimizing the current regime. In Brazil, the Supreme Court is restricting visits to the popular but ill Jair Bolsonaro, a move Ernesto Araújo describes as micromanaging the upcoming election. These actions by Lula da Silva's allies signal a fear of Bolsonaro's influence, leading to a breakdown of legal standards in the country. (7)
1960 YEMEN

S8 Ep1149: Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus Marta. An experiment with "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon involves Israeli troop withdrawals and Jul 21, 2026

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Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus Marta. An experiment with "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon involves Israeli troop withdrawals and replacement by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure. In Washington, 103 Democrats signed a resolution to deny aid to Israel, a move Hoenlein attributes to political intimidation rather than violations of law. Furthermore, a reported detention of Ro Khanna in a military zone was characterized as a "concocted" confrontation. (6)
1968

S8 Ep1149: Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus MCCOTTER. Iran has expanded its attacks to seven countries, including strikes on desalination plant Jul 21, 2026

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Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus MCCOTTER. Iran has expanded its attacks to seven countries, including strikes on desalination plants in Kuwait and a ballistic missile fired at Saudi Arabia. Malcolm Hoenlein reports the U.S. is hitting infrastructure near Bandar Abbas to isolate Iran's ability to harass shipping. Additionally, the Houthis have escalated threats against the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb, acting as a "wholly dependent" tool of Iranian regional pressure. (5)
1949

S8 Ep1149: Melik Kaylan and Gordon Chang. Melik Kaylan suggests Putin is increasingly isolated, facing potential threats from his own Praeto Jul 21, 2026

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Melik Kaylan and Gordon Chang. Melik Kaylan suggests Putin is increasingly isolated, facing potential threats from his own Praetorian guards as domestic desperation grows. However, the dismissal of Ukraine's popular defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, may have inadvertently delayed Putin's demise. Fedorov, credited with turning the tide of war through digital innovation and anti-corruption audits, was sacked following infighting with "Old Guard" military leadership, sparking protests in Kyiv. (4)
1916 YEMEN

S8 Ep1149: Alan Tonelson and Gordon Chang. Despite a trade truce declared last October, the U.S. remains dependent on China for rare earths Jul 21, 2026

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Alan Tonelson and Gordon Chang. Despite a trade truce declared last October, the U.S. remains dependent on China for rare earths and critical minerals. Alan Tonelson notes that while China's domestic economy is weak, it maintains a "chokehold" on products essential for AI and military technology. The Trump administration's decision to remove trade sanctions on Hong Kong is viewed as a puzzling move that may create a hole in the sanctions regime. (3)
1902 YEMEN

S8 Ep1149: Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio. Experts argue maximalist positions prevent resolution as Iran views survival as victory while the Jul 21, 2026

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Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio. Experts argue maximalist positions prevent resolution as Iran views survival as victory while the U.S. relies on ineffective bombing. Roggio emphasizes that despite pressure, the regime remains capable of striking ships, functioning as its version of a nuclear weapon. Both analysts suggest building an effective resistance takes time and secrecy, elements currently lacking in the noisy political environments of Washington and Israel. (2)
1894 YEMEN

S8 Ep1149: Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio. A tanker fire in the Straits of Hormuz and consecutive days of missile exchanges signal a "war re Jul 21, 2026

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Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio. A tanker fire in the Straits of Hormuz and consecutive days of missile exchanges signal a "war restart." Ambassador Haqqani argues neither side can afford to look weak, leading to a stalemate of aerial bombing without a clear plan for regime change. Roggio and Haqqani agree air power alone cannot secure ground, and the estimated 600,000 troops required for a ground invasion is "science fiction." (1)
1767 YEMEN

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