The John Batchelor Show

Hurricane Melissa: Concrete Kingston Spared, St. Catherine's Suffers Utter Devastation

Guest: Reverend Bill Develin

Reverend Bill Develin reports from Kingston, Jamaica, describing Hurricane Melissa as an "unbelievable storm" that surpasses others he has experienced. The Category 5 hurricane features incredible winds reaching 185 mph and torrential rainfall, creating a "toxic mix and meteorological disaster." Develin, located in Kingston on a hill in a concrete home, did not need to evacuate and notes that Kingston has "definitely been spared," though power has been out in his neighborhood for approximately 12 hours and half of New Kingston's business district remains in...

SHOW
10-28-25
CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR
1920 FORDS
THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT AI AND JOBLESSNESS.



FIRST HOUR

9-915
Market Relief, AI Layoffs, and Political Turmoil Guest: Elizabeth Peek Elizabeth Peek analyzes market relief following the temporary US-China trade truce, noting that President Trump effectively uses American consumer spending and tariff policy as a powerful geopolitical weapon. However, she expresses serious alarm over AI-driven mass layoffs across major corporations, including Amazon, coupled with a notable absence of substantive political debate addressing workforce...

Strengthening the US-Japan Alliance and Rare Earth Supply Guest: Grant Newsham Grant Newsham analyzes the successful meeting between President Trump and Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister. The two leaders agreed on rare earth supply cooperation, crucial for countering Chinese economic leverage and maintaining technological independence. Sai is focused on substantially increasing Japan's defense spending and addressing military recruitment shortfalls to strengthen regional capability. The United States values Japan's defensive posture as a critical bulwark against the People's Republic of China, making this alliance essential for Indo-Pacific stability.

Strengthening the US-Japan Alliance and Rare Earth Supply Guest: Grant Newsham Grant Newsham analyzes the successful meeting between President Trump and Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister, Takayuki Sai. The two leaders agreed on rare earth supply cooperation, crucial for countering Chinese economic leverage and maintaining technological independence. Sai is focused on substantially increasing Japan's defense spending and addressing military recruitment shortfalls to strengthen regional capability. The United States values Japan's defensive posture as a critical bulwark against the People's Republic of China, making this alliance essential for Indo-Pacific stability.
1942 MIDWAY

Google's Quantum Leap and the Advancing AI Frontier Guest: Brandon Weichert Brandon Weichert discusses Google's Willow quantum chip, which has achieved verifiable quantum advantage, surpassing supercomputers by a factor of 13,000. This breakthrough contrasts sharply with Microsoft's contested Majorana chip, which remains unproven. Weichert notes the rapid evolution of AI systems, including Grok and ChatGPT, each advancing in sophistication at an accelerating pace. He emphasizes that the future demands pairing artificial intelligence with quantum technology to unlock transformative computational capabilities beyond current limitations.
1941

Proliferation Risks from US Surplus Plutonium Sales Guest: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski critiques the Department of Energy's plan to sell 20 tons of surplus weapons-grade plutonium to American firms for use in new reactor designs. He warns that promoting plutonium fuel exports substantially raises international proliferation risks by bringing nations substantially closer to nuclear weapons capability. Sokolski notes that South Korea is actively seeking permission to recycle plutonium domestically, a development that increases nuclear uncertainty across the Korean Peninsula and challenges the global nonproliferation regime.
1955

China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America.

1906

China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America.

China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America.
1901

China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America.

UK "Chinese Spy" Case Collapses and Trump's Trade Deal Outcomes Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg discusses the collapse of the United Kingdom's high-profile Chinese espionage case involving Chris Cash and Chris Barry, highlighting the injustice of a media-driven trial despite allegations never being proven in court. The alleged intelligence supposedly passed was largely parliamentary rumors of minimal significance. Sternberg expresses disappointment with President Trump's temporary trade concessions from China, characterizing the outcome as underwhelming and questioning whether the deal achieves meaningful geopolitical objectives.

UK "Chinese Spy" Case Collapses and Trump's Trade Deal Outcomes Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg discusses the collapse of the United Kingdom's high-profile Chinese espionage case involving Chris Cash and Chris Barry, highlighting the injustice of a media-driven trial despite allegations never being proven in court. The alleged intelligence supposedly passed was largely parliamentary rumors of minimal significance. Sternberg expresses disappointment with President Trump's temporary trade concessions from China, characterizing the outcome as underwhelming and questioning whether the deal achieves meaningful geopolitical objectives.

1954

    Tariffs as a Consumer Tax and the Inflationary Impact Guest: Professor John Cochrane Professor John Cochrane explains that tariffs effectively function as a tax on American consumers and create a temporary bump in inflation throughout the economy. Retailers are currently absorbing substantial cost increases but will likely pass these expenses on to consumers after the Christmas holiday season. Cochrane notes the Federal Reserve faces a challenging policy dilemma: tariffs increase prices, yet there is mounting political pressure to lower interest rates. He characterizes tariffs as a potentially costly geopolitical weapon with uncertain strategic benefits.

Tariffs as a Consumer Tax and the Inflationary Impact Guest: Professor John Cochrane Professor John Cochrane explains that tariffs effectively function as a tax on American consumers and create a temporary bump in inflation throughout the economy. Retailers are currently absorbing substantial cost increases but will likely pass these expenses on to consumers after the Christmas holiday season. Cochrane notes the Federal Reserve faces a challenging policy dilemma: tariffs increase prices, yet there is mounting political pressure to lower interest rates. He characterizes tariffs as a potentially costly geopolitical weapon with uncertain strategic benefits.

1917

Gaza Conflict Persists and Iran's Nuclear Threat Revived Guest: Jonathan Schanzer Jonathan Schanzer confirms the Gaza conflict continues unabated, with Israel responding to ongoing Hamas attacks while Hamas deliberately slow-rolls hostage returns to maintain negotiating leverage. Hamas's fighting force is now commanded by inexperienced officers and young combatants operating in shrinking territory with diminishing resources. Schanzer also addresses alarming reports that Iran is rebuilding a suspect nuclear enrichment site, underscoring that maintaining peace requires constant vigilance and sustained pressure against malevolent actors determined to destabilize the region.

Gaza Conflict Persists and Iran's Nuclear Threat Revived Guest: Jonathan Schanzer Jonathan Schanzer confirms the Gaza conflict continues unabated, with Israel responding to ongoing Hamas attacks while Hamas deliberately slow-rolls hostage returns to maintain negotiating leverage. Hamas's fighting force is now commanded by inexperienced officers and young combatants operating in shrinking territory with diminishing resources. Schanzer also addresses alarming reports that Iran is rebuilding a suspect nuclear enrichment site, underscoring that maintaining peace requires constant vigilance and sustained pressure against malevolent actors determined to destabilize the region.

1965 GAZA

Market Relief, AI Layoffs, and Political Turmoil Guest: Elizabeth Peek Elizabeth Peek analyzes market relief following the temporary US-China trade truce, noting that President Trump effectively uses American consumer spending and tariff policy as a powerful geopolitical weapon. However, she expresses serious alarm over AI-driven mass layoffs across major corporations, including Amazon, coupled with a notable absence of substantive political debate addressing workforce displacement. Peek warns that the rise of an inexperienced, anti-capitalist mayoral candidate threatens New York City's economic prosperity and competitiveness in an increasingly challenging urban landscape.

Market Relief, AI Layoffs, and Political Turmoil Guest: Elizabeth Peek Elizabeth Peek analyzes market relief following the temporary US-China trade truce, noting that President Trump effectively uses American consumer spending and tariff policy as a powerful geopolitical weapon. However, she expresses serious alarm over AI-driven mass layoffs across major corporations, including Amazon, coupled with a notable absence of substantive political debate addressing workforce displacement. Peek warns that the rise of an inexperienced, anti-capitalist mayoral candidate threatens New York City's economic prosperity and competitiveness in an increasingly challenging urban landscape.

1957

PREVIEW: Tariffs, Inflation, and the Federal Reserve

Guest: John Cochrane

John Cochrane discusses the Federal Reserve's dilemma regarding tariffs and inflation. Tariffs are expected to cause a one-time rise in prices, which the Fed may overlook, but this complicates efforts to control persistent inflation, currently stuck at 3%. The President is seeking lower interest rates primarily to reduce debt service costs, adding pressure on the Fed to ease its stance. The challenge lies in distinguishing between temporary price increases from tariffs and underlying structural inflation that requires sustained monetary restraint. This dynamic tension between political demands and...

PREVIEW: The U.S.-Japan Alliance in the Pacific

Guest: Grant Newsham

Grant Newsham assesses the critical U.S.-Japan alliance in the Pacific as indispensable for regional stability. Japan relies on the U.S. military presence for defense protection, primarily against the threatening rise of China. Conversely, the U.S. needs Japan to maintain its own regional strength and capability. Furthermore, Japan is a top investor in the United States, supporting numerous well-paying jobs and emphasizing the depth of this multifaceted partnership. The alliance extends beyond defense to encompass significant economic interdependence, making the relationship...

PREVIEW: AI and Employment: The Unemployment Question

Guest: Liz Peek

Liz Peek notes the slow start to the national conversation about AI-driven unemployment despite the technology's accelerating impact. She questions the political reaction if mass layoffs begin across sectors. AI is already delivering massive productivity gains for large S&P 500 companies, causing their stocks to rise sharply. However, small businesses, represented by the Russell 2000 index, are currently being left behind. This divergence raises concerns about widening economic inequality and the need for proactive policy discussions about workforce transition and retraining in an AI-dominated economy.

REVIEW: Hamas Challenges in Gaza: Internal Power Dynamics

Guest: Jonathan Schanzer

Jonathan Schanzer discusses potential challenges to Hamas leadership in Gaza from internal factions following the cessation of intense fighting. Powerful clans, such as the Doughmush clan, and militias, like the Abu Shabbab, may attempt to create zones of influence safe from Hamas control. Some groups actively oppose Hamas's governance, indicating a fracturing internal power dynamic. As external military pressure diminishes, these internal rivalries may intensify, potentially destabilizing Hamas's hold on power and reshaping Gaza's political landscape in unexpected ways.

PREVIEW: South Korea, Plutonium, and Nuclear Proliferation

Guest: Henry Sokolski

Henry Sokolski addresses the Department of Energy's plutonium availability and the possibility of South Korea acquiring or producing plutonium to match North Korea's nuclear capabilities. Greenlighting South Korea to recycle plutonium and enrich uranium represents a major nonproliferation concern. South Korea already possesses some technology to pursue these capabilities independently, raising the stakes for policy decisions. The proliferation implications of allowing advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies to spread beyond current holders pose significant regional and global security challenges.

PREVIEW: Quantum Computing: The Next Frontier

Guest: Brandon Weichert

Brandon Weichert reports on quantum computing as the "next wave" and frontier of computational power. Google recently achieved a major breakthrough by successfully testing stable quantum communication. While AI currently dominates technological discourse, Weichert believes that within 10 to 20 years, AI must be paired with quantum technology to fulfill its transformative potential. Quantum computing represents the next evolutionary leap in information processing capabilities, capable of solving problems intractable for classical computers and fundamentally reshaping industries from pharmaceuticals to cryptography.

Reverend Bill Devlin Braves Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in Kingston, Jamaica
Guest: Reverend Bill Devlin
Host John Batchelor interviews Reverend Bill Devlin, who is in Kingston, Jamaica, facing Hurricane Melissa, described as a rare Category 5 storm. Melissa is the strongest storm on the planet this year, featuring winds of 150 mph with expected gusts up to 175 mph. The hurricane is anticipated to make landfall on Jamaica's southern coast, passing through May Pen toward Montego Bay. Devlin is sheltering on a balcony overlooking Kingston, which is experiencing torrential rains and gale winds. Despite local catastrophic flooding, Kingston appears well-prepared, as the...

SHOW
10-25-27
CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR

THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT PAKISTAN



FIRST HOUR

9-915

Afghan-Pakistan Peace Talks and the Imprisonment of Imran Khan. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio discuss Afghan-Pakistan peace talks, which are unlikely to achieve long-term peace as Pakistan feels "cocky." Trump's efforts are seen as ironic, given the issues stemming from the Doha agreement. Discussion turns to Imran Khan's imprisonment; the military fears his party's survival and aims to keep him from power. China's financial support...

 Trump Demands Higher Defense Spending from New Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi. Lance Gatling reports on President Trump's visit to Tokyo and his meeting with the new Prime Minister, Takaichi. Trump is expected to demand increased defense spending. Takaichi plans to accelerate doubling the defense budget to 2% of GDP. A major concern is Trump asking Japan to stop buying energy from Russia, which supplies Japanese LNG. Takaichi enjoys surprisingly strong domestic support.
1958

US Tariffs Drive Canada Toward Greater Economic Integration with China. Charles Burton discusses how US tariff aggression, fueled by Premier Doug Ford quoting Ronald Reagan to criticize US trade policy, is pushing Canada toward China. The uncertainty over Trump's response makes negotiating difficult, prompting speculation Canada may renew free trade talks with Beijing, remove investment restrictions, and possibly join the Belt and Road Initiative.
1910 OTTAWA ROWING CLUB

Trump's Tariff Policy Gains Victory in Trade Truce with China. Alan Tonelson assesses the US-China trade truce, viewing it as a major victory for President Trump's tariff policies. China agreed to delay rare earth export controls and buy US farm goods. This move is seen as desperate by Xi Jinping, whose economy is undermined by US technology curbs. China's predatory practices defined the relationship until Trump decided to use American leverage.


1919  MAO

   US Pressure on Xi Jinping May Lead to Release of Jimmy Lai. Mark Simon is encouraged that President Trump plans to raise the fate of persecuted publisher Jimmy Lai with Xi Jinping. Simon believes China must resolve the "Jimmy Lai problem" but will likely demand concessions, such as sanctions relief. Lai's release, potentially via a humanitarian or commuted sentence route, would pave the way for the release of hundreds of other Hong Kong dissidents.

Milei's Libertarian Win in Argentina Signals 'MAGA Tide' in Latin America. Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo analyze Javier Milei's decisive win in Argentina, viewing it as a model for Latin America and a victory for Donald Trump. The result signals a reduction of the "pink tide" and emergence of a "MAGA tide." Trump is leveraging trade talks to pressure Brazil's President Lula da Silva regarding Bolsonaro and alignment with China, reconfiguring power in the region.

1930

Milei's Libertarian Win in Argentina Signals 'MAGA Tide' in Latin America. Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo analyze Javier Milei's decisive win in Argentina, viewing it as a model for Latin America and a victory for Donald Trump. The result signals a reduction of the "pink tide" and emergence of a "MAGA tide." Trump is leveraging trade talks to pressure Brazil's President Lula da Silva regarding Bolsonaro and alignment with China, reconfiguring power in the region.

AQAP Targets Anti-Houthi Forces Amidst Cooperation with Houthis and Iran. Bridget Toomey reports on AQAP's attack on anti-Houthi Yemeni soldiers. AQAP and the Houthis have an informal non-aggression agreement, sometimes cooperating on weapon smuggling. Iran supplies advanced arms to the Houthis and has maintained a relationship with al-Qaeda leadership for two decades. This cooperation, despite sectarian differences, aims to destabilize Yemen and the region.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Poised to De-escalate Trade Dispute with Trump. Conrad Black analyzes the US-Canada trade dispute ignited by Ontario Premier Doug Ford's ad criticizing US tariffs. Black notes that while Ford was "cheeky," President Trump overreacted by suspending negotiations and mandating 10% tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney, seen as a diplomatic and well-informed figure, is expected to de-escalate the issue and work toward a reasonable agreement at the upcoming Asian conference.

1913 WINNIPEG

Anti-Hamas Clans and Militias Challenge Hamas's Control in Gaza. Ahmad Sharawi discusses the challenge to Hamas's power in Gaza by anti-Hamas clans and militias, some allegedly backed by Israel. Groups like the Dughmush clan and Yasser Abu Shabbab's Popular Forces contest Hamas's control and monopolization of aid. Hamas deters these rivals, labeling them "collaborators," as Gaza fragments into controlled pockets or "bantustans."
1922 GUNFIGHT GAZA

Russia Tests Nuclear Missile Amid Tough Winter and Increased US Sanctions. John Hardie analyzes Russia's reported successful test of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile. This test is likely aimed at pressuring the US into arms control talks, rather than impacting the Ukraine battlefield. On the ground, the situation in Pokrovsk has deteriorated due to Russian infiltration. The US has shifted from diplomacy to pressure, imposing sanctions on major Russian oil companies.

1957

Hamas Slow-Rolls Hostage Returns to Avoid Disarmament, as Iran Remains Defiant. Malcolm Hoenlein discusses Hamas's slow-rolling of deceased hostage returns to avoid disarmament, a key condition of the peace talks. He notes Iran remains defiant, reconstituting its nuclear program at sites like Tehran 2 and using Georgia to evade sanctions. The discussion also covers the naming of a successor for PA President Abbas and highlights Javier Milei's landslide victory in Argentina as a stabilizing factor in South America.

Hamas Slow-Rolls Hostage Returns to Avoid Disarmament, as Iran Remains Defiant. Malcolm Hoenlein discusses Hamas's slow-rolling of deceased hostage returns to avoid disarmament, a key condition of the peace talks. He notes Iran remains defiant, reconstituting its nuclear program at sites like Tehran 2 and using Georgia to evade sanctions. The discussion also covers the naming of a successor for PA President Abbas and highlights Javier Milei's landslide victory in Argentina as a stabilizing factor in South America.
1922

Iran Defies West on Nuclear Program Despite Loss of Key Scientists. Jonathan Schanzer discusses Iran's defiant nuclear program, noting the procurement of air defense systems from Russia and China is debatable. A major setback has been the loss of nuclear scientists due to targeted assassinations. Iran is heavily supporting the Houthis (now a full proxy), sending ballistic missile components and IRGC officials to help assemble them in Yemen. Snapback sanctions' impact on Iran's partnerships with Russia and China remains uncertain.

1543

Israel Seeks Reliable Multinational Force to Prevent Hamas Resurgence in Gaza. David Daoud discusses Israel's primary concern regarding a multinational force in Gaza: ensuring its reliability to prevent Hamas's resurgence or rearmament. Hamas is reasserting control and slow-rolling the recovery of remaining hostages' bodies to establish the ceasefire. US drones monitor adherence to the ceasefire. Israel has ended the emergency status in the south, signaling a slow return to normal life.

1939 RAMALLAH