Middle East Shitshow - MESS

The discussion integrates a guest, David Alpher, a conflict resolution expert (and visiting family member). He and Yossi discuss the link between intelligence, clandestine operations, and peacebuilding, emphasizing the credibility Yossi's security background lent to his efforts. Yossi illustrates by recounting a pivotal moment in 1977 when he was considered for a role in peacemaking between Israel and Egypt. The conversation shifts to the current situation in Gaza, criticizing the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping and stabilization forces, particularly UNRWA, and the surprising role the European Union is currently playing at the Rafah crossing.

In this episode of the Middle East Shit-Show, Yossi and Daniella move from the recent Iran-US negotiations in Oman to the historical and current geopolitical dynamics in the region. They touch on the Palestinian issue, noting the slow evolution of the Trump administration's Gaza plans. The conversation then moves to the highly fragmented Bab al-Mandeb region: the historical ties between Israel and Oman, including Israeli support for the newly independent Sultanate in the 1960s and 1970s; Israeli aid to Yemen and today's Houthis back then, and the potential for Israeli strategic ties with Somaliland to counter current Houthi threats.<...

In their second pilot podcast, Daniella and Yossi Alpher discuss Iran, Gaza and Syria. They focus on the potential for a U.S. attack on Iran, the impact on Israel, and the regional dynamics involving Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan. They debate the likelihood of regime change in Iran and the preparedness of the Revolutionary Guard. The conversation shifts to the Gaza ceasefire, the role of Trump, and the challenges of disarming Hamas. They also explore the Kurdish situation in Syria, the potential threats from Turkey, and the complexities of U.S. troop withdrawal and the imprisonment of...

Yossi Alpher and his daughter, Daniella Alpher, discuss the strategic aspects of the Middle East in their pilot episode. Yossi, an Israeli with extensive experience in the Mossad and a strategic thinktank, explains the complexities of the Israel-Arab conflict, including the role of Iran and the US. They delve into Trump's peace forum for Gaza, criticizing its structure and potential members, particularly Qatar and Turkey, who support Hamas. Yossi recounts historical attempts to resettle Gazans and shares personal experiences in Gaza, highlighting the region's challenges and the lack of a viable strategy for its governance.