badlands podcast by borzou daragahi
incisive and engaging commentary and intelligence on global affaiirs borzou.substack.com
Escalating Protests And Terrorist Violence Rattle France (S01E178)
Monday, October 26, 2026, Paris
A shocking act of violence in a western suburb Paris has further rattled France amid ongoing protests and calls for a general strike.
In the latest free episode of badlands, host Borzou Daragahi summarizes the uprising in France and reviews the details of the recent violent attack. He also
He also describes the protests as a call for inclusion within a rigid, elitist system increasingly out of touch with the nation.
Notes:
* The suspect in the deadly shooting rampage in Paris’ western suburbs of Trappes and La...
What The Media Tells You About Iran Is Wrong (S01E177)
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Friday, October 23, 2026, Costa del Sol, Spain
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently described long lines at gas stations inside Iran, while news accounts from the West said salaries for teachers and nurses weren’t being paid.
Social media influencer and documentary filmmaker Mohsen Jahori is inside Iran, living in the city of Kermanshah and traveling around the country. He says little of it is true. Yes, there are occasionally lines at gas stations, but nothing out of the or...
Why Saudi Arabia Fell Back Into The Yemen Trap (S01E172)
Friday, October 16, 2026, Paris
The war between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Ansar Allah has escalated dramatically, undermining the Arabian Peninsula’s financial aspirations and unsettling the global economy.
In the latest episode of badlands, scholar and former US diplomat Annelle Sheline joins host Borzou Daragahi for an extraordinary discussion of Yemen’s history and how the Saudi Arabia appears to have stumbled into a trap set up Ansar Allah, or the Houthis as they are popularly known.
The Quincy Institute analyst also discusses her public departure from the US State Department over Washington’s suppor...
The Ugly Age Of Empires That Is Now Returning (S01E176)
Thursday, October 22, 2026, Gibraltar
Right now Gibraltar is known mostly as a sunny getaway for UK pensioners, a British enclave on the Iberian Peninsula with ye olde charm and a famous rock used as the logo of an American insurance company.
But for centuries, Gibraltar—which abuts the strait between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea—was a hotly contested piece of real estate contested by various empires and monarchs.
In the latest episode of badlands, host Borzou Daragahi visits the enclave, offers a brief tour, and ruminates on the newly emerging age of empi...
Bombshell: Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Ambitions Began Under The Shah (S01E169)
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Paris
Why is the US buying diesel fuel from Russia while supporting Ukraine? Why is the Saudi Arabia hiding images of the damage being inflicted by Yemen’s Houthis? And why is the UK warning of an alleged Iranian attack on its soil without actually releasing any details of the plot?
In the latest of episode of badlands, I briefly touch upon these late-breaking news developments—all of which are a consequence of the US decision to attack Iran over its nuclear program.
That nuclear program is the subject of a new...
The Real Relationship Between Iran And The Houthis (S01E175)
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Costa del Sol, Spain
The war between Yemen’s Ansar Allah and Saudi Arabia continues to rage, with the city of Taiz under siege and dozens of recruits killed in a missile attack. Saudi Arabia has canceled flights and international conferences, dealing a severe blow to the kingdom’s ambitions.
In the latest episode of badlands, University of Ottawa professor Thomas Juneau joins host Borzou Daragahi to offer up his well-informed assessments of the Houthis’ ambitions, capabilities, and ties with its patron, Iran.
Borzou also discuss the latest from the Middle East a...
Inside Iran’s Machinery Of Death And Torture (S01E167)
Friday, October 9, 2026, Paris
Iran continues to execute political dissidents at an unprecedented rate, flouting its laws and international standards in applying the death penalty to cases that clearly do not merit it.
In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss Iran’s use of the death penalty and how the regime is crushing hope for any change inside the country.
The episode features part 2 of my interview with environmental activist Morad Tahbaz, in which he details his arrest in Iran and confinement inside Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, the topic of his memoir “Green...
Taking On Marco Rubio’s Middle East Delusions (S01E174)
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Costa del Sol, Spain
Marco Rubio recently gave an interview to the rightwing Breitbart News prompted by his October 7 speech in Athens about the administration’s embrace of “Western Civilization.”
In the latest totally free episode of badlands, Borzou Daragahi dissects the secretary of state’s inaccuracies, falsehoods, and deranged illusions regarding antiquity, US foreign policy, and the Middle East.
Borzou kicks off the discussion by questioning Rubio’s qualifications, arguing that despite his political stature, his grasp on international issues is alarmingly thin. He points out the glaring contradictions in Rubio’s na...
How The Gulf Plays Both Sides In The Ukraine-Russia War (S01E166)
Thursday, October 8, 2026, Paris
Earlier this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tried to convince Gulf countries to join the effort to counter Russia’s invasion of his country, to frame the conflict against Islamic Republic and Putin’s autocracy as part of the same war.
It was a tough sell. Russia has deep financial and diplomatic ties to the Gulf states.
In the latest episode of badlands, Anastasiya Shapochkina and Bohdan Kostiuk join me for an interview about their recent report, “Fault Lines Exposed: Russia–GCC Relations After the Iran War.” It examines the three-way...
Iran’s Wrestlers Of Mass Destruction Smuggled Into Las Vegas (S0E173)
Monday, October 19, 2026, Costa del Sol, Spain
A team of Iranian Greco-Roman wrestlers sneaks into Las Vegas, competing at the World Championship without drawing any major media attention. In the latest totally free episode of badlands, host Borzou Daragahi unveils the story behind this covert operation, revealing how a national team achieved remarkable success while evading the spotlight.
Also in the episode, Borzou discusses the horrific attacks by Israelis against Palestinians, an American journalist, and European diplomats and what they signal about Israel. He assesses the significance of Egypt’s declaration of military support for Saudi Ar...
The Inside Story Of How Saudi Arabia Was Transformed (S01E163)
Friday, October 2, 2026, Istanbul
For more than a decade, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has undertaken effort to transform Saudi Arabia from a staid welfare state largely dependent on oil revenues and imported labor into a more dynamic economy.
Former Swedish Minister of Employment Sven Otto Littorin has spent the better part of the last 10 years inside Saudi Arabia’s labor ministry as an adviser to the government. He helped come up with the reforms and new policies that have brought women into the workforce for the time first time in the country’s history and help...
It Will Take A Lot More Than Elections To Bring Down Trumpism (S01E171)
Thursday, October 15, 2026, Paris
It appears that Donald Trump is about to face some measure of accountability—or at least comeuppance—for his actions. His party seems set to be punished in upcoming midterm elections.
In the latest episode of badlands, host Borzou Daragahi discusses the impending consequences for Trump and the Republican Party as the upcoming elections approach. He reflects on Trump's delusional nature and the anger brewing among Americans populace following a series of transgressions and broken promises, including the war he launched against Iran.
The discussion delves into the historical roots of T...
War, And Rumors of War Across The Middle East (S01E170)
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Paris
We’re on the precipice of a major escalation in the Middle East, drawing in numerous regional countries and global powers.
In the latest totally free episode of badlands, I sort through the various dimensions of the conflict—from the Iranian strikes on ships passing through the US-protected corridor along the Strait of Hormuz, to the uneasy, temporary calm between Hezbollah and Israel and southern Lebanon, as well as the raging battles between Yemen’s Ansar Allah government in Sana’a and Saudi Arabia.
I also examine the Fairford airbase incident...
The Kids Are Right: Why France’s Protests Are Spreading (S01E168)
Monday, October 12, 2026, Paris
Student protests continue to expand across Europe, shaking France, Spain, and Belgium and revealing the underlying crises that threaten public trust and social stability.
In the latest totally free episode of badlands, I unpack the escalating protests—including at my own daughter’s school—their implications for the future.
With hundreds of thousands of students taking to the streets in France, I discuss the overcrowded classrooms and staff shortages that sparked the protests last month, as well as well as broader dissatisfaction with government’s neoliberal policies.
In intervie...
Iran’s Economy Crushed Under Sanctions, Blockade, Mismanagement (S01E162)
Thursday, October 1, 2026, Istanbul
Tehran tech entrepreneur Hamidreza Ahmadi joins badlands from Tehran to discuss the state of the economy inside Iran. He describes enormous pressure on ordinary Iranians, compounded by the government’s refusal to shift away from its version of neoliberal economics.
In addition, I discuss the latest on the comical alleged attack on a UK military base, the alleged terrorist incident aboard a FlyDubai flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, energy prices and escalation in the Iran-US war, and the ongoing financial scandal in Turkey.
badlands is a viewer-supported podcast. To re...
Germany’s Israel-Friendly Ex-Spy Chief Busted In Espionage Scandal (S01E165)
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Paris
Α messy divorce case in Germany led to the discovery of evidence that the country’s former intelligence chief is was allegedly providing state secrets to another country.
In the latest episode of badlands, I break down the case of August Hanning, Germany’s fanatically pro-Israel former intel chief and what is says about Europe’s disturbing ties to a particularly controversial country.
Also, in interviews with India’s NewsX world I discuss the Cornell 7 controversy and the White House’s latest attempt to stave off government intervention on artificial intelligence.
badlan...
Why Saudi Will Likely Lose Its New War Against Houthis (S01E164)
Monday, October 5, 2026, Paris
As if the Middle East didn’t have enough troubles, as if energy markets weren’t already constrained, Saudi Arabia declared a fresh military offensive against Yemen’s Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, which controls the capital and an expanding swath of territory.
The escalation comes amid major victories by Ansar Allah in it’s attempt to expand control over Yemen.
In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the latest Saudi Arabia's offensive and try to show why it is likely bound for failure.
I also dis...
The Stalemate In The Middle East Won’t Last (S01E160)
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Istanbul
More and more oil is getting out of the Strait of Hormuz, helping the Trump administration bolster its argument is “winning” its conflict against the US.
But is the US framing of the contest even the right way to look at the conflict, especially when sneaking oil out of the Persian Gulf is costing American taxpayers untold millions and perhaps billions.
In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz and assess the contention that the US is “winning.”
Also, I intervie...
Neocons Still Lusting After Iran War ‘Wins’ (S01E161)
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Istanbul
Most normal people would be relieved when a reports of a possible terrorist attack turns out to be a false alarm.
Not so the neocons and their less conspicuous fellow travelers in the international media and intelligentsia. They voiced disappointment and even rage when it turned what was initially hyped as possible Iranian “terror” attack on a UK military base turned out to be a group of w*****s trying to steal diesel from the local yokels.
In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the mental gyrations and conniving cyni...
‘Ponzi Scheme’: Massive Financial Scandal Engulfs Turkey (S01E159)
Monday, September 28, 2026, Istanbul
Turkey is being rocked by one of the worst financial scandals in its history, with some estimated that $19 billion in investor assets have been pilfered.
What’s worse, many of those allegedly involved in the collapse of Tera Investment are connected to the ruling Justice and Development Party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In the latest episode of badlands, I break down the scandal and discuss the mounting public outrage.
Also, in interviews with India’s NewsX World, I discuss a gamut of topics, including Xi Jinping’s visit...
The Iran War Redraws The Rules (S01E157)
Thursday, September 24, 2026, Istanbul
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly that the Middle East will not be safe so long as Iran is under threat.
In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss Iran’s new position and what it means for the region and the world.
Also in an interview with Obsidian Risk Advisors founder Brett Erickson, we assess the new US restrictions imposed on Iran’s aviation sector and the impact of sanctions on civilians, as well as the overall US strategy.
Bret...
Neocon Wars Have All Been Failures. Will Iran Be Different?
Tuesday, 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 the 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 Mi...
Why The Relationship Between The US And Iran Is So Bizarre (S01E158)
Friday, September 25, 2026, Istanbul
America has long had adversaries, but it has also communicated with those adversaries. It staffed its embassy in Nazi Germany well into the Second World War. All of which makes the relationship between the US and Iran so anomalous.
In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the history of US-Iran relations and why they are so bad…and so weird.
Also in this episode, Chatham House’s stellar Sanam Vakil joins me for a discussion about the diplomacy around Iran, as well as heartfelt concerns for ordinary people as the...
Economic War Against Iran: Will It Work? (S01E136)
Monday, 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...
Trump Threatens To Annihilate Iran. World Shrugs (S01E156)
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Istanbul
Donald Trump’s speech to the United Nations General Assembly was filled with lies and bluster. It was in part a campaign speech ahead of the midterm elections he falsely claims not to care about. He also threatened war crimes against Iran, prompting nary a peep from upholders of the global order.
In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss Trump’s speech, including his claim that Iran killed “72,000” people in January, and what the world’s non-reaction to his speech says about international diplomacy and multilateral institutions.
In interviews with India...
On Ukraine, What If Everyone Is In The Wrong? (S01E155)
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Istanbul
The war between Ukraine and Russia appears locked in a deadly stalemate with few signs of either side gaining major ground.
In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the escalating conflict, highlighting the complexities of the situation and the choices Ukraine is facing: swallowing a terrible deal or continuing a terrible war, despite the fallibility of its European and US backers.
In interviews with India’s NewsX World, I also talk about US sanctions on Russian crude, whether they will have any impact on policy in Moscow, Delhi, or Be...
US Close To Fusing And Escalating Wars In Iran And Yemen (S01E154)
Monday, September 21, 2026, Istanbul
The US is signaling that it could once again escalate its war with Iran, prompted in part by advances by Tehran’s Yemeni allies against Saudi Arabia.
In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the muddled, idiotic thinking by Washington policymakers who are fusing the Yemeni and Iranian conflicts—pushing the US deeper into the war.
Also in this episode, the first part of my interview with former Iranian political prisoner Morad Tahbaz, an environmental advocate who was locked up in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison for six years on tru...
ICE Continues To Wage War On America (S01E153)
Friday, September 18, 2026, Istanbul
America under Donald Trump has become a darker, scarier place.
In this edition of badlands, College of DuPage professor David Goldberg joins for a discussion about the complexities of American life, focusing on immigration issues, public reactions to government policies, and the upcoming elections.
We discuss the political climate in the Midwest as it relates to broader national trends, and the frustrations with both major political parties and the implications of data centers.
We also talk about the shifting perspectives of younger generations regarding materialism and economic stability...
Leaks Expose Iran War Damage, Iranian Capability (S01E152)
Thursday, September 17, 2026, Istanbul
Several leaks reported in media in recent days showcased just how badly the US has been lying about the impact of the war, and Iran’s capabilities.
In the latest FREE edition of badlands, I discuss reports by CBS News, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN that showed the extent of the damage caused by Iran’s attacks on the Arabian Peninsula and its under-appreciated capabilities.
In interviews with NewsX World, I also discuss depleted US weapons stockpiles, Donald Trump’s dishonesty, and the latest claims and counter-claims from Yemen.
b...
Yemen Crisis Another Consequence of Neocon War (S01E151)
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Istanbul
Unintended 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…
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A Political Earthquake In Yemen (S01E150)
Monday, September 14, 2026, Istanbul
Yemen’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 be...
A World Still Haunted By The Shadow Of September 11 (S01E149)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.com
Friday, September 11, 2026, Istanbul
It 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 sp...
How Do I Deceive Thee? Let Me Count The Ways (S01E148)
Thursday, September 10, 2026, Istanbul
For months the US claimed that its war against Iran was a success because it had “degraded” Iran’s military and nuclear program
But 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 t...
A New Hope: Fighting Back Against Israel’s Extremism (S01E147)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Istanbul
Iran 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...
America Needs An Intervention (S01E146)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.com
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Istanbul
Canada 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...
Sacrifice American Lives, Wealth For Israel’s Regime Change War In Iran (S01E145)
Monday, September 7, 2026, Istanbul
An 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...
Why Canada Is Challenging The US (S01E144)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.com
Friday, September 4, 2026, Istanbul
It’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 ongo...
When Empires Meet Their Match In Iran, Ukraine (S01E143)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.com
Thursday, September 3, 2026, Istanbul
The 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...
Iran Wedding Horror Sparks Waves Of Missiles At US Bases (S01E142)
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Istanbul
The 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...
US Wants To ‘Mow The Lawn’ In Iran. It Won’t Work (S01E141)
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Istanbul
The 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.
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