About this episode
Aimen and Thomas discuss the complexities of Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon and the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Aimen's back after a few days away uncovering the secret info and true motivations behind the Iran War. Today he and Thomas focus on the Lebanon front in the war, telling the story of how the Lebanese state was progressively undermined over several decades, as non-state actors acted like a cancer on the body politic — with the largest tumour being, of course, Hezbollah. Aimen and Thomas discuss: The method behind the madness of Pres. Trump's chaotic messaging. The likelihood of a U.S. assault on Iran's islands in the Gulf. Whether Gulf leaders are really egging the U.S. on to bring an end to the regime. The U.S.'s objective of 'regime destruction' and how that differs from 'regime change'. The failure of energy traders to price risk properly. Abdul Malik al-Houthi's speech on 26 March and what it reveals about his intentions The long history of Lebanon's experience of militant non-state actors and foreign intervention How Hezbollah was able to re-arm and re-build after the catastrophe of autumn 2024. How deep corruption within the Lebanese government and military is preventing the state from disbanding Hezbollah. What to think about all those seasoned analysts who are convinced…
People in this episode
Hosts: Aimen, Thomas Small
Topics covered
- Lebanon
- Hezbollah
- Iran War
- U.S. foreign policy
- militant non-state actors
- corruption
Keywords
- Trump
- regime destruction
- energy traders
- Abdul Malik al-Houthi
- military intervention
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Conflicted is
Places: Lebanon, U.S., Iran, Gulf, America
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