By The FirstMike Baker speaks with David Daoud, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, about the forces driving the latest surge in sectarian violence in Syria. Who’s fueling the conflict, and what does it mean for the region’s stability?
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Why Did Trump Halt Israel’s Attack On Iran?
In this episode, Mike Baker speaks with Bill Roggio of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies about a high-stakes revelation: President Trump reportedly blocked a planned Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear program. What was behind Trump’s decision? And how close was the region to open war? Roggio unpacks the implications for U.S.-Israel relations and the ongoing nuclear standoff with Tehran.
Will The Houthis Be Overthrown In Yemen?
Mike Baker sits down with Bill Roggio of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies to break down the latest developments in Yemen. With U.S. airstrikes taking a toll on Houthi forces, government-backed fighters are reportedly preparing a major ground offensive. Could this be the beginning of the end for Houthi control in Yemen? Roggio explains what’s really happening on the ground—and what a post-Houthi Yemen might look like.
Can Europe Alone Save Ukraine?
Mike Baker sits down with George Barros from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies to explore a tough question: If the U.S. pulls back, can Europe carry the weight of defending Ukraine against Russia? Barros explains the risks, the realities, and what Ukraine’s future could look like without American support.
How the U.S. Tariff War Could Collapse the Chinese Regime
Gordon Chang joins Mike Baker to break down the escalating tariff war between the United States and China—and what it could mean for the future of the Chinese Communist Party. Could economic pressure from Washington actually threaten the CCP’s grip on power? Chang lays out the stakes
The Hidden Trade Barriers Hurting America
Why does the U.S. run such a massive trade deficit with key partners? Mike Baker sits down with Kenneth Rapoza to expose how non-tariff trade barriers—like regulatory roadblocks and backdoor protectionism—are quietly stacking the deck against American exporters.
Trump’s Tariff Strategy Explained
Mike Baker breaks down Donald Trump’s tariff strategy with Kenneth Rapoza from the Coalition for a Prosperous America. What’s the goal behind these proposed tariffs? Could they jumpstart American industry—or backfire with higher prices? The conversation cuts through the noise to get to the real economic and geopolitical implications.