The Brief

In this episode of The Brief Podcast, Mohammad Huraini takes us on a walking tour of his village in the South Hebron Hills. It is part of a community known as Masafer Yatta. It comprises more than a dozen Palestinian hamlets. Mohammed uses his video recordings to document settler attacks, often supported by army troops or police. Illegal "settlers" in the region are terrorizing Palestinians who have lived there for decades with the aim of stealing their land and destroying their homes. Muhammed's goal is to document events using a video camera. He tells Jim Clancy that despite repeated, brutal attacks by the settlers the Palestinian residents around Masafer Yatta aren't abandoning their homes, livestock or property. You can support Mohammad's work here.

Sarah Leah Whitson joins Jim Clancy in a discussion of Trump's "Global Board of Peace" and concerns about the state of U.S. Democracy. Whitson is an experienced Human Rights and Democracy advocate who co-founded DAWN (Democracy for the Arab World Now) with Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi before his murder. Whitson says "It is a profoundly anti-democratic entity and a profoundly colonial entity such that the people who actually live in Gaza have no say whatsoever for the government that is going to rule their lives." The discussion turns to the actual state of the ceasefire in Gaza, the failure to deliver most of the humanitarian aid and supplies and the effect that is having on civilians there. Whitson surveys the U.S. political scene and spares neither Republicans nor Democrats "What I am surprised and disappointed and frankly revolted by is the complacency, cowardice and corruption of the American political elites, of American civil society with power."

Harvard Professor and internationally acclaimed realist Stephen Walt looks at the events, personalities and policies that defined a tumultuous year in politics at home and abroad in this edition of The Brief Podcast with Jim Clancy. Unrestrained in his foreign policy instincts, Trump has bullied friends and foes alike without a hint of a collective strategy. Walt reviews how a President obsessed with claiming the mantle of a global peacekeeper has conflated short term ceasefires with the difficult work of resolving the root causes of conflicts. From the Genocide in Gaza to gunboat diplomacy in Venezuela, Walt deconstructs how flim flam is failing on all fronts. Walt observes the winners and (mostly) losers of 2025. That includes Israel's powerful lobby in the U.S. that faces a collapse of support in American public opinion. It also includes Trump's onslaught against science and research at prominent universities that can be likened to "shooting itself in the head.". The flailing tariff policies, deployment of troops on American streets and troubled alliances from Europe to Asia are discussed and no sacred cows are spared. Despite all of that, Professor Walt still sees hope for democratic resilience among the people of the United States.

John Feeley is former U.S. Ambassador to Panama who advised the Trump and Biden administrations on Latin America. He resigned over policy differences during Trump's first term. He had previously served as a Captain in the US Marine Corp, flying helicopters that ferried troops from US naval vessels to shore. "We are in...literally uncharted waters." A former U.S. Ambassador and Marine helicopter pilot, John Feeley, joins Jim Clancy for a thorough discussion of the Trump Administration's military buildup in the Caribbean. Feeley, who resigned his diplomatic post as Ambassador to Panama during the first Trump Administration, says the current U.S. posture jeopardizes America's leadership position in a rules based order. "Gunboat diplomacy" is putting U.S. service members into murky legal territory. Amb. Feeley warns putting politics over professionalism is not going to solve America's drug problem and Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth chest thumping about "warriors" can't shield American soldiers and sailors from international law. "There are a lot of bad people around the world, there are bad regimes, and there are threats to the United States. And we need a professional warrior class more than ever right now in this very difficult world. But what we don't need are a bunch of renegade war criminals hopped up on monster drink and push-ups like Pete Hegseth has."

Voices of Gaza: Pollster Obada Shtaya Reveals What Gazans Really Want. The ceasefire agreement produces dramatic changes among Palestinian emotions, attitudes and aspirations. There is resurgence of Hope for the future and even an end to the Occupation. Shtaya, co-founder and CEO of the Institute for Social and Economic Progress, tells Jim Clancy his poll reveals who Palestinians credit for the ceasefire, who they would support to govern Gaza, and how support for traditional political forces, including Hamas, is shifting. You can view and download all of the details and descriptions of the polls by navigating to https://institute4progress.org

They would do anything to stop the killing of Palestinians in Gaza. But Palestinian legal experts say the Trump Plan for Gaza will not come close to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian problem. What the plan does require to stop the killing is for Palestinians to abandon their own efforts to hold Israel accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity in international courts. Zaha Hassan and Dr. Jamal Nusseibeh sit down with Jim Clancy to probe the shortcomings of the Trump plan and offer up an alternative. They present the Palestinian Armistice Plan, emphasizing rights-based, inclusive Palestinian governance as a pathway to lasting peace and security. They stress the critical role of regional and international actors, urging pragmatic approaches to end the cycle of conflict. Both Dr. Nusseibeh and Hassan helped co-author that plan with other Palestinians. During the podcast it becomes clear how many Palestinians are willing to sacrifice for the sake of bringing the genocide in Gaza to an end.

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Jeremy Hammond is a respected author, researcher, and analyst known for his in-depth studies on issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, U.S. foreign policy, and more. Hammond's work often focuses on dispelling misconceptions and misinformation surrounding controversial geopolitical topics. He is the author of several books, including “Obstacle to Peace: The US Role in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” which critically examines the historical and ongoing factors influencing peace efforts in the Middle East. His writings have been published in various esteemed journals and platforms, showcasing his commitment to uncovering overlooked truths in international relations.

In this episode of "The Brief," host Jim Clancy has a conversation with Ehud Olmert, the former Prime Minister of Israel, delving into the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The discussion begins with addressing the pressing issue of hostages in Gaza and the severe restrictions on humanitarian aid. Olmert provides candid insights into the political dynamics currently shaping Israel’s policies, including the stance of Prime Minister Netanyahu and his right-wing allies. The conversation navigates the maze of conflicting ideologies, emphasizing Olmert's belief that the human cost outweighs the potential military gains. Olmert unequivocally opposes the continuation of the confrontation in Gaza and asserts that by all reasonable measures, Hamas has been defeated. In the course of their dialogue, Olmert tackles the fraught topic of a potential ceasefire and the humanitarian responsibilities of the Israeli government. With his extensive experience, he critiques Netanyahu’s approach to dealing with Hamas and outlines his vision for a future beyond the conflict. He reflects on the international implications of Israel's current military strategies and its global image, stressing the importance of humanitarian considerations.

Muhammad Shehada joins Jim Clancy as they dive deep into the desolate landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza. They explore the implications of the White House meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, evidence of genocidal intentions, and the sheer devastation in Gaza. Shehada shares personal anecdotes, shedding light on the plight of Gazans and the desperate calls for aid and reform. The conversation covers international politics, the enduring spirit among Palestinians, and highlights voices within the Jewish diaspora advocating for change. A compelling discourse on the struggle and resilience of the Palestinian people.

Independent journalist Sam Husseini joins Jim Clancy on The Brief to discuss the complex dynamics of questioning U.S. foreign policy in relation to Gaza. Husseini shares his challenging experiences at State Department press conferences, highlighting issues such as the Geneva Conventions’ applicability to Palestinians and the scrutiny faced by those questioning U.S. policy towards Israel. Amidst claims of media complicity and suppression of dissenting voices, the conversation uncovers the heightened pressure on journalists and activists asking uncomfortable questions and advocating for transparency and accountability in powerful institutions.

Jim Clancy is joined by Kenneth Roth, a luminary in human rights advocacy, to dissect the seismic shifts observed in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration and its wider implications for global human rights issues. The discussion unveils complex political dynamics around U.S. relationships with countries like Ukraine, Israel, and China, while highlighting potential threats posed by changes in policy. The episode is not just an examination of geopolitical concerns but a political and moral exploration of progressive international law being undermined. Through Roth's lens, an expert viewpoint on the U.S. turning a blind eye to ethical international governance comes to light.

Journalist Jim Clancy hosts Ahmed Alnaouq, founder of “We Are Not Numbers,” as they discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Ahmed shares personal losses and the destruction faced by Palestinians, emphasizing their resilience and attachment to their homeland despite adversities. The conversation sheds light on Palestinian efforts to amplify their voices through storytelling and journalism amidst media bias and political challenges. The dialogue explores the need for Palestinian unity and questions the role of international powers in resolving long-standing issues. Join Clancy and Alnaouq for a deep dive into the heart of the Gaza struggle.

Jim Clancy and Nick Kristof explore the complexities of global and domestic politics in this enlightening conversation. Kristof highlights positive global trends despite overwhelming negativity while also discussing the challenges posed by Trump’s presidency, including political violence, immigration policies, and economic implications. They delve into international relations, examining the US’s positions on China, Ukraine, and the Middle East, and critique the impact of US actions in Gaza. This episode offers a nuanced analysis of current geopolitical dynamics and their implications for the future.

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin is a renowned journalist and multimedia producer with a focus on the Middle East and North African regions. He has previously worked with prominent media outlets like Al Jazeera and Huffington Post, where he has utilized his expertise to provide in-depth analysis and reporting on geopolitical issues. Ahmed is highly respected for his insightful contributions and his dedication to giving a voice to underrepresented communities in conflict-ridden areas.

In this episode of The Brief, host Jim Clancy engages in a compelling dialogue with Reza Aslan, focusing on Aslan’s new children’s book about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Aslan’s book aims to navigate the complexities of this ongoing conflict in a manner relatable to children aged five to twelve, encouraging a dialogue between young readers and their parents. The conversation touches on the need for addressing global issues such as war and trauma, and the pivotal role empathy plays in understanding multiple narratives.

In this gripping episode, host Jim Clancy discusses with guests Karim Makdisi and Wissam Yafi the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict amid international interventions. The dialogue critically examines the role of major global players, the shifting political sentiments within the United States, and the persistent struggles of Palestinian communities. Makdisi and Yafi delve into the recent arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli leaders, discussing their potential long-term impact and symbolic significance. They also explore the role of the U.S. in supporting Israel, contrasting it with international law and public sentiment, highlighting the increasing disconnect between the U.S. administration and its citizens. Furthermore, the guests elaborate on Iran's strategic positioning in the region and its implications on wider geopolitical tensions, discussing the proxy war dynamics and its effects on regional stability and international relations. The episode provides a thorough understanding of the consequences of U.S. foreign policy under the incoming Trump administration on the Middle East and the persistence of ongoing conflicts.