The John Batchelor Show

16. HEADLINE: Alleged Long-Term Financial Ties Between Trump and RussianIntelligence GUEST: Craig Unger SUMMARY: Craig Unger discusses alleged ties between Donald Trump and Russianintelligence dating back to the 1980s. He claims the Russian mafia used Trump real estate for money laundering to bail out his businesses. (16)1960S ARABIA

15. HEADLINE: Re-examining RussianInterference in the 2016 U.S. ElectionGUEST: Craig Unger SUMMARY: Journalist Craig Unger reviews the events of October 7, 2016, involving DHS warnings of Russian hacking and the release of the Access Hollywood tape. He argues the timing benefited the Trump campaign. (15)1960 ARABIA

14. HEADLINE: International Competition for a Permanent Base on the Moon GUEST:Douglas Messier, David Livingston SUMMARY:NASA plans to establish a permanent lunar base by 2036, facing competition from a joint Chinese-Russian program. Success relies on commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin to reach the South Pole. (14)1947 ARABIAN WORKER (NOT NAMED)

13. HEADLINE: NASA’s Artemis 2 Mission and the New Lunar Frontier GUEST:Douglas Messier, David Livingston SUMMARY:Douglas Messier details the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, the first crewed flight to the moon since 1972. The 10-day mission will test the Orion spacecraft’s life support and technical systems. (13)1947 QATIF

12. HEADLINE: Federal Reserve Policy and the Risks of Stagflation GUEST: John Cochrane SUMMARY: The Federal Reserve is adopting a "wait and see" approach to the current oil shock. Cochrane warns against repeating 1970s mistakes, such as credit controls or failing to act decisively against inflation. (12)1935 KHURMA KARIN

11. HEADLINE: The Impact of War and Oil Shocks on Global Interest Rates GUEST:John Cochrane SUMMARY: Professor John Cochrane explains how oil shocks and inflation fears drive up long-term bond rates. He warns that bad policy responses, like price caps, can turn price shocks into sustained inflation. (11)1935 AL LISAFAH

10. HEADLINE: Russia's Struggling Economy Amid Prolonged War and Sanctions GUEST: Michael Bernstam SUMMARY: Russia faces a looming recession, high inflation, and a structural contraction due to reduced investment. The government has nationalized private pension funds to finance the war effort and infrastructure projects. (10)1935 AL LISAFAH

9. HEADLINE: European Energy Dependency and the Shift Toward RussiaGUEST: Michael Bernstam SUMMARY: Rising energy costs are driving political shifts in Germany and other EU nations toward re-engaging with Russian energy. Despite EU sanctions, Russia is profiting from increased oil prices during the Iran war. (9)1935 JUBAIL ARABIA

8. HEADLINE: Turkey’s Patronage of Hamasand Regional Security Concerns GUEST:Sinan Ciddi SUMMARY: Turkey maintains close ties with Hamas leadership, viewing them as a legitimate political movement rather than terrorists. Rumors also suggest Turkey may be aiding the flow of supplies to Hezbollah. (8)1935 HOFUF ARABIA

7. HEADLINE: Turkey’s Diplomatic Strategy as a Mediator in the Iran War GUEST: Sinan Ciddi SUMMARY: President Erdogan seeks to mediate a ceasefire in the Gulf to protect Turkey's weak economy from rising oil prices. However, he also benefits from a weakened Iranian regime countering Israel. (7)1935 RUINS OF AZ ZOBALA, MAKING COFFEE

6. HEADLINE: Smuggling Operations Evading U.S. AI Chip Export ControlsGUEST: Jack Bernham SUMMARY: An indictment reveals a massive operation smuggling $2.5 billion in Nvidia chips to China via Southeast Asia. Experts suggest closing loopholes that allow Chinese firms to purchase chips domestically. (6)1934-35 AL HOFUF ARABIA

5. HEADLINE: National Security Implications of the Chinese Humanoid Robotics Industry GUEST: Jack Bernham SUMMARY: Jack Bernham explores China’s burgeoning humanoid robotics industry and its potential military applications. U.S. senators are moving to block Chinese robots from federal supply chains to prevent security vulnerabilities. (5)1935 JUBAIL

4. HEADLINE: Concerns Over U.S.-ChinaTrade Talks and Forced Labor Enforcement GUEST: Charles Burton, Gordon Chang SUMMARY: Analysts express skepticism regarding upcoming trade negotiations between President Trump and Xi Jinping. They also criticize Canada’s failure to effectively block Chinese products manufactured using forced labor in Xinjiang. (4)1935 JUBAIL, ARABIA. CALIFORNIA-ARABIA STANDARD OIL EXPEDITION

3. HEADLINE: Investigating Subversive Chinese Influence and Funding in AmericaGUEST: Charles Burton, Gordon ChangSUMMARY: Charles Burton discusses billionaire Neville Roy Singum’s alleged role in funding radical organizations to subvert Westerndemocracy. The discussion highlights China's use of social media algorithms and direct donations to influence youth. (3)1934 WOOD SELLERS

2. HEADLINE: Naval Lessons from the Strait of Hormuz for Taiwan’s DefenseGUEST: Jim Holmes, Gordon ChangSUMMARY: Professor Jim Holmes applies naval lessons from the Iran war to a potential Taiwanconflict. He emphasizes using geography for defense, prolonging wars to assemble forces, and utilizing low-cost drone technology. (2)1934 FIELD PARTY ARABIA

1. HEADLINE: China's Strategic Role in Global and Middle Eastern ConflictsGUEST: Victoria Coates, Gordon ChangSUMMARY: Experts discuss China’s strategic presence in global conflicts, including its reliance on Gulf oil and support for Russia. They analyze China’s limited effectiveness as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran. (1)1852 ARABIA

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Charles Burton discusses how individuals like Mr. Singum fund radical American protests to undermine government confidence. He explores the connections between these activist groups and Chinese state security apparatus seeking corrosive influence. (1)1950 PEKING STUDENTS WELCOMING PLA

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Victoria Coatesanalyzes China's potential role in global conflicts. While possibly pressuring Russia over Ukraine, she argues Chinais an ineffective broker in the Gulf due to its bias toward Iranian interests. (3)1903 QING DYNASTY

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Professor James Holmes applies lessons from the Gulf to a potential Taiwan conflict. He emphasizes that the U.S. needs to prolong any war to successfully assemble forces against China’s regional military advantages. (4)1939 SHANGHAI

PREVIEW FOR LATER. Douglas Messier explains Elon Musk’s strategic shift from Mars exploration toward NASA’s lunar missions. Driven by funding and contracts, SpaceX focuses on developing the reusable Super Heavy and Starship for moon landings. (5)1941

PREVIEW FOR TONIGHT. Craig Ungerdetails how Donald Trump first connected with KGB fronts in the 1980s. This relationship evolved into the Russian mafia laundering over a billion dollars in total through Trump real estate. (2)1925 STALIN AND TROTSKY

PREVIEW FOR TONIGHT. Sinan Ciddidiscusses Turkey's intensive shuttle diplomacy and direct communication with Iran. Alongside Pakistan, Turkeyis pressuring the incoming Trump administration to end regional warfare quickly while balancing influence across Gulf states. (1)1654

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FRSTURING THSDDEUS MCCOTTER AND KEVIN FRAZIER, 3-31-20261838 MT. SINAI

c1. Judy Dempsey discusses the rising popularity of Germany’s AfD party, its anti-American stance, and growing pro-Russian sentiment driven by energy concerns, alongside public distrust regarding the conduct of the war in Ukraine. With Thaddeus McCotter.(1)2. Judy Dempsey analyzes strained transatlantic relations following President Trump’s remarks on energy independence. She also highlights the significance of Hungary's upcoming election for regional populist movements and the European Union’s future. cc(2)3. Jonathan Schanzer explains Israel’s military objectives against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. He details the threat of Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on maritime trade and Egypt's potential forced entry into the conflict. (3)4. Jonathan Schanzer details Iran’s strategy of survival amidst U.S. and Israeli decapitation strikes. He discusses the global economic impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure and diplomatic friction caused by European allies' reluctance. (4)5. Mary Kissel discusses shifting global alliances, noting stronger ties with Gulf partners while European relations fray. She highlights Ukraine’s savvy outreach for energy and defense support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. (5)6. Mary Kissel examines a possible leadership transition in Cuba involving Marco Rubio and Raul Castro’s grandson. She discusses the regime’s fear following U.S. actions in Venezuela and the complexities of negotiating transitions. (6)7. Joseph Sternberg critiques the Federal Reserve’s tendency to "overtalk." He argues that excessive public forecasting and the confusing "dot plot" mislead markets and obscure the economic reality of ongoing global conflicts. (7)8. Joseph Sternberg discusses Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s indecisive response to President Trump’s "get your own oil" remark, highlighting Britain’s military limitations and the public’s deep anxiety over rising energy prices and deficits. (8)9. Gregory Copley argues that NATO is entering a new era of disorder, suggesting European states should pursue independent security interests and potentially restore energy trade with Russia as U.S. leadership becomes increasingly abrasive. (9)10. Gregory Copley reports the U.S. has virtually eliminated the Iranian Navy. He assesses global energy markets, noting stable oil prices despite insurance companies' risk-aversion nearly bankrupting regional states like Egypt. (10)11. Gregory Copley critiques the removal of hereditary peers from the House of Lords, arguing the chamber has become a politicized "rubber stamp" for the Prime Minister rather than an independent house of review. (11)12. Gregory Copley previews King Charles III’s state visit to Washington, emphasizing its role in preserving the strategic alliance and common purpose between English-speaking nations despite political tensions between the Trump administration and London. (12)13. Cleo Paskal highlights China’s efforts to undermine U.S. relationships in the Central Pacific through corruption. She details new U.S. strategies to support local governments in Palau and the Marianas against illegal CCP activities. (13)14. Cleo Paskal discusses the critical role of the Diego Garcia military base and the legal risks involved in transferring the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, which could complicate U.S. nuclear policy and regional security. (14)15. Bob Zimmerman contrasts NASA’s risky Artemis 2 mission with SpaceX’s successful reusable rocket program. He also reports on a secretive medical emergency on the ISS and China’s deep commitment to its space program. (15)16. Bob Zimmerman warns that political pressure is compromising safety for the Artemis 2 moon mission. He also reflects on Voyager 2’s historic images of Neptune and Hubble's observations of active black hole galaxies. (16)

16. Bob Zimmerman warns that political pressure is compromising safety for the Artemis 2 moon mission. He also reflects on Voyager 2’s historic images of Neptune and Hubble's observations of active black hole galaxies. (16)1680

15. Bob Zimmerman contrasts NASA’s risky Artemis 2 mission with SpaceX’s successful reusable rocket program. He also reports on a secretive medical emergency on the ISS and China’s deep commitment to its space program. (15)1664

14. Cleo Paskal discusses the critical role of the Diego Garcia military base and the legal risks involved in transferring the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, which could complicate U.S. nuclear policy and regional security. (14)1967 KINF FAISAL II OF ARABIA

13. Cleo Paskal highlights China’s efforts to undermine U.S. relationships in the Central Pacific through corruption. She details new U.S. strategies to support local governments in Palau and the Marianas against illegal CCP activities. (13)1960 ARABIA

12. Gregory Copley previews King Charles III’s state visit to Washington, emphasizing its role in preserving the strategic alliance and common purpose between English-speaking nations despite political tensions between the Trumpadministration and London. (12)1947 SAUDI ARABIA

11. Gregory Copley critiques the removal of hereditary peers from the House of Lords, arguing the chamber has become a politicized "rubber stamp" for the Prime Minister rather than an independent house of review. (11)1946 KING SAUD OF SAUDI ARABIA

10. Gregory Copley reports the U.S. has virtually eliminated the Iranian Navy. He assesses global energy markets, noting stable oil prices despite insurance companies' risk-aversion nearly bankrupting regional states like Egypt. (10)1941 SAUDI ARABIA

9. Gregory Copley argues that NATO is entering a new era of disorder, suggesting European states should pursue independent security interests and potentially restore energy trade with Russia as U.S. leadership becomes increasingly abrasive. (9)1935 CALIFORNIA ARABIA STANDARD OIL EXPEDITION

8. Joseph Sternberg discusses Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s indecisive response to President Trump’s "get your own oil" remark, highlighting Britain’s military limitations and the public’s deep anxiety over rising energy prices and deficits. (8)1935 CALIFORNIA-ARABIAN STANDARD OIL COMPANY EXPEDITION

7. Joseph Sternberg critiques the Federal Reserve’s tendency to "overtalk." He argues that excessive public forecasting and the confusing "dot plot" mislead markets and obscure the economic reality of ongoing global conflicts. (7)1935 ARABIA

6. Mary Kissel examines a possible leadership transition in Cuba involving Marco Rubio and Raul Castro’s grandson. She discusses the regime’s fear following U.S. actions in Venezuela and the complexities of negotiating transitions. (6)1934

5. Mary Kissel discusses shifting global alliances, noting stronger ties with Gulf partners while European relations fray. She highlights Ukraine’s savvy outreach for energy and defense support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. (5)1920.

4. Jonathan Schanzer details Iran’s strategy of survival amidst U.S. and Israeli decapitation strikes. He discusses the global economic impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure and diplomatic friction caused by European allies' reluctance. (4)1924 LAWRENCE OF ARABIA

3. Jonathan Schanzer explains Israel’s military objectives against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. He details the threat of Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on maritime trade and Egypt's potential forced entry into the conflict. (3)1930 ARABIA

2. Judy Dempsey analyzes strained transatlantic relations following President Trump’s remarks on energy independence. She also highlights the significance of Hungary's upcoming election for regional populist movements and the EuropeanUnion’s future. With colleague Thaddeus McCotter. (2)

1. Judy Dempsey discusses the rising popularity of Germany’s AfD party, its anti-American stance, and growing pro-Russian sentiment driven by energy concerns, alongside public distrust regarding the conduct of the war in Ukraine. (1)1920

This recording discusses the profound cultural and historical significance of King Charles III’s upcoming state visit to the United States. Gregory Copley suggests that the trip is less about modern politics and more about the United Kingdom celebrating the 250th anniversary of a nation it helped birth. The text frames America as the product of British genius.

GUEST: JUDY DEMPSEY (5)HEADLINE: Judy Dempsey Explains the Vital Role of US Bases in Germany (6)SUMMARY: Judy Dempsey addresses populist calls for US troop withdrawal, emphasizing that the current Germancoalition views bases like Ramstein as essential. These installations remain the political and military heartland of America's European presence. (7)1922 RHINELAND PALATINATE

GUEST: JONATHAN SCHANZER (8)HEADLINE: Jonathan Schanzer Evaluates Growing Dissonance within the NATOAlliance (9)SUMMARY: Jonathan Schanzerexamines whether NATO is beginning to "crack up" amid disagreements over state-sponsored terrorism. He warns that internal divisions threaten an alliance that has served as a crucial Russian bulwark for decades. (10)1911 BRITAINICA

GUEST: BOB ZIMMERMAN (11)HEADLINE: Bob Zimmerman Voices Concerns Over Artemis 2 Moon Mission(12)SUMMARY: Bob Zimmerman critiques the Artemis 2 mission as a multi-decade "museum piece" with untested life support systems. Despite safety concerns regarding the heat shield, NASA plans a launch for this week. (13)FEB 1951

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY (1)HEADLINE: Joseph Sternberg Warns of Looming Energy Price Crisis in Britain (2)SUMMARY: Joseph Sternberg discusses potential jet fuel and gasoline shortages in the UK. While physical supplies remain available, soaring prices are creating significant anxiety, potentially leading to a financial crisis before actual shortages occur. (3)1638

HEADLINE: Mary Kissel Challenges Potential Castro-Led Transition in Cuba (2)SUMMARY: Former advisor Mary Kissel evaluates Cuba’s potential democratic transition, questioning the legitimacy of a Castro grandson as a leader. She highlights the family’s history of atrocities while discussing the complex process of national rebuilding ahead. (3)1920 CUBA

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 3-30-20361930 CAVALIERS DE ARABIEThis transcript from the John Batchelor Show provides a multifaceted analysis of a hypothetical global conflict centered on a war with Iran in March 2026. Experts Bill Roggio, Husain Haqqani, and Jonathan Sayeh discuss the strategic stalemate and economic fallout, specifically highlighting the sharp rise in American fuel prices. The dialogue covers a vast geopolitical landscape, including a U.S. policy reversal toward Cuba, drone warfare in Ukraine, and the entry of Houthi rebels into the naval theater. Analysts emphasize the asymmetric nature of the fighting, noting that the Iranian regime aims to win simply by enduring military strikes. Furthermore, the participants critique the Trump administration's lack of a clear exit strategy and the humanitarian impact on Iranian civilians caught between government suppression and foreign bombardment. The discussion concludes by evaluating the potential for internal resistance and the complexities of finding a credible diplomatic mediator. (1)

SHOW SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 3-30-26.1926, HA'IL ARABIA1. Pakistan Acts as Intermediary in Ongoing Iran-Israel Conflict GUEST: Bill Roggio, Ambassador Husain Haqqani SUMMARY: Pakistan acts as a conduit for messages between Washington and Tehran. While communication exists, neither side has offered a second negotiating position, and Iran continues to demonstrate strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz.,, John Batchelor and his guests discuss the stagnant global situation, noting that while missiles fly in the Iran war and a Russian tanker heads for Cuba, Pakistan remains a key intermediary. Ambassador Haqqani explains that Pakistan’s relationships with both the U.S. and Iran allow for message delivery, though Iran has not formally accepted a mediation role. Bill Roggio notes that Iran is showing its control by selectively allowing ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while the Trump administration faces mounting domestic disapproval and a 60-day War Powers Act deadline. (1)2. The Ineffectiveness of the U.S. Hammer Strategy Against Iran GUEST: Husain Haqqani, Bill Roggio SUMMARY: This segment critiques the U.S. "hammer" strategy, comparing it to Vietnam's failure of absolute power. Iran’s ability to endure pain and its control of vital shipping lanes are seen as its true strategic "nuclear weapons.",, Ambassador Haqqani argues that dropping thousands of bombs is a simplistic notion of power that fails against asymmetric warfare, much like the U.S. experience in Vietnam. He notes that Iran's capacity to endure pain is greater than assumed and its real "nuclear weapon" is the ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz,. Bill Roggio agrees, stating that without an active Iranian resistance or helpful adjacent countries to host one, the U.S. is further from a resolution than when the war began,,. (2)3. Iranian Regime Employs Human Shields and Nightly Terror Raids GUEST: Bill Roggio, Jonathan Sia SUMMARY: Jonathan Sia details the Iranian regime's use of schools and hospitals as human shields to deter strikes. Security forces conduct nightly terror raids to prevent domestic uprisings while the Supreme Leader’s status remains uncertain.,,, As war fatigue sets in, the Iranian regime is embedding personnel in sports stadiums, hospitals, and residential areas to create a "rally around the flag" effect. Jonathan Sia describes "nightly terror raids" where forces fire on buildings to suppress potential rebellion, noting that officials fear internal uprisings more than foreign bombardment,. Furthermore, the whereabouts of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei are unknown, allowing the IRGC to operate with less oversight while "pragmatist" officials maintain the same hardline policies as their predecessors,. (3)4. The Search for Armed Resistance and the Iranian Diaspora’s Role GUEST: Bill Roggio, Jonathan Sia SUMMARY: This file explores the role of the Iranian diaspora and Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in a potential transition. Analysts evaluate potential bases for armed resistance, identifying Kurdish and Baluch populations as key entry points.,, Jonathan Sia explains that the diaspora is no longer disconnected from those inside Iran, with Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi serving as a unifying figure for a "day after" scenario and sanctions relief. While historical resistance groups like the MEK lack internal legitimacy, Sia identifies the Kurdish and Baluch populations as potential bases for an armed movement against the regime. Notably, the Baluch group Jaish al-Adl focuses its attacks on armed personnel rather than civilians, indicating a more nationalist mindset that could serve as an entry point for internal change,. (4)5. The Strategic Importance of the Litani River Buffer Zone in Lebanon GUEST: Bill Roggio, David Daoud SUMMARY: David Daoud explains the IDF’s offensive to establish a 40km buffer zone up to the Litani River. This strategy aims to protect northern Israel from short-range rockets and prevent future ground invasions by Hezbollah., The IDF is pushing to move Hezbollah back to the Litani River, a 40km distance that effectively puts short-range rockets out of reach of northern Israeli communities. David Daoud highlights that Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV acts as a military auxiliary to demoralize the Israeli public, emphasizing the need for permanent fortifications to protect displaced citizens,. Meanwhile, the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission is in a drawdown phase, having been largely ineffective due to a mandate that required following the lead of the Lebanese Armed Forces. (5)6. Lebanon Declares Iranian Ambassador Designate Persona Non Grata GUEST: Bill Roggio, David Daoud SUMMARY: Lebanon has declared the Iranian ambassador designate persona non grata for interfering in domestic affairs and coordinating with Hezbollah. This rare assertion of sovereignty highlights Tehran’s long-standing disregard for Lebanese government authority during the war., The Lebanese foreign ministry expelled ambassador designate Shibani for injecti

16. China Navigates Trade Dependencies and Energy Security During War GUEST: Gordon Chang, Andrew Collier SUMMARY: Andrew Collier analyzes China’s economic situation, highlighting its 15% industrial profit increase and massive strategic oil reserves. Despite these strengths, China remains vulnerable to global trade downturns and the ongoing property market collapse.,, China saw a 15% rise in industrial profits in early 2026, which may be attributed to global stocking of goods before the war,. The country is prepared for energy shocks with the world's largest strategic oil reserve, estimated to cover 140 days of imports,. However, Andrew Collier warns that China is extremely trade-dependent and faces growing international opposition to its tech exports, while its domestic property market is not expected to hit a bottom until at least 2027,,. (16)1922 ARABIA

15. General Blaine Holt Defends the A-10 Warthog and Casualties Report GUEST: Gordon Chang, General Blaine Holt SUMMARY: Retired General Blaine Holt defends the deployment of the A-10 "Warthog" for close air support in the Iran conflict. He also addresses reports that Russian satellite intelligence is being used to target U.S. bases.,, General Blaine Holt addresses allegations that Russian satellite imagery assisted Iranian attacks on U.S. bases, though he maintains that Iran has its own local targeting capabilities,. He argues that the A-10 Warthog is a "formidable close air support weapon" essential for protecting ground forces and cannot be replaced by the F-35,. Holt also notes that the Iranian regime’s use of schools and hospitals as human shields indicates they are in "life support mode" as the U.S. targets their remaining infrastructure,. (15)1920 BEDOUIN