The John Batchelor Show

8. Israel’s Security Zone in Southern Lebanon Guest: Jonathan SchanzerJonathan Schanzer details Israel’s creation of a security zone in southern Lebanon to remove Hezbollah threats. The IDF is striking bridges over the Litani River to cut off supply lines. Schanzer notes that the IRGC remains entrenched in Lebanon, prompting debates about a generational opportunity for normalization. (8)1720

7. The U.S. Strategy for the Strait of Hormuz Guest: Jonathan SchanzerJonathan Schanzer evaluates Trump’s strategy of "maximum flexibility"toward Iran. While 3,400 ships remain trapped in the Gulf, the U.S. prepares Marines for deployment to liberate the Strait. Schanzer notes that while Iran uses cheap drone swarms, Ukrainianexperts are advising regional allies on how to counter them. (7)

6. Keir Starmer’s Leadership During Global Tension Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg critiques Keir Starmer’s "reactive" leadershipduring global tensions. Iranian missiles now threaten British bases in Cyprusand potentially range to London. Starmer’s perceived indecisiveness and focus on internal Labour Party politics leave Britain poorly prepared for the economic shocks of rising petrol and energy costs. (6)1700

5. China’s Slowing GDP and Economic Transformation Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg discusses China’s record-low GDP growth target of 4.5 to 5%. The CCP struggles to transition from a real estate-dependent model toward domestic consumption. Slowing credit growth and an oversaturated EV market further complicate Beijing’s efforts to maintain economic stability without relinquishing political control. (5)1688

4. German Populism and the Hungarian Election Guest: Judy Dempsey Judy Dempsey examines the AfD’s success in Germany's Palatinate election, signaling a shift away from the ruling SPD. Populist gains are driven by migration concerns and economic frustrations. Additionally, Hungary’s upcoming election pits Viktor Orbán against Peter Magyar, with Russiareportedly attempting to intervene to protect its regional interests. (4)1688

3. Trump’s "Armageddon Taco Shuffle" and European Energy Guest: Judy Dempsey Judy Dempsey analyzes President Trump’s "Armageddon taco shuffle" regarding Iranian negotiations. Berlin and Brussels face soaring energy bills and diesel prices as Middle Eastern tensions threaten LNG and fertilizer supplies. Concerns also mount over Iran's long-range missile capabilities, which now potentially range as far as major European capitals. (3)1680

2. Airport Chaos and the DHS Funding Crisis Guest: Elizabeth Peak Elizabeth Peak addresses the DHS funding dispute causing massive airport security delays. Democrats are reportedly withholding funding for TSA and FEMAto resist the Trump administration’s ICE agenda. This political "show" has led to four-hour wait times at JFK, frustrating travelers and harming government employees. (2)1648

1. The Economic Impact of the Strait of Hormuz Closure Guest: Elizabeth Peak Elizabeth Peak discusses the Strait of Hormuz closure, which has trapped 3,400 ships and disrupted global energy and food supplies. Federal ReserveChairman Jerome Powell remains skeptical of 1970s-style stagflationdespite rising oil prices. Peak argues that international naval action or a total blockade could resolve the Iranian-led maritime crisis. (1)1519 INDIAN OCEAN BASIN

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. King Charles III travels to Washington in late April to address a joint session of Congress. He seeks to use strategic diplomacy to mitigate growing tensions between Donald Trump and Kier Starmer. (1)1680 CHARLES II

GUEST: Joseph Sternberg PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Guest Joseph Sternberg explores China’s electric vehicle market crisis. He details how overproduction and aggressive policies led to domestic price deflation, pressuring manufacturers to export surplus vehicles to reluctant global markets. (3)1793

GUEST: Liz Peek PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Guest Liz Peekanalyzes Great Britain’s energy crisis and reliance on inadequate renewables. She explains how avoiding North Sea oil and high taxes on energy companies drive up prices for citizens. (2)1903 Beaumont, Texas

GUEST: Rahil Makadia PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Guest Rahil Makadia discusses planetary defense and the quest to identify threatening asteroids. He highlights new telescopes and the success of the DART mission in preparing Earth for future deflection efforts. (1)March 1958

THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 3-23-261916This transcript from The MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW features a discussion with experts Bill Roggio, Hussein Haqqani, and Jonathan Sayeh regarding the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The participants analyze the "fog of war" characterized by President Trump’s unpredictable social media diplomacy and the resulting volatility in global financial markets and maritime trade. A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on the strategic challenges of asymmetric warfare and the potential for a humanitarian crisis if Iranian energy infrastructure is targeted. Additionally, the speakers examine the internal social climate in Tehran, noting how civilians are coping with the psychological strain of aerial bombardments. The conversation ultimately emphasizes the lack of a clear political mission and the difficulties of achieving regime change without a well-coordinated domestic uprising. (1)

SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, MONDAY 3-23-2026. 1572 HORMUZ CASTLE BUILT IN 1507 BY PORTUGESE MERCHANTS.1. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio Haqqani and Roggio analyze President Trump’s claims regarding Iranian talks and potential strikes on energy infrastructure. They highlight a lack of policy clarity and the risks associated with ground troop deployment or amphibious assaults. (1)2. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio Haqqani describes the surprising resolve of Gulf States while noting Europe’s refusal to join the US war effort. Roggio expresses concern over the lack of post-war planning and the survival of the regime. (2)3. David Daoud and Bill Roggio Daoud and Roggio discuss Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Daoud notes the Lebanese government's inaction and the IRGC’s advisory presence within Beirut's command structures, predicting a new security buffer zone will be established. (3)4. David Daoud and Bill Roggio Daoud evaluates the threat from Hezbollah’s drone swarms, which penetrate Israeli defenses. He notes the Lebanon campaign may continue independently of any ceasefire negotiated with Iran because the conflicts are on separate strategic tracks. (4)5. Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddius Marter Hoenlein and Marter discuss the war's impact on Israeli tourism and missile strikes near the Dimona nuclear facility. Hoenlein emphasizes Iran's goal of controlling the Strait of Hormuz to dominate global energy markets. (5)6. Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddius Marter Discussion covers Iranian strikes on Jordan and the rise of anti-Semitic attacks in Europe. Hoenlein reports that Gulf nations are privately urging Israel to finish the job and eliminate the Iranian regime. (6)7. Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Guests discuss potential transitions in Cuba and Venezuela, highlighting Marco Rubio’s role. Peña Esclusa details the departure of Cuban operatives from Venezuela as Maduro’s grip on power weakens following his capture. (7)8. Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Araujo analyzes the Brazilian presidential race, noting Lula’s alignment with totalitarians in Iran. Flavio Bolsonaro campaigns on a Western alliance against organized crime and regional terror networks instead of domestic economic issues. (8)9. Jonathan Sayeh and Bill Roggio Sayeh and Roggio report that the Iranian regime is embedding military launchers in residential neighborhoods. Sayeh stresses that Iranians want the regime removed and view the current intervention as a necessary humanitarian effort. (9)10. Jonathan Sayeh and Bill Roggio Sayeh and Roggio discuss the diverse ethnic composition of Iran and the celebratory mood following regime officials’ deaths. Sayeh anticipates uprisings once major bombing campaigns transition to localized waves of protest. (10)11. Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio Fitton-Brown and Roggio dismiss Pakistan as a mediator, arguing US and Iranian positions are light years apart. Fitton-Brown warns the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint if the regime survives the war. (11)12. Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio The guests explore European support for the US following Iran’s domestic crackdown. Fitton-Brown argues that Iranian missile strikes on Diego Garcia have driven Western allies together against potential nuclear and ballistic missile threats. (12)13. John Hardy and Bill Roggio Hardy discusses Russia’s rejected offer to trade support for Iran for a cessation of aid to Ukraine. He analyzes the failing Russian spring offensive and Ukraine’s deployment of drone experts to the Gulf. (13)14. Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio Sharawi reports on Syrian forces' hostility toward Hezbollah and the imposition of Sharia law. He highlights Jordan’s vulnerability to Iranian strikes aimed at regional destabilization through its "ring of fire" strategy. (14)15. Gordon Chang and Charles Ortell Ortell describes economic paralysis caused by 3,400 ships trapped in the Persian Gulf. Chang reports that Trump-Xi summits have been postponed as deglobalization processes accelerate and China’s economic hand weakens. (15)16. Gordon Chang and Mark Simon Simon updates Jimmy Lai’s deteriorating health in prison, advocating for humanitarian parole. He argues Beijing gains nothing from his incarceration, as Lai has become the world's most significant human rights martyr. (16)They highlight a lack of policy clarity and the risks associated with ground troop deployment or amphibious assaults. (1)2. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio Haqqani describes the surprising resolve of Gulf States while noting Europe’s refusal to join the US war effort. Roggio expresses concern over the lack of post-war planning and the survival of the regime. (2)3. David Daoud and Bill Roggio Daoud and Roggio discuss Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Daoud notes the Lebanese government's inaction and the IRGC’s advisory presence within Beirut's command structures, predicting a new security buffer zone will be established. (3)4. David D

16. Gordon Chang and Mark SimonSimon updates Jimmy Lai’s deteriorating health in prison, advocating for humanitarian parole. He argues Beijinggains nothing from his incarceration, as Lai has become the world's most significant human rights martyr. (16)1906

15. Gordon Chang and Charles OrtellOrtell describes economic paralysis caused by 3,400 ships trapped in the Persian Gulf. Chang reports that Trump-Xi summits have been postponed as deglobalization processes accelerate and China’s economic hand weakens. (15)1688

14. Ahmad Sharawi and Bill RoggioSharawi reports on Syrian forces' hostility toward Hezbollah and the imposition of Sharia law. He highlights Jordan’s vulnerability to Iranian strikes aimed at regional destabilization through its "ring of fire" strategy. (14)1898 syria

13. John Hardy and Bill Roggio Hardy discusses Russia’s rejected offer to trade support for Iran for a cessation of aid to Ukraine. He analyzes the failing Russian spring offensive and Ukraine’s deployment of drone experts to the Gulf. (13)1616

12. Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio outline growing Europeansupport for U.S. actions. They highlight Iran’s self-destructive missile strike on Diego Garcia and predict the regime’s collapse due to internal instability and incompetence,,. (12)1700 in Latin

11. Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio critique Pakistan’s mediation role. They discuss the strategic impasse regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the likelihood that the U.S. and Iran remain far from any agreement,,. (11)1720

10. Jonatyn Sayeh and Bill Roggioexamine Iran’s ethnic landscape and prospects for regime collapse. Sayeh argues that while local actors might occupy territory, a unified national uprising is more likely than total Balkanization,,. (10)1787

9. Jonatyn Sayeh and Bill Roggiodiscuss the plight of Iranian civilians during the bombardment. Sayeh emphasizes that Iranians prioritize regime change over a ceasefire, despite the regime using civilian infrastructure for protection,,,. (9)17071

8. Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa evaluate South America’s shifting political landscape. They highlight the upcoming Brazilian election between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro as pivotal for the continent’s stance against totalitarian regimes,,,. (8)

7. Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa discuss potential democratic transitions in Cuba and Venezuela. They analyze Marco Rubio’s diplomatic role and the impact of the Maduro regime’s weakening on regional leftist stability,,,. (7)1916

6. Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter examine Jordan’s vulnerability and European security threats. They note that despite public caution, Gulf states are privately urging Israel to eliminate the Iranian regime’s regional threat,,,. (6)1855

5. Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter explore the war’s impact on Israeli civilian life. They highlight Iranian missile strikes near the Dimona reactor and the targeting of vital infrastructure, such as fuel refineries,,,. (5)1688

4. David Daoud and Bill Roggiodiscuss the threat of Hezbollah’s drone swarms and short-range projectiles. Daoud suggests the Lebanon and Iranconflicts are on separate tracks, allowing Israel to degrade Hezbollahindependently,,. (4)1920 FRENCH MANDATE

3. David Daoud and Bill Roggioanalyze the IDF’s offensive in Lebanon. Daoud explains that the Israeli military aims to establish a security buffer zone while acknowledging the Lebanesegovernment's inability to disarm Hezbollah,,. (3)1900 CAIRO

2. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggiocritique the lack of traditional military preparation. They contrast this conflict’s incoherence with previous operations like Kuwait, noting the surprising resolve displayed by various Gulf nations,,. (2)1900 BEAUMONT TEXAS

1. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggioanalyze the Middle East "fog of war." They discuss President Trump’s claims of productive talks with Iran, the five-day strike delay, and the resulting global market volatility,,. (1)1887 OKLAHOMA

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Ernesto Araújo discusses Lula da Silva's deep ties to authoritarian regimes like Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran. The segment explores if these controversial associations will influence voters in Brazil's upcoming election. (1)1914 RIO

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. John Hardie reports on President Zelenskydeploying Ukrainian drone technicians to the Middle East. The discussion covers potential commercial contracts and Ukraine’s strategic goal of securing Patriot interceptor missiles in exchange. (3)1951

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Ahmad Sharawi details the creeping implementation of Sharia law in Syriaunder President Alshara. New restrictions targeting alcohol, makeup, and swimwear suggest a shift toward medieval order in a secular society. (4)1925 SYRIA

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Edmond Fitton-Brown analyzes Iran’s recent missile strikes reaching as far as Diego Garcia. He explains how this aggression proves Iran is a direct threatto European capitals like London and Paris. (6)1958

PREVIEW FOR LATER GUEST DAVID DAOUD explains that the Lebanon and Iran operations are on separate tracks. While the US is involved in Iran, the Lebanon offensive remains a confined Israeli mission targeting Hezbollah directly. (1)1875 BEIRUT CASTLE

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY.Guest Mark Simon discusses the fate of imprisoned Apple Daily publisher Jimmy Lai. Simon suggests medical parole could lead to Lai's release for urgent medical care in the UK or US. (1)1906 HONG KONG TYPHOON

3. The debate shifts to the historical Nero, examining his legacy as both a builder and a man tormented by violent mistakes, including the murder of his mother. Germanicus notes that modern perceptions of Nero are often filtered through Victorian sentimentality or biased historical accounts. They compare contemporary leadership to a generational decline in Rome, moving from the magisterial balance of Augustus to progressively "weak" subsequent cohorts. Germanicus observes that the current emperor is too restless for the meditation required of a leader, which is visibly wearing him down. The speakers anticipate a period of chaos and renewal in America, similar to Rome’s transition to the Flavian dynasty after Nero’s suicide. The session concludes with a play about Xerxes' defeat, suggesting a similar "messenger of defeat" is currently heading toward Washington to report the failing war effort. (3)NORSEMEN

2. Gaius identifies defeatism in the current "emperor’s" behavior, citing his attacks on the media, allies, and his own team as evidence of losing control. Germanicus suggests the emperor has entered a paranoid phase where the war has slipped away, leaving only the options of defeat or catastrophe. The military is reportedly leaking information to distance itself from the administration's failing strategy. A comparison is drawn to Nero, who lashed out at his inner circle and supporters, such as Tucker Carlson, as his authority crumbled. Because the emperor lacks a military background, he is perceived as being "at sea" and unable to manage the complex dynamics of the conflict. Without a "Plan B," the speakers predict endless escalationuntil one or both sides collapse, an event that could shake the United States to its core. (2)1900 GREAT NATIONS

1. In Londinium, 92 AD, Gaius and Germanicus discuss a 21st-century Middle East conflict involving 3,200 trapped ships and massive supply chain disruptions. Germanicus critiques the military cliché "the enemy gets a vote," arguing it reflects a superiority complex and a failure to perform accurate net assessments of Iraniancapabilities and American limitations. He notes critical shortages, including a lack of minesweepers and ships for escort duties, making a proposed assault on Kharg Island highly precarious. Historically, they observe that no Western power has successfully invaded Persia in 2,000 years. The current strategy of "target servicing" has failed to subdue the regime, leading to a potential global famine due to severe fertilizer shortages. Ultimately, the speakers see no clear way out as the global economybegins to crack under the pressure of the ongoing war. (1)1900 CRUSADERS

8. Following the 1973 peace deal, North Vietnam realized the U.S. would not return, particularly after Nixon’s resignation and resulting congressional funding cuts. The ARVN, though well-armed, became immobile due to shortages of fuel and ammunition. The 1975 NVA offensive triggered a rapid collapse as President Thieu’s abrupt retreat from northern provinces turned into a rout. Wawro concludes that the war was a failure of political signaling and incrementalism. The U.S. spent years seeking a "lucky break" while ignoring the reality that North Vietnam was prepared to fight indefinitely. (8)1968

7. "Vietnamization" aimed to prepare the South Vietnamese army (ARVN) to fight alone through material support and Nixon's increased bombing campaigns. However, the 1971 invasion of Laos (Lam Son 719) was a failure, demonstrating that ARVN lacked the leadership and spirit to execute complex air-mobile operations without U.S. ground troops. Nixon also pursued "detente" with China and Moscow, hoping to isolate Hanoi and secure a peace deal. Despite devastating "Linebacker" bombings of North Vietnamese cities, the NVA remained resilient, eventually accepting a peace deal only to await the final U.S. departure. (7)1967

6. In 1970, Nixon expanded the war into neutral Cambodia to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and destroy NVA supply dumps. While the operation captured significant munitions, the NVA simply retreated further west to wait for U.S. forces to leave. This widening of the war sparked massive domestic unrest, including the Kent State shootings. The incursion deepened social rifts between the anti-war movement and Nixon’s "silent majority". Ultimately, the strategic gain was temporary; the NVA quickly replenished supplies through new routes in Laos, proving their superior "strategic patience". (6)1950 KOREA

5. Richard Nixon secretly sabotaged the 1968 peace talks via Henry Kissinger and Anna Chennault to ensure his election victory. This political interference delayed peace by four years, resulting in 28,000 more American deaths. Once in office, Nixon faced the 1969 Battle of Hamburger Hill, a "meaningless" engagement where paratroopers suffered heavy casualties to take a ridge immediately abandoned. The public outcry over these fruitless "search and destroy" tactics crippled Nixon’s "secret plan" for increased coercion, as American public opinion would no longer tolerate high casualty rates for fleeting tactical gains. (5)

4. The 1968 Tet Offensive, led by Le Duan, aimed to knock the U.S. out of the war through a massive, coordinated strike. While the NVA suffered extreme casualties, the offensive was a strategic information victory. Images of fighting at the U.S. Embassy shattered domestic support, leading Walter Cronkite to declare the war a stalemate. Simultaneously, the siege of Khe Sanh illustrated the war’s futility. U.S. forces fought a bloody, months-long defense of the base, only to bulldoze and abandon it shortly after the North Vietnamese were driven off. (4)1972

3. Westmoreland’s three-phase plan focused on building massive infrastructure and then launching "crushing operations" to force North Vietnamese negotiations. However, the "search and destroy" metric of success—body counts—failed because 90% of operations made no enemy contact. The NVA often disappeared into trackless jungles to live to fight another day. Meanwhile, President Johnson respected Cambodian and Laotian neutrality despite NVA exploitation. He feared that widening the war into these vast sanctuaries would require massive troop increases the U.S. could not sustain, choosing instead to focus combat within South Vietnamese borders. (3)

2. General Westmoreland implemented a "search and destroy" strategy using superior technology and "vertical envelopment" with helicopters. At the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang, the U.S. sought to trap NVA regiments with air mobility and crushing artillery. However, the NVA quickly adapted, learning to "cling" to American perimeters to neutralize U.S. fire support. Hal Moore’s battalion faced a brutal realization: while the U.S. relied on technology, the NVA used human wave attacks and proximity to maximize American casualties. This early conflict proved that the enemy possessed a resilient tactical spirit that technology alone could not defeat. (2)1965

1. Geoffrey Wawro explains that President Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara exploited the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident as a political opportunity. Though the reported North Vietnamese attacks were "contrived," they were used to secure the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, providing a "blank check" for military escalation. Johnson’s strategy was a delicate balance: he aimed to intimidate North Vietnam into a two-state solution without triggering Chinese intervention. Facing domestic pressure from conservative rivals, Johnson used the incident to galvanize public support despite knowing the military premise was false. This political maneuvering set the stage for full-scale combat. (1)1962

8. Octavian enters Alexandria, securing the Egyptian treasury and ordering the execution of Caesarion to eliminate any rival heirs. Cleopatra commits suicide—likely via a cobra—to avoid being paraded in a Roman triumph. In 27 BC, Octavian takes the title "Augustus," establishing the Roman Empire by artfully using authority rather than raw power. His sister Octavia remains a central figure, raising the children of both families to secure a future dynasty. Augustus transforms Rome from wood into a "marbled wonder," ruling until his death in 14 AD. (8)

7. Following the defeat, Antony falls into a deep "melancholy," while Cleopatra focuses on protecting her dynasty, even considering exile in India. Octavian consolidates power by securing the loyalty of Eastern client kings and managing restless veterans in Italy. A complex "film noir" negotiation begins, with Antony and Cleopatra separately dealing with Octavian while often lying to each other. When Octavian finally invades Egypt, Antony’s remaining forces desert him. Driven by a false report of Cleopatra's suicide, Antony attempts to kill himself and eventually dies in her arms on August 1, 30 BC. (7)

6. At the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, Antony’s blockaded fleet is forced into a breakout attempt to save their treasury. During the engagement, Cleopatra’s squadron, marked by purple sails, breaks through the line. Antony follows her, abandoning his fleet and army, which Strauss describes as a devastating blow to his Roman honor. Although his sailors continue to fight, Octavian’s forces eventually use fire arrows to destroy the remaining ships. This decisive victory allows Octavian to secure total control over the Roman world as the defeated lovers flee back toward Alexandria. (6)