The second episode of Praying for Armageddon examines the dangerous consequences of the fusion between evangelical Christians and US politics. It shows not only how the very fabric of US democracy is weakened but also highlights the devastating impact religion wields on US foreign policy. Expressing concerns about the influence of evangelical Christians in the US military, retired US Army Colonel Larry Wilkerson who was a former adviser to General Colin Powell, says: “The most vivid danger in all of this, I think, is the special relationship with Israel… They are looking for the US relationship with Israel, ultimately to bring about Armageddon and the rapture and Christ’s thousand-year reign.” As evangelicals fuel the volatile situation in the Middle East, Israel launches a devastating 11-day military offensive on Gaza in May 2021. “The countdown to Armageddon has begun,” says Pastor Robert Jeffress.

The first episode of Praying for Armageddon goes inside the evangelical Christian movement to explore its influence on US democracy and foreign policy. Preparing for the "end times", a grassroots pastor gathers an army of veterans in the heartland of the United States, and megachurch ministers provide spiritual advice to politicians in the nation’s capital. They call for the "final battle" which they believe will trigger the second coming of Christ. Central to their apocalyptic prophecy is Israel. It is with their blessing that the Trump administration controversially recognises Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moves the US embassy there in 2018. “It feels like everyone has a say about the destiny and the future of Jerusalem except for the Palestinians living in it,” says Palestinian activist Fayrouz Sharqawi.

Millions of people knew invading Iraq was wrong. Twenty years on, they’ve been proven right, time and time again. The Bush administration never found weapons of mass destruction, and their dream of building a U.S.-friendly government in Iraq blew up in their faces — all while the Iraqi people endured decades of violence and societal collapse.

Darrell Davis was just 18 when he was sent to prison, serving a total of 25 years behind bars. Davis converted to Islam while in jail, taking on the name “Sadiq”, or truthful, as part of an attempt to leave his previous lifestyle behind. Davis was released after 25 years, but living his truth and rebuilding a life outside prison walls presented its own difficulties. In an intimate documentary, "The Honest Struggle", Davis shares his story of returning to the Chicago streets that once led him to prison. And his story - one of faith and overcoming hardship - is not unique. Hundreds of thousands of inmates in the United States have found a sense of community and solace in Islam, with Muslims now making up about 10 to 15 percent of all American prisoners. So, what is it about Islam that appeals to these inmates?

In this 2016 discussion, we delve into key political developments, including the heated Republican debate, President Obama's controversial visit to a mosque, and the evolving U.S. strategy in Syria. Joining us for expert insight is Al Jazeera's senior political analyst, Marwan Bishara, who provides sharp analysis on these pivotal moments in American and Middle Eastern politics.