Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast

What does the UAE understand about Iran, Muslim Brotherhood, and extremism that much of the West still refuses to see?

In this episode of Misgav Mideast Horizons, host Asher Fredman is joined by Rauda Altenaiji, an Emirati political commentator, geopolitical analyst, author, and motorsport endurance racer, for a powerful conversation on the new Middle East, the Iranian regime, the Muslim Brotherhood, Abraham Accords 2.0, and the battle over narratives in the West.

Rauda explains why the UAE refuses to be blackmailed by Iran, why the Strait of Hormuz cannot be held hostage by the Islamic Republic, and how Emirati society responded with resilience and confidence during Iranian missile and drone attacks. She also discusses the UAE’s pride in its armed forces, the country’s national identity, and why Qatar may be reassessing its approach to extremism after the latest regional war. 

The conversation also turns to the deeper ideological struggle taking place across the Middle East and the West. Rauda warns that Iran, the Muslim Brotherhood, and other extremist movements do not only fight with rockets and militias - they fight through narrative warfare, media influence, issue framing, and the manipulation of Western freedoms. Drawing on her book Andalusion, she explains how Islamist movements use selective storytelling and psychological strategies to advance their agendas inside Western societies. 

Rauda also makes a striking argument: The Iranian regime and other extremists fear women because they understand the power of women to challenge authoritarianism, repression, and ideological control. From Iran’s protest movements to the regime’s propaganda, she explains why women remain at the center of the struggle over Iran’s future. 

Asher and Rauda also discuss Abraham Accords 2.0, the future of UAE-Israel ties, Sudan, Somaliland, the failure to confront extremist influence in universities, and why the UAE continues to pursue its national interests with confidence despite criticism.

For critical insights on Iran, the UAE, the Muslim Brotherhood, the Abraham Accords, Israel, Gulf security, and the changing Middle East, like, share, and subscribe to Misgav Mideast Horizons.

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While Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas attack Israel on the battlefield, a vast and often hidden network of NGOs seeks to demonize and delegitimize Israel in the international arena. How does this network operate - and how does it fuel sanctions campaigns, violent protests, ICC cases, and high-profile media libels, including Nicholas Kristof’s recent op-ed in The New York Times?

In this episode of Misgav Mideast Horizons, host Asher Fredman is joined by Olga Deutsch, incoming President of NGO Monitor and Senior Fellow at the Misgav Institute, for a revealing conversation on the vast network of NGOs, activists, media outlets, governments, and international institutions shaping the global narrative against Israel.

Deutsch explains how anti-Israel NGOs use the language of human rights and humanitarianism to promote campaigns of delegitimization - from Gaza flotillas and boycott efforts to ICC and ICJ cases, international sanctions campaigns, and media narratives accusing Israel of apartheid, genocide, starvation, and other crimes. She argues that many of these campaigns are not isolated PR efforts, but part of a well-funded political warfare strategy aimed at undermining Israel’s basic legitimacy and national security.

The conversation also addresses the controversy surrounding Nicholas Kristof’s recent New York Times op-ed, documented links between various NGOs and designated terrorist organizations, the “halo effect” that shields such organizations from scrutiny, and the flow of taxpayer money from Western governments to the NGO industrial complex.

Deutsch also explains what success looks like in this battle: exposing NGO funding, pushing governments to improve vetting and accountability, cutting off support to extremist or terror-linked groups, and changing the way policymakers, journalists, and the public understand the NGO industry.

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What is the Arab case for Israel — and how did the Iranian regime distort Shia Islam?

In this episode of Misgav Mideast Horizons, hosts Asher Fredman and Lahav Harkov are joined by Hussain Abdul-Hussain, Research Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and author of The Arab Case for Israel, for a wide-ranging conversation on Lebanon, Hezbollah, Iran, Iraq, Shia Islam, and the future of Arab-Israeli peace.

Born to an Iraqi father and Lebanese mother, Hussain grew up between Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and civil-war Lebanon, later becoming a journalist in Beirut before moving to Washington. He shares the personal journey that led him from anti-Israel slogans to a radically different conclusion: that Israel is not the source of the Arab world’s problems, but a potential asset for Arab prosperity, stability, and peace.

Hussain explains why Lebanon has never fully recovered its sovereignty since the rise of armed factions operating outside the state, from the PLO to Hezbollah. He argues that Hezbollah has kept Lebanon trapped as a hostage state, and that the current moment may represent a rare opportunity for Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, restore sovereignty, and move toward peace with Israel. He also offers sharp criticism of the regional and international actors — including Iran, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — whose policies he says have often held Lebanon back.

The conversation also dives into Iraq’s future after Saddam, the rise of Iraqi patriotism, the limits of Iranian influence among Arab Shia, and why Iraq’s Shia parties are increasingly cautious about appearing to serve Tehran’s interests. Hussain explains why corruption, weak rule of law, and oil dependency remain major obstacles to Iraq attracting serious investment and becoming a stable regional power.

In one of the episode’s most important segments, Hussain challenges common assumptions about Shia Islam, Iran, Jerusalem, and Israel. He argues that the Islamic Republic imported ideological ideas from the Muslim Brotherhood and politicized Shia theology in a way that was foreign to traditional Shia thought. He explains why Khomeini’s revolution transformed Israel into a Shia political enemy — and why many Arab Shia, especially in Iraq, still do not accept Iran’s doctrine of rule by the jurist.

In the opening segment, Asher and Lahav analyze the latest developments across the region: Iran’s missile and drone attacks on the UAE and Oman, Israel’s security support for the UAE, the failure of Europe’s “de-escalation” reflex, the difficulties in negotiations with Lebanon, and the growing possibility of renewed escalation in Gaza as Hamas refuses to disarm.

Is Israel becoming a regional superpower, or is it facing an internal ideological crisis?

In this episode of Mideast Horizons, hosts Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman are joined by Member of Knesset Dan Illouz (Likud) for a candid discussion on the campaign to end UNRWA’s operations, the impact of the Iran war on UAE-Israel ties, the polarizing debate over the ultra-Orthodox draft, and the struggle within the Likud party between classical liberals and socialist populists.

Illouz offers a candid look inside Israeli politics at a pivotal moment. He explains why the Haredi draft crisis is not merely a political dispute, but an existential issue for Israel’s security, economy, and future as a strong Jewish and democratic state. He discusses the pressure of taking principled positions inside his own party, the internal battle over the soul of the Likud, and whether Israel’s right can remain committed to free markets, equality before the law, and national responsibility.

The conversation also explores Illouz’s legislation targeting UNRWA, why he believes the agency perpetuates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and how Israel’s move to restrict UNRWA’s operations is being implemented on the ground. As co-chair of the Knesset Abraham Accords Caucus, Illouz also analyzes the future of Abraham Accords 2.0, the impact of Iran’s attacks on Gulf states, and the potential for deeper regional cooperation between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the Middle East.

In the opening segment, Asher and Lahav break down the latest developments on Iran, Washington-Tehran negotiations, the Strait of Hormuz, Israel-UAE security cooperation, Ukraine’s accusations regarding Russian grain shipments, and the political maneuvering ahead of Israel’s next elections.

Key Topics Discussed:

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In this deeply moving episode of Mideast Horizons, recorded on the eve of Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day), hosts Asher Fredman and Lahav Harkov are joined by Rabbi Doron Perez. Rabbi Perez - President of the World Zionist Organization, Chair of World Mizrachi, and father of Captain Daniel Perez z”l, who fell on October 7 - offers profound insights on the "pain and privilege" of the Jewish experience. He shares his personal perspective on the unique Israeli transition from Memorial Day to Independence Day, and explains how Jewish tradition is defined by bringing our pain with us into moments of redemption.

Rabbi Perez reflects on Daniel’s character and legacy, the extraordinary maturity and courage of young Israeli soldiers, and the urgent need to preserve unity within Israel and across the Jewish world even amid deep disagreements. He also addresses the public debate over Israel-Diaspora relations, arguing that no love of land or ideology should come at the expense of love for the Jewish People.

In the opening segment, Asher and Lahav analyze the fragile geopolitics of the ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon. They break down the security implications of Israel’s buffer zone in southern Lebanon, and the dangers associated with potential sanctions relief for Iran. They also address a disturbing incident involving the desecration of a Christian statue in Lebanon, emphasizing the urgent need for education and a heavy hand against extremism.

In this episode of Mideast Horizons, Robert Greenway provides a rare insider’s perspective on President Trump’s decision-making on Iran, U.S.-Israel military cooperation, and the reshaping of the Middle East.

Greenway, Director of the Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation and former Senior Director for MENA at the U.S. National Security Council, discusses: 

In the first segment, hosts Asher Fredman and Lahav Harkov reflect on recording during Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and how the vow of "Never Again" applies in the post-October 7th world.

They also discuss:

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In this powerful and inspiring episode of Mideast Horizons, hosts Asher Fredman and Lahav Harkov are joined by Sana Ebrahimi, a prominent Iranian activist and AI researcher, to discuss the current state of the Islamic Republic, the Iranian opposition, and the growing momentum for regime change.

Sana shares her remarkable personal journey, from growing up in a religiously conservative family in Tehran and wearing the chador from age seven, to becoming an outspoken voice against the ayatollah regime. She explains why so many Iranians reject the regime, why she does not believe the war has produced a true “rally around the flag” phenomenon, and why public anger inside Iran remains intense.

Sana also provides a masterclass on the landscape of the Iranian opposition, from the “reformists” and the MEK to the evolving movement around Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. She argues that if the American and Israeli operations in Iran succeed in truly weakening the regime’s “killing machine,” a large-scale internal uprising could be on the horizon.

Sana also reveals how AI-generated propaganda, fake videos, and coordinated online campaigns are distorting global perceptions of Iran, and what social media platforms should do about it.

In the opening segment, Asher and Lahav analyze the current state of Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, and the critical questions on the table regarding any potential deal to end the war. They also discuss the return of Hamas displays of power in Gaza and the new roadmap for disarming the terrorist group presented by U.S. and regional mediators.

Key Topics Discussed:

For critical insights on Iran and the changing Middle East, follow the Misgav Institute on X: @MisgavINSen.

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Is Operation Epic Fury a regional conflict, or a testing ground for a new global order?

In this episode of Mideast Horizons, hosts Asher Fredman and Lahav Harkov are joined by Zineb Riboua to discuss the hidden layers of Operation Epic Fury and its role in U.S.-China global competition.

Zineb, a Research Fellow at the Hudson Institute, reveals how Beijing has helped build Iran’s missile arsenal and mass surveillance systems, and used the Islamic Republic as a "laboratory" to test financial channels designed to bypass Western sanctions. She also discusses how the Iran war can help shape an Abraham Accords 2.0, and the unique role that Morocco can play.

In the first segment, Asher and Lahav break down the strategic significance of the strike on Ali Larijani, who served as a crucial bridge between Iran’s military and political leadership, discuss a potential ground operation in Lebanon, and address the bizarre wave of online conspiracy theories, including claims that Prime Minister Netanyahu has been replaced by AI.

Key Topics Discussed:

For critical insights on Iran, follow the Misgav Institute on X: @MisgavINSen.

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Former Israeli National Security Adviser and Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Prof. Jacob Nagel, joins Mideast Horizons for a wide-ranging conversation on the war with Iran, unprecedented US-Israel cooperation, and the future of the Middle East. With Asher Fredman and Lahav Harkov, he discusses how Israel and the United States are coordinating across intelligence, air power, logistics, and “science-fiction” technologies - and shares what victory against Iran could look like.

In the first segment of this episode, Lahav and Asher share insights on the potential timeline of the Iran war, the ayatollah regime’s survival strategy, Israel’s resilience, and why serious people should not go on Piers Morgan’s show.

Prof. Jacob Nagel is Israel’s former National Security Advisor and head of the National Security Council. He currently heads the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology’s Center for Security Science and Technology. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Following a more than 40-year career in the IDF, Defense Ministry, and Prime Minister’s Office, Prof. Nagel was selected to chair Israel’s national commissions on the security budget and IDF force build-up, and on artificial intelligence.

For critical insights on Iran and the changing Middle East, follow the Misgav Institute on X: @MisgavINSen.

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Can the UN be repaired - or should it be defunded and replaced?

In this episode of Mideast Horizons, former Israeli Minister and Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan joins Asher Fredman for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation about the failure of the UN system, the future of Gaza, and the historic opportunity now facing the U.S. and Israel in Iran.

Ambassador Erdan pulls back the curtain on his four years at the UN, describing an organization that is “broken and corrupt” and dominated by non-democratic regimes. As PM Netanyahu meets with President Trump, Erdan argues that we are facing a "watershed moment” in which the U.S. and Israel must focus on one goal: regime change in Tehran.

Don’t miss this insider’s look at the global diplomatic battlefield! Watch, share, and subscribe to Mideast Horizons for more in-depth conversations with leading policymakers and strategic thinkers. You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].