The Antony Loewenstein Podcast

Antony Loewenstein and Lem Zakharia examine Bondi Terror: The Tragedy, The Courage, The Aftermath by Sherri Markson and Alex Ryvchin. They discuss the book’s account of the Bondi attack, its portrayal of antisemitism, and its broader political arguments. The conversation explores competing narratives around Israel, Palestine, media influence, protest movements, and public discourse in Australia. They also reflect on free speech, independent journalism, and why stories like Bondi Terror continue to shape national debate.

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Produced by Lena Helou and Lem Zakharia.

In this episode of The Antony Loewenstein Podcast, Antony Loewenstein speaks with Palestinian-Australian surgeon Dr. Bushra Othman, editor of The Weight of Witness: The Experiences of Australian and New Zealand Medics in Gaza. Drawing on her three medical missions to Gaza, Dr. Othman reflects on the realities faced by healthcare workers and civilians during the war, the challenges of delivering medical care under siege, and the responsibility of bearing witness to suffering and loss. The conversation explores the stories behind the book, the experiences of Australian and New Zealand medics on the ground, the importance of solidarity and advocacy, and the ongoing efforts to document the human impact of the conflict through firsthand testimony.
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Produced by Lena Helou and Lem Zakharia.

In this episode of The Antony Loewenstein Podcast, Antony Loewenstein speaks with American-Pakistani journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed about his powerful new book Crossing the Red Line: Biden, Gaza, and Complicity. Drawing on extensive reporting and interviews with current and former U.S. officials, Ahmed examines the Biden administration’s response to the Gaza war, the political calculations behind Washington’s support for Israel, the treatment of Palestinian lives in U.S. policymaking, and the broader legacy of the post-9/11 era. The discussion explores media coverage, intelligence failures, accountability, shifting public opinion on Israel and Palestine, and what the Gaza crisis reveals about American power, foreign policy, and the future of international justice.

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Produced by Lena Helou and Lem Zakharia.

Assal Rad joins Antony Loewenstein to discuss her new book, Don't Say Palestine: How the Media Manufactured Consent for Genocide, exploring how Western media narratives shape public understanding of Palestine, Gaza and Israel. From headline framing and propaganda to the legacy of the Iraq War and the collapse of trust in mainstream journalism, Rad examines the role of language, power and accountability in one of the defining political issues of our time.

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Produced by Lena Helou and Lem Zakharia.

In this episode, Antony Loewenstein explores the increasingly fraught debate around antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and the limits of political speech on Israel-Palestine. Drawing on recent examples from Australia, Israel and the wider pro-Palestine movement, he examines where legitimate criticism of Israel ends and dangerous conspiracy theories, fascism and real antisemitism begin. A challenging conversation about language, accountability, and the politics of solidarity.
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Produced by Lena Helou and Lem Zakharia.

In this episode, Antony Loewenstein answers your questions on Israel, antisemitism, free speech, Australia’s foreign policy, AUKUS and the growing risk of conflict with China. He also reflects on the personal cost of speaking out and why he believes people should challenge silence within their own communities. Buy merch here: https://antonyloewenstein.bandtshirts.com.au/

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Produced by Lena Helou and Lem Zakharia.

In this episode, Antony Loewenstein examines five years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, reflecting on the 20-year US-led war, its devastating impact on Afghan civilians, the West’s failure to reckon with its own actions, and the country’s current political and economic crisis. He explores the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls, divisions within the movement, the role of the West and the International Criminal Court, and why engagement with Afghanistan may be more effective than isolation.  Ask me a question here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDJgrNigh0SvGaGaVIwBo4vePw12F1wv0IBGwAppKbD79s2g/viewform?usp=publish-editor
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Produced by Lena Helou and Lem Zakharia.

In this episode, Antony Loewenstein responds to viral claimsabout the so-called "Greater Israel" project, examining how ideas once considered fringe are increasingly being discussed in mainstream political discourse. The conversation explores the ideology behind the concept, comments made by members of the current Israeli government, and whether the ongoing war has accelerated territorial ambitions in the region.

The discussion also looks at Israel's dependence on USmilitary and diplomatic support, how a future reduction in American backing could reshape the regional balance of power, and why public opinion across the Middle East may have long-term geopolitical consequences.

Produced by Lena Ahelou and Lem Zakharia.

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In this episode of The Antony Loewenstein Podcast,Antony examines how immigration is being weaponised across the West, and how mainstream media outlets increasingly amplify far-right narratives aboutmigrants and refugees. Using the recent events in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave bordering Morocco, as a starting point, he explores the context often missing from sensational coverage, including poverty, unemployment, politicalrepression and the reasons people are forced to leave their homes.

Antony also unpacks the rise of Fortress Europe, the role ofborder agencies such as Frontex, the treatment of refugees in places like Greece and Libya, and how anti-immigrant rhetoric has become central to far-right politics across Europe, the UK, the US and Australia. From Nigel Farage and Donald Trump to Pauline Hanson and Australia's offshore detentionregime, this episode investigates how fear, insecurity and misinformation are shaping the migration debate, and what a more humane alternative could look like.

Produced by Lena Helou and Lem Zakharia.

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In this episode, Antony Loewenstein examines the continuing war in Gaza, international accountability, and the political future of Israel under Benjamin Netanyahu.
The conversation explores why growing international criticism has yet to translate into meaningful consequences, the role of institutions like the International Criminal Court and the United Nations, and why UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese argues that urgent action is needed now rather than after the conflict ends.
Topics discussed include:
Netanyahu's political future and Israel's far-right coalition
International law and accountability
Francesca Albanese's calls for action
Why global pressure has struggled to stop the war
What the ongoing conflict means for Palestinians and the wider region
If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode. Your support helps independent journalism reach more people.
You can also support Antony's work by donating: https://bit.ly/4rqn9wF
Produced by Lena Helou and Lem Zakharia