Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/muslim-expert-warns-get-extremists?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode of The Brink, Jake is joined by Emirati journalist, author, and political strategist Amjad Taha for a wide-ranging conversation on the rise of political Islam in the West, the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, and the growing security challenges facing Britain and Europe.

Amjad argues that Western democracies have underestimated the threat posed by Islamist movements, explaining how organisations linked to the Muslim Brotherhood have embedded themselves within universities, charities, community groups, and political activism. He discusses anti-Semitism, radicalisation, the role of British institutions, and why he believes many Western governments have failed to confront the problem.

The conversation also explores the UAE's approach to combating extremism, the Abraham Accords, the future of the Middle East, and the wider struggle between Islamist ideology and states seeking stability and coexistence. We examine Britain's relationship with the Gulf, the war in Sudan, and why Amjad believes the West has misunderstood its allies in the region.

Finally, we turn to Iran and the aftermath of the recent conflict with Israel and the United States. Amjad explains why he believes the current ceasefire is only temporary, argues that the Iranian regime remains the greatest threat to regional stability, and warns that the next confrontation may be even more dangerous.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:12 How The Muslim Brotherhood Gains Influence

07:55 Iran, Hamas & The Silence Of British Politicians

12:27 How Islamists Use Democracy Against The West

15:32 Universities, Mosques & Radicalisation

22:26 What Is The Muslim Brotherhood?

28:32 How The Brotherhood Changes Society

32:01 Should Britain Ban The Muslim Brotherhood?

35:15 Public Prayer Or Political Power?

39:35 How Much Influence Does The Muslim Brotherhood Have In Britain?

46:28 Is The Problem Islam Or Islamism?

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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/

In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Iran expert Kasra Aarabi to examine the state of the Iranian regime after the recent conflict with Israel and the United States, and to ask whether the Islamic Republic is weaker than it appears.

Drawing on sources inside Iran and years of research into the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Kasra explains the internal power struggles unfolding within the regime, the growing influence of younger and more radical elements of the IRGC, and why the battle for succession after Ayatollah Khamenei could reshape the future of the Islamic Republic.

The conversation explores the regime’s ideology, its nuclear ambitions, and the role of the IRGC in projecting Iranian power across the Middle East. We discuss the recent negotiations with the Trump administration, the future of Hezbollah, and why Tehran believes time is on its side despite suffering significant military setbacks.

Kasra also examines the relationship between Iran and regional actors such as Qatar, Pakistan, and Turkey, the wider geopolitical implications of the conflict, and the growing tensions between Washington, Jerusalem, and European capitals.

Finally, we turn to the Iranian people. Kasra explains why many Iranians continue to oppose the regime despite years of repression, why protest movements remain a serious threat to the Islamic Republic, and whether the current moment could mark the beginning of the end for one of the world's most entrenched authoritarian systems.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:42 Who Really Controls Iran Now?

08:30 The Islamic Republic Is A Mafia State

12:10 Purges Are Coming To Iran's Regime

14:43 Has The Regime Become More Extreme?

15:30 The Radicalisation Of The IRGC

20:35 The Rise Of Iran's Hardline Next Generation

21:54 Mahdism, Apocalypse & The IRGC Worldview

25:47 What Does Iran Actually Want From A Deal?

30:39 How Tehran Plans To Split Trump And Netanyahu

33:04 Iran's Nuclear Strategy: Delay, Delay, Delay

36:32 Why The Regime Fears Donald Trump

42:11 Does Iran Have Any Real Allies Left?

46:45 What Do Ordinary Iranians Think?

49:50 Why Many Iranians Still Trust Trump?

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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/is-there-a-silver-lining-to-trumps?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this bonus episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake unpack the fallout from Donald Trump’s proposed Iran deal and ask whether the United States has just handed a major strategic victory to the Iranian regime.

The conversation explores what went wrong after the 12 Day War, why the original campaign against Iran appeared to lose momentum, and whether a different outcome was possible. We discuss the role of Donald Trump, JD Vance, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the wider network of regional actors shaping events behind the scenes.

Andrew and Jake also examine the future of Israel’s relationship with the United States, the growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem, and what this means for the balance of power across the Middle East. From Lebanon and Hezbollah to the Gulf states and the Strait of Hormuz, they consider how the region is being reshaped in real time.

Finally, the discussion turns to the Iranian people, the future of the regime, and whether there is still hope for meaningful change despite the setbacks of recent weeks.

Chapters

00:00 Iran Deal and Its Implications

02:28 Debate on the Iran Deal's Silver Linings

09:43 Trump's Role and the Impact on U.S. Strategy

15:29 The Role of Other Countries and Influence on Trump

18:34 Psychological Profiling and Trump's Vulnerabilities

30:53 The Impact on U.S.-Israel Relationship

35:20 Bibi's Leadership and Israel's Challenges

39:29 The Conflict in Lebanon and Its Implications

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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/p/media-gazaology-exposed-former-ap?r=63dafp

In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by journalist and author Matti Friedman for a wide-ranging conversation on media bias, anti-Semitism, propaganda, and the growing gap between reality and perception in the coverage of Israel.

Drawing on decades of experience reporting from Israel, Friedman reflects on his time at the Associated Press and explains why he became convinced that much of the Western media no longer seeks to describe reality but to advance ideological narratives. He discusses his concept of “Gazology”, the growing industry of books, commentary, and activism that uses Gaza as a vehicle for broader political and cultural causes often disconnected from events on the ground.

The conversation explores why Israel receives such disproportionate attention from the international media, the role of social media and alternative outlets in shaping public opinion, and how anti-Semitic narratives have evolved in the modern age. We also examine the information war surrounding October 7th, claims of genocide, the treatment of journalists in Gaza, and the challenges of separating reporting from activism.

Finally, we discuss the future of Israel, the decline of trust in Western institutions, the shifting relationship between Israel and the United States, and whether Israeli society can emerge stronger from the profound challenges it has faced since October 7th.

A fascinating and deeply insightful discussion about journalism, propaganda, anti-Semitism, and the future of both Israel and the West.

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Chapters

00:00 Why Gaza Dominates Western Attention

03:16 Media Bias, Activism & The AP

08:32 Why Israel Matters More Than Sudan Or China

12:07 The West’s Obsession With The Jews

13:55 Was Israel Always Going To Be Blamed?

16:41 Gazology: How Gaza Became An Ideological Symbol

18:59 Why People Care More About Israel Than Reality

24:04 Social Media, Misinformation & The Gaza Narrative

30:06 Why Trust In The Media Has Collapsed

35:04 The Claim That Israel Is Killing Journalists

40:15 Hamas Propaganda & Western Reporting

43:01 Trump, Netanyahu & The Future Of Israel

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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/gad-saad-suicidal-empathy-and-the?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by evolutionary psychologist, bestselling author, and podcast host Gad Saad to discuss his new book, Suicidal Empathy, and the ideas he believes are driving the West towards cultural and political self-destruction.

Gad explains the concept of "suicidal empathy" and argues that many of the West’s biggest challenges stem from a well-meaning but ultimately self-defeating inability to balance compassion with self-preservation. From mass immigration and cultural relativism to identity politics and DEI, he explores how empathy can become detached from reality and produce disastrous consequences.

The conversation examines the origins of these ideas, the role of universities and elite institutions in spreading them, and why so many people feel unable to challenge prevailing orthodoxies. We also discuss meritocracy, free speech, the decline of intellectual curiosity, and the growing divide between common sense and elite opinion.

Finally, Gad reflects on Israel, October 7th, propaganda, and the psychological forces shaping public opinion in the West. He explains why he believes societies must rediscover the confidence to defend their values, culture, and institutions before it is too late.

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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/francis-foster-henry-nowak-proves?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by comedian, commentator, and Triggernometry co-host Francis Foster for a wide-ranging conversation on identity politics, education, free speech, and the growing cultural divisions shaping modern Britain.

The discussion begins with the murder of Henry Nowak and the debate over two-tier policing. Francis argues that modern Britain has become increasingly divided by race and identity, warning that policies designed around immutable characteristics have fuelled resentment, mistrust, and social fragmentation.

Drawing on his experience as a teacher, Francis explains why he believes the education system is fundamentally broken. From declining standards and behavioural issues to ideological training and the "bigotry of low expectations", he reflects on the challenges facing schools and why so many teachers are leaving the profession.

The conversation also explores the rise of identity politics across public institutions, comedy, and the media. Francis describes how debates around race, gender, and national identity have transformed public life, and why many people now feel unable to speak openly about controversial issues.

We also discuss the Israel-Hamas war, anti-Semitism, and the importance of intellectual curiosity in an increasingly polarised age. From interviewing Benjamin Netanyahu to navigating online backlash, Francis argues that understanding opposing viewpoints is essential if difficult problems are ever to be solved.

Finally, he reflects on the extraordinary growth of Triggernometry, the collapse of trust in mainstream institutions, and why honest conversation remains one of the most powerful tools for tackling society’s biggest challenges.

A thought-provoking and often humorous discussion about education, culture, free speech, and the future of Britain.

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Chapters

00:00 Henry Nowak & Two-Tier Britain

02:29 The Dangers Of Identity Politics

06:31 Anti-Racism, Racism & Anti-Semitism

09:08 Multiracial vs Multicultural Britain

11:14 Why Britain Feels Like A Powder Keg

12:15 Education, Ideology & The Classroom

18:51 Communism, History & Ignorance

22:23 Why Francis Left Teaching

25:15 “How To Teach Black Boys”

31:52 Israel, Anti-Semitism & The Crisis Of Ideas

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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com

In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by former US Special Representative for Iran Elliott Abrams for a wide-ranging conversation on the aftermath of the Iran war, Donald Trump’s foreign policy, and the future of American power in the Middle East.

We examine the state of Iran’s nuclear programme after the 12-day war and ask whether the current negotiations are simply delaying the problem rather than solving it. Abrams warns that any sanctions relief risks strengthening the regime while doing little to address its missiles, proxy militias, or long-term ambitions.

The conversation also explores Hezbollah, Lebanon, and the wider collapse of Iran’s so-called Ring of Fire following October 7th. Abrams argues that while Israel severely weakened Iran’s regional network, the underlying threat remains unresolved unless the regime itself is ultimately confronted.

We also discuss Donald Trump’s approach to power and foreign policy. From the Strait of Hormuz crisis to Venezuela, NATO, and Ukraine, Abrams reflects on Trump’s strengths, weaknesses, and governing style, including the lack of long-term strategic planning inside the administration.

Finally, we look ahead to the future of American politics, the battle between traditional conservatives and the MAGA movement, and whether figures like Marco Rubio or JD Vance could define the next era of the Republican Party.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:55 Iran's Proxy Militia and Regional Dynamics

10:09 Nuclear Deal and Missile Concerns

15:12 Proxy Militia and Lebanon's Role

20:31 Economic Impact and Sanctions Relief

25:50 Trump's Negotiation Strategy and Military Planning

30:50 Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

35:50 Venezuela and Trump's Legacy

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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-brink-in-somaliland-rageh-omar?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by journalist and broadcaster Rageh Omaar for a conversation from Hargeisa on the extraordinary story of Somaliland and why this unrecognised state is suddenly becoming one of the world’s most important geopolitical flashpoints.

We explore Somaliland’s history as a former British protectorate, its brutal war for independence from Somalia, and how it rebuilt itself into a relatively stable and democratic country despite receiving almost no international recognition. Rageh explains why Somaliland sees itself as a nation that has been unfairly locked out of the international system, even while functioning more effectively than many recognised states.

The conversation then turns to the historic decision by Israel to formally recognise Somaliland in December 2025. Rageh discusses why the move transformed Somaliland’s international profile overnight and why relations between Somaliland and Israel have developed so warmly despite Somaliland being a deeply conservative Muslim society.

We also examine the wider geopolitical battle unfolding across the Horn of Africa. From China and Turkey’s growing influence in Somalia and Djibouti to the strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb shipping route, we discuss why global powers are increasingly focusing on Somaliland and whether Britain is making a major strategic mistake by failing to recognise it.

Finally, we discuss Somalia’s ongoing instability, the threat posed by Al Shabaab, the role of the Somaliland diaspora in rebuilding the country, and why Somaliland could become one of the West’s most important allies in Africa in the years ahead.

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Chapters

0:00 Introduction

4:47 Historical Context and Geographic Setting of Somaliland

7:26 Somaliland's Struggle for Independence and International Recognition

13:24 Israel's Recognition of Somaliland and Its Implications

18:58 Strategic Interests and Diplomatic Challenges

27:56 Somaliland's Relationship with Other Countries and International Recognition

35:19 Britain's Role and the Future of Somaliland's Recognition

43:53 The Impact of Recognition on Somaliland's Future

45:32 The Future of Somaliland's Relationship with Israel and Other Countries

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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-real-reason-british-politics?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by broadcaster and journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer.

The discussion begins with the mounting pressure on Keir Starmer, with Julia arguing that his leadership has exposed deeper systemic failures across British politics. From Brexit and the civil service to taxation, public services, and political leadership, we explore why trust in both Labour and the Conservatives has collapsed so dramatically.

The conversation then turns to the media and the cultural establishment. Julia reflects on her career in British journalism and explains why she increasingly found herself at odds with elite opinion on issues like Brexit, lockdowns, net zero, and gender ideology. We examine whether legacy media has lost public trust and what has filled the vacuum online.

A major focus of the episode is anti-Semitism and the war in Israel. Julia shares her experience visiting Israel after October 7th, including visits to the Nova festival site and communities attacked by Hamas. She explains why the trip profoundly affected her understanding of the conflict and why she believes much of the Western public has been misled about Israel by media narratives and political activism.

Finally, we discuss the future of British politics, the rise of Reform, and whether the country is entering a period of deeper instability and fragmentation.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:35 Keir Starmer and Labour

07:18 What’s wrong with UK politics

17:44 What a “truth-telling” PM would say

23:20 Julia’s media career and outsider role

30:00 Media bias and clickbait culture

38:38 Extremism, antisemitism and protests

41:36 Julia’s Israel trip and what Britain can learn

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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/i-was-no-friend-of-israel-then-i?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Claire Fox for a wide-ranging conversation on Britain’s political realignment, the rise of populism, free speech, and the cultural fallout from October 7th.

Fox argues that both Labour and the Conservatives have become increasingly detached from ordinary people, creating the conditions for populist movements to surge across Britain. From Brexit and the financial crash to identity politics and the decline of national pride, we explore why so many voters feel alienated from the political establishment.

The discussion also examines censorship and self-censorship across universities, public institutions, and politics. Fox warns that ideological conformity and fear of social punishment are reshaping public life, while identity politics and multiculturalism have weakened a shared sense of citizenship.

The conversation then turns to the aftermath of October 7th and the rise of anti-Semitism in Britain. Fox reflects on how her own views on Israel changed over time and argues that hostility toward Israel increasingly reflects a deeper crisis within Western societies themselves.

A provocative and timely discussion about Britain’s future, democratic change, and the growing battle over national identity and free speech.

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