The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

Happy Thanksgiving! Give thanks, for despite what the negative news cycle may tend to portray, we live in the most remarkable time of human history. No, the world’s not perfect. But in this episode, Stephen celebrates the good with a bounty of uplifting facts. Did you know the global illiteracy rate has dropped form 46% to 18% since 1970? Or that 720 million fewer people lived in extreme poverty in 2010 than in 1981? Tune in to this brief episode, and give thanks!

In what has become a Stephen Mansfield Podcast Thanksgiving tradition, Stephen tells the story of the Pilgrim Thanksgiving, the one that has inspired the American holiday. So gather the family and listen to this brief, exciting account of an episode from our nation’s history and from our heritage of faith. (This episode has appeared previously on the Stephen Mansfield Podcast.)

In what has become a Stephen Mansfield Podcast Thanksgiving tradition, Stephen tells the story of the Pilgrim Thanksgiving, the one that has inspired the American holiday. So gather the family and listen to this brief, exciting account of an episode from our nation’s history and from our heritage of faith. (This episode has appeared previously on the Stephen Mansfield Podcast.)

It’s sad to see Americans become increasingly disconnected from their military. Veteran’s Day may be the least observed federal holiday. In this episode (recorded on Veteran’s Day 2019), Stephen urges for a restoration of honor for those who serve in the U.S. military. Though America has been receding as of late, she is still a large force on the world’s stage. Those who safeguard our nation deserve our honor and respect.

It’s sad to see Americans become increasingly disconnected from their military. Veteran’s Day may be the least observed federal holiday. In this episode (recorded on Veteran’s Day 2019), Stephen urges for a restoration of honor for those who serve in the U.S. military. Though America has been receding as of late, she is still a large force on the world’s stage. Those who safeguard our nation deserve our honor and respect.

Iraq is being overtaken by Iran. The government in Baghdad is essentially a puppet of the Iranian government. There is a massive restructuring underway in the Middle East. And because the U.S. is retreating from its responsibilities, the Iranians are feeling emboldened. This is what the U.S. abandonment of the Kurds has signaled to the Middle East, and it is one of the most pressing issues of our age. These moving pieces will impact our world for many, many years to come if something doesn’t change soon.

Iraq is being overtaken by Iran. The government in Baghdad is essentially a puppet of the Iranian government. There is a massive restructuring underway in the Middle East. And because the U.S. is retreating from its responsibilities, the Iranians are feeling emboldened. This is what the U.S. abandonment of the Kurds has signaled to the Middle East, and it is one of the most pressing issues of our age. These moving pieces will impact our world for many, many years to come if something doesn’t change soon.

The poet John Donne wrote, “Any man's death diminishes me.” Perhaps not in the case of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Look at what can happen when the U.S. stays in the game, pairing its military might and technology with Kurdish courage and fortitude. In this episode, Stephen reflects on the death of Baghdadi, as well as what it will mean for the Kurds, Turkey, Iraq, and the Middle East as a whole. The U.S. should never have abandoned the Kurds, Erdogan is complicit in supporting ISIS, and Iraq is doubting the United States. War clouds are forming in the Middle East. Don’t miss this episode!

At the end of World War II, much of what we think of as third-world countries were not developed enough to be global powers. The U.S. was the superpower on the world’s stage, owned 90 percent of the world’s gold, and had robust industries, technologies, and innovations. Like it or not, the U.S. was the world’s policeman. Now, new players like Russia and China are emerging onto the world’s stage. As this shift occurs, Stephen advises that the U.S. must be very careful in receding from the Middle East. If the U.S. throws up its hands in despair and exits, a vacuum will be left for evil to fill. Listen in as Stephen discusses macro trends in light of Donald Trump’s recent decision and the effects it has had on the Kurds.

Donald Trump’s betrayal of the Kurds may be one of the most important events to happen in our lifetime. Having just returned from Iraqi Kurdistan, Stephen shares his knowledge and personal experience regarding U.S. policy and matters involving the Kurds and Turks. The Kurds are some of the most gracious, loving, and generous people in the world. Sadly, they have a long history of being betrayed. If not promptly addressed, this is a decision that could cost thousands of lives and disrupt progress in foreign affairs for a generation.

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/

https://www.rudaw.net/english