Ep. 49 | Iran in Turmoil

10/26/22 • 40 min

Ahmed Obali, founder of Gunaz TV and human rights activist for the Iranian Azerbaijani people, joins Mike and Marshall to discuss the on-going protests in Iran. The death of the young Iranian Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini on September 16 provoked unprecedented protests and riots against the Islamic Republic. Obali offers his insights on the current demonstrations, on the ethnic divisions that might lead to the Islamic Republic’s demise, and the implications for the United States. O

bali discusses the risks of easing the sanctions placed on the Islamic Republic at a time when the Biden administration lacks a comprehensive Iran strategy.

bali discusses the risks of easing the sanctions placed on the Islamic Republic at a time when the Biden administration lacks a comprehensive Iran strategy.

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Ep. 48 | Andrew Hastie on the China Challenge

Australian Shadow Defense Minister and Member of Parliament, The Hon. Andrew Hastie, joins Mike to about the West’s strategy toward China as well as the importance of the US-Australia alliance. Chinese leader Xi Jinping clearly seeks to dethrone the United States as the leader of the international order, he does not hesitate to threaten Australia in pursuit of that goal. Hastie offers his views on China’s ambitions, its intimidation tactics, and how the West should respond.

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Ep. 50 | Saudi Transformation (and Welcome to Peter Rough)

Counterbalance is back and welcomes new co-host Peter Rough, Director of Hudson Institute's Center on Europe and Eurasia. In this episode, Peter interviews returning co-host Mike Doran about his recent trip to Saudi Arabia. A longstanding pillar of American security architecture in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is increasingly demonstrating autonomy in foreign policy. Peter and Michael discuss the reasons for the kingdom's opening to China and its implications for regional security and Great Power competition.