A Jihadi New Year

01/03/25 • 58 min

Just hours into the New Year, we were reminded that the Jihad against the West is not over. It’s not even taking a winter break.

A man inspired by the Islamic State drove a pickup truck into a crowd in the French Quarter of New Orleans, murdering at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. Hours later in New York City, demonstrators chanted: “There is only one solution – intifada revolution!” and “No war on Iran!”

Meanwhile, Iran’s ruler, Ali Khamenei must be pondering whether Hezbollah and Hamas, two of his proxy terrorist militias that have been decimated by Israel, can be built back better.

Also on his mind: What it means that Syria, once his satrapy, is now under Turkey’s influence.

Host Cliff May is joined by his FDD colleague Behnam Ben Taleblu to discuss these and related issues.

Just hours into the New Year, we were reminded that the Jihad against the West is not over. It’s not even taking a winter break.

Meanwhile, Iran’s ruler, Ali Khamenei must be pondering whether Hezbollah and Hamas, two of his proxy terrorist militias that have been decimated by Israel, can be built back better.

Also on his mind: What it means that Syria, once his satrapy, is now under Turkey’s influence.

Host Cliff May is joined by his FDD colleague Behnam Ben Taleblu to discuss these and related issues.

Previous Episode

What Does Regime Change in Syria Change?

What does regime change in Syria change?

The overthrow of longtime, mass-murdering dictator Bashar al-Assad is a good thing. But those who did the overthrowing? Not good.

The most important rebel group involved in this revolution is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, better known as HTS. It has roots in both al Qaeda and the Islamic State (also known as ISIS). Its leader’s nom de guerre is Abu Mohammad al-Jolani. He and HTS have been officially designated as terrorists by the U.S. government.

The fall of Assad weakens Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both had backed Assad, and both had derived benefits from Assad in exchange.

And the fall of Assad strengthens Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

To discuss all of this and more, host Cliff May is joined by Jonathan Schanzer, Reuel Marc Gerecht, and Michael Doran.

NOTE: We hope you enjoy the soothing sounds of Reuel's Ring Doorbell chimes.

Next Episode

Get Smart on AI

“Artificial intelligence is the future... Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world.” — Vladimir Putin

The Russian president-for-life and neo-tzar waging a terrible war of conquest against Ukraine is evil but he’s not stupid, certainly not when it comes to artificial intelligence.

Americans don’t want to rule the world. But neither do most of us want the world to be ruled from Moscow, Tehran, or Beijing. So, we have to get smart. We have to run an arms race — or maybe a brains race. What will that require?

Host Cliff May asks his FDD colleagues Matt Pottinger and RADM (Ret) Mark Montgomery.