Why Saudi Arabia Fell Back Into The Yemen Trap (S01E172)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.com (https://borzou.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7)
Friday, October 16, 2026, Paris
The war between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Ansar Allah has escalated dramatically, undermining the Arabian Peninsula’s financial aspirations and unsettling the global economy.
In the latest episode of badlands, scholar and former US diplomat Annelle Sheline (https://substack.com/profile/13998597-annelle-sheline) joins host Borzou Daragahi for an extraordinary discussion of Yemen’s history and how the Saudi Arabia appears to have stumbled into a trap set up Ansar Allah, or the Houthis as they are popularly known.
The Quincy Institute analyst also discusses her public departure (https://www.foxnews.com/politics/state-dept-reacts-staffers-resignation-israel-offensive-gaza) from the US State Department over Washington’s support for Israel’s horror campaign in Gaza.
In the episode, Borzou also discusses the extraordinary Reuters investigation (https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/iran-crisis-infrastructure-attacks/) showing the extent of the damage to crucial Gulf infrastructure caused by Iran’s missiles and drones, and what they say about Tehran’s capabilities.
badlands is a audience-supported podcast. To receive new episodes, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
15 Oct 2026
It Will Take A Lot More Than Elections To Bring Down Trumpism (S01E171)
Thursday, October 15, 2026, Paris
It appears that Donald Trump is about to face some measure of accountability—or at least comeuppance—for his actions. His party seems set to be punished in upcoming midterm elections.
In the latest episode of badlands, host Borzou Daragahi discusses the impending consequences for Trump and the Republican Party as the upcoming elections approach. He reflects on Trump's delusional nature and the anger brewing among Americans populace following a series of transgressions and broken promises, including the war he launched against Iran.
The discussion delves into the historical roots of Trump's rise, tracing back to figures like Roy Cohn and the political strategies that have shaped the Republican Party.
He also critiques the overwhelming influence of money in politics, particularly how it has led to a corrupt system that prioritizes donor interests over the public good, and the need to dismantle foreign influence operations that manipulate US policy.
In interviews with India’s NewsX World, Borzou also discusses the Senate contest in Texas, Trump’s scheme to lower diesel prices, and the French protests.
badlands is viewer-supported show. To receive new episodes and all content, consider becoming a paid subscriber.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe (https://borzou.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
14 Oct 2026
War, And Rumors of War Across The Middle East (S01E170)
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Paris
We’re on the precipice of a major escalation in the Middle East, drawing in numerous regional countries and global powers.
In the latest totally free episode of badlands, I sort through the various dimensions of the conflict—from the Iranian strikes on ships passing through the US-protected corridor along the Strait of Hormuz, to the uneasy, temporary calm between Hezbollah and Israel and southern Lebanon, as well as the raging battles between Yemen’s Ansar Allah government in Sana’a and Saudi Arabia.
I also examine the Fairford airbase incident in England, which raises questions about the credibility of the UK government and the pain tolerance of the US.
Also in this episode, I discuss Iran’s relationship to Hezbollah in an interview with Azerbaijani television. We explore how Iran gets money to Hezbollah, and the purpose of the aid.
In an interview with Pakistan TV, I also discuss whether the war between Iran and the US will resume before the mid-term elections, as well as the role of the Israel lobby in shaping US foreign policy.
Finally, I discuss the impact of the war between the Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia on aviation and energy markets, as well as Riyadh’s ambitions.
badlands is a listener-supported publication. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe (https://borzou.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
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