In this deeply important episode of Kianistan, renowned British human rights attorney Clive Stafford Smith OBE joins us to examine one of the most disturbing and controversial cases of the so-called War on Terror — the case of Dr. Afia Siddiqui.As a lawyer who has spent decades fighting wrongful convictions and capital punishment in the United States, Clive offers rare legal insight into Dr. Siddiqui’s abduction, prosecution, imprisonment, and the serious procedural and evidentiary failures surrounding her case. He explains how mistakes by the CIA, political pressure, and broken legal safeguards led to a grave miscarriage of justice.The discussion also explores the USA–Pakistan political dynamic, the role of the Pakistani military establishment, and the ongoing legal and moral struggle to secure Dr. Siddiqui’s release. This episode is a sobering reflection on human rights, accountability, and the human cost of geopolitics.🎙 Topics Discussed:• Who is Dr. Afia Siddiqui and how her case unfolded• CIA errors, secret detention, and legal violations• Conditions of imprisonment and human rights concerns• Failures of the U.S. justice system in terror cases• USA–Pakistan political relations and pressure dynamics• Role of Pakistan’s military and political leadership• Legal pathways and advocacy for Dr. Siddiqui’s release👤 About Clive Stafford Smith:Clive Adrian Stafford Smith OBE is a British attorney and internationally respected human rights lawyer. He is the co-founder of the Louisiana Capital Assistance Center and has worked for decades to overturn wrongful convictions and oppose the death penalty in the United States. His work has exposed systemic injustice, torture, and abuse within counterterrorism prosecutions.🤝 Support Clive Stafford Smith’s Work:Clive continues his fight for justice through Justice League, a human rights organization challenging abuses of state power.👉 Support and learn more: https://justiceleague.org.uk/📌 Subscribe for principled conversations on justice, human rights, and global power.🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms — search Kianistan.🌐 Visit: www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.ukHashtags:#CliveStaffordSmith #AfiaSiddiqui #HumanRights #JusticeSystem #WarOnTerror #CIA #Pakistan #USPolitics #CivilRights #KianistanPodcast
In this powerful episode of Kianistan, we speak with Harjeet Singh, a leading voice on South Asian politics and Sikh issues, to unpack the complex political, cultural, and strategic forces shaping the region today. From the roots and evolution of the Khalistan movement to India’s geopolitical maneuvering with Pakistan, China, Israel, and BRICS, this conversation brings clarity to some of the most misunderstood developments in the subcontinent.We also explore the rise of Hindu nationalism, India’s centralization of power, economic inequalities, environmental mismanagement, and the shifting social fabric within the country. Harjeet provides a deep historical lens as we examine figures like Gandhi and Jinnah, both of whom were discussed extensively in the interview.📚 Two books referenced in the interview — and highly recommended for viewers seeking a deeper understanding of South Asian history and present-day tensions:• Gandhi: Behind the Mask of Divinity – G. B. Singh• Jinnah, Pakistan and Islamic Identity: The Search for Saladin – Akbar S. AhmedThese works offer critical historical insights into the ideological foundations of modern India and Pakistan.🎙 Topics Discussed:• History, evolution & future of the Khalistan movement• India’s geopolitical tensions with Pakistan & China• The rise of Hindu nationalism and centralization of power• India’s socio-economic divides & historical policy impacts• Gandhi, Jinnah & movements that shaped the subcontinent• Water management crises & environmental issues in Punjab• India–Pakistan military dynamics & strategic flashpoints• Cultural and religious transformations in modern India• India’s foreign alliances — Israel, BRICS & global strategy• Possible solutions & prospects for long-term regional peace👤 About Harjeet Singh:Harjeet Singh is an analyst and commentator known for his in-depth work on Sikh political issues, South Asian geopolitics, and human rights. His research sheds light on conflicts, identity movements, and the evolving strategic landscape of the region.🌐 Connect with Harjeet Singh:• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FindingTruthWithHarjeet-xg5kx📌 Subscribe for nuanced discussions on geopolitics, identity, and conflict.🎧 Listen on all major platforms — search Kianistan.🌐 Visit: www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.ukHashtags:#HarjeetSingh #Khalistan #IndiaPakistan #SouthAsia #Geopolitics #SikhPolitics #BRICS #HinduNationalism #Punjab #KianistanPodcast
In this compelling episode of Kianistan, Myriam Charabaty — Arab political analyst, journalist, and leading voice on Arab liberation, soft power, and the colonization of Christian identity — joins us from Beirut for an in-depth examination of identity, geopolitics, and resistance across the Arab world.Myriam unpacks the role of Christian Arabs within Lebanon and the broader region, explaining their historical roots, their place within the social fabric, and the ways sectarian narratives have been used to fragment Arab unity. She also provides a sharp analysis of the geopolitical balance in Lebanon, shifting demographics, and the political motivations shaping alliances between various religious and political groups.The conversation explores the rise of Christian Zionism, its impact on regional politics, and how resistance movements across Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria challenge this trend. We also discuss the influence of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and external Western powers, as well as the enduring question of whether true stability can emerge amid ongoing conflicts.Through personal reflections and grounded political insight, Myriam sheds light on the future of the Middle East, the resilience of its communities, and the critical role Arab Christians continue to play in regional identity and liberation struggles.🎙 Topics Discussed:• Christian Arabs, identity & political fragmentation• Lebanon’s demographic and geopolitical landscape• Historical & modern Christian Zionism• Resistance movements across Palestine, Lebanon & Syria• Iran, Saudi Arabia & shifting regional alliances• Sectarian dynamics & cultural cohesion• Western influence on Arab Christian communities• Prospects for peace & regional stability• Personal experiences from Lebanon’s Christian communitiesFollow Myriam Charabaty :Twitter : https://x.com/miriam00961Substack : https://substack.com/@myriamchWebsite : https://myriamcharabaty.com/📌 Subscribe for essential discussions on identity, geopolitics, and resistance across the Middle East.🎧 Listen on all major platforms — search Kianistan.🌐 Visit: www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.ukHashtags:#MyriamCharabaty #ArabIdentity #Lebanon #ChristianArabs #MiddleEastPolitics #ChristianZionism #Resistance #Geopolitics #LebanesePolitics #KianistanPodcast
In this gripping episode of Kianistan, veteran journalist and West Asia analyst Ali Rizk joins us to untangle the volatile political and military tensions shaping the Middle East today. With over 15 years of experience, including five years reporting from Iran, Ali brings rare on-the-ground insight into the forces driving conflict, alliances, and regional strategy.We explore the escalating situation in Lebanon, following Israel’s recent strike on a Hezbollah commander, and assess the delicate — yet powerful — Iran–Hezbollah alliance that continues to reshape regional security. Ali breaks down the risks of an Israel–Lebanon war, the involvement of actors like Egypt, the U.S., and Turkey, and the growing pressure to disarm Hezbollah within Lebanese politics.Our conversation expands to Syria, sectarian tensions, ISIS, and the wider geopolitical chessboard — including the role of Pakistan, its ties with Iran, China, and the U.S., and how these relationships feed into the region’s shifting balance.From looming Israel–Iran escalation to the quiet power struggles inside Beirut, this is a deep, unfiltered exploration of a region caught between war and diplomacy.🎙 Topics Discussed:• Ali Rizk’s journalism background & counterterrorism coverage• Lebanon’s rising tensions after Israel’s attack• Iran–Hezbollah alliance & regional consequences• Possibility of an Israel–Lebanon war & global mediation• Lebanese politics & efforts to disarm Hezbollah• Syria–Lebanon dynamics & foreign influence• Turkey, Iran, Israel & the evolving regional order• Pakistan’s geopolitical role in the Middle East• Risks of an Israel–Iran confrontation• Sectarian tensions & the lingering threat of ISIS👤 About Ali Rizk:Ali Rizk is a freelance journalist and analyst specializing in West Asian politics. His 14+ years in journalism include five years reporting from Iran, with a focus on U.S. foreign policy, regional security, and resistance movements. His work has appeared in Middle East Eye, Al-Monitor, and multiple international outlets.🌐 Connect with Ali Rizk:• X (Twitter): https://x.com/AlipressRizk• Middle East Eye: https://www.middleeasteye.net/users/a...• Al-Monitor: https://www.al-monitor.com/authors/al...📌 Stay tuned for in-depth, ground-level analysis of West Asian politics.🎧 Available on all podcast platforms — search Kianistan.🌐 Visit: www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.ukHashtags:#AliRizk #Lebanon #Hezbollah #Israel #Iran #MiddleEast #WestAsia #Geopolitics #Pakistan #Syria #RegionalSecurity #KianistanPodcast
In this incisive episode of Kianistan, historian and political analyst Vladimir N. Brovkin joins us to unpack the tangled roots and explosive realities of the Ukraine war, examining both its historical undercurrents and its rapidly shifting geopolitical stakes.We explore Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine — its feasibility, political messaging, and hidden assumptions — and dive into how European attitudes toward Russia have evolved through centuries of rivalry, fear, and strategic dependency.Brovkin offers a sharp look at the strategic role of NATO, the increasing involvement of foreign troops, and the internal power struggles inside Ukraine, especially the influence of nationalist groups in shaping policy and public sentiment.The conversation expands to the global stage, assessing the long-term consequences of Russia’s tightening partnership with China, the West’s containment strategies, and how these tectonic shifts are reshaping global alignments.A dense, clear-eyed analysis for listeners seeking a deeper historical and political understanding of one of the world’s most consequential conflicts.🎙 Topics Discussed:• Trump’s Ukraine peace plan: structure, impact & realism• European perceptions of Russia: past to present• NATO's strategic position & foreign troops in Ukraine• Ukraine’s internal political factions & nationalist influence• Russia’s relationship with China & the geopolitical fallout👤 About Vladimir N. Brovkin:Vladimir N. Brovkin is a historian and scholar specializing in Russian history, Soviet politics, nationalism, and contemporary East–West relations. His work spans academia, analysis, and public commentary, offering historically grounded insight into today’s geopolitical crises.🌐 Connect with Vladimir N. Brovkin:• Academia: https://independent.academia.edu/Vlad...• YouTube: / @vladimirbrovkin4052 📌 Subscribe for sharp, historically grounded conversations on global politics.🎧 Listen on all major platforms — search Kianistan.🌐 Visit: www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.ukHashtags:#VladimirBrovkin #UkraineWar #NATO #Russia #China #Geopolitics #EuropeanPolitics #UkraineCrisis #GlobalStrategy #KianistanPodcast
In this far-reaching episode of Kianistan, Alfred-Maurice de Zayas — Cuban-born American lawyer, writer, UN Independent Expert (2012–2018), and one of the most respected voices in human rights and international law — joins us for a deep and candid conversation on democracy, global politics, and the future of world order.From the strengths of Switzerland’s semi-direct democracy to his reflections on education systems, religious coexistence, and multicultural living, Alfred offers a unique perspective shaped by a lifetime across Cuba, the United States, and Europe.We dive into his critiques of international law, the failures of global governance, and the challenges within the United Nations, where he spent decades advocating for human dignity. Alfred also shares insights on major geopolitical crises including the Ukraine–Russia conflict, NATO’s role, and stalled peace efforts in the Middle East.This conversation connects history, law, culture, and geopolitics — a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity in an increasingly chaotic world.🎙 Topics Discussed:• Alfred’s multicultural background & life in Switzerland• Strengths of Swiss semi-direct democracy• Education differences: U.S. vs. Switzerland• Religious coexistence & philosophical perspectives• International law, U.S. influence & global recognition• Human rights advocacy & UN shortcomings• Cuban heritage & personal family history• Germany’s historical guilt & its societal effects• Ukraine–Russia conflict & NATO’s strategic role• Middle East peace failures & global organizations• Critique of the Nobel Peace Prize system• Media bias, truth decay & social media manipulation👤 About Alfred-Maurice de Zayas:Alfred-Maurice de Zayas is a Cuban-born American lawyer, scholar, author, and former UN Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order. With dozens of influential books and decades of advocacy, he is one of the leading voices on human rights, international law, and global justice.📚 Books by Alfred-Maurice de Zayas:• Clarity Press Author Page: https://www.claritypress.com/book-author/alfred-de-zayas/• Nemesis at Potsdam (Routledge): https://www.routledge.com/Nemesis-at-Potsdam-The-Anglo-Americans-and-the-Expulsion-of-the-Germans/Zayas/p/book/9781032627595• Goodreads Author List: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/14871387.Alfred_Maurice_de_Zayas🌐 Connect with Alfred-Maurice de Zayas:• X (Twitter): https://x.com/Alfreddezayas• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfreddezayas📌 Subscribe for thought-provoking discussions at the intersection of law, ethics, and geopolitics.🎧 Listen on all major platforms — search Kianistan.🌐 Visit: www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.ukHashtags:#AlfredMauricedeZayas #HumanRights #InternationalLaw #SwissDemocracy #UN #Geopolitics #UkraineRussia #MiddleEast #GlobalPolitics #KianistanPodcast
In this powerful episode of Kianistan, researcher and policy analyst Hamid Khalafallah joins us to break down the complex and devastating conflict unfolding in Sudan. With years of academic and field experience studying grassroots movements and political transitions in Africa, Hamid provides clear, human-centered insight into the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — and how civilians are caught in the crossfire.We explore the political fractures that led to Sudan’s collapse, the resilience of civil society, and the critical but often damaging role of international and regional actors such as the UAE, Egypt, and Western governments. Hamid also sheds light on the humanitarian catastrophe, displacement, and the economic drivers of war — including RSF’s control over key gold mining operations.A must-listen episode for anyone seeking an informed, nuanced understanding of Sudan’s ongoing tragedy.🎙 Topics Discussed:• Sudan’s internal war: SAF vs RSF dynamics• Grassroots resistance & political transitions• International interference: UAE, Egypt, West• Humanitarian crisis, displacement & civil society• Economic drivers of conflict, including gold mines👤 About Hamid Khalafallah:Hamid Khalafallah is a researcher, policy analyst, and development practitioner pursuing a PhD on grassroots movements and political transitions in Africa. His work focuses on governance, democracy, civil society, and the political economy of conflict across the continent.🌐 Connect with Hamid Khalafallah:• X (Twitter): https://x.com/hamidmurtada• LinkedIn: / hamid-khalafallah 📌 Subscribe for deep, global political analysis from voices shaping change.🎧 Listen on all platforms – search Kianistan.🌐 Visit: www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.ukHashtags:#HamidKhalafallah #Sudan #SudanWar #RSF #SAF #GrassrootsMovements #AfricaPolitics #HumanitarianCrisis #PoliticalTransitions #KianistanPodcast
In this episode of Kianistan, we sit down with Samer Hakim, host of the IranTalks podcast, to unpack a turbulent moment in the Middle East and beyond. From the mysterious disappearance of journalist and activist Yvonne Ridley, allegedly detained by Israeli forces, to the fallout from the 12-Day War between Israel and Iran, this conversation navigates the human, political, and strategic dimensions of today’s global conflicts.Samer shares his podcasting journey, his insights into Iran’s geopolitical stance, and his perspective on the country’s evolving ties with Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China — nations shaping the emerging multipolar world order. Together, we explore the role of unity and diplomacy in the Islamic world, shifting perceptions of Israel, and the challenges within Iran’s domestic landscape, from freedom of expression to public resilience under international pressure.🧭 Topics Discussed:• Yvonne Ridley’s disappearance and its political implications• Insights into Samer Hakim’s podcasting experience on IranTalks• The 12-Day War: Iran–Israel conflict and personal reflections• Iran’s geopolitical posture and nuclear stance• Unity among Islamic nations and the need for diplomacy• Iran–Saudi rapprochement and its regional effects• Iran–Russia relations and military cooperation• Changing global perception of Israel• Iran’s domestic challenges amid external pressure• Future of geopolitical alliances in a multipolar world👤 About Samer Hakim:Samer Hakim is the host of IranTalks, a podcast dedicated to critical discussions on Middle Eastern politics, Iranian affairs, and the shifting balance of global power. His work focuses on bridging perspectives from across the region through informed dialogue and geopolitical analysis.💼 Yvonne Ridley MP Contact Template : Use this link below to download the template and guide of MP Contact : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RmeIDW159UiSNT95BRbOShK4nMFo7r5X/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102594679403080485912&rtpof=true&sd=true📌 Subscribe for in-depth conversations on geopolitics, diplomacy, and strategy.🎧 Available on all major platforms — just search Kianistan.🌐 Visit: www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.ukHashtags:#SamerHakim #IranTalks #Kianistan #YvonneRidley #IranIsrael #12DayWar #MiddleEast #IranSaudiRelations #IranRussia #Geopolitics #Diplomacy #Unity #MultipolarWorld #IranPolitics #GlobalAffairs #Podcast
What do the Saudi–Pakistan defense agreement and Trump’s 20-point peace proposal mean for the Middle East and beyond? In this episode, we sit down with Mouin Rabbani, a leading analyst on Palestinian and Middle Eastern affairs, to unpack the drivers, implications, and strategic realignments shaping the region.From shifting alliances across West Asia to the prospects of conflict between Iran and Israel, and the enduring Palestinian struggle, Mouin provides sharp insights into how local dynamics intersect with global power competition. This episode offers essential context for understanding the rapidly evolving geopolitical order.🎙 Topics Discussed:• Defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan – history, motivations, and consequences• Trump’s 20-point peace proposal – feasibility and stakeholder reactions• Strategic realignments in West Asia – roles of the US, China, and Russia• Iran–Israel tensions and risks of escalation• The Palestinian–Israeli conflict and its wider implications👤 About Mouin Rabbani:Mouin Rabbani is a nonresident senior fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs. He is a researcher, analyst, and commentator specializing in Palestinian affairs, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and contemporary Middle East issues.📌 Subscribe for thought-provoking discussions on geopolitics, defense, and shifting alliances.🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms – search “Kianistan.”🌐 www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.uk#MouinRabbani #Geopolitics #SaudiPakistan #DefenseAgreement #TrumpPeacePlan #MiddleEast #Iran #Israel #Palestine #USRole #China #Russia #RegionalSecurity #GlobalPolitics #KianistanPodcast
In this episode of Kianistan, retired U.S. Army Colonel and former Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell — Col. Lawrence Wilkerson — joins us to dissect the latest tremors shaking global geopolitics. From the new Saudi–Pakistan defense agreement and its implications for regional power balance, to Trump’s controversial 20-point surrender initiative for Gaza, and the growing risks of an Iran–Israel confrontation, Col. Wilkerson provides a rare insider’s perspective from the heart of Washington’s foreign policy machine.He discusses how military strategy, diplomacy, and global interests intersect in shaping today’s security order — offering candid insights into what these developments mean for South Asia, the Middle East, and the broader global system.🎙 Topics Discussed:• The strategic and security implications of the Saudi–Pakistan defense pact• How Trump’s 20-point Gaza proposal reshapes peace narratives• The likelihood of an Iran–Israel escalation and U.S. responses• The shifting U.S. role in Middle East diplomacy• How great power competition drives new alignments in the Global South👤 About Col. Lawrence Wilkerson:Lawrence B. Wilkerson is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and former Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell. With decades of experience in U.S. foreign policy and military affairs, he has been a prominent voice on America’s wars, diplomacy, and the deep state of global strategy. A scholar and educator, Col. Wilkerson continues to offer critical perspectives on the intersection of U.S. power, ethics, and global order.📌 Subscribe for in-depth conversations on geopolitics, strategy, and world affairs.🎧 Listen on all major platforms – just search Kianistan.🌐 Visit: www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.uk
What does the new Saudi–Pakistan defense agreement mean for South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tauqeer Hussain Sargana, President & Chief Researcher of the Pakistan Academy of International Relations (PAIR), to unpack the historical context of Riyadh–Islamabad ties, the strategic depth both nations seek, and the broader impact on regional and global geopolitics.
From Washington’s role in shaping Middle Eastern security to Israel’s rising influence and the competing interests of other regional players, Dr. Sargana provides a nuanced analysis of shifting power dynamics. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving security architecture of the Muslim world and its intersection with global power politics.
🎙 Topics Discussed: • Historical foundations of Saudi–Pakistan defense cooperation • Strategic implications for South Asia and the Middle East • The role of the United States in shaping security frameworks • Israel’s influence and the reactions of regional players • Long-term impact on global geopolitics and alliances
👤 About Dr. Tauqeer Hussain Sargana: Dr. Tauqeer Hussain Sargana is the President & Chief Researcher at the Pakistan Academy of International Relations (PAIR). A Rotary World Peace Fellow, IEP Peace Ambassador, and INSPAD Ambassador of Peace, he brings academic depth and practical insight into international relations, security studies, and conflict resolution.
🌐 Connect with Dr. Tauqeer Hussain Sargana: • https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tauqeer-hussain-sargana/?originalSubdomain=pk
Watch Previous Episode With Dr Tauqeer Hussain :
Episode 02 - Afghanistan, Taliban, Soviet Invasion and Iran https://youtu.be/eV6yOZ7uQO0?si=3THOgSWTmor_JqRr
📌 Subscribe for thought-provoking discussions on geopolitics, defense, and the shifting global order. 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms – search “Kianistan.” 🌐 www.kianistan.com
💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.uk
Hashtags: #DrTauqeerHussainSargana #Geopolitics #SaudiPakistan #DefenseAgreement #MiddleEast #USRole #Israel #RegionalSecurity #GlobalPolitics #KianistanPodcast
In this episode, Tafhim Kiani sits down with Professor Foad Izadi to unpack the complex realities of the Middle East. From U.S.–Iran relations and Israel’s regional posture to the role of Iran in supporting Palestine, we explore how global powers shape the conflicts and alliances of the region. Professor Izadi brings an academic yet accessible lens to understanding how strategy, ideology, and foreign policy intersect—revealing what these geopolitical currents mean for the future of the Middle East and beyond.🎙 Topics Discussed:• The history and future of U.S.–Iran relations• Israel’s role and tensions with neighboring states• Iran’s support for Palestine and its global impact• The influence of Western powers on Middle Eastern conflicts• Strategic interests driving regional alliances and rivalries👤 About Professor Foad Izadi:Professor Foad Izadi is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran. His research and teaching focus on U.S.–Iran relations, media, and international communication. Widely recognized for his expertise on Middle Eastern geopolitics, he frequently appears on global media platforms to provide analysis and context on regional affairs.🌐 Connect with Professor Foad Izadi:https://x.com/izadifoadhttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Foad-Izadi📌 Subscribe for deep conversations on spirituality, geopolitics, and the shifting world order.🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms – search “Kianistan.”🌐 www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.uk
From Israel’s surprising strike on Qatar to the evolving Saudi–US partnership, this episode with geopolitical strategist Ali Borhani unpacks the shifting sands of West Asia. We dive into China’s growing influence at the 2025 SEO Conference, its rapid technological advancement, and the changing balance of power between Beijing and Washington. Ali brings his trademark foresight, connecting the dots between geopolitics, geoeconomics, and emerging trends that will shape tomorrow’s headlines.🎙 Topics Discussed: • Israel’s attack on Qatar and its wider implications • Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s strategic ties with the United States • China’s growing presence at the SEO Conference 2025 • Beijing’s technological leap and its global impact • The evolving China–US relationship in a multipolar world👤 About Ali Borhani: Ali Borhani is the Managing Director of 3Sixty Strategic Advisors Ltd, a boutique advisory firm specializing in growth and market entry strategies in emerging markets. A geopolitical strategist and co-host of the acclaimed BRI Dialogues podcast, Ali is known as a contrarian voice with clarity—helping leaders cut through noise, spot early trends, and navigate global complexity with foresight.🌐 Connect with Ali Borhani: • Futurearly: futurearly.substack.com • BRI Dialogues: YouTube • Website: www.aliborhani.com • X: @Ali_Borhani_📌 Subscribe for deep conversations on spirituality, geopolitics, and the shifting world order. 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms – search “Kianistan.” 🌐 www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.ukHashtags: #AliBorhani, #Geopolitics, #WestAsia, #China, #USChinaRelations, #SaudiArabia, #Qatar, #GlobalTrends, #KianistanPodcast
What can near-death experiences teach us about the mystery of consciousness? In this profound conversation with neurosurgeon Dr. Eben Alexander, we explore the boundaries between life, death, and what lies beyond. Drawing from both his own extraordinary personal experience and decades of medical practice, Dr. Alexander challenges the materialist view of the brain and opens the door to a deeper understanding of mind and spirit.🎙 Topics Discussed:• What near-death experiences reveal about human consciousness• Dr. Alexander’s own journey from skeptic to believer• Neuroscience, spirituality, and the limits of materialism• How altered states of consciousness reshape our view of reality• The implications of NDEs for life, death, and faith👤 About Dr. Eben Alexander:Dr. Eben Alexander spent over 25 years as an academic neurosurgeon, including 15 years at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital, the Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School in Boston. Over his career, he treated hundreds of patients with severe alterations of consciousness—coma, trauma, brain tumors, infections, and stroke. Once a firm believer in the brain as the source of mind and spirit, his own near-death experience transformed his perspective on consciousness forever.Eben Website : https://ebenalexander.com/📌 Subscribe for deep conversations on spirituality, Islam, and the shifting world order.🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms – search “Kianistan.”🌐 www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.uk#EbenAlexander #NearDeathExperience #Consciousness #Neuroscience #Spirituality #LifeAfterDeath #MindAndBrain #KianistanPodcast
How has colonialism shaped the fragmented Muslim world? In this powerful conversation with political theorist Majid Sharifi, we explore the legacy of nationalism in Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan—three nations molded by colonial borders, and caught in the crosshairs of Cold War superpowers.From resisting U.S. and Soviet influence to navigating modern crises—like Iran’s ongoing confrontation with Israel—these countries reveal the deep tensions between national identity and the Islamic ideal of a unified Ummah. As the global order shifts, could China's geo-economic rise offer a path beyond the Western geopolitical stranglehold?🎙 Topics Discussed: • The Ummah vs. nationalism—can unity survive colonial borders? • Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan: shared struggles, divergent paths • Cold War geopolitics and postcolonial statehood • Iran-Israel tensions: war, deterrence, or submission? • Nuclear strategy and survival under siege • Multipolarity: hope in China’s economic alternative?👤 About Majid Sharifi: Majid Sharifi is a political theorist and author specializing in postcolonial studies, nationalism, and global power structures. His work critically examines how small and medium states navigate the legacies of colonialism and the pressures of modern empires.📌 Subscribe for deep conversations on Islam, resistance, and the shifting world order. 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms – search “Kianistan.” 🌐 www.kianistan.com 💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.uk#MajidSharifi #Ummah #Iran #Afghanistan #Pakistan #Nationalism #Colonialism #Geopolitics #IslamAndPolitics #ChinaVsWest
Nationalism vs. Islam | Khalid Blankinship on Gaza, Idolatry & the Fragmented UmmahIs nationalism a modern form of idolatry? Can sectarianism be overcome in a world of fractured loyalties? In this powerful conversation with Professor Khalid Blankinship, we explore how nationalism stands in stark contradiction to the Qur’anic vision of unity and taqwa—and how sectarianism may be an issue in Islam but it is not nearly as pervasive and destructive as in Christianit.Professor Khalid previously joined us in Episode 28 for a analysis of the situation in West Asia.🎙 Topics Discussed• Is nationalism a form of modern shirk?• “There is no superiority except in taqwa”—how Islam rejects racial and national hierarchies• The myth of Muslim unity: is the Ummah an outdated concept?• Sectarianism in Islam and Christianity: are we asking the wrong questions?• Gaza and the moral failure of regional powers—how silence enables genocide• The prophetic model vs. modern statehood—can they coexist?👤 About Professor Khalid BlankinshipKhalid Blankinship is a historian of Islam and professor at Temple University. A convert to Islam and a specialist in early Islamic history, Professor Blankinship brings decades of scholarly insight into the intersection of theology, politics, and modern Muslim identity.📚 Selected Work:• The End of the Jihâd State: The Reign of Hishām ibn 'Abd al-Malik and the Collapse of the Umayyads• Articles and lectures on Islamic governance, modernity, and transnational Muslim movements📌 Subscribe for more hard-hitting conversations on Islam, politics, and the global order.🎧 Also available on podcast platforms – search “Kianistan.”Visit us at: 🌐 www.kianistan.comSupport our sponsors: 💼 www.worldwidelistings.co.uk #KhalidBlankinship #Nationalism #Ummah #Gaza #IslamicUnity #Sectarianism #MiddleEastPolitics #MuslimWorld #IslamAndPolitics
No Such Thing as A Muslim Ummah | Esposito & Juergensmeyer in ConversationWhat does it mean to speak of a Muslim Ummah in a world of fractured states, rising sectarianism, and diverging national interests? In this special episode, I bring together two of the most renowned scholars of religion and politics, Professor John L. Esposito and Professor Mark Juergensmeyer, for a joint conversation exploring the metaphysical, political, and religious underpinnings of the modern Middle East.This is the first time both guests appear together on the same episode.Individually, they have shared their insights in past interviews:▶️ Episode 20 – Mark Juergensmeyer: https://youtu.be/r7TjTR3VAtY?si=TP6qYNgSlDKy4A3W▶️ Episode 21 – John Esposito: https://youtu.be/LX2zH2Cur2s?si=_LMnShLrVoSxLQS8🎙 Topics Discussed:Is there such a thing as a Muslim or Islamic Ummah today?How does the secularisation thesis apply to the Muslim world.Nation-states, sectarian conflict, and the limits of pan-Islamic identity.Sunni-Shia tensions: structural, political, or theological?The Iran-Israel 12-day war and its implications for the region.The role of the Iranian Revolution and Saudi Wahhabism in shaping the modern Middle East.The myth of Muslim exceptionalism in religious conflict—comparisons with Northern Ireland and beyond.Effects of the 12 day war between Iran and israel.How and when will the atrocities in Gaza end?👤 About Professor Mark JuergensmeyerMark Juergensmeyer is a world-renowned scholar of global religion and politics. He is Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Global Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has authored numerous influential works on religion and violence.🔗 Weblog: https://www.juergensmeyer.org📚 Selected Works:Why God Needs War and War Needs God (Oxford University Press, 2023)➤ https://global.oup.com/academic/product/why-god-needs-war-and-war-needs-god-9780197795804When God Stops Fighting (University of California Press, 2022)➤ https://www.ucpress.edu/books/when-god-stops-fighting/paperTerror in the Mind of God (University of California Press)🆕 Forthcoming: What Everyone Needs to Know About Religion and Violence (Oxford University Press)👤 About Professor John L. EspositoJohn Esposito is University Professor of Religion and International Affairs and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University. He is one of the most respected voices on Islam, global affairs, and interfaith dialogue.📚 Selected Works:The Future of IslamWho Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think (co-authored with Dalia Mogahed)Islam and PoliticsIslamophobia: The Challenge of Pluralism in the 21st Century📌 Subscribe for more conversations on Islam, politics, and the global order.🎧 Also available on podcast platforms – search “Kianistan.”Visit us at: 🌐 www.kianistan.comSupport our sponsors: 💼 www.worldwidelistings.co.uk #MiddleEast #Ummah #Esposito #Juergensmeyer #IslamicPolitics #Sectarianism #IranIsrael #MuslimWorld #ReligionAndViolence
What’s really happening inside Syria today?In this special episode, I sit down with renowned Syria expert Professor David Lesch to unpack the fast-changing dynamics on the ground — from HTS’s evolving role in the northwest to sectarian tensions, regional interference, and the growing unrest in Sweida.We explore:The rise and contradictions of HTS governanceFactionalism and the persistence of sectarian dividesForeign powers backing rival groupsThe economic and security collapseThe relevance of the Sykes-Picot legacy todayThis is not a recycled analysis — it's a real-time, on-the-ground-informed conversation with one of the most respected scholars on Syria.📘 David Lesch’s upcoming biography — “Dodgers to Damascus: David Lesch’s Journey from Baseball to the Middle East” — written by accomplished author Catherine Nixon, is set for release in late August/early September. Stay tuned for a special episode dedicated to exploring his personal journey.Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on geopolitics, Islam, and emerging tech.🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss upcoming interviews.Visit us at: 🌐 www.kianistan.comSupport our sponsors: 💼 www.worldwidelistings.co.uk #Syria #HTS #DavidLesch #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #SykesPicot #Sweida #Sectarianism
Is the global balance of power shifting for good? In this interview, Alain Corvez—a veteran French diplomat and geopolitical analyst—joins me to explore how Russia’s deepening ties with BRICS could signal the end of Western dominance on the world stage.We discuss Russia’s ongoing campaign in Ukraine, its renewed influence in the Caucasus, and the strategic partnership with Iran—all unfolding alongside Moscow’s push to strengthen BRICS as a counterweight to Western political and economic power.Corvez offers insights into whether BRICS can truly challenge Western-led institutions, and how sanctions, economic realignments, and shifting alliances are reshaping the global order.In this video:✅ Russia’s advances in Ukraine and their strategic implications✅ How BRICS could transform global power dynamics✅ Russia’s declining influence in the Caucasus and efforts to regain ground✅ The role of Iran in Russia’s broader strategy✅ Whether the West can maintain its dominance in the face of new alliancesIs BRICS the key to a new world order—or just a diplomatic gesture? Alain Corvez weighs in.Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on geopolitics, Islam, and emerging tech.🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss upcoming interviews.Visit us at: 🌐 www.kianistan.comSupport our sponsors: 💼 www.worldwidelistings.co.uk
Is Russian strategy changing and getting more aggressive in Ukraine? Since January 2025, Russian forces have achieved steady gains in Donetsk and Kharkiv, regaining territory despite intense Western support for Kyiv. Ukraine’s drone attacks deep inside Russian territory — including strikes that damaged 41 aircraft — have escalated the conflict, but may also risk provoking heavier Russian retaliation.Dr Vladimir Brovkin offers a Russian perspective on the battlefield realities, the limits of NATO and Western sanctions, and the impact of the US slowing its military aid under President Trump in hopes of negotiating an end to the war.Beyond Ukraine, we discuss how Russia views shifting power in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan’s closer ties with Türkiye and the West have reduced Moscow’s traditional influence in the region, especially after Armenia’s defeats in Nagorno-Karabakh. Meanwhile, Iran remains a key partner for Russia’s strategic depth and economic resilience.Topics in this video:✅ Russia’s advances in Ukraine’s east✅ Ukraine’s drone attacks and Russia’s response✅ Trump’s recalibration of US military aid✅ Azerbaijan’s new foreign policy and Russia’s reaction✅ Iran’s role in Russia’s broader strategy✅ Whether sanctions can truly isolate MoscowDr Brovkin explains why, despite Western pressure, Russia still sees paths to securing its interests. Find out what might be Putin’s Next Move.Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on geopolitics, Islam, and emerging tech.🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss upcoming interviews.Visit us at: 🌐 www.kianistan.comSupport our sponsors: 💼 www.worldwidelistings.co.uk