Join us Host Dana Lewis on journey into the heart of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. This episode arms you with insights from US Army (Ret) Lieutenant General Ben Hodges and security analyst Zoran Kusovac, unpacking the tenuous nature of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange agreements.   Our conversation with Lieutenant General Ben Hodges brings into sharp focus the stark realities of the Ukraine-Russia war and the brutalities of urban warfare. Delve into the unvarnished truth of the US's support for Ukraine, the painstakingly slow delivery of essential munitions, and the ..read more

On this Back Story host Dana Lewis interviews Israeli diplomat and former Government advisor Alon Pinkas; -Can Hamas be removed from Gaza? -Could an International force replace Israeli troops, with the UN leading a new Gaza for Palestinians? -What are the risks of a wider conflict? -And Israel's War Cabinet and Netanyahu's narrowing window on Governing his Country Support the show ..read more

Can Hamas be removed from power in Gaza? In this probing discourse, we engage with Israeli Army Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner and Palestinian lawmaker Mustafa Barghouti.  We aim to shed light on this intense conflict, the war in Gaza, the contentious ground war, and the emotive information war.  What are the military objectives - their achievability, their focus on targeting Hamas' regime, and the potential rise in terrorist activities should they succeed. We also critically evaluate the challenge that comes with minimizing civilian casualties and the difficulties of pl ..read more

Join us as we traverse the complex terrain of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with Yossi Beilin, a key figure in crafting the original Oslo peace accords. Yossi's insightful reflections on the current crisis in Gaza shine a light on the international outcry and the potential routes towards a resolution.    Beilin blames Israeli P.M. Netanyahu for the current crisis in Israel, and for allowing Hamas to strengthen, ignoring what was a ticking time bomb in Gaza.  Now is the time he says to come to a two state solution agreement ..read more

Unfiltered analysis of Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah. This episode promises to unravel the complexities of Israel's military response to Hamas' brutal attacks, the potential of a reoccupation of Gaza, the risks and challenges, and the possibility of this being Israel's very own Pearl Harbor moment. Hear from Jonathan Panikoff, a former US career intelligence officer, and military affairs correspondent Ron Ben-Yishai, as they dissect the heart of the crisis.   ..read more

Have you ever wondered how it feels to lose your loved ones to senseless violence?  Ilan Troin, a grieving father who lost his daughter and stepson to the ongoing conflict in Israel, shares his heart-wrenching story. The devastating cost of a well planned shocking and inhuman attack by the terror group Hamas. Beyond personal stories, we delve into the geopolitical factors behind the conflict. Ibrahim Hazboun, a seasoned journalist and  analyst on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, guides us through the intricate maze of issues leading to the explosion in violence. He details the 2007 ..read more

This episode brings you a fascinating discussion that challenges you to rethink your understanding of the crisis between Ukraine and Russia. Featuring our esteemed guests, Oleksandra  Matviichuk, a human rights war crimes investigator, and Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group, we shed light on the importance of shifting the narrative from 'helping Ukraine not to fail' to 'helping Ukraine win fast'. Oleksandra leader of the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties, unveils the chilling reality of Russia's use of war crimes as a strategy. She underscores the urgency for an autonomo ..read more

On Back Story this week host Dana Lewis examines where does the West truly stand when it comes to Iran's volatile human rights scenario, particularly concerning women? This thought-provoking question sets the tone for our in-depth conversation with Azadeh Zabeti, from the Committee of Anglo-Iranian Lawyers. We shine a light on the distressing state of the women's movement in Iran and unpack a new bill passed in the Iranian parliament that could further bind the lives of Iranian women.   And, (Ret) Major General of the British military, Chip Chapman. Chapman's invaluable insights into the ..read more

Buckle up as we dive into the murky waters of international politics with our esteemed guest, former CIA intelligence analyst Sue Mi Terry, and Professor Robert English. This episode takes you to the heart of the surprising alliance between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. We dissect the possible implications of this event, the potential impact on the conflict in Ukraine, and the threats this union may pose to regional security due to North Korea's burgeoning nuclear ambitions.  In a world where alliances can shift like sand, we're left to wonder at R ..read more

On this Back Story Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges tells host Dana Lewis he expects a breakthrough is coming in Ukraine's counter attack against Russia. And journalist Fred Weir on Putin's grip on power in a fragmented inner circle of the Kremlin. It's not the iron grip you think it is ..read more