Fascinating People Fascinating Places

Israel & Palestine: War and Peace (?) with Dr. Stephen Zunes

30 years ago the US brokered Oslo accords seemed to herald a new era of peaceful coexistence for Israelis and Palestinians. Yasser Arafat -- long demonized as a terrorist in the Tel Aviv, whilst being hailed as a freedom fighter in Palestine -- shared a Nobel Peace Prize with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and politician Shimon Peres. 

30 years later, peace seems further away than ever before after  Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants' horrific 7 October attack on Israel provoked a response from Israel that caused South Africa to take Israel to court for allegedly committing genocide. 

In this episode I speak with Middle Eastern policy and strategy expert Dr. Stephen Zunes a Professor at the University of San Francisco. We discuss how the Oslo accords unraveled, the role of the US, the current situation, and prospects for peace.

Guest:

Dr. Stephen Zunes Official Website

Music: Pixabay

This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Iran: Terrorism and Proxy War with Matthew Levitt

During the last 45 years, Iran has become synonymous with terrorism. While much of its direct, and indirect involvement in these acts is focused on Israel and the Middle East, plots involving Iran and its proxies have been uncovered in nations ranging from Denmark to Thailand.

In this episode I speak with Matthew Levitt the Fromer-Wexler Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute and director of its Jeanette and Eli Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. Previously he worked with both the FBI and the US State Department of the Treasury where he tackled financial crimes linked to terrorist financing and sought to expose and disrupt the logistics of terrorist groups. 

For more on Matthew below are select links to his work:

Matthew Levitt at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Interactive Map of Hezbollah Activities

Another Path to Martyrdom

Hamas: Politics, Charity and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad

Podcast: Breaking Hezbollah's Golden Rule

If you enjoyed this topic check out these related episodes:

MAJ Jason Wright: Guantanamo Bay Al-Qaeda Trials

Eric Maddox: How I Found Saddam Hussein

Al Shabaab: Al Qaeda in Somalia with Tricia Bacon

Boko Haram (ISIS) With Vincent Foucher

 

Music from Pixabay

This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

عیسی مسیح است

يسوع هو المسيح

I Found the Lost Inca Treasure: Tamara Estupiñán Viteri

500 years ago Spanish conquistadors invaded the Incan Empire and slew Atahualpa -- the unfortunate who would prove to be the last Emperor. Due to his vast wealth -- largely in the form of gold -- treasure hunters have spent centuries searching in vain for lost treasure of the Incas. 

Ecuadorian historian Tamara Estupiñán Viteri who among other things studied and then created a dictionary of the dialects spoken within the Incan Empire, also deciphered the "secret language of the Incas." This along with documents from the Spanish colonial period enabled her to piece together a treasure map of sorts.

Following the leads she discovered Tamara made her way to a remote corner of Ecuador where she discovered the hitherto unknown Incan site at Malqui-Machay. It is here that Tamara explains that the greatest Inca "treasure" now lies.

Guest: Tamara Estupiñán Viteri is a professional historian with a degree in History from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. She also holds a master’s degree in history, with a specialisation in Andean history, from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences of Ecuador (FLACSO). 

Read more on Tamara: Academia.Edu

Music: Pixabay

This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

La historiadora ecuatoriana Tamara Estupiñán Viteri, quien entre otras cosas estudió y luego creó un diccionario de los dialectos hablados dentro del Imperio Inca, también descifró la "lengua secreta de los Incas". Esto, junto con documentos del período colonial español, le permitió reconstruir una especie de mapa del tesoro.

Navalny, Wagner, Putin & Nuclear War

Wall Street Journal and Financial Times correspondent David Satter was expelled and banned from Russia after exposing corruption in Putin's regime. On 19 March he talks to  @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces  about the shocking death of #russian politician Alexie #navalny. We also discuss the #wagner group mutiny. The suspicious death of Wagner coup leader #yevgenyprigozhin, the war in #ukraine and #Russian threats to use #nuclearforce. Корреспондент Wall Street Journal и Financial Times Дэвид Саттер был выслан и запрещен въезд в Россию после разоблачения коррупции в режиме Путина. 19 марта он рассказал @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces о шокирующей смерти российского политика Алексея Навального. Также обсуждаем бунт группы #вагнера. Подозрительная смерть лидера вагнеровского переворота #евгенияпригожина, война на #украине и #российские угрозы применить #ядерную силу. Кореспондент Wall Street Journal і Financial Times Девід Саттер був видворений і заборонений в'їзд до Росії після викриття корупції в режимі Путіна. 19 березня він розповідає @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces про шокуючу смерть #російського політика Олексія #навального. Ми також обговорюємо заколот групи #вагнера. Підозріла смерть лідера путчу Вагнера #євгенапригожина, війна в #україні та #російські погрози застосувати #ядерну силу. Korespondent Wall Street Journal i Financial Times David Satter został wydalony i wyrzucony z Rosji po ujawnieniu korupcji w reżimie Putina. 19 marca rozmawia z @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces o szokującej śmierci #rosyjskiego polityka Aleksieja #nawalnego. Rozmawiamy także o buncie grupy #wagner. Podejrzana śmierć przywódcy zamachu stanu Wagnera Jewgienija Prigożyna, wojna na Ukrainie i groźby użycia przez Rosję sił nuklearnych.

Navalny: Putin Strikes Again With David Satter

In February 2024, Alexei Navalny a Russian politician died in an Arctic Russian penal colony. At just 47 years old his death would have been surprising were it not for the fact the Russian secret service FSB seemingly at the direction of Vladimir Putin had already tried and failed to kill him using a chemical weapon four years earlier.

In this episode, I speak with Russian political expert David Satter. Formerly a Moscow correspondent for the Financial Times, and Soviet special correspondent for the Wall Street Journal. He was banned and expelled from Russian in 2013 after uncovering evidence of corruption and FSB links with apparent Chechnyan terrorist atrocities. We discuss the death of Navalny, the Wagner group's failed coup under Prighozin, the war in Ukraine, and the threat of nuclear war.

Guest: David Satter

 

And please, subscribe, follow us on social media, and let your friends know about the podcast. The more exposure we get, the easier it is for people to find the podcast in a world controlled by those pesky big tech companies that prioritize profit above quality content produced as a labor of love.

Music: Pixabay

This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

Корреспондент Wall Street Journal и Financial Times Дэвид Саттер был выслан и запрещен въезд в Россию после разоблачения коррупции в режиме Путина. 19 марта он рассказал @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces о шокирующей смерти российского политика Алексея Навального. Также обсуждаем бунт группы #вагнера. Подозрительная смерть лидера вагнеровского переворота #евгенияпригожина, война на #украине и #российские угрозы применить #ядерную силу. Кореспондент Wall Street Journal і Financial Times Девід Саттер був видворений і заборонений в'їзд до Росії після викриття корупції в режимі Путіна. 19 березня він розповідає @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces про шокуючу смерть #російського політика Олексія #навального. Ми також обговорюємо заколот групи #вагнера. Підозріла смерть лідера путчу Вагнера #євгенапригожина, війна в #україні та #російські погрози застосувати #ядерну силу. Korespondent Wall Street Journal i Financial Times David Satter został wydalony i wyrzucony z Rosji po ujawnieniu korupcji w reżimie Putina. 19 marca rozmawia z @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces o szokującej śmierci #rosyjskiego polityka Aleksieja #nawalnego. Rozmawiamy także o buncie grupy #wagner. Podejrzana śmierć przywódcy zamachu stanu Wagnera Jewgienija Prigożyna, wojna na Ukrainie i groźby użycia przez Rosję sił nuklearnych.

Living on Water for hundreds of years: The Nzulezo of Ghana with Nana Kesse

Hundreds of years ago, it is believed a group of African migrants made their way South from the Remnants of the collapsing Mali Empire -- once ruled by the wealthiest human in history: Musa Mansa.

These travelers eventually made their way to the South coast of what is now Ghana in North West Africa. They settled there but not on the land. Instead, they established a community in the middle of a river. Despite the ravages of war, the slave trade, and colonialism, these enterprising individuals didn't just survive they thrived.

But today, their remarkable community faces new challenges that include tourism and environmental change.

Ghanaian native Prof. Nana Kesse of Clark University has visited the community and extensively researched their history and culture. In his study titled "Living Waters," he compares both the oral traditions of the people and the documented evidence from other historical sources as he tries to unravel the mysteries of the Nzulezo community.

In this episode, Nana shares his insights into the origins of this community. He explains how and why they came to live in such a unique location. The challenges they have faced, adaptations they've made, and how they remain an enduring example of the resilience of humanity. 

Ghana Tourism: Nzulezu

If you enjoy this episode you may enjoy related ones covering some of the topics discussed including: The Songhai Empire, The Hamdullahi Empire, and Dahomey.

And please, subscribe, follow us on social media, and let your friends know about the podcast. The more exposure we get, the easier it is for people to find the podcast in a world controlled by those pesky big tech companies that prioritize profit above quality content produced as a labor of love.

Music: Pixabay

This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

Diana: Death of a Princess

On 31 August 1997, Diana Spencer the ex-wife of the now King Charles III of the United Kingdom was tragically killed in a car accident in Paris. Just 36 years old at the time, Diana left behind two young sons: William and Harry. 

Her death sent a nation into mourning. Millions traveled to London in subsequent months to lay wreaths in her honor, and approximately one-third of the world's population watched her funeral on television.

But while tragic, why were so many people so distraught over the sad passing of an individual that few of them had ever met? In this episode, I speak with Prof. Margaret Schwartz author of Dead Matter: The Meaning of Iconic Corpses. 

Through her research, Margaret has gained an understanding of the relationships that develop between celebrated individuals like Diana and distant members of the general public.

 

Music: Pixabay

This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

Liberty in North Korea

Western media reports on North Korea tend to focus on the nation's missile launches, nuclear weapons program, and involvement in illegal activities such as weapon and drug smuggling. The despotic regime of the Kim Family are usually front and center in any reporting. But what about the millions of North Koreans living a dystopian nightmare under the regime?

In this episode, I speak with Sokeel Park of Liberty in North Korea an organization that assists people wishing to escape the so-called hermit kingdom. The group also helps North Koreans settle abroad, sends information into North Korea, and as its name implies has the ultimate aim of bringing liberty to the nation.

Resources:

LiNK website: https://libertyinnorthkorea.org/

Donate to North Korean freedom: https://libertyinnorthkorea.org/donate

Sign up as an ally of North Korean people: https://www.withthenorthkoreanpeople.org/

Article by Sokeel Park on how to change North Korea: https://www.globalasia.org/v18no2/cover/old-truths-new-tools-bringing-slow-change-to-north-korea_sokeel-park

Documentary, The Jangmadang Generation: https://www.nkmillennials.com/

LiNK youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LibertyinNorthKorea

LiNK instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertyinnorthkorea/

LiNK twitter: https://twitter.com/LibertyinNK

LiNK facebook: https://www.facebook.com/libertyinnk/

 

Music: Pixabay

This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia