Today we're diving deep and analyzing the proposed Israel-Hamas ceasefire proposal, how Russia continues messing up the neighborhood, and what this all means during a government shutdown!
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Welcome back to the Restricted Handling Podcast with Ryan Fugit (former Army and CIA officer) and Glenn Corn (34 years in U.S. government service, most of it at CIA). In this powerful episode, we dive deep into some of the most pressing issues shaping today’s global security landscape—from the U.S. government shutdown to fragile ceasefire negotiations in Israel and Gaza, and the shifting balance of power across the Middle East, Russia, and beyond.
🎙️ Episode Highlights:
Israel–Gaza Ceasefire Talks: We break down the proposed terms between Hamas, Israel, and the international community, including hostages, arms, humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and the geopolitical players influencing the process (Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S.).
Parallels with Lebanon & Hezbollah: Glenn draws comparisons between Hamas today and Hezbollah’s rise after the Lebanese Civil War, analyzing Israel’s determination to prevent another armed group from threatening its borders.
The Role of Regional Powers: Turkey’s surprising diplomatic maneuvers, Qatar’s leverage, Saudi Arabia’s financial muscle, and Iran’s attempts to disrupt peace talks. What role do invisible veto players hold, and how might they derail negotiations?
Reconstruction and Economics of Peace: Why Gulf State funding is critical to rebuilding Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, and how reconstruction could either stabilize or destabilize the region.
Inside the U.N. General Assembly (UNGA): Glenn shares firsthand insights from recent meetings in New York, including discussions with the Syrian president and U.S. business leaders about economic reforms, reconstruction, and regional stability.
Why Now?: We analyze why this peace proposal is emerging now, the domestic challenges facing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the public relations battle Israel is losing on the world stage.
Winners, Losers, and the Future of the Region: Could Palestinians ultimately benefit from disarmament and reconstruction? Or will Hamas’ refusal to relinquish weapons derail any chance of peace?
The U.S. Government Shutdown: Ryan and Glenn share their personal experiences from past shutdowns, the morale effects on essential vs. non-essential personnel, and how bureaucratic slowdowns can sometimes paradoxically improve efficiency.
Russia–Ukraine Update: From Tomahawk missile requests to sanctions crushing the Russian economy, we discuss the latest military and economic developments, NATO’s concerns, and Russia’s rumored counter-moves in the Western Hemisphere.
💡 Why Listen?
This episode offers rare, unfiltered insights from two men who’ve spent decades in intelligence, diplomacy, and national security. It’s a candid, in-depth conversation that blends policy analysis, historical context, and hard-earned experience from inside the U.S. government.
🔎 Topics Covered in Detail:
Israel, Gaza, and Hamas’ ceasefire calculus
Hezbollah’s disarmament dilemma and Lebanon’s fragile politics
Iran’s shadow role and financial pipelines to militant groups
Turkey’s rising influence and tensions with Israel
U.S. foreign policy challenges and the importance of the Abraham Accords
Syria’s surprising push for reform and investment opportunities
Global reactions to antisemitism and the information war
The ongoing impact of U.S. sanctions on Russia
The resilience of government and military operations during shutdowns
