Welcome to the Voice For Freedom Podcast, a podcast by ARISE. In today's episode, we're delving into the intricate dynamics of Iran and its proxies with our special guest, Dr. Dan Diker, an esteemed author and president of the Jerusalem Center For Security and Foreign Affairs. Join hosts Calev and Simeon Myers as they explore Iran's growing influence, its strategic manipulation of proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the IRGC, and why these often-overlooked threats pose significant global challenges. We'll also discuss the West's historical focus on Sunni terrorism post-9/11, the Palestinian issue as a distraction, and the broader geopolitical shifts redefining the Middle East. This episode promises to offer a wealth of insights, from the impactful role of Qatar in global affairs to the necessity of counteracting deceptive warfare strategies. Stay tuned for an engaging conversation that aims to shed light on some of our time's most pressing security concerns.
Outline:
(00:00) Think tanks struggle with differentiation; JCFA's distinct approach.
(08:37) Christian-Western influence, Middle East tensions, Ottoman decline.
(11:37) Israel should embrace Middle Eastern identity and language.
(16:59) Jelani seeks legitimacy and redefines its stance towards Israel.
(21:11) Sunni terrorism overshadowed the Iranian threat initially.
(23:56) The Iranian regime underestimated amid Al Qaeda threat.
(28:38) PLO emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood's disguised motives.
(31:50) Differentiate Iranian people from the regime's threats.
(34:36) Hezbollah: Iranian proxy, not Lebanese militia.
(37:50) Iranian proxies endanger civilians with weapon stockpiles.
(40:56) Control media to counter deception and influence.
(45:35) Trump shifts the Middle East power dynamics and strengthens alliances.
(51:28) Qataris labeled shadow jihadists propagandists via Al Jazeera.
Meet the hosts:
Calev Myers: Besides Calev’s career as an attorney in one of Israel’s leading law firms, Calev is a serial social entrepreneur. Before pivoting his efforts to ARISE, Calev founded and ran the Jerusalem Institute of Justice, through which he represented religious minorities in Israel, leading to over 30 Supreme Court victories. He also spearheaded campaigns to bring awareness and change legislation on behalf of marginalized communities in Israel, specifically lone soldiers and victims of human trafficking.
Simeon Myers: Residing in the US, Shimon oversees ARISE's day-to-day operations and initiatives. Before pivoting with his brother to the ARISE initiative, Simeon served alongside Calev as Executive Director for the Jerusalem Institute of Justice. A bit of a renaissance man, Simeon owned and operated a jewelry design and manufacturing company in his early life. He has been a singer/songwriter with television placement a poker professional, and currently works in film production/directing. If you can’t reach Simeon, he’s probably out on a mountain stream fly fishing.
