The John Batchelor Show

PREVIEW FOR TONIGHT: Jonathan Schanzer OF FDD identifies two powers affecting the end of the Gaza war: wounded Iran, whose Shiite crescent stretching toward Israel is fading, and ambitious Ankara, displaying successful neo-Ottoman aspirations. Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, commanding a large military, has vowed to raise a pan-Islamic army against Israel. Amidst international pressure and UN actions, Israel remains the main, unwavering regional power. 1914 PALESTINE

CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE FATE OF GAZA.. 1945N GAZA RAILROAD 9-29-2025 FIRST HOUR 9-915 BILL-ROGGIO-HUSAIN-HAQQANI-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Afghanistan Hostage Release, Bagram Debate, and Skepticism on Gaza Peace Plan GUEST NAME: Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani 50 WORD SUMMARY: Americancitizen Amir Amiri was released by the Taliban, though likely at the cost of a US prisoner. The concept of reclaiming Bagram is viewed as a risky, impractical negotiating ploy. Discussion covered tens of thousands of Afghans left behind. Experts expressed skepticism regarding the Gaza 21-point plan due to many moving parts and Hamas's goals. 915-930 BILL-ROGGIO-HUSAIN-HAQQANI-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Afghanistan Hostage Release, Bagram Debate, and Skepticism on Gaza Peace Plan GUEST NAME: Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani 50 WORD SUMMARY: Americancitizen Amir Amiri was released by the Taliban, though likely at the cost of a US prisoner. The concept of reclaiming Bagram is viewed as a risky, impractical negotiating ploy. Discussion covered tens of thousands of Afghans left behind. Experts expressed skepticism regarding the Gaza 21-point plan due to many moving parts and Hamas's goals. 930-945 MORSE-TAN-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: South Korea Faces "Techno-Totalitarianism" After Suspicious Data Center FireGUEST NAME: Morse Tan 50 WORD SUMMARY: A suspicious battery blaze paralyzed over 600 South Koreangovernment services, raising questions about server security and the destruction of intelligence. The timing is critical, disabling background checks on Chinese entrants. President Yoon Suk Yeol is strongly allied with the CCP, having purged military leadership. This incident, likened to the Reichstag fire, poses a grave threat to democracy and fosters "techno-totalitarianism."945-1000 MARK-CLIFFORD2-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Jimmy Lai's Imprisonment Highlights UK's "Stovepiped" Diplomacy with China GUEST NAME: Mark Clifford 50 WORD SUMMARY: Jimmy Lai, a jailed British citizen and prominent Hong Kong dissident, is a litmus test for freedom. The Starmer government is now showing movement, potentially working with the US for his release. The UK faces criticism for "stovepiping" diplomacy, failing to link Lai's freedom to economic issues, such as China's desired mega embassy. China asserts ownership over Lai based on his ethnicity. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 JANETYN-SAYEH-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Iran Faces Full UN Sanctions Snapback; Gen Z Leads Domestic OppositionGUEST NAME: Janet Sayeh 50 WORD SUMMARY: The West successfully enacted UN sanctions "snapback," reimposing sanctions lifted since 2015. The economy is already shocked, though enforcement against illicit networks depends on Washington. Iran may risk Israeli military action by continuing its nuclear program. Gen Z has categorically rejected the regime, leading major uprisings. The opposition is actively working to encourage defections within the security establishment.V 1015-1030 JANET-SAYEH-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Iran Faces Full UN Sanctions Snapback; Gen Z Leads Domestic OppositionGUEST NAME: Janet Sayeh 50 WORD SUMMARY: The West successfully enacted UN sanctions "snapback," reimposing sanctions lifted since 2015. The economy is already shocked, though enforcement against illicit networks depends on Washington. Iran may risk Israeli military action by continuing its nuclear program. Gen Z has categorically rejected the regime, leading major uprisings. The opposition is actively working to encourage defections within the security establishment.1030-1045 DAVID-DAOUD-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: IDF Faces Urban Combat; Hezbollah Rearms Aided by Iran; Golan Heights Non-Negotiable GUEST NAME: David Daoud 50 WORD SUMMARY: IDF operations in Gaza face difficulties due to urban fighting, personnel shortages, and international pressure. Hezbollah is actively rearming, supported quietly by Iranian funds and weapons smuggling efforts. The Lebanese...

HEADLINE: Houthi Attacks Escalate: Targeting Shipping and Deploying Cluster Munitions GUEST NAME: Bridget Toomey 50 WORD SUMMARY: The Houthis struck a Netherlands-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden. The international community is quiet, as the Houthis interpret the US ceasefire as full permission to target Israel. They are also deploying cluster munition warheads on ballistic missiles against Israel. Houthi systems seem to be improving, penetrating Israeli defenses. CENTCOM considers the current US hands-off policy a strategic defeat. OTTOMANS

HEADLINE: Russian Spy Ships Target Vulnerable Undersea Communication Cables GUEST NAME: Kevin Frazier50 WORD SUMMARY: Undersea cables are highly vulnerable to sabotage or accidental breaks. Russia uses sophisticated naval technology, including the spy ship Yantar, to map and potentially break these cables in sensitive locations. The US is less vulnerable due to redundancy. However, protection is fragmented, relying on private owners who often lack incentives to adopt sophisticated defense techniques. 1945 RED SQUARE

HEADLINE: Al-Sharaa Seeks Normalization at UN Amid Sanctions and Domestic Tensions GUEST NAME: Ahmad Sharawi 50 WORD SUMMARY: Syrian strongman Al-Sharaa visited the UN seeking international normalization and to consolidate domestic power. He met world leaders and sought removal of Caesar sanctions, though Congress must approve this. World leaders mostly ignored questions about massacres. Major powers remain in Syria, and Kurds are negotiating integration, while Israel pursues a security agreement. 1826 NAPOLEON IN THE LEVANT

HEADLINE: Al-Sharaa Seeks Normalization at UN Amid Sanctions and Domestic Tensions GUEST NAME: Ahmad Sharawi 50 WORD SUMMARY: Syrian strongman Al-Sharaa visited the UN seeking international normalization and to consolidate domestic power. He met world leaders and sought removal of Caesar sanctions, though Congress must approve this. World leaders mostly ignored questions about massacres. Major powers remain in Syria, and Kurds are negotiating integration, while Israel pursues a security agreement. 1870 DAMASCUS

HEADLINE: Venezuela's Crisis and Maduro's Drug Cartel: US Intervention Anticipated GUEST NAME: Alejandro Peña Esclusa 50 WORD SUMMARY: Venezuela is enduring a humanitarian crisis under Nicolás Maduro, leader of the Cartel of the Suns. The elected opposition, Edmundo González and María Corina Machado, have publicly authorized US intervention. Maduro's desperate letter to Trump was rejected as full of lies. Regional allies like Lula and Petro fear US action and indirectly try to save Maduro. 1900 BOGOTA

HEADLINE: Venezuela's Crisis and Maduro's Drug Cartel: US Intervention Anticipated GUEST NAME: Alejandro Peña Esclusa 50 WORD SUMMARY: Venezuela is enduring a humanitarian crisis under Nicolás Maduro, leader of the Cartel of the Suns. The elected opposition, Edmundo González and María Corina Machado, have publicly authorized US intervention. Maduro's desperate letter to Trump was rejected as full of lies. Regional allies like Lula and Petro fear US action and indirectly try to save Maduro. 1922

HEADLINE: Russian Probes, European Escalation Rhetoric, and the Threat of Drone Swarms GUEST NAME:General Blaine Holt 50 WORD SUMMARY: Russian aircraft regularly probe the Alaskan ADIZ, met by US F-16s. Standardized procedures minimize miscalculation risk. Reckless rhetoric from European allies threatens escalation by suggesting shooting down Russian jets violating NATO airspace. European defense ministers are planning a "drone wall" to counter massive Russian drone swarms, which Ukraine currently cannot defeat. B-36 CONVAIR

HEADLINE: Russian Probes, European Escalation Rhetoric, and the Threat of Drone Swarms GUEST NAME:General Blaine Holt 50 WORD SUMMARY: Russian aircraft regularly probe the Alaskan ADIZ, met by US F-16s. Standardized procedures minimize miscalculation risk. Reckless rhetoric from European allies threatens escalation by suggesting shooting down Russian jets violating NATO airspace. European defense ministers are planning a "drone wall" to counter massive Russian drone swarms, which Ukraine currently cannot defeat. 1870 SWEDEN

HEADLINE: IDF Faces Urban Combat; Hezbollah Rearms Aided by Iran; Golan Heights Non-Negotiable GUEST NAME: David Daoud 50 WORD SUMMARY: IDF operations in Gaza face difficulties due to urban fighting, personnel shortages, and international pressure. Hezbollah is actively rearming, supported quietly by Iranian funds and weapons smuggling efforts. The Lebanese government is failing to disarm Hezbollah. Israel maintains the strategically vital Golan Heights are non-negotiable for the foreseeable future, despite security discussions with the Syriangovernment. 1957 SWEDEN FOR GAZA

HEADLINE: IDF Faces Urban Combat; Hezbollah Rearms Aided by Iran; Golan Heights Non-Negotiable GUEST NAME: David Daoud 50 WORD SUMMARY: IDF operations in Gaza face difficulties due to urban fighting, personnel shortages, and international pressure. Hezbollah is actively rearming, supported quietly by Iranian funds and weapons smuggling efforts. The Lebanese government is failing to disarm Hezbollah. Israel maintains the strategically vital Golan Heights are non-negotiable for the foreseeable future, despite security discussions with the Syriangovernment. 1926 GREAT MOSQUE GAZA

HEADLINE: Iran Faces Full UN Sanctions Snapback; Gen Z Leads Domestic Opposition GUEST NAME: Janetyn Sayeh 50 WORD SUMMARY: The West successfully enacted UN sanctions "snapback," reimposing sanctions lifted since 2015. The economy is already shocked, though enforcement against illicit networks depends on Washington. Iranmay risk Israeli military action by continuing its nuclear program. Gen Z has categorically rejected the regime, leading major uprisings. The opposition is actively working to encourage defections within the security establishment. 1870

HEADLINE: Iran Faces Full UN Sanctions Snapback; Gen Z Leads Domestic Opposition GUEST NAME: Janetyn Sayeh 50 WORD SUMMARY: The West successfully enacted UN sanctions "snapback," reimposing sanctions lifted since 2015. The economy is already shocked, though enforcement against illicit networks depends on Washington. Iranmay risk Israeli military action by continuing its nuclear program. Gen Z has categorically rejected the regime, leading major uprisings. The opposition is actively working to encourage defections within the security establishment.

HEADLINE: Jimmy Lai's Imprisonment Highlights UK's "Stovepiped" Diplomacy with China GUEST NAME: Mark Clifford 50 WORD SUMMARY: Jimmy Lai, a jailed British citizen and prominent Hong Kong dissident, is a litmus test for freedom. The Starmer government is now showing movement, potentially working with the US for his release. The UK faces criticism for "stovepiping" diplomacy, failing to link Lai's freedom to economic issues, such as China's desired mega embassy. China asserts ownership over Lai based on his ethnicity. 1874 HONG KONG

HEADLINE: South Korea Faces "Techno-Totalitarianism" After Suspicious Data Center Fire GUEST NAME: Morse Tan 50 WORD SUMMARY: A suspicious battery blaze paralyzed over 600 South Korean government services, raising questions about server security and the destruction of intelligence. The timing is critical, disabling background checks on Chinese entrants. President Yoon Suk Yeol is strongly allied with the CCP, having purged military leadership. This incident, likened to the Reichstag fire, poses a grave threat to democracy and fosters "techno-totalitarianism." 1950 OFF KOREA

HEADLINE: Afghanistan Hostage Release, Bagram Debate, and Skepticism on Gaza Peace Plan GUEST NAME: Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani 50 WORD SUMMARY: American citizen Amir Amiri was released by the Taliban, though likely at the cost of a US prisoner. The concept of reclaiming Bagram is viewed as a risky, impractical negotiating ploy. Discussion covered tens of thousands of Afghans left behind. Experts expressed skepticism regarding the Gaza 21-point plan due to many moving parts and Hamas's goals. 1872 TAJIKISTAN

HEADLINE: Afghanistan Hostage Release, Bagram Debate, and Skepticism on Gaza Peace Plan GUEST NAME: Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani 50 WORD SUMMARY: American citizen Amir Amiri was released by the Taliban, though likely at the cost of a US prisoner. The concept of reclaiming Bagram is viewed as a risky, impractical negotiating ploy. Discussion covered tens of thousands of Afghans left behind. Experts expressed skepticism regarding the Gaza 21-point plan due to many moving parts and Hamas's goals. 1910 DAMASCUS

ROGGIO Bill Roggio, associated with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, discussed the recent news regarding a hostage situation involving the Taliban. Key details from Roggio's segment: Hostage Release:Secretary of State RubioAmericanTalibanKabulThe Cost (The "Twist"):RoggioUSThe Likely Swap Target:GuantanamoMuhammad Rahimal-QaedaSignificance of Muhammad Rahim:USRahimOsama bin Ladenbin LadenTora BoraMullah OmarMullah OmarTalibanUS Military Stance and Prediction:Muhammad RahimUSRoggioRahimNegotiation Dynamics:RoggioTaliban

PREVIEW GUEST NAME: Alejandro Peña Esclusa; Bill Roggio 50 WORD SUMMARY: Alejandro Peña Esclusadiscusses Venezuelan opposition leaders (González and Machado) asking the UN and US to intervene against the Maduro drug cartel, an ally of Iran, Cuba, and Putin. Bill Roggio covers the potential US swap of Guantanamo al-Qaeda operative Muhammad Rahim (an ally of Osama bin Laden and Mullah Omar) to secure an American hostage held by the Taliban.