badlands podcast by borzou daragahi

Turkey's Democracy Under Dire Threat

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.com [https://borzou.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7] Friday, May 29, 2026, Istanbul Not enough has been said about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s systematic dismantling of Turkey’s opposition movement and the craven acquiescence of the United States and the European Union to his machinations. Today’s podcast features an interview with Turkish scholar and fellow Substacker Orhan Şener Deliormanlı [https://substack.com/profile/1316960-orhan-sener-deliormanl]. He’s a UK-educated political commentator and media researcher now continuing his doctoral studies at Istanbul’s prestigious Galatasaray University. He specializes in youth movements and democracy in Turkey. But that’s not all today. In addition to the fascinating discussion about the decline of Turkey’s democracy, we have updates on the latest news from Iran, Gaza, and the West Bank, where the EU has sanctioned the most extremist settlers. Please listen or watch, comment, share, and subscribe. badlands is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Trump Threatens To ‘Blow Up’ Oman

Thursday, May 28, 2026, Istanbul It was one of the nastiest and most uncalled for moments in Donald Trump’s unhinged second term. In the middle of a press briefing at a cabinet Trump threatened to “blow up” Oman if it didn’t do the Americans’ bidding on the Strait of Hormuz. It was a deranged outburst that is part of a pattern of Trump attacking the countries attempting to find a diplomatic solution to the Iran war. It also shows the childish way that Trump sees war. In reality might not only does not make right, it sometimes leads to defeats. Just because the US and Israel blew up more stuff than Iran in the recent armed conflict doesn’t make them the winners. It actually made them the losers, because it ended up strengthening the regime and expanding Iran’s influence. I discuss all this in today’s podcast, as well as bring you up to date on the news in an excellent interview with anchor Guy Shone [https://www.instagram.com/guyshonetv/] of Azerbaijan’s Anewz [https://x.com/anewz_tv]. badlands is a reader-supported outlet. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe [https://borzou.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

She Reports Iran News In Her Pajamas

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit borzou.substack.com [https://borzou.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7] In today’s edition of badlands, I speak with journalist Leila Gharagozlou, a CNN correspondent who has amassed a massive following on her TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@datpinkrobe?lang=en] account with astute, pithy takes and takedowns on Iran and geopolitics. She often gives her talks while chilling on her couch in Dubai in her favorite bathrobe. In a wide-ranging discussion we talk about everything from the role of the Revolutionary Guard in Iran to best Persian restaurant in Dubai. “I found that people who generally should understand the region a little bit better seem to constantly be misinterpreting and misunderstanding the Iranians and their point of view and how Iran works inside,” she says. “And I don’t know where that comes from. I can only assume that it is maybe this kind of wishful thinking—almost delusion—of what we want to happen rather than what is actually happening on the ground and how Iran fundamentally functions.” Please listen or watch, comment, share, and subscribe.

US Airstrikes Endanger Iran Peace Talks

Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Istanbul Iranians are warning of a wider war following US airstrikes on the country late Monday or early Tuesday. On the latest edition of badlands, I discuss how little the latest attack makes sense. Also on today’s jam-packed podcast: * Why Iran might got internet restored * Whether Israel might face more international pressure * Whether the United Arab Emirates may be facing the same kind of isolation it once imposed on Qatar * How Turkey’s democracy is failing A great talk last night on France 24 with Francois Picard included debate about how Iran, Israel, the Gulf, and the US are trying to shape the ongoing crisis. The entire discussion can be viewed below, but some choice excerpts are included in my latest podcast. In a deep dive with Pakistan Express 24/7’s Fahd Hassan, I discuss the latest developments across the region, including in Iran, Israel, and the Gulf, including the role of China and Pakistan in the negotiations. Also in today’s editions, more talk about Iran, as well as Israel and Turkey, on India’s NewsX World with host Ellie Richardson. Please listen, watch, and subscribe! badlands is a reader-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe [https://borzou.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Rumors Of Iran Deal Trigger Epic Neocon Meltdowns

News of a possible deal between Iran and the US sent heads exploding among neocons and warmongers. Truth be told it was a delight to be behold. In today’s special edition of the podcast, I discuss the deal and how it could still fall apart. Plus, in an interview with India’s NewsX World, I speak about Turkey’s efforts to destroy President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main opposition party and shut down an important university. Also, what a US troop deployment in Poland could mean. To receive all new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe [https://borzou.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]