Send us a textHow close are we to the use of a nuclear weapon in current conflicts?Join me, Dana Lewis, as I discuss the nuclear arms race with Rose Gottemoeller, a distinguished former arms control negotiator. We dissect the deployment of long-range ATACMS missiles by Ukraine into Russian territory, exploring the nuanced strategic implications and potential nuclear fallout. And marking the milestone of 1,000 days since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we reflect on the relentl...

Send us a textWhat if Donald Trump's re-election could redefine global politics? Join us for a conversation that explores this provocative question with Sir Mark Lyle Grant, a distinguished former British diplomat and National Security Advisor, as we dissect the political shockwaves reverberating through Europe and beyond. The Back Story examines the potential implications for Ukraine, the dance between President-elect Trump and US intelligence agencies, and the broader rise of extremis...

Send us a textWhat does Israel hope to achieve with its limited ground operation in Lebanon, and how is Iran’s involvement shaping the conflict? Join us as we tackle these pressing questions with former Israeli Army Colonel Miri Eisen, who provides exclusive insights into Israel's defense strategies and the broader geopolitical landscape. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is heartbreaking and deserves global attention. This episode highlights the severe displacement of over a m...

Send us a textWhat will be the outcome of the Ukrainian conflict? Join us as Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commander of US Army Europe, shares his perspective on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the critical missteps in US foreign policy. We contrast media portrayals with on-the-ground realities, focusing on Ukrainian counteroffensives towards Kursk and the sluggish Russian advances. Support the show

Send us a textOn Back Story with Dana Lewis this week, Israel's leader P.M. Netanyahu is seeking to drive a wedge into America's political landscape. Will it back fire? Former Israeli diplomat and advisor to multiple foreign ministers Alon Pinkas, believes Netanyahu is courting disaster. And Pinkas says Trump's remarks in the election debate on Israel, amount to a "concentrated pile of nonsense". Kamala Harris he says is right to pursue a two state solution. Israel and Gaza is...

Send us a textCan Ukraine's audacious tactics in the Kursk region really turn the tide in this complex conflict with Russia? Join us for an in-depth discussion featuring Malcolm Davis from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, as we explore the critical implications of these strategic maneuvers on both sides. Hear our analysis on why this conflict might drag on through 2025, hinging largely on Western military aid and potential shifts in the U.S. administration. Discover why U...

Send us a Text Message.The strategic alliance between Russia and North Korea has the world on edge, and in this episode of Backstory, you'll understand why. Join us as we unpack the recent high-stakes meeting between President Putin and Kim Jong Un. General Ben Hodges provides expert insights into North Korea's agreement to supply Russia with millions of artillery shells and missiles for its war against Ukraine. Together, we investigate the technological exchanges that could significantly bol...

Send us a Text Message.This week on Back Story with Dana Lewis - Is the International Criminal Court a protector of global justice or an overreaching institution threatening national sovereignty? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Ambassador John Bolton as he critically examines the ICC's legitimacy and its impact on countries like the U.S. and Israel. Bolton argues that the court's actions undermine the democratic processes of sovereign nations.And Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas pred...

Send us a Text Message.On Back Story Russia's 300 billion in frozen funds may be about to thaw and fund Ukraine's defence, whether Russia likes it or not. The EU's bold maneuver to repurpose frozen Russian assets for Ukraine with guest Bill Browder.Then, we pivot to a nation seemingly in mourning and turmoil—Iran—where the sudden demise of President Raisi in a helicopter crash has opened a Pandora's box of political outcomes. Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message. On Back Story Journalists Reena Ninan and Dana Lewis, scrutinize the fabric of free speech and human rights, in the wake of police raids on University Campus' in America. Controversial debates on global arms supply take center stage when Omar Shakir of Human Rights Watch joins us, and his calls for justice against war crimes carried out by Israel and Hamas. And a new aid package for Ukraine to fight off Russia - will it make a difference?(R...

Discover the twists in the narrative as we unveil the chilling ISIS-K attack in Moscow and the subsequent political maneuvering of the Putin regime.  Dana Lewis on the Kremlin's finger-pointing at Western nations and the manipulation of public perception. We expose the Kremlin's tactics, including the use of torture by Russian security services, and reveal the true culprits behind the mayhem. The discussion also spotlights the initial ISIS-K responsibility claims, which were quickly...

On Back Story this week, the realities of urban and tunnel warfare through the eyes of Israeli soldiers battling Hamas in Gaza.  Backstory takes you to the frontline with me, Dana Lewis, as we navigate the harrowing complexities of a conflict that blurs the lines between military strategy and civilian safety. Our guests, including IDF reservists Kerin Sokolov and Matan Yaffe, alongside David Sherez from TIKUN 2024, share the moral quandaries faced by those in uniform and the resilience that...

Could the untimely demise of Alexei Navalny herald a darker turn in the Ukraine conflict? On Back Story this week,  Dana Lewis, examines the disturbing allegations of President Putin's involvement in the death of the Russian opposition figure. Mikhail Kasyanov, former Prime Minister, joins me to offer an insider's perspective on the Kremlin's opaque refusal to release Navalny's body  We dissect the chilling repercussions that Navalny's passing may have, not just within Russia's borders but...

This week on Backstory with Dana Lewis former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov now in exile, discusses if a new Kremlin challenger has a chance in upcoming elections.   Tal Heinrich, spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, takes  discusses the complexities of the Gaza crisis from the eyes of those entrenched in the struggle. Heinrich reveals the intricate challenges facing the IDF, from hostage rescue operations to the pursuit of lasting security.  And former Jerusalem...

Imagine the heartache of a family whose beloved Romy is held captive by terrorists, a stark reminder of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict's cruel reach into personal lives. Our latest episode navigates the complexities and emotional turmoil of this ongoing war, including the formidable political strategies of Israel to secure the release of its citizens. We are joined by Fania Oz Salzberger, a revered Israeli political activist and history professor, who articulates a vision of "humanist...

 Back Story with Dana Lewis takes a hard look at Putin's tactics and the potential consequences that might arise from the withheld US funding for Ukraine. We're delighted to have Bill Browder, a leading voice on the matter, to break down the situation and forecast scenarios that could befall both nations. We also examine the possible repercussions for Ukraine and NATO should Trump make a comeback to the Oval Office.   Can Ukraine hold firm against Russia's onslaught? Thomas Kent, author of...

 On This Back Story with Dana Lewis, Invaluable insights from IDF spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner. We examine the intricate strategies of the Israeli military, the weight of international pressure, and the efforts towards mitigating civilian casualties amidst the war with Hamas. A closer look at a battlefield that's as dense with people as it is with political complexity.   And  Soufan's Senior research fellow, Colin Clark discusses Israel's duty to protect civilians, the crucial...

Join us Host Dana Lewis on journey into the heart of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. This episode arms you with insights from US Army (Ret) Lieutenant General Ben Hodges and security analyst Zoran Kusovac, unpacking the tenuous nature of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange agreements.   Our conversation with Lieutenant General Ben Hodges brings into sharp focus the stark realities of the Ukraine-Russia war and the brutalities of urban warfare. Delve into the unvarnished truth of...

On this Back Story host Dana Lewis interviews Israeli diplomat and former Government advisor Alon Pinkas; -Can Hamas be removed from Gaza? -Could an International force replace Israeli troops, with the UN leading a new Gaza for Palestinians? -What are the risks of a wider conflict? -And Israel's War Cabinet and Netanyahu's narrowing window on Governing his Country Support the show

Can Hamas be removed from power in Gaza? In this probing discourse, we engage with Israeli Army Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner and Palestinian lawmaker Mustafa Barghouti.  We aim to shed light on this intense conflict, the war in Gaza, the contentious ground war, and the emotive information war.  What are the military objectives - their achievability, their focus on targeting Hamas' regime, and the potential rise in terrorist activities should they succeed. We also critically...

Join us as we traverse the complex terrain of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with Yossi Beilin, a key figure in crafting the original Oslo peace accords. Yossi's insightful reflections on the current crisis in Gaza shine a light on the international outcry and the potential routes towards a resolution.    Beilin blames Israeli P.M. Netanyahu for the current crisis in Israel, and for allowing Hamas to strengthen, ignoring what was a ticking time bomb in Gaza.  Now is the time he says to...

Unfiltered analysis of Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah. This episode promises to unravel the complexities of Israel's military response to Hamas' brutal attacks, the potential of a reoccupation of Gaza, the risks and challenges, and the possibility of this being Israel's very own Pearl Harbor moment. Hear from Jonathan Panikoff, a former US career intelligence officer, and military affairs correspondent Ron Ben-Yishai, as they dissect the heart of the crisis.   Support the...

Have you ever wondered how it feels to lose your loved ones to senseless violence?  Ilan Troin, a grieving father who lost his daughter and stepson to the ongoing conflict in Israel, shares his heart-wrenching story. The devastating cost of a well planned shocking and inhuman attack by the terror group Hamas. Beyond personal stories, we delve into the geopolitical factors behind the conflict. Ibrahim Hazboun, a seasoned journalist and  analyst on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, guides us...

This episode brings you a fascinating discussion that challenges you to rethink your understanding of the crisis between Ukraine and Russia. Featuring our esteemed guests, Oleksandra  Matviichuk, a human rights war crimes investigator, and Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group, we shed light on the importance of shifting the narrative from 'helping Ukraine not to fail' to 'helping Ukraine win fast'. Oleksandra leader of the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties, unveils the...