By The FirstMike Baker speaks with Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies about the massive January protests that shook Iran—some of the largest since the 1979 revolution—and whether those demonstrations could return once the war ends. After millions took to the streets earlier this year and faced a brutal crackdown, the question now is whether the regime’s pressure has crushed dissent—or simply delayed the next uprising.
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How Xi Jinping Insulted Donald Trump During The Beijing Summit
Mike Baker speaks with author Gordon Chang about the high-stakes summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, including the tense diplomatic optics, China’s growing alignment with Russia, and why some observers believe Xi deliberately tried to undermine and embarrass Trump on the world stage.
Thumbnail: Mike and Gordon Chang. Background: Donald Trump and Xi Jinping during the Beijing summit handshake or standing side-by-side — but with Xi looking smug or stern while Trump appears annoyed. Chinese and American flag in the background.
How Ukrainian Drone Warfare Turned The Tide Against Russia
Mike Baker speaks with Christina Harward of the Institute for the Study of War about the growing impact of Ukraine’s drone warfare campaign, including how mid-range strikes on Russian supply lines, fuel depots, and air defense systems are slowing Moscow’s offensive and helping Ukraine regain momentum in parts of the battlefield.
Thumbnail: Mike and Christina Harward. Background: Background: Ukrainian FPV drones flying over a battlefield with exploding Russian armored vehicles or burning supply depots. Faint battlefield map overlays and drone targeting graphics behind them. Small image of Vladimir Putin in the background looking tense or concerned.
Is Xi Jinping Losing Control Of China?
Mike Baker sits down with Steve Lance of NTD News to discuss President Trump’s high-stakes summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, and the growing questions surrounding internal tensions inside China’s leadership. Reports suggest all may not be as stable behind the scenes as it appears, despite Xi’s image of absolute control. Mike and Steve break down what the meetings could mean for U.S.-China relations, the balance of power inside the Chinese Communist Party, and why some analysts believe there may be “trouble in paradise” inside Beijing.
Why The U.S. Blockade of Iran Has Been Devastating for China
Mike Baker sits down with Joshua Philipp, senior investigative reporter at The Epoch Times, to discuss the growing pressure campaign against China as the United States tightens its blockade of Iranian ports. They break down how Beijing’s reliance on Iranian oil may have helped push China back to the negotiating table ahead of a high-stakes meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
