By The FirstMike Baker speaks with journalist Reuben Johnson about the state of Russia’s economy and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s growing paranoia. Does Putin feel like he’s under threat from within his own country?
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Could The U.S. Blockade Of Iran Become Permanent?
: Mike Baker speaks with Richard Goldberg about the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and whether it can be sustained long term. They examine the strategy behind the pressure campaign, what it would take to maintain it, and whether Washington is prepared for an extended standoff.
U.S. Running Low On Missiles? | With @RyanMcBethProgramming
Mike Baker speaks with open source intelligence analyst Ryan McBeth about the pace of U.S. missile usage in the Iran conflict—and what it means for America’s stockpiles. They break down how quickly those weapons are being depleted, how fast they can be replaced, and whether this could impact U.S. readiness for future conflicts.
Could Russia’s Security Services Be Preparing To Overthrow Putin? | With @INSIDERUSSIA
Mike Baker speaks with Konstantin Samoilov about the growing power of Russia’s internal security apparatus—and the potential threat it could pose to Vladimir Putin himself. As the Federal Security Service expands its influence under Putin’s rule, could it eventually turn on the very system it was built to protect?
Follow Konstantin: https://www.youtube.com/@InsideRussia
Thumbnail: Left Side: Mike Baker. Right Side: Konstantin Samoilov (our guest). Center: Putin, slightly larger than both. Over Putin’s shoulder, a shadowy, faceless figure emerging from the darkness.
Does Iran Have ICBMs? Here’s What The Intelligence Community Is Getting Wrongrong
Mike Baker speaks with author Gordon Chang about Iran’s missile arsenal, the threat it actually posed in the lead-up to the war, and where U.S. intelligence may have gotten it wrong Did they possess intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the United States? What’s real, what’s exaggerated, and how did those assumptions shape the path to war?
Iran’s Next Uprising? When Will Iranians Return To The Streets?
Mike 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.