The Middle East stands at a crossroads. What will shape its security, partnerships, and future?

In this special episode of Trending Echoes Season 2, host Elyazia Al Hosani, Head of Media Sector at TRENDS Group, sits down with former U.S. Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo to discuss America’s evolving foreign policy and the region’s changing strategic landscape.

From the impact and limitations of maximum pressure on Iran to the future of Gulf security, Pompeo shares his perspectives on regional deterrence, U.S.–UAE cooperation, and prospects for expanding the Abraham Accords. The conversation also explores strategic competition with China and Russia, extremism in Europe, and the growing battle for influence in the information space.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction: Elyazia Al Hosani welcomes Mike Pompeo

00:17 A decade of U.S. foreign policy

01:13 Iran: Assessing maximum pressure

03:06 What does behaving like a “normal nation” mean?

03:59 Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities

05:31 Gulf security and America’s regional role

07:38 Trump’s Iran policy: First and second terms

10:44 Extremism in Europe and the UAE’s approach

13:50 China, Russia, and American leadership

16:19 Never Give an Inch: Principles and compromise

18:12 The future of U.S.–UAE relations

20:09 Expanding the Abraham Accords

21:50 Information warfare and competing narratives

24:37 Closing remarks

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In this episode of Trending Echoes, host Hamad Abdulla Alhosani, Senior Researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory, sits down with Emad Bajalan, Iraqi Kurdish politician and political commentator, for a wide-ranging discussion on Iraq’s political and security landscape. The conversation explores the role of militias, regional security, Iraq’s relations with the Gulf states and Iran, the fight against ISIS, and the far-reaching impact of corruption on governance and economic development. The episode also examines Iraq’s future, the importance of strengthening state institutions, and the lessons that can be drawn from successful regional development models.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:35 Who is Emad Bajalan?

03:06 Militias and attacks on the Gulf states

08:13 The threat of ISIS and Iraq’s security

09:55 Can Iraq disarm the militias?

13:45 U.S. presence and Iraq’s regional role

17:03 Iraq’s relationship with Iran

21:31 Iraq and the Gulf: The road ahead

23:05 Corruption and the future of Iraq

43:14 Final message and closing remarks

Tune in for an insightful conversation that unpacks the complexities of Iraq’s political landscape, regional security, and the future of governance in the Middle East. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to TRENDING ECHOES for more expert discussions on the issues shaping our world.

Welcome to Trending Echoes, the podcast where leading voices unpack the ideas shaping our world.

Hosted by Abdulaziz Ahmed Alshehhi, this episode features renowned Emirati journalist, writer, and media expert Mohamed Al-Hammadi for an in-depth discussion on how modern conflicts are fought not only on the battlefield but also across television screens, digital platforms, and social media.

The conversation explores the evolving role of Gulf media during the recent regional conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel, addressing misinformation, media narratives, public awareness, digital influence, artificial intelligence, national security, and the future of journalism.

Is the media still an observer, or has it become an active participant in modern warfare? Can neutrality truly exist in today's information landscape? How can societies build resilience against misinformation?

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the power of narratives, media ethics, and the changing dynamics of journalism in the digital age.

Host: Abdulaziz Ahmed Alshehhi

Guest: Mohamed Al-Hammadi, Emirati Journalist, Writer & Media Expert

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome

00:32 Media as a Battlefield in Modern Wars

01:49 Is the Media Now a Participant in Conflict?

02:54 Gulf Media's Performance During the Crisis

04:54 Fighting Misinformation in the Digital Age

09:08 Social Media, Speed vs Accuracy & UAE's Communication Strategy

13:02 Neutrality, National Interest & Media Responsibility

15:48 How Audiences Have Changed in the Digital Era

19:23 Media Literacy, Public Awareness & National Security

24:21 Who Really Shapes Public Opinion Today?

29:40 The Future of Gulf Media & Closing Reflections