Send us a text What 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 towar…

Send us a text On 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 Is…

Send us a text Can 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 con…

Send us a text 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 a…

Send us a text 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 I…

Send us a text 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…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 securit…

Send us a text 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…

Send us a text 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 K…

Send us a text 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 str…

Send us a text 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 rele…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 dens…

Send us a text 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 Gener…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 object…

Send us a text 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. Ne…

Send us a text 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 Jona…

Send us a text 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, …

Send us a text 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 t…

Send us a text Ever wondered why more than 300 London Met police officers decided to protest by refusing to carry firearms? Are you intrigued by the intricate labyrinth of laws, ethics, and emotions surrounding police use of lethal force? This episode of Backstory with Dana Lewis discusses this complex issue. We welcome Tony Long, a former Metropol…

Send us a text On Back Story this week host Dana Lewis examines where does the West truly stand when it comes to Iran's volatile human rights scenario, particularly concerning women? This thought-provoking question sets the tone for our in-depth conversation with Azadeh Zabeti, from the Committee of Anglo-Iranian Lawyers. We shine a light on the di…

Send us a text Buckle up as we dive into the murky waters of international politics with our esteemed guest, former CIA intelligence analyst Sue Mi Terry, and Professor Robert English. This episode takes you to the heart of the surprising alliance between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. We dissect the possible …

Send us a text On this Back Story Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges tells host Dana Lewis he expects a breakthrough is coming in Ukraine's counter attack against Russia. And journalist Fred Weir on Putin's grip on power in a fragmented inner circle of the Kremlin. It's not the iron grip you think it is. Support the show…

Send us a text On this week we explore the Ukrainian counter offensive and questions of long term support for Ukraine, if it's unable to crack the Russian occupation and take back seized land. A wide ranging discussion with Int. Crisis Group Alissa De Carbonell, also a former Moscow based Journalist like host Dana Lewis who was based in Russia for …

Send us a text On Back Story this week we speak to former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, who says in the wake of an attempted coup by Wagner, President Putin is dramatically weakened and predicts his time is over soon. And Soufan Group's Jason Blazakis on calls for Wagner to be deemed a terrorist organization so Governments can cutoff it'…

Send us a text On this Back Story an interview with Jade McGlynn, from the Department of War Studies at Kings College on Putin's Russia. Dana Lewis speaks to McGlynn about how Putin uses politics of the past to frame his war in Ukraine, and campaign for a new Russian Empire. Some of the methods were used by Soviet leaders of the past. They are lies…

Send us a text This week who are these Russian Nationalists who attacked Russian territories from Ukraine? They have promised more attacks and the overthrow of President Putin and they appear to have backing from Ukrainian Authorities. Host Dana Lewis talks to a member of the Freedom of Russia Legion, Ilya Ponomarev who says they were indeed armed …

Send us a text On this Back Story former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton on Russia and China, and the war in Ukraine. And, Author of Flying In The Face of Fear, fighter pilot Kim 'Killer Chick' Campbell, on lessons learned about life and leadership from the cockpit of an A-10 Thunderbolt over Iraq. Support the show…

Send us a text On this Back Story Dana Lewis speaks to UK (Ret) Rear Admiral John Gower, who says Russia is increasing the nuclear threat level as President Putin pledged to move tactical nuclear weapons to neighbouring Belarus. Gower also speaks about why nuclear submarines for Australia are needed, but cautions about why arming those SSNs with cr…

Send us a text Did Russia just mortgage the Kremlin to China? At a 2 day summit in Moscow, Chinese leader Xi and Russian President Putin spoke of their close friendship. Russia isolated by international sanctions because of it's bloody invasion of Ukraine, now counts on China to buy it's oil and gas and possibly provide lethal military aid. On this…

Send us a text On this Back Story Tuft's Univ. Michael Beckley predicts China is going to take the step of providing lethal aid to Russia in it's war in Ukraine. That's despite dire warnings form Western Nations including America. And Kyiv Post reporter Jason Smart on the information war between Ukraine and Russia, and why opinions matter in sustai…

Send us a text On this Back Story the Wagner Group, meddling in Africa, fighting in Ukraine, who are they? Guns for hire, unleashed by the Kremlin. We talk to Soufan Center expert Colin Clarke. And from Kyiv, Life Line Charity's Paul Niland on the war in Ukraine. Support the showPor Dana Lewis

Send us a text Germany has finally announced it will allow Leopard Tanks to be exported to Ukraine. And the U.S. will send a token force of M1-Abrams tanks. This potentially changes the course of the war in Ukraine from holding Russia back, to defeating Russian forces including in the Crimea. It's a major escalation of the conflict because Europe a…

Send us a text On this Back Story, Dana Lewis has two fantastic guests. (Ret) Major Mike Lyons is a warfare expert and says Ukraine is in trouble without a change of tactics and more military muscle. And a CIA Station Chief who served the U.S. for more than 3 decades, Douglas London discusses President Putin's and whether his inner circle could tur…

Send us a text On Back Story this week Dana Lewis talks to the Chief Rabbi of Moscow, Pinchas Goldschmidt who has fled Russia. He says President Putin has transformed Russia overnight from an authoritarian fascist state into totalitarianism. In his words on the eve before the invasion he went to sleep in Moscow, and woke up on Feb 24 in Tehran. The…

Send us a text On Back Story this week an interview with UK (Ret) Rear Admiral John Gower who warns sending Russia mixed messages on what a response to a nuclear weapon might be is setting the stage for disaster. He believes President Putin should understand the west would use nuclear weapons, if Russia used one. Gower says indeed that's what the U…

Send us a text On this Back Story Dana Lewis talks to sanctions expert Brian O'Toole on the impact of existing sanctions, are they really choking Russia's war machine? And the new EU oil price cap moves that seemed doomed to fail. And we speak to Ian Garner, a historian who studies Putin's new extreme youth movement inside Russia. Are there paralle…

Send us a text On this Back Story journalist Reena Ninan on American Democracy including the midterm elections, and Trumps 'wet noodle' announcement he wants to run for President again. And the worst week in Crypto history, as the FTX Exchange collapses with billions of dollars gone and millions of investors out their money. We speak to crypto curr…

Send us a text On this Back Story Ukrainian MP Dmytro Natalukha says sitting at the table with Russia will only bring another cease fire and look where that led Ukraine? There has been an 8 year cease fire since 2014 and Putin will look to rearm and attack Europe again if allowed. And Former National Security Advisor for the United Kingdom Sir Mark…

Send us a text On this Back Story we discuss the Ukrainian ground offensive and Russia's growing desperation as it attempts to bomb cities with missiles. We discuss Iranian missile transfers with the Soufan Centres Joseph Shelzi. And is there any chance for peace talks? Any at all? The International Crisis Group's Program Director for Europe and Ce…

Send us a text On this Back Story Dana Lewis reflects on Twitter and free speech, and Putin's mirror imaging - another term for his smoke and mirrors - hiding his intention to take over or dominate former Soviet Countries. And we interview Maria Zolkina in Kyiv, Head of Regional Security and Conflict Studies at DIF, an expert on the Russia-Ukraine …

Send us a text On this Back Story experts say Iran's weeks of unrest mean the regime may be finished. There are rumours of Revolutionary Guard defections. The religious clerics can't cleat the streets and Iranians chant death to the Ayatollah. Back Story's Dana Lewis talks to Ramesh Sepehrad. And the pandemic didn't disappear. Epidemiologist Dr. Er…

Send us a text On this Back Story Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton who has met Russian leader Putin a number of times, says he needs to go. Bolton says the U.S. should not be shy in pushing for regime change in Russia, because at stake is peace and stability in Europe. And, Belarus and its mad dictator Alexander Lukashenko, appears…

Send us a text On This Back Story the gains made by Ukrainians in the east are nothing short of astounding. Even Russia TV commentators are reeling in disbelief and anger, and blaming the Russian army for embarrassing losses. U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges (Ret) predicts very soon Ukraine will attack the Crimea. And from Moscow Christian Science cor…

Send us a text On this Back Story is a new revolution in the making in Iran? It's just over 40 years since the Shah of Iran was over thrown, and it became an Islamic republic, but now people are back in the streets calling for the end of the religious regime. Violent demonstrations were sparked by the murder of a 22yr old woman arrested and beaten …

Send us a text On Back Story this week Dana Lewis interviews former Russia Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, who says Putin IS bluffing and his regime is in its final chapter. And, NYTimes reporter Peter Baker and his new book on Trump, The Divider. It's all about American democracy in decline. Support the show…

Send us a text On this Back Story a new season of international news coverage. We begin with the death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth. Dana Lewis talks to British commentator Jo Phillips. And from Canada ,Prof. Nicolas Kenny/ Simon Fraser Univ. on the future of the Commonwealth. Plus the incredible counter offensive in Ukraine, we go to Kyiv and sp…

Send us a text On this Back Story w Dana Lewis, British P.M. Boris Johnson is being forced to step down. Liberal Democrat Candidate and writer Edward Lucas on Johnson's turmoil and what went wrong. And from Kyiv, commentator Paul Niland on Ukraine's future and the war with Russia. Support the showPor Dana Lewis