BICOM's Podcast

Episode 296 | Assessing the changing regional dynamics

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Koby Huberman, who reflects on how the war with Iran is influencing the thinking across the Gulf and wider region. He examines changing perceptions of Iran among Gulf leaders, the long-term challenges, and opportunities that could emerge.

Koby Huberman is an Israeli high-tech veteran and business strategist. He is the co-author of the “Israeli Peace Initiative (IPI)”, and co-founded the Israeli Regional Initiative Group, which since 2006 promoted a new horizon for the Israeli-Arab conflict: a “Regional Package Deal” with a 2 states solution as part of a “Regional Framework”. He serves on the advisory board of MENA 2050 and also the co-author of the “Take off to 100” a vision and a strategic plan for the build-up of Israel following the crisis October 7, 2023, profiled in Fathom in May 2024  and a co-founder of the “Coalition for Regional Security”.

Episode 295 | The War with Iran from the Gulf perspective

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Dr. Ahmed Al Khuzaie, who reflects on how the war with Iran is being experienced in Bahrain and across the Gulf. He examines shifting public attitudes towards Iran, the mounting concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure, the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz and the role of the IRGC within Iran’s decision-making.

Dr Ahmed Al Khuzaie is a political consultant working predominantly with politicians in the United States and with diplomats based in Bahrain. His work focuses on Gulf affairs, regional security, and public diplomacy, with particular emphasis on Iranian influence, the GCC, and the Abraham Accords framework.

Episode 294 | Strategic choices in the War with Iran

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Dr. Eran Lerman, who assesses the achievements so far of the War with Iran, while examining the unresolved challenges around Iran’s nuclear programme and the strategic contest over control of the Strait of Hormuz. He also explores the role of the United States as an operational partner, the risks of escalation involving Hezbollah and the Gulf states, and the internal dynamics within Iran.  

Dr. Col. (res.) Eran Lerman was Deputy Director for foreign policy and international affairs at Israel’s National Security Council. Prior to this he held senior posts in IDF Military Intelligence for over 20 years. He currently teaches Middle East studies at Shalem College in Jerusalem, and in post-graduate programmes at Tel Aviv University and the National Defence College.

Episode 293 | Understanding Iran’s resilience

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr. Arash Azizi about the ongoing US–Israel campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Azizi examines the impact of leadership decapitation, including the elimination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and why the regime has so far maintained cohesion. He also explores the limits of military pressure and the role of Iran’s security apparatus in sustaining internal control.

Dr. Arash Azizi is an Iranian American historian, journalist, and author specialising in Iranian politics and society. He is the author of The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the US, and Iran’s Global Ambitions and What Iranians Want, and is a frequent commentator on Iranian affairs across international media.

Episode 292 | Inside Iran’s war strategy with a Mossad veteran

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Sima Shine about the trajectory of the war with Iran. Sima examines the Iranian threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the implications for Gulf states and regional alliances, and the internal dynamics inside Iran as the regime works to maintain control during the conflict. 

Sima Shine is a former senior official in Israel’s intelligence community who served for many years in the Mossad, ultimately heading a research and evaluation division. She later served as Deputy Head of Strategic Affairs at Israel’s National Security Council and as Deputy Director General in the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, where she oversaw the Iranian portfolio. She is currently a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv.

Episode 291 | How US special operations support the Kurds

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Jonathan Hackett about reported efforts to work with Kurdish forces against Iran. Jonathan examines the history and ambitions of different Kurdish groups and explains the mechanics of unconventional warfare. He also relates to the regional implications, and the possible outcomes of a new front opening in western Iran.

Jonathan Hackett is a United States Marine Corps veteran who spent 20 years across special operations and intelligence, much of that time focused on unconventional warfare. He worked with more than three dozen partner forces, including Kurdish groups in the Middle East.

Episode 290 | Israel moves against Hezbollah

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi about the threat from Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border. Speaking from the Galilee amid ongoing rocket and drone fire, Sarit assesses Hezbollah’s current capabilities, the IDF’s response across Lebanon including Beirut, and the risks of escalation due to Iranian influence.

Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi is the founder and president of the Alma Research and Education Center, with 15 years of experience as an IDF intelligence officer focused on Israel’s northern front.

Episode 289 | War with Iran: Day 4 Intelligence Update

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing on 3 March, Richard Pater speaks with Danny Citrinowicz about the trajectory of the campaign so far and what may come next. Citrinowicz explores the strategic logic behind targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure, pressure on Gulf states, and who could become Iran’s new Supreme Leader.

Danny Citrinowicz is a Senior Researcher in the Iran and the Shi'ite Axis Program at the Institute for National Security Studies. He served 25 years in a variety of command positions units in Israel Defence Intelligence (IDI) including as the head of the Iran branch in the Research and Analysis Division (RAD) in the Israeli defence intelligence.

Episode 288 | Assessing the threat from Iraqi militias and the Houthis

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Bridget Toomey about the Iraqi militia ecosystem under the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) umbrella and the Houthis of Yemen. Toomey assesses their military capabilities and the implications for Israel, US forces, and regional stability. The discussion also examines what Iraqi militias, and the Houthis might do in the event of a direct confrontation with Iran.

Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis. Prior to joining FDD, she was a Fulbright Fellow in Israel where she completed an M.A. in security and diplomacy at Tel Aviv University.

Episode 287 | Egypt’s approach to Gaza

In this episode, we look at Egypt’s role in the shifting post-war picture around Gaza. Recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Ruth Wasserman Lande. They discuss the implications of emerging plans for Gaza’s future governance, Egypt’s approach to Rafah and Sinai, and the wider regional influence of actors including Turkey and Qatar.

Ruth Wasserman Lande is an Arab affairs commentator. She previously served as Israel’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Cairo and was a member of the Knesset for Blue and White, where she founded the Knesset caucus for the promotion of the Abraham Accords.