Kianistan

How has colonialism shaped the fragmented Muslim world? In this powerful conversation with political theorist Majid Sharifi, we explore the legacy of nationalism in Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan—three nations molded by colonial borders, and caught in the crosshairs of Cold War superpowers. From resisting U.S. and Soviet influence to navigating modern crises—like Iran’s ongoing confrontation with...

Nationalism vs. Islam | Khalid Blankinship on Gaza, Idolatry & the Fragmented UmmahIs nationalism a modern form of idolatry? Can sectarianism be overcome in a world of fractured loyalties? In this powerful conversation with Professor Khalid Blankinship, we explore how nationalism stands in stark contradiction to the Qur’anic vision of unity and taqwa—and how sectarianism may be an issue in Isl...

No Such Thing as A Muslim Ummah | Esposito & Juergensmeyer in ConversationWhat does it mean to speak of a Muslim Ummah in a world of fractured states, rising sectarianism, and diverging national interests? In this special episode, I bring together two of the most renowned scholars of religion and politics, Professor John L. Esposito and Professor Mark Juergensmeyer, for a joint conversation ex...

What’s really happening inside Syria today? In this special episode, I sit down with renowned Syria expert Professor David Lesch to unpack the fast-changing dynamics on the ground — from HTS’s evolving role in the northwest to sectarian tensions, regional interference, and the growing unrest in Sweida. We explore:The rise and contradictions of HTS governanceFactionalism and the persistence of sect...

Is the global balance of power shifting for good? In this interview, Alain Corvez—a veteran French diplomat and geopolitical analyst—joins me to explore how Russia’s deepening ties with BRICS could signal the end of Western dominance on the world stage. We discuss Russia’s ongoing campaign in Ukraine, its renewed influence in the Caucasus, and the strategic partnership with Iran—all unfolding alon...

Is Russian strategy changing and getting more aggressive in Ukraine? Since January 2025, Russian forces have achieved steady gains in Donetsk and Kharkiv, regaining territory despite intense Western support for Kyiv. Ukraine’s drone attacks deep inside Russian territory — including strikes that damaged 41 aircraft — have escalated the conflict, but may also risk provoking heavier Russian retaliati...

Is the recent Iran-Israel conflict more than meets the eye? In this explosive interview, Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, renowned Iranian-American academic and founder of the American Iranian Council (AIC), reveals his controversial belief that the 12-day war was secretly staged by Iran, Israel, and the United States — all to end Iran’s nuclear program without backlash from the Iranian people. Dr. Amirah...

Join me for a fascinating conversation with Louay Fatoohi, as we explore the world of Sufism, Karama, and Mystical Powers. In this interview, Louay shares his personal journey to Islam and Sufism, and explains:Why having a spiritual teacher (shaykh) is so important in SufismHow to choose a true and trustworthy shaykhThe spiritual significance of Iraq and Baghdad for Islam and SufismThe impact of t...

In this explosive interview, British journalist and activist Vanessa Beeley joins me to unpack the hidden battles shaping the Middle East. We discuss:✅ How the US lost strategic ground in Iran✅ The real winners and losers in the recent Iran-Israel conflict✅ Israel’s shifting military focus after ceasefires with Hezbollah and Iran✅ Trump-era policies and why Washington has lost credibility in n...

In this in-depth interview, analyst Mouin Rabbani joins me to unpack the dramatic 12-day war between Iran and Israel. We discuss how Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran, only to be stunned by Tehran’s rapid counteroffensive and resilience. Mouin explains why Israel miscalculated, assuming Iran could be toppled like Hezbollah or Assad’s Syria, and how Iran’s status as a state—with institution...

In this exclusive interview, Iranian born journalist and author Hooman Majd dives deep into the recent conflict between Israel and Iran. We discuss:The real damage suffered by both sidesWhy even moderates in Iran are now calling for nuclear weaponsIsrael’s possible motives for the attacks—and why they may have backfiredWhether regime change is truly on the tableIran’s regional standing after the c...

🎙️ In this exclusive interview, political scientist Dr. Mariam Mufti of the University of Waterloo breaks down the recent military escalation between India and Pakistan. We discuss five major shifts in this latest round of conflict:Civilian targets were struck for the first time in Kashmir. India responded not just in disputed Kashmir, but by striking deep inside Pakistani Punjab. Media sensationa...

🎙️ Carl Zha: The Myth Is DeadIn this explosive episode, I speak with Carl Zha of the Silk & Steel podcast about the rapidly escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran—and why Israel and the U.S. may have underestimated Iran’s resilience.🇮🇷 Iran’s Shock ResponseFollowing Israel’s initial surprise attack, Iran stunned both Israel and the U.S. by regrouping within hours—filling leadersh...

🎙️ Why Israel Can't Destroy Iran’s Nuclear Programme – Conversation With Professor Stephen ZunesIn this compelling interview, Professor Stephen Zunes, a leading expert on U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East, discusses the unfolding war between Israel and Iran, the breakdown of nuclear negotiations, and the strategic miscalculations driving the conflict. We examine:• The events leading up t...

China, Russia, and Pakistan: A New Axis in South Asia? In this explosive interview, I speak with Carl Zha of the Silk and Steel podcast about the dramatic military escalation between India and Pakistan in May – and the larger geopolitical implications it has set in motion. We unpack how India, emboldened by hubris and global alliances, initiated a confrontation with Pakistan only to face a crushin...

Rafale and India – Who Failed Whom? What really happened between 7th and 10th May in the skies above South Asia? In this exclusive interview, retired Pakistani Air Commodore Khalid Chishti breaks down the recent air clashes between Pakistan and India—offering a rare, insider view of Pakistan’s strategy, execution, and technological edge.🇵🇰 How did Pakistan down 3 Rafale jets in just 1 hour?🛡️ Why...

In this explosive episode, I speak with Hrvoje Morić from the Geopolitics & Empire podcast to unpack the recent Pahalgam attack and the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Was it a genuine terror strike — or a false flag operation that backfired on New Delhi? We explore why India’s quick blame on Pakistan failed to gain international traction, and whether China’s strong defence of Paki...

Humiliating Russia Won’t End Well – Richard Sakwa Warns EuropeIn this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Professor Richard Sakwa delivers a powerful critique of Western foreign policy, exposing how the US and Europe helped create — and continue to escalate — the war in Ukraine. We begin with Sakwa’s assessment of Donald Trump and move into Europe’s growing insecurity: Why is Europe so afraid of...

In this thought-provoking interview, we speak with Evarist Bartolo, Former Foreign Minister of Malta, about Europe’s dramatic transformation — from a continent focused on social welfare and diplomacy to one increasingly defined by militarisation and conflict. We discuss how Brexit strained Malta–UK relations, the missed opportunities for peace in Ukraine, and Europe’s failure to pursue genuine dip...

THE PROPHET OF PEACE: Juan Cole on Islam & the Modern Middle EastIn this wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation, I speak with Professor Juan Cole — historian, linguist, and author of Muhammad: Prophet of Peace Amid the Clash of Empires. Originally planned as a discussion on West Asian geopolitics, this interview turned into a free-flowing journey through language, literature, religion...

In this episode, I sit down with Professor David Gibbs, historian at the University of Arizona, to explore the origins and evolution of the US–Israel relationship. We discuss how Israel transitioned from early Soviet support to becoming America’s closest ally, the strategic impact of the 1967 Six-Day War, and the psychological aftermath of the Vietnam War on US foreign policy. We also delve into t...

Is U.S. foreign policy truly serving American interests — or is it being shaped by outside forces? In this explosive interview, Scott Horton joins us to break down Trump’s second-term moves, the grip of the Zionist lobby, and what "America First" really means in practice. We dive deep into the Iran nuclear talks, the Yemen truce, and whether Trump is forging an independent path — or fall...

Is our destiny written, or do we write it ourselves? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr Özgür Koca joins me to explore one of the deepest and oldest questions in Islamic theology: the relationship between human free will and divine decree. We discuss how early Muslim thinkers grappled with this tension, examining the positions of the Mu‘tazilites—who emphasised God's justice and human...

Is a Showdown Inevitable Between the Two Nuclear Rivals? In this urgent and eye-opening discussion, journalist Ahmed Quraishi (based in Islamabad and Dubai) and Kashmiri activist Altaf Wani (member of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference) unpack the dangerous rise in tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir.🔍 What we cover in this episode:...

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr Alexander Rare joins Tafhim Kiani to break down the escalating geopolitical tensions across West Asia and South Asia. From the fragile Iran–U.S. negotiations and Europe’s absence in Middle Eastern diplomacy, to the rising India–Pakistan hostilities and Syria's collapse into a failed state, this episode explores the flashpoints that could trigger the next gl...