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    Untangling the Middle East Web

    15 min
    |
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    Feb 15, 2026
    PoliticsHistorySociety

    Two hosts break down how October 7th reshuffled Middle Eastern politics, exploring the ancient rivalries, economic forces, and power games behind today's headlines.

    Untangling the Middle East Web

    Best quote from Untangling the Middle East Web

    “

    Local grievances get supercharged by outside powers, turning civil uprisings into regional wars where the human cost is enormous because regional powers are fighting their broader strategic competition through smaller countries.

    ”

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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
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    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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    Part of a Learning Plan

    Long-term impact of Iran-US-Israel conflict

    Long-term impact of Iran-US-Israel conflict

    LEARNING PLAN

    Long-term impact of Iran-US-Israel conflict

    2 h 21 m•4 Episodes
    Iran Israel war latest situation and analysis

    Iran Israel war latest situation and analysis

    LEARNING PLAN

    Iran Israel war latest situation and analysis

    1 h 39 m•4 Episodes

    Key Takeaways

    1

    Untangling the Middle East Web

    0:00
    0:12
    0:28
    0:42
    1:01
    1:06
    2

    The Domino Effect That Changed Everything

    1:17
    1:40
    1:46
    2:06
    0:42
    2:30
    2:34
    2:52
    2:59
    3

    The Chessboard of Ancient Rivalries

    3:44
    3:53
    4:14
    4:18
    4:34
    4:39
    4:52
    5:00
    5:19
    5:24
    4

    The Economics of Endless Conflict

    5:39
    5:47
    6:04
    6:09
    6:26
    6:31
    6:48
    0:42
    7:08
    7:16
    5

    The Information War Behind the Shooting War

    7:35
    7:49
    7:52
    2:52
    8:13
    8:26
    8:29
    8:42
    8:47
    9:07
    9:11
    6

    The Great Power Shadow Game

    9:31
    9:44
    9:58
    10:00
    10:14
    10:18
    10:34
    0:42
    10:54
    11:02
    11:15
    11:22
    7

    Your Roadmap for Making Sense of the Chaos

    11:38
    11:50
    12:06
    0:42
    12:25
    12:30
    12:45
    8:13
    13:06
    13:11
    8

    The Long View on an Ancient Land

    13:35
    13:48
    14:06
    4:39
    14:38
    14:53
    15:05
    15:10

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