Middle East Shitshow - MESS
News & Politics
About
Yossi Alpher is a former Mossad operative and analyst, now in his eighties. His daughter Daniella is a Tel Aviv tech executive. In their weekly podcast Daniella interviews Yossi on Middle East issues of the day, with emphasis on the strategic dimension and the occasional anecdote from Yossi's Mossad days.
Episodes
- Israel-Abu Dhabi: Iron Dome, lasers and IDF boots on the ground
This episode of Middle East Shitshow analyzes Iran's military strength and Israel's strategic objectives. It covers the deep security ties between Israel and the UAE, including advanced missile defense systems and Israeli arms exports, as…
- Israel’s Strategic Dead Ends
In this episode of MESS, hosts Daniella and Yossi Alpher analyze Israel's strategic failures, examining why ceasefires, negotiations, and military actions have not yielded security. The discussion covers Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, questionin…
- Mowing the Lawn, Not Winning the War
In this episode of Middle East Shitshow, Daniella and Yossi Alpher debate whether the current ceasefire marks the end of the war or just a pause. They argue the campaign against Iran resembles 'mowing the lawn'—causing damage and delaying…
- A Heart Attack, Missile Alerts, and the Iran War
In this episode of Middle East Shitshow, recorded remotely during the Iran war, Yossi Alpher discusses his recent heart attack and hospitalization amidst missile alerts. He and Daniella reflect on the history of Israel-Iran relations, the…
- The Illusion of a New Middle East
This episode examines underlying strategic dynamics in the Middle East, including the vulnerabilities of Gulf states and Lebanon's situation. It addresses the misconception that war can swiftly create a new regional order, touching on poli…
- What Iran’s Strategy Gets Right and Wrong
This episode examines Iran’s strategic successes and failures, analyzing its use of missiles, drones, and regional pressure. It also delves into the ideological foundations of the Islamic Republic and its approach to prolonged conflict.
- From Dubai to Cyprus: how and why this war went regional
The Iran-Israel-US war has expanded regionally by Day 4, with Iran attempting to involve the Arabian Peninsula and Hezbollah firing towards Cyprus. The episode also discusses the succession process following Ayatollah Khamenei's death and…
- Day one of the US-Israel war on Iran
Recorded during air-raid sirens in Tel Aviv, Yossi and Daniella Alpher analyze the initial hours of the US-Israel military campaign against Iran, Iran's missile response, the collapse of diplomacy, and the uncertain strategy of 'regime cha…
- Iran then and now: revolutionary uncertainty, assassinations and war
This episode discusses the geopolitical consequences of US military presence near Iran, examining intelligence failures during the Iranian revolution and the complex decision-making around potential assassinations, as well as current uncer…
- From intelligence to peacebuilding: what stabilization forces get wrong
This episode explores the link between intelligence, clandestine operations, and peacebuilding, using Yossi's security background as context. It critiques the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping and stabilization forces, particularly UNRWA, a…
- Between Iran, Oman, Yemen and Somaliland
Yossi and Daniella discuss the Iran-US negotiations in Oman, regional geopolitical dynamics, and the Palestinian issue. The episode also explores historical Israeli ties with Oman and Yemen, and potential strategic alliances with Somalilan…
- Iran escalation scenarios, Gaza ceasefire fragility, and the Kurdish question in Syria
The podcast discusses potential US escalation in Iran and its regional impact, the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire amidst Hamas challenges, and the complex situation of Syrian Kurds facing Turkish pressure and autonomy questions.