The Middle East Chessboard: US-Iran Conflict, Proxies, and the Myth of Total Victory

Every week the world changes, but the real story is happening behind the scenes. In this Weekly Briefing on The Ryan Files, we pull off the gloves to break down the sprawling, 1,400-year history of the Middle East geopolitical chessboard and what is really driving the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. We break down the key players—from the IRGC, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to the Houthis, Kurds, ISIS, and regional Sunni powers. Discover how October 7th triggered dominoes that fractured Iran’s axis of resistance, severed its land bridge through Syria, and escalated tensions across critical global maritime choke points like the Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz. We also challenge the narrative surrounding "existential threats" and limited warfare, comparing modern US military strategy to the total war doctrines of World War II. Plus, updates on recent Pacific Rim earthquakes, the upcoming book release, and what’s ahead on The Ryan Files!

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