044 - The Logic of Endless War

044 - The Logic of Endless War

Author: Arab Tyrant Manual Podcast April 15, 2026 Duration: 1:01:27

It's been four years since our last episode — and we're back with something bigger.

In this episode, recorded before the ceasefire announcement, Iyad El-Baghdadi and Ahmed Gatnash break down the ongoing U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran - a war that looks irrational from Washington, but it starts to make sense as an Israeli-driven war the United States was pulled into.

We trace the settler-colonial psychology behind Israeli strategic thinking, how October 7th shattered the illusion of a managed conflict with the Palestinians, and why Israel is now locked into open-ended war with no off-ramp — driven not by one leader but by a broad political consensus and a fear that the window of unconditional American support is closing.

We also look at Iran's regime resilience, why external attack tends to strengthen rather than weaken the IRGC's grip, and what a prolonged war means for Gulf economies built on foreign labour and energy rents. No clear positive outcome is on the horizon, and regional escalation remains a serious risk.

This episode also marks the beginning of something new. The Arab Tyrant Manual is becoming part of Kulna — a new editorial platform for long thinking about power, resistance, and what comes next.

Links

To find our more about Kulna and become a founding member: https://kulna.co/subscribe/


Hosted by Iyad El-Baghdadi and Ahmed Gatnash, the Arab Tyrant Manual Podcast is a detailed examination of how power is consolidated and abused across the world. While grounded in the complex political realities of the Middle East and North Africa, the analysis extends far beyond, dissecting the universal playbook used by authoritarian regimes. Each episode breaks down a specific strategy or tactic, from propaganda and surveillance to coercion and legal manipulation, explaining not just how these mechanisms function but why they are so effective. This isn't merely an academic exercise; the conversation consistently turns toward the practical methods of resistance and resilience employed by citizens and movements pushing back against repression. Listening to this podcast provides a clearer lens through which to understand current events, framing the headlines within the deeper, often hidden, structures of control and dissent. The discussions are informed, nuanced, and directly engaged with the stakes of political freedom, offering listeners a vital toolkit for deciphering the actions of modern governments. You'll find the Arab Tyrant Manual Podcast to be an essential resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the enduring struggle between authoritarianism and the human desire for self-determination, all through candid, expert analysis that connects regional expertise to global patterns.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 45

Arab Tyrant Manual Podcast
Podcast Episodes
004 -Scholars and Tyrants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:06
Ahmed and Iyad talk about #globalpeace17 and Muslim scholars who legitimise and support tyrants. Why they do so, and what does this mean both for the Muslim world and for Islam? People mentioned in this episode: Womens r…
003 - Iran Protests [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:19
Ahmed and Iyad discuss the protests in Iran, what they're about, and what they mean for the future. Mentioned in this episode: Jamal Khashoggi's article on Saudi's response: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opi…
002 – Saudi Reforms (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:41
In episode 2, Ahmed and Iyad continue the discussion on Saudi Arabia. Obama's legacy, what's behind it's regional rivalry with Iran, and how can their historical differences tell us more about their wordviews. How can we…
001 – Saudi Reforms (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:25
In our first episode, Iyad and Ahmed discuss the recent events in Saudi Arabia, and what Mohammed bin Salman's reforms mean in context. Got any thoughts? Tweet us @iyad_elbaghdadi, @gatnash. #ArabTyrantManual