Behind Israel’s ‘Forward Defense’ Strategy and Inside Cuba’s Economic Crisis

Behind Israel’s ‘Forward Defense’ Strategy and Inside Cuba’s Economic Crisis

Author: NBC News March 18, 2026 Duration: 23:53

Israel said today it killed two more top Iranian leaders in overnight strikes, including the powerful security chief Ali Larijani. This comes as Israel continues a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, targeting Iranian proxy Hezbollah. NBC News Foreign Correspondent Matt Bradley explains how this top-bottom strategy aligns with the U.S and Israel’s broader goals for the war. Plus: Cuba is still reeling from a total electrical outage that left 11 million people in the dark yesterday. NBC News Correspondent George Solis reports from Havana on the larger impacts of the country’s ongoing energy crisis – and his exclusive interview with the deputy prime minister ahead of a historic announcement opening the country further to foreign investment, including from Cuban nationals who live overseas.


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Here's the Scoop delivers a daily dose of news with the clarity and depth you'd expect from NBC News, but in a format designed for your busy life. Host Yasmin Vossoughian guides conversations that cut through the noise, focusing on the political and general news stories that actually affect your day. You'll hear directly from the network's correspondents and reporters stationed everywhere, who provide not just the headlines but the crucial context behind them. This podcast thrives on making complex issues understandable, answering the questions that arise from a rapidly changing world. It’s a straightforward, reliable source for anyone who wants to stay informed without the spin, offering exclusive reporting and analysis in a genuinely conversational style. Each episode is built to give you a comprehensive yet efficient understanding of the day's events, ensuring you're caught up and prepared for whatever comes next.
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