BACK STORY With DANA LEWIS Dana Lewis

Discover the twists in the narrative as we unveil the chilling ISIS-K attack in Moscow and the subsequent political maneuvering of the Putin regime.  Dana Lewis on the Kremlin's finger-pointing at Western nations and the manipulation of public perception. We expose the Kremlin's tactics, including the use of torture by Russian security services, and reveal the true culprits behind the mayhem. The discussion also spotlights the initial ISIS-K responsibility claims, which were quickly overshadowed by the Russian state media's distorted stories.

Venture into the ideological motivations driving Russia's aggressive stance in Ukraine with Matthew Schmidt, associate professor of national security and political science. 

 And, Joseph Shelze from The Soufan Center.
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On Back Story this week, the realities of urban and tunnel warfare through the eyes of Israeli soldiers battling Hamas in Gaza. 
Backstory takes you to the frontline with me, Dana Lewis, as we navigate the harrowing complexities of a conflict that blurs the lines between military strategy and civilian safety. Our guests, including IDF reservists Kerin Sokolov and Matan Yaffe, alongside David Sherez from TIKUN 2024, share the moral quandaries faced by those in uniform and the resilience that holds Israeli society together even as it grapples with international scrutiny and a profound civilian toll.
 
And what's next for Israel and it's Palestinian neighbours?  Israeli's can't agree on a path forward,. and that includes proposals for a 2 state solution.
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Could the untimely demise of Alexei Navalny herald a darker turn in the Ukraine conflict? On Back Story this week,  Dana Lewis, examines the disturbing allegations of President Putin's involvement in the death of the Russian opposition figure. Mikhail Kasyanov, former Prime Minister, joins me to offer an insider's perspective on the Kremlin's opaque refusal to release Navalny's body  We dissect the chilling repercussions that Navalny's passing may have, not just within Russia's borders but also in galvanizing Western resolve to support Ukraine's sovereignty struggle. 

 More on Ukraine with Crisis Group Director Olga Oliker who says talking has been going on a long time, but decisions are quickly needed to save Ukraine.
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This week on Backstory with Dana Lewis former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov now in exile, discusses if a new Kremlin challenger has a chance in upcoming elections. 

 Tal Heinrich, spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, takes  discusses the complexities of the Gaza crisis from the eyes of those entrenched in the struggle. Heinrich reveals the intricate challenges facing the IDF, from hostage rescue operations to the pursuit of lasting security. 

And former Jerusalem Post Editor In Chief Avi Mayer and I discuss the contentious role of UNRWA, as allegations of terrorism send shockwaves through the United Nations, prompting urgent calls for reform or dissolution. 
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Imagine the heartache of a family whose beloved Romy is held captive by terrorists, a stark reminder of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict's cruel reach into personal lives. Our latest episode navigates the complexities and emotional turmoil of this ongoing war, including the formidable political strategies of Israel to secure the release of its citizens.

We are joined by Fania Oz Salzberger, a revered Israeli political activist and history professor, who articulates a vision of "humanist Zionism." She advocates for a state founded on the ideals of sanctuary for Jews, yet insists on the imperative of coexistence with Arab neighbours.  

 Fania tells us Israel was always meant to be a State for Jews, but not a jewish State. 

 
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 Back Story with Dana Lewis takes a hard look at Putin's tactics and the potential consequences that might arise from the withheld US funding for Ukraine. We're delighted to have Bill Browder, a leading voice on the matter, to break down the situation and forecast scenarios that could befall both nations. We also examine the possible repercussions for Ukraine and NATO should Trump make a comeback to the Oval Office. 

 Can Ukraine hold firm against Russia's onslaught? Thomas Kent, author of "How Russia Loses: Hubris and Miscalculation in Putin's Kremlin," joins us to illuminate Russia's missteps and miscalculations in their bid to control Ukraine. He reasons that if Russia emerges victorious, it would be through brute force rather than strategic diplomacy. 
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