Best Al Monitor Podcasts (2025)

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EP 36 Monitoring Alcohol Intake? Codependent Behavior 101 And What To Do Instead 27:48

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14d ago27:48

27:48

When you’re married to an alcoholic, it feels almost impossible not to keep watch over his drinking. Maybe you’ve counted bottles, checked the liquor cabinet, or tracked every sip at dinner—hoping that if you could just measure the problem, you could somehow control it. In this episode, we’ll talk about why monitoring an alcoholic’s drinking doesn’…

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Ep 38 My Alcoholic Husband Doesn't Want Me To Go To Alanon! What Are My Options? 29:55

1d ago29:55

29:55

Does your husband push back when you mention Al-Anon—or accuse it of being “husband bashing”? You’re not alone. Many Christian wives long for support but feel trapped when their spouse doesn’t approve. In this episode of Wife on the Rocks, we’ll talk honestly about the struggle of wanting help with addiction and alcoholism while facing resistance a…

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US hosts Syria's ruling fmr. Al Qaeda leader amid sectarian violence at home 57:20

1d ago57:20

57:20

The new President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Mohammed al-Jolani, is in New York for what is widely being described as the first visit by a sitting Syrian president to the US in nearly six decades. But even more significant is another fact: it’s also the first state visit to the US by a leading veteran of Al Qaeda and ISIS. Just last year, al-Sh…

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How Trump saved Armenia from war with Azerbaijan & Russian hegemony 36:34

9d ago36:34

36:34

US President Donald Trump's foray into the Caucasus is among his most successful so far, says analyst Eric Hacopian of Armenia's CivilNet. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Why Turkey and Damascus will eventually accept Kurdish self-rule 38:22

10d ago38:22

38:22

Turkey and the interim Syrian government fiercely oppose Kurdish self-rule. Researcher Meghan Bodette argues that the current dynamics will force them into changing tack, with all sides reaping the benefits of compromise. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Ep 37 Codependency and Alcoholism: How To Spot Enabling Patterns That May Be Robbing You Of Peace 29:08

7d ago29:08

29:08

Are you ever unsure if your actions are helping your alcoholic husband—or actually enabling him? Many Christian wives fall into codependent patterns without realizing it, believing they are loving, protecting, or supporting their spouse. But what feels like care can quietly fuel addiction and rob you of peace. In this episode of Wife on the Rocks, …

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2.4: Adventurer, writer and wild swimmer, Al Humphreys 51:25

13d ago51:25

51:25

In this episode we're logging off, to, well, log on? It'll make sense when you listen to our conversation with the brilliant Al Humphreys. He's an adventurer, writer, champion for connecting with and cleaning up the great outdoors, and an ambassador for The Rivers Trust. Find out more and get involved: ⁠⁠⁠Find your local Rivers Trust⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Sign up …

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Ep 35 Regulating Emotion In The Face Of Gaslighting: Wives Of Alcoholics Guide 20:38

21d ago20:38

20:38

When gaslighting leaves you questioning your reality and your worth, it’s easy to spiral into anger, defensiveness, or despair. As wives, we long for our husbands to meet our emotional needs, but the truth is—no spouse can carry that weight fully. And when addiction and gaslighting are present, the gap feels even bigger than we ever imagined. In th…

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Saudi Arabia would play peacemaker between Damascus and the Kurds — if Syria's Sharaa agreed 35:24

25d ago35:24

35:24

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a critical ally for Syria's new interim government. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman played a key role in getting the United States to lift many sanctions on Syria. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has made it clear that he wants the kingdom to have a big say in his country's affairs that would go beyond helping it finan…

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Sam Holland | Cooking for Uni Students 24:18

23d ago24:18

24:18

Sam Holland joins Al to talk about his new book, Kitchen Kickstart, all about budget-friendly and quick-to-cook recipes that's perfect for new cooks and students. Pick up your copy here. Check out Dadsnet on YouTube for reviews, jokes and loads more: ⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/cinZ1⁠⁠ Or head to Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheDadsnet⁠⁠ Join the…

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EP 34 Waiting For Things To Get Better? 3 Tips To Regulate Your Nervous System When Addiction Impacts Your Home 30:29

25d ago30:29

30:29

Living with alcoholism in your marriage can leave you feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. The lies, broken promises, and constant chaos can make you wonder if hope is even possible. If you’ve ever whispered, “I can’t keep doing this,” this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I share 3 Christ-centered, practical tips …

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2.3: Sewage in rivers - mapping, monitoring, and the citizen scientists making change 48:38

29d ago48:38

48:38

Sewage pollution in our rivers is never far from the headlines. We're digging deep into the topic of the stinky stuff in this episode (not literally) and asking; how is sewage getting into our waters? Why might treated sewage present an even bigger problem for rivers than the raw stuff? How do we map, monitor, and fix the broken system? What does i…

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What the violent showdown among the Talabanis spells for the future of the PUK and Iraqi Kurdistan 19:50

1M ago19:50

19:50

Last week’s arrest of Lahur Talabani in a violent raid that left four dead set a dangerous precedent, one that could undermine PUK leader Bafel Talabani and the Kurdistan region as a whole, says independent analyst Shayan Talabany. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell…

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Ep 33 Tired of Boundary Battles? Effectively Communicate Boundaries To Your Alcoholic Husband 25:39

1M ago25:39

25:39

Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between a healthy boundary and one that only sounds right on the surface. Boundaries are like real vs. counterfeit money—you need to know what the genuine thing “sounds” like in order to recognize when something is off. In this episode, I’m sharing examples of both unhealthy and healthy boundaries side by …

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French monitor: Ukraine, NATO provoked Russia in Donbas war 1:35:20

1M ago1:35:20

1:35:20

Benoit Paré is a former French defense ministry analyst who worked as an international monitor in eastern Ukraine from 2015 to 2022. In his first interview with a US outlet, Paré speaks to The Grayzone's Aaron Maté about the hidden reality of the Ukraine war in the Donbas region, where the US-backed Kyiv government fought Russia-backed rebels follo…

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2.2: Olympic Rower, Dr Imogen Grant, MBE 38:54

1M ago38:54

38:54

She’s an Olympic champion boasting a gold medal from Paris 2024, she’s a sustainability guru striving to make her sport and her community greener, she’s a passionate advocate for cleaner waterways, she’s a junior doctor with the NHS, and she’s a Rivers Trust Ambassador. Is there nothing Imogen Grant can’t do? This week, Emma and Matthew chat with I…

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Ep 32 How Do I Set A Boundary That Actually Works In Active Addiction? 3 Traps To Avoid 31:53

1M ago31:53

31:53

When you’re living in the chaos of an alcoholic marriage, boundaries aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. But here’s the thing: not all boundaries are created equal. Some can actually cause more damage, fuel defensiveness, or leave you carrying all the accountability. In this episode, I’m sharing three specific things I don’t do when I set bounda…

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EP 31 Why Aren't My Boundaries Working? 4 Boundary Mistakes In Active Addiction 37:09

2M ago37:09

37:09

Setting boundaries in a marriage impacted by addiction is hard enough—but what happens when we set boundaries that backfire? In this episode, we’re walking through 4 common boundary mistakes Christian wives often make when navigating life with an alcoholic spouse: Boundaries made in anger – when emotions take over and clarity is lost Not following …

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Turkey and the UAE's fight for regional influence: Who's winning? 33:40

2M ago33:40

33:40

Jalel Harchaoui, an expert on Gulf and North African power dynamics, unpacks the evolving relationship between the two regional rivals. While ties have improved dramatically since 2021, he warns that lingering rivalries across Africa could reignite tensions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://ar…

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2.1: Habitat decline in rivers - understanding and reversing it with innovative techniques 47:27

2M ago47:27

47:27

To start this series of Rambling about Rivers, we’re tackling river habitat decline: what’s driving it, how it’s impacting our rivers, and most importantly, what’s being done to reverse the damage. From degraded peatlands and invasive species to the straightening and deepening of river channels, we explore the historic and ongoing pressures on our …

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Ep 30 How Did It Get This Bad? Setting Boundaries In An Alcoholic Marriage Broke My Heart! 23:36

2M ago23:36

23:36

There’s a specific kind of heartbreak that comes when you realize the life you dreamed of isn’t the life you’re living—and that setting a boundary might be the only way to protect your peace, your children, or your sanity. In this deeply personal episode, I share my own experience of grieving what I thought family life would look like—and the painf…

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Rambling About Rivers... is BACK! 1:33

2M ago1:33

1:33

You’ve probably heard a lot about rivers in the past few years. In the new podcast series from The Rivers Trust, we’re laying bare the state of rivers in the UK and Ireland, getting up close and personal with some of the issues that they face, and discussing what needs to be done to bring rivers back to life. The first episode lands on Thursday. Jo…

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How Syria's tribes hold the key to power 27:10

2M ago27:10

27:10

Haian Dukhan, a leading expert on Syria’s tribal dynamics, unpacks the stakes in the latest surge of violence between Sunni Bedouin tribes and the Druze minority in Suwayda. Retaining tribal support is essential for the country’s post-Assad regime. The government’s failure to quell clashes that have left more than 1,000 people dead has ignited Sunn…

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Ep 29 Do I Keep Bringing Sobriety Up? How Can I Encourage AA? Insights From Our Story: A Husband In Recovery Answers These Questions ♥ //Interview Part 2// 22:57

2M ago22:57

22:57

Welcome back to Part 2 of my honest conversation with my husband, who is now in long-term recovery from alcohol. This episode dives into some of the most painful questions Christian wives face when living with an alcoholic spouse: 💔 Should I keep bringing up the drinking? 🙏 Can I encourage AA or other recovery programs without nagging? 🔁 Why does i…

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Russell Kane | Making time for date nights and the importance of sleep. 18:47

2M ago18:47

18:47

Russell Kane is back again for a chinwag with Al. He chats about his latest tour. Offers up some advice on making time for your relationship whilst parenting and talks about the importance of sleep, that thing we all want more of. Check out Dadsnet on YouTube for reviews, jokes and loads more: ⁠https://shorturl.at/cinZ1⁠ Or head to Facebook: ⁠https…

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Why the PKK and its campaign for Kurdish rights are not history 41:08

2M ago41:08

41:08

On July 11, a group of PKK fighters burned their weapons in a ceremony marking the end of their forty-year-long armed campaign against the Kurdish state. Aliza Marcus, a leading expert on the militant group, says it is too early to determine whether the PKK will abandon armed struggle completely and that much depends on what steps Ankara is prepare…

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Ep 28 Want A Peek Inside HIS Alcoholic Brain? A Husband In RECOVERY Shares Why Conversations With Wifey Did Not Lead To Quick Change And What You Can Do Instead //Interview- Part 1// 22:50

2M ago22:50

22:50

In this special two-part episode, I sit down with my husband—who is in long-term recovery from alcoholism—to answer a heartfelt and all-too-relatable question from a listener: "My husband admits his drinking is a problem, but he's not doing anything about it. If I ask him if he’s looked into AA, Celebrate Recovery, or Regeneration, he says he hasn’…

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Will Israel attack Iran again and what can it achieve? 22:08

2M ago22:08

22:08

Professor Mohsen Milani, the author of the recently published, "Iran's Rise and Rivalry with the U.S. in the Middle East," explains that airpower alone cannot dislodge Iran's clerical regime. With Iran capable of relaunching its nuclear program, the risk of further Israeli attacks is real. The outcome would likely be regional chaos. See Privacy Pol…

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Turkey's military might will never open doors to EU membership, says Euro-MP Nacho Sánchez Amor 23:21

3M ago23:21

23:21

Nacho Amor is the European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey. Speaking to Al-Monitor, he blasts EU leaders for their silence over Turkey's appalling human rights record, including the jailing of more than a dozen democratically elected mayors from the main opposition CHP party. He also warns the country's Kurds — who are in the process of negotiati…

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Ep 27 Summer & Self-Sabotage: Does Your Husband Start Meaningless Fights For An Excuse To Drink? 17:51

3M ago17:51

17:51

Summer is supposed to be a time of fun, family, and freedom — but for Christian wives of alcoholics, events like the 4th of July, barbecues, and neighborhood gatherings can catch you off guard with behavior not anticipated. Expecting Family Time but your husband self sabotages in order to drink and you end up alone or with all the kids without him?…

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Iran was battered by Israel and US, but its regime is intact as Iranians rally around flag, says Vali Nasr 36:16

3M ago36:16

36:16

Israel’s conflict with Iran has wiped out dozens of top military leaders and scientists and inflicted major damage on critical facilities, yet the regime has survived. The Iranian people have not risen up; to the contrary, they have rallied around the flag amid a surge in anti-Western sentiment. However, the regime will need to embark on serious re…

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Ep 26 Conflict in the World, Chaos at Home: How To Find Peace Amid Addiction, Alcoholism, and Anxiety 29:35

3M ago29:35

29:35

In this episode of Wife on the Rocks, we’re talking about what it feels like to live in a world full of uncertainty—when bombs are being dropped overseas and emotional bombs are going off in your own home. With growing tensions between Israel and Iran and news of U.S. involvement, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the global instability. But for Chr…

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Alex Horne | The 6 second rule for creating the best memories with your kids 30:02

3M ago30:02

30:02

Al catches up with comedian and creator of Taskmaster, Alex Horne. Alex shares some stories about taking Taskmaster into schools, the ups and downs of writing a children's book, and he has a brilliant rule that is great advice for creating memories of the kids growing up. Check out Dadsnet on YouTube for reviews, jokes and loads more: ⁠https://shor…

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Ep 25 Discerning Who Is Safe To Talk To About Your Alcoholic Husband And The Chaos Of Addiction In Your Home? 35:17

3M ago35:17

35:17

How do you know if someone is safe to talk to about your marriage, your alcoholic husband, or the chaos addiction is causing in your home? In this episode of Wife on the Rocks, we explore a powerful litmus test to help Christian wives of alcoholics discern who they can trust with their story—and who might cause more harm than help. If you’ve ever w…

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Chesney Hawkes | Working with your kids and the importance of sharing emotion with them 40:30

3M ago40:30

40:30

Al has a natter with the "one and only" Chesney Hawkes as he pops in while on tour across the UK. Chesney talks about the pros and cons of working with your kid, as his eldest son is now one of his guitarists. He talks about being away for work at important milestones and the importance of showing emotion as a dad. He also shares some levelling sto…

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Israel wants regime change or a failed state in Iran 30:23

3M ago30:23

30:23

As the Iran-Israel conflict enters its fifth day, there are growing signs that the United States will intervene on the side of its Israeli allies. Iranian scholar Hamidreza Azizi says Israel is aiming for regime change or to turn Iran into a failed state. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19…

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EP 24 Health: Alcohol, Liver Damage, and Loving a Husband Who Won’t Stop Drinking. 28:19

4M ago28:19

28:19

Are you the only one paying attention to the warning signs? What even are the warning signs for Liver Disease and Liver Cirhossis and when to expect them. There may be NO symptoms or concerns at this time, but looking in the future has you concerned? Maybe you are seeing his yellowing eyes, his constant fatigue, his mood swings? Let's unpack this t…

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EP 23 Can You Be a Good Christian Wife and Still Be Angry At The Unfairness Of Addiction? 32:21

4M ago32:21

32:21

As a Christian wife living with an alcoholic husband, you’ve probably wrestled with a deep emotional conflict: “I know I’m supposed to forgive, but I’m furious.” In this episode, we’re opening up the conversation about anger—what Scripture really says, why it’s not a sin to feel it, and how to move through it without shame. We’ll unpack the emotion…

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Ep 22 Part 2 Heavy Drinking or Alcoholism? Not Sure If Hubby Can Stop Drinking Or Not? 26:37

4M ago26:37

26:37

Still unsure if your husband is “just” a heavy drinker or a true alcoholic? The truth is: chasing a diagnosis often becomes a distraction that delays the healing process. In this episode, we talk about why trying to “figure him out” won’t fix anything—and what you can do instead. Whether your husband meets a textbook definition or not, the chaos st…

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Why Trump’s bromance with Erdogan is risk to Syria’s Kurds as Turkey seeks to dismantle PKK 21:06

4M ago21:06

21:06

Ankara's latest effort to end a four decades long Kurdish insurgency is opaque and is full of risks and opportunities for Turkey and Syria's Kurds says lawmaker Cengiz Candar. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Steve Backshall- Getting outdoors with your kids & whats more scary than feeding lions? 34:35

4M ago34:35

34:35

Al catches up with wildlife legend Steve Backshall ahead of his new TV series and arena tour. Steve talks about scary moments with animals, adventures with his kids and how to help them explore their passion for nature. We also find out how he fits in being a dad whilst travelling the world to track down deadly animals. Book tickets to see Steve Ba…

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EP 21 Part 1 Is It Alcoholism Or Just Heavy Drinking? Where Is The Line? 22:41

4M ago22:41

22:41

Are you constantly wondering whether your husband is an alcoholic or “just” a heavy drinker? Maybe you've searched for clarity in books, blogs, or online quizzes—hoping that labeling his behavior will give you peace. In this episode, we break down what the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous says about the three types of drinkers, including what defin…

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Chris McCausland | Parenting Blind (Literally) 48:41

4M ago48:41

48:41

Comedian Chris McCausland joins Al in the studio to talk about what parenting is like when you're doing it (literally) blind, and about how risky he found Strictly! Check out Dadsnet on YouTube for reviews, jokes and loads more: https://shorturl.at/cinZ1 Or head to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDadsnet Join the Dadsnet community to have you…

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Ep 20 Helping Your Husband Or Enabling Addiction? A Litmus Test For Wives 24:13

5M ago24:13

24:13

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re helping your husband or enabling his addiction, this episode is for you. As Christian wives, we’re called to love and support—but when codependency creeps in, it can be hard to tell if our actions are helping or hurting. In today’s episode, I share two simple but powerful questions—your litmus test—to help you…

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Kashmir conflict a reminder of why Saudi Arabia & other Gulf nations favor India over Pakistan 20:36

5M ago20:36

20:36

Talmiz Ahmad, a former Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, explains why Gulf nations led by Saudi Arabia tilt in favor of India despite long-running ties with Muslim Pakistan. Pakistan's refusal to join Saudi Arabia in its war against the Houthis — and a jihadi attack on Mumbai in 2008 — were a tipping point, he says. See Priva…

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How power is reshaping Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa & why he’s not ‘a Turkish puppet’ 52:24

5M ago52:24

52:24

Charles Lister, the head of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute in Washington, argues that after five months in power Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the ultimate pragmatist, is adjusting to the complexity of governing his ethnically diverse and fractured country. This involves striking deals with the Kurds and Druze that fly in the…

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Ep 19 Peace in the Chaos Starts Here: A Mindset for Boundaries as the Wife of an Alcoholic 19:05

5M ago19:05

19:05

In this episode on boundaries, we return to the basics—what they are, why they matter, and how they serve as a powerful shield for your peace. Think of boundaries not as walls to keep your husband out, but as a protective dome that creates space between you and the chaos of addiction. This distance isn’t about punishment—it’s about preserving your …

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US diplomacy can end sectarian clashes between Druze, Syrian government forces 19:38

5M ago19:38

19:38

Makram Rabah, an assistant professor at the American University in Beirut, says that Syria's interim president lacks the power to control his own army and that Washington needs to engage with Syria's new government to help defuse sectarian violence and for peace to prevail in the war-ravaged country. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy …