{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/61315efc0e3cdc0014fbae00/69bb72aa6a048c4e8ef35317?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"206 – From Drone Strikes to DJs","description":"<h2>NEWS WEAKLY #206 – War on Iran, RBA Interest Rate Rise, Sydney DJ Controversy &amp; Forgotten Afghanistan War</h2><p><br></p><p>This week on&nbsp;<em>News Weakly</em>, Sami Shah breaks down the escalating Iran-Israel-US conflict, Australia’s latest interest rate hike, a Sydney Biennale DJ controversy, and the war in Afghanistan that no one seems to remember exists.</p><p>Sharp analysis, dark satire, and global chaos, all in one episode.</p><p><br></p><h2>Top Stories of the Week</h2><ul><li><strong>Iran War Update</strong>&nbsp;– The US and Israel claim success, while Iran remains “intact but degraded” and the Strait of Hormuz crisis rattles global oil markets</li><li><strong>RBA Interest Rate Rise</strong>&nbsp;– Australia’s cash rate hits 4.1% as cost of living pressures continue to climb</li><li><strong>Sydney DJ Investigation</strong>&nbsp;– Police probe Biennale performance by DJ Haram over alleged hate speech</li><li><strong>Pakistan–Afghanistan Conflict</strong>&nbsp;– Civilian deaths rise in a war that barely registers in global attention</li></ul><p><br></p><h2>Episode Breakdown</h2><h3>Iran War: Strategy Without a Strategy</h3><p>The war between Iran, Israel and the United States enters a phase where “winning” appears optional. Key Iranian leaders have been assassinated, oil markets are unstable, and even US intelligence admits Iran remains operational.</p><p>Meanwhile, Donald Trump treats foreign policy like a loyalty test, NATO allies hesitate, and civilian casualties continue to rise across Iran, Israel, and Lebanon.</p><h3>Afghanistan: The War Everyone Forgot</h3><p>A major strike in Afghanistan kills hundreds of civilians, reportedly at a drug rehabilitation centre. Pakistan claims it targeted militants.</p><p>Unlike other global conflicts, this war generates almost no outrage, no online campaigns, and no cultural backlash. The episode examines why some conflicts dominate attention while others disappear.</p><h3>Sydney Biennale DJ Controversy</h3><p>A performance by DJ Haram at the Biennale of Sydney sparks political backlash, police investigation, and visa scrutiny.</p><p>The reaction raises questions about free speech, artistic responsibility, and why a DJ saying something inflammatory is treated like a national security threat.</p><p>Meanwhile, corporate sponsors withdraw support, highlighting familiar contradictions in public morality.</p><h3>RBA Interest Rate Hike Explained</h3><p>The Reserve Bank of Australia raises interest rates to 4.1%, continuing its effort to curb inflation.</p><p>The episode breaks down why rate hikes are being used to fight a supply-driven inflation problem and what that means for mortgages, rent, and everyday Australians already under pressure.</p><p><br></p><h2>Quote of the Week</h2><p>“Intact but largely degraded is basically how we all feel these days.”</p><p><br></p><h2>Support the Show</h2><p>If you enjoy&nbsp;<em>News Weakly</em>, support the show on Patreon and help keep it independent:</p><p><a href=\"http://patreon.com/samishah\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">http://patreon.com/samishah</a></p><p><br></p><p>Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.</p><p>For more:&nbsp;http://thesamishah.com</p><p>Theme music&nbsp;<em>Historic Anticipation</em>&nbsp;by Paul Mottram</p><p>This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.</p>","author_name":"Sami Shah"}