Is the U.S. Responsible for the Middle East Crisis?

What if the greatest threat to peace in the Middle East isn’t extremism — but intervention?

In this gripping episode of Conversations Allowed, Hadi sits down with political commentator and author Joseph M. Leonard to unpack the darker side of American foreign policy in the Middle East. Together, they challenge dominant narratives and explore how U.S. support for the Taliban, the 1953 Iran coup, and decades of geopolitical manipulation have destabilised entire regions.

From the blurred line between freedom fighters and terrorists, to the long-term consequences of foreign intervention, this episode offers a brutally honest look at Western imperialism, neocolonialism, and the ongoing American imperialism debate.

As the West pushes narratives of democracy and protection, Joseph argues that we must ask: who really benefits — and who suffers — when empires act under the guise of justice?

🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How the 1953 Iran coup and U.S. involvement reshaped Iranian politics and sowed the seeds of long-term instability

Why America supported the Taliban during the Cold War — and how that decision sparked decades of violent blowback

What defines a “freedom fighter” vs. a “terrorist”, and how political narratives manipulate that definition

In this wide-ranging conversation, we also uncover how neocolonialism in the Middle East continues to ignite resistance, fuel rage, and prolong endless wars — often under the illusion of peacekeeping. Joseph breaks down the deep failures of U.S. foreign policy in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, exposing how these strategies have led to long-lasting trauma, disillusionment, and distrust.

We examine the role of geopolitical manipulation, and how empires control regions not just through war, but through narrative and influence. As Middle East resistance movements rise against this domination, the American imperialism debate intensifies in 2025 — with growing questions around sovereignty, blowback, and justice. The episode closes with a sobering look at the consequences of foreign intervention, and how many of today’s conflicts trace back to decisions made in the name of national interest — but at the cost of regional peace.

Guest: Joseph M. Leonard
Joseph M. Leonard is the author of Terror Strikes: Coming Soon to a City Near You, a political thriller rooted in real-world geopolitics, terrorism, and truth-seeking. A bold voice in the American foreign policy debate, Joseph critiques empire-building, censorship, and how power is abused under the banner of democracy. Through his podcast and writing, he explores how Western intervention, support for extremists, and imperial ambition continue to shape conflict worldwide.
🌐 Learn more at: https://www.terrorstrikes.info/


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👉 Credits Outro Music
Music: TheFatRat - Xenogenesis
Watch the official music video: https://tinyurl.com/xenogenesistfr
Listen to Xenogenesis: https://thefatrat.ffm.to/xenogenesis
Follow TheFatRat: https://ffm.bio/thefatrat
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