As the world watches Gaza burn, Iran tremble, and diplomacy stall, what if the real war isn't between nations—but within them?

In this powerful episode, Maz is joined once again by Lebanese economist and seasoned political analyst Nadim Shehadi to explore the often-overlooked internal fractures driving conflict in the Middle East.

🔥 Key Themes

1. Israel’s impunity — and the global powers that enable it

2. The breakdown of the rules-based order — from UN paralysis to EU dysfunction

3. The human cost of war — and who bears responsibility ...and indirectly touches on:

4. Russia and regional distraction

5. Global realignment via JCPOA, Iran, and the Gulf

6. US culture wars shaping foreign policy

7. Erosion of institutional trust

8. Diplomacy as performance — and power play

🔗 Subscribe for more: https://thevoicesofwar.com

🎧 Listen on your preferred podcast platform 🔗 Spotify | Apple | Substack | More: https://thevoicesofwar.com

💬 Join the Conversation 📸 Instagram: [@thevoicesofwar](https://www.instagram.com/the_voices_of_war/) 🐦 Twitter/X: [@TheVoicesOfWar](https://x.com/TheVoicesOfWar) 📩 Subscribe: https://thevoicesofwar.substack.com

🎙️ The Voices of War is a podcast that cuts through the noise to explore the unseen realities of war, peace, and power.

Hosted by Vedran ‘Maz’ Maslić—former refugee, and intelligence officer—this show brings you unfiltered conversations with those whose lives have been shaped by conflict: survivors, scholars, diplomats, soldiers, and even perpetrators.

In this new season, after a year-long pause, The Voices of War returns with intention. Each episode will tackle eight core questions that probe the fault lines of our global order—from Gaza to Ukraine, from collapsed trust in institutions to the uncertain future of diplomacy.

💥 Why is Israel allowed to act with impunity? 🛡️ Is Russia truly a threat—or are we being sold a war? 🌍 Is the war in Ukraine part of a global realignment? 📜 Has the “rules-based international order” already died? 🧠 Are culture wars destabilising our democracies? 🏛️ How do we rebuild trust in broken institutions? 🕊️ Can diplomacy survive an age of outrage? 👥 And what does war really do to people?

If you're tired of black-and-white narratives and want to hear real voices from the grey zones of war, you're in the right place.

Also available on Substack: https://thevoicesofwar.substack.com/

• David McBride, a former legal officer in the Australian Army, leaked information about alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.
• He highlights the excessive investigation of special forces soldiers and the political manipulation of the war narrative.
• McBride emphasises the need for clear rules of engagement and the importance of holding soldiers accountable for their actions.
• He also discusses how the Australian military mishandled war crimes and prioritised appearances over justice.
• The government may have tried to cover up war crimes to maintain their alliance with the US.
• David McBride took action by leaking classified documents to expose political games. The military leadership needs to be held accountable for potential war crimes and poor leadership.
• There is a need for a fair trial and public support to address systemic problems within the military.
• ANZAC Day should be a day of genuine care for veterans, not just political window dressing.