Lebanon, Hamas & US-Iran Diplomacy | Helena Cobban on Regional Wars & Global Fallout - EP 119

In this episode of Kianistan, we sit down with Helena Cobban—veteran journalist, author, and researcher—to dissect the complex historical and contemporary layers of Middle Eastern geopolitics.Helena provides a masterclass on the evolution of regional power, beginning with the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) and the subsequent rise of Hizbullah. We explore the structural shifts in Lebanese power and provide a rare, detailed comparison between the PLO and Hamas, analyzing how resistance movements have transformed over decades.The conversation also pivots to the high-stakes diplomacy between the United States and Iran, examining the current negotiations to end regional hostilities. Helena shares profound insights into how the fallout from Middle Eastern conflicts is reshaping USA domestic politics and what the future holds for the historically "unshakeable" USA–Israel relationship.🎙 Topics Discussed:Lebanon’s Civilisational War: Lessons from 1975–1990.Hizbullah & The Power Structure: How Lebanon’s internal dynamics shifted.PLO vs. HAMAS: A comparative analysis of ideology and strategy.The Iran-USA Nexus: Negotiations, backchannels, and the path to peace.American Domestic Fallout: How Middle East policy is impacting US voters.The Future of the Special Relationship: Will USA-Israel ties reach a breaking point?👤 About Helena Cobban:Helena Cobban is an esteemed analyst of international relations with decades of experience covering the Middle East. She is the President of Just World Educational and a prolific author, notably co-authoring works on Hamas and the Lebanese Civil War. Her work focuses on global justice, peace-building, and the intersection of history and modern diplomacy.🌐 Learn More & Support:Just World Educational: justworldeducational.orgJust World Ed Substack: justworlded.substack.comHelena’s Personal Substack: helenacobban.substack.comBooks & Publications: JWB at PM PressRead "Hamas Matters": Hamas Matters Link📌 Subscribe for deep-dive conversations that bridge the gap between history and current headlines.🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms — search Kianistan.🌐 Visit: www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.ukHashtags:#HelenaCobban #Lebanon #Hizbullah #Hamas #Iran #USForeignPolicy #Gaza #MiddleEastHistory #Geopolitics #KianistanPodcast