The 2026 Middle East Forecast episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 16, 2025 · 52 MIN

The 2026 Middle East Forecast

from CONFLICTED · host Message Heard

What does the future hold for the Middle East — and the world — in 2026? In this special episode of Conflicted, Thomas instructs Aimen to peer into his crystal ball and offer his forecasts for the year to come. In this episode, Aimen and Thomas discuss: How professional geopolitical analysts make forecasts The impossibility of foreseeing Black Swan events Why an end to the war in Ukraine could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics The likelihood of a U.S. war against the Houthis in Yemen Renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon The strategic importance of the Gulf states Iran’s nuclear programme, proxy network, and the risk of renewed confrontation Add your predictions to your 2026 Forecast Card here: https://forms.gle/sMCbRFmFTBdcfEDd8  Join the Conflicted Community here: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/  Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. Produced by Thomas Small and edited by Lizzy Andrews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does the future hold for the Middle East — and the world — in 2026? In this special episode of Conflicted, Thomas instructs Aimen to peer into his crystal ball and offer his forecasts for the year to come. In this episode, Aimen and Thomas discuss: How professional geopolitical analysts make forecasts The impossibility of foreseeing Black Swan events Why an end to the war in Ukraine could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics The likelihood of a U.S. war against the Houthis in Yemen Renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon The strategic importance of the Gulf states Iran’s nuclear programme, proxy network, and the risk of renewed confrontation Add your predictions to your 2026 Forecast Card here: https://forms.gle/sMCbRFmFTBdcfEDd8  Join the Conflicted Community here: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/  Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. Produced by Thomas Small and edited by Lizzy Andrews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The 2026 Middle East Forecast

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The State of State Schools John Stamper The State of State Schools podcast explores the most important topics and resources in education from a Christian perspective. The goal is to help teachers, parents, and families stay up-to-speed on what's going on in public schools, private schools, and home education. John Stamper is a former homeschooler, former public school teacher, and author of the books "Courage to Stand: Profiles of Enduring Faith" and "Conflicted: Pulling Back the Curtain on Public Education." His homeschool background, coupled with his experience teaching in the nation’s third largest public school system, provide a unique perspective on education that parents and teachers will want to hear.Website: johnstamper.orgTwitter: @thesosspodcastInstagram: thestateofstateschoolsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9PXMwAv4_RcVXknCBY1BfyhsuPCa Classy with Jonathan Menjivar Pineapple Street Studios and Audacy *** Named one of the best podcasts of 2023 by The New Yorker, Time, The Atlantic, Apple, Vogue, the CBC, and Lifehacker. ***Classy is a collection of surprising stories, juicy and uncomfortable interviews, and engaging segments that explore the ways that class infiltrates our day-to-day lives. In the host seat is Jonathan Menjivar – a working-class Latino kid who started working in media and became someone who likes oysters, wears cashmere socks, and is very conflicted about all of it. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë Lina Wuthering Heights is a haunting tale of obsessive passion and destructive revenge set against the bleak Yorkshire moors. The story follows the turbulent lives of Heathcliff, a brooding and vengeful foundling, and Catherine Earnshaw, whose deep, conflicted love sparks a relentless cycle of cruelty. Their turbulent relationship affects two generations, intertwining the fates of the Earnshaw and Linton families. Through raw emotions and bitter conflicts, Emily Brontë explores the destructive power of love, social class, and the relentless grip of revenge. Ultimately, tragedy and redemption intertwine, challenging destiny. Summary by Lina Pioneering Paradox: A podcast for conflicted saints Casey McFarland An attempt to find a middle ground in the Mormon experience.

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This episode was published on December 16, 2025.

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What does the future hold for the Middle East — and the world — in 2026? In this special episode of Conflicted, Thomas instructs Aimen to peer into his crystal ball and offer his forecasts for the year to come. In this episode, Aimen and Thomas...

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