Welcome to The Security Podcast where journalists Sean Rayment and Linda van Tilburg from National Security News along with their guests, will deliver their tak...
Author and Journalist Luke Harding: Why Putin went to war with Ukraine
In the latest episode of The Security Podcast, Guardian Journalist and best selling author Luke Harding reflects on his four year stint as the newspaper's bureau chief in Moscow. Almost from the moment Luke arrived in 2007 he was targeted by Russian secret police. His apartment was burgled, his emails were hacked, he was followed almost every day and his family were threatened. A hidden camera was even placed inside his bedroom by FSB operatives. The reason for the intimidation was because from the beginning of his four year Moscow assignment Luke wrote articles critical of the Putin regime. He was eventually expelled from the country on Putin's orders in 2011.
Luke now reports on Ukraine where he has been based since before the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. During the podcast he describes how young Ukrainians were eager to fight on the front line in the early days of the war. Now, however, that enthusiasm has waned as, Luke explains, everyone now knows someone who has been killed or seriously wounded. He also describes how "brainwashed" Russian troops obediently followed orders and tortured and executed hundreds of civilians in Bucha and Mariupole. He also explains why the Ukrainians now want peace and why Russia is unlikely to change even with the death of Putin.
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Western intervention in Afghanistan: Was it worth it? - Maj-Gen Charlie Herbert
Western intervention in foreign conflicts has produced a mixed legacy—marked by both successes and failures. While efforts in Kosovo halted atrocities committed by Bosnian Serbs, interventions in Libya and Afghanistan were less successful. Nowhere is this clearer than in Afghanistan, where the chaotic withdrawal of NATO forces paved the way for the Taliban's return to power, silencing the voices of women.
As we enter a new year and anticipate President Donald Trump's return to the White House—known for his stance against prolonged foreign wars—The Security Podcast reflects on the legacy of Afghanistan. Major General Charlie Herbert shares his thoughts on Afghan refugees, the loss of British soldiers, and the impact on families that have been shattered, as well as those who have been left maimed and injured. He raises the important question: Was it worth it? General Herbert also expresses concern for Afghan women who were given hope only to have it taken away.
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Kim Hughes: The life and legacy of the UK’s most decorated bomb disposal expert
In this episode of The Security Podcast, Kim Hughes reflects on his journey to becoming the UK’s most decorated bomb disposal expert. Renowned for his extraordinary bravery, which earned him the George Cross, Hughes successfully defused over 120 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Afghanistan.
He shares how he developed his expertise, recounting the harrowing operations that defined his career, including the day he was awarded the George Cross. Hughes delves into the complex emotions tied to such life-and-death missions and the challenges soldiers face when shifting from life-threatening conditions to the mundane tasks of home life.
Since leaving the army, Hughes has continued his work in global counter-IED efforts, focusing on training and consultancy in various regions, including Africa. He also sheds light on the evolving nature of modern battlefields, from the rise of drones in Ukraine to the monumental task of clearing the IEDs left behind by Russian forces after the war.
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Ukrainian women who resent the men not fighting and the women who love them – Jerome Starkey’s frontline insight
In this episode of the Security Podcast, Jerome Starkey, the Sun’s Defence Editor, shares his insights from the frontlines in Ukraine. As a seasoned war correspondent, Jerome has reported from conflict zones worldwide, including Kabul during the Taliban’s takeover, and is now covering the intense Russian offensive in Ukraine. He discusses the evolving mood among Ukrainians, noting a shift from initial resilience to weariness and exhaustion. He highlights a Ukrainian woman’s resentment towards men who do not fight and the women who love them. Starkey also warns of the broader implications if Russia emerges victorious, suggesting that leaders like Putin could be emboldened, with significant global consequences. He highlights the importance of January when Donald Trump is inaugurated, as there will be keen interest in whether he fulfils his promise to end the war within 24 hours and how he will see the US’s role in NATO.
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Gen Charlie Herbert on polarising impact of Gaza War, paths to peace
The war in Gaza has polarised communities around the World leaving little room for progressive debate. Major General Charlie Herbert, a former senior Army officer and a veteran of multiple campaigns in Afghanistan, provides his views on the conduct of the war, whether Gaza has a future and the prospects for peace.
Welcome to The Security Podcast where journalists Sean Rayment and Linda van Tilburg from National Security News along with their guests, will deliver their take on the global national security issues which affect us all.
At National Security News (NSN), our mission is to provide timely, accurate, and comprehensive coverage of national security matters from around the world. We understand the critical importance of staying informed in an ever-changing global landscape, where security challenges are constantly evolving.
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