WorldNow ™ with Jim Falk

A Conversation with Lawrence Wright - The Human Scale

Recorded on May 6, Lawrence Wright discusses "The Human Scale," his recent novel set in the West Bank. Described as a political thriller, the book is  much more—as it goes deep into the troubled history of the region and reminds us of the human cost of "scale" of the conflict. During the conversation, Wright talks about how he landed in Cairo with just a few days advance notice, what continues to draw him to the region and his hopes for peace.

Voices for U.S. Foreign Assistance

While USAID is being dismantled, four professionals with decades of experience give their views of why foreign aid is an integral part of U.S. foreign policy. Mark Asquino, former U.S. ambassador to Equatorial Guinea; Rebecca Black, former USAID mission director; Lisa Ellis, development and communications specialist; and, Kate Schecter, President & CEO of World Neighbors talk with Jim Falk and co-host Talitha Arnold. This program was produced and broadcast by KSFR on THE FORUM on February 10, 2025,

A conversation with Gen. H.R. McMaster: Priorities for Trump 2.0

H.R. McMaster, who served as President Trump's 2nd National Security Advisor, takes us inside the Oval Office, sharing his perspective on the president's decision-making process and how his tendency to be disruptive can have unintended consequences, and, yet, often positive results. McMaster gives his thoughts on Panama, Ukraine and much more as he responds to questions from World Affairs Council members from across the country,. 

Most Honorable Son - The Forgotten WW II War Hero, Ben Kuroki - A Conversation with author Gregg Jones

Author, journalist and high school teacher, Gregg Jones has written an extremely well documented and entertaining book about the forgotten Japanese American World War II war hero, Ben Kuroki. In our conversation, Gregg tells us how this Nebraska farm boy became the only Japanese-American to fly in combat missions over Japan. Following the war, he continued his mission to fight against racism and discrimination as a publisher and speaker. At a time when patriotism is sometimes hard to define, Ben reminds us what it means to be an American.

The Middle East: One Year After the Hamas Attack on Israel

This broadcast was aired live on October 7 for KSFR's "The Forum." When Forum programs have an international focus, I'll include them on this podcast. On this episode, recorded on the one year anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel, we hear from three Middle East specialists: Ambassador Deborah Jones, who during her distinguished career served throughout the Middle East, including as U.S. ambassador to Kuwait and Libya; Dr. Michael Robbins directs the Arab Barometer, a highly-regarded research firm; and, the Middle East Institute's Dr. Paul Salem, brought us a firsthand account from northern Lebanon."The Forum" streams live every Monday from 6-7PM (MT) at ksfr.org
 
 

Max Boot KNOWS Reagan

Max Boot spent a decade researching and writing what reviewers have described as the definitive biography on Reagan. Given that over 11,000 books have been written him, that's quite a compliment but it is one that is deserved. Our discussion goes from young "Dutch's" itinerant childhood, Hollywood, traveling orator for GE to the White House. Having interviewed over 100+friends and associates of the former president, Boot uncovers some surprising, previously unknown, facts that will confirm or disprove long-held perceptions.

The Middle East: The End of Ambition with Steven Cook

Steven Cook, the senior fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, is the author of "The End of Ambition: America's Past, Present and Future in the Middle East." Here, Cook tackles clearly and with rare insight why the U.S. must find the correct balance of engagement. He will be the first to say the U.S. has made several mistakes, especially since 1991, but we should not deny that we had successes in the years prior. Bottom Line: There are no quick fixes and the U.S. cannot walk away.

Rescuing Captured Americans via Fringe Diplomacy: A conversation with Mickey Bergman

Mickey Bergman, now the CEO of Global Reach, worked closely with the late Governor of New Mexico and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson, to rescue Americans (and others). Their successes earned them two nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. Mickey is the author of "In the Shadows: True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad." In their conversation, Jim and Mickey discuss the motivation that leads Iran, Russia and North Korea to take prisoners and the strategies Mickey and his associates follow to secure their release. They also discuss why the negotiations for the release of former U.S. Marine, Paul Whelan, has been especially disheartening and difficult. Mickey explains the reasons for his belief that is unlikely there will be any movement until after the U.S. presidential election this November. 

Mexico: The Historic Election-A Break From Tradition

Laura Liswood, secretary-general of the Council of Women World Leaders, highlights what Mexico's first woman head of state, will face when she takes office on October 1. Combatting crime, drug-financed cartels are high on the list as is whether her predecessor AMLO will give her room to govern. This episode was recorded on June 7 for Perspectives Matter, a McCuistion Program.

Ep. 1 An Inside View of Biden's foreign policy: Ned Price

Ned Price, who has held senior foreign policy positions in both the Obama and Biden administrations, gives his take on the administration's response to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Price is currently the deputy to the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.