The similarities between Ukraine’s attack on Russian bombers and the Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear sites have been noted. But the parallels don’t stop there.

The U.S. is involved in both conflicts and the script for each is flexible on a daily basis. The influence upon each is Donald J Trump.

Geopolitical authority George Friedman opines on both wars, employing the theory of geopolitical cycles as explained in his book “The Storm Before the Calm”.

And, finally, we see what you think in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz

Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.

Listen here on iHeartRadio

Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Romanians are still navigating the difficult path of building democratic institutions and a culture of transparency.

At the same time, widespread perceptions of corruption and cronyism have caused many Romanians to see little change from communist leadership.

Antonia Colibasanu, a lecturer on International Relations at the Romanian National University, backgrounds Romania’s position and future influence in Europe and analyses the difficulties the country is faced with.

She also summarises the country’s relationship between Russia, Ukraine, Poland and the rest of Europe.

And finally, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz

Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.

Listen here on iHeartRadio

Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we talk with Patrick Basham on President Trump's approval ratings and the Democracy Institute’s latest poll, “Is Trump Fixing America or Breaking it?”

Patrick gives a very good analysis on the most critical issues on the planet; Iran and nuclear developments, Ukraine and the drone strike on Russia and the South Korean and Polish elections.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz

Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.

Listen here on iHeartRadio

Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.