Narco-terrorism sits at the intersection of organised crime and political violence — but its implications extend far beyond either domain.

In this FO Podcasts episode Fair Observer’s Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief Atul Singh speaks to former counterterrorism operative Jeffrey James Higgins examines how illicit drug networks have evolved into sophisticated actors capable of funding insurgencies, destabilising states and undermining institutions. From the Taliban’s historic reliance on opium to the rise of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, the relationship between narcotics and conflict has become increasingly entrenched.

The discussion explores how cartels in Latin America are acquiring paramilitary capabilities, how transnational gangs like MS-13 operate across borders and how drug economies erode state authority over time. It also considers the broader policy debate: should narcotics be treated primarily as a public health issue or as a national security threat?

As criminal networks grow in scale and influence, the boundary between crime and warfare is becoming harder to define.

00:00 What Is Narcoterrorism?

Why do Americans support strict border control—but oppose mass deportations?

In this podcast, Fair Observer’s Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief Atul Singh speaks to Kent Jenkins on the “immigration paradox” shaping US politics today. While Donald Trump’s policies successfully reduced illegal border crossings, they also triggered widespread backlash when enforcement moved into American cities.

This conversation examines the psychological and political divide at the heart of the issue: people fear immigration as an abstract problem, yet empathize deeply with individual immigrants in their communities. Through real-life cases, historical research, and political analysis, this discussion reveals why public opinion shifted so dramatically.

From border security to deportation policies, and from public outrage to political strategy, this episode unpacks one of the most complex debates in modern America.

00:00 Immigration Paradox

05:30 Trump’s ICE Deployment

11:00 Open Borders

19:00 Racism and Anti-Migrant Sentiments

28:00 Democrats vs Republicans

What is the Muslim Brotherhood and how did it shape modern Islamist movements?

In this episode of the Fair Observer podcast, Egyptian author and political activist Cynthia Farahat joins us to explore the origins, ideology and evolution of the Muslim Brotherhood. Founded in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt, the organization grew into one of the most influential Islamist movements in the world.

We discuss the historical context of its creation, the influence of thinkers like Sayyid Qutb and Syed Abul A'la Maududi, and how the movement expanded across the Middle East and beyond. The conversation also examines the Brotherhood’s political strategies, its role during the Arab uprisings and the presidency of Mohamed Morsi, and the broader debate about political Islam.

This discussion provides historical context and analysis of a movement that has influenced politics, security debates and ideological conflicts across the Middle East for nearly a century.

Watch the full conversation and join the discussion.

00:00 What is the Muslim Brotherhood?

07:00 The Concept of Jihad

12:30 Dawah vs Dawla

19:00 Evolution of the Muslim Brotherhood

31:30 London vs Istanbul

40:30 Today’s Muslim Brotherhood

44:00 A Peaceful Muslim Brotherhood?