Topic: Salafists

A 2012 Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) document suggests that Western powers and their allies desired the establishment of a "Salafist Principality" in Eastern Syria to isolate the Syrian government. The hosts argue that the rise of the "Islamic State" was a calculated geopolitical setup. They further claim that ISIS propaganda videos are often staged, using "plaster" statues and masked actors to manipulate Western public opinion.

BBC editor Jeremy Bowen reports on the spread of protests to Sudan, where the German and British embassies were targeted. The rise of the Salafist movement is identified as a significant factor in the regional instability, posing a potential threat to moderate Islamist governments and creating security concerns for Vladimir Putin in Central Asia.

French-Tunisian tourists report a shift toward religious conservatism on Tunisian beaches, with more women swimming fully clothed in hijabs and burkas. A woman interviewed expresses fear for her daughter's safety despite the supposed "freedom" of the new regime. The hosts joke about the prospect of "burka bikinis" appearing during American spring break as the Muslim Brotherhood's influence spreads.

The Syrian opposition is described as being heavily influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists, with financial backing from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Meanwhile, Russia is strengthening ties with Israel to help develop offshore gas reserves, complicating the regional energy chessboard.

Hillary Clinton meets with the Syrian National Council, a group of 71 opposition members seeking to overthrow the Assad regime. Meanwhile, election results in Egypt show a strong majority for Islamist parties, with the Muslim Brotherhood winning 40% and the Salafist Al-Nur party winning 24%. The hosts note the lack of Western media coverage regarding the rise of Sharia-focused governments in the region.