• by Ray Schultz , August 18, 2021

Newsweek

has debuted a new podcast, "The Diplomat," anchored by Jason Greenblatt, former Middle East envoy for the Trump administration.

The timing seems perfect, given the unfolding situation in Afghanistan. 

"The Diplomat" will offer one or two new episodes per week. The opener includes Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN; former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Senator Joe Lieberman. 

Future guests include Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretary for President George W. Bush, Lt. General H. R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor and Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States. 

Despite the conservative skew, Greenblatt promises to focus on issues, not personalities. 

“We have to be willing to have the conversations with people who don't share our views, not just with those who do,” he states. “We have to be comfortable with the strength of our positions and be willing to have our positions tested.”

Greenblatt adds: “My experience overseas taught me that it is essential to try to understand the people behind the issues. We have to meet them, speak with them, and listen to them.” 

Art19 will serve as the podcast's platform. The producer is Jesse Edwards, who previously served as executive producer for "Our American Stories" with Lee Habeeb, and at Talk Radio Network.