(190) Faith, Geopolitics, and a Changing Middle East: A Conversation with Dr. Salem Alketbi

This week on the Shoulder to Shoulder Podcast, Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach sit down with Emirati scholar and commentator Dr. Salem Alketbi to discuss the shifting dynamics in the Middle East, the role of faith in public discourse, and the surprising ways new alliances and perspectives are reshaping the region. It’s a thoughtful and eye-opening conversation that invites us to consider what the future may hold—for Israel, for the Arab world, and for people of faith. Plus: in what ways are the Biblical prophet Baalam's blessings as meaningful today as they have ever been before?

In this vital episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach are joined by Dr. David Wurmser—Middle East expert and former senior advisor to the U.S. State Department and Vice President Cheney—to analyze how Israel’s war with Iran has transformed the geopolitical landscape of the region. What are the new realities Israel must face? How have alliances shifted, and what threats—and opportunities—now define the post-war Middle East? This conversation is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand what comes next for Israel and her neighbors.

On this deeply moving episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Pastor Doug Reed and Rabbi Pesach Wolicki speak with David Guedalia, father of IDF soldier Yosef Guedalia, who was tragically killed in the line of duty. David shares Yosef’s story—a tale of faith, idealism, courage, and deep love for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. He also opens up about the unimaginable pain of losing a child, and how he and his family have drawn strength from their community, their faith, and Yosef’s enduring legacy. This is a conversation about grief, but also about meaning, memory, and moral clarity in a time of conflict. Yosef’s life and sacrifice remind us what it means to live with purpose—and what it means to stand for something greater than ourselves.

What compels someone to leave behind everything they know — their country, their faith, their identity — in search of truth and freedom? This week on Shoulder to Shoulder, Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach speak with Dan Burmawi, a former Muslim from Jordan who left Islam and the Middle East behind to embrace Christianity and life in the United States. Dan shares the powerful story of his spiritual and personal transformation, the challenges of walking away from Islam, and his passionate mission to build bridges between Christians and Jews in a fractured world. It’s a bold, deeply human conversation about faith, freedom, and the future of interreligious understanding.

In this timely episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Pastor Doug Reed and Rabbi Pesach Wolicki speak with Major (ret.) Andrew Fox about the latest developments in Israel’s war against Iran. They explore the IDF’s remarkable military achievements, the geopolitical and spiritual implications of regime change in Tehran, and the possible endgame scenarios. With clarity and conviction, the conversation unpacks what this moment means for Israel, the region, and people of faith around the world.

Military analyst Elliot Chodoff returns to Shoulder to Shoulder for a wide-ranging and sobering conversation about the current state of the war in Gaza. He explains why engaging with the Abu Shabab militia is a dangerous mistake, explores what a realistic endgame might look like, and challenges the notion of “total victory” in modern asymmetric warfare. With Pastor Doug Reed and Rabbi Pesach Wolicki, Chodoff offers sharp, insightful analysis on where the conflict stands—and where it may be headed.

For nearly two millennia, much of Christian theology has promoted the idea that the Church has permanently superseded Israel in God's covenant — a belief known as replacement theology. In this enlightening and challenging conversation, Pastor Doug Reed and Rabbi Pesach Wolicki speak with theologian Dr. Gerry McDermott about how this view became dominant, how it misreads both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, and why it's essential for Christians to rediscover Israel's unique and ongoing role in God's redemptive purposes. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Jewish-Christian relations, biblical theology, or the future of interfaith cooperation.

As war rages in Israel and antisemitic rhetoric spreads in the media, Pastor Doug and Pesach issue a challenge to people of faith: will we stay silent, or will we speak truth in love — even when it’s uncomfortable? This episode confronts the disturbing trend of Christian influencers embracing anti-Jewish narratives, and looks to Shavuot and Pentecost for guidance, unity, and spiritual strength. To read Doug's article, "Christians, We Have a Problem," click here.

In this episode, Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach speak with national security expert Dave Reaboi about Qatar’s extensive and troubling influence on American policy. While many conservatives remain strong supporters of Donald Trump, Reaboi lays out how Qatari lobbying reached deep into his administration—with serious consequences for Israel. We explore how a hostile regime has used money, media, and access to undermine American interests and isolate Israel. This conversation is a wake-up call for those who care about faith, freedom, and the future of the U.S.-Israel alliance.

In this special episode, we’re joined by Father Frank Pavone for an in-depth conversation about the newly elected Pope Leo and what his leadership might signal for the global Catholic Church. We explore the early signs of his priorities, his potential impact on moral and social issues, and the spiritual tone he may set for a new generation of believers. The conversation also turns to the issue of abortion, with Father Pavone offering insight into the rising pro-life sentiment among younger generations and what this cultural shift means for people of faith. Whether you're Catholic or not, this episode invites thoughtful reflection on leadership, life, and the values shaping our future.