Stephen Zunes, a professor of politics and chair of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of San Francisco, discusses the US's divide and conquer strategy in the Middle East; the origins of Iraq's sectarian violence; and why Obama is more focused on deposing Syria's Assad than eliminating the Islamic State.

Patrick Cockburn, an award winning columnist for The Independent and author of The Jihadis Return, discusses the incomprehensible US strategy in Syria and Iraq; whether the videotaped beheadings are a deliberate provocation or a sign of the Islamic State's overconfidence; and ISIS's recruiting success from the Sunni underclass.

Peter Van Buren, author of We Meant Well: How I Helped Lose the Battle for the Hearts and Minds of the Iraqi People, discusses his article "Apocalypse Now, Iraq Edition: Fighting in Iraq Until Hell Freezes Over."

Eric Margolis, an internationally syndicated columnist and author of American Raj, discusses the rebellion in Yemen's capital city of Sanaa; Jordan's formidable military capability; and Israel's increasing regional power and influence.

Former CIA officer Philip Giraldi discusses the overblown threat of bearded fanatics coming to kill us all; and why Americans are in favor of bombing Syria on the flimsiest pretext.

Dan Sanchez, Director of the Mises Academy, discusses his article "Playing with Fanatic Fire: How the Saudis (and the U.S.) have perilously exploited radical Islam in their pursuit of power."