War, move, momentum, and responsibility

Colleagues,

Leila is back from an exciting AI conference. Matt and Alina called me Friday evening from the new building with updates as they worked on our 2026-2027 editorial strategy. Momentum at MBN is impressive.

I joined a reception Friday evening off DuPont Circle for one of Ringo’s networks. I’m still absorbing the banter on AI and political advocacy. We’ll keep leaning into the wrenching change and opportunity in our industry.

We’ll stay passionate about new efficiencies and accountability. I’m forever grateful to Raji, Michael and the finance team. We’re ahead of schedule on this year’s audit. We benefit time and again from superb legal support from Anne and Jana. It was very nice to hear USAGM’s auditor praise Margaret in a recent meeting for her gold standard work in compliance.

We take nothing for granted and feel privileged for the opportunity. You all shoulder tremendous responsibility.

I’m writing on Saturday afternoon and Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have just cancelled their trip to Islamabad. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan’s capital last night and forewarned that Iran was not planning direct talks. The Iranian delegation left this morning. The U.S. is sending more forces to the region.

Nothing stands still. Palestinians are casting ballots in the West Bank and Gaza in the first elections since the outbreak of war.

The IDF says it has launched strikes in three areas in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah rocket launchers.

Iran says it has hanged an agent working for Israel, accused of vandalism during nationwide protests in January.

In the last month, 16 men – eight political prisoners and eight protesters – have been hanged. The youngest: 18-year-old Amirhossein Hatami was executed on 2 April after what was believed to be forced confessions to the charges of moharebeh (enmity against God) and efsad-fil-arz (corruption on Earth).

The New MBN

We’re pushing ahead. We’ll be out of our Springfield location by Sunday night. Relocation is on time and under budget.

On Monday, we continue our work in a first-rate modern space that moves us from 70,000 to 22,000 square feet at a savings of a $1 million year. The new MBN location by Courthouse in Arlington is two metro stops from the State Department (Foggy Bottom-George Washington University).

Anne and I had a good call with Michael Rigas on Friday. Michael is Deputy Secretary of State and USAGM’s new acting CEO. We’ve invited Mr. Rigas to the building for a talk and an interview.

There’s lots to discuss at the town hall meeting Monday at 11:15 am EDT. Technology upgrades and compensation enhancement are part of our 2026 strategic reinvestment plans.

Let’s memorialize the move — and thank Zadock, Mary, Ed, Manoj, Ahmad, Farouk and Hieu and others led by Deirdre over these last months. We looked at 12 different properties before finding the right one. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Deirdre and team.

In new space Monday, we’ll be hitting the ground running.

On Monday at 8:30 am, Stephanie Bolzen is coming by for coffee. Please join us if you’re free. Stephanie is the U.S. correspondent for Die Welt and a Politico contributor.

After Monday’s 11:15 EDT town hall, Kristina and crew will race off to The Line Hotel in Adams Morgan for our digital salon. Shukriya Bradhost, Caroline Fetscher, and MBN’s Roya Hakakian will discuss the prospect for meaningful political change in Iran.

Freedom House CEO Jamie Fly will moderate Monday’s conversation. I’ll join Jamie on Monday evening for a discussion on U.S. public diplomacy at George Washington University.

Here’s board chair Ryan Crocker with Anderson Cooper on negotiations with Iran. And here’s board member Ilan Berman on his podcast conversation with Andres where the two discuss Iran’s information warfare.

Also, percolating for the first days of May:

On May 5 at 3 pm EDT, we’ll have a staff briefing on the construction of our new website. We’re close to completion and it’s time for a preview.

On May 6 at 11 am EDT, Min will brief us on next steps in MBN’s China in MENA work — and the Trump–Xi summit scheduled to take place in Beijing in mid-May.

On May 7 at 10:30 am EDT, we have Vic Matus from the Washington Free Beacon with us to talk about covering Washington.

On May 11, we’ll welcome the MBN board for a first meeting in our new offices. We’re blessed with generous support, wise counsel, and tireless dedication. Nothing happens without a strong board.

I’m grateful.

My gratitude as well to Billy and the HR team, to Scott on security, and to Lesia, who as chief of staff is driving a number of important initiatives.

You’ll hear on Monday about a workshop on organizational culture — and meet a new colleague who will help us market MBN’s important work in exciting, innovative, and effective ways.

My best, Jeff