<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd"><channel><title><![CDATA[The Mercer Ledger]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Mercer Ledger delivers clear-eyed, structural analysis of the post-ceasefire Middle East stabilization framework, cutting through the noise to track the real mechanical gears of the Board of Peace, International Stabilization Force, governance handoffs, security perimeters, and regional linkages.

For general listeners who want straight mechanics over headlines, each piece focuses on verifiable milestones, frictions, and implications without spin, jargon, or partisan cheerleading. <br/><br/><a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com/s/the-mercer-ledger?utm_medium=podcast">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/s/the-mercer-ledger</link><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:16:08 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/8454432/s/403952.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><author><![CDATA[Ward Ethan Mercer]]></author><copyright><![CDATA[Ward Ethan Mercer]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[ward@ninemodes.com]]></webMaster><itunes:new-feed-url>https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/8454432/s/403952.rss</itunes:new-feed-url><itunes:author>Ward Ethan Mercer</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Mercer Ledger delivers clear-eyed, structural analysis of the post-ceasefire Middle East stabilization framework, cutting through the noise to track the real mechanical gears of the Board of Peace, International Stabilization Force, governance handoffs, security perimeters, and regional linkages.

Written for general readers who want straight mechanics over headlines, each piece focuses on verifiable milestones, frictions, and implications without spin, jargon, or partisan cheerleading.</itunes:subtitle><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Ward Ethan Mercer</itunes:name><itunes:email>ward@ninemodes.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:category text="News"><itunes:category text=""/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="News"><itunes:category text="News Commentary"/></itunes:category><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/s/403952/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/><item><title><![CDATA[The “Prize” of Normalization - July 16, 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Senator Lindsey Graham, prior to his death on July 11, was working toward of goal of normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.  His death has impacts for the development of a Middle East peace framework behind the scenes.  Listen in to learn more.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/the-prize-of-normalization-july-16-48f</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:207282674</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:46:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/207282674/34600affe3472d362566622deb3ab99d.mp3" length="2456625" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>205</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/207282674/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[Oil Prices Are Up - But a Bigger Downturn May Still Be Coming - July 15, 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>A clear look at the recent surge in oil prices and why it may be hiding a larger supply story. Saudi price cuts, OPEC+ production increases, and delays in the Strait of Hormuz are building pressure behind the scenes. The higher-probability outcome is a price drop once the current tensions ease.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/oil-prices-are-up-but-a-bigger-downturn</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:207143937</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:47:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/207143937/534ef903702a67c87cc5095c175f65b3.mp3" length="1706492" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>142</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/207143937/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mercer Ledger - July 12, 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>A closer look at the Charter of the Board of Peace.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/the-mercer-ledger-july-12-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:205817103</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 12 Jul 2026 12:02:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/205817103/11f025e7bd53e09e9884390ba068887a.mp3" length="2799874" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>233</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/205817103/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Regional Middle East Peace Framework and the Pakistani Involvement - July 9, 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>A wider peace framework may be in the works by the Board of Peace.  Is Pakistan an indication of this? We look at that aspect today’s episode.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/a-regional-middle-east-peace-framework</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:206284287</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:29:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/206284287/f12fd8a3628c2988e5ef45b056c45d6c.mp3" length="1267322" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>106</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/206284287/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why a Temporary Oil Price Flush is the Higher-Probability Scenario Right Now - July 7, 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/the-mercer-ledger-why-a-temporary-0f1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:206054201</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:20:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/206054201/4e3e42110c2ec83cfc453ce6252b8180.mp3" length="1661039" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>138</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/206054201/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mercer Ledger - July 5, 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>This week we take a look at the ISF, it’s mandates, mechanics, and where its progress on implementation currently sits.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/the-mercer-ledger-july-5-2026-54b</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:205779814</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:51:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/205779814/aae16cfba85d9b172fef1689363f9d04.mp3" length="2959430" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>247</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/205779814/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mercer Ledger - June 30, 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>We take a look at some of the recent developments in the Middle East and what the U.S. Administration is doing, that point toward a larger peace initiative in the works.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/the-mercer-ledger-june-30-2026-b15</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:204429341</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:14:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/204429341/bf15d03a17b573786d0f6432bb0eec67.mp3" length="2219328" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>185</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/204429341/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mercer Ledger - June 29, 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we examine the economic impacts of Tropical Storm Arthur.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/the-mercer-ledger-june-29-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:204428932</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:12:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/204428932/5b49cf5e3b30b1d031bc597d95497cfe.mp3" length="3226819" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>269</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/204428932/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mercer Ledger - June 28, 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of The Mercer Ledger, we take a look at the initial steps of the ISF (International Stabilization Force).</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/the-mercer-ledger-june-28-2026-472</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:204428561</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:08:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/204428561/c7802490d09d6e4283cca28ceea73f3a.mp3" length="3358476" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>280</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/204428561/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mercer Ledger - June 21, 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p><strong><em>The Mercer Ledger</em></strong></p><p><em>By the Mercer Journal</em></p><p>In this episode we take a look at the Board of Peace to get a better understanding of what it is.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/the-mercer-ledger-june-21-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:202414200</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/202414200/9a4af9ff542f5ce7131a7cde6eb9ac9b.mp3" length="3020556" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>252</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/202414200/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mercer Ledger - June 14, 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Things in Gaza and the Middle East are moving.  On the ground, signs of a wider regional stabilization framework for peace appear to be coming together.  Follow along to keep an eye on the world.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/eye-on-the-world-june-14-2026-546</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:201589371</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:35:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/201589371/b44668df7c014c0a6bc497fda812346e.mp3" length="2885764" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>240</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/201589371/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introducing: The Mercer Ledger - 06.10.26]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Introducing: Eye on the World - 6.10.26</strong></p><p><em>By the Mercer Journal</em></p><p>A new series tracking developments in the Middle East surrounding Gaza, the Board of Peace, and the regional stabilization framework.  </p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://wardmercer.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">wardmercer.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://wardmercer.substack.com/p/introducing-eye-on-the-world-061026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:201499622</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Mercer Journal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:18:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/201499622/83c3a3799002b327e53de535bf25b2ef.mp3" length="1051341" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Mercer Journal</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>88</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8454432/post/201499622/7a5957e04f6f9e60be3ef27dba6a9b6b.jpg"/></item></channel></rss>