WW3 Threat Assessment: "Trump Bombing Iran Just Increased Nuclear War Threat" The Terrifying Reality

What does the United States think it's What does the United States think it's going to gain from decapitating the going to gain from decapitating the going to gain from decapitating the Iranian leadership? Iranian leadership? Iranian leadership? >> Well, that that's kind of obvious based >> Well, that that's kind of obvious based >> Well, that that's kind of obvious based on what the president has said. It's on what the president has said. It's on what the president has said. It's that that that >> on what the president has said. >> on what the president has said. >> on what the president has said. >> I'm I'm just saying based on what the >> I'm I'm just saying based on what the >> I'm I'm just saying based on what the president says. president says. president says. >> You can't trust anything that you're >> You can't trust anything that you're >> You can't trust anything that you're hearing right now. You can't trust hearing right now. You can't trust hearing right now. You can't trust anything that you're reading right now. anything that you're reading right now. anything that you're reading right now. Two to multiply. Two to multiply. Two to multiply. >> It's not paranoid. Absolutely. It is >> It's not paranoid. Absolutely. It is >> It's not paranoid. Absolutely. It is paranoid to suggest that everything is paranoid to suggest that everything is paranoid to suggest that everything is misinformation. Iran doesn't have a misinformation. Iran doesn't have a misinformation. Iran doesn't have a nuclear weapon. So, it's not a nuclear nuclear weapon. So, it's not a nuclear nuclear weapon. So, it's not a nuclear threat. threat. threat. >> You speak a different nuclear language >> You speak a different nuclear language >> You speak a different nuclear language than I do. This regime is at its lowest than I do. This regime is at its lowest than I do. This regime is at its lowest lowest point. Why not strike it now? lowest point. Why not strike it now? lowest point. Why not strike it now? >> I mean, I can give lots of reasons why >> I mean, I can give lots of reasons why >> I mean, I can give lots of reasons why you wouldn't strike it. The ability to you wouldn't strike it. The ability to you wouldn't strike it. The ability to create their own. create their own. create their own. >> What are you concerned about? And what >> What are you concerned about? And what >> What are you concerned about? And what are the unintended consequences that are the unintended consequences that are the unintended consequences that you're foreseeing? you're foreseeing? you're foreseeing? >> There is a domino effect that happens >> There is a domino effect that happens >> There is a domino effect that happens with every decision that the United with every decision that the United with every decision that the United States makes. So >> guys, I've got a quick favor to ask you. >> guys, I've got a quick favor to ask you. 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And um if you do hit the subscribe button, I um if you do hit the subscribe button, I um if you do hit the subscribe button, I won't let you down. And we'll continue won't let you down. And we'll continue won't let you down. And we'll continue to find small ways to make this whole to find small ways to make this whole to find small ways to make this whole production better. Thank you so much for production better. Thank you so much for production better. Thank you so much for being part of this journey. Means the being part of this journey. Means the being part of this journey. Means the world. And uh yeah, let's do this. Benjamin, Annie, Andrew, first and Benjamin, Annie, Andrew, first and foremost, thank you for being here foremost, thank you for being here foremost, thank you for being here today. I I have to start with the today. I I have to start with the today. I I have to start with the question that's been on my mind as question that's been on my mind as question that's been on my mind as somebody that doesn't know a huge amount somebody that doesn't know a huge amount somebody that doesn't know a huge amount about geopolitics, which is what the about geopolitics, which is what the about geopolitics, which is what the hell is going on? And I and I say that hell is going on? And I and I say that hell is going on? And I and I say that because that's exactly what I mean. What because that's exactly what I mean. What because that's exactly what I mean. What is going on and what context do I need is going on and what context do I need is going on and what context do I need to understand this sort of historical to understand this sort of historical to understand this sort of historical context of the actions we're seeing in context of the actions we're seeing in context of the actions we're seeing in Iran with this war right now? Benjamin, Iran with this war right now? Benjamin, Iran with this war right now? Benjamin, I know you've got a a personal I know you've got a a personal I know you've got a a personal connection to Iran because your family connection to Iran because your family connection to Iran because your family fled Iran, I believe. fled Iran, I believe. fled Iran, I believe. >> Yeah, I was uh I was 2 years old when we >> Yeah, I was uh I was 2 years old when we >> Yeah, I was uh I was 2 years old when we left in March of 1979. Um uh a few left in March of 1979. Um uh a few left in March of 1979. Um uh a few months after the sha had left and uh months after the sha had left and uh months after the sha had left and uh just after Hani had arrived. just after Hani had arrived. just after Hani had arrived. >> What is the sha and what is hermeni? >> What is the sha and what is hermeni? >> What is the sha and what is hermeni? Yeah, sorry. The sha uh the former Yeah, sorry. The sha uh the former Yeah, sorry. The sha uh the former monarch of Iran um the Pathfi dynasty monarch of Iran um the Pathfi dynasty monarch of Iran um the Pathfi dynasty which came into power in the 1930s which came into power in the 1930s which came into power in the 1930s deposing a previous dynasty that had deposing a previous dynasty that had deposing a previous dynasty that had been around for a couple hundred years been around for a couple hundred years been around for a couple hundred years and um the he his father brought in that and um the he his father brought in that and um the he his father brought in that dynasty and then it was eventually he dynasty and then it was eventually he dynasty and then it was eventually he was deposed by the British and the was deposed by the British and the was deposed by the British and the Americans who felt he was getting too Americans who felt he was getting too Americans who felt he was getting too close to the Nazis during World War II close to the Nazis during World War II close to the Nazis during World War II concerned about supply routes for the concerned about supply routes for the concerned about supply routes for the Nazis, oil and his son was installed on Nazis, oil and his son was installed on Nazis, oil and his son was installed on the throne at a very young age, I the throne at a very young age, I the throne at a very young age, I believe 18 or 19 and Um he ruled Iran believe 18 or 19 and Um he ruled Iran believe 18 or 19 and Um he ruled Iran from uh from that period 1941 from uh from that period 1941 from uh from that period 1941 1942 around that time all the way 1942 around that time all the way 1942 around that time all the way through 79 a great ally of the United through 79 a great ally of the United through 79 a great ally of the United States over over time eventually um and States over over time eventually um and States over over time eventually um and uh was depos was um overthrown on a uh was depos was um overthrown on a uh was depos was um overthrown on a revolution and uh by Kumeni who was a revolution and uh by Kumeni who was a revolution and uh by Kumeni who was a senior cleric who had been a thorn in senior cleric who had been a thorn in senior cleric who had been a thorn in the Shaw side since the 60s was exiled the Shaw side since the 60s was exiled the Shaw side since the 60s was exiled first to Turkey then Iraq then first to Turkey then Iraq then first to Turkey then Iraq then ultimately to France right outside Paris ultimately to France right outside Paris ultimately to France right outside Paris actually from there he basically led the actually from there he basically led the actually from there he basically led the revolution ution that led to the sha's revolution ution that led to the sha's revolution ution that led to the sha's uh removal um after 79. uh removal um after 79. uh removal um after 79. >> And how was Iran different when the sha >> And how was Iran different when the sha >> And how was Iran different when the sha was in power versus when her was in was in power versus when her was in was in power versus when her was in power? power? power? >> That depends on who you ask. Um it was a >> That depends on who you ask. Um it was a >> That depends on who you ask. Um it was a constitutional monarchy. The sha had constitutional monarchy. The sha had constitutional monarchy. The sha had powers that exceeded beyond what we powers that exceeded beyond what we powers that exceeded beyond what we think a constitutional monarchy has think a constitutional monarchy has think a constitutional monarchy has today like in Great Britain. Um he was today like in Great Britain. Um he was today like in Great Britain. Um he was he ruled with an iron fist when he he ruled with an iron fist when he he ruled with an iron fist when he needed to. He was an authoritarian, but needed to. He was an authoritarian, but needed to. He was an authoritarian, but he also was one that was rapidly he also was one that was rapidly he also was one that was rapidly modernizing Iranian society, wanted to modernizing Iranian society, wanted to modernizing Iranian society, wanted to make it more like the West, using Iran's make it more like the West, using Iran's make it more like the West, using Iran's immense oil resources and wealth to immense oil resources and wealth to immense oil resources and wealth to really accelerate development, building really accelerate development, building really accelerate development, building of social institutions, healthcare, uh, of social institutions, healthcare, uh, of social institutions, healthcare, uh, literacy, modernization, all of those literacy, modernization, all of those literacy, modernization, all of those things. That was his focus. Make Iran things. That was his focus. Make Iran things. That was his focus. Make Iran more like the West. And, uh, in that more like the West. And, uh, in that more like the West. And, uh, in that sense, he succeeded, but it came at the sense, he succeeded, but it came at the sense, he succeeded, but it came at the expense often times of civil liberties expense often times of civil liberties expense often times of civil liberties for many people. It came at the expense for many people. It came at the expense for many people. It came at the expense of freedom for those who wanted to of freedom for those who wanted to of freedom for those who wanted to essentially practice religion, Islam, essentially practice religion, Islam, essentially practice religion, Islam, Shia, Islam in their own way. The Sha Shia, Islam in their own way. The Sha Shia, Islam in their own way. The Sha was not hostile to religion, but he he was not hostile to religion, but he he was not hostile to religion, but he he his policies were inconsistent with his policies were inconsistent with his policies were inconsistent with where the traditional religious Iranians where the traditional religious Iranians where the traditional religious Iranians wanted to go. And it sort of created a wanted to go. And it sort of created a wanted to go. And it sort of created a schism in society. And you also had um a schism in society. And you also had um a schism in society. And you also had um a wealth gap, an income disparity. wealth gap, an income disparity. wealth gap, an income disparity. Immense wealth poured into the country, Immense wealth poured into the country, Immense wealth poured into the country, but it didn't trickle its way downward but it didn't trickle its way downward but it didn't trickle its way downward into the sort of the village and rural into the sort of the village and rural into the sort of the village and rural poor. And so there was a lot of poor. And so there was a lot of poor. And so there was a lot of frustration, a lot of disenchantment frustration, a lot of disenchantment frustration, a lot of disenchantment with his policies. And that led to sort with his policies. And that led to sort with his policies. And that led to sort of this populist backlash of wanting of this populist backlash of wanting of this populist backlash of wanting something that was more democratic, more something that was more democratic, more something that was more democratic, more accountable, uh more like the West uh accountable, uh more like the West uh accountable, uh more like the West uh ironically. And uh and that sort of was ironically. And uh and that sort of was ironically. And uh and that sort of was the beginning of of where that cycle the beginning of of where that cycle the beginning of of where that cycle led. led. led. >> And so how did Hani take power of Iran? >> And so how did Hani take power of Iran? >> And so how did Hani take power of Iran? He led a movement, a mass populist He led a movement, a mass populist He led a movement, a mass populist movement, not a religious one, but meant movement, not a religious one, but meant movement, not a religious one, but meant to um go across multiple socio-economic to um go across multiple socio-economic to um go across multiple socio-economic and political divides and unified the and political divides and unified the and political divides and unified the opposition under this idea of removing opposition under this idea of removing opposition under this idea of removing the monarchy, removing dependence on the the monarchy, removing dependence on the the monarchy, removing dependence on the west. He specifically said Iran uh the west. He specifically said Iran uh the west. He specifically said Iran uh the United States was to large part to blame United States was to large part to blame United States was to large part to blame for Iran being in the state that it was, for Iran being in the state that it was, for Iran being in the state that it was, for people not having the the the the for people not having the the the the for people not having the the the the things they needed to live, the things they needed to live, the things they needed to live, the freedoms, the liberties. He blamed the freedoms, the liberties. He blamed the freedoms, the liberties. He blamed the Shaw's um use of the secret police and Shaw's um use of the secret police and Shaw's um use of the secret police and torture methods on the United States and torture methods on the United States and torture methods on the United States and on Israel who he claimed, you know, on Israel who he claimed, you know, on Israel who he claimed, you know, taught the secret police how to do these taught the secret police how to do these taught the secret police how to do these things. Um there's a complicated sort of things. Um there's a complicated sort of things. Um there's a complicated sort of history to that. And he basically history to that. And he basically history to that. And he basically promised them salvation from a what he promised them salvation from a what he promised them salvation from a what he did what he portrayed as a puppet tyrant did what he portrayed as a puppet tyrant did what he portrayed as a puppet tyrant of the United States and the masses of the United States and the masses of the United States and the masses bought into this. But both the left and bought into this. But both the left and bought into this. But both the left and the right really the right consisted of the right really the right consisted of the right really the right consisted of the the black the Islamists. So you had the the black the Islamists. So you had the the black the Islamists. So you had the red which were sort of the the the red which were sort of the the the red which were sort of the the Marxist socialist uh followers. You had Marxist socialist uh followers. You had Marxist socialist uh followers. You had the black and then you had sort of that the black and then you had sort of that the black and then you had sort of that middle in between and they all coalesed middle in between and they all coalesed middle in between and they all coalesed around this one charismatic religious around this one charismatic religious around this one charismatic religious figure very um austere man um one who figure very um austere man um one who figure very um austere man um one who didn't really have a lot of luxuries didn't really have a lot of luxuries didn't really have a lot of luxuries himself led a simple life but was himself led a simple life but was himself led a simple life but was consistent with his opposition to what consistent with his opposition to what consistent with his opposition to what he saw uh tyranny and despatism and he saw uh tyranny and despatism and he saw uh tyranny and despatism and people bought into it people bought into it people bought into it >> and the Americans didn't like this. The >> and the Americans didn't like this. The >> and the Americans didn't like this. The Americans didn't know what to make of Americans didn't know what to make of Americans didn't know what to make of it. And there was a failure, and I think it. And there was a failure, and I think it. And there was a failure, and I think Andrew can talk about this as well, over Andrew can talk about this as well, over Andrew can talk about this as well, over a failure by the State Department, the a failure by the State Department, the a failure by the State Department, the CIA in the 70s to see where the threat CIA in the 70s to see where the threat CIA in the 70s to see where the threat was. They saw the threat coming from the was. They saw the threat coming from the was. They saw the threat coming from the Soviet Union. They they were still Soviet Union. They they were still Soviet Union. They they were still afraid of Soviet encroachment in the afraid of Soviet encroachment in the afraid of Soviet encroachment in the Middle East, particularly through Iran. Middle East, particularly through Iran. Middle East, particularly through Iran. Their concerns were with the Marxists, Their concerns were with the Marxists, Their concerns were with the Marxists, the Communist parties. They did not the Communist parties. They did not the Communist parties. They did not carefully look at the black. They didn't carefully look at the black. They didn't carefully look at the black. They didn't look at the Islamists. They didn't see look at the Islamists. They didn't see look at the Islamists. They didn't see them as a threat until it was too late. them as a threat until it was too late. them as a threat until it was too late. The Shaw himself blocked or really The Shaw himself blocked or really The Shaw himself blocked or really didn't give the CIA full access to Iran. didn't give the CIA full access to Iran. didn't give the CIA full access to Iran. There was limited information that was There was limited information that was There was limited information that was coming out. He relied on his own u coming out. He relied on his own u coming out. He relied on his own u intelligence which fed him information intelligence which fed him information intelligence which fed him information he wanted to hear which is that he wanted to hear which is that he wanted to hear which is that everything is going great. The country everything is going great. The country everything is going great. The country is doing well. The people love you. is doing well. The people love you. is doing well. The people love you. They're all happy until the discontent They're all happy until the discontent They're all happy until the discontent and the the protest became they reached and the the protest became they reached and the the protest became they reached a threshold and it was too late to do a threshold and it was too late to do a threshold and it was too late to do anything about it. anything about it. anything about it. >> Yeah. The United States was kind of at >> Yeah. The United States was kind of at >> Yeah. The United States was kind of at their peak period of meddling in foreign their peak period of meddling in foreign their peak period of meddling in foreign governments at the time. Um kind of uh governments at the time. Um kind of uh governments at the time. Um kind of uh in a strange way that we've come full in a strange way that we've come full in a strange way that we've come full circle. This idea of of controlling an circle. This idea of of controlling an circle. This idea of of controlling an entire country by controlling the entire country by controlling the entire country by controlling the figurehead of the country. That's where figurehead of the country. That's where figurehead of the country. That's where we were in the uh late '7s at the kind we were in the uh late '7s at the kind we were in the uh late '7s at the kind of brink of the Cold War, right? Nobody of brink of the Cold War, right? Nobody of brink of the Cold War, right? Nobody knew that the Berlin Wall was going to knew that the Berlin Wall was going to knew that the Berlin Wall was going to fall. We were all concerned with the fall. We were all concerned with the fall. We were all concerned with the spread of communism. Nobody was paying spread of communism. Nobody was paying spread of communism. Nobody was paying attention to the Islamist threat. Nobody attention to the Islamist threat. Nobody attention to the Islamist threat. Nobody was paying attention to really any other was paying attention to really any other was paying attention to really any other kind of threat at all. was very much the kind of threat at all. was very much the kind of threat at all. was very much the the the the unfettered, uncontrolled, unfettered, uncontrolled, unfettered, uncontrolled, unsupervised CIA running around with no unsupervised CIA running around with no unsupervised CIA running around with no oversight and with very deep pockets. oversight and with very deep pockets. oversight and with very deep pockets. >> And that changed at some point. >> And that changed at some point. >> And that changed at some point. >> That changed in 2001 when uh al-Qaeda >> That changed in 2001 when uh al-Qaeda >> That changed in 2001 when uh al-Qaeda successfully carried out the 911 attacks successfully carried out the 911 attacks successfully carried out the 911 attacks in New York. And all of a sudden, the in New York. And all of a sudden, the in New York. And all of a sudden, the threat that we had all been ignoring was threat that we had all been ignoring was threat that we had all been ignoring was on our doorstep and had grown so wealthy on our doorstep and had grown so wealthy on our doorstep and had grown so wealthy and had spread so vast across the world and had spread so vast across the world and had spread so vast across the world that Islamic extremism became almost that Islamic extremism became almost that Islamic extremism became almost overnight a household term. Now, there's overnight a household term. Now, there's overnight a household term. Now, there's still a difference between al-Qaeda, still a difference between al-Qaeda, still a difference between al-Qaeda, Islamic Shia extremism, and what is Islamic Shia extremism, and what is Islamic Shia extremism, and what is practiced in the Shia faith and with the practiced in the Shia faith and with the practiced in the Shia faith and with the outcomes that the Shia militants are outcomes that the Shia militants are outcomes that the Shia militants are trying to pursue uh in support of Iran. trying to pursue uh in support of Iran. trying to pursue uh in support of Iran. But it's hard to differentiate that in But it's hard to differentiate that in But it's hard to differentiate that in the United States where we don't the United States where we don't the United States where we don't understand the difference between Sunni understand the difference between Sunni understand the difference between Sunni and Shia. and Shia. and Shia. >> Annie, what do you think this war is >> Annie, what do you think this war is >> Annie, what do you think this war is really about? really about? really about? >> Very interesting what you both said and >> Very interesting what you both said and >> Very interesting what you both said and I think what I would add to that to that I think what I would add to that to that I think what I would add to that to that which very much speaks to today is that which very much speaks to today is that which very much speaks to today is that the CIA in fact had many ups and downs the CIA in fact had many ups and downs the CIA in fact had many ups and downs over the decades from its creation right over the decades from its creation right over the decades from its creation right after World War II until this moment in after World War II until this moment in after World War II until this moment in time and then on 911. And so it's been time and then on 911. And so it's been time and then on 911. And so it's been like an accordion experience of power like an accordion experience of power like an accordion experience of power being taken away from the CIA and then being taken away from the CIA and then being taken away from the CIA and then being grabbed back because the CIA has being grabbed back because the CIA has being grabbed back because the CIA has always historically been the president's always historically been the president's always historically been the president's hidden hand. It has been the way in hidden hand. It has been the way in hidden hand. It has been the way in which the White House can execute which the White House can execute which the White House can execute executive power without having to follow executive power without having to follow executive power without having to follow the laws of war that the military does. the laws of war that the military does. the laws of war that the military does. So military is a code called title 10. So military is a code called title 10. So military is a code called title 10. CIA is a code called Title 50. And while CIA is a code called Title 50. And while CIA is a code called Title 50. And while that may sound a bit wonkish, it is that may sound a bit wonkish, it is that may sound a bit wonkish, it is important to understand because Title 50 important to understand because Title 50 important to understand because Title 50 essentially, as Andrew can speak to, essentially, as Andrew can speak to, essentially, as Andrew can speak to, gives the president authority under gives the president authority under gives the president authority under classified presidential directive to classified presidential directive to classified presidential directive to change any rule he wants that suits him change any rule he wants that suits him change any rule he wants that suits him for an operation at hand, which gets us for an operation at hand, which gets us for an operation at hand, which gets us precisely to where we are today. precisely to where we are today. precisely to where we are today. >> So, as far as I understand, there was >> So, as far as I understand, there was >> So, as far as I understand, there was the Sha, the sort of royal leader who the Sha, the sort of royal leader who the Sha, the sort of royal leader who was in power. He was overthrown in the was in power. He was overthrown in the was in power. He was overthrown in the late 1970s by Hermeni. Hermeni late 1970s by Hermeni. Hermeni late 1970s by Hermeni. Hermeni galvanized people to believe in his way galvanized people to believe in his way galvanized people to believe in his way and he's been in power ever since. and he's been in power ever since. and he's been in power ever since. >> It gets complicated because homi with an >> It gets complicated because homi with an >> It gets complicated because homi with an O was the original leader of the O was the original leader of the O was the original leader of the revolution and was later replaced by Hy revolution and was later replaced by Hy revolution and was later replaced by Hy with an A. Okay, there's two and but no with an A. Okay, there's two and but no with an A. Okay, there's two and but no that's that is that's that is that's that is >> the supreme leader the you know and this >> the supreme leader the you know and this >> the supreme leader the you know and this speaks to the revolutionary nature of speaks to the revolutionary nature of speaks to the revolutionary nature of Iran which has been you know taking Iran which has been you know taking Iran which has been you know taking place since 1979 you know in the news place since 1979 you know in the news place since 1979 you know in the news today people hear the um IR you know the today people hear the um IR you know the today people hear the um IR you know the Iranian revolutionary guard and it's so Iranian revolutionary guard and it's so Iranian revolutionary guard and it's so important to understand that word important to understand that word important to understand that word revolution because and you can speak to revolution because and you can speak to revolution because and you can speak to this better than any of us but Iran has this better than any of us but Iran has this better than any of us but Iran has been holding on to this idea uh that or been holding on to this idea uh that or been holding on to this idea uh that or rather the regime has that we are the rather the regime has that we are the rather the regime has that we are the revolutionary force against America. revolutionary force against America. revolutionary force against America. That is why the chant is always death to That is why the chant is always death to That is why the chant is always death to America. The wound of 19 of pre-1975, America. The wound of 19 of pre-1975, America. The wound of 19 of pre-1975, the wound of America meddling and having the wound of America meddling and having the wound of America meddling and having the shaw as its puppet is as inflamed or the shaw as its puppet is as inflamed or the shaw as its puppet is as inflamed or was as inflamed two days ago as it was was as inflamed two days ago as it was was as inflamed two days ago as it was the day after the revolution in 1979. the day after the revolution in 1979. the day after the revolution in 1979. >> I think that's probably important >> I think that's probably important >> I think that's probably important context. we m missed which was the US context. we m missed which was the US context. we m missed which was the US got involved in the sha and how he got involved in the sha and how he got involved in the sha and how he governed Iran. governed Iran. governed Iran. >> It's a fascinating period in 1951. So >> It's a fascinating period in 1951. So >> It's a fascinating period in 1951. So basically under the Iranian constitution basically under the Iranian constitution basically under the Iranian constitution the sha the king has the authority to the sha the king has the authority to the sha the king has the authority to select the prime minister with the select the prime minister with the select the prime minister with the consent of parliament. The consent part consent of parliament. The consent part consent of parliament. The consent part is really nominal and so Mosad who is a is really nominal and so Mosad who is a is really nominal and so Mosad who is a senior member of parliament and also a senior member of parliament and also a senior member of parliament and also a member of the previous royal dynasty is member of the previous royal dynasty is member of the previous royal dynasty is distantly related. this um elderly distantly related. this um elderly distantly related. this um elderly statesman who the sha out of sort of statesman who the sha out of sort of statesman who the sha out of sort of courtesy after having gone through a courtesy after having gone through a courtesy after having gone through a successive list of prime ministers says successive list of prime ministers says successive list of prime ministers says okay I'm going to appoint him prime okay I'm going to appoint him prime okay I'm going to appoint him prime minister so he wasn't democratically minister so he wasn't democratically minister so he wasn't democratically elected he was the he was elected to elected he was the he was elected to elected he was the he was elected to parliament but from there the sha parliament but from there the sha parliament but from there the sha selected him to be prime minister selected him to be prime minister selected him to be prime minister mosadak nationalized the oil company the mosadak nationalized the oil company the mosadak nationalized the oil company the Anglo-American oil company which was Anglo-American oil company which was Anglo-American oil company which was owned primarily by the British this owned primarily by the British this owned primarily by the British this angered the British who in turn angered the British who in turn angered the British who in turn blockaded Iran's ports and basically blockaded Iran's ports and basically blockaded Iran's ports and basically shut down its oil um industry and shut down its oil um industry and shut down its oil um industry and creating a national crisis. Um, and creating a national crisis. Um, and creating a national crisis. Um, and Mosatk was sort of amassing additional Mosatk was sort of amassing additional Mosatk was sort of amassing additional powers within himself uh for himself powers within himself uh for himself powers within himself uh for himself basically overstepping the authority basically overstepping the authority basically overstepping the authority that he had even though he had the that he had even though he had the that he had even though he had the support of a good deal of the public as support of a good deal of the public as support of a good deal of the public as it became obvious that this was a a bad it became obvious that this was a a bad it became obvious that this was a a bad move especially in the eyes of um Iran's move especially in the eyes of um Iran's move especially in the eyes of um Iran's international trading partners and it international trading partners and it international trading partners and it was causing Iran to be um isolated. was causing Iran to be um isolated. was causing Iran to be um isolated. There was push back towards him and then There was push back towards him and then There was push back towards him and then he was removed. The British had wanted he was removed. The British had wanted he was removed. The British had wanted MI6 had wanted to overthrow him, MI6 had wanted to overthrow him, MI6 had wanted to overthrow him, basically get him removed and they um basically get him removed and they um basically get him removed and they um try to recruit the United States to try to recruit the United States to try to recruit the United States to help. Um President Truman refused to help. Um President Truman refused to help. Um President Truman refused to engage in this earlier. Eisenhower comes engage in this earlier. Eisenhower comes engage in this earlier. Eisenhower comes in is more receptive under CIA CIA in is more receptive under CIA CIA in is more receptive under CIA CIA director Alan Dulles to actually engage director Alan Dulles to actually engage director Alan Dulles to actually engage in this called operation TP Ajax led by in this called operation TP Ajax led by in this called operation TP Ajax led by Kermit Roosevelt who is the CIA agent uh Kermit Roosevelt who is the CIA agent uh Kermit Roosevelt who is the CIA agent uh officer tasked with this. And then the officer tasked with this. And then the officer tasked with this. And then the Americans and the British basically help Americans and the British basically help Americans and the British basically help ferment a crowd that is a part of the ferment a crowd that is a part of the ferment a crowd that is a part of the movement that removes mosatk. Now movement that removes mosatk. Now movement that removes mosatk. Now whether it's a common I think a whether it's a common I think a whether it's a common I think a misconception that the US CIA was behind misconception that the US CIA was behind misconception that the US CIA was behind it. The British had a bigger role in in it. The British had a bigger role in in it. The British had a bigger role in in this. The um Americans were more of the this. The um Americans were more of the this. The um Americans were more of the junior partner but they became sort of junior partner but they became sort of junior partner but they became sort of the public face of it. the public face of it. the public face of it. >> But Moad was not this overwhelmingly >> But Moad was not this overwhelmingly >> But Moad was not this overwhelmingly popular democratically elected figure popular democratically elected figure popular democratically elected figure either. The history is more complicated. either. The history is more complicated. either. The history is more complicated. And regardless um there have been many And regardless um there have been many And regardless um there have been many prime min there were many prime prime min there were many prime prime min there were many prime ministers after him. Um and so he was ministers after him. Um and so he was ministers after him. Um and so he was known as a nationalist because he known as a nationalist because he known as a nationalist because he believed that Iran's oil should be believed that Iran's oil should be believed that Iran's oil should be nationalized and not really beholden to nationalized and not really beholden to nationalized and not really beholden to British interests and that created a lot British interests and that created a lot British interests and that created a lot of u resentment and animosity. But that of u resentment and animosity. But that of u resentment and animosity. But that began the US Iranian relationship really began the US Iranian relationship really began the US Iranian relationship really solidified when the sha returned. He solidified when the sha returned. He solidified when the sha returned. He didn't leave really he just sort of took didn't leave really he just sort of took didn't leave really he just sort of took himself out of the country for a bit but himself out of the country for a bit but himself out of the country for a bit but he never stepped down. Um and while this he never stepped down. Um and while this he never stepped down. Um and while this was all being resolved then he comes was all being resolved then he comes was all being resolved then he comes back and then the the US Iranian back and then the the US Iranian back and then the the US Iranian relationship continues all the way relationship continues all the way relationship continues all the way through 79. through 79. through 79. >> So the UK and the US have been meddling >> So the UK and the US have been meddling >> So the UK and the US have been meddling in Iran for a long time and kind of you in Iran for a long time and kind of you in Iran for a long time and kind of you know exerting their will. know exerting their will. know exerting their will. >> The UK since the 19th century by far the >> The UK since the 19th century by far the >> The UK since the 19th century by far the UK has been the dominant colonial force UK has been the dominant colonial force UK has been the dominant colonial force in in modern Iranian history. in in modern Iranian history. in in modern Iranian history. >> And they lose that power in the sort of >> And they lose that power in the sort of >> And they lose that power in the sort of 1980s early 1980s because the Hani comes 1980s early 1980s because the Hani comes 1980s early 1980s because the Hani comes in. The British lose that power with the in. The British lose that power with the in. The British lose that power with the fall of pretty much the fall of the fall of pretty much the fall of the fall of pretty much the fall of the empire in the 1940s after World War II empire in the 1940s after World War II empire in the 1940s after World War II and the United States in 79. Exactly. and the United States in 79. Exactly. and the United States in 79. Exactly. >> And then since then, the UK and the US >> And then since then, the UK and the US >> And then since then, the UK and the US haven't been able to sort of exert haven't been able to sort of exert haven't been able to sort of exert control and their will over Iran and control and their will over Iran and control and their will over Iran and >> zero zero. There's not even an embassy >> zero zero. There's not even an embassy >> zero zero. There's not even an embassy there because of course they took our there because of course they took our there because of course they took our embassy or they took over the embassy. I embassy or they took over the embassy. I embassy or they took over the embassy. I mean, it's been it's been like ground mean, it's been it's been like ground mean, it's been it's been like ground zero of nothing for the CIA's power, for zero of nothing for the CIA's power, for zero of nothing for the CIA's power, for any American power, really for any any American power, really for any any American power, really for any Western power. Western power. Western power. >> You call it a black box. >> You call it a black box. >> You call it a black box. >> It's a rogue nation. It's a black box of >> It's a rogue nation. It's a black box of >> It's a rogue nation. It's a black box of information. A rogue nation is a is one information. A rogue nation is a is one information. A rogue nation is a is one of a handful of countries around the of a handful of countries around the of a handful of countries around the world that follow no international world that follow no international world that follow no international norms. Um, North Korea is a rogue norms. Um, North Korea is a rogue norms. Um, North Korea is a rogue nation. Uh, Bellarus is a rogue nation. nation. Uh, Bellarus is a rogue nation. nation. Uh, Bellarus is a rogue nation. Cuba is a rogue nation. Venezuela was a Cuba is a rogue nation. Venezuela was a Cuba is a rogue nation. Venezuela was a rogue nation. These countries that rogue nation. These countries that rogue nation. These countries that completely stand separate from the the completely stand separate from the the completely stand separate from the the norms of an international society. And norms of an international society. And norms of an international society. And in Iran's case, it also became this in Iran's case, it also became this in Iran's case, it also became this black box where it did not allow black box where it did not allow black box where it did not allow foreigners in, especially not foreigners in, especially not foreigners in, especially not Westerners. It closed down its embassy. Westerners. It closed down its embassy. Westerners. It closed down its embassy. the traditional methods for collecting the traditional methods for collecting the traditional methods for collecting intelligence were very difficult and intelligence were very difficult and intelligence were very difficult and geographically it's so far away and so geographically it's so far away and so geographically it's so far away and so far outside of the the sphere of far outside of the the sphere of far outside of the the sphere of influence for the United States that in influence for the United States that in influence for the United States that in terms of intelligence and military terms of intelligence and military terms of intelligence and military prioritization it just fell to the prioritization it just fell to the prioritization it just fell to the bottom of the list bottom of the list bottom of the list >> and yet look exactly where it is it's >> and yet look exactly where it is it's >> and yet look exactly where it is it's right in the middle of the east and to right in the middle of the east and to right in the middle of the east and to Benjamin's point oil it's always about Benjamin's point oil it's always about Benjamin's point oil it's always about oil there's always a component of oil oil there's always a component of oil oil there's always a component of oil >> and there are so many other oil options >> and there are so many other oil options >> and there are so many other oil options in that region besides Iran right? Saudi in that region besides Iran right? Saudi in that region besides Iran right? Saudi Arabia, UAE, uh Bahrain, Qatar, they Arabia, UAE, uh Bahrain, Qatar, they Arabia, UAE, uh Bahrain, Qatar, they they've they've got the United States they've they've got the United States they've they've got the United States could partner with other Arab countries could partner with other Arab countries could partner with other Arab countries to get what they wanted without having to get what they wanted without having to get what they wanted without having to deal with Iran. to deal with Iran. to deal with Iran. >> So, explain to me in simple terms why >> So, explain to me in simple terms why >> So, explain to me in simple terms why Trump right now has decided that this is Trump right now has decided that this is Trump right now has decided that this is the best time to attack Iran. I want to the best time to attack Iran. I want to the best time to attack Iran. I want to start with you, Andrew. What's your start with you, Andrew. What's your start with you, Andrew. What's your point of view on that? The full picture point of view on that? The full picture point of view on that? The full picture of what his motivations. I think the of what his motivations. I think the of what his motivations. I think the question that you just asked is the most question that you just asked is the most question that you just asked is the most preient question that we will talk about preient question that we will talk about preient question that we will talk about today. Why? Why now? Why is it being today. Why? Why now? Why is it being today. Why? Why now? Why is it being communicated the way it's being communicated the way it's being communicated the way it's being communicated? Why was it executed the communicated? Why was it executed the communicated? Why was it executed the way it was executed? So why is now the way it was executed? So why is now the way it was executed? So why is now the very the best of all times? I frankly very the best of all times? I frankly very the best of all times? I frankly don't think it is. I think that's the don't think it is. I think that's the don't think it is. I think that's the narrative that's being communicated to narrative that's being communicated to narrative that's being communicated to the world and to the public. Um, what the world and to the public. Um, what the world and to the public. Um, what Donald Trump did in attacking Iran goes Donald Trump did in attacking Iran goes Donald Trump did in attacking Iran goes against what the ODNI report assessed against what the ODNI report assessed against what the ODNI report assessed for the big the most likely threats for the big the most likely threats for the big the most likely threats against the United States in her 2000 in against the United States in her 2000 in against the United States in her 2000 in the ODNI's 2005 threat assessment. It the ODNI's 2005 threat assessment. It the ODNI's 2005 threat assessment. It goes against the uh Department of Wars goes against the uh Department of Wars goes against the uh Department of Wars 2026 national defense strategy and it 2026 national defense strategy and it 2026 national defense strategy and it goes against the White House's national goes against the White House's national goes against the White House's national security strategy. These massive security strategy. These massive security strategy. These massive doctrinal doctrinal doctrinal >> annual assessments for how the United >> annual assessments for how the United >> annual assessments for how the United States will will protect national States will will protect national States will will protect national security. The attack against Iran goes security. The attack against Iran goes security. The attack against Iran goes contrary to all three of those in terms contrary to all three of those in terms contrary to all three of those in terms of priority and action. So why now? Why of priority and action. So why now? Why of priority and action. So why now? Why the way that we've done it? I can't the way that we've done it? I can't the way that we've done it? I can't answer it in any kind of logical way. answer it in any kind of logical way. answer it in any kind of logical way. >> What's the non-logical answer? >> What's the non-logical answer? >> What's the non-logical answer? >> It's a distraction. It's international >> It's a distraction. It's international >> It's a distraction. It's international pressure with Israel. It's a cheap win pressure with Israel. It's a cheap win pressure with Israel. It's a cheap win after a series of losses. after a series of losses. after a series of losses. It's uh a lastditch effort before he It's uh a lastditch effort before he It's uh a lastditch effort before he understands he that Donald Trump and and understands he that Donald Trump and and understands he that Donald Trump and and his party will lose control of the House his party will lose control of the House his party will lose control of the House in the midterms this year. in the midterms this year. in the midterms this year. >> I have a little bit of a different take, >> I have a little bit of a different take, >> I have a little bit of a different take, shall I? shall I? shall I? >> Um >> Um >> Um I believe the current administration is I believe the current administration is I believe the current administration is led as a completely top-down situation. led as a completely top-down situation. led as a completely top-down situation. In other words, like sole presidential In other words, like sole presidential In other words, like sole presidential authority. this current president is authority. this current president is authority. this current president is very enraptured with power and with um very enraptured with power and with um very enraptured with power and with um prowess, with effectiveness. And on the prowess, with effectiveness. And on the prowess, with effectiveness. And on the heels of Maduro and maybe even the heels of Maduro and maybe even the heels of Maduro and maybe even the cartel leader in Mexico, I believe that cartel leader in Mexico, I believe that cartel leader in Mexico, I believe that the current president saw a moment of of the current president saw a moment of of the current president saw a moment of of intense weakness that had been building, intense weakness that had been building, intense weakness that had been building, no doubt. And in waring in general, when no doubt. And in waring in general, when no doubt. And in waring in general, when when looking at it theoretically like when looking at it theoretically like when looking at it theoretically like someone like myself, the decapitation someone like myself, the decapitation someone like myself, the decapitation strike is the ultimate strike. It's strike is the ultimate strike. It's strike is the ultimate strike. It's literally like it sounds when you can it literally like it sounds when you can it literally like it sounds when you can it comes from cut off the head of the comes from cut off the head of the comes from cut off the head of the snake. And that is exactly what just snake. And that is exactly what just snake. And that is exactly what just happened. happened. happened. >> Why? Why though? Why? Why did he do >> Why? Why though? Why? Why did he do >> Why? Why though? Why? Why did he do that? that? that? >> Well, I cannot tell you why, but I can >> Well, I cannot tell you why, but I can >> Well, I cannot tell you why, but I can tell you what what we all know that this tell you what what we all know that this tell you what what we all know that this happened. So if you reverse engineer happened. So if you reverse engineer happened. So if you reverse engineer what happened I think it become there's what happened I think it become there's what happened I think it become there's only one conclusion which is that I only one conclusion which is that I only one conclusion which is that I would think the current president had would think the current president had would think the current president had wanted to do this and was waiting wanted to do this and was waiting wanted to do this and was waiting till he had the intelligent the good the till he had the intelligent the good the till he had the intelligent the good the intell and the intelligence part of it intell and the intelligence part of it intell and the intelligence part of it is beyond remarkable like how they how is beyond remarkable like how they how is beyond remarkable like how they how the CIA and NSA and you know probably the CIA and NSA and you know probably the CIA and NSA and you know probably DIA and NGA all of these intelligence DIA and NGA all of these intelligence DIA and NGA all of these intelligence agencies, of which there are many, not agencies, of which there are many, not agencies, of which there are many, not just the CIA, were able to get that just the CIA, were able to get that just the CIA, were able to get that information to the president in that information to the president in that information to the president in that exact moment, and make that strike and exact moment, and make that strike and exact moment, and make that strike and decapitate the leadership that has been decapitate the leadership that has been decapitate the leadership that has been in power since 1979. in power since 1979. in power since 1979. >> When they talk about the motives here, >> When they talk about the motives here, >> When they talk about the motives here, Trump will often site nuclear weapons as Trump will often site nuclear weapons as Trump will often site nuclear weapons as the motive, saying he didn't want uh the motive, saying he didn't want uh the motive, saying he didn't want uh Iran to get nuclear weapons. Is is that Iran to get nuclear weapons. Is is that Iran to get nuclear weapons. Is is that what's going on here in your point of what's going on here in your point of what's going on here in your point of view? The 2025 National Threat view? The 2025 National Threat view? The 2025 National Threat Assessment that was produced by the ODNI Assessment that was produced by the ODNI Assessment that was produced by the ODNI in March, so less than a year old, in March, so less than a year old, in March, so less than a year old, specifically says that Iran was unlikely specifically says that Iran was unlikely specifically says that Iran was unlikely to pursue the development of nuclear to pursue the development of nuclear to pursue the development of nuclear enrichment or nuclear weapons. That was enrichment or nuclear weapons. That was enrichment or nuclear weapons. That was the assessment of the the ODNI and that the assessment of the the ODNI and that the assessment of the the ODNI and that instead their primary concern was that instead their primary concern was that instead their primary concern was that Iran was going to focus resources into Iran was going to focus resources into Iran was going to focus resources into the research of biological and chemical the research of biological and chemical the research of biological and chemical weapons. So the fact that in March of weapons. So the fact that in March of weapons. So the fact that in March of 2025 the ODNI the assessment of all 2025 the ODNI the assessment of all 2025 the ODNI the assessment of all intelligence agencies said Iran is not intelligence agencies said Iran is not intelligence agencies said Iran is not working on a nuclear weapon and then working on a nuclear weapon and then working on a nuclear weapon and then after the strike in June of the same after the strike in June of the same after the strike in June of the same year where we dropped bunker busters and year where we dropped bunker busters and year where we dropped bunker busters and in Fordo further obliterating their in Fordo further obliterating their in Fordo further obliterating their nuclear enrichment capability and nuclear enrichment capability and nuclear enrichment capability and obliterating their program. We have two obliterating their program. We have two obliterating their program. We have two documents that say they're not documents that say they're not documents that say they're not developing it. We have another series of developing it. We have another series of developing it. We have another series of attacks that says it's obliterated and attacks that says it's obliterated and attacks that says it's obliterated and yet we're still saying that we need to yet we're still saying that we need to yet we're still saying that we need to attack Iran because of WMD. We've heard attack Iran because of WMD. We've heard attack Iran because of WMD. We've heard that story before. We've heard that WMD that story before. We've heard that WMD that story before. We've heard that WMD is a just that the concern of WMD is a is a just that the concern of WMD is a is a just that the concern of WMD is a just cause for war and that was when we just cause for war and that was when we just cause for war and that was when we invaded Iraq in 1992. invaded Iraq in 1992. invaded Iraq in 1992. >> So what do you think the real motivation >> So what do you think the real motivation >> So what do you think the real motivation there is? Therefore is there is? Therefore is there is? Therefore is >> it's very similar to what Annie is >> it's very similar to what Annie is >> it's very similar to what Annie is saying that that we have a current saying that that we have a current saying that that we have a current administration that is president down. administration that is president down. administration that is president down. It's fascinating if you read the It's fascinating if you read the It's fascinating if you read the official documentation because when you official documentation because when you official documentation because when you read the department of wars national read the department of wars national read the department of wars national security strategy what you hear more security strategy what you hear more security strategy what you hear more than any other word is Donald Trump. Our than any other word is Donald Trump. Our than any other word is Donald Trump. Our President Donald Trump is leading President Donald Trump is leading President Donald Trump is leading America through our President Donald America through our President Donald America through our President Donald Trump, the great Donald Trump. Like the Trump, the great Donald Trump. Like the Trump, the great Donald Trump. Like the it's incredible when you hear the it's incredible when you hear the it's incredible when you hear the speeches that come out of Marco Rubio's speeches that come out of Marco Rubio's speeches that come out of Marco Rubio's mouth or Pete Hex's mouth. What do you mouth or Pete Hex's mouth. What do you mouth or Pete Hex's mouth. What do you hear more than any other term? You hear hear more than any other term? You hear hear more than any other term? You hear the name of the president. Usually you the name of the president. Usually you the name of the president. Usually you hear we or the government or this hear we or the government or this hear we or the government or this administration. It's not around a administration. It's not around a administration. It's not around a personality. So, it's a very interesting personality. So, it's a very interesting personality. So, it's a very interesting situation because it there's so much of situation because it there's so much of situation because it there's so much of a person at stake here and everybody a person at stake here and everybody a person at stake here and everybody surrounding the office of the president surrounding the office of the president surrounding the office of the president is only there because they are is only there because they are is only there because they are respecting kissing the ring of the respecting kissing the ring of the respecting kissing the ring of the personality in the center personality in the center personality in the center >> and I'm going to add to that further >> and I'm going to add to that further >> and I'm going to add to that further just for a moment if I may because on just for a moment if I may because on just for a moment if I may because on that point the button on that is that if that point the button on that is that if that point the button on that is that if you I watch the president the current you I watch the president the current you I watch the president the current president's speeches to sort of you know president's speeches to sort of you know president's speeches to sort of you know discern things and you can often See, discern things and you can often See, discern things and you can often See, get your answer right there. And in one get your answer right there. And in one get your answer right there. And in one of the speeches either this morning or of the speeches either this morning or of the speeches either this morning or yesterday, he mentioned that the yesterday, he mentioned that the yesterday, he mentioned that the Ayatollah tried to kill him. Ayatollah tried to kill him. Ayatollah tried to kill him. And it's to me it's like, oh, that's the And it's to me it's like, oh, that's the And it's to me it's like, oh, that's the tit for tat, you know, again, top down tit for tat, you know, again, top down tit for tat, you know, again, top down or you could say school boy sandbox. I or you could say school boy sandbox. I or you could say school boy sandbox. I say that as the mother of two boys. you say that as the mother of two boys. you say that as the mother of two boys. you know, this human behavior that is way know, this human behavior that is way know, this human behavior that is way outside the norm of, you know, outside the norm of, you know, outside the norm of, you know, intelligence reports and assessments and intelligence reports and assessments and intelligence reports and assessments and these long monographs that may or may these long monographs that may or may these long monographs that may or may not actually be effective. I mean, you not actually be effective. I mean, you not actually be effective. I mean, you know, the biggest surprises of the past know, the biggest surprises of the past know, the biggest surprises of the past 40 years, the Berlin wall falling and 40 years, the Berlin wall falling and 40 years, the Berlin wall falling and 9/11 were completely unseen by any 9/11 were completely unseen by any 9/11 were completely unseen by any intelligence report. So there is an intelligence report. So there is an intelligence report. So there is an argument that those intelligence reports argument that those intelligence reports argument that those intelligence reports are as good as a coin toss. So I want to are as good as a coin toss. So I want to are as good as a coin toss. So I want to come to that point because the very fact come to that point because the very fact come to that point because the very fact that we have an Islamic Republic is a that we have an Islamic Republic is a that we have an Islamic Republic is a direct result of a failure of American direct result of a failure of American direct result of a failure of American intelligence to see that threat as early intelligence to see that threat as early intelligence to see that threat as early as 197677. as 197677. as 197677. A failure to inform then President A failure to inform then President A failure to inform then President Carter to do the necessary take the Carter to do the necessary take the Carter to do the necessary take the necessary steps to support the Sha and necessary steps to support the Sha and necessary steps to support the Sha and to neutralize that threat. So the United to neutralize that threat. So the United to neutralize that threat. So the United States track record in Iran for the last States track record in Iran for the last States track record in Iran for the last 40 or 50 years is abysmal when it comes 40 or 50 years is abysmal when it comes 40 or 50 years is abysmal when it comes to intelligence uh and when it comes to to intelligence uh and when it comes to to intelligence uh and when it comes to statecraftraft. And so there's that statecraftraft. And so there's that statecraftraft. And so there's that legacy, number one. Number two, October legacy, number one. Number two, October legacy, number one. Number two, October 7, 2023, the Hamas attack against Israel 7, 2023, the Hamas attack against Israel 7, 2023, the Hamas attack against Israel changed the dynamic entirely. That changed the dynamic entirely. That changed the dynamic entirely. That attack surprised Israeli intelligence. attack surprised Israeli intelligence. attack surprised Israeli intelligence. It surprised Americans. It surprised It surprised Americans. It surprised It surprised Americans. It surprised almost anybody watching. Nobody thought almost anybody watching. Nobody thought almost anybody watching. Nobody thought Hamas was going to do that, when they Hamas was going to do that, when they Hamas was going to do that, when they did it, and the means in which they did did it, and the means in which they did did it, and the means in which they did it. So all of a sudden, that forced a it. So all of a sudden, that forced a it. So all of a sudden, that forced a recalibration, a recalculation of what's recalibration, a recalculation of what's recalibration, a recalculation of what's at stake, what could happen. If we wait at stake, what could happen. If we wait at stake, what could happen. If we wait for an imminent threat till we see for an imminent threat till we see for an imminent threat till we see actually the sign outside the door, it's actually the sign outside the door, it's actually the sign outside the door, it's too late. So from the president's too late. So from the president's too late. So from the president's perspective to answer your original perspective to answer your original perspective to answer your original question, why now? Why do this? I question, why now? Why do this? I question, why now? Why do this? I believe the October 7th attacks and it's believe the October 7th attacks and it's believe the October 7th attacks and it's not at the behest of Israel necessarily. not at the behest of Israel necessarily. not at the behest of Israel necessarily. It's the idea that Iran we know finances It's the idea that Iran we know finances It's the idea that Iran we know finances Hamas, subsidizes Hamas, trains Hamas, Hamas, subsidizes Hamas, trains Hamas, Hamas, subsidizes Hamas, trains Hamas, equips Hamas, provides um logistical equips Hamas, provides um logistical equips Hamas, provides um logistical support of on on many levels so that support of on on many levels so that support of on on many levels so that Hamas can be what it was. And Hezbollah Hamas can be what it was. And Hezbollah Hamas can be what it was. And Hezbollah also. You have these destabilizing also. You have these destabilizing also. You have these destabilizing non-state groups in the Middle East non-state groups in the Middle East non-state groups in the Middle East wreaking havoc, destabilizing, causing wreaking havoc, destabilizing, causing wreaking havoc, destabilizing, causing uh causing chaos. You're the United uh causing chaos. You're the United uh causing chaos. You're the United States. You're also dealing with a States. You're also dealing with a States. You're also dealing with a nuclear threshold state. So Iran may or nuclear threshold state. So Iran may or nuclear threshold state. So Iran may or may not have a nuclear weapons program, may not have a nuclear weapons program, may not have a nuclear weapons program, but they exceeded the 20% enrichment but they exceeded the 20% enrichment but they exceeded the 20% enrichment that they were allowed to do under the that they were allowed to do under the that they were allowed to do under the nonuclear non-proliferation treaty. They nonuclear non-proliferation treaty. They nonuclear non-proliferation treaty. They they violated IAEA safeguards. They they they violated IAEA safeguards. They they they violated IAEA safeguards. They they lied. So you take all of this together, lied. So you take all of this together, lied. So you take all of this together, this is a regime that can't be trusted, this is a regime that can't be trusted, this is a regime that can't be trusted, that chance death to America, which is that chance death to America, which is that chance death to America, which is more than Saddam Hussein ever did, and more than Saddam Hussein ever did, and more than Saddam Hussein ever did, and is funding groups that had a that up is funding groups that had a that up is funding groups that had a that up until 911, Iran was behind more acts of until 911, Iran was behind more acts of until 911, Iran was behind more acts of terror that cost American lives than any terror that cost American lives than any terror that cost American lives than any other state or non-state group in the other state or non-state group in the other state or non-state group in the world. 911 changed that, but up until world. 911 changed that, but up until world. 911 changed that, but up until that, the Marine barracks bombing um in that, the Marine barracks bombing um in that, the Marine barracks bombing um in in the 1980s, terrorist attacks in the 1980s, terrorist attacks in the 1980s, terrorist attacks throughout Europe, South America, US throughout Europe, South America, US throughout Europe, South America, US embassy, absolutely the USS Cole, right? embassy, absolutely the USS Cole, right? embassy, absolutely the USS Cole, right? So this is a we've we've been at war So this is a we've we've been at war So this is a we've we've been at war from the president's perspective with from the president's perspective with from the president's perspective with Iran since they took our hostages for Iran since they took our hostages for Iran since they took our hostages for which they've never atoned for. They've which they've never atoned for. They've which they've never atoned for. They've never been held to account for. So if never been held to account for. So if never been held to account for. So if you take that calculus and then now you take that calculus and then now you take that calculus and then now we're in a post October 7th world with a we're in a post October 7th world with a we're in a post October 7th world with a nuclear threshold state what happened nuclear threshold state what happened nuclear threshold state what happened that changed was last year's 6 day a that changed was last year's 6 day a that changed was last year's 6 day a 12-day war in June created an 12-day war in June created an 12-day war in June created an opportunity weakened Iran enough and its opportunity weakened Iran enough and its opportunity weakened Iran enough and its proxies Hezbollah Hamas weakened. If proxies Hezbollah Hamas weakened. If proxies Hezbollah Hamas weakened. If there's an opportunity to finally there's an opportunity to finally there's an opportunity to finally address this 47year-old conflict, this address this 47year-old conflict, this address this 47year-old conflict, this was the window to do it. That is why I was the window to do it. That is why I was the window to do it. That is why I believe rightly or wrongly the president believe rightly or wrongly the president believe rightly or wrongly the president took the action when he did. took the action when he did. took the action when he did. >> That doesn't make it the best window. >> That doesn't make it the best window. >> That doesn't make it the best window. And that's what we're being told is that And that's what we're being told is that And that's what we're being told is that it was the last best window. it was the last best window. it was the last best window. >> I don't think it was the last best >> I don't think it was the last best >> I don't think it was the last best window, but it was a window or at least window, but it was a window or at least window, but it was a window or at least from their perspective, it was it was a from their perspective, it was it was a from their perspective, it was it was a window. You've got everyone weakened. window. You've got everyone weakened. window. You've got everyone weakened. You've got the the regime less popular You've got the the regime less popular You've got the the regime less popular than it's ever been. I mean, we saw the than it's ever been. I mean, we saw the than it's ever been. I mean, we saw the protest in January that led to the the, protest in January that led to the the, protest in January that led to the the, you know, the the blood bath that, you you know, the the blood bath that, you you know, the the blood bath that, you know, upwards of 30,000 people killed on know, upwards of 30,000 people killed on know, upwards of 30,000 people killed on January 8th and 9th. This was, you know, January 8th and 9th. This was, you know, January 8th and 9th. This was, you know, this this regime is at its lowest lowest this this regime is at its lowest lowest this this regime is at its lowest lowest point both in terms of domestic point both in terms of domestic point both in terms of domestic credibility and soft power and ability credibility and soft power and ability credibility and soft power and ability to to use proxies to carry out its will. to to use proxies to carry out its will. to to use proxies to carry out its will. Why not strike it now would be the Why not strike it now would be the Why not strike it now would be the logic. logic. logic. >> I mean, I can give lots of reasons why >> I mean, I can give lots of reasons why >> I mean, I can give lots of reasons why you wouldn't strike it. It's it's it's you wouldn't strike it. It's it's it's you wouldn't strike it. It's it's it's violating international law. It sets a violating international law. It sets a violating international law. It sets a dangerous precedent. It creates dangerous precedent. It creates dangerous precedent. It creates instability. There are Americans dead, instability. There are Americans dead, instability. There are Americans dead, Maradis dead, uh Saudis dead for what? Maradis dead, uh Saudis dead for what? Maradis dead, uh Saudis dead for what? For for for something that was already For for for something that was already For for for something that was already on the precipice of dying itself. on the precipice of dying itself. on the precipice of dying itself. >> It's been dying for 40 years. >> It's been dying for 40 years. >> It's been dying for 40 years. >> So why not let it run its course? >> So why not let it run its course? >> So why not let it run its course? >> Because because what more damage is it >> Because because what more damage is it >> Because because what more damage is it going to do? What more October 7th can going to do? What more October 7th can going to do? What more October 7th can we see? we see? we see? >> Arguably less than anything that's >> Arguably less than anything that's >> Arguably less than anything that's already been done. So, it's like taking already been done. So, it's like taking already been done. So, it's like taking action on it's like putting down the action on it's like putting down the action on it's like putting down the dead dog after it's done all of its dead dog after it's done all of its dead dog after it's done all of its >> Well, you I don't think that you could >> Well, you I don't think that you could >> Well, you I don't think that you could say to the families of the 30,000 some say to the families of the 30,000 some say to the families of the 30,000 some people who were murdered by the regime people who were murdered by the regime people who were murdered by the regime just earlier, you know, in January that just earlier, you know, in January that just earlier, you know, in January that it's a dead dog. I don't I think they it's a dead dog. I don't I think they it's a dead dog. I don't I think they would disagree. would disagree. would disagree. >> That's it's their country. It's their >> That's it's their country. It's their >> That's it's their country. It's their people. It's their it's their decision. people. It's their it's their decision. people. It's their it's their decision. It's their right to self-determination. It's their right to self-determination. It's their right to self-determination. >> I'm not saying it's correct what was >> I'm not saying it's correct what was >> I'm not saying it's correct what was done. I'm I'm just simply telling saying done. I'm I'm just simply telling saying done. I'm I'm just simply telling saying the facts of that which I agree with you the facts of that which I agree with you the facts of that which I agree with you know unilaterally that that the weakened know unilaterally that that the weakened know unilaterally that that the weakened situation was perceived by this situation was perceived by this situation was perceived by this administration as the moment to strike administration as the moment to strike administration as the moment to strike and what is done is done. and what is done is done. and what is done is done. >> Agreed. >> Agreed. >> Agreed. >> And so I think what's more interesting >> And so I think what's more interesting >> And so I think what's more interesting to me is you know observing how America to me is you know observing how America to me is you know observing how America is dealing with this. I mean we are in is dealing with this. I mean we are in is dealing with this. I mean we are in our own crisis America our own serious our own crisis America our own serious our own crisis America our own serious crisis and there are crises around the crisis and there are crises around the crisis and there are crises around the world particularly in this area and world particularly in this area and world particularly in this area and without having a crystal ball none of us without having a crystal ball none of us without having a crystal ball none of us know and I think that what will happen know and I think that what will happen know and I think that what will happen in the next two weeks will be profoundly in the next two weeks will be profoundly in the next two weeks will be profoundly telling interestingly people will say telling interestingly people will say telling interestingly people will say this was a good move or this will was a this was a good move or this will was a this was a good move or this will was a bad move which in and of itself is a bad move which in and of itself is a bad move which in and of itself is a bizarre theater because your point is bizarre theater because your point is bizarre theater because your point is correct you've got you America taking correct you've got you America taking correct you've got you America taking action in a place that's not its not its action in a place that's not its not its action in a place that's not its not its sovereign country. sovereign country. sovereign country. >> Yes. And to your point, you've got, you >> Yes. And to your point, you've got, you >> Yes. And to your point, you've got, you know, decades of a menace that is now know, decades of a menace that is now know, decades of a menace that is now off the table. off the table. off the table. >> I would disagree with that. Exactly. We >> I would disagree with that. Exactly. We >> I would disagree with that. Exactly. We don't know. And and the worst part is don't know. And and the worst part is don't know. And and the worst part is that in the leadup to this, Iran's that in the leadup to this, Iran's that in the leadup to this, Iran's relationship with the with Russia and relationship with the with Russia and relationship with the with Russia and China and and other countries that are China and and other countries that are China and and other countries that are successfully countering American successfully countering American successfully countering American influence worldwide had grown closer influence worldwide had grown closer influence worldwide had grown closer than ever before. I think they're fair than ever before. I think they're fair than ever before. I think they're fair weather friends that just turn on them weather friends that just turn on them weather friends that just turn on them in a second. in a second. in a second. >> What are you concerned about, aren't >> What are you concerned about, aren't >> What are you concerned about, aren't you? you? you? >> So, so there's a number of things here. >> So, so there's a number of things here. >> So, so there's a number of things here. So, first of all, with the removal of So, first of all, with the removal of So, first of all, with the removal of Maduro in Venezuela, which happened less Maduro in Venezuela, which happened less Maduro in Venezuela, which happened less than 60 days ago, and now the killing, than 60 days ago, and now the killing, than 60 days ago, and now the killing, the assassination of a of a leader, the assassination of a of a leader, the assassination of a of a leader, >> the decapitation of the regime, >> the decapitation of the regime, >> the decapitation of the regime, >> which was the same thing you did here >> which was the same thing you did here >> which was the same thing you did here when you rendered Maduro, right? It's a when you rendered Maduro, right? It's a when you rendered Maduro, right? It's a decapitation of a regime. decapitation of a regime. decapitation of a regime. >> That's different. I I would say if >> That's different. I I would say if >> That's different. I I would say if you're going to, you know, extract you're going to, you know, extract you're going to, you know, extract someone, you haven't killed them. So, someone, you haven't killed them. So, someone, you haven't killed them. So, that's not decapitation. basically that's not decapitation. basically that's not decapitation. basically swapping out the CEO. This is completely swapping out the CEO. This is completely swapping out the CEO. This is completely reforming the company or reforming the company or reforming the company or >> I agree with that because because they >> I agree with that because because they >> I agree with that because because they were different countries. They operated were different countries. They operated were different countries. They operated in different ways. But when you attack in different ways. But when you attack in different ways. But when you attack the leadership, the leadership, the leadership, >> when you attack the head of state, >> when you attack the head of state, >> when you attack the head of state, >> that is protected under international >> that is protected under international >> that is protected under international law because because when you do that, law because because when you do that, law because because when you do that, you open the gates for everyone. you open the gates for everyone. you open the gates for everyone. >> Of course. >> Of course. >> Of course. >> What is it? What is at the heart of your >> What is it? What is at the heart of your >> What is it? What is at the heart of your concern? Because it sounds like you're concern? Because it sounds like you're concern? Because it sounds like you're saying that this wasn't the right time saying that this wasn't the right time saying that this wasn't the right time to do this and and so what are the to do this and and so what are the to do this and and so what are the unintended consequences that you're unintended consequences that you're unintended consequences that you're foreseeing? So there is a domino effect foreseeing? So there is a domino effect foreseeing? So there is a domino effect that happens with every decision that that happens with every decision that that happens with every decision that the United States makes. And now that we the United States makes. And now that we the United States makes. And now that we have essentially taken this military have essentially taken this military have essentially taken this military action against a sovereign country, it action against a sovereign country, it action against a sovereign country, it opens the door for all sorts of other opens the door for all sorts of other opens the door for all sorts of other countries to just unilaterally choose countries to just unilaterally choose countries to just unilaterally choose when they're going to take action when they're going to take action when they're going to take action against another sovereign independ. We against another sovereign independ. We against another sovereign independ. We have created more opportunity for more have created more opportunity for more have created more opportunity for more rogue nations which is a greater rogue nations which is a greater rogue nations which is a greater abandonment of an international abandonment of an international abandonment of an international community which destabilizes our global community which destabilizes our global community which destabilizes our global trade, our economics, our sense of trade, our economics, our sense of trade, our economics, our sense of personal security. The Americans are personal security. The Americans are personal security. The Americans are less secure now than they were 4 days less secure now than they were 4 days less secure now than they were 4 days ago. They are targeted now more than ago. They are targeted now more than ago. They are targeted now more than they were 4 days ago. And if we if we they were 4 days ago. And if we if we they were 4 days ago. And if we if we are coming to the conclusion that we are coming to the conclusion that we are coming to the conclusion that we need to make things worse before we can need to make things worse before we can need to make things worse before we can make things better, that's a make things better, that's a make things better, that's a conversation I guess we can have. the conversation I guess we can have. the conversation I guess we can have. the debate we can have. But with with the debate we can have. But with with the debate we can have. But with with the crisis that we have here at home, with crisis that we have here at home, with crisis that we have here at home, with the concerns that exist, with the stated the concerns that exist, with the stated the concerns that exist, with the stated priorities, priorities, priorities, >> crisis here at home, >> crisis here at home, >> crisis here at home, >> we have an economic crisis here at home, >> we have an economic crisis here at home, >> we have an economic crisis here at home, an immigration crisis here at home. We an immigration crisis here at home. We an immigration crisis here at home. We have a crisis of politics here at home. have a crisis of politics here at home. have a crisis of politics here at home. Like the United States is Like the United States is Like the United States is >> I would just say it's tribal warfare >> I would just say it's tribal warfare >> I would just say it's tribal warfare here at home. I mean, I watch it and here at home. I mean, I watch it and here at home. I mean, I watch it and it's just very, very, very dangerous. it's just very, very, very dangerous. it's just very, very, very dangerous. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going. >> No, no, no. It's just now we have just >> No, no, no. It's just now we have just >> No, no, no. It's just now we have just exacerbated that even more. And we've exacerbated that even more. And we've exacerbated that even more. And we've exacerbated that more with an ally in exacerbated that more with an ally in exacerbated that more with an ally in the Middle East that just got done the Middle East that just got done the Middle East that just got done carrying out one of the most destructive carrying out one of the most destructive carrying out one of the most destructive attacks in history against Gaza. attacks in history against Gaza. attacks in history against Gaza. >> You you brought up something. You talk >> You you brought up something. You talk >> You you brought up something. You talk about sovereignty. Um with regards to about sovereignty. Um with regards to about sovereignty. Um with regards to the January 8th um the January 8th um the January 8th um the violence committed against the the violence committed against the the violence committed against the protesters. You said that that basically protesters. You said that that basically protesters. You said that that basically it's their own people's it's their own people's it's their own people's self-determination. How do how does the self-determination. How do how does the self-determination. How do how does the international community deal with acts international community deal with acts international community deal with acts of state violence against its own of state violence against its own of state violence against its own people? people? people? >> That's so we have a a word for that and >> That's so we have a a word for that and >> That's so we have a a word for that and it's called intrastate conflicts. Okay. it's called intrastate conflicts. Okay. it's called intrastate conflicts. Okay. Conflict inside of a state, a civil war, Conflict inside of a state, a civil war, Conflict inside of a state, a civil war, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> The international community has no >> The international community has no >> The international community has no responsibility for stepping into a civil responsibility for stepping into a civil responsibility for stepping into a civil war. war. war. >> So that was this is a great point. This >> So that was this is a great point. This >> So that was this is a great point. This is the debate that the uh that the four is the debate that the uh that the four is the debate that the uh that the four allied powers had at the end of World allied powers had at the end of World allied powers had at the end of World War II when they were convening the War II when they were convening the War II when they were convening the Nermberg trials. You had this idea that Nermberg trials. You had this idea that Nermberg trials. You had this idea that we don't have laws to account for how a we don't have laws to account for how a we don't have laws to account for how a country or state treats people within country or state treats people within country or state treats people within its own sovereign borders. The idea is its own sovereign borders. The idea is its own sovereign borders. The idea is that Germany could do what Germany did that Germany could do what Germany did that Germany could do what Germany did within Germany proper. Forget about within Germany proper. Forget about within Germany proper. Forget about occupied Germany. Within its own occupied Germany. Within its own occupied Germany. Within its own borders, it can mistreat anybody because borders, it can mistreat anybody because borders, it can mistreat anybody because that was German law. And the push was that was German law. And the push was that was German law. And the push was that that's not the world we want to that that's not the world we want to that that's not the world we want to live in anymore. We want to live in a live in anymore. We want to live in a live in anymore. We want to live in a world where basically nations cannot do world where basically nations cannot do world where basically nations cannot do that to people. And that's where the that to people. And that's where the that to people. And that's where the basis of the Nuremberg tribunals came. basis of the Nuremberg tribunals came. basis of the Nuremberg tribunals came. And that's where we got international And that's where we got international And that's where we got international law of war crimes, crimes of aggression, law of war crimes, crimes of aggression, law of war crimes, crimes of aggression, genocide, so on and so forth. So the genocide, so on and so forth. So the genocide, so on and so forth. So the idea is that just because Iran is idea is that just because Iran is idea is that just because Iran is sovereign, we we sit back and allow them sovereign, we we sit back and allow them sovereign, we we sit back and allow them to do that. It's it wasn't a civil war to do that. It's it wasn't a civil war to do that. It's it wasn't a civil war because one side was fighting with with because one side was fighting with with because one side was fighting with with with knives, machetes, assault rifles. with knives, machetes, assault rifles. with knives, machetes, assault rifles. The other side had spoons, wooden sp, The other side had spoons, wooden sp, The other side had spoons, wooden sp, you know, I mean, that kind of thing, you know, I mean, that kind of thing, you know, I mean, that kind of thing, right? It was so lopsided. It was such right? It was so lopsided. It was such right? It was so lopsided. It was such an abuse and a asymmetric battle. an abuse and a asymmetric battle. an abuse and a asymmetric battle. >> Under the Clinton administration, we >> Under the Clinton administration, we >> Under the Clinton administration, we chose to not be part of the chose to not be part of the chose to not be part of the International Criminal Court. We pulled International Criminal Court. We pulled International Criminal Court. We pulled ourselves out of the very same ourselves out of the very same ourselves out of the very same conclusion that you're talking about. conclusion that you're talking about. conclusion that you're talking about. >> Yeah. But Nuremberg was not but but >> Yeah. But Nuremberg was not but but >> Yeah. But Nuremberg was not but but there's also the ICJ. There is a UN there's also the ICJ. There is a UN there's also the ICJ. There is a UN framework that's independent from the framework that's independent from the framework that's independent from the ICC and the Rome treaty. So all I'm ICC and the Rome treaty. So all I'm ICC and the Rome treaty. So all I'm saying is we do have international law saying is we do have international law saying is we do have international law that addresses what nations can do to that addresses what nations can do to that addresses what nations can do to their own people. their own people. their own people. >> And we violated international law by by >> And we violated international law by by >> And we violated international law by by running by attacking a head of state. So running by attacking a head of state. So running by attacking a head of state. So what what is the there's no continuity. what what is the there's no continuity. what what is the there's no continuity. There's no consistency. We choose to do There's no consistency. We choose to do There's no consistency. We choose to do what we choose to do. We choose to what we choose to do. We choose to what we choose to do. We choose to support what we choose to support. and support what we choose to support. and support what we choose to support. and we choose to abandon what we choose to we choose to abandon what we choose to we choose to abandon what we choose to abandon. And how how do you make sense abandon. And how how do you make sense abandon. And how how do you make sense in a world like that? How do you predict in a world like that? How do you predict in a world like that? How do you predict the future? How do you manage even the future? How do you manage even the future? How do you manage even raising a family? How do you know where raising a family? How do you know where raising a family? How do you know where you can travel? How do you decide on you can travel? How do you decide on you can travel? How do you decide on investments? How do you you can't that investments? How do you you can't that investments? How do you you can't that is a great point and I think that's the is a great point and I think that's the is a great point and I think that's the that's a you know that's a point to be that's a you know that's a point to be that's a you know that's a point to be made here is that there's an absence of made here is that there's an absence of made here is that there's an absence of the enforcement of law internationally the enforcement of law internationally the enforcement of law internationally and it's victor's justice and the and it's victor's justice and the and it's victor's justice and the dominant will essentially exercise dominant will essentially exercise dominant will essentially exercise whatever will they want. The law be whatever will they want. The law be whatever will they want. The law be damned. Do you think this is part of damned. Do you think this is part of damned. Do you think this is part of Trump's what his motivations are linked Trump's what his motivations are linked Trump's what his motivations are linked to his personal legacy? And I say this a to his personal legacy? And I say this a to his personal legacy? And I say this a lot because I think sometimes you got to lot because I think sometimes you got to lot because I think sometimes you got to kind of follow the incentive structure, kind of follow the incentive structure, kind of follow the incentive structure, especially of a president that can't be especially of a president that can't be especially of a president that can't be reelected, who has talked a lot about reelected, who has talked a lot about reelected, who has talked a lot about wanting to win the Nobel Peace Prize, wanting to win the Nobel Peace Prize, wanting to win the Nobel Peace Prize, although he's probably never said it although he's probably never said it although he's probably never said it directly. And you, it almost looks like directly. And you, it almost looks like directly. And you, it almost looks like a Trump that's thinking about his legacy a Trump that's thinking about his legacy a Trump that's thinking about his legacy ahead of time. And one's legacy is going ahead of time. And one's legacy is going ahead of time. And one's legacy is going to be determined by like the wars you to be determined by like the wars you to be determined by like the wars you you start, the people you take out, the you start, the people you take out, the you start, the people you take out, the Venezuela situation, the economies seems Venezuela situation, the economies seems Venezuela situation, the economies seems to be really important to him. Do you to be really important to him. Do you to be really important to him. Do you think this is he's motivated more so by think this is he's motivated more so by think this is he's motivated more so by his legacy than say someone else? his legacy than say someone else? his legacy than say someone else? >> I do believe that we are in a position >> I do believe that we are in a position >> I do believe that we are in a position where this is the first president we've where this is the first president we've where this is the first president we've ever had, and I would love to be wrong. ever had, and I would love to be wrong. ever had, and I would love to be wrong. Please disagree with me on this, but I Please disagree with me on this, but I Please disagree with me on this, but I think this is the first president we've think this is the first president we've think this is the first president we've ever had that's more focused on personal ever had that's more focused on personal ever had that's more focused on personal legacy than professional or political legacy than professional or political legacy than professional or political legacy. I think he's thinking about legacy. I think he's thinking about legacy. I think he's thinking about Donald Trump and the name Trump and the Donald Trump and the name Trump and the Donald Trump and the name Trump and the Trump fortune and the Trump future more Trump fortune and the Trump future more Trump fortune and the Trump future more than he's thinking about the image of than he's thinking about the image of than he's thinking about the image of him on children's bookmarks as a as a him on children's bookmarks as a as a him on children's bookmarks as a as a president of the United States for the president of the United States for the president of the United States for the rest of the existence of the United rest of the existence of the United rest of the existence of the United States. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't States. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't States. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't feel like he's motivated by country by feel like he's motivated by country by feel like he's motivated by country by service. He is supposed to be service. He is supposed to be service. He is supposed to be >> it's not it's not country over part or >> it's not it's not country over part or >> it's not it's not country over part or party over country. It's brand over party over country. It's brand over party over country. It's brand over country. The Trump brand. I would agree country. The Trump brand. I would agree country. The Trump brand. I would agree with that. Yeah, with that. Yeah, with that. Yeah, >> I've never heard a president talking >> I've never heard a president talking >> I've never heard a president talking about, oh, I might take Greenland, might about, oh, I might take Greenland, might about, oh, I might take Greenland, might might go to Venezuela. Um, might go to Venezuela. Um, might go to Venezuela. Um, >> he he fancies himself a dealmaker. He >> he he fancies himself a dealmaker. He >> he he fancies himself a dealmaker. He wants a Nobel Peace Prize. He he prides wants a Nobel Peace Prize. He he prides wants a Nobel Peace Prize. He he prides himself on the number of wars that he's himself on the number of wars that he's himself on the number of wars that he's he's he's u ended um conflicts that he's he's he's u ended um conflicts that he's he's he's u ended um conflicts that he's solved. I think ideally he would have solved. I think ideally he would have solved. I think ideally he would have wanted Iran to end up with a diplomatic wanted Iran to end up with a diplomatic wanted Iran to end up with a diplomatic solution. He came with terms. I don't solution. He came with terms. I don't solution. He came with terms. I don't think war was a preferred option. I he think war was a preferred option. I he think war was a preferred option. I he would be much happier if there was an would be much happier if there was an would be much happier if there was an agreement that, you know, allowed agreement that, you know, allowed agreement that, you know, allowed everything to kind of stay in place. everything to kind of stay in place. everything to kind of stay in place. Iran would abide by nuclear Iran would abide by nuclear Iran would abide by nuclear restrictions, missile restrictions, restrictions, missile restrictions, restrictions, missile restrictions, proxy restrictions and then a Trump proxy restrictions and then a Trump proxy restrictions and then a Trump casino gets built in you know that would casino gets built in you know that would casino gets built in you know that would have made him happy because yeah that is have made him happy because yeah that is have made him happy because yeah that is about the personal that is about the about the personal that is about the about the personal that is about the brand that and it's also he sees that as brand that and it's also he sees that as brand that and it's also he sees that as benefiting the United States benefiting benefiting the United States benefiting benefiting the United States benefiting uh the US's global partners in the uh the US's global partners in the uh the US's global partners in the region so but but I think a lot of this region so but but I think a lot of this region so but but I think a lot of this is personally driven I I I would agree. is personally driven I I I would agree. is personally driven I I I would agree. >> I also find it quite fascinating that >> I also find it quite fascinating that >> I also find it quite fascinating that our prime minister in the UK K Dharma is our prime minister in the UK K Dharma is our prime minister in the UK K Dharma is not being asked about any of this stuff not being asked about any of this stuff not being asked about any of this stuff ahead of time. I think if we go back a ahead of time. I think if we go back a ahead of time. I think if we go back a couple of decades, the UK and the US couple of decades, the UK and the US couple of decades, the UK and the US were allies. Now it seems like the US is were allies. Now it seems like the US is were allies. Now it seems like the US is kind of acting as a lone force in the kind of acting as a lone force in the kind of acting as a lone force in the world. And it's funny cuz you know I world. And it's funny cuz you know I world. And it's funny cuz you know I watched Karma come out after the attacks watched Karma come out after the attacks watched Karma come out after the attacks have happened and he clearly had no idea have happened and he clearly had no idea have happened and he clearly had no idea what's going to happen. Same in what's going to happen. Same in what's going to happen. Same in Venezuela. Once upon a time you would Venezuela. Once upon a time you would Venezuela. Once upon a time you would have briefed us. The president did go to have briefed us. The president did go to have briefed us. The president did go to the prime minister about I think using the prime minister about I think using the prime minister about I think using Diego Garcia in other bases um and was Diego Garcia in other bases um and was Diego Garcia in other bases um and was turned down if I'm not mistaken. Right. turned down if I'm not mistaken. Right. turned down if I'm not mistaken. Right. That that so there was some awareness That that so there was some awareness That that so there was some awareness that something was being planned and and that something was being planned and and that something was being planned and and the prime minister said that the that the prime minister said that the that the prime minister said that the that the UK government would have no part in the UK government would have no part in the UK government would have no part in any of that. any of that. any of that. >> What's going on here? What's the the >> What's going on here? What's the the >> What's going on here? What's the the macro picture of in terms of the macro picture of in terms of the macro picture of in terms of the declining world order that we once knew declining world order that we once knew declining world order that we once knew where we had where it wasn't just United where we had where it wasn't just United where we had where it wasn't just United States running around doing whatever States running around doing whatever States running around doing whatever they liked and other people might be they liked and other people might be they liked and other people might be briefed or asked. briefed or asked. briefed or asked. I mean, I'm interested in looking at I mean, I'm interested in looking at I mean, I'm interested in looking at outcome, you know, and then kind of outcome, you know, and then kind of outcome, you know, and then kind of looking backwards at how we got there. looking backwards at how we got there. looking backwards at how we got there. And I'm also very interested in how And I'm also very interested in how And I'm also very interested in how divided America is because I really do divided America is because I really do divided America is because I really do see it as the greatest weakness. So, you see it as the greatest weakness. So, you see it as the greatest weakness. So, you can show strength in what just happened, can show strength in what just happened, can show strength in what just happened, but if you are extremely vulnerable at but if you are extremely vulnerable at but if you are extremely vulnerable at home, then, and I'm not talking home, then, and I'm not talking home, then, and I'm not talking necessarily about Hezbollah terrorist necessarily about Hezbollah terrorist necessarily about Hezbollah terrorist cells being, you know, activated, which cells being, you know, activated, which cells being, you know, activated, which may or may not happen. I'm just talking may or may not happen. I'm just talking may or may not happen. I'm just talking about the the clash of political parties about the the clash of political parties about the the clash of political parties in the United States. And to that end, I in the United States. And to that end, I in the United States. And to that end, I often look at the past and like so we're often look at the past and like so we're often look at the past and like so we're talking about you mentioned, you know, talking about you mentioned, you know, talking about you mentioned, you know, being friendly and having our allies and being friendly and having our allies and being friendly and having our allies and our and I can't help but look at the our and I can't help but look at the our and I can't help but look at the reaction of the opposing party right now reaction of the opposing party right now reaction of the opposing party right now at this action for better or for worse, at this action for better or for worse, at this action for better or for worse, but bringing up the Iraq war and talking but bringing up the Iraq war and talking but bringing up the Iraq war and talking about how we got our allies involved. We about how we got our allies involved. We about how we got our allies involved. We went to Congress and I as a historian went to Congress and I as a historian went to Congress and I as a historian can't help but think, but wait a minute, can't help but think, but wait a minute, can't help but think, but wait a minute, the Iraq war was built on faulty the Iraq war was built on faulty the Iraq war was built on faulty intelligence. The Iraq war led us into a intelligence. The Iraq war led us into a intelligence. The Iraq war led us into a 20year 20year 20year absolute misery with so many people in absolute misery with so many people in absolute misery with so many people in this area killed and so many more this area killed and so many more this area killed and so many more problems metastasizing as a result. And problems metastasizing as a result. And problems metastasizing as a result. And so to to be selective about what works so to to be selective about what works so to to be selective about what works and what what doesn't work is to me as and what what doesn't work is to me as and what what doesn't work is to me as dangerous as a situation as we are in dangerous as a situation as we are in dangerous as a situation as we are in now. And I know that's a little bit now. And I know that's a little bit now. And I know that's a little bit skirting away from, you know, giving you skirting away from, you know, giving you skirting away from, you know, giving you an answer as to why what was done was an answer as to why what was done was an answer as to why what was done was done or whether it's a good idea or a done or whether it's a good idea or a done or whether it's a good idea or a bad idea. It just simply is very bad idea. It just simply is very bad idea. It just simply is very interesting to me because I can't help interesting to me because I can't help interesting to me because I can't help but see, you know, being a subject but see, you know, being a subject but see, you know, being a subject matter expert on the history of the CIA matter expert on the history of the CIA matter expert on the history of the CIA in particular. I see these actions in particular. I see these actions in particular. I see these actions where it is presidential authoritydriven where it is presidential authoritydriven where it is presidential authoritydriven since the end of World War II. And to since the end of World War II. And to since the end of World War II. And to me, that's what this action looks like. me, that's what this action looks like. me, that's what this action looks like. So, we're in the new era where we are So, we're in the new era where we are So, we're in the new era where we are in, which I find interesting, is where in, which I find interesting, is where in, which I find interesting, is where the president of the United States can the president of the United States can the president of the United States can essentially take what would historically essentially take what would historically essentially take what would historically be a covert action operation. You be a covert action operation. You be a covert action operation. You wouldn't even know about it. That would wouldn't even know about it. That would wouldn't even know about it. That would be the idea. Instead, be the idea. Instead, be the idea. Instead, announcing it as a military program. So, announcing it as a military program. So, announcing it as a military program. So, he's merging the legal authorities of he's merging the legal authorities of he's merging the legal authorities of Title 10 and Title 50. And of course, Title 10 and Title 50. And of course, Title 10 and Title 50. And of course, the average person in the United States the average person in the United States the average person in the United States isn't like, "Oh, wait a minute. He's isn't like, "Oh, wait a minute. He's isn't like, "Oh, wait a minute. He's merging those authorities because What merging those authorities because What merging those authorities because What is what are the title 10 and title 50? is what are the title 10 and title 50? is what are the title 10 and title 50? >> Well, title 10 is the military must >> Well, title 10 is the military must >> Well, title 10 is the military must follow certain laws of war. Okay. follow certain laws of war. Okay. follow certain laws of war. Okay. >> Okay. And title 50 says if the president >> Okay. And title 50 says if the president >> Okay. And title 50 says if the president decides it is a national security decides it is a national security decides it is a national security threat, he can use the CIA's threat, he can use the CIA's threat, he can use the CIA's paramilitary, paramilitary, paramilitary, that is an actual mil military force. that is an actual mil military force. that is an actual mil military force. They sheep dip tier one operators over They sheep dip tier one operators over They sheep dip tier one operators over from the military and take the patches from the military and take the patches from the military and take the patches off their shoulders, put them in off their shoulders, put them in off their shoulders, put them in non-military clothing and send them out non-military clothing and send them out non-military clothing and send them out to do military type work. to do military type work. to do military type work. >> So he's using the military how he wants >> So he's using the military how he wants >> So he's using the military how he wants to use them. to use them. to use them. >> Yes. And >> Yes. And >> Yes. And >> he has that right as the >> he has that right as the >> he has that right as the commander-in-chief, as the chief commander-in-chief, as the chief commander-in-chief, as the chief executive of the United States, the DoD executive of the United States, the DoD executive of the United States, the DoD or now the DO and CIA fall under the or now the DO and CIA fall under the or now the DO and CIA fall under the executive branch. They don't fall under executive branch. They don't fall under executive branch. They don't fall under the legislative branch. they don't fall the legislative branch. they don't fall the legislative branch. they don't fall under the the judicial branch. So, the under the the judicial branch. So, the under the the judicial branch. So, the president has and always has had the president has and always has had the president has and always has had the ability to take these types of actions ability to take these types of actions ability to take these types of actions and write executive orders. What's so and write executive orders. What's so and write executive orders. What's so different here is that while we're different here is that while we're different here is that while we're talking about CIA and CIA being used um talking about CIA and CIA being used um talking about CIA and CIA being used um by the president in his exercise of by the president in his exercise of by the president in his exercise of authority, what we're all not talking authority, what we're all not talking authority, what we're all not talking about, what we're missing is that CIA about, what we're missing is that CIA about, what we're missing is that CIA has been gutted. This is the same has been gutted. This is the same has been gutted. This is the same president that went to war with CIA in president that went to war with CIA in president that went to war with CIA in his first term. CIA has gone through his first term. CIA has gone through his first term. CIA has gone through massive attrition since then. They were massive attrition since then. They were massive attrition since then. They were defunded under his first presidency. So, defunded under his first presidency. So, defunded under his first presidency. So, Director Rackcliffe is the least used Director Rackcliffe is the least used Director Rackcliffe is the least used director, the least referenced director. director, the least referenced director. director, the least referenced director. You never hear about him. You never hear about him. You never hear about him. >> Is he the head of the CIA? >> Is he the head of the CIA? >> Is he the head of the CIA? >> He's the head of the CIA. And and what I >> He's the head of the CIA. And and what I >> He's the head of the CIA. And and what I am concerned about is that the CIA I am concerned about is that the CIA I am concerned about is that the CIA I left in 2014 left in 2014 left in 2014 was already missing intelligence on was already missing intelligence on was already missing intelligence on Venezuela and and Iran. Since then, it's Venezuela and and Iran. Since then, it's Venezuela and and Iran. Since then, it's gotten smaller. It's gotten marginalized gotten smaller. It's gotten marginalized gotten smaller. It's gotten marginalized more. It went to it's been treated more. It went to it's been treated more. It went to it's been treated hostily by the by the US president. And hostily by the by the US president. And hostily by the by the US president. And the CIA that I had started hearing the CIA that I had started hearing the CIA that I had started hearing rumors about in the early 2020s, 65% of rumors about in the early 2020s, 65% of rumors about in the early 2020s, 65% of the intelligence that they were the intelligence that they were the intelligence that they were producing was coming from foreign producing was coming from foreign producing was coming from foreign allies. allies. allies. >> They didn't have the ability to create >> They didn't have the ability to create >> They didn't have the ability to create their own its say is that every CIA their own its say is that every CIA their own its say is that every CIA sadly, you know, has nostalgia for the sadly, you know, has nostalgia for the sadly, you know, has nostalgia for the former CIA if you look at history and former CIA if you look at history and former CIA if you look at history and believes that their CIA was better than believes that their CIA was better than believes that their CIA was better than the current CIA. That's just the nature the current CIA. That's just the nature the current CIA. That's just the nature of of of >> I'm not saying it was better or worse. >> I'm not saying it was better or worse. >> I'm not saying it was better or worse. I'm just saying the intelligence that I'm just saying the intelligence that I'm just saying the intelligence that the CIA is using now. I I would argue the CIA is using now. I I would argue the CIA is using now. I I would argue that we keep talking about CIA and you that we keep talking about CIA and you that we keep talking about CIA and you keep seeing CIA in the headlines and keep seeing CIA in the headlines and keep seeing CIA in the headlines and it's actually not it's actually not it's actually not >> exactly. But hang on, ODNI didn't or at >> exactly. But hang on, ODNI didn't or at >> exactly. But hang on, ODNI didn't or at least according to, shall we say, the least according to, shall we say, the least according to, shall we say, the New York Times, which must have come New York Times, which must have come New York Times, which must have come from the White House. CIA provided the from the White House. CIA provided the from the White House. CIA provided the intelligence. intelligence. intelligence. So there you go. So there you go. So there you go. >> Fake. I don't think that's real. I don't >> Fake. I don't think that's real. I don't >> Fake. I don't think that's real. I don't think CIA here's the thing. CIA. think CIA here's the thing. CIA. think CIA here's the thing. CIA. >> How do you think why do you based on >> How do you think why do you based on >> How do you think why do you based on >> CIA is the central intelligence agency >> CIA is the central intelligence agency >> CIA is the central intelligence agency which is by design it means that every which is by design it means that every which is by design it means that every other intelligence that comes from every other intelligence that comes from every other intelligence that comes from every other agency inside the DoD inside uh other agency inside the DoD inside uh other agency inside the DoD inside uh the national security infrastructure has the national security infrastructure has the national security infrastructure has to come through CIA only CIA produces to come through CIA only CIA produces to come through CIA only CIA produces the final product for the president. So the final product for the president. So the final product for the president. So therefore therefore therefore >> everything is CIA and CIA contain and >> everything is CIA and CIA contain and >> everything is CIA and CIA contain and CIA is the one that's in charge of CIA is the one that's in charge of CIA is the one that's in charge of maintaining foreign relationships with maintaining foreign relationships with maintaining foreign relationships with foreign intelligence services. So when foreign intelligence services. So when foreign intelligence services. So when Israel has an intelligence report that Israel has an intelligence report that Israel has an intelligence report that they share with the US president, it they share with the US president, it they share with the US president, it goes through the CIA. So all credit and goes through the CIA. So all credit and goes through the CIA. So all credit and all blame always goes to CIA. That all blame always goes to CIA. That all blame always goes to CIA. That doesn't mean CIA actually had the doesn't mean CIA actually had the doesn't mean CIA actually had the intelligence themselves. intelligence themselves. intelligence themselves. >> So what who do you think had the >> So what who do you think had the >> So what who do you think had the intelligence and why does this matter? intelligence and why does this matter? intelligence and why does this matter? >> The number one most informed country in >> The number one most informed country in >> The number one most informed country in the world on the goings on in Iran is the world on the goings on in Iran is the world on the goings on in Iran is Israel. Tell me if I'm wrong. Israel. Tell me if I'm wrong. Israel. Tell me if I'm wrong. >> No, I would agree with that. There's no >> No, I would agree with that. There's no >> No, I would agree with that. There's no way the United States would have been way the United States would have been way the United States would have been able to launch against Iran without able to launch against Iran without able to launch against Iran without close coordination and incredible close coordination and incredible close coordination and incredible intelligence support from Israel. intelligence support from Israel. intelligence support from Israel. >> And I'm going to disagree. >> And I'm going to disagree. >> And I'm going to disagree. >> Why does it matter? >> Why does it matter? >> Why does it matter? >> Because it means that Israel could be >> Because it means that Israel could be >> Because it means that Israel could be directing the activities of the US directing the activities of the US directing the activities of the US military by the intelligence they select military by the intelligence they select military by the intelligence they select to give to the president. to give to the president. to give to the president. >> So I wouldn't take that step. >> So I wouldn't take that step. >> So I wouldn't take that step. >> I don't think Israel has a monopoly on >> I don't think Israel has a monopoly on >> I don't think Israel has a monopoly on intelligence provided. Um we know that intelligence provided. Um we know that intelligence provided. Um we know that uh MI6 has also historically been very uh MI6 has also historically been very uh MI6 has also historically been very active and very capable probably more so active and very capable probably more so active and very capable probably more so than CIA has been and in large part than CIA has been and in large part than CIA has been and in large part because the British government has a because the British government has a because the British government has a embassy has diplomatic ties um has trade embassy has diplomatic ties um has trade embassy has diplomatic ties um has trade and economic ties with Iran. Um and it's and economic ties with Iran. Um and it's and economic ties with Iran. Um and it's and the Islamic regime has seen the UK and the Islamic regime has seen the UK and the Islamic regime has seen the UK as a effective sort of pipeline or as a effective sort of pipeline or as a effective sort of pipeline or conduit to the United States and has conduit to the United States and has conduit to the United States and has used that in the past um sometimes you used that in the past um sometimes you used that in the past um sometimes you know to to better effect than before. know to to better effect than before. know to to better effect than before. But I I think that there's a I think But I I think that there's a I think But I I think that there's a I think there's sources of intelligence that the there's sources of intelligence that the there's sources of intelligence that the United States gets. And Israel is United States gets. And Israel is United States gets. And Israel is influential, but I don't think it is the influential, but I don't think it is the influential, but I don't think it is the sole influencer or the one that pushes sole influencer or the one that pushes sole influencer or the one that pushes it over the edge one way or the other. it over the edge one way or the other. it over the edge one way or the other. >> I wasn't saying that they're the sole, >> I wasn't saying that they're the sole, >> I wasn't saying that they're the sole, but but when it came to Iran, and I but but when it came to Iran, and I but but when it came to Iran, and I think we're saying the same thing, they think we're saying the same thing, they think we're saying the same thing, they are they don't have the monopoly, but are they don't have the monopoly, but are they don't have the monopoly, but they have the they have the they have the >> they're the biggest game in town. >> they're the biggest game in town. >> they're the biggest game in town. >> Exactly. when it comes to understanding >> Exactly. when it comes to understanding >> Exactly. when it comes to understanding what's happening in Iran. what's happening in Iran. what's happening in Iran. >> I mean, I'm going to disagree because I >> I mean, I'm going to disagree because I >> I mean, I'm going to disagree because I think that, okay, look at past think that, okay, look at past think that, okay, look at past situations where the United States situations where the United States situations where the United States attempted to do a decapitation strike attempted to do a decapitation strike attempted to do a decapitation strike and then have a regime change. You can and then have a regime change. You can and then have a regime change. You can look at Iraq. We tried to kill Saddam look at Iraq. We tried to kill Saddam look at Iraq. We tried to kill Saddam Hussein, failed, and then a disaster Hussein, failed, and then a disaster Hussein, failed, and then a disaster blows up. Libya tried to kill Gaddafi, blows up. Libya tried to kill Gaddafi, blows up. Libya tried to kill Gaddafi, fails, a disaster blows up. fails, a disaster blows up. fails, a disaster blows up. Iran Iran Iran tries to kill the regime or take tries to kill the regime or take tries to kill the regime or take decapitate the regime and succeeds. decapitate the regime and succeeds. decapitate the regime and succeeds. So you are you saying that you believe So you are you saying that you believe So you are you saying that you believe that's because in the other situations that's because in the other situations that's because in the other situations the intelligence was coming from the CIA the intelligence was coming from the CIA the intelligence was coming from the CIA who didn't have such great intelligence who didn't have such great intelligence who didn't have such great intelligence and in this situation the intelligence and in this situation the intelligence and in this situation the intelligence was coming from Israel who did. No, I'm was coming from Israel who did. No, I'm was coming from Israel who did. No, I'm saying that that saying that that saying that that a big piece of the opportunity of Iran a big piece of the opportunity of Iran a big piece of the opportunity of Iran is tied to the opportunity that was is tied to the opportunity that was is tied to the opportunity that was presented to us by our allies in the presented to us by our allies in the presented to us by our allies in the region. I don't think it's just Israel. region. I don't think it's just Israel. region. I don't think it's just Israel. Saudi Arabia wants to see the end of Saudi Arabia wants to see the end of Saudi Arabia wants to see the end of Iran. UAE wants to see the end of Iran. Iran. UAE wants to see the end of Iran. Iran. UAE wants to see the end of Iran. Jordan wants to see the end of Iran. Jordan wants to see the end of Iran. Jordan wants to see the end of Iran. There's multiple allies in the region There's multiple allies in the region There's multiple allies in the region that want to see the end of Iran. But that want to see the end of Iran. But that want to see the end of Iran. But when it came to who had the longest, when it came to who had the longest, when it came to who had the longest, most reliable human intelligence source most reliable human intelligence source most reliable human intelligence source network inside Iran, I don't think network inside Iran, I don't think network inside Iran, I don't think anybody came even close to comparing anybody came even close to comparing anybody came even close to comparing with with Israel. with with Israel. with with Israel. >> And you're saying that was used >> And you're saying that was used >> And you're saying that was used selectively, meaning selectively, meaning selectively, meaning >> because all intelligence that's shared >> because all intelligence that's shared >> because all intelligence that's shared with an ally is selective. with an ally is selective. with an ally is selective. >> Of course, >> Of course, >> Of course, >> I have 10 pieces. Do I give all 10 >> I have 10 pieces. Do I give all 10 >> I have 10 pieces. Do I give all 10 pieces to my ally or do I give just the pieces to my ally or do I give just the pieces to my ally or do I give just the three pieces that I think will move them three pieces that I think will move them three pieces that I think will move them off the X? off the X? off the X? >> Right. Well, you had to they had to have >> Right. Well, you had to they had to have >> Right. Well, you had to they had to have those 20 individuals tagged to do their those 20 individuals tagged to do their those 20 individuals tagged to do their find, fix, and finishing. Period. End of find, fix, and finishing. Period. End of find, fix, and finishing. Period. End of story. It couldn't have happened without story. It couldn't have happened without story. It couldn't have happened without it. And I believe that the United it. And I believe that the United it. And I believe that the United States, the CIA aggregates all that States, the CIA aggregates all that States, the CIA aggregates all that intelligence, you know, sigage, all the intelligence, you know, sigage, all the intelligence, you know, sigage, all the ins to know that. I can't imagine how ins to know that. I can't imagine how ins to know that. I can't imagine how Israel knew that more than the United Israel knew that more than the United Israel knew that more than the United States. States. States. I just I I that's my that's where I was. I just I I that's my that's where I was. I just I I that's my that's where I was. >> So, I mean, just to give you a very >> So, I mean, just to give you a very >> So, I mean, just to give you a very quick example, right? You're 100% right quick example, right? You're 100% right quick example, right? You're 100% right that people have to be tagged. that people have to be tagged. that people have to be tagged. >> When you tag a cell phone, let's just >> When you tag a cell phone, let's just >> When you tag a cell phone, let's just say we're talking about cell phones. say we're talking about cell phones. say we're talking about cell phones. Cell phones give you a geo a geo Cell phones give you a geo a geo Cell phones give you a geo a geo location. Every cell phone signal sends location. Every cell phone signal sends location. Every cell phone signal sends a geo tag, a geo tag, a geo tag, >> but only on the service network that >> but only on the service network that >> but only on the service network that controls that phone. The United States controls that phone. The United States controls that phone. The United States doesn't have access to most of the doesn't have access to most of the doesn't have access to most of the service providers in the Middle East. service providers in the Middle East. service providers in the Middle East. So, you already have to have someone to So, you already have to have someone to So, you already have to have someone to interlocute the Middle Eastern service interlocute the Middle Eastern service interlocute the Middle Eastern service provider with the West. And then on top provider with the West. And then on top provider with the West. And then on top of that, you then have to be able to of that, you then have to be able to of that, you then have to be able to identify that that selector, that cell identify that that selector, that cell identify that that selector, that cell phone belongs to that person. Again, if phone belongs to that person. Again, if phone belongs to that person. Again, if you think that the United States is so you think that the United States is so you think that the United States is so powerful, it has every cell phone of powerful, it has every cell phone of powerful, it has every cell phone of every person around the country, around every person around the country, around every person around the country, around the world, they're not the world, they're not the world, they're not >> I think there's biometric tagging that >> I think there's biometric tagging that >> I think there's biometric tagging that is not necessarily electronic based. is not necessarily electronic based. is not necessarily electronic based. >> So, you're saying that it I I appreciate >> So, you're saying that it I I appreciate >> So, you're saying that it I I appreciate your point of view. The point is that your point of view. The point is that your point of view. The point is that Iran, according to every prioritized Iran, according to every prioritized Iran, according to every prioritized list that we have, is on the low end of list that we have, is on the low end of list that we have, is on the low end of our priorities. Russia's above them. our priorities. Russia's above them. our priorities. Russia's above them. China's above them. China's above them. China's above them. Uh the cartels across Mexico are above Uh the cartels across Mexico are above Uh the cartels across Mexico are above them. So somehow we had such refined them. So somehow we had such refined them. So somehow we had such refined intelligence on intelligence on intelligence on >> What's your conclusion here, Andrew? >> What's your conclusion here, Andrew? >> What's your conclusion here, Andrew? Because I feel like there's there's a Because I feel like there's there's a Because I feel like there's there's a second half of your point that's second half of your point that's second half of your point that's missing. Like a conclusion that you're missing. Like a conclusion that you're missing. Like a conclusion that you're you're pointing towards, but not saying. you're pointing towards, but not saying. you're pointing towards, but not saying. >> Isn't it? Isn't it just the lowest of >> Isn't it? Isn't it just the lowest of >> Isn't it? Isn't it just the lowest of the hanging fruits of all the ones you the hanging fruits of all the ones you the hanging fruits of all the ones you mentioned? Also, mentioned? Also, mentioned? Also, >> correct. It doesn't. So, what I'm saying >> correct. It doesn't. So, what I'm saying >> correct. It doesn't. So, what I'm saying is I it doesn't make sense that we would is I it doesn't make sense that we would is I it doesn't make sense that we would take this action unless we are really take this action unless we are really take this action unless we are really just acting on the behest of our allies just acting on the behest of our allies just acting on the behest of our allies for some other kind of gain, a personal for some other kind of gain, a personal for some other kind of gain, a personal gain for the Trump brand, if you will, gain for the Trump brand, if you will, gain for the Trump brand, if you will, some sort of uh hedgeimonyy that the some sort of uh hedgeimonyy that the some sort of uh hedgeimonyy that the United States is desperately grasping United States is desperately grasping United States is desperately grasping for because we realize that we don't for because we realize that we don't for because we realize that we don't have that power and influence anymore. have that power and influence anymore. have that power and influence anymore. And as a result of these actions and And as a result of these actions and And as a result of these actions and actions like what we took in Venezuela, actions like what we took in Venezuela, actions like what we took in Venezuela, we have now empowered and validated some we have now empowered and validated some we have now empowered and validated some of the worst regimes in the world that of the worst regimes in the world that of the worst regimes in the world that we've always held accountable for taking we've always held accountable for taking we've always held accountable for taking the same kind of actions that we take. the same kind of actions that we take. the same kind of actions that we take. >> And who are you concerned about as it >> And who are you concerned about as it >> And who are you concerned about as it relates to other regimes? relates to other regimes? relates to other regimes? >> China, Russia, this Russia. >> China, Russia, this Russia. >> China, Russia, this Russia. I believe that a big part of the reason I believe that a big part of the reason I believe that a big part of the reason that that Zalinsky hasn't been that that Zalinsky hasn't been that that Zalinsky hasn't been assassinated by Russia is because that assassinated by Russia is because that assassinated by Russia is because that would be crossing a red line. That would would be crossing a red line. That would would be crossing a red line. That would that would infuriate Europe and the that would infuriate Europe and the that would infuriate Europe and the United States because you don't attack United States because you don't attack United States because you don't attack world leaders. We just gave them world leaders. We just gave them world leaders. We just gave them permission to do so. The same thing in permission to do so. The same thing in permission to do so. The same thing in Taiwan. We can ass now China has free Taiwan. We can ass now China has free Taiwan. We can ass now China has free reign to just assassinate one person in reign to just assassinate one person in reign to just assassinate one person in Taiwan. And then that's just them. We're Taiwan. And then that's just them. We're Taiwan. And then that's just them. We're not even talking about Pakistan and not even talking about Pakistan and not even talking about Pakistan and India. We're not talking about any of India. We're not talking about any of India. We're not talking about any of the border disputes that are happening the border disputes that are happening the border disputes that are happening anywhere else across Asia or warlords in anywhere else across Asia or warlords in anywhere else across Asia or warlords in Africa. We just validated these these Africa. We just validated these these Africa. We just validated these these illegal inhumane illegal inhumane illegal inhumane extrajudicial processes all over the extrajudicial processes all over the extrajudicial processes all over the world. So unlike these other world world. So unlike these other world world. So unlike these other world leaders, Kam was his his his his leaders, Kam was his his his his leaders, Kam was his his his his philosophy, his entire ideology was was philosophy, his entire ideology was was philosophy, his entire ideology was was is built on death to America among death is built on death to America among death is built on death to America among death to other things. You don't have other to other things. You don't have other to other things. You don't have other world leaders, you don't have the world leaders, you don't have the world leaders, you don't have the president of Taiwan saying death to president of Taiwan saying death to president of Taiwan saying death to China. You don't have Zillinsky even China. You don't have Zillinsky even China. You don't have Zillinsky even saying death to Russia. He might want saying death to Russia. He might want saying death to Russia. He might want Putin dead, but he's not sort of he Putin dead, but he's not sort of he Putin dead, but he's not sort of he doesn't want the demise of the entire doesn't want the demise of the entire doesn't want the demise of the entire Russian Republic. Uh and so I think this Russian Republic. Uh and so I think this Russian Republic. Uh and so I think this is where Kam stands apart where it is it is where Kam stands apart where it is it is where Kam stands apart where it is it is a a a movement which became a system is a a a movement which became a system is a a a movement which became a system of government predicated on the demise of government predicated on the demise of government predicated on the demise and the destruction of of the United and the destruction of of the United and the destruction of of the United States. What's interesting how do you States. What's interesting how do you States. What's interesting how do you counter that? Yeah. counter that? Yeah. counter that? Yeah. >> Interesting with the term stands apart >> Interesting with the term stands apart >> Interesting with the term stands apart is I was imagining therefore a spectrum is I was imagining therefore a spectrum is I was imagining therefore a spectrum and the minute it becomes a spectrum it and the minute it becomes a spectrum it and the minute it becomes a spectrum it becomes somewhat subjective. So, you becomes somewhat subjective. So, you becomes somewhat subjective. So, you know, one might say, well, we think they know, one might say, well, we think they know, one might say, well, we think they wanted to hurt us. Whereas before in my wanted to hurt us. Whereas before in my wanted to hurt us. Whereas before in my head when when I grew up, I always used head when when I grew up, I always used head when when I grew up, I always used to see these wars and go, why don't they to see these wars and go, why don't they to see these wars and go, why don't they just they know where the guy lives? just they know where the guy lives? just they know where the guy lives? Like, I know that sounds like a Like, I know that sounds like a Like, I know that sounds like a simplified, but they know where he is. simplified, but they know where he is. simplified, but they know where he is. Why don't they just take him out? And Why don't they just take him out? And Why don't they just take him out? And and it was always it always felt to me and it was always it always felt to me and it was always it always felt to me that that was off the table in war. You that that was off the table in war. You that that was off the table in war. You can't just assassinate a leader because can't just assassinate a leader because can't just assassinate a leader because you don't like them or you're having a you don't like them or you're having a you don't like them or you're having a sort of geopolitical disagreement. And sort of geopolitical disagreement. And sort of geopolitical disagreement. And it's actually only in the last sort of it's actually only in the last sort of it's actually only in the last sort of year or two that I thought, okay, maybe year or two that I thought, okay, maybe year or two that I thought, okay, maybe it is free reign to just fly in and it is free reign to just fly in and it is free reign to just fly in and snatch someone out of bed with their snatch someone out of bed with their snatch someone out of bed with their wife, which is what happened in wife, which is what happened in wife, which is what happened in Venezuela. and then seeing this that you Venezuela. and then seeing this that you Venezuela. and then seeing this that you can just drop a bomb on them wherever can just drop a bomb on them wherever can just drop a bomb on them wherever they are. It does kind of make you, you they are. It does kind of make you, you they are. It does kind of make you, you know, wonder maybe this is now on the know, wonder maybe this is now on the know, wonder maybe this is now on the table. I've never really seen that in my table. I've never really seen that in my table. I've never really seen that in my lifetime. I mean, I know there was some lifetime. I mean, I know there was some lifetime. I mean, I know there was some things that went on Libya and in Iraq things that went on Libya and in Iraq things that went on Libya and in Iraq and so on, but to snatch a prime and so on, but to snatch a prime and so on, but to snatch a prime minister out of bed with his wife and minister out of bed with his wife and minister out of bed with his wife and fly him over with photos of I wow, this fly him over with photos of I wow, this fly him over with photos of I wow, this is this is a new type of uh geopolitical is this is a new type of uh geopolitical is this is a new type of uh geopolitical action. action. action. >> It's what the it's what our secretary of >> It's what the it's what our secretary of >> It's what the it's what our secretary of state is calling the golden era of the state is calling the golden era of the state is calling the golden era of the United States. the old world is gone. United States. the old world is gone. United States. the old world is gone. Like these are the this is the narrative Like these are the this is the narrative Like these are the this is the narrative coming out and and being spread by the coming out and and being spread by the coming out and and being spread by the representation of the free world. France representation of the free world. France representation of the free world. France there the macaron just this morning there the macaron just this morning there the macaron just this morning stated that to be free you must be stated that to be free you must be stated that to be free you must be feared. feared. feared. This is the world that we're creating. This is the world that we're creating. This is the world that we're creating. Death to America. Guess how much I care Death to America. Guess how much I care Death to America. Guess how much I care about that. Guess how much I care that a about that. Guess how much I care that a about that. Guess how much I care that a poor broke ass far away pitily poor broke ass far away pitily poor broke ass far away pitily dank country says death to America. dank country says death to America. dank country says death to America. Guess how afraid I am of that? Zero. And Guess how afraid I am of that? Zero. And Guess how afraid I am of that? Zero. And guess how afraid? Multiple people who guess how afraid? Multiple people who guess how afraid? Multiple people who have led the United States have been have led the United States have been have led the United States have been afraid of that. They They're not. You afraid of that. They They're not. You afraid of that. They They're not. You can say it all you want. Doesn't matter. can say it all you want. Doesn't matter. can say it all you want. Doesn't matter. And when you do when you do carry out an And when you do when you do carry out an And when you do when you do carry out an attack, attack, attack, >> right, >> right, >> right, >> against the USS Cole. >> against the USS Cole. >> against the USS Cole. For every one attack that's successful, For every one attack that's successful, For every one attack that's successful, 25 of them are thwarted. That's the 25 of them are thwarted. That's the 25 of them are thwarted. That's the That's the benefit of being the most That's the benefit of being the most That's the benefit of being the most powerful military in the world. You powerful military in the world. You powerful military in the world. You don't have to worry about everybody who don't have to worry about everybody who don't have to worry about everybody who chants in the streets. How many people chants in the streets. How many people chants in the streets. How many people disown their kids because they say, "I disown their kids because they say, "I disown their kids because they say, "I hate you." When they're teenagers, you hate you." When they're teenagers, you hate you." When they're teenagers, you don't care. You're like, "Give it time. don't care. You're like, "Give it time. don't care. You're like, "Give it time. They'll grow up. They'll be fine." They'll grow up. They'll be fine." They'll grow up. They'll be fine." They've got to go through their They've got to go through their They've got to go through their before they realize what it's like to be before they realize what it's like to be before they realize what it's like to be grown-ups. That's what we say about our grown-ups. That's what we say about our grown-ups. That's what we say about our children. children. children. >> The other You can say the same thing >> The other You can say the same thing >> The other You can say the same thing about a country that just came to power about a country that just came to power about a country that just came to power in 1979. in 1979. in 1979. They're less than a hundred years old. They're less than a hundred years old. They're less than a hundred years old. What What do they know about how to What What do they know about how to What What do they know about how to actually be a country? What do we know? actually be a country? What do we know? actually be a country? What do we know? We're only 250 years old. We're only 250 years old. We're only 250 years old. Um, Um, Um, >> I mean it's hard it's hard to swallow >> I mean it's hard it's hard to swallow >> I mean it's hard it's hard to swallow that like, you know, it's okay if you that like, you know, it's okay if you that like, you know, it's okay if you have like a horrible, you know, have like a horrible, you know, have like a horrible, you know, murderous, brutal regime making women murderous, brutal regime making women murderous, brutal regime making women run around in hijabs and ruining entire run around in hijabs and ruining entire run around in hijabs and ruining entire thousands of years old Persian thousands of years old Persian thousands of years old Persian civilizations. civilizations. civilizations. >> Have you been to this part of the world? >> Have you been to this part of the world? >> Have you been to this part of the world? I I I >> I have not been. >> I have not been. >> I have not been. >> That's what they That's normal life >> That's what they That's normal life >> That's what they That's normal life there. That's what do you think is there. That's what do you think is there. That's what do you think is happening in the in the hermit kingdom happening in the in the hermit kingdom happening in the in the hermit kingdom in North Korea? I mean, shoot, look, in North Korea? I mean, shoot, look, in North Korea? I mean, shoot, look, Afghanistan. We left Afghanistan and Afghanistan. We left Afghanistan and Afghanistan. We left Afghanistan and knew that that's what exactly what the knew that that's what exactly what the knew that that's what exactly what the Taliban was going to do. Taliban was going to do. Taliban was going to do. >> Right. But what's happening here is not >> Right. But what's happening here is not >> Right. But what's happening here is not since 79 is not normal. But but just to since 79 is not normal. But but just to since 79 is not normal. But but just to go back to one step for a second, who do go back to one step for a second, who do go back to one step for a second, who do we know launched the missiles that we know launched the missiles that we know launched the missiles that killed the Supreme Leader and all the killed the Supreme Leader and all the killed the Supreme Leader and all the other um in the uh hierarchy? other um in the uh hierarchy? other um in the uh hierarchy? >> The I think the credit is going to the >> The I think the credit is going to the >> The I think the credit is going to the United States. United States. United States. >> No, no. The credit is going to Israel. >> No, no. The credit is going to Israel. >> No, no. The credit is going to Israel. >> So So Israel is the one that essentially >> So So Israel is the one that essentially >> So So Israel is the one that essentially pushed the button, pulled the trigger, pushed the button, pulled the trigger, pushed the button, pulled the trigger, what have you. The US provided the what have you. The US provided the what have you. The US provided the >> Exactly. In which case then does Israel >> Exactly. In which case then does Israel >> Exactly. In which case then does Israel have the prerogative to take out a head have the prerogative to take out a head have the prerogative to take out a head of state that was you know essentially of state that was you know essentially of state that was you know essentially the only nation state might I remind you the only nation state might I remind you the only nation state might I remind you that came out in support of the October that came out in support of the October that came out in support of the October 7 attacks was only Iran not even North 7 attacks was only Iran not even North 7 attacks was only Iran not even North Korea came out and said anything no one Korea came out and said anything no one Korea came out and said anything no one else did absolutely said this was you else did absolutely said this was you else did absolutely said this was you know know know >> on October 8th he directed Hezbollah to >> on October 8th he directed Hezbollah to >> on October 8th he directed Hezbollah to join the war join the war join the war >> therefore is a fair is he a fair target >> therefore is a fair is he a fair target >> therefore is a fair is he a fair target for Israel for Israel for Israel >> that's a great question is he a >> that's a great question is he a >> that's a great question is he a combatant combatant combatant >> if if authorizes, funds, motivates, >> if if authorizes, funds, motivates, >> if if authorizes, funds, motivates, endorses, and basically encourages and endorses, and basically encourages and endorses, and basically encourages and shoves out the door your attacker. Do shoves out the door your attacker. Do shoves out the door your attacker. Do you then have a right to go after them? you then have a right to go after them? you then have a right to go after them? >> That's I think that's maybe that's the >> That's I think that's maybe that's the >> That's I think that's maybe that's the $10,000 question here. Okay? Because $10,000 question here. Okay? Because $10,000 question here. Okay? Because because if you are will if you're because if you are will if you're because if you are will if you're willing to see the the leader of every willing to see the the leader of every willing to see the the leader of every country as an as a combatant, they are country as an as a combatant, they are country as an as a combatant, they are the heads of the military. The president the heads of the military. The president the heads of the military. The president is the the commander-in-chief of the is the the commander-in-chief of the is the the commander-in-chief of the military. If they are combatant, they military. If they are combatant, they military. If they are combatant, they are a legal target. So if they're a are a legal target. So if they're a are a legal target. So if they're a legal target, why is it against legal target, why is it against legal target, why is it against international law to attack head of international law to attack head of international law to attack head of state? And even more, what's the state? And even more, what's the state? And even more, what's the acceptable collateral damage? Because acceptable collateral damage? Because acceptable collateral damage? Because Israel is notorious for assassinations Israel is notorious for assassinations Israel is notorious for assassinations around the world. It's it's what makes around the world. It's it's what makes around the world. It's it's what makes them so difficult for other people to them so difficult for other people to them so difficult for other people to ally with because we don't support ally with because we don't support ally with because we don't support assassinations. And most assassinations assassinations. And most assassinations assassinations. And most assassinations are not legal combatants. They're are not legal combatants. They're are not legal combatants. They're scientists. That's a civilian. They're scientists. That's a civilian. They're scientists. That's a civilian. They're experts. That's a civilian. They're experts. That's a civilian. They're experts. That's a civilian. They're heads of industry. That's a civilian. heads of industry. That's a civilian. heads of industry. That's a civilian. They're generals, but not in a hot They're generals, but not in a hot They're generals, but not in a hot conflict. that makes them a conflict. that makes them a conflict. that makes them a non-combatant. non-combatant. non-combatant. >> The spaces you're talking about, the >> The spaces you're talking about, the >> The spaces you're talking about, the line between civilian and someone who line between civilian and someone who line between civilian and someone who works for the government or is on a works for the government or is on a works for the government or is on a government funded weapons program or government funded weapons program or government funded weapons program or something of that nature, those lines something of that nature, those lines something of that nature, those lines are blurred in the Middle East. We know are blurred in the Middle East. We know are blurred in the Middle East. We know that that that >> those lines are blurred everywhere. A >> those lines are blurred everywhere. A >> those lines are blurred everywhere. A civilian who works for a company that's civilian who works for a company that's civilian who works for a company that's hired by the US military, is that person hired by the US military, is that person hired by the US military, is that person a combatant? Okay. But it but those a combatant? Okay. But it but those a combatant? Okay. But it but those distinctions are are are far more subtle distinctions are are are far more subtle distinctions are are are far more subtle in the Middle East and especially when in the Middle East and especially when in the Middle East and especially when you're a scientist working for a state you're a scientist working for a state you're a scientist working for a state nuclear program nuclear program nuclear program >> that you're being forced to work for >> that you're being forced to work for >> that you're being forced to work for because you're one of the few scientists because you're one of the few scientists because you're one of the few scientists that can do it. that can do it. that can do it. >> I I don't know. Are they forced to work >> I I don't know. Are they forced to work >> I I don't know. Are they forced to work for? I mean I mean there are there are for? I mean I mean there are there are for? I mean I mean there are there are defectors. There are those who who who defectors. There are those who who who defectors. There are those who who who opt and then there are those who double opt and then there are those who double opt and then there are those who double down and become religious cheerleaders down and become religious cheerleaders down and become religious cheerleaders supporting what the government's doing. supporting what the government's doing. supporting what the government's doing. I mean, the point I'm making is that you I mean, the point I'm making is that you I mean, the point I'm making is that you saying it doesn't give you the saying it doesn't give you the saying it doesn't give you the international under international law international under international law international under international law the right to take out a head of state. the right to take out a head of state. the right to take out a head of state. What if it was self-defense? What if it was self-defense? What if it was self-defense? >> That's not what it was. >> That's not what it was. >> That's not what it was. >> I have a counternarrative here. Just >> I have a counternarrative here. Just >> I have a counternarrative here. Just just to throw it out and kind of switch just to throw it out and kind of switch just to throw it out and kind of switch up the the discussion here. You know, up the the discussion here. You know, up the the discussion here. You know, this administration is very interested this administration is very interested this administration is very interested in in social media. And for that reason, in in social media. And for that reason, in in social media. And for that reason, I am too. And I look at I saw a meme I am too. And I look at I saw a meme I am too. And I look at I saw a meme that was going around immediately after that was going around immediately after that was going around immediately after this um decapitation event so quickly in this um decapitation event so quickly in this um decapitation event so quickly in fact it made me wonder like who pushed fact it made me wonder like who pushed fact it made me wonder like who pushed that out that quickly. And it's a white that out that quickly. And it's a white that out that quickly. And it's a white sheet of paper with all the months of sheet of paper with all the months of sheet of paper with all the months of the year of 2026. And January there's a the year of 2026. And January there's a the year of 2026. And January there's a picture of Maduro. picture of Maduro. picture of Maduro. February there's a picture of the February there's a picture of the February there's a picture of the Mexican cartel leader. March, one day Mexican cartel leader. March, one day Mexican cartel leader. March, one day off, there's a picture of the supreme off, there's a picture of the supreme off, there's a picture of the supreme leader of Iran and then there's a leader of Iran and then there's a leader of Iran and then there's a question mark in the other months. And question mark in the other months. And question mark in the other months. And it made me think and sort of wonder it made me think and sort of wonder it made me think and sort of wonder speculate, is this messaging to Putin speculate, is this messaging to Putin speculate, is this messaging to Putin that he better start negotiating with that he better start negotiating with that he better start negotiating with Trump? Trump? Trump? >> Nope. Putin's a whole different beast. >> Nope. Putin's a whole different beast. >> Nope. Putin's a whole different beast. What what that's a message to is the What what that's a message to is the What what that's a message to is the leader of Cuba. leader of Cuba. leader of Cuba. >> Yeah, Cuba, I was going to say, is next. >> Yeah, Cuba, I was going to say, is next. >> Yeah, Cuba, I was going to say, is next. And if you follow what the United States And if you follow what the United States And if you follow what the United States considers to be the four state sponsors considers to be the four state sponsors considers to be the four state sponsors of terrorism, the only one that remains of terrorism, the only one that remains of terrorism, the only one that remains after Cuba is North Korea. after Cuba is North Korea. after Cuba is North Korea. >> You know, every once in a while you come >> You know, every once in a while you come >> You know, every once in a while you come across a product that has such a huge across a product that has such a huge across a product that has such a huge impact on your life that you'd probably impact on your life that you'd probably impact on your life that you'd probably describe as a gamecher. And I would say describe as a gamecher. And I would say describe as a gamecher. 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And this is why I invested in the And this is why I invested in the And this is why I invested in the business and why they're now a sponsor business and why they're now a sponsor business and why they're now a sponsor of this show. And Whisper Flow is of this show. And Whisper Flow is of this show. And Whisper Flow is frankly becoming the worstkept secret in frankly becoming the worstkept secret in frankly becoming the worstkept secret in business, productivity, and business, productivity, and business, productivity, and entrepreneurship. Check it out now at entrepreneurship. Check it out now at entrepreneurship. Check it out now at whisperflow spelled w i s p r l o whisperflow spelled w i s p r l o whisperflow spelled w i s p r l o w.ai/steeen. w.ai/steeen. w.ai/steeen. It will be a game changer for you. It will be a game changer for you. It will be a game changer for you. >> Why does the US care about Cuba? What's >> Why does the US care about Cuba? What's >> Why does the US care about Cuba? What's the context there? What what does the US the context there? What what does the US the context there? What what does the US want with Cuba? want with Cuba? want with Cuba? >> Well, Cuba's 90 miles off the coast of >> Well, Cuba's 90 miles off the coast of >> Well, Cuba's 90 miles off the coast of Florida for starters. So, Florida for starters. So, Florida for starters. So, geographically, it's very dangerous. geographically, it's very dangerous. geographically, it's very dangerous. Cuba was where the Soviet Union put Cuba was where the Soviet Union put Cuba was where the Soviet Union put nuclear missiles nuclear missiles nuclear missiles there, you know, almost bringing the there, you know, almost bringing the there, you know, almost bringing the United States to the brink of nuclear United States to the brink of nuclear United States to the brink of nuclear war during the Kennedy administration. war during the Kennedy administration. war during the Kennedy administration. It's one of the only countries in the It's one of the only countries in the It's one of the only countries in the Western Hemisphere that does not fall Western Hemisphere that does not fall Western Hemisphere that does not fall under the United States's sphere of under the United States's sphere of under the United States's sphere of influence. influence. influence. >> I actually saw this yesterday. >> I actually saw this yesterday. >> I actually saw this yesterday. >> The Cuban government is talking with us >> The Cuban government is talking with us >> The Cuban government is talking with us and they're in a big deal of trouble as and they're in a big deal of trouble as and they're in a big deal of trouble as you know. They have no money. They have you know. They have no money. They have you know. They have no money. They have no anything right now, but they're no anything right now, but they're no anything right now, but they're talking with us and maybe we'll have a talking with us and maybe we'll have a talking with us and maybe we'll have a friendly takeover of Cuba. friendly takeover of Cuba. friendly takeover of Cuba. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> So Trump says that maybe we'll have a >> So Trump says that maybe we'll have a >> So Trump says that maybe we'll have a friendly takeover of Cuba and he said friendly takeover of Cuba and he said friendly takeover of Cuba and he said that two days ago. Mhm. that two days ago. Mhm. that two days ago. Mhm. >> So, Cuba's next and then North Korea. >> So, Cuba's next and then North Korea. >> So, Cuba's next and then North Korea. >> Do they wouldn't North Korea have >> Do they wouldn't North Korea have >> Do they wouldn't North Korea have nuclear weapons though, don't they, nuclear weapons though, don't they, nuclear weapons though, don't they, Annie? So, Annie? So, Annie? So, >> yes, they do. >> yes, they do. >> yes, they do. >> I I I always wonder that actually does >> I I I always wonder that actually does >> I I I always wonder that actually does getting to a a point where you have getting to a a point where you have getting to a a point where you have nuclear weapons kind of mean the US will nuclear weapons kind of mean the US will nuclear weapons kind of mean the US will leave you alone? leave you alone? leave you alone? >> Absolutely. I think that part of all of >> Absolutely. I think that part of all of >> Absolutely. I think that part of all of this is the the sort of elephant in the this is the the sort of elephant in the this is the the sort of elephant in the room is that room is that room is that you cannot, you know, the United States you cannot, you know, the United States you cannot, you know, the United States will not let anyone else join the will not let anyone else join the will not let anyone else join the nuclear 9. nuclear 9. nuclear 9. North Korea was the last example of that North Korea was the last example of that North Korea was the last example of that mistake during the Clinton mistake during the Clinton mistake during the Clinton administration being told by the leader administration being told by the leader administration being told by the leader of North Korea, "Oh, no, no, we're not of North Korea, "Oh, no, no, we're not of North Korea, "Oh, no, no, we're not going to have a nuclear program." And going to have a nuclear program." And going to have a nuclear program." And then him not, you know, deciding by sort then him not, you know, deciding by sort then him not, you know, deciding by sort of committee and all his sage advisers of committee and all his sage advisers of committee and all his sage advisers and following and talking to Congress and following and talking to Congress and following and talking to Congress and all of that, we're not going to and all of that, we're not going to and all of that, we're not going to attack North Korea. That would be attack North Korea. That would be attack North Korea. That would be unacceptable. That was the Democratic unacceptable. That was the Democratic unacceptable. That was the Democratic President Clinton's position. And as a President Clinton's position. And as a President Clinton's position. And as a result, North Korea developed nuclear result, North Korea developed nuclear result, North Korea developed nuclear weapons and now has nuclear weapons and weapons and now has nuclear weapons and weapons and now has nuclear weapons and the nuclear weapons systems to strike the nuclear weapons systems to strike the nuclear weapons systems to strike the United States and has demonstrated, the United States and has demonstrated, the United States and has demonstrated, you know, a desire if provoked or you know, a desire if provoked or you know, a desire if provoked or actually has said if provoked it would actually has said if provoked it would actually has said if provoked it would do so. And so, you know, you that was do so. And so, you know, you that was do so. And so, you know, you that was not going to happen with Iran. Certainly not going to happen with Iran. Certainly not going to happen with Iran. Certainly not on this watch and probably not on not on this watch and probably not on not on this watch and probably not on any watch. Is there a bit of an unspoken any watch. Is there a bit of an unspoken any watch. Is there a bit of an unspoken rule geopolitically where if you get to rule geopolitically where if you get to rule geopolitically where if you get to nuclear weapons, you can do whatever the nuclear weapons, you can do whatever the nuclear weapons, you can do whatever the hell you want and hell you want and hell you want and >> it's the ultimate deterrence. >> it's the ultimate deterrence. >> it's the ultimate deterrence. >> Yeah, absolutely. You can't mess with >> Yeah, absolutely. You can't mess with >> Yeah, absolutely. You can't mess with somebody who has a nuclear weapon and somebody who has a nuclear weapon and somebody who has a nuclear weapon and you and you and you don't. you and you and you don't. you and you and you don't. >> One of my friends was asking me this >> One of my friends was asking me this >> One of my friends was asking me this morning whe how the situation with Iran morning whe how the situation with Iran morning whe how the situation with Iran getting nuclear weapons is any different getting nuclear weapons is any different getting nuclear weapons is any different from the situation with North Korea from the situation with North Korea from the situation with North Korea having nuclear weapons or is it the having nuclear weapons or is it the having nuclear weapons or is it the same? same? same? >> Well, it's the same thing. only perhaps >> Well, it's the same thing. only perhaps >> Well, it's the same thing. only perhaps were well now this regime is is it is up were well now this regime is is it is up were well now this regime is is it is up we don't know what will happen with it we don't know what will happen with it we don't know what will happen with it but having you know an esh correct me on but having you know an esh correct me on but having you know an esh correct me on this pronunciation you know the idea this pronunciation you know the idea this pronunciation you know the idea that the Shia idea that the sort of that the Shia idea that the sort of that the Shia idea that the sort of apocalyptic end is not necessarily a bad apocalyptic end is not necessarily a bad apocalyptic end is not necessarily a bad thing thing thing >> oh the arrival of the mai and and and >> oh the arrival of the mai and and and >> oh the arrival of the mai and and and that whole thing right sort of creating that whole thing right sort of creating that whole thing right sort of creating the conditions for that to come about the conditions for that to come about the conditions for that to come about >> yes there's a there's kind of a a >> yes there's a there's kind of a a >> yes there's a there's kind of a a undergirling the Islamic regime's undergirling the Islamic regime's undergirling the Islamic regime's thinking being is this idea and that's thinking being is this idea and that's thinking being is this idea and that's very dangerous to the idea that we don't very dangerous to the idea that we don't very dangerous to the idea that we don't want to have a nuclear war want to have a nuclear war want to have a nuclear war >> though that regime is not suicidal. I I >> though that regime is not suicidal. I I >> though that regime is not suicidal. I I I will sort of state that Kame was was I will sort of state that Kame was was I will sort of state that Kame was was prepared to die for his cause but he was prepared to die for his cause but he was prepared to die for his cause but he was not suicidal in the sense that he would not suicidal in the sense that he would not suicidal in the sense that he would go out and sort of you know um if he go out and sort of you know um if he go out and sort of you know um if he could I don't think start a nuclear war could I don't think start a nuclear war could I don't think start a nuclear war that he knew his country was going to that he knew his country was going to that he knew his country was going to get destroyed fighting. Uh that is I get destroyed fighting. Uh that is I get destroyed fighting. Uh that is I think you know one distinction and I'm think you know one distinction and I'm think you know one distinction and I'm not saying North Korea is suicidal but not saying North Korea is suicidal but not saying North Korea is suicidal but definitely what remains of the definitely what remains of the definitely what remains of the government there is not is not suicidal. government there is not is not suicidal. government there is not is not suicidal. Um I don't think there is ideological Um I don't think there is ideological Um I don't think there is ideological dieards as we saw in the founding dieards as we saw in the founding dieards as we saw in the founding fathers of which Kam was the last one. fathers of which Kam was the last one. fathers of which Kam was the last one. So that changes it a little bit now that So that changes it a little bit now that So that changes it a little bit now that he's dead you know um there's uh the um he's dead you know um there's uh the um he's dead you know um there's uh the um a philosopher Eric Hoffer he sort of a philosopher Eric Hoffer he sort of a philosopher Eric Hoffer he sort of wrote that great causes start as wrote that great causes start as wrote that great causes start as movements then they become businesses movements then they become businesses movements then they become businesses then they become rackets. Okay. So, then they become rackets. Okay. So, then they become rackets. Okay. So, Humeni M Humeni's movement that started Humeni M Humeni's movement that started Humeni M Humeni's movement that started in the 70s that was the movement. It in the 70s that was the movement. It in the 70s that was the movement. It became a business, a enterprise of which became a business, a enterprise of which became a business, a enterprise of which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps profited immensely till it became a profited immensely till it became a profited immensely till it became a racket and now we're at the racket phase racket and now we're at the racket phase racket and now we're at the racket phase of it and the only one really left are of it and the only one really left are of it and the only one really left are the racketeering leaders you know and the racketeering leaders you know and the racketeering leaders you know and because the the the spiritual leaders because the the the spiritual leaders because the the the spiritual leaders are now gone. Um what happens next I are now gone. Um what happens next I are now gone. Um what happens next I think is sort of and you know we're now think is sort of and you know we're now think is sort of and you know we're now in very much in unknown territory with in very much in unknown territory with in very much in unknown territory with that. Andrew, to that point of nuclear that. Andrew, to that point of nuclear that. Andrew, to that point of nuclear weapons, if Iran had already violated um weapons, if Iran had already violated um weapons, if Iran had already violated um many of the things they'd said around many of the things they'd said around many of the things they'd said around nuclear weapons and they I think they'd nuclear weapons and they I think they'd nuclear weapons and they I think they'd enriched uranium to 60% roughly, they enriched uranium to 60% roughly, they enriched uranium to 60% roughly, they would have theoretically continued to go would have theoretically continued to go would have theoretically continued to go because they know that if you want the because they know that if you want the because they know that if you want the US and other people in the region to US and other people in the region to US and other people in the region to stay away from you, you got to get stay away from you, you got to get stay away from you, you got to get nuclear weapons. And once you get that nuclear weapons. And once you get that nuclear weapons. And once you get that to that point, then you no one's going to that point, then you no one's going to that point, then you no one's going to mess with you. to mess with you. to mess with you. >> So I think the assumption is that no one >> So I think the assumption is that no one >> So I think the assumption is that no one will mess with you with nuclear weapons. will mess with you with nuclear weapons. will mess with you with nuclear weapons. I don't think that that is going to be I don't think that that is going to be I don't think that that is going to be the assumption for much longer. I think the assumption for much longer. I think the assumption for much longer. I think that that Iran recognized that if it that that Iran recognized that if it that that Iran recognized that if it could get a path to a deployable nuclear could get a path to a deployable nuclear could get a path to a deployable nuclear capability, whether it's a rocket or capability, whether it's a rocket or capability, whether it's a rocket or whether it's a missile or even if it's a whether it's a missile or even if it's a whether it's a missile or even if it's a truck with a nuke in the trunk, they had truck with a nuke in the trunk, they had truck with a nuke in the trunk, they had options. 60% enrichment, they have options. 60% enrichment, they have options. 60% enrichment, they have options options options there. I mean, with just nuclear waste, there. I mean, with just nuclear waste, there. I mean, with just nuclear waste, they have options to cause real damage. they have options to cause real damage. they have options to cause real damage. But enriched militaryra But enriched militaryra But enriched militaryra sustainable kind of permanent state sustainable kind of permanent state sustainable kind of permanent state nuclear capability is a much higher nuclear capability is a much higher nuclear capability is a much higher level of enrichment than that. And level of enrichment than that. And level of enrichment than that. And that's arguably what they have in North that's arguably what they have in North that's arguably what they have in North Korea. Their deployability, their Korea. Their deployability, their Korea. Their deployability, their capability for actually putting it on a capability for actually putting it on a capability for actually putting it on a rocket and having the rocket hit where rocket and having the rocket hit where rocket and having the rocket hit where it's supposed to hit and not blow up on it's supposed to hit and not blow up on it's supposed to hit and not blow up on the launch pad is a little bit the launch pad is a little bit the launch pad is a little bit different. And for that reason, I think different. And for that reason, I think different. And for that reason, I think we have to take seriously the fact that we have to take seriously the fact that we have to take seriously the fact that if the United States wanted to if the United States wanted to if the United States wanted to demonstrate their power against the demonstrate their power against the demonstrate their power against the nuclear capable country, they could do nuclear capable country, they could do nuclear capable country, they could do it against North Korea. There's also it against North Korea. There's also it against North Korea. There's also this concept that our current military this concept that our current military this concept that our current military doctrine under Hegsth has applied that doctrine under Hegsth has applied that doctrine under Hegsth has applied that no other president has ever applied and no other president has ever applied and no other president has ever applied and no other department of defense, no other department of defense, no other department of defense, Department of War has applied and that's Department of War has applied and that's Department of War has applied and that's this idea called burden sharing. this idea called burden sharing. this idea called burden sharing. According to the Department of War, According to the Department of War, According to the Department of War, their doctrine now is a doctrine of their doctrine now is a doctrine of their doctrine now is a doctrine of burden sharing, which means they will burden sharing, which means they will burden sharing, which means they will force the burden of a national security force the burden of a national security force the burden of a national security interest on American allies. An example interest on American allies. An example interest on American allies. An example is they go into Iran with a small naval is they go into Iran with a small naval is they go into Iran with a small naval force. They bomb Iran knowing very well force. They bomb Iran knowing very well force. They bomb Iran knowing very well that Iran is going to spread the pain that Iran is going to spread the pain that Iran is going to spread the pain across our allies in the Middle East. To across our allies in the Middle East. To across our allies in the Middle East. To the United States Department of War, the United States Department of War, the United States Department of War, that is us, that is our allies sharing that is us, that is our allies sharing that is us, that is our allies sharing the burden. If they want to be our the burden. If they want to be our the burden. If they want to be our allies, they have to do this. Same thing allies, they have to do this. Same thing allies, they have to do this. Same thing is happening with Ukraine and with is happening with Ukraine and with is happening with Ukraine and with Russia. If you want if Europe, if you Russia. If you want if Europe, if you Russia. If you want if Europe, if you want to counter Russia, you must share want to counter Russia, you must share want to counter Russia, you must share the burden with the United States. It the burden with the United States. It the burden with the United States. It also gives the the United States now also gives the the United States now also gives the the United States now cart blanch to go anywhere it wants with cart blanch to go anywhere it wants with cart blanch to go anywhere it wants with a limited force, stir up a hornets nest, a limited force, stir up a hornets nest, a limited force, stir up a hornets nest, and then let everybody else pay the and then let everybody else pay the and then let everybody else pay the price. Well, in terms of the Middle price. Well, in terms of the Middle price. Well, in terms of the Middle East, it certainly was an effective move East, it certainly was an effective move East, it certainly was an effective move because, you know, all of these six because, you know, all of these six because, you know, all of these six countries that Iran has now bomb, you countries that Iran has now bomb, you countries that Iran has now bomb, you know, attacked in the past 48 hours are know, attacked in the past 48 hours are know, attacked in the past 48 hours are now very angry with Iran. So, the burden now very angry with Iran. So, the burden now very angry with Iran. So, the burden sharing has gone from kind of like this sharing has gone from kind of like this sharing has gone from kind of like this is a fight that we're not in to this is is a fight that we're not in to this is is a fight that we're not in to this is a fight we are in. I don't think that a fight we are in. I don't think that a fight we are in. I don't think that anybody has taken any offensive actions anybody has taken any offensive actions anybody has taken any offensive actions against Iran except against Iran except against Iran except >> but they're not happy with it. >> but they're not happy with it. >> but they're not happy with it. >> They weren't happy before. >> They weren't happy before. >> They weren't happy before. >> No, they but the the the statements >> No, they but the the the statements >> No, they but the the the statements they've put out are some of the they've put out are some of the they've put out are some of the strongest that we've seen. strongest that we've seen. strongest that we've seen. >> I mean, we've never even seen anything. >> I mean, we've never even seen anything. >> I mean, we've never even seen anything. >> We've never seen the Gulf States put out >> We've never seen the Gulf States put out >> We've never seen the Gulf States put out what they've basically, you know, what they've basically, you know, what they've basically, you know, condemning Iran and holding it condemning Iran and holding it condemning Iran and holding it responsible. It it's now any pretense responsible. It it's now any pretense responsible. It it's now any pretense that there was a reproma, there was some that there was a reproma, there was some that there was a reproma, there was some sort of a a coming together is is now sort of a a coming together is is now sort of a a coming together is is now shattered. And and that's a setback for shattered. And and that's a setback for shattered. And and that's a setback for whatever is left of the Islamic whatever is left of the Islamic whatever is left of the Islamic Republic. Republic. Republic. >> Huge setback. the the power that Iran >> Huge setback. the the power that Iran >> Huge setback. the the power that Iran has over the Middle East is a power of has over the Middle East is a power of has over the Middle East is a power of agriculture. agriculture. agriculture. All of the countries that we look at, All of the countries that we look at, All of the countries that we look at, all the oil collegiate countries can't all the oil collegiate countries can't all the oil collegiate countries can't make their own food. Iran makes their make their own food. Iran makes their make their own food. Iran makes their food. So, they've always had this weird food. So, they've always had this weird food. So, they've always had this weird relationship where they disagree with relationship where they disagree with relationship where they disagree with them politically. They disagree with them politically. They disagree with them politically. They disagree with them religiously. They disagree with them religiously. They disagree with them religiously. They disagree with them militarily, but they're still them militarily, but they're still them militarily, but they're still allies because of food. The United allies because of food. The United allies because of food. The United States has sanctions all over Russia, States has sanctions all over Russia, States has sanctions all over Russia, except in one area, space. We still except in one area, space. We still except in one area, space. We still cooperate with Russia. It's a carve out cooperate with Russia. It's a carve out cooperate with Russia. It's a carve out because we don't want to lose their because we don't want to lose their because we don't want to lose their access to the space program. access to the space program. access to the space program. >> Do you think we're closer to nuclear war >> Do you think we're closer to nuclear war >> Do you think we're closer to nuclear war now because of this action? now because of this action? now because of this action? >> 100%. >> 100%. >> 100%. >> So you you think this has moved us >> So you you think this has moved us >> So you you think this has moved us closer to that? closer to that? closer to that? >> 100%. And and I've got there's proof of >> 100%. And and I've got there's proof of >> 100%. And and I've got there's proof of that all over the headlines today that all over the headlines today that all over the headlines today because France is deploying air launch because France is deploying air launch because France is deploying air launch nuclear warheads. Air launched nuclear nuclear warheads. Air launched nuclear nuclear warheads. Air launched nuclear warheads. That means small warheads that warheads. That means small warheads that warheads. That means small warheads that fit on the ends of airplane rockets. fit on the ends of airplane rockets. fit on the ends of airplane rockets. They're deploying them all over Europe. They're deploying them all over Europe. They're deploying them all over Europe. That means France is now taking its That means France is now taking its That means France is now taking its nuclear arsenal and spreading it across nuclear arsenal and spreading it across nuclear arsenal and spreading it across its European allies. The more nuclear its European allies. The more nuclear its European allies. The more nuclear proliferation, the more risk of nuclear proliferation, the more risk of nuclear proliferation, the more risk of nuclear that's just Ukraine and that's just Ukraine and that's just Ukraine and >> that has nothing to do with Iran. >> that has nothing to do with Iran. >> that has nothing to do with Iran. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> that has nothing to do with Iran. It >> that has nothing to do with Iran. It >> that has nothing to do with Iran. It happened two days after Iran. It has happened two days after Iran. It has happened two days after Iran. It has the threat of nuclear war comes from the the threat of nuclear war comes from the the threat of nuclear war comes from the conflict in my opinion comes from the conflict in my opinion comes from the conflict in my opinion comes from the conflict in Iran from the war in Ukraine conflict in Iran from the war in Ukraine conflict in Iran from the war in Ukraine and comes from Russia and comes from Russia and comes from Russia >> because you have an actual superpower >> because you have an actual superpower >> because you have an actual superpower president who has threatened the use of president who has threatened the use of president who has threatened the use of nuclear weapons. Iran doesn't have a nuclear weapons. Iran doesn't have a nuclear weapons. Iran doesn't have a nuclear weapon. So it's it's not a nuclear weapon. So it's it's not a nuclear weapon. So it's it's not a nuclear threat. nuclear threat. nuclear threat. >> You speak a different nuclear language >> You speak a different nuclear language >> You speak a different nuclear language than I do. Russia is launching than I do. Russia is launching than I do. Russia is launching intercontinental ballistic missiles that intercontinental ballistic missiles that intercontinental ballistic missiles that can't be intercepted. It's got the can't be intercepted. It's got the can't be intercepted. It's got the archnik. What the hell is it going to be archnik. What the hell is it going to be archnik. What the hell is it going to be afraid of? A warhead on the tip of an afraid of? A warhead on the tip of an afraid of? A warhead on the tip of an airplane. airplane. airplane. >> It's not. That's a tactical nuke. That's >> It's not. That's a tactical nuke. That's >> It's not. That's a tactical nuke. That's a battlefield. a battlefield. a battlefield. >> What is your point? >> What is your point? >> What is your point? >> My point is that we the deployment of a >> My point is that we the deployment of a >> My point is that we the deployment of a nuclear weapon nuclear weapon nuclear weapon >> is nuclear war. The deployment of a >> is nuclear war. The deployment of a >> is nuclear war. The deployment of a nuclear weapon. If you're talking about nuclear weapon. If you're talking about nuclear weapon. If you're talking about >> Hang on, >> Hang on, >> Hang on, >> mutually assured destruction. >> mutually assured destruction. >> mutually assured destruction. >> Are you talking about the use of a >> Are you talking about the use of a >> Are you talking about the use of a nuclear weapon or are you talking about nuclear weapon or are you talking about nuclear weapon or are you talking about putting a warhead on a aircraft? No, putting a warhead on a aircraft? No, putting a warhead on a aircraft? No, that's that's been technology for a long that's that's been technology for a long that's that's been technology for a long time. Using it in the battlefield, time. Using it in the battlefield, time. Using it in the battlefield, >> but it's not being used in the >> but it's not being used in the >> but it's not being used in the battlefield. I agree with you a battlefield. I agree with you a battlefield. I agree with you a thousand%. thousand%. thousand%. >> You don't think it's being you think it >> You don't think it's being you think it >> You don't think it's being you think it is being used in the battle? is being used in the battle? is being used in the battle? >> No, I'm saying it's being deployed. Is >> No, I'm saying it's being deployed. Is >> No, I'm saying it's being deployed. Is that getting us closer to nuclear war? that getting us closer to nuclear war? that getting us closer to nuclear war? Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Yes, but it's not but it's not because >> Yes, but it's not but it's not because >> Yes, but it's not but it's not because of Iran. of Iran. of Iran. >> It has nothing to do with Iran. And what >> It has nothing to do with Iran. And what >> It has nothing to do with Iran. And what are you talking about being deployed? are you talking about being deployed? are you talking about being deployed? Because in you're talking about France Because in you're talking about France Because in you're talking about France maneuvering where its weaponry is. maneuvering where its weaponry is. maneuvering where its weaponry is. >> That's the definition of a deployment. >> That's the definition of a deployment. >> That's the definition of a deployment. >> That is well then we're talking about >> That is well then we're talking about >> That is well then we're talking about it. I'm talking about nuclear use. I it. I'm talking about nuclear use. I it. I'm talking about nuclear use. I mean, mean, mean, the United States deploys its nuclear the United States deploys its nuclear the United States deploys its nuclear forces all the time by President Trump forces all the time by President Trump forces all the time by President Trump saying, "I'm moving our submarines," saying, "I'm moving our submarines," saying, "I'm moving our submarines," >> which is just talk because they're >> which is just talk because they're >> which is just talk because they're moving anyways. It's it's the same as moving anyways. It's it's the same as moving anyways. It's it's the same as it's threatening when Putin says, "I'm it's threatening when Putin says, "I'm it's threatening when Putin says, "I'm moving at my nuclear or when he tests, moving at my nuclear or when he tests, moving at my nuclear or when he tests, you know, Norway by popping up right you know, Norway by popping up right you know, Norway by popping up right offside outside of their shores." Those offside outside of their shores." Those offside outside of their shores." Those are maneuvers that are very dangerous. I are maneuvers that are very dangerous. I are maneuvers that are very dangerous. I I absolutely agree. I absolutely agree. I absolutely agree. >> But in this particular case, has the >> But in this particular case, has the >> But in this particular case, has the even from a Russian perspective, has even from a Russian perspective, has even from a Russian perspective, has this war in Iran increase the this war in Iran increase the this war in Iran increase the probability that a Putin would use a probability that a Putin would use a probability that a Putin would use a nuclear? nuclear? nuclear? >> In my opinion, absolutely not. No. In my >> In my opinion, absolutely not. No. In my >> In my opinion, absolutely not. No. In my opinion, no. In my opinion, what it does opinion, no. In my opinion, what it does opinion, no. In my opinion, what it does to Putin is it makes him say, to Putin is it makes him say, to Putin is it makes him say, "Wow, this president "Wow, this president "Wow, this president is unpredictable." And to some to an is unpredictable." And to some to an is unpredictable." And to some to an authoritarian authoritarian authoritarian person like Putin, that's a match for person like Putin, that's a match for person like Putin, that's a match for him, not someone for him to walk on. And him, not someone for him to walk on. And him, not someone for him to walk on. And I think that I'm not I'm not saying I think that I'm not I'm not saying I think that I'm not I'm not saying that's a great way for world diplomacy that's a great way for world diplomacy that's a great way for world diplomacy whatsoever. It's not diplomacy. It's whatsoever. It's not diplomacy. It's whatsoever. It's not diplomacy. It's just, you know, it's just strongarmming just, you know, it's just strongarmming just, you know, it's just strongarmming one another. But but we are not I do not one another. But but we are not I do not one another. But but we are not I do not feel at all that this situation makes us feel at all that this situation makes us feel at all that this situation makes us closer to a nuclear threat whatsoever. closer to a nuclear threat whatsoever. closer to a nuclear threat whatsoever. >> I agree. I think it's a combination of >> I agree. I think it's a combination of >> I agree. I think it's a combination of Ukraine and China's um military Ukraine and China's um military Ukraine and China's um military exercises and action in the South China exercises and action in the South China exercises and action in the South China Sea and the whole sort of you know what Sea and the whole sort of you know what Sea and the whole sort of you know what we're not seeing. There's this argument we're not seeing. There's this argument we're not seeing. There's this argument that China's watching what's going on that China's watching what's going on that China's watching what's going on with the US and Iran. Here we are with the US and Iran. Here we are with the US and Iran. Here we are depleting our interceptors, our depleting our interceptors, our depleting our interceptors, our munitions. is China's meanwhile munitions. is China's meanwhile munitions. is China's meanwhile stockpiling, you know, its resources and stockpiling, you know, its resources and stockpiling, you know, its resources and is does this put us at a disadvantage if is does this put us at a disadvantage if is does this put us at a disadvantage if and when the day comes where China and when the day comes where China and when the day comes where China decides to take proactive aggressive decides to take proactive aggressive decides to take proactive aggressive action visav Iran? That's something to action visav Iran? That's something to action visav Iran? That's something to think about and I think that then I'm think about and I think that then I'm think about and I think that then I'm worried about the risk of nuclear war in worried about the risk of nuclear war in worried about the risk of nuclear war in that instance. I don't think Iran by that instance. I don't think Iran by that instance. I don't think Iran by itself in a vacuum is is moving the itself in a vacuum is is moving the itself in a vacuum is is moving the needle on that sort of nuclear risk needle on that sort of nuclear risk needle on that sort of nuclear risk meter. To your point, what this is a meter. To your point, what this is a meter. To your point, what this is a boon for is the defense contractor boon for is the defense contractor boon for is the defense contractor world, is the military-industrial world, is the military-industrial world, is the military-industrial complex. Because, for example, part of complex. Because, for example, part of complex. Because, for example, part of why Iran is so weak is because they've why Iran is so weak is because they've why Iran is so weak is because they've used up so many ballistic missiles in used up so many ballistic missiles in used up so many ballistic missiles in their conflict with Israel. I I read their conflict with Israel. I I read their conflict with Israel. I I read today the interceptor to missile ratio today the interceptor to missile ratio today the interceptor to missile ratio something like 25 to1 that the something like 25 to1 that the something like 25 to1 that the interceptors needed to to to catch these interceptors needed to to to catch these interceptors needed to to to catch these ballistic missiles that Kuwait, the UAE, ballistic missiles that Kuwait, the UAE, ballistic missiles that Kuwait, the UAE, Israel is using, they're like upwards of Israel is using, they're like upwards of Israel is using, they're like upwards of of 10 15 times more expensive. of 10 15 times more expensive. of 10 15 times more expensive. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Um and and these drones are relatively >> Um and and these drones are relatively >> Um and and these drones are relatively cheaply made, these shahed drones that cheaply made, these shahed drones that cheaply made, these shahed drones that they're using. So, you know, there is they're using. So, you know, there is they're using. So, you know, there is that aspect of it too that Iran can just that aspect of it too that Iran can just that aspect of it too that Iran can just fire like a madman all these sort of um fire like a madman all these sort of um fire like a madman all these sort of um expendable um munitions and meanwhile expendable um munitions and meanwhile expendable um munitions and meanwhile we're spending three, four, five, 10 we're spending three, four, five, 10 we're spending three, four, five, 10 times as much to intercept them. times as much to intercept them. times as much to intercept them. >> Yes. Although you do see in any kind of >> Yes. Although you do see in any kind of >> Yes. Although you do see in any kind of conflict like this, you always see new conflict like this, you always see new conflict like this, you always see new weapons on the battle and and that's weapons on the battle and and that's weapons on the battle and and that's what happened now. And America actually what happened now. And America actually what happened now. And America actually has been copying the Shahed drones, has been copying the Shahed drones, has been copying the Shahed drones, these cheap, we call them the Lucas, these cheap, we call them the Lucas, these cheap, we call them the Lucas, these cheap systems that can just go in these cheap systems that can just go in these cheap systems that can just go in and, you know, cause havoc without and, you know, cause havoc without and, you know, cause havoc without precision. And we deployed them. So I precision. And we deployed them. So I precision. And we deployed them. So I think this was I think this was a long think this was I think this was a long think this was I think this was a long time. time. time. >> Sorry to interrupt you, Stephen. >> Sorry to interrupt you, Stephen. >> Sorry to interrupt you, Stephen. >> Well, I think this is one of the big >> Well, I think this is one of the big >> Well, I think this is one of the big questions that a lot of people are questions that a lot of people are questions that a lot of people are asking, which is how long can Iran fight asking, which is how long can Iran fight asking, which is how long can Iran fight for in this war? Um, and what does that for in this war? Um, and what does that for in this war? Um, and what does that fight look like? um that here in these fight look like? um that here in these fight look like? um that here in these jars you have I think it's the relative jars you have I think it's the relative jars you have I think it's the relative amount of soldiers that each country amount of soldiers that each country amount of soldiers that each country has. Now obviously soldiers are just has. Now obviously soldiers are just has. Now obviously soldiers are just goes back to what Obama said about goes back to what Obama said about goes back to what Obama said about horses and bayonets. They're one form of horses and bayonets. They're one form of horses and bayonets. They're one form of um combat but I was quite surprised at um combat but I was quite surprised at um combat but I was quite surprised at how big Iran's military is relative to how big Iran's military is relative to how big Iran's military is relative to even the US but other um countries in even the US but other um countries in even the US but other um countries in the region. I think they have the the region. I think they have the the region. I think they have the biggest military in the region. Is that biggest military in the region. Is that biggest military in the region. Is that correct? correct? correct? >> So we have to separate between the IRGC >> So we have to separate between the IRGC >> So we have to separate between the IRGC and the National Army. They serve two and the National Army. They serve two and the National Army. They serve two different functions. different functions. different functions. >> What are those two things? the IRGC, uh, >> What are those two things? the IRGC, uh, >> What are those two things? the IRGC, uh, which Annie brought up earlier. So, the which Annie brought up earlier. So, the which Annie brought up earlier. So, the I stands for Islamic Revolutionary Guard I stands for Islamic Revolutionary Guard I stands for Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, not Iranian. What does that mean? Corps, not Iranian. What does that mean? Corps, not Iranian. What does that mean? It's protecting the Islamic Revolution. It's protecting the Islamic Revolution. It's protecting the Islamic Revolution. It is an ideological army that sits It is an ideological army that sits It is an ideological army that sits outside of the main structures of power, outside of the main structures of power, outside of the main structures of power, accountable only to the Supreme Leader. accountable only to the Supreme Leader. accountable only to the Supreme Leader. The National Army really goes through The National Army really goes through The National Army really goes through the office of the presidency and others the office of the presidency and others the office of the presidency and others and you know, even though the Supreme and you know, even though the Supreme and you know, even though the Supreme Leader has a say in it, but the the Leader has a say in it, but the the Leader has a say in it, but the the army's job is to protect Iran's borders. army's job is to protect Iran's borders. army's job is to protect Iran's borders. The IRGC's job is to protect the The IRGC's job is to protect the The IRGC's job is to protect the revolution and the ideology and the revolution and the ideology and the revolution and the ideology and the proxies and everything else that we have proxies and everything else that we have proxies and everything else that we have come to know about Iran. So if we look come to know about Iran. So if we look come to know about Iran. So if we look at the if we look at those if we look at at the if we look at those if we look at at the if we look at those if we look at what's in the jar, we have to separate what's in the jar, we have to separate what's in the jar, we have to separate what the national army which is only its what the national army which is only its what the national army which is only its job is to defend the borders versus the job is to defend the borders versus the job is to defend the borders versus the ideological army. I'm curious what that ideological army. I'm curious what that ideological army. I'm curious what that would look like if we took out the would look like if we took out the would look like if we took out the national army and are left with the national army and are left with the national army and are left with the ideological force. Iran have the largest ideological force. Iran have the largest ideological force. Iran have the largest stockpile in the Middle East of stockpile in the Middle East of stockpile in the Middle East of missiles, drones, and air defenses, missiles, drones, and air defenses, missiles, drones, and air defenses, possessing thousands of ballistic crews, possessing thousands of ballistic crews, possessing thousands of ballistic crews, missiles, and kamicazi drones. This is missiles, and kamicazi drones. This is missiles, and kamicazi drones. This is their primary offensive strength. Um, their primary offensive strength. Um, their primary offensive strength. Um, and they have quite a significant and they have quite a significant and they have quite a significant defense budget as well. But I guess the defense budget as well. But I guess the defense budget as well. But I guess the question I'm trying to get at is like question I'm trying to get at is like question I'm trying to get at is like how long can they fight for? And how how long can they fight for? And how how long can they fight for? And how does that fight look over time? Because does that fight look over time? Because does that fight look over time? Because I know they shot they shot hundreds and I know they shot they shot hundreds and I know they shot they shot hundreds and hundreds of ballistic missiles over the hundreds of ballistic missiles over the hundreds of ballistic missiles over the weekend. Yeah, Israel claims that in the weekend. Yeah, Israel claims that in the weekend. Yeah, Israel claims that in the in the July in the June war of last in the July in the June war of last in the July in the June war of last year, it it um eliminated about half of year, it it um eliminated about half of year, it it um eliminated about half of Iran, what it believes to be Iran Iran, what it believes to be Iran Iran, what it believes to be Iran stockpiles, but also batteries, stockpiles, but also batteries, stockpiles, but also batteries, launchers, basically capability. So, if launchers, basically capability. So, if launchers, basically capability. So, if you whatever it was, let's say they have you whatever it was, let's say they have you whatever it was, let's say they have half of that left. Um I I've seen half of that left. Um I I've seen half of that left. Um I I've seen statist statistics saying that really statist statistics saying that really statist statistics saying that really they can't go at this rate um Iran for they can't go at this rate um Iran for they can't go at this rate um Iran for more than two to three weeks before more than two to three weeks before more than two to three weeks before they're completely depleted. they're completely depleted. they're completely depleted. >> Well, there's also an interesting move >> Well, there's also an interesting move >> Well, there's also an interesting move that the United States did. While we that the United States did. While we that the United States did. While we didn't kill the Supreme Leader, what we didn't kill the Supreme Leader, what we didn't kill the Supreme Leader, what we did do was send our B2s to take out did do was send our B2s to take out did do was send our B2s to take out missile underground missile systems missile underground missile systems missile underground missile systems which Iran has. which Iran has. which Iran has. >> Which are the aircrafts, right? >> Which are the aircrafts, right? >> Which are the aircrafts, right? >> No, they're underground. They actually >> No, they're underground. They actually >> No, they're underground. They actually call them missiles. call them missiles. call them missiles. Yes, they came from the United States. Yes, they came from the United States. Yes, they came from the United States. And this is a consider considerable And this is a consider considerable And this is a consider considerable damage because the two ways in which damage because the two ways in which damage because the two ways in which these sort of rogue nations whether it's these sort of rogue nations whether it's these sort of rogue nations whether it's North Korea or Iran work their missiles North Korea or Iran work their missiles North Korea or Iran work their missiles is they have them on what are called is they have them on what are called is they have them on what are called road mobile launchers so that they road mobile launchers so that they road mobile launchers so that they cannot be tracked and targeted or they cannot be tracked and targeted or they cannot be tracked and targeted or they bury them deeply underground. And one of bury them deeply underground. And one of bury them deeply underground. And one of the only things that can take out those the only things that can take out those the only things that can take out those deeply buried missile sides is a B2 and deeply buried missile sides is a B2 and deeply buried missile sides is a B2 and that's what the United States sent. So, that's what the United States sent. So, that's what the United States sent. So, how do you how how do you think this how do you how how do you think this how do you how how do you think this plays out over the coming weeks and plays out over the coming weeks and plays out over the coming weeks and months? Because at some point, yeah, months? Because at some point, yeah, months? Because at some point, yeah, they might run out of missiles, but that they might run out of missiles, but that they might run out of missiles, but that doesn't necessarily mean the war is doesn't necessarily mean the war is doesn't necessarily mean the war is over. I'm presuming that the US don't over. I'm presuming that the US don't over. I'm presuming that the US don't want to throw soldiers on the ground in want to throw soldiers on the ground in want to throw soldiers on the ground in Iran either. So, what how like how does Iran either. So, what how like how does Iran either. So, what how like how does this play play out and how long? this play play out and how long? this play play out and how long? >> And and that's one of the major >> And and that's one of the major >> And and that's one of the major strategic errors that we made in strategic errors that we made in strategic errors that we made in attacking Iran. They have the benefit of attacking Iran. They have the benefit of attacking Iran. They have the benefit of time, not us. They can choose how to time, not us. They can choose how to time, not us. They can choose how to react, when to react, in what way to react, when to react, in what way to react, when to react, in what way to react. We don't know if they have a react. We don't know if they have a react. We don't know if they have a dirty bomb that they're finishing up in dirty bomb that they're finishing up in dirty bomb that they're finishing up in some underground bunker right now that's some underground bunker right now that's some underground bunker right now that's just going to sit there and wait until just going to sit there and wait until just going to sit there and wait until American boots on the ground show up. American boots on the ground show up. American boots on the ground show up. The fact that you guys think that that The fact that you guys think that that The fact that you guys think that that current nuclear deployments have nothing current nuclear deployments have nothing current nuclear deployments have nothing to do with what's going on Iran, it it's to do with what's going on Iran, it it's to do with what's going on Iran, it it's I I want to respect that opinion, but to I I want to respect that opinion, but to I I want to respect that opinion, but to me it shows just a lack of military me it shows just a lack of military me it shows just a lack of military experience and actual strategic intent experience and actual strategic intent experience and actual strategic intent to kill. Like when you look at how to kill. Like when you look at how to kill. Like when you look at how military and intelligence operators are military and intelligence operators are military and intelligence operators are trained to think, we are trained to trained to think, we are trained to trained to think, we are trained to think through a lens of maximum damage. think through a lens of maximum damage. think through a lens of maximum damage. >> Iran is thinking through the same window >> Iran is thinking through the same window >> Iran is thinking through the same window right now. And they're watching what we right now. And they're watching what we right now. And they're watching what we just did in Afghanistan. Don't forget, just did in Afghanistan. Don't forget, just did in Afghanistan. Don't forget, we killed Osama bin Laden, who was an we killed Osama bin Laden, who was an we killed Osama bin Laden, who was an ideological figurehead of al-Qaeda in ideological figurehead of al-Qaeda in ideological figurehead of al-Qaeda in 2011 and didn't leave Afghanistan until 2011 and didn't leave Afghanistan until 2011 and didn't leave Afghanistan until 2022 when we were when we gave up. 2022 when we were when we gave up. 2022 when we were when we gave up. That's another 11 years of war after the That's another 11 years of war after the That's another 11 years of war after the guy that we were supposed to kill to end guy that we were supposed to kill to end guy that we were supposed to kill to end the war. How is Kmeni is different? the war. How is Kmeni is different? the war. How is Kmeni is different? Kmeni is different. But how different? I Kmeni is different. But how different? I Kmeni is different. But how different? I don't know yet. And what are we going to don't know yet. And what are we going to don't know yet. And what are we going to do? The the new leadership in Iran, do? The the new leadership in Iran, do? The the new leadership in Iran, what's it going to be? Is it going to be what's it going to be? Is it going to be what's it going to be? Is it going to be a leadership that that cowtows to the a leadership that that cowtows to the a leadership that that cowtows to the United States, that cowtows to to United States, that cowtows to to United States, that cowtows to to Israel? Is it going to be another shadow Israel? Is it going to be another shadow Israel? Is it going to be another shadow government like the Sha? Are we going to government like the Sha? Are we going to government like the Sha? Are we going to place somebody else and the Iranian place somebody else and the Iranian place somebody else and the Iranian people are going to love it? Or are we people are going to love it? Or are we people are going to love it? Or are we leaving a vacuum that China and Russia leaving a vacuum that China and Russia leaving a vacuum that China and Russia are going to step into? And now we're are going to step into? And now we're are going to step into? And now we're going to we're going to see a going to we're going to see a going to we're going to see a strengthened Iran that's strengthened by strengthened Iran that's strengthened by strengthened Iran that's strengthened by our largest adversaries in the world. our largest adversaries in the world. our largest adversaries in the world. This is the reality of what we've got to This is the reality of what we've got to This is the reality of what we've got to figure out because because the whether figure out because because the whether figure out because because the whether they launch all their rockets in the they launch all their rockets in the they launch all their rockets in the next two weeks, that doesn't mean that's next two weeks, that doesn't mean that's next two weeks, that doesn't mean that's the end of the fight. For all we know, the end of the fight. For all we know, the end of the fight. For all we know, it's going to come back and bite us in 6 it's going to come back and bite us in 6 it's going to come back and bite us in 6 months when some Hezbollah cell lights months when some Hezbollah cell lights months when some Hezbollah cell lights New York on fire. We don't know. But New York on fire. We don't know. But New York on fire. We don't know. But when it happens, arguably, it's going to when it happens, arguably, it's going to when it happens, arguably, it's going to be justified. be justified. be justified. >> To Andrew's point, Iran can wage a war >> To Andrew's point, Iran can wage a war >> To Andrew's point, Iran can wage a war of attrition. It's harder. A war of of attrition. It's harder. A war of of attrition. It's harder. A war of attrition is basically low-level attrition is basically low-level attrition is basically low-level warfare. Think of like death by a warfare. Think of like death by a warfare. Think of like death by a thousand cuts, right? I'll just keep thousand cuts, right? I'll just keep thousand cuts, right? I'll just keep poking at you enough to eventually wear poking at you enough to eventually wear poking at you enough to eventually wear you down, destabilize you, weaken you. you down, destabilize you, weaken you. you down, destabilize you, weaken you. Whereas what you can do is massive Whereas what you can do is massive Whereas what you can do is massive retaliation and these big sort of, you retaliation and these big sort of, you retaliation and these big sort of, you know, theatrical strikes. War of know, theatrical strikes. War of know, theatrical strikes. War of attrition is basically grinding for the attrition is basically grinding for the attrition is basically grinding for the long haul and wearing you down. This is long haul and wearing you down. This is long haul and wearing you down. This is something that to to his point, Iran is something that to to his point, Iran is something that to to his point, Iran is capable of doing and is probably willing capable of doing and is probably willing capable of doing and is probably willing to do and sees is the only way that it to do and sees is the only way that it to do and sees is the only way that it can survive this is the war of can survive this is the war of can survive this is the war of attrition. the war. It's it's it's attrition. the war. It's it's it's attrition. the war. It's it's it's whatever remnant is left. whatever remnant is left. whatever remnant is left. >> It's how Russia has survived so long. >> It's how Russia has survived so long. >> It's how Russia has survived so long. It's the war of attrition. It's the war of attrition. It's the war of attrition. >> But but like I'm like who's the lead? Do >> But but like I'm like who's the lead? Do >> But but like I'm like who's the lead? Do you need a leader you need a leader you need a leader >> or is it just lots of different pockets >> or is it just lots of different pockets >> or is it just lots of different pockets of people? of people? of people? >> Time will tell and you know Hezbollah's >> Time will tell and you know Hezbollah's >> Time will tell and you know Hezbollah's sort of cells around the world will tell sort of cells around the world will tell sort of cells around the world will tell us what happens. But I think another way us what happens. But I think another way us what happens. But I think another way of looking at it, I saw a a former of looking at it, I saw a a former of looking at it, I saw a a former member of the National Security Council member of the National Security Council member of the National Security Council commenting that like yes, cells could be commenting that like yes, cells could be commenting that like yes, cells could be activated in America or they could just activated in America or they could just activated in America or they could just fade away. And this is where I don't fade away. And this is where I don't fade away. And this is where I don't have a crystal ball and I'm just have a crystal ball and I'm just have a crystal ball and I'm just observing what's happening. But I do observing what's happening. But I do observing what's happening. But I do think that the that all of this hangs on think that the that all of this hangs on think that the that all of this hangs on the razor's edge of public opinion the razor's edge of public opinion the razor's edge of public opinion because you know we time will tell because you know we time will tell because you know we time will tell whether or not this regime falls whether whether or not this regime falls whether whether or not this regime falls whether what you're saying if it's either or but what you're saying if it's either or but what you're saying if it's either or but I don't I don't think that we I don't I don't I don't think that we I don't I don't I don't think that we I don't think that we can know. think that we can know. think that we can know. >> Haven't we been here before to some >> Haven't we been here before to some >> Haven't we been here before to some degree? degree? degree? >> Too many times. Too many times. >> Too many times. Too many times. >> Too many times. Too many times. >> What is the lesson from history that >> What is the lesson from history that >> What is the lesson from history that everyone seems to have forgotten everyone seems to have forgotten everyone seems to have forgotten >> that we are shitty learners of history. >> that we are shitty learners of history. >> that we are shitty learners of history. That's that's what the lesson is That's that's what the lesson is That's that's what the lesson is >> to to your point of you know who the >> to to your point of you know who the >> to to your point of you know who the leadership would be. Something else that leadership would be. Something else that leadership would be. Something else that that philosopher I quoted Eric Hoffer that philosopher I quoted Eric Hoffer that philosopher I quoted Eric Hoffer had said that you know mass movements had said that you know mass movements had said that you know mass movements they don't need a god but they do need a they don't need a god but they do need a they don't need a god but they do need a devil. So to that effect the leader devil. So to that effect the leader devil. So to that effect the leader doesn't matter as much as having an doesn't matter as much as having an doesn't matter as much as having an enemy does. enemy does. enemy does. >> That is the so so basically so long as >> That is the so so basically so long as >> That is the so so basically so long as we the United States or the western we the United States or the western we the United States or the western world is framed as the enemy that is world is framed as the enemy that is world is framed as the enemy that is enough to keep a war of attrition going enough to keep a war of attrition going enough to keep a war of attrition going absent any figurehead or charismatic absent any figurehead or charismatic absent any figurehead or charismatic leader. And he was a religious figure leader. And he was a religious figure leader. And he was a religious figure versus just a political figure. versus just a political figure. versus just a political figure. >> He was a religious figure >> He was a religious figure >> He was a religious figure >> to your point. He was a rakateeer at the >> to your point. He was a rakateeer at the >> to your point. He was a rakateeer at the end. end. end. >> Yeah. I mean he was running I mean >> Yeah. I mean he was running I mean >> Yeah. I mean he was running I mean effectively. Yeah. effectively. Yeah. effectively. Yeah. >> And everyone in most people knew that. >> And everyone in most people knew that. >> And everyone in most people knew that. >> Yeah. Absolutely. >> Yeah. Absolutely. >> Yeah. Absolutely. >> Thousands of people have gathered in >> Thousands of people have gathered in >> Thousands of people have gathered in public squares in Toronto to openly weep public squares in Toronto to openly weep public squares in Toronto to openly weep and mourn his death. Roughly 20% of the and mourn his death. Roughly 20% of the and mourn his death. Roughly 20% of the population are staunch ideological population are staunch ideological population are staunch ideological supporters of him. supporters of him. supporters of him. >> Yeah. 20% of 90 million. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. 20% of 90 million. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. 20% of 90 million. Yeah. Yeah. >> And it's interesting because you one can >> And it's interesting because you one can >> And it's interesting because you one can imagine that that 20% might grow imagine that that 20% might grow imagine that that 20% might grow especially if the the coming months make especially if the the coming months make especially if the the coming months make their lives worse in some way. They their lives worse in some way. They their lives worse in some way. They experience I don't know poverty or experience I don't know poverty or experience I don't know poverty or whatever else and and then you know whatever else and and then you know whatever else and and then you know friends die because of this war. It friends die because of this war. It friends die because of this war. It doesn't take long for narrative to turn. doesn't take long for narrative to turn. doesn't take long for narrative to turn. And And And >> so that's what everyone's been warning >> so that's what everyone's been warning >> so that's what everyone's been warning about that you strike Iran. This was a about that you strike Iran. This was a about that you strike Iran. This was a warning last June. You strike Iran, warning last June. You strike Iran, warning last June. You strike Iran, you're going to get rally around the you're going to get rally around the you're going to get rally around the flag. the people that are secularists flag. the people that are secularists flag. the people that are secularists now are going to turn and they're going now are going to turn and they're going now are going to turn and they're going to start supporting the regime and we're to start supporting the regime and we're to start supporting the regime and we're going to set back the cause of let's say going to set back the cause of let's say going to set back the cause of let's say freedom or democracy. It didn't happen. freedom or democracy. It didn't happen. freedom or democracy. It didn't happen. It turns out that basically the people It turns out that basically the people It turns out that basically the people in Iran blamed the regime for their own in Iran blamed the regime for their own in Iran blamed the regime for their own for the misery that was that was um put for the misery that was that was um put for the misery that was that was um put upon them. And so I think that 20% will upon them. And so I think that 20% will upon them. And so I think that 20% will get even smaller as a result not just of get even smaller as a result not just of get even smaller as a result not just of this. It would have gotten smaller this. It would have gotten smaller this. It would have gotten smaller anyway as a result of this. I think anyway as a result of this. I think anyway as a result of this. I think it'll get even smaller still because it'll get even smaller still because it'll get even smaller still because their salvation is not at the end, you their salvation is not at the end, you their salvation is not at the end, you know, of a of a of a turban or a robe. know, of a of a of a turban or a robe. know, of a of a of a turban or a robe. It basically comes with the liberty and It basically comes with the liberty and It basically comes with the liberty and freedom that this government, this freedom that this government, this freedom that this government, this regime won't give them. And so that is, regime won't give them. And so that is, regime won't give them. And so that is, I think, evident now to the 80% of I think, evident now to the 80% of I think, evident now to the 80% of Iranians, all of whom of that mean that, Iranians, all of whom of that mean that, Iranians, all of whom of that mean that, you know, 80 80% of the population is you know, 80 80% of the population is you know, 80 80% of the population is born after 79. They don't know the old born after 79. They don't know the old born after 79. They don't know the old regime. All they know is this one. And regime. All they know is this one. And regime. All they know is this one. And what they know is they don't like it. what they know is they don't like it. what they know is they don't like it. They don't like living under it. And They don't like living under it. And They don't like living under it. And they want anything other than what this they want anything other than what this they want anything other than what this is. is. is. >> You feel differently. >> You feel differently. >> You feel differently. >> I think that that's an overly idealistic >> I think that that's an overly idealistic >> I think that that's an overly idealistic way of thinking about it. We failed to way of thinking about it. We failed to way of thinking about it. We failed to convert Iraq when we took out Saddam convert Iraq when we took out Saddam convert Iraq when we took out Saddam Hussein. We failed to to to convert Hussein. We failed to to to convert Hussein. We failed to to to convert Afghanistan when we took out the Afghanistan when we took out the Afghanistan when we took out the Taliban. Taliban. Taliban. >> Iran is not Iraq and Afghanistan, >> Iran is not Iraq and Afghanistan, >> Iran is not Iraq and Afghanistan, though. It is not. though. It is not. though. It is not. >> I'm not saying it's the same. I'm saying >> I'm not saying it's the same. I'm saying >> I'm not saying it's the same. I'm saying that when you when you change a that when you when you change a that when you when you change a government from the top down, that government from the top down, that government from the top down, that doesn't do anything for the people. doesn't do anything for the people. doesn't do anything for the people. >> No one's changing it. There's no nation >> No one's changing it. There's no nation >> No one's changing it. There's no nation building. We're not going in to do building. We're not going in to do building. We're not going in to do Ragnarok. Ragnarok. Ragnarok. So, what's going to build it? What's So, what's going to build it? What's So, what's going to build it? What's going to change it? The people. The going to change it? The people. The going to change it? The people. The people that have been slaves for people that have been slaves for people that have been slaves for basically the last what 40, 50 years. basically the last what 40, 50 years. basically the last what 40, 50 years. The people who have had no education. The people who have had no education. The people who have had no education. The people who have been marginalized. The people who have been marginalized. The people who have been marginalized. You think they're just going to You think they're just going to You think they're just going to understand how organize themselves understand how organize themselves understand how organize themselves incredibly educated very very highly I incredibly educated very very highly I incredibly educated very very highly I mean it's it's one of the most educated mean it's it's one of the most educated mean it's it's one of the most educated populists in the world and I have and populists in the world and I have and populists in the world and I have and and they are very the the people that and they are very the the people that and they are very the the people that are not regime supporters are very are not regime supporters are very are not regime supporters are very western thinking I mean we see this we western thinking I mean we see this we western thinking I mean we see this we see this in in the culture they produce see this in in the culture they produce see this in in the culture they produce the media they produce when they go and the media they produce when they go and the media they produce when they go and they speak around the world so the they speak around the world so the they speak around the world so the populace is there the capability is populace is there the capability is populace is there the capability is there the will is there all they need is there the will is there all they need is there the will is there all they need is basically not to be you know not to be basically not to be you know not to be basically not to be you know not to be facing the barrel of a gun facing the barrel of a gun facing the barrel of a gun >> we are about to find out if that's true >> we are about to find out if that's true >> we are about to find out if that's true and that is what that is what we are all and that is what that is what we are all and that is what that is what we are all writing on right now is whether this writing on right now is whether this writing on right now is whether this this intellectual minority in a this intellectual minority in a this intellectual minority in a poverty-stricken economically defunct poverty-stricken economically defunct poverty-stricken economically defunct country is going to even stay country is going to even stay country is going to even stay there or whether they're going to take there or whether they're going to take there or whether they're going to take their brains and their success and their their brains and their success and their their brains and their success and their opportunities somewhere else. opportunities somewhere else. opportunities somewhere else. >> The the diaspora and everything we're >> The the diaspora and everything we're >> The the diaspora and everything we're hearing says they are the people are hearing says they are the people are hearing says they are the people are cannot wait to help rebuild the country. cannot wait to help rebuild the country. cannot wait to help rebuild the country. >> Why do you trust what you're hearing? >> Why do you trust what you're hearing? >> Why do you trust what you're hearing? >> Well, his family's there, so he's >> Well, his family's there, so he's >> Well, his family's there, so he's probably probably probably wor the worst thing you can do is trust wor the worst thing you can do is trust wor the worst thing you can do is trust the people that you have a personal the people that you have a personal the people that you have a personal relationship with. They're the least relationship with. They're the least relationship with. They're the least objective people that you can talk to. objective people that you can talk to. objective people that you can talk to. >> So, who are there 80% of the population? >> So, who are there 80% of the population? >> So, who are there 80% of the population? >> Who do you talk to? >> Who do you talk to? >> Who do you talk to? >> Exactly. Who do you trust? >> Exactly. Who do you trust? >> Exactly. Who do you trust? >> You can't trust anything that you're >> You can't trust anything that you're >> You can't trust anything that you're hearing right now. You can't trust hearing right now. You can't trust hearing right now. You can't trust anything that you're reading right now. anything that you're reading right now. anything that you're reading right now. The information landscape is two to The information landscape is two to The information landscape is two to multiply. multiply. multiply. >> It's not paranoid. Absolutely. It is >> It's not paranoid. Absolutely. It is >> It's not paranoid. Absolutely. It is absolutely paranoid to suggest that absolutely paranoid to suggest that absolutely paranoid to suggest that everything is misinformation. one would everything is misinformation. one would everything is misinformation. one would believe, at least I certainly believe believe, at least I certainly believe believe, at least I certainly believe that I have a faculty up here to be able that I have a faculty up here to be able that I have a faculty up here to be able to take information and try and discern to take information and try and discern to take information and try and discern what might be information misinformation what might be information misinformation what might be information misinformation and what isn't and then also be willing and what isn't and then also be willing and what isn't and then also be willing to stand corrected. That's a very to stand corrected. That's a very to stand corrected. That's a very important part of it and that goes back important part of it and that goes back important part of it and that goes back to my tribal problem is once you have a to my tribal problem is once you have a to my tribal problem is once you have a horse in the race and you become horse in the race and you become horse in the race and you become convinced and I am hearing a little convinced and I am hearing a little convinced and I am hearing a little convincedness convincedness convincedness from you that you know then I believe from you that you know then I believe from you that you know then I believe you lose your ability to be able to go you lose your ability to be able to go you lose your ability to be able to go oh wow maybe I was wrong maybe this and oh wow maybe I was wrong maybe this and oh wow maybe I was wrong maybe this and again I'm not condoning what the again I'm not condoning what the again I'm not condoning what the administration did whatsoever I'm just administration did whatsoever I'm just administration did whatsoever I'm just listening to Benjamin and saying that is listening to Benjamin and saying that is listening to Benjamin and saying that is to my eye a much better source I'm a to my eye a much better source I'm a to my eye a much better source I'm a journalist. I'm going to listen to what journalist. I'm going to listen to what journalist. I'm going to listen to what people on the ground are saying there. people on the ground are saying there. people on the ground are saying there. Certainly family members because their Certainly family members because their Certainly family members because their opinion is going to be legitimately, you opinion is going to be legitimately, you opinion is going to be legitimately, you know, heartfelt and not propagandized. know, heartfelt and not propagandized. know, heartfelt and not propagandized. >> Again, we speak a completely different >> Again, we speak a completely different >> Again, we speak a completely different language. When you talk to me about language. When you talk to me about language. When you talk to me about opinion, heartfelt, and family, and opinion, heartfelt, and family, and opinion, heartfelt, and family, and belief, belief, belief, >> none of those are objective. None of >> none of those are objective. None of >> none of those are objective. None of those are rebellions are born on those those are rebellions are born on those those are rebellions are born on those things. By the way, things. By the way, things. By the way, >> I agree. And and that that doesn't make >> I agree. And and that that doesn't make >> I agree. And and that that doesn't make it objectively correct. It was a it objectively correct. It was a it objectively correct. It was a rebellion that ended up in the Iran that rebellion that ended up in the Iran that rebellion that ended up in the Iran that we just saw fall apart. we just saw fall apart. we just saw fall apart. >> That was a revolution. That was a >> That was a revolution. That was a >> That was a revolution. That was a rebellion. rebellion. rebellion. >> Andrew, where does your skepticism come >> Andrew, where does your skepticism come >> Andrew, where does your skepticism come from? What's it rooted in? Because you from? What's it rooted in? Because you from? What's it rooted in? Because you did spend almost a decade as an did spend almost a decade as an did spend almost a decade as an undercover spy for the United States in undercover spy for the United States in undercover spy for the United States in the CIA. Where where is the skepticism the CIA. Where where is the skepticism the CIA. Where where is the skepticism coming from? Why shouldn't we believe coming from? Why shouldn't we believe coming from? Why shouldn't we believe people on the ground who are saying what people on the ground who are saying what people on the ground who are saying what they're saying? they're saying? they're saying? >> I have seen this stuff firsthand. I've >> I have seen this stuff firsthand. I've >> I have seen this stuff firsthand. I've been trained in how this stuff works. been trained in how this stuff works. been trained in how this stuff works. I've had to uh deploy this in in pursuit I've had to uh deploy this in in pursuit I've had to uh deploy this in in pursuit of American goals and ambitions in the of American goals and ambitions in the of American goals and ambitions in the past. And and what you're saying isn't past. And and what you're saying isn't past. And and what you're saying isn't inaccurate inaccurate inaccurate as to how people react. People be we as to how people react. People be we as to how people react. People be we just trust the opinion of the people just trust the opinion of the people just trust the opinion of the people that we we trust the opinion of the that we we trust the opinion of the that we we trust the opinion of the people we trust more than we trust the people we trust more than we trust the people we trust more than we trust the opinion of others only because it's our opinion of others only because it's our opinion of others only because it's our opinion that they're trustworthy at all. opinion that they're trustworthy at all. opinion that they're trustworthy at all. >> So who do you trust to get your >> So who do you trust to get your >> So who do you trust to get your information from? I want to take my information from? I want to take my information from? I want to take my information from as as far opposite information from as as far opposite information from as as far opposite sources as possible and then see where sources as possible and then see where sources as possible and then see where the information the information the information confirms itself, where it correlates. confirms itself, where it correlates. confirms itself, where it correlates. Because if you if you see anti-American Because if you if you see anti-American Because if you if you see anti-American people saying the same thing as people saying the same thing as people saying the same thing as anti-Iranian people, where their anti-Iranian people, where their anti-Iranian people, where their messages are the same has corroboration, messages are the same has corroboration, messages are the same has corroboration, the number of dead leaders, as an the number of dead leaders, as an the number of dead leaders, as an example. There's that's a corroborative example. There's that's a corroborative example. There's that's a corroborative point because you're hearing both the point because you're hearing both the point because you're hearing both the Iranian state media say that and pro- US Iranian state media say that and pro- US Iranian state media say that and pro- US western forces talk about that. But what western forces talk about that. But what western forces talk about that. But what if it's to your point a black box and if it's to your point a black box and if it's to your point a black box and you can't get information from the you can't get information from the you can't get information from the sources you're used to getting from? sources you're used to getting from? sources you're used to getting from? >> Well, that's it's that's exactly right. >> Well, that's it's that's exactly right. >> Well, that's it's that's exactly right. It is a black box. So, if we know it's a It is a black box. So, if we know it's a It is a black box. So, if we know it's a black box, we have to question every black box, we have to question every black box, we have to question every source that comes out. Every piece of source that comes out. Every piece of source that comes out. Every piece of information that comes out. What we're information that comes out. What we're information that comes out. What we're seeing a lot of right now with Iran is seeing a lot of right now with Iran is seeing a lot of right now with Iran is called circular reporting. It's one called circular reporting. It's one called circular reporting. It's one single source of information that comes single source of information that comes single source of information that comes out that gets multiplied over and over out that gets multiplied over and over out that gets multiplied over and over again. We're seeing it happen in the again. We're seeing it happen in the again. We're seeing it happen in the White House, too, because the White White House, too, because the White White House, too, because the White House has kicked out so many House has kicked out so many House has kicked out so many journalistic legacy media outlets. So journalistic legacy media outlets. So journalistic legacy media outlets. So now one story gets multiplied over and now one story gets multiplied over and now one story gets multiplied over and over again and we're seeing stuff that's over again and we're seeing stuff that's over again and we're seeing stuff that's that's repeated. that's repeated. that's repeated. >> I have to say something. I am I am a >> I have to say something. I am I am a >> I have to say something. I am I am a little bit skeptical about what is true. little bit skeptical about what is true. little bit skeptical about what is true. I'm like the furthest from ever being a I'm like the furthest from ever being a I'm like the furthest from ever being a conspiracy theorist, but a little bit conspiracy theorist, but a little bit conspiracy theorist, but a little bit skeptical of what's true because I did a skeptical of what's true because I did a skeptical of what's true because I did a post about this subject and obviously post about this subject and obviously post about this subject and obviously I've spent 15 years in social media. So I've spent 15 years in social media. So I've spent 15 years in social media. So our whole business was building scaling our whole business was building scaling our whole business was building scaling huge social media audiences. And what I huge social media audiences. And what I huge social media audiences. And what I received in my DMs was like I've never received in my DMs was like I've never received in my DMs was like I've never seen before. seen before. seen before. >> About what? >> About what? >> About what? I've heard people talking about bots for I've heard people talking about bots for I've heard people talking about bots for decades and most of the time that decades and most of the time that decades and most of the time that they're actually they're wrong. It's they're actually they're wrong. It's they're actually they're wrong. It's something else going on with the something else going on with the something else going on with the algorithm or maybe something they don't algorithm or maybe something they don't algorithm or maybe something they don't like they saw so they call it a bot. I like they saw so they call it a bot. I like they saw so they call it a bot. I received thousands and thousands and received thousands and thousands and received thousands and thousands and thousands of DMs when I posted about thousands of DMs when I posted about thousands of DMs when I posted about this subject matter. And some of those this subject matter. And some of those this subject matter. And some of those accounts when you go on the page and you accounts when you go on the page and you accounts when you go on the page and you look at their posting history, their look at their posting history, their look at their posting history, their engagement, you look at certain patterns engagement, you look at certain patterns engagement, you look at certain patterns which we've built tools before to kind which we've built tools before to kind which we've built tools before to kind of um spot. of um spot. of um spot. >> Some of these accounts aren't real. And >> Some of these accounts aren't real. And >> Some of these accounts aren't real. And I I said to my friends, I was like, I I said to my friends, I was like, I I said to my friends, I was like, "What the I posted about this "What the I posted about this "What the I posted about this issue and then I had thousands and issue and then I had thousands and issue and then I had thousands and thousands and thousands and thousands of thousands and thousands and thousands of thousands and thousands and thousands of these accounts DM me encouraging me to these accounts DM me encouraging me to these accounts DM me encouraging me to post more about certain things. First post more about certain things. First post more about certain things. First time in my life ever I go, "Oh, that was time in my life ever I go, "Oh, that was time in my life ever I go, "Oh, that was definitely it was so a definitely it was so a definitely it was so a >> influence operation." Okay. So, what >> influence operation." Okay. So, what >> influence operation." Okay. So, what were they what were these bots pushing were they what were these bots pushing were they what were these bots pushing you to post on? I'm conscious whether I you to post on? I'm conscious whether I you to post on? I'm conscious whether I should say or not because I don't want should say or not because I don't want should say or not because I don't want to infer to infer to infer >> by doing so you're >> by doing so you're >> by doing so you're >> I'm like inferring that a particular but >> I'm like inferring that a particular but >> I'm like inferring that a particular but I'm just saying I've never felt what I I'm just saying I've never felt what I I'm just saying I've never felt what I experienced then and I have I mean every experienced then and I have I mean every experienced then and I have I mean every this trailer will come out we'll see this trailer will come out we'll see this trailer will come out we'll see loads of bots we have systems but this loads of bots we have systems but this loads of bots we have systems but this was in my DMs it was encouraging someone was in my DMs it was encouraging someone was in my DMs it was encouraging someone like me who has a big platform to push a like me who has a big platform to push a like me who has a big platform to push a certain narrative and the the only certain narrative and the the only certain narrative and the the only reason I noticed is because of the sheer reason I noticed is because of the sheer reason I noticed is because of the sheer volume and then the narrative was almost volume and then the narrative was almost volume and then the narrative was almost identical and I think well 1,700 identical and I think well 1,700 identical and I think well 1,700 different accounts of all asking me to different accounts of all asking me to different accounts of all asking me to do the same thing. do the same thing. do the same thing. >> So you have final control over the the >> So you have final control over the the >> So you have final control over the the edit of this. Yeah. edit of this. Yeah. edit of this. Yeah. >> So there's no if you don't if you don't >> So there's no if you don't if you don't >> So there's no if you don't if you don't want what you say to get edited to get want what you say to get edited to get want what you say to get edited to get to get aired then it'll get cut. But one to get aired then it'll get cut. But one to get aired then it'll get cut. But one way or the other whatever you say like I way or the other whatever you say like I way or the other whatever you say like I I want you to say what you saw because I want you to say what you saw because I want you to say what you saw because >> if the narrative was anti-Iran, >> if the narrative was anti-Iran, >> if the narrative was anti-Iran, >> then you were attacked by Western >> then you were attacked by Western >> then you were attacked by Western forces, forces, forces, >> Western bots attacking a known >> Western bots attacking a known >> Western bots attacking a known Westerner. Mhm. Westerner. Mhm. Westerner. Mhm. >> If you were if you were propped up by >> If you were if you were propped up by >> If you were if you were propped up by pro-Iranian pro-Iranian pro-Iranian cyberbots, then now you're talking about cyberbots, then now you're talking about cyberbots, then now you're talking about a cyber capacity, a cyber capability in a cyber capacity, a cyber capability in a cyber capacity, a cyber capability in Iran that nobody's talking about. So, Iran that nobody's talking about. So, Iran that nobody's talking about. So, one way or the other, one way or the other, one way or the other, >> or maybe an ally or someone else or >> or maybe an ally or someone else or >> or maybe an ally or someone else or whatever it might be, I don't know. But whatever it might be, I don't know. But whatever it might be, I don't know. But I just it made what it's my point was I just it made what it's my point was I just it made what it's my point was that it's made me skeptical about my own that it's made me skeptical about my own that it's made me skeptical about my own information chamber. And I'll be honest, information chamber. And I'll be honest, information chamber. And I'll be honest, before I realized what was going on, before I realized what was going on, before I realized what was going on, very persuasive. very persuasive. very persuasive. >> Very persuasive. you were persuaded by >> Very persuasive. you were persuaded by >> Very persuasive. you were persuaded by the bots before you realized they were the bots before you realized they were the bots before you realized they were saying nice things to you and then saying nice things to you and then saying nice things to you and then they're encouraging you to continue to they're encouraging you to continue to they're encouraging you to continue to >> to push a certain narrative and it just >> to push a certain narrative and it just >> to push a certain narrative and it just took it took me a second to pause and took it took me a second to pause and took it took me a second to pause and thought actually maybe wouldn't that be thought actually maybe wouldn't that be thought actually maybe wouldn't that be a perfect strategy in these moments to a perfect strategy in these moments to a perfect strategy in these moments to get people who have big platforms to get people who have big platforms to get people who have big platforms to just bump bond their DMs and tell them just bump bond their DMs and tell them just bump bond their DMs and tell them that you know like why aren't you that you know like why aren't you that you know like why aren't you standing up for us and please use your standing up for us and please use your standing up for us and please use your voice to um to speak on this particular voice to um to speak on this particular voice to um to speak on this particular issue and I thought actually maybe I issue and I thought actually maybe I issue and I thought actually maybe I need I need my information from need I need my information from need I need my information from somewhere else. Well, I think the point somewhere else. Well, I think the point somewhere else. Well, I think the point that you're making, which is very that you're making, which is very that you're making, which is very important, it has to do with, you know, important, it has to do with, you know, important, it has to do with, you know, mimedics or popularity. In other words, mimedics or popularity. In other words, mimedics or popularity. In other words, what we don't know the outcome of the what we don't know the outcome of the what we don't know the outcome of the situation yet. We don't know if the situation yet. We don't know if the situation yet. We don't know if the Hezbollah sleeper cells will be Hezbollah sleeper cells will be Hezbollah sleeper cells will be activated. Are they waiting to see activated. Are they waiting to see activated. Are they waiting to see whether what they do will be welcomed or whether what they do will be welcomed or whether what they do will be welcomed or will be demonized? And I think that will be demonized? And I think that will be demonized? And I think that there's an profound influence in social there's an profound influence in social there's an profound influence in social media media media and that is true in this administration and that is true in this administration and that is true in this administration and and previous administrations about and and previous administrations about and and previous administrations about the rise of pushing public opinion. I the rise of pushing public opinion. I the rise of pushing public opinion. I mean that to your point that's what you mean that to your point that's what you mean that to your point that's what you worked on at the agency or you at least worked on at the agency or you at least worked on at the agency or you at least saw happen. saw happen. saw happen. >> The fact is and I'm glad that you're >> The fact is and I'm glad that you're >> The fact is and I'm glad that you're seeing it for yourself. You can't trust seeing it for yourself. You can't trust seeing it for yourself. You can't trust what you see. First of all, if you're a what you see. First of all, if you're a what you see. First of all, if you're a single language person, you only see single language person, you only see single language person, you only see what's in your language. you don't see what's in your language. you don't see what's in your language. you don't see what's in a different language. And then what's in a different language. And then what's in a different language. And then we all have an echo chamber around us. we all have an echo chamber around us. we all have an echo chamber around us. And the the the fact that we have so And the the the fact that we have so And the the the fact that we have so much technology just amplifies our echo much technology just amplifies our echo much technology just amplifies our echo chamber. Our our algorithm sees what we chamber. Our our algorithm sees what we chamber. Our our algorithm sees what we see. It sees what we like. It sees what see. It sees what we like. It sees what see. It sees what we like. It sees what we pause longer on than something else. we pause longer on than something else. we pause longer on than something else. And it gives us more of that. And people And it gives us more of that. And people And it gives us more of that. And people become very wealthy and very successful become very wealthy and very successful become very wealthy and very successful understanding the behavior that people understanding the behavior that people understanding the behavior that people prefer. And you give people more of what prefer. And you give people more of what prefer. And you give people more of what they already prefer. And then it makes they already prefer. And then it makes they already prefer. And then it makes them happier. And they don't even them happier. And they don't even them happier. And they don't even realize they're sitting inside of an realize they're sitting inside of an realize they're sitting inside of an echo chamber. So for all of these echo chamber. So for all of these echo chamber. So for all of these reasons, I don't trust the information I reasons, I don't trust the information I reasons, I don't trust the information I see. I don't trust information unless see. I don't trust information unless see. I don't trust information unless multiple sources of conflicting values multiple sources of conflicting values multiple sources of conflicting values and conflicting priorities and and conflicting priorities and and conflicting priorities and conflicting goals where they say the conflicting goals where they say the conflicting goals where they say the same thing. I'll give that more same thing. I'll give that more same thing. I'll give that more credence. credence. credence. >> And if you can't get those sources >> And if you can't get those sources >> And if you can't get those sources because information, because information, because information, >> then you can't have a conclusion. >> then you can't have a conclusion. >> then you can't have a conclusion. >> So you can have a living assessment. >> So you can have a living assessment. >> So you can have a living assessment. >> Do you not operate? If you're a foreign >> Do you not operate? If you're a foreign >> Do you not operate? If you're a foreign policy decision maker, if you're a policy decision maker, if you're a policy decision maker, if you're a president, if you're a national security president, if you're a national security president, if you're a national security adviser, you have to give advice and adviser, you have to give advice and adviser, you have to give advice and consent. You have to figure out consent. You have to figure out consent. You have to figure out something. You can't say I have a lack something. You can't say I have a lack something. You can't say I have a lack of evidence or I have a lack of um of evidence or I have a lack of um of evidence or I have a lack of um opinion or lack of information and opinion or lack of information and opinion or lack of information and therefore because I can't cooperate or therefore because I can't cooperate or therefore because I can't cooperate or verify there's no ven diagram of u verify there's no ven diagram of u verify there's no ven diagram of u overlapping views. overlapping views. overlapping views. >> That's when you have you have to use >> That's when you have you have to use >> That's when you have you have to use time as a tool. You have to use time to time as a tool. You have to use time to time as a tool. You have to use time to to be the tool that you use to collect to be the tool that you use to collect to be the tool that you use to collect more information. If you if you give up more information. If you if you give up more information. If you if you give up time you give up one of your most time you give up one of your most time you give up one of your most important tools which is what we're important tools which is what we're important tools which is what we're giving up with this attack. We're giving giving up with this attack. We're giving giving up with this attack. We're giving up time so that we can potentially just up time so that we can potentially just up time so that we can potentially just fit a tal a calendar January, February, fit a tal a calendar January, February, fit a tal a calendar January, February, March. Like that's why what what did we March. Like that's why what what did we March. Like that's why what what did we actually gain? What how did the United actually gain? What how did the United actually gain? What how did the United States actually tangibly benefit from States actually tangibly benefit from States actually tangibly benefit from what just happened in Iran? what just happened in Iran? what just happened in Iran? >> If the United States, how did we >> If the United States, how did we >> If the United States, how did we >> if in four months from now before the >> if in four months from now before the >> if in four months from now before the midterm elections there is new midterm elections there is new midterm elections there is new leadership in Iran, entirely new, if leadership in Iran, entirely new, if leadership in Iran, entirely new, if there is regime change, there is regime change, there is regime change, >> in other words, if there is by the >> in other words, if there is by the >> in other words, if there is by the president's own metrics victory. Okay. president's own metrics victory. Okay. president's own metrics victory. Okay. >> Will you change your tune on this this >> Will you change your tune on this this >> Will you change your tune on this this goal of what did we gain? What if it's goal of what did we gain? What if it's goal of what did we gain? What if it's not evident right now? What if it isn't not evident right now? What if it isn't not evident right now? What if it isn't four months? four months? four months? >> I Yeah, I it's a living assessment. So, >> I Yeah, I it's a living assessment. So, >> I Yeah, I it's a living assessment. So, of course, if for all for all we know, of course, if for all for all we know, of course, if for all for all we know, the president's decision is going to the president's decision is going to the president's decision is going to work out. But for all we know, it's work out. But for all we know, it's work out. But for all we know, it's going to get worse. For all we know, it going to get worse. For all we know, it going to get worse. For all we know, it won't be four months. It'll be four won't be four months. It'll be four won't be four months. It'll be four years of of of a of a drought and years of of of a of a drought and years of of of a of a drought and povertystricken and Iranians dying, povertystricken and Iranians dying, povertystricken and Iranians dying, civilians dying because they can't find civilians dying because they can't find civilians dying because they can't find food and water. food and water. food and water. >> The 79 revolution took two years to >> The 79 revolution took two years to >> The 79 revolution took two years to happen. Really began late 77. And then happen. Really began late 77. And then happen. Really began late 77. And then you had a sort of reign of terror almost you had a sort of reign of terror almost you had a sort of reign of terror almost like the you know thermodorian robes like the you know thermodorian robes like the you know thermodorian robes Pierre period in early Iranian uh in the Pierre period in early Iranian uh in the Pierre period in early Iranian uh in the uh early 80s where it took really four uh early 80s where it took really four uh early 80s where it took really four or five years for all the dust to or five years for all the dust to or five years for all the dust to settle. But but so the question is do settle. But but so the question is do settle. But but so the question is do you want where are my results? Right? you want where are my results? Right? you want where are my results? Right? It's only been It's only been It's only been >> No. Where what are we gaining? What do >> No. Where what are we gaining? What do >> No. Where what are we gaining? What do we even think we're going to gain? What we even think we're going to gain? What we even think we're going to gain? What does what does the United States think does what does the United States think does what does the United States think it's going to gain from from it's going to gain from from it's going to gain from from decapitating the Iranian leadership? decapitating the Iranian leadership? decapitating the Iranian leadership? >> Well, that that's kind of obvious based >> Well, that that's kind of obvious based >> Well, that that's kind of obvious based on what the president has said. It's on what the president has said. It's on what the president has said. It's that that that >> on what the president has said. >> on what the president has said. >> on what the president has said. >> I'm I'm just saying based on what the >> I'm I'm just saying based on what the >> I'm I'm just saying based on what the president says. I'm not But if you ask president says. I'm not But if you ask president says. I'm not But if you ask what the point was according to the what the point was according to the what the point was according to the president because he's the one who president because he's the one who president because he's the one who authorized the operation. It was putting authorized the operation. It was putting authorized the operation. It was putting an end to Iran's nuclear program and an end to Iran's nuclear program and an end to Iran's nuclear program and regime change. regime change. regime change. >> Based off of what the president said, >> Based off of what the president said, >> Based off of what the president said, the nuclear program was obliterated in the nuclear program was obliterated in the nuclear program was obliterated in June of last year, June of last year, June of last year, >> but there's attempts to reconstitute it. >> but there's attempts to reconstitute it. >> but there's attempts to reconstitute it. They were looking to rebuild these They were looking to rebuild these They were looking to rebuild these facilities. They have satellite footage facilities. They have satellite footage facilities. They have satellite footage of this. Why are you why are you of this. Why are you why are you of this. Why are you why are you disregarding previous narratives to disregarding previous narratives to disregarding previous narratives to adopt the current narrative? adopt the current narrative? adopt the current narrative? >> Because if I've learned nothing from 79 >> Because if I've learned nothing from 79 >> Because if I've learned nothing from 79 is that the previous narratives were is that the previous narratives were is that the previous narratives were wrong. The assessments were wrong. So I wrong. The assessments were wrong. So I wrong. The assessments were wrong. So I don't trust the assessments either. But don't trust the assessments either. But don't trust the assessments either. But there's satellite imagery that shows, there's satellite imagery that shows, there's satellite imagery that shows, oh, there's reconstruction happening at oh, there's reconstruction happening at oh, there's reconstruction happening at um Esvahan or Natans or wherever. We can um Esvahan or Natans or wherever. We can um Esvahan or Natans or wherever. We can see trucks moving. We can see buildings see trucks moving. We can see buildings see trucks moving. We can see buildings coming up, right? Something is going on. coming up, right? Something is going on. coming up, right? Something is going on. They chose to share that satellite. It's They chose to share that satellite. It's They chose to share that satellite. It's impossible to not see. I and impossible to not see. I and impossible to not see. I and >> it's impossible >> it's impossible >> it's impossible to to practically say no no no no Iran to to practically say no no no no Iran to to practically say no no no no Iran didn't want a nuclear weapon. They just didn't want a nuclear weapon. They just didn't want a nuclear weapon. They just wanted to have electric power. I mean wanted to have electric power. I mean wanted to have electric power. I mean nuclear power, you know, that's that's nuclear power, you know, that's that's nuclear power, you know, that's that's not that's not really not a plausible assessment. assessment. >> That's what the ODNI put into their >> That's what the ODNI put into their >> That's what the ODNI put into their official report. official report. official report. >> How do you explain that they're going >> How do you explain that they're going >> How do you explain that they're going beyond 20% enrichment? Then why are they beyond 20% enrichment? Then why are they beyond 20% enrichment? Then why are they doing that? doing that? doing that? >> They don't need more than 20%. So why? >> They don't need more than 20%. So why? >> They don't need more than 20%. So why? So how So how So how >> and it's Iraq. It was a racket. It is a >> and it's Iraq. It was a racket. It is a >> and it's Iraq. It was a racket. It is a racket. racket. racket. >> And we're talking about Tulsi Gabbard as >> And we're talking about Tulsi Gabbard as >> And we're talking about Tulsi Gabbard as the head of DNA, which Exactly. Exactly. the head of DNA, which Exactly. Exactly. the head of DNA, which Exactly. Exactly. Which is a great point because she is a Which is a great point because she is a Which is a great point because she is a Trump supporter. Trump supporter. Trump supporter. >> Silence. Well, you have not heard from >> Silence. Well, you have not heard from >> Silence. Well, you have not heard from her. her. her. >> Is are you are we not Gabbert has been a >> Is are you are we not Gabbert has been a >> Is are you are we not Gabbert has been a lot of things in her career? lot of things in her career? lot of things in her career? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But do you think there was any risk of >> But do you think there was any risk of >> But do you think there was any risk of Iran developing ur uranium to the point Iran developing ur uranium to the point Iran developing ur uranium to the point that they could use it as a nuclear that they could use it as a nuclear that they could use it as a nuclear weapon? Because if you look at the weapon? Because if you look at the weapon? Because if you look at the timeline here, timeline here, timeline here, >> of course, >> of course, >> of course, >> um, which I'll throw up on screen, which >> um, which I'll throw up on screen, which >> um, which I'll throw up on screen, which is just a screenshot, by 2021, they're is just a screenshot, by 2021, they're is just a screenshot, by 2021, they're at a dangerous threshold. Iran begins at a dangerous threshold. Iran begins at a dangerous threshold. Iran begins enriching uranium to 60% purity, which enriching uranium to 60% purity, which enriching uranium to 60% purity, which is a short technical step away from the is a short technical step away from the is a short technical step away from the 90% needed for a weapon. And by 2023 to 90% needed for a weapon. And by 2023 to 90% needed for a weapon. And by 2023 to 2025, we were told that they were 2025, we were told that they were 2025, we were told that they were theoretically weeks away from being able theoretically weeks away from being able theoretically weeks away from being able to create a weapon, which is when Trump to create a weapon, which is when Trump to create a weapon, which is when Trump decided to attack. You think that's decided to attack. You think that's decided to attack. You think that's false? false? false? >> We only know what we're being told and >> We only know what we're being told and >> We only know what we're being told and what we're being told isn't even what we're being told isn't even what we're being told isn't even consistent between what's publicly being consistent between what's publicly being consistent between what's publicly being released by our own government and what released by our own government and what released by our own government and what we're being told in mainstream media. we're being told in mainstream media. we're being told in mainstream media. Yeah, but everybody Yeah, but everybody Yeah, but everybody >> So what you think is the There's clearly >> So what you think is the There's clearly >> So what you think is the There's clearly >> you have some kind of Is it false? Is it >> you have some kind of Is it false? Is it >> you have some kind of Is it false? Is it Is it false? Is it false? Is it false? >> I don't know. I don't know if it's >> I don't know. I don't know if it's >> I don't know. I don't know if it's false. false. false. >> Well, just look at North Korea if you >> Well, just look at North Korea if you >> Well, just look at North Korea if you want to know if it's false. I mean, I want to know if it's false. I mean, I want to know if it's false. I mean, I interviewed Bill Perry, the Secretary of interviewed Bill Perry, the Secretary of interviewed Bill Perry, the Secretary of Defense, who went there and got the Defense, who went there and got the Defense, who went there and got the guarantee and the promise from the dear guarantee and the promise from the dear guarantee and the promise from the dear leader. There was no chance they were leader. There was no chance they were leader. There was no chance they were going to develop a nuclear weapon. going to develop a nuclear weapon. going to develop a nuclear weapon. Fingers crossed behind the back, Fingers crossed behind the back, Fingers crossed behind the back, thermonuclear weapon. And look where we thermonuclear weapon. And look where we thermonuclear weapon. And look where we are now. And so I think it would be are now. And so I think it would be are now. And so I think it would be foolhardy for this administration or any foolhardy for this administration or any foolhardy for this administration or any former administration to think that that former administration to think that that former administration to think that that Iran wasn't doing the same thing. Iran wasn't doing the same thing. Iran wasn't doing the same thing. >> It has every incentive to do it. If I >> It has every incentive to do it. If I >> It has every incentive to do it. If I were Iran, I would absolutely, you know, were Iran, I would absolutely, you know, were Iran, I would absolutely, you know, absolutely build one absolutely build one absolutely build one >> because look what it did for North >> because look what it did for North >> because look what it did for North Korea. Korea. Korea. >> We're we're getting lost in the wrong >> We're we're getting lost in the wrong >> We're we're getting lost in the wrong question. I I'm not trying to say that question. I I'm not trying to say that question. I I'm not trying to say that Iran wasn't creating nuclear weapons. Iran wasn't creating nuclear weapons. Iran wasn't creating nuclear weapons. I'm saying that the official stance of I'm saying that the official stance of I'm saying that the official stance of the ODNI was that it was not. the ODNI was that it was not. the ODNI was that it was not. >> The official stance they want you to see >> The official stance they want you to see >> The official stance they want you to see to go to Right. Now we're getting now to go to Right. Now we're getting now to go to Right. Now we're getting now we're getting now we're getting closer we're getting now we're getting closer we're getting now we're getting closer to the same point. to the same point. to the same point. >> Why would the president say something >> Why would the president say something >> Why would the president say something different than what the ODNI is saying different than what the ODNI is saying different than what the ODNI is saying to the public? to the public? to the public? >> That is a failure in narrative control. >> That is a failure in narrative control. >> That is a failure in narrative control. >> So there's an inconsistency there and >> So there's an inconsistency there and >> So there's an inconsistency there and that's the question. that's the question. that's the question. >> We agree on that. We agree. >> We agree on that. We agree. >> We agree on that. We agree. >> We absolutely agree on that. Yeah. >> We absolutely agree on that. Yeah. >> We absolutely agree on that. Yeah. >> So what do you think is actually going >> So what do you think is actually going >> So what do you think is actually going on? I asked you this at the top, but on? I asked you this at the top, but on? I asked you this at the top, but clearly you're pointing out some some clearly you're pointing out some some clearly you're pointing out some some sort of ulterior motive. So I think sort of ulterior motive. So I think sort of ulterior motive. So I think what's happening here is that we are what's happening here is that we are what's happening here is that we are seeing an administration that doesn't seeing an administration that doesn't seeing an administration that doesn't actually know how to govern and they're actually know how to govern and they're actually know how to govern and they're they're trying to find a way to grapple they're trying to find a way to grapple they're trying to find a way to grapple back some sense of success in the face back some sense of success in the face back some sense of success in the face of overwhelming of overwhelming of overwhelming contributing failures, economic contributing failures, economic contributing failures, economic failures, alliance failures, power failures, alliance failures, power failures, alliance failures, power struggles all over the world. We are we struggles all over the world. We are we struggles all over the world. We are we are seeing a transition to a strong man are seeing a transition to a strong man are seeing a transition to a strong man multi-olar world when we've only ever multi-olar world when we've only ever multi-olar world when we've only ever lived in a unipolar world. lived in a unipolar world. lived in a unipolar world. >> What's a strongman multipolar world? >> What's a strongman multipolar world? >> What's a strongman multipolar world? >> It's what she was just talking about >> It's what she was just talking about >> It's what she was just talking about with Putin and Russia, right? You when with Putin and Russia, right? You when with Putin and Russia, right? You when you act in strong authoritarian ways and you act in strong authoritarian ways and you act in strong authoritarian ways and people respect your authoritarian people respect your authoritarian people respect your authoritarian behaviors by giving you safety and behaviors by giving you safety and behaviors by giving you safety and giving you security, then that's giving you security, then that's giving you security, then that's strongman diplomacy. strongman diplomacy. strongman diplomacy. >> And why does that matter? What happens >> And why does that matter? What happens >> And why does that matter? What happens next? next? next? >> Because that's not cooperative. That >> Because that's not cooperative. That >> Because that's not cooperative. That creates conflict. That creates more creates conflict. That creates more creates conflict. That creates more opportunities for conflict, less opportunities for conflict, less opportunities for conflict, less opportunities for communication, less opportunities for communication, less opportunities for communication, less shared common interest, which is a shared common interest, which is a shared common interest, which is a pathway to more what we call interstate pathway to more what we call interstate pathway to more what we call interstate war, which is conflict between states war, which is conflict between states war, which is conflict between states because they're not communicating, because they're not communicating, because they're not communicating, they're not sharing, they're not even they're not sharing, they're not even they're not sharing, they're not even reliant on each other. Therefore, it's reliant on each other. Therefore, it's reliant on each other. Therefore, it's easier for war to break out. I have a easier for war to break out. I have a easier for war to break out. I have a sort of pessimistic thought here which sort of pessimistic thought here which sort of pessimistic thought here which is an alternative to the what was you is an alternative to the what was you is an alternative to the what was you know what was hap what is happening in know what was hap what is happening in know what was hap what is happening in Iran right now which is what would Iran right now which is what would Iran right now which is what would happen what could happen and what might happen what could happen and what might happen what could happen and what might happen in the United States and to your happen in the United States and to your happen in the United States and to your point that where you said this point that where you said this point that where you said this administration doesn't know how to administration doesn't know how to administration doesn't know how to govern I would separate from that govern I would separate from that govern I would separate from that whether that's true or not I would say whether that's true or not I would say whether that's true or not I would say this administration thinks very this administration thinks very this administration thinks very futuristically futuristically futuristically about about about surveillance systems and systems of surveillance systems and systems of surveillance systems and systems of control. And you can see that with ICE control. And you can see that with ICE control. And you can see that with ICE and with Homeland Security and my and with Homeland Security and my and with Homeland Security and my concern would be that concern would be that concern would be that red teaming or roundtabling all the red teaming or roundtabling all the red teaming or roundtabling all the different blow possible blowback. Well, different blow possible blowback. Well, different blow possible blowback. Well, what if we have Hezbollah sleeper cells, what if we have Hezbollah sleeper cells, what if we have Hezbollah sleeper cells, you know, set off a dirty bomb in the you know, set off a dirty bomb in the you know, set off a dirty bomb in the United States or do something that that United States or do something that that United States or do something that that is in the eyes of some a perfect is in the eyes of some a perfect is in the eyes of some a perfect opportunity to create more of a opportunity to create more of a opportunity to create more of a surveillance state in the United States surveillance state in the United States surveillance state in the United States to use biometric surveillance platforms, to use biometric surveillance platforms, to use biometric surveillance platforms, ISR, ISR, ISR, against United States citizens because against United States citizens because against United States citizens because it's the only way to control it's the only way to control it's the only way to control people and to to really know where the people and to to really know where the people and to to really know where the bad guys are and that is a concern of bad guys are and that is a concern of bad guys are and that is a concern of mine. So mine. So mine. So >> can you can you be a bit more explicitly >> can you can you be a bit more explicitly >> can you can you be a bit more explicitly clear that so you're saying that clear that so you're saying that clear that so you're saying that >> well that you you in other words bio >> well that you you in other words bio >> well that you you in other words bio sort of I always just look at things sort of I always just look at things sort of I always just look at things because I consider weapon systems a lot because I consider weapon systems a lot because I consider weapon systems a lot and understand where we have come from and understand where we have come from and understand where we have come from you know nuclear weapons are the weapons you know nuclear weapons are the weapons you know nuclear weapons are the weapons of the past of the past of the past um surveillance systems are the weapons um surveillance systems are the weapons um surveillance systems are the weapons of the present and drones what's the of the present and drones what's the of the present and drones what's the weapon systems of the future I mean you weapon systems of the future I mean you weapon systems of the future I mean you there's a serious motivation you can there's a serious motivation you can there's a serious motivation you can just look at what happened with just look at what happened with just look at what happened with anthropic and open AI in the defense anthropic and open AI in the defense anthropic and open AI in the defense department the day before all of this department the day before all of this department the day before all of this went down. went down. went down. >> So, you're saying they're using this as >> So, you're saying they're using this as >> So, you're saying they're using this as a way to introduce surveillance a way to introduce surveillance a way to introduce surveillance mechanisms potentially on United States? mechanisms potentially on United States? mechanisms potentially on United States? >> And I'm I'm not saying that per se. I'm >> And I'm I'm not saying that per se. I'm >> And I'm I'm not saying that per se. I'm saying one hypothetical scenario that I saying one hypothetical scenario that I saying one hypothetical scenario that I can see is red teaming a bad outcome is can see is red teaming a bad outcome is can see is red teaming a bad outcome is not necessarily a bad outcome. Like if not necessarily a bad outcome. Like if not necessarily a bad outcome. Like if there were a problem in the United there were a problem in the United there were a problem in the United States as a result of this, we could States as a result of this, we could States as a result of this, we could counter that with counter that with counter that with legitimate reasons for more surveillance legitimate reasons for more surveillance legitimate reasons for more surveillance systems. Do you think people sit around systems. Do you think people sit around systems. Do you think people sit around and say that? and say that? and say that? >> I know they do. >> I know they do. >> I know they do. >> Really? >> Really? >> Really? >> I mean, I don't think you can ever >> I mean, I don't think you can ever >> I mean, I don't think you can ever forget that the Department of Homeland forget that the Department of Homeland forget that the Department of Homeland Security, which by the way was like the Security, which by the way was like the Security, which by the way was like the big issue in the United States, you big issue in the United States, you big issue in the United States, you know, just a couple weeks ago, ICE, DHS, know, just a couple weeks ago, ICE, DHS, know, just a couple weeks ago, ICE, DHS, Department of Homeland Security, for Department of Homeland Security, for Department of Homeland Security, for those of the younger generation, did not those of the younger generation, did not those of the younger generation, did not exist before 9/11. It was an absolute exist before 9/11. It was an absolute exist before 9/11. It was an absolute byproduct of America being attacked. So byproduct of America being attacked. So byproduct of America being attacked. So you're thinking that this Iranian you're thinking that this Iranian you're thinking that this Iranian situation could give them cover to track situation could give them cover to track situation could give them cover to track and surveil US citizens more. It would and surveil US citizens more. It would and surveil US citizens more. It would create a justification. create a justification. create a justification. >> I would change the word from cover to >> I would change the word from cover to >> I would change the word from cover to opportunity because I do think that's opportunity because I do think that's opportunity because I do think that's the way the systems work inside the you the way the systems work inside the you the way the systems work inside the you know executive branch. And I think that know executive branch. And I think that know executive branch. And I think that there is a always an extremely powerful there is a always an extremely powerful there is a always an extremely powerful hidden hand that has to do with weapons hidden hand that has to do with weapons hidden hand that has to do with weapons developers. developers. developers. And this sets us up for a false And this sets us up for a false And this sets us up for a false dichconomy. It's basically you could dichconomy. It's basically you could dichconomy. It's basically you could have security or liberty. You can't have have security or liberty. You can't have have security or liberty. You can't have both. both. both. >> So, which one do you want? >> So, which one do you want? >> So, which one do you want? >> You're biting your tongue there a little >> You're biting your tongue there a little >> You're biting your tongue there a little bit. bit. bit. >> No, he's 100% right. And and the the the >> No, he's 100% right. And and the the the >> No, he's 100% right. And and the the the consternation that I'm feeling about consternation that I'm feeling about consternation that I'm feeling about this whole situation is really tied to this whole situation is really tied to this whole situation is really tied to the fact that we had a chance to not the fact that we had a chance to not the fact that we had a chance to not exacerbate exacerbate exacerbate the security situation of our planet by the security situation of our planet by the security situation of our planet by just not attacking Iran. We could have just not attacking Iran. We could have just not attacking Iran. We could have not exacerbated the security conflict not exacerbated the security conflict not exacerbated the security conflict for every other country. Only Iran was for every other country. Only Iran was for every other country. Only Iran was struggling with their own decision about struggling with their own decision about struggling with their own decision about what they were going to do with what they were going to do with what they were going to do with themselves. Now we have put dozens of themselves. Now we have put dozens of themselves. Now we have put dozens of countries at risk. Active current risk, countries at risk. Active current risk, countries at risk. Active current risk, near-term risk. There are people dead near-term risk. There are people dead near-term risk. There are people dead today that would not have been dead had today that would not have been dead had today that would not have been dead had we not sent bombs into Iran. There's we not sent bombs into Iran. There's we not sent bombs into Iran. There's been property damage. There are markets been property damage. There are markets been property damage. There are markets damaged. There are lifeight like damaged. There are lifeight like damaged. There are lifeight like livelihoods are being damaged. There are livelihoods are being damaged. There are livelihoods are being damaged. There are 30,000 dead today who wouldn't have been 30,000 dead today who wouldn't have been 30,000 dead today who wouldn't have been dead if we' done this in 1980. dead if we' done this in 1980. dead if we' done this in 1980. >> You're never going to hear me say that I >> You're never going to hear me say that I >> You're never going to hear me say that I really care that much about an Iranian really care that much about an Iranian really care that much about an Iranian life compared to an American life. life compared to an American life. life compared to an American life. That's just not how I roll. This is my That's just not how I roll. This is my That's just not how I roll. This is my priority. This is my citizenship. priority. This is my citizenship. priority. This is my citizenship. >> I don't I don't begrudge you of that, by >> I don't I don't begrudge you of that, by >> I don't I don't begrudge you of that, by the way. I I totally and it's not that the way. I I totally and it's not that the way. I I totally and it's not that my loyalty is elsewhere, but I'm saying my loyalty is elsewhere, but I'm saying my loyalty is elsewhere, but I'm saying you're not saying there are people that you're not saying there are people that you're not saying there are people that are dead. You're talking about the four are dead. You're talking about the four are dead. You're talking about the four Americans. You're talking about Arab Americans. You're talking about Arab Americans. You're talking about Arab citizens of the various cities. citizens of the various cities. citizens of the various cities. >> Absolutely. The four Americans, but also >> Absolutely. The four Americans, but also >> Absolutely. The four Americans, but also the Arab cities, right? And if we want the Arab cities, right? And if we want the Arab cities, right? And if we want to to to start counting death toll, start counting death toll, start counting death toll, >> we start to lose sight of the fact that >> we start to lose sight of the fact that >> we start to lose sight of the fact that we all have to live in a prioritized we all have to live in a prioritized we all have to live in a prioritized world. It's like we talk about the world. It's like we talk about the world. It's like we talk about the 30,000 dead Iranians. We we haven't said 30,000 dead Iranians. We we haven't said 30,000 dead Iranians. We we haven't said anything about the Palestinians that anything about the Palestinians that anything about the Palestinians that died in Gaza, right? There's a lie. A died in Gaza, right? There's a lie. A died in Gaza, right? There's a lie. A life is a life. Practically speaking, a life is a life. Practically speaking, a life is a life. Practically speaking, a life is equal. A life is a life. It's a life is equal. A life is a life. It's a life is equal. A life is a life. It's a tragedy to lose any human being. But you tragedy to lose any human being. But you tragedy to lose any human being. But you still have to prioritize that on top of still have to prioritize that on top of still have to prioritize that on top of another. another. another. >> So, can we interchange them with the >> So, can we interchange them with the >> So, can we interchange them with the four potential lives that were lost as a four potential lives that were lost as a four potential lives that were lost as a result of the Austin shooting that result of the Austin shooting that result of the Austin shooting that happened yesterday? Sure. happened yesterday? Sure. happened yesterday? Sure. An American life that's lost is an An American life that's lost is an An American life that's lost is an American life that's lost and the American life that's lost and the American life that's lost and the priority should be on protecting priority should be on protecting priority should be on protecting American life, American life, American life, >> including protecting Americans from >> including protecting Americans from >> including protecting Americans from themselves. themselves. themselves. >> Absolutely. That's one thing that we're >> Absolutely. That's one thing that we're >> Absolutely. That's one thing that we're not resourcing right now because our not resourcing right now because our not resourcing right now because our resources are going somewhere else, resources are going somewhere else, resources are going somewhere else, >> which is my point about I think, you >> which is my point about I think, you >> which is my point about I think, you know, the real place to look at this is know, the real place to look at this is know, the real place to look at this is is is surveillance in the United States. is is surveillance in the United States. is is surveillance in the United States. >> Surveillance in the United States is is >> Surveillance in the United States is is >> Surveillance in the United States is is 100% a guaranteed future. Mass 100% a guaranteed future. Mass 100% a guaranteed future. Mass surveillance has already happened. It surveillance has already happened. It surveillance has already happened. It will it will just get exacerbated, will it will just get exacerbated, will it will just get exacerbated, expanded, and legalized. It's already expanded, and legalized. It's already expanded, and legalized. It's already there. there. there. >> It's just the government has to buy >> It's just the government has to buy >> It's just the government has to buy their data from your Apple phone. They their data from your Apple phone. They their data from your Apple phone. They can't just pull it on their own. can't just pull it on their own. can't just pull it on their own. >> I think it's probably worth introducing >> I think it's probably worth introducing >> I think it's probably worth introducing the Anthropic PC here just because some the Anthropic PC here just because some the Anthropic PC here just because some people won't have context. Um, in July people won't have context. Um, in July people won't have context. Um, in July 2025, Anthropic, who are a big AI 2025, Anthropic, who are a big AI 2025, Anthropic, who are a big AI company, one of the biggest in the company, one of the biggest in the company, one of the biggest in the world, the most exciting in the world, world, the most exciting in the world, world, the most exciting in the world, and one of the most advanced in the and one of the most advanced in the and one of the most advanced in the world, signed a $200 million deal to world, signed a $200 million deal to world, signed a $200 million deal to build AI tools for US national security. build AI tools for US national security. build AI tools for US national security. Um, in February 2026, which was last Um, in February 2026, which was last Um, in February 2026, which was last month, the Pentagon demanded Anthropics month, the Pentagon demanded Anthropics month, the Pentagon demanded Anthropics AI be available for all military AI be available for all military AI be available for all military purposes, but Anthropic refused to allow purposes, but Anthropic refused to allow purposes, but Anthropic refused to allow autonomous weapons or mass surveillance autonomous weapons or mass surveillance autonomous weapons or mass surveillance of American citizens. This dispute of American citizens. This dispute of American citizens. This dispute started after the US military used started after the US military used started after the US military used Claude um in its raid to capture Claude Claude um in its raid to capture Claude Claude um in its raid to capture Claude is a tool made by Anthropic, an AI tool is a tool made by Anthropic, an AI tool is a tool made by Anthropic, an AI tool made by Anthropic. They used Claude in a made by Anthropic. They used Claude in a made by Anthropic. They used Claude in a raid to capture Venezuelan President raid to capture Venezuelan President raid to capture Venezuelan President Nichol Nicholas Maduro in January. um Nichol Nicholas Maduro in January. um Nichol Nicholas Maduro in January. um which Anthropics had said violated its which Anthropics had said violated its which Anthropics had said violated its terms of use. The defense secretary Pete terms of use. The defense secretary Pete terms of use. The defense secretary Pete Hegs threatened to cancel the contract Hegs threatened to cancel the contract Hegs threatened to cancel the contract and brand Anthropic a supply chain risk and brand Anthropic a supply chain risk and brand Anthropic a supply chain risk unless it dropped its safety unless it dropped its safety unless it dropped its safety restrictions and stopped telling the US restrictions and stopped telling the US restrictions and stopped telling the US how to use Anthropics AI. And that how to use Anthropics AI. And that how to use Anthropics AI. And that started a big conversation which is started a big conversation which is started a big conversation which is raising raging online around mass raising raging online around mass raising raging online around mass surveillance which is one of the things surveillance which is one of the things surveillance which is one of the things anthropic said it didn't want America anthropic said it didn't want America anthropic said it didn't want America using with its AI. using with its AI. using with its AI. I mean, I think it's a convenient I mean, I think it's a convenient I mean, I think it's a convenient narrative to position one giant AI narrative to position one giant AI narrative to position one giant AI company as somehow moral because it went company as somehow moral because it went company as somehow moral because it went up against the defense department and up against the defense department and up against the defense department and another one not because it didn't another one not because it didn't another one not because it didn't because like you said in there, because like you said in there, because like you said in there, Anthropic was part and parcel to the Anthropic was part and parcel to the Anthropic was part and parcel to the Maduro raid. So, I don't I don't believe Maduro raid. So, I don't I don't believe Maduro raid. So, I don't I don't believe that corporations, certainly AI that corporations, certainly AI that corporations, certainly AI corporations, corporations, corporations, you know, are sitting around with a you know, are sitting around with a you know, are sitting around with a violin for American surveillance. I just violin for American surveillance. I just violin for American surveillance. I just don't I mean Americans sort of general don't I mean Americans sort of general don't I mean Americans sort of general well-being you're not altruistic. well-being you're not altruistic. well-being you're not altruistic. >> No, of course not. And I think that >> No, of course not. And I think that >> No, of course not. And I think that narrative is dangerous. narrative is dangerous. narrative is dangerous. >> There was a research piece done by >> There was a research piece done by >> There was a research piece done by King's College in London where they ran King's College in London where they ran King's College in London where they ran simulations on Cold War Star War games simulations on Cold War Star War games simulations on Cold War Star War games using chat, Claude, and Gemini, which using chat, Claude, and Gemini, which using chat, Claude, and Gemini, which are three AI tools. Each played the are three AI tools. Each played the are three AI tools. Each played the leader of a nuclear armed superpower. leader of a nuclear armed superpower. leader of a nuclear armed superpower. And in every single simulation, at least And in every single simulation, at least And in every single simulation, at least one of the AI models escalated the one of the AI models escalated the one of the AI models escalated the crisis by threatening to use nuclear crisis by threatening to use nuclear crisis by threatening to use nuclear weapons. Claude, which is owned by weapons. Claude, which is owned by weapons. Claude, which is owned by Anthropic, recommended nuclear strikes Anthropic, recommended nuclear strikes Anthropic, recommended nuclear strikes in 64% of games, which was the highest in 64% of games, which was the highest in 64% of games, which was the highest rate among all three of those AI models, rate among all three of those AI models, rate among all three of those AI models, but stopped short of advocating for a but stopped short of advocating for a but stopped short of advocating for a full strategic nuclear exchange or full strategic nuclear exchange or full strategic nuclear exchange or nuclear war. nuclear war. nuclear war. >> Bingo. >> Bingo. >> Bingo. >> Wasn't that the plot of the war movie >> Wasn't that the plot of the war movie >> Wasn't that the plot of the war movie War Games 1980s? War Games 1980s? War Games 1980s? >> Bingo. I mean, that's Skynet. And so, >> Bingo. I mean, that's Skynet. And so, >> Bingo. I mean, that's Skynet. And so, these are major concerns. um many of our these are major concerns. um many of our these are major concerns. um many of our former generals who were heads of um you former generals who were heads of um you former generals who were heads of um you know cyber and NSA are on the boards of know cyber and NSA are on the boards of know cyber and NSA are on the boards of these companies. I've had conversations these companies. I've had conversations these companies. I've had conversations with a number of them about this. I with a number of them about this. I with a number of them about this. I think smart people are and and and think smart people are and and and think smart people are and and and learned people are on are aware of like learned people are on are aware of like learned people are on are aware of like this is an absolute cliffhanger this is an absolute cliffhanger this is an absolute cliffhanger precipice. >> What you doing? Uh, just making myself a >> What you doing? 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And if you want to drive connection and instill habit to drive connection and instill habit to drive connection and instill habit change in your company, head to the change in your company, head to the change in your company, head to the diary.com to inquire and our team will diary.com to inquire and our team will diary.com to inquire and our team will be in touch. What is your most likely be in touch. What is your most likely be in touch. What is your most likely scenario that would lead to a nuclear scenario that would lead to a nuclear scenario that would lead to a nuclear war? Like cuz you you wrote the book on war? Like cuz you you wrote the book on war? Like cuz you you wrote the book on this stuff that you know you're you're this stuff that you know you're you're this stuff that you know you're you're you're the person everybody thinks of you're the person everybody thinks of you're the person everybody thinks of when we think about the scenario that when we think about the scenario that when we think about the scenario that nuclear war could break out. Of all the nuclear war could break out. Of all the nuclear war could break out. Of all the potential routes there, which one do you potential routes there, which one do you potential routes there, which one do you think is the most likely? I do think think is the most likely? I do think think is the most likely? I do think that North Korea is very dangerous. I that North Korea is very dangerous. I that North Korea is very dangerous. I think Putin is I would have told you think Putin is I would have told you think Putin is I would have told you five years ago that Putin would you know five years ago that Putin would you know five years ago that Putin would you know he's an int former intelligence officer. he's an int former intelligence officer. he's an int former intelligence officer. He's familiar with history. He know he He's familiar with history. He know he He's familiar with history. He know he knows better and now I would I have a knows better and now I would I have a knows better and now I would I have a changed opinion about that. I think it's changed opinion about that. I think it's changed opinion about that. I think it's very dangerous and I think that he you very dangerous and I think that he you very dangerous and I think that he you know his use of the archeneck was sort know his use of the archeneck was sort know his use of the archeneck was sort of like a like that that was a ballistic of like a like that that was a ballistic of like a like that that was a ballistic missile that is capable of carrying a missile that is capable of carrying a missile that is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. There wasn't a nuclear nuclear warhead. There wasn't a nuclear nuclear warhead. There wasn't a nuclear warhead in it. He did notify the State warhead in it. He did notify the State warhead in it. He did notify the State Department prior to the launch of that, Department prior to the launch of that, Department prior to the launch of that, you know, 30 minutes prior, but that's you know, 30 minutes prior, but that's you know, 30 minutes prior, but that's like incredibly dangerous. So everything like incredibly dangerous. So everything like incredibly dangerous. So everything is dangerous. Any nuclear armed nation is dangerous. Any nuclear armed nation is dangerous. Any nuclear armed nation that, you know, threatens nuclear that, you know, threatens nuclear that, you know, threatens nuclear weapons is dangerous, but AI is its own weapons is dangerous, but AI is its own weapons is dangerous, but AI is its own extraordinary level of danger and the extraordinary level of danger and the extraordinary level of danger and the article that you wrote speaks to that. article that you wrote speaks to that. article that you wrote speaks to that. Now my understanding is currently Now my understanding is currently Now my understanding is currently everybody knows that you know air quotes everybody knows that you know air quotes everybody knows that you know air quotes and then when you learn when I learned and then when you learn when I learned and then when you learn when I learned about the department of war anthropic AI about the department of war anthropic AI about the department of war anthropic AI late at night battle over using AI in late at night battle over using AI in late at night battle over using AI in these systems I was I was surprised. these systems I was I was surprised. these systems I was I was surprised. >> Why? >> Why? >> Why? >> Because I thought there was more >> Because I thought there was more >> Because I thought there was more restraint on that and what I see in this restraint on that and what I see in this restraint on that and what I see in this administration. administration. administration. >> Yes. and to see sort of the the same >> Yes. and to see sort of the the same >> Yes. and to see sort of the the same bravado that we do agree on is coming bravado that we do agree on is coming bravado that we do agree on is coming out of this administration out of this administration out of this administration about exerting power about um just being about exerting power about um just being about exerting power about um just being able to do a decapitation strike able to do a decapitation strike able to do a decapitation strike effectively using AI. I I go, "Wow, that effectively using AI. I I go, "Wow, that effectively using AI. I I go, "Wow, that is not what I expected." The interesting is not what I expected." The interesting is not what I expected." The interesting thing with Trump generally is that thing with Trump generally is that thing with Trump generally is that he has a reputation of saying and doing he has a reputation of saying and doing he has a reputation of saying and doing things that at one point we would have things that at one point we would have things that at one point we would have all gone, "Oh my god." But we've almost all gone, "Oh my god." But we've almost all gone, "Oh my god." But we've almost become so used to these things that become so used to these things that become so used to these things that there's almost a desensitization to some there's almost a desensitization to some there's almost a desensitization to some degree. degree. degree. >> Shattering of norms they call it, right? >> Shattering of norms they call it, right? >> Shattering of norms they call it, right? >> He also contradicts himself. I mean, >> He also contradicts himself. I mean, >> He also contradicts himself. I mean, that's not even I mean, he's spoken on that's not even I mean, he's spoken on that's not even I mean, he's spoken on the record about how I mean, I think he the record about how I mean, I think he the record about how I mean, I think he put out a video in 2011. I might be put out a video in 2011. I might be put out a video in 2011. I might be wrong on the date like attacking Obama wrong on the date like attacking Obama wrong on the date like attacking Obama for you know and saying that he was for you know and saying that he was for you know and saying that he was going to attack Iran going to attack Iran going to attack Iran >> 20 in 2013. There's there's a there's a >> 20 in 2013. There's there's a there's a >> 20 in 2013. There's there's a there's a tweet that he posted saying attacking tweet that he posted saying attacking tweet that he posted saying attacking Iran is showing that you failed at Iran is showing that you failed at Iran is showing that you failed at negotiations and you know something to negotiations and you know something to negotiations and you know something to that effect. that effect. that effect. >> So here we are talking about how >> So here we are talking about how >> So here we are talking about how important it is to change your mind important it is to change your mind important it is to change your mind maybe if you're not the maybe not if maybe if you're not the maybe not if maybe if you're not the maybe not if you're the president of the United you're the president of the United you're the president of the United States. I think the slippery slope is is States. I think the slippery slope is is States. I think the slippery slope is is so gradual that sometimes you don't see so gradual that sometimes you don't see so gradual that sometimes you don't see where you're you're heading towards. And where you're you're heading towards. And where you're you're heading towards. And in terms of sort of military action and in terms of sort of military action and in terms of sort of military action and the use of AI and all these things and the use of AI and all these things and the use of AI and all these things and autonomous weapons, it we feel like autonomous weapons, it we feel like autonomous weapons, it we feel like we're going down a slippery slope here we're going down a slippery slope here we're going down a slippery slope here in a way that I haven't felt for the in a way that I haven't felt for the in a way that I haven't felt for the other 33 years of my life as it relates other 33 years of my life as it relates other 33 years of my life as it relates to geopolitics and war. And also to geopolitics and war. And also to geopolitics and war. And also generally when you think about some of generally when you think about some of generally when you think about some of the actions that and speeches at Davos the actions that and speeches at Davos the actions that and speeches at Davos where the eur the US leaders were saying where the eur the US leaders were saying where the eur the US leaders were saying to the Europeans, listen you guys are to the Europeans, listen you guys are to the Europeans, listen you guys are weak now and we it was sounded to me weak now and we it was sounded to me weak now and we it was sounded to me saying like you guys are weak. Get your saying like you guys are weak. Get your saying like you guys are weak. Get your together. Figure out your energy together. Figure out your energy together. Figure out your energy situation. we don't need you anymore. situation. we don't need you anymore. situation. we don't need you anymore. Listen, we're not going to quit. We're Listen, we're not going to quit. We're Listen, we're not going to quit. We're going to run this now. And this whole going to run this now. And this whole going to run this now. And this whole idea of special relationship, blah blah idea of special relationship, blah blah idea of special relationship, blah blah blah, it seems to have gone out the blah, it seems to have gone out the blah, it seems to have gone out the window. So, you've got an emboldened window. So, you've got an emboldened window. So, you've got an emboldened United States military and leadership United States military and leadership United States military and leadership who seem to be able to do what the who seem to be able to do what the who seem to be able to do what the they want. If you don't let us use your they want. If you don't let us use your they want. If you don't let us use your AA how we wish, we'll smash your AA how we wish, we'll smash your AA how we wish, we'll smash your company. We'll take away that 200 company. We'll take away that 200 company. We'll take away that 200 million contract and we'll cut you off million contract and we'll cut you off million contract and we'll cut you off from the rest of the supply chain. And from the rest of the supply chain. And from the rest of the supply chain. And we get used to it, you know, we hear the we get used to it, you know, we hear the we get used to it, you know, we hear the head and go, "Oh, that's crazy that." head and go, "Oh, that's crazy that." head and go, "Oh, that's crazy that." And then we kind of get desensitized And then we kind of get desensitized And then we kind of get desensitized again as humans do. again as humans do. again as humans do. >> But the direction of travel is something >> But the direction of travel is something >> But the direction of travel is something sometimes what you want to look at. M sometimes what you want to look at. M sometimes what you want to look at. M yeah yeah yeah >> versus just this this sort of static >> versus just this this sort of static >> versus just this this sort of static state of where we are. state of where we are. state of where we are. >> That's the concern. I think you have hit >> That's the concern. I think you have hit >> That's the concern. I think you have hit the nail on the head with that. the nail on the head with that. the nail on the head with that. >> I agree. I think you've got I think >> I agree. I think you've got I think >> I agree. I think you've got I think you've got a a much clearer picture than you've got a a much clearer picture than you've got a a much clearer picture than most, Steve, on what's going on here. most, Steve, on what's going on here. most, Steve, on what's going on here. The United States, The United States, The United States, it has to pursue AI far more it has to pursue AI far more it has to pursue AI far more aggressively than what what the what the aggressively than what what the what the aggressively than what what the what the CEOs of these companies want. I actually CEOs of these companies want. I actually CEOs of these companies want. I actually do believe there's quite a bit of do believe there's quite a bit of do believe there's quite a bit of altruism in the CEOs and the founders of altruism in the CEOs and the founders of altruism in the CEOs and the founders of these AIs. They didn't create these AIs these AIs. They didn't create these AIs these AIs. They didn't create these AIs so they could be wararmongers. They so they could be wararmongers. They so they could be wararmongers. They created these AIs for some techy created these AIs for some techy created these AIs for some techy beautiful vision of some utopian future. beautiful vision of some utopian future. beautiful vision of some utopian future. >> That's like saying Zuckerberg didn't >> That's like saying Zuckerberg didn't >> That's like saying Zuckerberg didn't create Facebook for to to to cause teens create Facebook for to to to cause teens create Facebook for to to to cause teens to feel bad about themselves. He created to feel bad about themselves. He created to feel bad about themselves. He created it for way people to connect it for way people to connect it for way people to connect >> for something else. Exactly. Right. >> for something else. Exactly. Right. >> for something else. Exactly. Right. Right. Right. Right. >> But look what happens. >> But look what happens. >> But look what happens. >> That's Yeah. consequences. >> That's Yeah. consequences. >> That's Yeah. consequences. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So regardless of what the United >> So regardless of what the United >> So regardless of what the United States's opinion is about AI, it also States's opinion is about AI, it also States's opinion is about AI, it also has to very realistically look at how has to very realistically look at how has to very realistically look at how China is developing AI. And China is China is developing AI. And China is China is developing AI. And China is already 10x more aggressive than the already 10x more aggressive than the already 10x more aggressive than the United States is. And if they crack the United States is. And if they crack the United States is. And if they crack the code on certain types of AI like like uh code on certain types of AI like like uh code on certain types of AI like like uh artificial general intelligence or artificial general intelligence or artificial general intelligence or recursive uh recursive self-improvement, recursive uh recursive self-improvement, recursive uh recursive self-improvement, if it breaks the code on these first, if it breaks the code on these first, if it breaks the code on these first, it's an exponential head start over the it's an exponential head start over the it's an exponential head start over the United States and all of their AI, United States and all of their AI, United States and all of their AI, everything that we have some sort of everything that we have some sort of everything that we have some sort of reticence about using automated or reticence about using automated or reticence about using automated or autonomous weapons, mass surveillance, autonomous weapons, mass surveillance, autonomous weapons, mass surveillance, China's already using. So the the number China's already using. So the the number China's already using. So the the number one strategic priority consistently in one strategic priority consistently in one strategic priority consistently in all documentation is China. So the all documentation is China. So the all documentation is China. So the United States has to aggressively pursue United States has to aggressively pursue United States has to aggressively pursue AI. It I I understand that mindset. It AI. It I I understand that mindset. It AI. It I I understand that mindset. It is absolutely ludicrous to think that is absolutely ludicrous to think that is absolutely ludicrous to think that one day an AI helps us take the leader one day an AI helps us take the leader one day an AI helps us take the leader of Venezuela and then the next day we of Venezuela and then the next day we of Venezuela and then the next day we claim it's a supply chain risk. That's claim it's a supply chain risk. That's claim it's a supply chain risk. That's just that's the kind of lunacy that we just that's the kind of lunacy that we just that's the kind of lunacy that we live in every day. live in every day. live in every day. >> That's a good point. >> That's a good point. >> That's a good point. >> But but the my my bottom line concern >> But but the my my bottom line concern >> But but the my my bottom line concern here is that the United States used to here is that the United States used to here is that the United States used to be the leader of the free world. We're be the leader of the free world. We're be the leader of the free world. We're not a leader of the world at all. We're not a leader of the world at all. We're not a leader of the world at all. We're adopting more autocratic behaviors adopting more autocratic behaviors adopting more autocratic behaviors because we're seeing other countries because we're seeing other countries because we're seeing other countries succeed with autocratic behaviors. And succeed with autocratic behaviors. And succeed with autocratic behaviors. And we're abandoning Europe, which is the we're abandoning Europe, which is the we're abandoning Europe, which is the only place left trying to say that only place left trying to say that only place left trying to say that democracy still counts. Like we are we democracy still counts. Like we are we democracy still counts. Like we are we are not leading anymore. We are are not leading anymore. We are are not leading anymore. We are mimicking. We are reacting. We are mimicking. We are reacting. We are mimicking. We are reacting. We are petulant. But we are not leading. petulant. But we are not leading. petulant. But we are not leading. >> I'm still thinking about your doomsday >> I'm still thinking about your doomsday >> I'm still thinking about your doomsday scenario with deathbed Vladimir Putin scenario with deathbed Vladimir Putin scenario with deathbed Vladimir Putin and what he might do. and what he might do. and what he might do. >> Is that like realistic? >> Is that like realistic? >> Is that like realistic? Is it realistic? You know, it's like Is it realistic? You know, it's like Is it realistic? You know, it's like from hell's heart I stab at thee. I from hell's heart I stab at thee. I from hell's heart I stab at thee. I mean, it it it mean, it it it mean, it it it I don't know what's realistic anymore. I I don't know what's realistic anymore. I I don't know what's realistic anymore. I again, these norms that are shattered, again, these norms that are shattered, again, these norms that are shattered, these restraints, these these guard these restraints, these these guard these restraints, these these guard rails that we think, no, a leader rails that we think, no, a leader rails that we think, no, a leader wouldn't do this or someone wouldn't do wouldn't do this or someone wouldn't do wouldn't do this or someone wouldn't do that. I'm beginning to question all of that. I'm beginning to question all of that. I'm beginning to question all of it, too. Um I don't know anymore what it, too. Um I don't know anymore what it, too. Um I don't know anymore what what someone is or isn't capable of. And what someone is or isn't capable of. And what someone is or isn't capable of. And I think humans have a discomfort with I think humans have a discomfort with I think humans have a discomfort with cognitive dissonance where, you know, cognitive dissonance where, you know, cognitive dissonance where, you know, holding two opposing viewpoints at once. holding two opposing viewpoints at once. holding two opposing viewpoints at once. We've gotten I think worse at it um We've gotten I think worse at it um We've gotten I think worse at it um evolutionary over over time and our evolutionary over over time and our evolutionary over over time and our politicians are the worst yet or our politicians are the worst yet or our politicians are the worst yet or our world leaders are are the worst at it world leaders are are the worst at it world leaders are are the worst at it yet. And so that's a cause of concern yet. And so that's a cause of concern yet. And so that's a cause of concern for me. for me. for me. >> I always think like what has someone got >> I always think like what has someone got >> I always think like what has someone got to lose and what have they got to gain? to lose and what have they got to gain? to lose and what have they got to gain? And if you've got a couple of days left And if you've got a couple of days left And if you've got a couple of days left of your life or a couple of days left in of your life or a couple of days left in of your life or a couple of days left in office and you're I don't know Trump's office and you're I don't know Trump's office and you're I don't know Trump's going to be what 83 by the time he gets going to be what 83 by the time he gets going to be what 83 by the time he gets out of office or something. out of office or something. out of office or something. >> Yeah. Why does he care if he pushes a >> Yeah. Why does he care if he pushes a >> Yeah. Why does he care if he pushes a button and does whatever button and does whatever button and does whatever >> at which point >> at which point >> at which point you know and the same with Putin. And at you know and the same with Putin. And at you know and the same with Putin. And at some point he's going to be old and he's some point he's going to be old and he's some point he's going to be old and he's going to have a couple of, you know, going to have a couple of, you know, going to have a couple of, you know, couple of weeks left in his life and couple of weeks left in his life and couple of weeks left in his life and he's going to be reflecting on his he's going to be reflecting on his he's going to be reflecting on his legacy and he's got nothing to lose. legacy and he's got nothing to lose. legacy and he's got nothing to lose. Trump's got nothing to lose with there's Trump's got nothing to lose with there's Trump's got nothing to lose with there's no second term. Well, no second term. Well, no second term. Well, well, he he I watched him the other day well, he he I watched him the other day well, he he I watched him the other day taking great admiration to the fact that taking great admiration to the fact that taking great admiration to the fact that Zalinski can't be there can't be Zalinski can't be there can't be Zalinski can't be there can't be elections in Ukraine because there's a elections in Ukraine because there's a elections in Ukraine because there's a war going on. And I think he cracked a war going on. And I think he cracked a war going on. And I think he cracked a joke saying that he would kind of like joke saying that he would kind of like joke saying that he would kind of like that that if there was a US war going on that that if there was a US war going on that that if there was a US war going on then there wouldn't be elections. then there wouldn't be elections. then there wouldn't be elections. And I It sounded like a joke, but a lot And I It sounded like a joke, but a lot And I It sounded like a joke, but a lot of things have sounded like jokes before of things have sounded like jokes before of things have sounded like jokes before that he said. So, what is your um what that he said. So, what is your um what that he said. So, what is your um what do you think happens next? And also, I I do you think happens next? And also, I I do you think happens next? And also, I I wanted to get your take on, you know, wanted to get your take on, you know, wanted to get your take on, you know, we've got this map here which shows we've got this map here which shows we've got this map here which shows where Iran can strike with their where Iran can strike with their where Iran can strike with their missiles. I've got friends in Dubai. missiles. I've got friends in Dubai. missiles. I've got friends in Dubai. Never in my life did I think bombs would Never in my life did I think bombs would Never in my life did I think bombs would be dropping on Dubai or any strikes or be dropping on Dubai or any strikes or be dropping on Dubai or any strikes or drones would be happening in Dubai. And drones would be happening in Dubai. And drones would be happening in Dubai. And one of my best friends was in a in the one of my best friends was in a in the one of my best friends was in a in the basement in a bunker the two nights ago basement in a bunker the two nights ago basement in a bunker the two nights ago because of what's going on. That whole because of what's going on. That whole because of what's going on. That whole region has been hit. The Dubai airport region has been hit. The Dubai airport region has been hit. The Dubai airport has been hit. Saudi Arabia has been hit. has been hit. Saudi Arabia has been hit. has been hit. Saudi Arabia has been hit. Um, Bahrain's been hit. What does this Um, Bahrain's been hit. What does this Um, Bahrain's been hit. What does this do? Qatar's been hit. What does this do do? Qatar's been hit. What does this do do? Qatar's been hit. What does this do to the region? And why are Iran hitting to the region? And why are Iran hitting to the region? And why are Iran hitting these places? these places? these places? >> So, this is part of the burden sharing >> So, this is part of the burden sharing >> So, this is part of the burden sharing strategy that the United States military strategy that the United States military strategy that the United States military doctrine has put in place. And I think doctrine has put in place. And I think doctrine has put in place. And I think to a certain extent, all of the region to a certain extent, all of the region to a certain extent, all of the region already knew they were on Iran's radar. already knew they were on Iran's radar. already knew they were on Iran's radar. They they've all had this weird hostile They they've all had this weird hostile They they've all had this weird hostile collaborative relationship with Iran out collaborative relationship with Iran out collaborative relationship with Iran out of necessity because Iran is the bread of necessity because Iran is the bread of necessity because Iran is the bread basket of the Middle East. So they've basket of the Middle East. So they've basket of the Middle East. So they've known that there's always the risk, but known that there's always the risk, but known that there's always the risk, but I don't ever took that that particular I don't ever took that that particular I don't ever took that that particular risk seriously. risk seriously. risk seriously. >> Why Iran Iran doing it? >> Why Iran Iran doing it? >> Why Iran Iran doing it? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Why do they care about messing up Dubai >> Why do they care about messing up Dubai >> Why do they care about messing up Dubai or making people in Dubai scared? or making people in Dubai scared? or making people in Dubai scared? >> They are lowering the pain threshold. >> They are lowering the pain threshold. >> They are lowering the pain threshold. The deputy foreign minister said, "We The deputy foreign minister said, "We The deputy foreign minister said, "We can't strike Americans in America. We can't strike Americans in America. We can't strike Americans in America. We can maybe strike Americans at their can maybe strike Americans at their can maybe strike Americans at their bases in these Arab states and we can bases in these Arab states and we can bases in these Arab states and we can also strike the states that are that are also strike the states that are that are also strike the states that are that are hosting Americans, American civilians, hosting Americans, American civilians, hosting Americans, American civilians, American military, American contractors, American military, American contractors, American military, American contractors, you name it. They're all complicit and you name it. They're all complicit and you name it. They're all complicit and it's lashing out because what happens is it's lashing out because what happens is it's lashing out because what happens is if you make it miserable for everybody, if you make it miserable for everybody, if you make it miserable for everybody, then United States is pressured to bring then United States is pressured to bring then United States is pressured to bring this to an end. this to an end. this to an end. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> What does Iran have to lose to back to >> What does Iran have to lose to back to >> What does Iran have to lose to back to your sort of doomsday scenario? They're your sort of doomsday scenario? They're your sort of doomsday scenario? They're about to be destroyed anyway. What do about to be destroyed anyway. What do about to be destroyed anyway. What do they have to lose? They're going to take they have to lose? They're going to take they have to lose? They're going to take everyone down with them because only if everyone down with them because only if everyone down with them because only if that threat is real will the United that threat is real will the United that threat is real will the United States say, "Okay, you know what? We're States say, "Okay, you know what? We're States say, "Okay, you know what? We're going to pause and see if we can get going to pause and see if we can get going to pause and see if we can get back to diplomacy." back to diplomacy." back to diplomacy." >> And it might work. >> And it might work. >> And it might work. >> If the Arab states, you know, decide >> If the Arab states, you know, decide >> If the Arab states, you know, decide that, okay, we're not going to sustain that, okay, we're not going to sustain that, okay, we're not going to sustain this. We're not going to fight back. We this. We're not going to fight back. We this. We're not going to fight back. We need this to end. United States, you need this to end. United States, you need this to end. United States, you have to stop what you're doing. have to stop what you're doing. have to stop what you're doing. >> So, we could see a lot of the conflict >> So, we could see a lot of the conflict >> So, we could see a lot of the conflict actually taking place in some of these actually taking place in some of these actually taking place in some of these neighboring countries, terrorist neighboring countries, terrorist neighboring countries, terrorist attacks, etc. attacks, etc. attacks, etc. >> It's working. It's working. It's causing >> It's working. It's working. It's causing >> It's working. It's working. It's causing pain pain pain >> to these sort of peripheral countries >> to these sort of peripheral countries >> to these sort of peripheral countries that are not central to this conflict. that are not central to this conflict. that are not central to this conflict. Look what the United States has done Look what the United States has done Look what the United States has done arguably, right? arguably, right? arguably, right? >> Yeah. And one of the unintended well >> Yeah. And one of the unintended well >> Yeah. And one of the unintended well maybe intended consequences is if I turn maybe intended consequences is if I turn maybe intended consequences is if I turn on the news in the UK right now, the on the news in the UK right now, the on the news in the UK right now, the narrative is that this region, Dubai, narrative is that this region, Dubai, narrative is that this region, Dubai, all of these places, Abu Dhabi, it's all all of these places, Abu Dhabi, it's all all of these places, Abu Dhabi, it's all unsafe. And what that means is they're unsafe. And what that means is they're unsafe. And what that means is they're showing that Sky News are going up to showing that Sky News are going up to showing that Sky News are going up to families in Dubai and going, "How are families in Dubai and going, "How are families in Dubai and going, "How are you feeling?" And they're going, "I'm you feeling?" And they're going, "I'm you feeling?" And they're going, "I'm stuck. I just want to get home." And stuck. I just want to get home." And stuck. I just want to get home." And this region have spent a lot of money this region have spent a lot of money this region have spent a lot of money building their reputation over the last building their reputation over the last building their reputation over the last couple of decades. couple of decades. couple of decades. >> Their tourist economy. And this is going >> Their tourist economy. And this is going >> Their tourist economy. And this is going to even if the the war was to stop to even if the the war was to stop to even if the the war was to stop today, there'll be a big cohort of today, there'll be a big cohort of today, there'll be a big cohort of people that choose not to go there on people that choose not to go there on people that choose not to go there on holiday and choose not to go and holiday and choose not to go and holiday and choose not to go and relocate there and that will relocate there and that will relocate there and that will reverberate. Um, one could argue that reverberate. Um, one could argue that reverberate. Um, one could argue that it's actually in, you know, this it's actually in, you know, this it's actually in, you know, this narrative that the Middle East is narrative that the Middle East is narrative that the Middle East is unsafe. One could argue that that's unsafe. One could argue that that's unsafe. One could argue that that's actually in the interests of the UK and actually in the interests of the UK and actually in the interests of the UK and >> it's going to drive down the price of >> it's going to drive down the price of >> it's going to drive down the price of real estate. real estate. real estate. >> Yeah. Yeah. and drive up our tax >> Yeah. Yeah. and drive up our tax >> Yeah. Yeah. and drive up our tax receipts because we have a lot of I receipts because we have a lot of I receipts because we have a lot of I think it's the biggest place that UK think it's the biggest place that UK think it's the biggest place that UK taxpayers have gone to and millionaires taxpayers have gone to and millionaires taxpayers have gone to and millionaires have gone to is this region. So, did you have gone to is this region. So, did you have gone to is this region. So, did you have any thoughts on that? have any thoughts on that? have any thoughts on that? >> No, you're not. I don't think you're >> No, you're not. I don't think you're >> No, you're not. I don't think you're wrong. I think that there's uh whether wrong. I think that there's uh whether wrong. I think that there's uh whether or not I I don't believe that Western or not I I don't believe that Western or not I I don't believe that Western countries want to see death and countries want to see death and countries want to see death and destruction in the Middle East. I don't destruction in the Middle East. I don't destruction in the Middle East. I don't believe that. Um, I do think that when believe that. Um, I do think that when believe that. Um, I do think that when they plan for blowback, they account for they plan for blowback, they account for they plan for blowback, they account for that and they try to make the best that and they try to make the best that and they try to make the best opportunity out of the blowback that opportunity out of the blowback that opportunity out of the blowback that they already expect and that does make they already expect and that does make they already expect and that does make sense. Um, but at the at the end of the sense. Um, but at the at the end of the sense. Um, but at the at the end of the day, Iran has to do something to react day, Iran has to do something to react day, Iran has to do something to react and it knows that it can't just send all and it knows that it can't just send all and it knows that it can't just send all of its rockets at the fleet that's off of its rockets at the fleet that's off of its rockets at the fleet that's off the coast of Oman because the fleet the coast of Oman because the fleet the coast of Oman because the fleet that's off the coast of is going to be that's off the coast of is going to be that's off the coast of is going to be able to intercept most of those rockets. able to intercept most of those rockets. able to intercept most of those rockets. So if they want some kind of effective So if they want some kind of effective So if they want some kind of effective response, the most effective response response, the most effective response response, the most effective response they can have is to share the pain and they can have is to share the pain and they can have is to share the pain and create some sort of international create some sort of international create some sort of international resistance against what the United resistance against what the United resistance against what the United States has done. States has done. States has done. >> How long do you think this goes on for >> How long do you think this goes on for >> How long do you think this goes on for Angie? If you had to guess, Angie? If you had to guess, Angie? If you had to guess, >> if I had to guess, I would say that >> if I had to guess, I would say that >> if I had to guess, I would say that there's going to be an active hot there's going to be an active hot there's going to be an active hot conflict with Iran that lasts a few conflict with Iran that lasts a few conflict with Iran that lasts a few weeks. Hot conflict meaning every day we weeks. Hot conflict meaning every day we weeks. Hot conflict meaning every day we wake up and we see new rockets being wake up and we see new rockets being wake up and we see new rockets being launched and new new attacks, new new launched and new new attacks, new new launched and new new attacks, new new air sorties being launched. But uh but air sorties being launched. But uh but air sorties being launched. But uh but the actual reverberations of this from the actual reverberations of this from the actual reverberations of this from Hezbollah, from Hamas, from the Houthis, Hezbollah, from Hamas, from the Houthis, Hezbollah, from Hamas, from the Houthis, from whatever loyal stansions still from whatever loyal stansions still from whatever loyal stansions still exist in Iran, we could see that for exist in Iran, we could see that for exist in Iran, we could see that for years. There there's no guarantee that years. There there's no guarantee that years. There there's no guarantee that Iran's going to bounce back from this in Iran's going to bounce back from this in Iran's going to bounce back from this in a better place. I hope it will, but hope a better place. I hope it will, but hope a better place. I hope it will, but hope is not the same thing as reality. Hope is not the same thing as reality. Hope is not the same thing as reality. Hope is just hope. I hope that it will, but is just hope. I hope that it will, but is just hope. I hope that it will, but in the vacuum, we could see the biggest in the vacuum, we could see the biggest in the vacuum, we could see the biggest adversaries to the United States flood adversaries to the United States flood adversaries to the United States flood in and support Iran, like the biggest in and support Iran, like the biggest in and support Iran, like the biggest adversaries in the world flood in and adversaries in the world flood in and adversaries in the world flood in and support Afghanistan. We might see that support Afghanistan. We might see that support Afghanistan. We might see that we have even less influence over the we have even less influence over the we have even less influence over the region in the future than we do now. region in the future than we do now. region in the future than we do now. >> Is there some an issue of the >> Is there some an issue of the >> Is there some an issue of the distraction this is causing to what's distraction this is causing to what's distraction this is causing to what's going on in Ukraine and in other parts going on in Ukraine and in other parts going on in Ukraine and in other parts of the world where there was already of the world where there was already of the world where there was already conflict and there was already turmoil? conflict and there was already turmoil? conflict and there was already turmoil? Like are people now not going to pay Like are people now not going to pay Like are people now not going to pay attention to Ukraine? So that that gives attention to Ukraine? So that that gives attention to Ukraine? So that that gives Putin some cover to be more aggressive Putin some cover to be more aggressive Putin some cover to be more aggressive there. It absolutely it emboldens every there. It absolutely it emboldens every there. It absolutely it emboldens every authoritarian ruler out there because authoritarian ruler out there because authoritarian ruler out there because now they've it's been it's validating to now they've it's been it's validating to now they've it's been it's validating to them that they're not actually doing them that they're not actually doing them that they're not actually doing anything wrong. If the president of the anything wrong. If the president of the anything wrong. If the president of the United States can do it then certainly United States can do it then certainly United States can do it then certainly the Putin can do it and Xiinping can do the Putin can do it and Xiinping can do the Putin can do it and Xiinping can do it and and any warlord in Africa can do it and and any warlord in Africa can do it and and any warlord in Africa can do it. It's certainly it's allowed it. It's certainly it's allowed it. It's certainly it's allowed >> or on the flip side it's showing that if >> or on the flip side it's showing that if >> or on the flip side it's showing that if you act outside of international norms you act outside of international norms you act outside of international norms that the United States president will that the United States president will that the United States president will not hesitate to decapitate your entire not hesitate to decapitate your entire not hesitate to decapitate your entire leadership which is something maybe we leadership which is something maybe we leadership which is something maybe we didn't think was conceivable a couple didn't think was conceivable a couple didn't think was conceivable a couple weeks ago. So there's that inverse weeks ago. So there's that inverse weeks ago. So there's that inverse message. message. message. >> Is it conceivable that both might occur? >> Is it conceivable that both might occur? >> Is it conceivable that both might occur? >> Yeah. Yes. Both can probably It sounds >> Yeah. Yes. Both can probably It sounds >> Yeah. Yes. Both can probably It sounds to me like that might be the most likely to me like that might be the most likely to me like that might be the most likely outcome that you're probably going to go outcome that you're probably going to go outcome that you're probably going to go one of either ways. You know, China one of either ways. You know, China one of either ways. You know, China might just say now's a good time to get might just say now's a good time to get might just say now's a good time to get Taiwan because I mean I mean objectively Taiwan because I mean I mean objectively Taiwan because I mean I mean objectively speaking people are distracted. speaking people are distracted. speaking people are distracted. >> It's a perfect time for someone to try >> It's a perfect time for someone to try >> It's a perfect time for someone to try to assassinate the president. to assassinate the president. to assassinate the president. >> But then Cuba might say, you know, >> But then Cuba might say, you know, >> But then Cuba might say, you know, we're going to behave. we're going to behave. we're going to behave. >> Exactly. Because look what happens if we >> Exactly. Because look what happens if we >> Exactly. Because look what happens if we don't. don't. don't. >> What do you think, Annie, on this >> What do you think, Annie, on this >> What do you think, Annie, on this subject of what happens next and what's subject of what happens next and what's subject of what happens next and what's likely? I mean I'm likely? I mean I'm likely? I mean I'm to that end I would say how fascinating to that end I would say how fascinating to that end I would say how fascinating is it that what happened with Maduro in is it that what happened with Maduro in is it that what happened with Maduro in January still shocks me 150 paramilitary January still shocks me 150 paramilitary January still shocks me 150 paramilitary or military and intelligence officers go or military and intelligence officers go or military and intelligence officers go in gra in gra in gra sovereign leader and his wife in a sovereign leader and his wife in a sovereign leader and his wife in a heavily fortified military base heavily fortified military base heavily fortified military base take out his you know guardsmen who are take out his you know guardsmen who are take out his you know guardsmen who are actually Cuban I mean there's just So actually Cuban I mean there's just So actually Cuban I mean there's just So many many many things to unpack in what I just said things to unpack in what I just said things to unpack in what I just said about what just happened. And yet that's about what just happened. And yet that's about what just happened. And yet that's just old news. just old news. just old news. That and that to me is That and that to me is That and that to me is more interesting than what might happen more interesting than what might happen more interesting than what might happen in the future. Not be because I'll in the future. Not be because I'll in the future. Not be because I'll I can I can try and wrap my head around I can I can try and wrap my head around I can I can try and wrap my head around the past, but I can't predict the the past, but I can't predict the the past, but I can't predict the future. But I am I do believe they they future. But I am I do believe they they future. But I am I do believe they they correlate with one another and only correlate with one another and only correlate with one another and only after time you know it's the old after time you know it's the old after time you know it's the old hindsight is is is 2020 it will makes hindsight is is is 2020 it will makes hindsight is is is 2020 it will makes how Iran unfolds how Iran unfolds how Iran unfolds you know maybe we'll get the ban back you know maybe we'll get the ban back you know maybe we'll get the ban back together in 5 months and have a together in 5 months and have a together in 5 months and have a discussion and we'll all be wrong. I I discussion and we'll all be wrong. I I discussion and we'll all be wrong. I I don't know. don't know. don't know. >> Separate question. But do you think >> Separate question. But do you think >> Separate question. But do you think Trump's going to leave office? Trump's going to leave office? Trump's going to leave office? >> I mean the Constitution says he is. >> I mean the Constitution says he is. >> I mean the Constitution says he is. >> Do you think he will? The Constitution >> Do you think he will? The Constitution >> Do you think he will? The Constitution says he is. says he is. says he is. >> But do you think he will? >> But do you think he will? >> But do you think he will? >> I don't have a crystal ball. >> I don't have a crystal ball. >> I don't have a crystal ball. >> Do you think he'll leave office? >> Do you think he'll leave office? >> Do you think he'll leave office? >> I do. >> I do. >> I do. >> Do you think he'll leave office? >> Do you think he'll leave office? >> Do you think he'll leave office? >> I do. You do? >> I do. You do? >> I do. You do? >> I have more confidence after last week's >> I have more confidence after last week's >> I have more confidence after last week's um learning resources Supreme Court um learning resources Supreme Court um learning resources Supreme Court opinion that we saw two justices who opinion that we saw two justices who opinion that we saw two justices who Trump appointed who basically defied a Trump appointed who basically defied a Trump appointed who basically defied a policy that was the signature of his of policy that was the signature of his of policy that was the signature of his of his second term, you know, his campaign, his second term, you know, his campaign, his second term, you know, his campaign, his his tariffs and saying that you his his tariffs and saying that you his his tariffs and saying that you don't have that power. don't have that power. don't have that power. >> I was emboldened. I I would have been >> I was emboldened. I I would have been >> I was emboldened. I I would have been more pessimistic, but after seeing that, more pessimistic, but after seeing that, more pessimistic, but after seeing that, I it gave me a little bit more hope that I it gave me a little bit more hope that I it gave me a little bit more hope that that that there is still sort of a guard that that there is still sort of a guard that that there is still sort of a guard rails and separation of powers. It's rails and separation of powers. It's rails and separation of powers. It's still a thing. still a thing. still a thing. >> What do you think happens next in the >> What do you think happens next in the >> What do you think happens next in the region? region? region? >> I'm with Andrew. I think 3 to four weeks >> I'm with Andrew. I think 3 to four weeks >> I'm with Andrew. I think 3 to four weeks is the timeline I see for the actual is the timeline I see for the actual is the timeline I see for the actual kinetic war. And then after that, um, kinetic war. And then after that, um, kinetic war. And then after that, um, every one of these Iranian leaders, every one of these Iranian leaders, every one of these Iranian leaders, whoever's left, whoever steps in and whoever's left, whoever steps in and whoever's left, whoever steps in and fills a role of a whether it's a fills a role of a whether it's a fills a role of a whether it's a military huna that takes over, whether military huna that takes over, whether military huna that takes over, whether it's a symbolic supreme leader, these it's a symbolic supreme leader, these it's a symbolic supreme leader, these are all marked men. They're all going to are all marked men. They're all going to are all marked men. They're all going to be targeted for assassination. there is be targeted for assassination. there is be targeted for assassination. there is no by Israel by primar but pretty much no by Israel by primar but pretty much no by Israel by primar but pretty much anybody that considers um them enemies anybody that considers um them enemies anybody that considers um them enemies even maybe now some of the Arab states even maybe now some of the Arab states even maybe now some of the Arab states for that matter at the end of the day for that matter at the end of the day for that matter at the end of the day >> uh it doesn't pay to be uh a political >> uh it doesn't pay to be uh a political >> uh it doesn't pay to be uh a political or religious figure in Iran so at this or religious figure in Iran so at this or religious figure in Iran so at this point I think what we're going to see in point I think what we're going to see in point I think what we're going to see in the months to come is a slow fracturing the months to come is a slow fracturing the months to come is a slow fracturing of that support and I not surprised if of that support and I not surprised if of that support and I not surprised if we start seeing defections from the IRGC we start seeing defections from the IRGC we start seeing defections from the IRGC and people just like we saw during 1979 and people just like we saw during 1979 and people just like we saw during 1979 saying you know what it's not worth it saying you know what it's not worth it saying you know what it's not worth it there's nothing there's no there's no there's nothing there's no there's no there's nothing there's no there's no long-term gain here because this regime long-term gain here because this regime long-term gain here because this regime has lost any credibility domestically. has lost any credibility domestically. has lost any credibility domestically. There's none left, zero. And it's losing There's none left, zero. And it's losing There's none left, zero. And it's losing credibility in the region. It violated credibility in the region. It violated credibility in the region. It violated an unspoken agreement with its Arab an unspoken agreement with its Arab an unspoken agreement with its Arab neighbors that they don't directly fight neighbors that they don't directly fight neighbors that they don't directly fight each other in this way. And its allies, each other in this way. And its allies, each other in this way. And its allies, so-called allies, have abandoned it. It so-called allies, have abandoned it. It so-called allies, have abandoned it. It has nothing left. So when you have has nothing left. So when you have has nothing left. So when you have nothing left, what is there to fight nothing left, what is there to fight nothing left, what is there to fight for? That's why, but that's going to for? That's why, but that's going to for? That's why, but that's going to take a few months up to a year to play take a few months up to a year to play take a few months up to a year to play out. out. out. What is the most important thing that we What is the most important thing that we What is the most important thing that we should have talked about that we didn't should have talked about that we didn't should have talked about that we didn't talk about, Andrew, talk about, Andrew, talk about, Andrew, >> as it relates to all of the stuff we >> as it relates to all of the stuff we >> as it relates to all of the stuff we talked about today? talked about today? talked about today? >> I think for me, what I'm always what I >> I think for me, what I'm always what I >> I think for me, what I'm always what I always come back to is what is the always come back to is what is the always come back to is what is the future for the average American? What future for the average American? What future for the average American? What does it look like for us? does it look like for us? does it look like for us? I'm not sure how this plays out. I I'm I'm not sure how this plays out. I I'm I'm not sure how this plays out. I I'm not sure that we improved the state of not sure that we improved the state of not sure that we improved the state of the average American very much in the the average American very much in the the average American very much in the last few days. I don't know that we will last few days. I don't know that we will last few days. I don't know that we will see much improvement in the next few see much improvement in the next few see much improvement in the next few weeks. I don't know that we will see weeks. I don't know that we will see weeks. I don't know that we will see much improvement in the next few years much improvement in the next few years much improvement in the next few years um because of what actions we took in um because of what actions we took in um because of what actions we took in Iran. But I do confirm I agree with what Iran. But I do confirm I agree with what Iran. But I do confirm I agree with what the other two have said like the United the other two have said like the United the other two have said like the United States administration has shown it's States administration has shown it's States administration has shown it's powerful in Venezuela. It's powerful in powerful in Venezuela. It's powerful in powerful in Venezuela. It's powerful in uh in Iran. Cuba's already being more uh in Iran. Cuba's already being more uh in Iran. Cuba's already being more than whispered about as the next the than whispered about as the next the than whispered about as the next the next transition in government. next transition in government. next transition in government. How how much chaos are we going to see How how much chaos are we going to see How how much chaos are we going to see to the existing world establishment to the existing world establishment to the existing world establishment before Trump then leaves office before Trump then leaves office before Trump then leaves office >> and somebody else has to come in and >> and somebody else has to come in and >> and somebody else has to come in and pick up the mess? And I've always been pick up the mess? And I've always been pick up the mess? And I've always been concerned not about Donald Trump, but concerned not about Donald Trump, but concerned not about Donald Trump, but about who comes after Donald Trump. about who comes after Donald Trump. about who comes after Donald Trump. >> Why? Because if Donald Trump paves the >> Why? Because if Donald Trump paves the >> Why? Because if Donald Trump paves the way for this authoritarian type of shift way for this authoritarian type of shift way for this authoritarian type of shift and if he has support through his final and if he has support through his final and if he has support through his final days in office, then whoever comes next days in office, then whoever comes next days in office, then whoever comes next will have even more legitimacy to come will have even more legitimacy to come will have even more legitimacy to come in with a strong hand from the beginning in with a strong hand from the beginning in with a strong hand from the beginning and potentially a world where only and potentially a world where only and potentially a world where only authoritarian actions work. And that authoritarian actions work. And that authoritarian actions work. And that just continues to take us down a road of just continues to take us down a road of just continues to take us down a road of pain. I've been talking to you about pain. I've been talking to you about pain. I've been talking to you about this for the better part of three years this for the better part of three years this for the better part of three years that I believe the United I believe the that I believe the United I believe the that I believe the United I believe the world and especially the United States world and especially the United States world and especially the United States is is coming into one of its darkest is is coming into one of its darkest is is coming into one of its darkest decades ever. This is the world that we decades ever. This is the world that we decades ever. This is the world that we live in now. A world where it's not live in now. A world where it's not live in now. A world where it's not unipolar, a world of AI technologies we unipolar, a world of AI technologies we unipolar, a world of AI technologies we can't predict, of conflict that we can't can't predict, of conflict that we can't can't predict, of conflict that we can't anticipate, of mass surveillance, of of anticipate, of mass surveillance, of of anticipate, of mass surveillance, of of the breaking of international norms. the breaking of international norms. the breaking of international norms. This is the world we are coming into This is the world we are coming into This is the world we are coming into now. It's the world that our children now. It's the world that our children now. It's the world that our children are going to be developed in. It's the are going to be developed in. It's the are going to be developed in. It's the world that one day they will have to world that one day they will have to world that one day they will have to create their own future in and and our create their own future in and and our create their own future in and and our grandchildren will inherit whatever is grandchildren will inherit whatever is grandchildren will inherit whatever is left of it after that. It's it's sad to left of it after that. It's it's sad to left of it after that. It's it's sad to me to see that this is where we are and me to see that this is where we are and me to see that this is where we are and unless we take some sort of unless we take some sort of unless we take some sort of responsibility for our own future, we responsibility for our own future, we responsibility for our own future, we will keep following this authoritarian will keep following this authoritarian will keep following this authoritarian trend. trend. trend. >> But isn't this better than the past? >> But isn't this better than the past? >> But isn't this better than the past? >> I would say no. A unipolar world where >> I would say no. A unipolar world where >> I would say no. A unipolar world where the United States is a supreme power as the United States is a supreme power as the United States is a supreme power as an American, that is a better world. an American, that is a better world. an American, that is a better world. >> But at least you won't die of dissentry >> But at least you won't die of dissentry >> But at least you won't die of dissentry out in the wilderness, right? out in the wilderness, right? out in the wilderness, right? >> Yeah. I mean, that's kind of what people >> Yeah. I mean, that's kind of what people >> Yeah. I mean, that's kind of what people say, right? They say, "Well, babies say, right? They say, "Well, babies say, right? They say, "Well, babies aren't dying anymore at child birth and, aren't dying anymore at child birth and, aren't dying anymore at child birth and, you know, people less people are you know, people less people are you know, people less people are struggling with poverty." So, struggling with poverty." So, struggling with poverty." So, so it's a better depends what metric so it's a better depends what metric so it's a better depends what metric you're measuring, I guess. But you're measuring, I guess. But you're measuring, I guess. But on on that point of the transition after on on that point of the transition after on on that point of the transition after Trump leaves, would it be worse if a Trump leaves, would it be worse if a Trump leaves, would it be worse if a weak leader came in? weak leader came in? weak leader came in? Because I'm I'm wondering, look, we know Because I'm I'm wondering, look, we know Because I'm I'm wondering, look, we know Putin's still going to be there. We know Putin's still going to be there. We know Putin's still going to be there. We know a lot of these other powers are still a lot of these other powers are still a lot of these other powers are still going to be there. going to be there. going to be there. Biden didn't strike me as the the Biden didn't strike me as the the Biden didn't strike me as the the scariest guy in the world, the mo the scariest guy in the world, the mo the scariest guy in the world, the mo the toughest guy in the world. Didn't strike toughest guy in the world. Didn't strike toughest guy in the world. Didn't strike me as the toughest guy in the world. So, me as the toughest guy in the world. So, me as the toughest guy in the world. So, if another figure like Biden came into if another figure like Biden came into if another figure like Biden came into power after Trump once with that war power after Trump once with that war power after Trump once with that war raging over there and with, you know, raging over there and with, you know, raging over there and with, you know, China um thinking about Taiwan, etc. Is China um thinking about Taiwan, etc. Is China um thinking about Taiwan, etc. Is that not even more dangerous? that not even more dangerous? that not even more dangerous? >> I think there's a difference between a >> I think there's a difference between a >> I think there's a difference between a strong leader and a strong arm. A strong strong leader and a strong arm. A strong strong leader and a strong arm. A strong leader can chart a path, keep a vision, leader can chart a path, keep a vision, leader can chart a path, keep a vision, make hard decisions, balance priorities, make hard decisions, balance priorities, make hard decisions, balance priorities, keep people focused, keep people focused, keep people focused, >> where a strong arm is out to win. And >> where a strong arm is out to win. And >> where a strong arm is out to win. And Donald Trump, his entire career, he's Donald Trump, his entire career, he's Donald Trump, his entire career, he's been the man who's out to win. Again, I been the man who's out to win. Again, I been the man who's out to win. Again, I don't think this is a Trump issue. I don't think this is a Trump issue. I don't think this is a Trump issue. I don't think this is a Trump problem. I don't think this is a Trump problem. I don't think this is a Trump problem. I don't think Donald Trump is some villain don't think Donald Trump is some villain don't think Donald Trump is some villain of the world. I just think Donald Trump of the world. I just think Donald Trump of the world. I just think Donald Trump is the manifestation of how most is the manifestation of how most is the manifestation of how most Americans felt at the time that they Americans felt at the time that they Americans felt at the time that they elected him, which was like, we want to elected him, which was like, we want to elected him, which was like, we want to win. And now we're realizing that two win. And now we're realizing that two win. And now we're realizing that two years after the second time that we years after the second time that we years after the second time that we wanted to win, there are other secondary wanted to win, there are other secondary wanted to win, there are other secondary consequences that we hadn't considered. consequences that we hadn't considered. consequences that we hadn't considered. And that's why so many of the kind of And that's why so many of the kind of And that's why so many of the kind of groups that supported Donald Trump have groups that supported Donald Trump have groups that supported Donald Trump have changed flavor about him. That's why his changed flavor about him. That's why his changed flavor about him. That's why his approval rating is so low because he's approval rating is so low because he's approval rating is so low because he's found a way to ostracize so many of the found a way to ostracize so many of the found a way to ostracize so many of the groups that used to support him because groups that used to support him because groups that used to support him because they didn't realize that he was more they didn't realize that he was more they didn't realize that he was more complex than what they had originally complex than what they had originally complex than what they had originally thought back in that November booth. thought back in that November booth. thought back in that November booth. >> Annie, most important thing we should >> Annie, most important thing we should >> Annie, most important thing we should have talked about that didn't have talked about that didn't have talked about that didn't >> I'm going to pick up on Andrew's >> I'm going to pick up on Andrew's >> I'm going to pick up on Andrew's thought about a strong leader versus a thought about a strong leader versus a thought about a strong leader versus a strong arm because it's so important to strong arm because it's so important to strong arm because it's so important to think about moving forward and is that think about moving forward and is that think about moving forward and is that even possible? you know, yes, we even possible? you know, yes, we even possible? you know, yes, we absolutely cannot have a weak leader. I absolutely cannot have a weak leader. I absolutely cannot have a weak leader. I mean, look what happened with Putin mean, look what happened with Putin mean, look what happened with Putin moving into Ukraine, taking Ukraine, moving into Ukraine, taking Ukraine, moving into Ukraine, taking Ukraine, attacking Ukraine. And I I I think that, attacking Ukraine. And I I I think that, attacking Ukraine. And I I I think that, you know, who wants to be president? you know, who wants to be president? you know, who wants to be president? There's also this idea of you, you know, There's also this idea of you, you know, There's also this idea of you, you know, you look at the records of how people you look at the records of how people you look at the records of how people say come into office, how they how they say come into office, how they how they say come into office, how they how they campaign, saying what they are, I'm campaign, saying what they are, I'm campaign, saying what they are, I'm going to get rid of these dangerous going to get rid of these dangerous going to get rid of these dangerous nuclear policies. I'm going they have nuclear policies. I'm going they have nuclear policies. I'm going they have all kinds of optimistic ideas about all kinds of optimistic ideas about all kinds of optimistic ideas about things and then something happens in things and then something happens in things and then something happens in that first briefing. Something none of that first briefing. Something none of that first briefing. Something none of us know. It's so mysterious and they us know. It's so mysterious and they us know. It's so mysterious and they never talk about and then their policies never talk about and then their policies never talk about and then their policies and their their perspective deeply and their their perspective deeply and their their perspective deeply changes. And I think people move from an changes. And I think people move from an changes. And I think people move from an idea that they can be a strong leader to idea that they can be a strong leader to idea that they can be a strong leader to the idea that they have to be a strong the idea that they have to be a strong the idea that they have to be a strong arm. And I think that's that's deeply arm. And I think that's that's deeply arm. And I think that's that's deeply depressing to me. And I am an eternal depressing to me. And I am an eternal depressing to me. And I am an eternal optimist. So I want to see that change. optimist. So I want to see that change. optimist. So I want to see that change. >> Presumably they're being made aware of >> Presumably they're being made aware of >> Presumably they're being made aware of the real threats that they face that the the real threats that they face that the the real threats that they face that the US faces and suddenly what was I don't US faces and suddenly what was I don't US faces and suddenly what was I don't know theoretical becomes very real know theoretical becomes very real know theoretical becomes very real >> perhaps. And so the I who loves >> perhaps. And so the I who loves >> perhaps. And so the I who loves narrative the question is what is that narrative the question is what is that narrative the question is what is that narrative? And anything that is kept narrative? And anything that is kept narrative? And anything that is kept absolutely secret I want to know about. absolutely secret I want to know about. absolutely secret I want to know about. And I I no one knows that answer. No And I I no one knows that answer. No And I I no one knows that answer. No president has ever spoken of it. So, president has ever spoken of it. So, president has ever spoken of it. So, what is that narrative? What are they what is that narrative? What are they what is that narrative? What are they told? It's definitely not aliens. >> That's a conversation for another time. >> That's a conversation for another time. >> Benjamin. >> Benjamin. >> Benjamin. >> Um, here, right here, Taiwan. So, I've >> Um, here, right here, Taiwan. So, I've >> Um, here, right here, Taiwan. So, I've been working on a simulation, a war game been working on a simulation, a war game been working on a simulation, a war game that looks at something that's become up that looks at something that's become up that looks at something that's become up in the news now. What happens if we in the news now. What happens if we in the news now. What happens if we don't need China to invade Taiwan? We don't need China to invade Taiwan? We don't need China to invade Taiwan? We need China to just blockade and need China to just blockade and need China to just blockade and completely cut off 90% of the chips and completely cut off 90% of the chips and completely cut off 90% of the chips and microprocessors and and um all the microprocessors and and um all the microprocessors and and um all the things we need in this AI age into the things we need in this AI age into the things we need in this AI age into the West. What the hell do we do under that West. What the hell do we do under that West. What the hell do we do under that scenario? We don't have the scenario? We don't have the scenario? We don't have the infrastructure, the capacity, the infrastructure, the capacity, the infrastructure, the capacity, the resources to bring everything back resources to bring everything back resources to bring everything back online that we need to to fabricate and online that we need to to fabricate and online that we need to to fabricate and make these chips. Um we talked about make these chips. Um we talked about make these chips. Um we talked about China a bit, but I'm really worried China a bit, but I'm really worried China a bit, but I'm really worried about this what happens here is so about this what happens here is so about this what happens here is so because we rely so much on that little because we rely so much on that little because we rely so much on that little island. Um and we don't need it invaded, island. Um and we don't need it invaded, island. Um and we don't need it invaded, we just need it blockaded kind of. So we just need it blockaded kind of. So we just need it blockaded kind of. So what we see in the Straits of Hormuz what we see in the Straits of Hormuz what we see in the Straits of Hormuz happening right now, 20% of the world's happening right now, 20% of the world's happening right now, 20% of the world's oil, OPEC can increase production. It'll oil, OPEC can increase production. It'll oil, OPEC can increase production. It'll take a few weeks to bring it offline, take a few weeks to bring it offline, take a few weeks to bring it offline, stabilize the markets. We don't have stabilize the markets. We don't have stabilize the markets. We don't have that luxury here, not when it comes to that luxury here, not when it comes to that luxury here, not when it comes to the very things that powers the next the very things that powers the next the very things that powers the next generation of warfare and diplomacy and generation of warfare and diplomacy and generation of warfare and diplomacy and economic development. economic development. economic development. >> I don't think the average person >> I don't think the average person >> I don't think the average person realizes how much the West relies on realizes how much the West relies on realizes how much the West relies on that little island. that little island. that little island. >> 90% of our at least here in the United >> 90% of our at least here in the United >> 90% of our at least here in the United States, 90% as I understand it, that States, 90% as I understand it, that States, 90% as I understand it, that comes from from that one island. the comes from from that one island. the comes from from that one island. the chips that are in our electrical chips that are in our electrical chips that are in our electrical devices. devices. devices. >> Why don't they just move it over here? >> Why don't they just move it over here? >> Why don't they just move it over here? >> They're trying. >> They're trying. >> They're trying. >> They're trying. Not They're trying, >> They're trying. Not They're trying, >> They're trying. Not They're trying, right? right? right? >> It takes years. It takes years to get it >> It takes years. It takes years to get it >> It takes years. It takes years to get it cleared. It's very environmentally cleared. It's very environmentally cleared. It's very environmentally damaging. The infrastructure takes time. damaging. The infrastructure takes time. damaging. The infrastructure takes time. The expertise isn't here. All the IP The expertise isn't here. All the IP The expertise isn't here. All the IP that's on that island comes from the that's on that island comes from the that's on that island comes from the United States, but the actual factories United States, but the actual factories United States, but the actual factories have been there and will be there. have been there and will be there. have been there and will be there. >> I guess there'll be a big labor cost >> I guess there'll be a big labor cost >> I guess there'll be a big labor cost impact as well. impact as well. impact as well. >> Absolutely. regulations, all kinds of >> Absolutely. regulations, all kinds of >> Absolutely. regulations, all kinds of things we have to work our way around things we have to work our way around things we have to work our way around and figure out how and then you know and figure out how and then you know and figure out how and then you know training the workers to be able to training the workers to be able to training the workers to be able to fabricate them do it as efficiently fabricate them do it as efficiently fabricate them do it as efficiently yield um you know results that are that yield um you know results that are that yield um you know results that are that are high enough. are high enough. are high enough. >> So that's your >> So that's your >> So that's your concern. concern. concern. >> Huge concern. I I I mean our >> Huge concern. I I I mean our >> Huge concern. I I I mean our communications could shut down, our cars communications could shut down, our cars communications could shut down, our cars could I mean so many things can go wrong could I mean so many things can go wrong could I mean so many things can go wrong if we lose the capacity to power the if we lose the capacity to power the if we lose the capacity to power the devices that we need. devices that we need. devices that we need. >> What advice would you guys give? This is >> What advice would you guys give? This is >> What advice would you guys give? This is my last question I promise. What advice my last question I promise. What advice my last question I promise. What advice would you give to the average person? would you give to the average person? would you give to the average person? You know, cuz we've talked theoretically You know, cuz we've talked theoretically You know, cuz we've talked theoretically about geopolitics and the average person about geopolitics and the average person about geopolitics and the average person sat at home can't do a lot about that. sat at home can't do a lot about that. sat at home can't do a lot about that. But if you were to give advice to the But if you were to give advice to the But if you were to give advice to the average person who's thinking about average person who's thinking about average person who's thinking about their family, about their future, about their family, about their future, about their family, about their future, about their work, their work, their work, >> what would you say? >> what would you say? >> what would you say? >> We are not helpless. It's not out of our >> We are not helpless. It's not out of our >> We are not helpless. It's not out of our control, but we do have to assert our control, but we do have to assert our control, but we do have to assert our control. There's a midterm election that control. There's a midterm election that control. There's a midterm election that could effectively could effectively could effectively quasi effectively block the decisions quasi effectively block the decisions quasi effectively block the decisions that the president can make that the president can make that the president can make unilaterally. unilaterally. unilaterally. If If If if we exercise our right to vote, we if we exercise our right to vote, we if we exercise our right to vote, we create either a blue senate or a blue create either a blue senate or a blue create either a blue senate or a blue house of representatives. Arguably, we house of representatives. Arguably, we house of representatives. Arguably, we have demonstrated our ability to have demonstrated our ability to have demonstrated our ability to exercise our right to vote and taken exercise our right to vote and taken exercise our right to vote and taken back some semblance of control in our back some semblance of control in our back some semblance of control in our country. But unfortunately, I think country. But unfortunately, I think country. But unfortunately, I think people don't like waiting. They don't people don't like waiting. They don't people don't like waiting. They don't like taking a seven months before they like taking a seven months before they like taking a seven months before they can take an action. They want to do can take an action. They want to do can take an action. They want to do something right now. And and we live in something right now. And and we live in something right now. And and we live in a country in a democratic process where a country in a democratic process where a country in a democratic process where we get a chance to exercise our power we get a chance to exercise our power we get a chance to exercise our power every two years. So, we have to actually every two years. So, we have to actually every two years. So, we have to actually show up and exercise that power. show up and exercise that power. show up and exercise that power. >> What are you doing for you and your >> What are you doing for you and your >> What are you doing for you and your family? family? family? >> We're leaving the United States. >> We're leaving the United States. >> We're leaving the United States. >> Why? because the United States is not >> Why? because the United States is not >> Why? because the United States is not going in the direction that I believe is going in the direction that I believe is going in the direction that I believe is the most conducive to the kind of the most conducive to the kind of the most conducive to the kind of citizen that I want to build in my citizen that I want to build in my citizen that I want to build in my children. children. children. I don't want my children to grow up in a I don't want my children to grow up in a I don't want my children to grow up in a country that is either afraid or angry. country that is either afraid or angry. country that is either afraid or angry. I don't want my children to grow up in a I don't want my children to grow up in a I don't want my children to grow up in a country that's constantly compromising country that's constantly compromising country that's constantly compromising its own democratic principles. I don't its own democratic principles. I don't its own democratic principles. I don't want to raise my kids in a country that want to raise my kids in a country that want to raise my kids in a country that puts capitalism before all other things. puts capitalism before all other things. puts capitalism before all other things. I want my children to grow up as global I want my children to grow up as global I want my children to grow up as global citizens, to recognize that we're all citizens, to recognize that we're all citizens, to recognize that we're all interconnected, to value every human interconnected, to value every human interconnected, to value every human life. I wasn't given the privilege. I life. I wasn't given the privilege. I life. I wasn't given the privilege. I was the perfect candidate to sit here was the perfect candidate to sit here was the perfect candidate to sit here and tell you that American lives are and tell you that American lives are and tell you that American lives are more valuable than everybody else. more valuable than everybody else. more valuable than everybody else. That's not what I want to pass to my That's not what I want to pass to my That's not what I want to pass to my children. I want my children to look at children. I want my children to look at children. I want my children to look at lives around the world as valuable, lives around the world as valuable, lives around the world as valuable, independent, individual blessings. And I independent, individual blessings. And I independent, individual blessings. And I can try to teach them that, but that's can try to teach them that, but that's can try to teach them that, but that's not the message that they get. not the message that they get. not the message that they get. >> So, where you going to go? >> So, where you going to go? >> So, where you going to go? >> That's for me to know. in Costa Rica. >> That's for me to know. in Costa Rica. >> That's for me to know. in Costa Rica. >> I remember this one. I remember this >> I remember this one. I remember this >> I remember this one. I remember this from from from >> Absolutely. Read as much as you can >> Absolutely. Read as much as you can >> Absolutely. Read as much as you can across the broadest spectrum that you across the broadest spectrum that you across the broadest spectrum that you can find and have conversations about can find and have conversations about can find and have conversations about what you think you know and what you what you think you know and what you what you think you know and what you want to know with as many people as you want to know with as many people as you want to know with as many people as you can across the broadest spectrum you can across the broadest spectrum you can across the broadest spectrum you can. And don't be afraid to have a can. And don't be afraid to have a can. And don't be afraid to have a little bit of friction like we had here little bit of friction like we had here little bit of friction like we had here today. Mhm. today. Mhm. today. Mhm. >> That that's the way it works and that's >> That that's the way it works and that's >> That that's the way it works and that's how the mind stays fluid and flexible how the mind stays fluid and flexible how the mind stays fluid and flexible and you can always realize that you're and you can always realize that you're and you can always realize that you're wrong. wrong. wrong. >> Amen. I think that's increasingly >> Amen. I think that's increasingly >> Amen. I think that's increasingly important in an age of um important in an age of um important in an age of um misinformation, disinformation is to be misinformation, disinformation is to be misinformation, disinformation is to be able to have conversations like we had able to have conversations like we had able to have conversations like we had today where you have an opinion but today where you have an opinion but today where you have an opinion but you're open-minded to listen. And um you're open-minded to listen. And um you're open-minded to listen. And um something that I I think is increasingly something that I I think is increasingly something that I I think is increasingly important but increasingly rare. Um even important but increasingly rare. Um even important but increasingly rare. Um even as a podcaster, you're kind of forced to as a podcaster, you're kind of forced to as a podcaster, you're kind of forced to fit somewhere. you're pushed to be on fit somewhere. you're pushed to be on fit somewhere. you're pushed to be on the right or pushed to be on the left or the right or pushed to be on the left or the right or pushed to be on the left or pushed to believe this or pushed to pushed to believe this or pushed to pushed to believe this or pushed to believe that. And it takes, especially believe that. And it takes, especially believe that. And it takes, especially in the modern world with algorithms in the modern world with algorithms in the modern world with algorithms hitting you every day, it takes some hitting you every day, it takes some hitting you every day, it takes some restraint and thoughtfulness to try and restraint and thoughtfulness to try and restraint and thoughtfulness to try and remain open. Um, so I love that message remain open. Um, so I love that message remain open. Um, so I love that message and I hope for our audience that and I hope for our audience that and I hope for our audience that listening, I hope that that's what they listening, I hope that that's what they listening, I hope that that's what they do as well. like even if they don't like do as well. like even if they don't like do as well. like even if they don't like a guest we have on the show or they have a guest we have on the show or they have a guest we have on the show or they have a different of opinion, I hope you can a different of opinion, I hope you can a different of opinion, I hope you can at least bring yourself to listen and at least bring yourself to listen and at least bring yourself to listen and fight the the cognitive dissonance which fight the the cognitive dissonance which fight the the cognitive dissonance which is very natural in human instinct to to is very natural in human instinct to to is very natural in human instinct to to hear them out and to allow those ideas hear them out and to allow those ideas hear them out and to allow those ideas to clash with your own to arrive at your to clash with your own to arrive at your to clash with your own to arrive at your own conclusions. Benjamin, own conclusions. Benjamin, own conclusions. Benjamin, >> I'm going to echo a lot of what Andy >> I'm going to echo a lot of what Andy >> I'm going to echo a lot of what Andy said. Um stay curious. I think podcasts said. Um stay curious. I think podcasts said. Um stay curious. I think podcasts like yours and I think others do a great like yours and I think others do a great like yours and I think others do a great job of exposing people to different job of exposing people to different job of exposing people to different things they didn't think of. So continue things they didn't think of. So continue things they didn't think of. So continue to feed that curiosity. Um, and to feed that curiosity. Um, and to feed that curiosity. Um, and cognitive dissonance is uncomfortable, cognitive dissonance is uncomfortable, cognitive dissonance is uncomfortable, but it is a good thing because it forces but it is a good thing because it forces but it is a good thing because it forces us to think of opinions that we wouldn't us to think of opinions that we wouldn't us to think of opinions that we wouldn't otherwise. And I try to teach my otherwise. And I try to teach my otherwise. And I try to teach my students the power of u empathy, which students the power of u empathy, which students the power of u empathy, which basically means you don't have to like basically means you don't have to like basically means you don't have to like the other side. You can hate the other the other side. You can hate the other the other side. You can hate the other side, but just see the world as they see side, but just see the world as they see side, but just see the world as they see it for a moment before you do. it for a moment before you do. it for a moment before you do. >> So, I think empathy is critical. >> So, I think empathy is critical. >> So, I think empathy is critical. >> Where do we find more of your work, >> Where do we find more of your work, >> Where do we find more of your work, Benjamin? some Benjamin? some Benjamin? some >> um I mean um for me it's it's I'm >> um I mean um for me it's it's I'm >> um I mean um for me it's it's I'm building out ways to be able to find building out ways to be able to find building out ways to be able to find more of it but um on on socials on X and more of it but um on on socials on X and more of it but um on on socials on X and on Instagram I try to post as often as I on Instagram I try to post as often as I on Instagram I try to post as often as I can and I give talks when I can. So can and I give talks when I can. So can and I give talks when I can. So >> you haven't written a book yet? >> you haven't written a book yet? >> you haven't written a book yet? >> Not yet. I'm I'm designing a simulation >> Not yet. I'm I'm designing a simulation >> Not yet. I'm I'm designing a simulation platform. That's sort of my work product platform. That's sort of my work product platform. That's sort of my work product but it's not available to the masses but it's not available to the masses but it's not available to the masses yet. yet. yet. >> And Annie, >> And Annie, >> And Annie, >> where books are sold. >> where books are sold. >> where books are sold. >> I mean you've got a lot of them but you >> I mean you've got a lot of them but you >> I mean you've got a lot of them but you write fantastic books. Um any particular write fantastic books. Um any particular write fantastic books. Um any particular one you would like people to read? one you would like people to read? one you would like people to read? >> Start at the beginning. Okay. >> Start at the beginning. Okay. >> Start at the beginning. Okay. Or Or Or >> start at the end. >> start at the end. >> start at the end. >> The Annie anthology. >> The Annie anthology. >> The Annie anthology. >> I'll link them all below in the >> I'll link them all below in the >> I'll link them all below in the description so people can find them. Um, description so people can find them. Um, description so people can find them. Um, and Andrew, and Andrew, and Andrew, >> you can find me at everydayspy.com, the >> you can find me at everydayspy.com, the >> you can find me at everydayspy.com, the business that I own. You can find me business that I own. You can find me business that I own. You can find me everywhere at as my name, Andrew everywhere at as my name, Andrew everywhere at as my name, Andrew Bamante. And uh, and yeah, Bamante. And uh, and yeah, Bamante. And uh, and yeah, >> YouTube. And you've written this great >> YouTube. And you've written this great >> YouTube. And you've written this great book, Shadow Cell, which has been a book, Shadow Cell, which has been a book, Shadow Cell, which has been a smash hit with New York Times smash hit with New York Times smash hit with New York Times bestseller, wasn't it? bestseller, wasn't it? bestseller, wasn't it? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> It was. Uh, and this is I mean, we >> It was. Uh, and this is I mean, we >> It was. Uh, and this is I mean, we talked about this in our last episode, talked about this in our last episode, talked about this in our last episode, but uh, took a long time to get this but uh, took a long time to get this but uh, took a long time to get this book declassified, I believe, and get book declassified, I believe, and get book declassified, I believe, and get permission from the CIA to release it. permission from the CIA to release it. permission from the CIA to release it. It's a fascinating story of um It's a fascinating story of um It's a fascinating story of um uncovering a mole within the CIA which uncovering a mole within the CIA which uncovering a mole within the CIA which is fascinating. So, thank you again all is fascinating. So, thank you again all is fascinating. So, thank you again all of you for getting together and of you for getting together and of you for getting together and demystifying a lot of this stuff for me. demystifying a lot of this stuff for me. demystifying a lot of this stuff for me. It's helped me to build my own It's helped me to build my own It's helped me to build my own perspective on what's going on in the perspective on what's going on in the perspective on what's going on in the world. And um I uh I hope we can have world. And um I uh I hope we can have world. And um I uh I hope we can have you all back again soon once we figure you all back again soon once we figure you all back again soon once we figure out what actually happens. So, thank you out what actually happens. So, thank you out what actually happens. So, thank you so much. I appreciate a lot. Thank you. so much. I appreciate a lot. Thank you. so much. I appreciate a lot. Thank you. >> YouTube have this new crazy algorithm >> YouTube have this new crazy algorithm >> YouTube have this new crazy algorithm where they know exactly what video you where they know exactly what video you where they know exactly what video you would like to watch next based on AI and would like to watch next based on AI and would like to watch next based on AI and all of your viewing behavior. And the all of your viewing behavior. And the all of your viewing behavior. And the algorithm says that this video is the algorithm says that this video is the algorithm says that this video is the perfect video for you. It's different perfect video for you. It's different perfect video for you. It's different for everybody looking right now. Check for everybody looking right now. Check for everybody looking right now. Check this video out and I bet you you might this video out and I bet you you might this video out and I bet you you might love it.