Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael The Iran War: A Sorry State of Affairs w/ William Astore
Mar 26, 2026
William J. Astore, retired USAF lieutenant colonel and historian, critiques U.S. foreign policy and the growing Iran conflict. He traces roots to the 1953 coup, warns of long costly wars, and debates the influence of the Israel lobby. They also examine resignations in the national security world, limits of air power, and civic resistance to militarism.
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Dual Drivers Of The U.S. Iran Confrontation
- U.S. hostility toward Iran combines long-term imperial aims and short-term Israeli-driven actions.
- Astore traces control of Iran to 1953, oil interests, the petrodollar, and recent Israeli pressure pushing the U.S. into open conflict.
Joe Kent's Resignation Exposed Internal MAGA Fractures
- Joe Kent resigned as National Counterterrorism Center head, accusing Israel and its lobby of pushing the U.S. into an unnecessary war.
- Kent was a high-profile Trump supporter and Green Beret with access to top intelligence, making his letter particularly striking.
Tulsi Gabbard Undermined Intelligence Role On Imminence
- Tulsi Gabbard disappointed antiwar supporters by refusing to define 'imminent threat' as DNI, deferring that judgment to the president.
- Astore argues that intelligence agencies exist to inform such judgments, so her position undermines the role of the professional intelligence community.