Daniel Davis Deep Dive Iran Remains Defiant /Lt Col Daniel Davis & Col Jacques Baud
Jan 26, 2026
Jacques Baud, retired Swiss intelligence and NATO officer known for strategic analysis, joins to dissect Iran’s posture and risks. He discusses U.S. carrier buildups, the limits of strikes, and why Tehran might retaliate against Israel rather than the U.S. Conversation shifts to NATO, Greenland’s strategic myths, European defense capacity, and how sanctions shape politics. Calls for legal advocacy wrap up the talk.
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Beirut 1983 Predates Hezbollah's Formation
- Baud recalls the 1983 Beirut barracks attack and notes Hezbollah did not yet exist then.
- He uses this history to challenge simplistic origins stories about Hezbollah and modern labels.
Humanitarian Mandates Can Mask Regime Change
- Baud recalls Libya as an example where a UN mandate to protect civilians morphed into a Western-led regime change.
- He warns similar pretexts risk hijacking humanitarian rationales toward political overthrow.
Engage Diplomatically Instead Of Forcing Regime Change
- Avoid bombing or external coercion as a means to improve governance; pursue engagement and diplomatic channels instead.
- Baud recommends building relations to influence governance rather than using force to change regimes.