Shield of the Republic Double Taps and Drug Lord Pardons
7 snips
Dec 15, 2025 
Jim Himes, U.S. Representative from Connecticut and ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, joins the conversation to dissect pressing policy concerns. He raises critical legal and moral questions about September's double-tap strikes and discusses the intelligence value lost by repatriating captured individuals. Himes emphasizes the significance of regional partnerships against escalating drug boat operations while cautioning about the risks of military conflict in Venezuela. He underscores the need for Congress to reassert authority in foreign policy decisions.
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Contradictions Undermine Credibility
- The strategy contains internal contradictions and hostile language toward Europe while claiming non‑intervention elsewhere.
- Eliot A. Cohen warns this mercantilist, poorly written document undermines alliances and coherence.
Small Kernels Of Valid Policy In A Flawed Document
- The strategy's emphasis on the Western Hemisphere and trade with Africa reflects some real policy kernels.
- Cohen concedes shifting attention to trade and the hemisphere has valid elements despite broader flaws.
Avoiding Great‑Power Labels Changes Posture
- The document avoids naming China, Russia, Iran as adversaries and proposes mediating Europe‑Russia ties.
- Edelman sees that as reframing U.S. role away from deterrence toward disengaged brokerage.
