The Editors Episode 859: What Happens in Havana . . .
19 snips
Mar 24, 2026 They dig into the war with Iran, debating timing, tactics, and wider geopolitical costs. They unpack the DHS shutdown and the resulting airport and TSA chaos. They critique a controversial leftist trip to Havana and reflect on Cuba’s economic decay and historical interventions.
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Episode notes
Military Successes Don’t Guarantee Political Victory
- Tactical military strikes have degraded Iranian capabilities but may not translate into strategic political success.
- Jim Geraghty warns Iran could emerge intact politically and profit from higher oil prices and seized transit fees.
Ground Forces Provide Critical Options In Strait Contest
- Ground forces and special operations remain relevant for neutralizing mobile anti-ship threats and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Noah Rothman notes deployments (Marines, 82nd Airborne) provide options to interdict missiles and secure key islands and ports.
Regime Change Requires Time And Nonmilitary Pressure
- The campaign's aim is to induce internal fragmentation of Iran, which takes time and nonmilitary pressure.
- Noah stresses phase three depends on patronage networks breaking and international isolation biting, not overnight revolt.
