The Bulwark Podcast Bill Kristol: End the War
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Mar 16, 2026 
Bill Kristol, editor-at-large and conservative foreign policy commentator, breaks down the fallout from recent Iran strikes. He talks alliances fraying, allies refusing to secure the Strait of Hormuz, and whether escalation or a premature victory claim will come next. They also cover GOP infighting, threats to press freedom, and the economic shock rippling through oil and supply chains.
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War Without Allies Deepened Global Rift
- The Iran strike deeply damaged U.S. alliances by bypassing consultation and then asking allies for help after mocking them.
- Bill Kristol highlights Germany's rebuke and Europe's concern that the operation aids Russia while hurting Ukraine and energy markets.
Decision Point Between Withdrawal And Escalation
- The Trump administration faces a fork: declare a short victory and withdraw or escalate with ground forces, each carrying serious costs.
- Kristol and Bob Kagan debate Trump’s tendency to declare victory versus the risk of deeper troop commitments.
Inviting China Undermines U S Strategic Credibility
- Asking China and other major powers to secure the Strait of Hormuz undermines U.S. credibility and reveals strategic incoherence.
- Kristol notes that inviting China into the strait contradicts U.S. deterrence posture and alarms allies like Japan.