To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes Trump’s War of Choice
11 snips
Mar 3, 2026 
Anne Applebaum, historian and Atlantic writer known for work on authoritarianism and Eastern Europe, weighs in on why Trump struck Iran. She explores motives from ally pressure and business ties to political distraction. They discuss the lack of coherent post-strike strategy, regional risks and fallout for US influence and alliances.
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No Public Case Or Congressional Buy In
- The Iran action lacked public preparation, congressional consultation, or consistent rationale.
- Applebaum and Charlie Sykes highlight contradictions like invoking Iranian democratization while cutting U.S. support for Iranian civil society.
Soft Power Cut Before Hard Power
- The administration undermined tools for influencing Iranian public opinion before military action.
- Applebaum details Carrie Lake's dismantling of Voice of America and Radio Farda, reducing credible Persian-language outreach.
Regional Chaos Could Paralyze Global Routes
- A wider regional and economic paralysis is a major risk of escalating conflict with Iran.
- Applebaum warns of disrupted oil shipping, air travel through Gulf hubs, and Iranian proxy uncertainty spreading instability.