The Globalist Lebanon plunged into crisis by Israel’s attacks as the war on Iran expands
Mar 6, 2026
Kim Ghattas, Beirut-based journalist covering Iran, Lebanon and regional geopolitics. H.J. Meyer, Washington reporter on US politics and congressional reactions. Oscar Guardiola Rivera, professor on Colombian politics and drug-trafficking. Andrew Muller, Monocle commentator offering satirical takes. They discuss intensified Israeli strikes in Lebanon, risks of wider US-Israeli action against Iran, congressional splits over strikes, and Colombia’s electoral and narcotics dynamics.
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No Mandate And A Risk Of Long Containment
- The USA lacks a clear international mandate or Congress approval for the campaign against Iran, while Israeli strategy seems more coherent.
- Ghattas cautions this could become a long containment campaign similar to 1990s Iraq with no UN legitimacy.
Expect Limited Congressional Checks On Military Action
- Congress has little appetite to rein in the president on military action, so political checks are unlikely to stop short-term escalation.
- H.J. Meyer notes historical precedent: Congress hasn't declared war since WWII and Republicans held the House vote blocking a halt resolution.
Public Opposes War Even As Elites Split
- Public opinion in the US strongly opposes another Middle East war even if political elites are split.
- H.J. Meyer cites polls showing majority against intervention and Republican internal divides between MAGA isolationists and hawks like Lindsey Graham.