Elliot Abrams

Elliott Abrams, a seasoned U.S. foreign policy official and authority on Latin America, dives deep into the Venezuela crisis from his perspective as the former U.S. Special Representative. He discusses Maduro's rise and regime corruption, emphasizing drug trafficking's role in sustaining the government. Abrams contrasts Biden's and Trump's approaches to Venezuela, exploring potential military options and the resilience of the opposition, spotlighting the symbolic escape of Maria Corina Machado. He warns about the perils of U.S. retreat from the region.

Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela and Iran, shares his expertise on the geopolitical landscape of Venezuela. He discusses the recent successful raid and the evolving role of the CIA, alongside Maduro’s reliance on Cuban bodyguards. Abrams highlights the challenges of oil recovery and the complexities of U.S. policy, cautioning about the risks for Chavista leaders. He also examines the precarious state of Cuba's economy and its implications for regional stability.

Elliott Abrams, a longtime Middle East specialist and former U.S. national security official, joins to tour Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, India, and more. They debate Trump-era unpredictability, the limits of realism in foreign policy, democracy promotion versus realpolitik, and how alliances and reputations shift when leaders act personally and ad-hoc.

Elliott Abrams, former U.S. special envoy to Venezuela and a seasoned foreign policy official, joins to critique the Trump administration's approach to Venezuela. He highlights the lack of a democracy plan, calling it an oil-driven strategy rather than one aimed at genuine democratic reform. Abrams advocates for supporting exiled leaders and challenges the U.S. readiness to manage Venezuela's future. The discussion raises important questions about the intertwining of U.S. interests and regional politics, delving into the implications for international law.

Walter Russell Mead, a foreign-policy scholar, and Elliott Abrams, a seasoned diplomat, dive into the transformative shifts in the Middle East. They discuss how Israel's military victories have altered regional dynamics yet failed to stabilize relations with Saudi Arabia. Abrams emphasizes the necessity of U.S. power for stability, especially in light of Iran's threats. Mead analyzes the hesitance of Russia and China to engage directly in the conflict. Together, they explore the future of Gaza and the complexity of U.S.–Israel ties shaped by historical and religious narratives.

Elliott Abrams, a seasoned U.S. diplomat with decades of experience in Latin American policy, discusses the complexities surrounding Venezuela and U.S. foreign policy. He critiques the post-Trump alignment with remnants of Maduro’s regime, emphasizing the moral implications of seizing Venezuelan oil. Abrams highlights the importance of supporting democratic opposition and warns against hasty military actions. He also touches on the potential effects of regime change on Cuba and America's traditional values in the context of the nation's 250th anniversary.

Elliott Abrams, a longtime U.S. foreign-policy official and CFR Middle East fellow, gives a concise account of the Iran conflict. He assesses early military progress and limits, debates goals like degrading Iran’s military and nuclear program, weighs risks to oil transit and the Strait of Hormuz, and considers how U.S. action may signal rivals such as China and Russia.

Elliott Abrams, a CFR senior fellow and former U.S. special representative on Iran and Venezuela, offers seasoned foreign policy perspective. He discusses U.S. force posture in the Gulf and deterrence logic. He weighs offensive options versus political costs and Israel’s concerns about Iranian responses. He compares lessons from Venezuela and explores shifting regional alignments.

Join Ellie Honig, a former federal prosecutor and CNN legal analyst, alongside David Sanger, a national security reporter for The New York Times, in a gripping discussion on the stunning arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. They explore the legal ramifications of Operation Absolute Resolve and debate U.S. intentions amid geopolitical tensions. Cedric Layton, a retired Air Force colonel, analyzes military strategies and tactics. Former envoy Elliot Abrams warns against U.S. governance in Venezuela while advocating for democratic support.

In this engaging conversation, Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies and former Deputy National Security Advisor, shares insights on the challenges of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. He discusses the intricate dynamics of hostage negotiations and how they complicate peace efforts. Abrams highlights the humanitarian crisis and the ongoing impact of the conflict on regional diplomacy, especially Israel's relationships with Gulf states. The conversation also touches on the internal complexities of Israeli politics and the broader geopolitical implications.