Pod Save the World

Edward Fishman, director at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of Chokepoints, explains how economic warfare reshapes conflict. He discusses sudden U.S. reversals on Iran, suspicious market trades ahead of announcements, and the strategic power of choke points like the Strait of Hormuz. Short takes cover oil flows, sanctions relief, and how economic leverage can become the battlefield.

Kim Ghattas, Lebanon-based journalist and Middle East analyst and author, discusses Israel’s campaign in Lebanon and the massive displacement of civilians. She explores Lebanon’s political fractures, Hezbollah’s role, and the risk of wider regional escalation. Short, clear takes on possible ground invasions, buffer-zone plans, and diplomatic paths forward.

Michael C. Horowitz, Senior Fellow for Tech & Innovation at the Council on Foreign Relations and former Pentagon official, discusses AI, defense, and Pentagon tech policy. He explains how AI is being used for logistics, intelligence, and battlefield decision support. He also breaks down the Anthropic-Pentagon supply dispute, legal limits on autonomous weapons, and concerns about weapons stockpiles and low-cost precision munitions.

Tommy and Ben discuss the ways in which the war in Iran seems to be spiraling out of control, from American service member deaths and devastating civilian casualties to Iranian drone strikes on embassies and the mounting global economic fallout. Meanwhile, the White House’s explanation for why the war started keeps getting more absurd. The guys unpack the claim that an impending Israeli strike somehow forced Trump’s hand, JD Vance’s reported push to “go big,” and the deep uncertainty around who might fill the leadership vacuum in Iran. Finally, they discuss the latest from Cuba and Lindsey Graham’s open call for regime change, and do a special deep dive on FBI Director Kash Patel’s extremely online girlfriend. Then, Ben speaks with Rep. Yassamin Ansari, who is Iranian-American, about the mixed emotions of the diaspora and what Congress can do about a war they weren’t consulted on.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Preorder Ben’s book All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches and subscribe to his Substack here.

A fast-moving rundown of recent military strikes and Iran’s broad missile and drone retaliation. A deep dive into interceptor stockpiles, the costs of missile defense, and drones as a persistent threat. Critical look at chaotic presidential messaging and a press conference full of contradictions. Discussion of regional fallout, civilian tolls, and the political stakes for U.S. parties.

Breaking news coverage of massive U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran and the chaos that follows. Discussion of reports about Iran's supreme leader and uncertainty over succession. Debate about whether the action amounts to regime change and how military limits and legal justifications are questioned. Examination of regional retaliation risks, refugee flows, and political fractures at home and abroad.

Ricardo Zúniga, career U.S. diplomat and founder of Dinámica Americas, explains recent cartel violence and Mexico’s response. He discusses the fallout from El Mencho’s killing and what actually reduces cartel power. He also outlines how U.S. pressure and embargoes harm ordinary Cubans, highlighting humanitarian consequences.

Ayman Mohyeldin, television journalist and weekend primetime anchor, lends on-the-ground international reporting. They break down the Munich Security Conference mood. They discuss why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drew attention, the grim outlook for Ukraine, Israeli moves in the West Bank, Iran regime scenarios, Trump’s role in Cuba’s humanitarian crisis, and North Korea succession clues.

Nilou Tabrizi, investigative reporter and author who covered Iran and was recently laid off from The Washington Post, reflects on newsroom cuts. She discusses what will be lost when foreign desks shrink. Short, clear takes on the fallout for international reporting and the risks to verification, local networks, and coverage of crises.

Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group and Iran expert, discusses protests, negotiations, and possible outcomes in Iran. He outlines negotiation dynamics and regional mediation. He talks about Iranian red lines on missiles and what might realistically be on the table. He maps potential post-regime scenarios and the diaspora's limited role in transition.