Jacobin Radio Behind the News: What’s Going on in Iran? w/ Sohrab Ahmari
Jun 30, 2025
Sohrab Ahmari, US editor of UnHerd and author of *Tyranny, Inc.*, dives into the complexities of the Iran-Israel conflict, dissecting U.S. foreign policy's unpredictable nature and the resilience of Iran amidst external pressures. Leigh Claire La Berge, Professor and author of *Fake Work*, humorously reflects on her journey through the dot-com boom and exposes the darker sides of corporate life, critique of capitalism, and the absurdities of Y2K. Together, they navigate the intricate intersections of politics and economics.
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Episode notes
Trump's Volatile Middle East Policy
- Trump's Middle East policy shows unpredictable, punch-and-get-out instincts.
- His stance is influenced strongly by hawks and media influences like Fox News.
Iran Survived the 12-Day War
- Iran didn't lose in the 12-day war despite heavy damage.
- Three key metrics for Iran: regime preservation, nuclear continuity, and domestic consolidation.
Iranian Regime's Durability Post-Attack
- External attacks unify Iranians despite unhappiness with the regime.
- Future regime changes may bring more nationalist, confrontational leadership rather than pro-Western reformists.
