The Bulwark Podcast Ben Rhodes: The World We Made
27 snips
Jun 18, 2025 
Ben Rhodes, former speechwriter and deputy national security advisor under President Obama, dives into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy regarding Iran and Israel. He explores Iran's precarious position and the potential consequences of military intervention. The conversation examines the fractures within the GOP on foreign policy and critiques the knowledge gaps in political discourse. Rhodes also highlights the importance of vigilance against rising authoritarianism and the necessity for Democrats to connect with voters over pressing issues.
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Israel's Preemptive Iran Strike Risk
- Israel bombed Iran without imminent nuclear threat intelligence.
- This action ended diplomacy and risks escalating conflict dangerously.
Risks of Bombing Iran's Nuclear Program
- Bombing nuclear programs only delays Iran's progress by about a year.
- Targeting leadership risks chaos and civil war in a large country of 90 million.
Israel's Actions Undermine Democracy
- Israel's military actions have damaged its international standing and internal democracy.
- The ongoing violence shifts Israeli politics further right, undermining long-term peace.
