Shield of the Republic Don't Count on Trump Coming to the Rescue (w/ Michael Weiss)
27 snips
Jan 19, 2026 Michael Weiss, an investigative journalist and editor at The Insider, dives into pressing global issues like U.S. military prospects in Iran and recent Venezuelan operations. He discusses the cyclical nature of diplomacy in Ukraine, revealing how Russian proposals have influenced U.S. strategies. Weiss also sheds light on the troubling connections between the GRU and Havana Syndrome incidents, detailing the challenges faced by victims and the institutional failures in response. His insights underscore the complexities of American foreign policy and the lingering threats abroad.
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Risk Of False Promises To Iranian Protesters
- Trump risks encouraging protests by promising U.S. help and then not acting, which could demoralize protesters.
- Michael Weiss warns Trump may prefer dramatic strikes but lacks assets or a clear regime-change plan.
Iran Strikes Lack Midnight Hammer Certainty
- Unlike the long-planned Midnight Hammer, any U.S. strike on Iran would be improvised with higher targeting and collateral risks.
- Eliot Cohen highlights limited assets, urban targets, and potential aircraft losses as key constraints.
Venezuela Operation Left Regime Continuity
- Weiss contrasts Trump's Venezuela approach where a snatch operation removed Maduro but left regime continuity via Delcy Rodríguez.
- He calls it 'Maduroism without Maduro' driven by oil interests and deals with local actors.
