The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg Rogue America | Interview: Ken Pollack
25 snips
Jan 19, 2026 
Ken Pollack, a former CIA analyst and Middle East expert, joins to navigate the complexities of regime change in Iran. He discusses historical uprisings, the economic factors fueling unrest, and the implications of the Iranian nuclear program. Pollack explains potential U.S. military strategies and the risks of Iranian retaliation. He also critiques Trump’s remarks on Greenland, highlighting the broader consequences of American foreign policy. Expect insights into the fragile dynamics of Iranian society and the role of political symbols in protests.
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Violence Signals Regime Fear
- The deadly scale of recent repression is notable and atypical compared with past Iranian crackdowns.
- Pollack suggests the regime's overreaction may reflect fear after military setbacks and can influence revolution dynamics.
Iran's Recurrent Revolt Pattern
- Iran experiences major protests roughly every 2–4 years since 1999 and the people consistently want the government gone.
- Ken Pollack warns the U.S. repeatedly forgets these cycles, missing opportunities to shape the next uprising.
Have Ready Contingency Plans
- Prepare off‑the‑shelf contingency plans now for future Iranian uprisings rather than improvising later.
- Maintain capabilities (cyber, comms, symbolic military options) ready to help tilt odds for protesters.
