Pod Save America “A little noise from Iran.”
Jan 6, 2020
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut, a key voice on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joins the conversation to discuss pivotal moments in U.S.-Iran relations. They tackle the fallout from Trump's controversial assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and its implications for American military presence. Murphy critiques the need for Congress to rein in executive power and emphasizes the importance of diplomatic solutions in the face of escalating tensions. The discussion also touches on the unpredictable landscape of the 2020 Democratic primary.
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Trump's Rationale for Assassination
- Trump's decision to assassinate Soleimani was influenced by right-wing hardliners within his administration.
- This decision was seemingly irrational, lacking a clear justification of an imminent threat.
Legality of the Assassination
- The legality of Soleimani's assassination is complex, as he led a designated terrorist organization but wasn't targeted during wartime.
- There is no formal state of war between the U.S. and Iran.
Potential Consequences of Assassination
- Potential consequences of the assassination include direct attacks on U.S. forces and interests in the Middle East.
- Renewed focus on cyberattacks and the suspension of counter-ISIS operations are also concerns.