Alternate Shots with Richard Haass and John Ellis Episode 13
11 snips
Jan 14, 2026 The discussion dives deep into Iran's protests and the complexities of U.S. policy options. Venezuela's struggles illustrate the challenges of American foreign action, especially in oil investment. Trump's controversial Greenland proposal is deemed counterproductive, while insights into Cuba's potential collapse are explored. The political landscape heats up with predictions of voter suppression in the upcoming midterms. As a break from heavy topics, the hosts shift gears to tackle college and pro football, analyzing teams and players with humor.
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Iran's Regime Is Ripe But Guarded
- Richard Haass argues Iran's regime is deeply weakened and broadly unpopular across society.
- He warns the Revolutionary Guards remain the crucial variable keeping the system intact.
Mix Diplomacy With Targeted Pressure
- Richard Haass suggests a comprehensive approach mixing incentives and pressure rather than all-or-nothing choices on Iran.
- He recommends negotiating on nukes while pressing on proxies and using cyber or military pressure selectively.
Moscow and Beijing Mostly Stand Aside
- Haass notes Russia and China have largely been bystanders in recent crises, including Venezuela and Iran so far.
- He sees limited capacity for them to salvage Iran's regime despite economic ties, especially with China.