The DSR Network FTA: Unconventional Wisdom About the Iran Crisis and the NATO Summit
Jan 1, 2026
In a captivating discussion, Georgetown law professor Rosa Brooks, foreign policy expert Kori Schake, former NATO ambassador Gen. Doug Lute, and ex-CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos analyze the tangled narratives of U.S. strikes on Iran and the recent NATO summit. They delve into NATO's evolving spending dynamics, the implications of U.S. diplomacy, and the risks behind revealing sensitive military details. The conversation pivots on whether military action can replace negotiations, with insights into Israel's motivations and Iran's potential responses, highlighting a complex web of global security.
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Putin, Not Presidents, Drove NATO Spending
- NATO spending increases are driven primarily by security threats, not presidential persuasion.
- Doug Lute argues Putin’s actions, not any U.S. president, pushed allies to boost defense budgets.
Allies Used Future Promises To Manage Trump
- NATO crafted distant, lofty pledges to allow Trump to claim credit while buying time.
- Kori Schake says allies used grand future targets to neutralize the Trump threat and preserve unity.
Don't Trust Early Battle Damage Claims
- Battle damage assessment (BDA) is complex and takes time; early public claims are risky.
- Marc Polymeropoulos warns quick public declarations can harm intelligence credibility and careers.