The Bulletin

Iranians Speak Up, Jerome Powell Stands Strong, and Grok Under Scrutiny

10 snips
Jan 16, 2026
Jonathan Schanzer, a terrorism finance expert, discusses the ongoing protests in Iran, highlighting the regime's weaknesses and calls for international support. Charles J. Sykes analyzes Jerome Powell's response to DOJ subpoenas, emphasizing the implications for Federal Reserve independence. Christine Emba addresses the ethical issues surrounding Grok, an AI chatbot that allows non-consensual image edits, raising concerns about accountability and the dehumanizing effects of technology.
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INSIGHT

Protests Intensify Amid Regime Weakness

  • Iran's protests have been persistent since 2009 and are now far more intense due to military, economic, and infrastructure failures.
  • Cutting communications has been a key regime tactic, and restoring information flow could be the tipping point for change.
ADVICE

How Americans Can Support Iranian Protesters

  • Americans should speak out, host Iranian speakers in congregations, and pressure members of Congress to increase sanctions and isolation.
  • Political, economic, and informational pressure can help push the regime into a corner without immediate kinetic action.
INSIGHT

Regime Change Is Not Binary

  • There are internal debates about using force and a range of non-binary options like threatening strikes to precipitate internal elite change.
  • Israeli actions and regional dynamics also shape the possible outcomes and risks of escalation.
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