The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Did Bombing Iran Make America Safer?

9 snips
Jun 24, 2025
Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, an Iraqi-born founder of Ideas Beyond Borders, and Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, delve into the ramifications of the U.S. bombing of Iran. They discuss the delicate balance between regional security and democracy promotion, the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, and the intricate ties between nations like Germany, Israel, and Iran. The conversation also highlights the Kurdish situation and critiques U.S. military strategies, suggesting a need for reevaluation in light of rising geopolitical tensions.
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INSIGHT

Iran's Regional Threat Dynamics

  • The weakening of Iran could improve regional security for U.S. allies nearby rather than the U.S. itself.
  • Iran's regime acts beyond its borders to protect the revolution, affecting Sunni populations widely.
INSIGHT

Iranian Regime's Reaction Patterns

  • Vulnerable authoritarian regimes tend to escalate external conflicts to divert threats.
  • Israel has significantly weakened Iran's proxy strike capability, changing Tehran's risk calculus.
INSIGHT

Iran vs. Iraq Comparisons Misleading

  • Comparing Iran 2024 to Iraq 2003 misses critical cultural and political differences.
  • Unlike Iraq, Iran lacks a clear democratic opposition or majority pushing foreign-style democracy.
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