Elliot Abrams

Elliott Abrams, a seasoned U.S. foreign policy official and authority on Latin America, dives deep into the Venezuela crisis from his perspective as the former U.S. Special Representative. He discusses Maduro's rise and regime corruption, emphasizing drug trafficking's role in sustaining the government. Abrams contrasts Biden's and Trump's approaches to Venezuela, exploring potential military options and the resilience of the opposition, spotlighting the symbolic escape of Maria Corina Machado. He warns about the perils of U.S. retreat from the region.

Walter Russell Mead, a foreign-policy scholar, and Elliott Abrams, a seasoned diplomat, dive into the transformative shifts in the Middle East. They discuss how Israel's military victories have altered regional dynamics yet failed to stabilize relations with Saudi Arabia. Abrams emphasizes the necessity of U.S. power for stability, especially in light of Iran's threats. Mead analyzes the hesitance of Russia and China to engage directly in the conflict. Together, they explore the future of Gaza and the complexity of U.S.–Israel ties shaped by historical and religious narratives.

This episode features Elliott Abrams, a former U.S. official and advocate for regime change in Venezuela, and Tom Bowman, an NPR Pentagon correspondent. Abrams argues that military strikes are necessary for change in Venezuela, emphasizing a strategy that includes amnesty for defecting officials. He also analyzes the potential for Maduro to survive sustained U.S. pressure. Bowman discusses the Pentagon's controversial strike orders, raising accountability questions amidst the scrutiny over military actions. The conversation reveals deep implications for both U.S. foreign policy and Venezuelan democracy.