Leon Panetta

A thin trail, uncertain intelligence and one of the highest-stakes decisions in U.S. history: Leon Panetta recounts the hunt for Osama bin Laden and the choice to launch the raid. Then psychologist Barbara Mellers explores how probability training, teamwork and practice can sharpen forecasts when the future is anything but clear.

Leon Panetta, former Defense Secretary and CIA director now leading the Panetta Institute, brings decades of national security and intelligence experience. He assesses the Iran war as mishandled. He reviews nuclear risks and past policy choices. He warns about U.S. munitions, readiness, and homeland vulnerabilities from drones, missiles, cyber, and AI-enabled threats.

Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta shares insights from his extensive public service career. He discusses the implications of deploying military forces in California and warns against the dangers of politicizing the National Guard. Leon emphasizes the need to revive Congress's role in maintaining democratic checks and balances, calling for active citizenship. He also highlights challenges facing democracy today while fostering optimism about public commitment to constitutional values.

Leon Panetta, former U.S. Chief of Staff and CIA Director, shares his insights on military ethics and strategy. He delves into the legal implications of Navy strikes on civilian boats in Venezuela, emphasizing the need to avoid war crimes. Panetta critiques the blurred lines of military versus law enforcement in drug trafficking, advocates for clarity in U.S. objectives, and warns against misusing the military. He also discusses the importance of a strong response to Russia's aggression and the critical need for a unified approach to defend democracy.

In this engaging discussion, former U.S. Secretaries of Defense Robert Gates and Leon Panetta reveal invaluable insights from their storied careers. Gates tackles the challenges of military reforms and the complexities of Congress, emphasizing the pitfalls of relying solely on military responses. Panetta highlights the shortcomings of U.S. strategies against ISIS and the intricacies of Syrian intervention. Both guests stress the urgent need for bipartisan cooperation and accountability in governance, urging leaders to align with the sacrifices made by those in uniform.

Trump’s Iran war sparks a fierce MAGA split, with influential podcasters opposing the strikes while pro-war voices defend them. Leon Panetta weighs military options, nuclear risks and diplomacy; Bill O’Reilly discusses Trump’s strategy and a possible off-ramp. Dave Smith and Adam Sosnick clash over whether the war is illegal, while Jesse Ventura delivers a veteran’s anti-war critique.

Join Times Radio Political Editor Kate McCann and former CIA Director Leon Panetta as they dissect the fallout from Donald Trump's unexpected re-election. McCann shares insights on Washington and European reactions, highlighting political shifts, especially in the UK. Panetta provides a deep dive into the implications for U.S. foreign policy, touching on the potential isolationist trends and the delicate balance in international relations, particularly with Ukraine and China. It's a riveting exploration of a changing global landscape.

Former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta joins Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, to dissect the complexities of the Trump-Putin summit. They analyze whether Alaska represents a strategic peace overture or a perilous gamble. The duo discusses the critical absence of Ukraine in negotiations, historical lessons about appeasement, and the potential impacts on NATO unity and Taiwan. These insights reflect their vast experience in Cold War strategy and the delicate balance of modern geopolitics.

Leon Panetta, former Defense Secretary and CIA director with decades in national security, breaks down U.S. policy toward Iran, Israel, and global alliances. He warns unclear objectives and a closed Strait of Hormuz risk a prolonged stalemate. He critiques negotiating tactics, military decisions, leadership changes at the Pentagon, and U.S. support for Ukraine.

In this engaging discussion, Iranian academic Mohammad Marandi and former CIA director Leon Panetta share insights on the possible consequences of U.S. military action against Iran. Political commentators Ben Ferguson and Scott Horton debate the risks and benefits of nuclear negotiations, while human rights activist Elica Lebon emphasizes the importance of trust in U.S.-Iran relations. The panel grapples with Iran's nuclear ambitions and the historical tensions that shape current geopolitical dynamics, sparking a fiery exchange on regional stability and the prospect of diplomacy.