Steve Coll

Journalist Steve Coll, a Pulitzer Prize winner and author of The Achilles Trap, dives into the haunting parallels between the Iraq War and the current tensions with Iran. He discusses the flawed intelligence behind the Iraq invasion and warns of repeating history. Coll emphasizes the risks of military action without a strong strategy and examines conflicting narratives about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The conversation highlights the complex landscape of Middle Eastern politics and the urgent need for the U.S. to learn from its past mistakes.

Author Steve Coll discusses America's relationship with Saddam Hussein, CIA intelligence failures, Iraq War's significance. Reflects on past mistakes with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Delve into Saddam's deception, motivations behind invasion of Iraq, and CIA's dilemma balancing covert actions. Explore understanding authoritarian leaders, diplomatic challenges, and factors keeping the U.S. engaged in the Middle East.

Wendy's experiments with surge pricing, lackluster fries. Richard Lewis and Mitch McConnell's tough week. Steve Coll discusses Saddam Hussein. McConnell's retirement, fast food innovation, Saddam's history. Deterrence post 9/11, Iraq invasion aftermath, and surge pricing in fast food chains. Exploring the implications of surge pricing at Wendy's.

Uncover Saddam Hussein's deception and intelligence failures, including his nuclear bluff that led to his downfall. Explore Mexico's 'Hugs Not Bullets' policy. Discuss the significance of uncommitted votes in Michigan's primary and its potential impact on Joe Biden's candidacy.

Steve Coll, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, delves into his latest work focused on Saddam Hussein and the convoluted U.S.-Iraq relationship. He reveals how Saddam’s belief in America's omnipotence led to his downfall when his fictitious WMD program became a justification for invasion. The discussion dives into the complexities of intelligence ties, highlighting how the CIA’s early support played a role in building Saddam's paranoia. Coll emphasizes the importance of understanding historical perspectives to avoid repeating past mistakes in U.S. foreign policy.