System Update with Glenn Greenwald

Glenn dives into pressing questions about the potential for war with Iran and the growing executive power in U.S. politics. He discusses the implications of congressional power erosion regarding foreign policy and critiques the unilateral decisions made by presidents. The conversation touches on the viability of new political parties amidst a disconnect with voter concerns. Expect engaging insights paired with a lighthearted tennis Q&A, making for an entertaining and thought-provoking listen!

Tensions rise as Tulsi Gabbard finds herself at odds with Trump's hawkish administration, especially after being excluded from key discussions on Iran. The moral implications of military actions come to light, particularly concerning the bombing of hospitals in both Israel and Gaza. The podcast dives into Gabbard's political transformation from a Democratic star to a Trump surrogate, highlighting her critiques of the DNC. It also questions the ethical standards applied to military strikes on civilian infrastructure, sparking debate on international reactions.

Ted Cruz, the Republican Senator from Texas, joins Tucker Carlson to examine the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran and Israel. They discuss the troubling trend of military advocacy without understanding local dynamics, revealing the dangers of repeating past mistakes. The conversation dives into how evangelical beliefs shape political support for Israel, as well as the influence of foreign interests on American politics. The dynamic also highlights the shifting allegiances in U.S. foreign policy and the implications for future relations.

In this discussion, investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein dives into Donald Trump's increasingly assertive ownership of the U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict. He critiques Trump’s reliance on controversial intelligence and military rhetoric, highlighting the complexities of international law. Klippenstein also explores the intersection of faith and politics in U.S. support for Israel, and discusses the risks of escalating tensions, along with the intricate diplomatic maneuvers between the U.S. and Israeli leaders concerning Iran.

The podcast dissects the unsettling parallels between U.S. military involvement in Iraq and current tensions with Iran. It highlights bipartisan support for military actions, revealing a history of propaganda and deception. The rhetoric surrounding Iran's nuclear capabilities is critiqued, exposing emotional appeals influencing public perception. The role of media in shaping aggressive foreign policy narratives is scrutinized, particularly regarding the Israel lobby's impact on Congress. The discussion raises moral questions about prioritizing warfare over pressing domestic concerns.

Glenn welcomes Mohammad Marandi, an Iranian-American academic based in Tehran, alongside Cato Institute experts Justin Logan and John Hoffman. They delve into the U.S.'s role in Israel's military actions against Iran, examining the local reactions in Iran and the broader implications for foreign policy. The guests analyze the risks of escalation, the historical context of this conflict, and critique Western narratives about Iran. They emphasize the urgency for restraint in U.S. military strategies amidst rising tensions.

Curt Mills, executive director of the American Conservative Magazine and expert on foreign policy, joins to discuss escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. He delves into the historical context of U.S.-Iran relations during the Trump presidency, highlighting Israel's influence on U.S. policy. The conversation examines the challenges of negotiating the Iran nuclear deal amidst military threats and fears of escalation. Mills also reflects on the shifting dynamics of U.S. interventionism and the evolving stance within the Republican Party on foreign military engagements.

A federal court hilariously dismissed a lawsuit from pro-Israel students at the University of Pennsylvania, critiquing its claims on antisemitism. The conversation dives into the contradictions within free speech advocacy as Dave Portnoy, previously a cancel culture opponent, reacts emotionally to jokes about Jewish people. The complexities surrounding Jewish students' victimhood in today's climate and the shifting narratives in political discourse are also laid bare, highlighting the nuanced debate over free expression versus sensitivity.

The discussion reveals Palantir's controversial expansion as a powerful player in government surveillance, blurring the lines of privacy and national security. The CEO's motivations are scrutinized, while historical parallels draw connections to the deep state's evolution. Concerns about data centralization and corporate influence on civil liberties take center stage. Ethical implications of surveillance in modern warfare raise alarms about technology's role in democracy, alongside troubling links to dissent and societal discourse.

Glenn interviews Rand Paul, a Republican Senator from Kentucky and a staunch libertarian. They dive into Paul's opposition to the 'Big Beautiful Bill,' addressing national debt and fiscal conservatism. The conversation also critiques Washington's increasing defense budget and explores differing GOP views on military intervention. Additionally, they discuss the delicate balance between free speech and legislation targeting anti-Semitism, raising questions about the implications for public discourse.