System Update with Glenn Greenwald

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.

Explore the ambitious yet flawed promises of DOGE and its stance against the deep state. Delve into the tangled U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations affected by ongoing violence in Gaza. Witness Ukraine's significant drone attack on Russian airbases, raising eyebrows with comparisons to Pearl Harbor. Unpack the potential dangers of celebrating military advances while underestimating nuclear threats. The podcast reveals the precarious balance of global diplomacy amid escalating tensions and military dynamics.

Journalist Aaron Maté hosts a gripping discussion with Jonathan Haslam, a Cambridge history professor focusing on U.S.-Russia relations, Nicolai Petro, a political science expert on Ukraine, and Mouin Rabbani, a Middle East analyst. They delve into the upcoming Ukraine War peace talks, debate the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, and analyze the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conversations reveal the tricky negotiations for peace, the implications of new Israeli settlements, and the multifaceted challenges toward Palestinian statehood.

Briahna Joy Gray, host of the Bad Faith podcast, unpacks the Democrats' internal turmoil and their inability to address key issues as Katie Halper, political commentator and co-host of Useful Idiots, joins her for a lively discussion. They delve into concerns over President Biden's cognitive fitness and the party's struggle to connect with disillusioned voters. The conversation highlights a crucial shift toward left populism and critiques the establishment's focus on corporate interests over genuine engagement, raising questions about the future of Democratic politics.

Lee Fang, an independent journalist known for his investigative work on political influence and civil liberties, joins Glenn for a riveting discussion. They dive into the Trump administration's fraught relationship with Harvard and the chilling aftermath of the recent attack on Israeli embassy staff. Fang sheds light on the tangled legacy of Jeffrey Epstein in the U.S. Virgin Islands, raising pressing questions about accountability and transparency. They also explore the complexities of victimhood narratives and the challenges faced by journalists today.

A recent tragedy in Washington, D.C., claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staffers, igniting intense debate over free speech and political symbolism. The discussion delves into the implications of hate and anti-Semitism surrounding the incident, alongside the complexities of dissent in political discourse. A manifesto linked to the shooting raises moral questions about violence used as protest. The podcast also critiques how narratives around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict shape public perceptions and influence geopolitical relations.