In the podcast episode “Lessons from Iraq, as Trump teases attacks on Iran” by NPR’s Consider This, parallels are drawn between the 2003 Iraq war and current tensions with Iran. Reflecting on the past, where the U.S. engaged in conflict based on faulty intelligence and faced protracted warfare, the episode explores President Trump’s potential military involvement in the Middle East, citing concerns over Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions as the justification.
Journalist Steve Coll, author of “The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the CIA, and the Origins of America’s Invasion of Iraq,” provides insights into the similarities and differences between the lead-up to the Iraq war and the current situation with Iran. Drawing on historical context and expert analysis, the episode delves into the complexities of navigating potential military actions in the region.
Listeners are encouraged to engage with sponsor-free episodes of Consider This by signing up for Consider This+ on Apple Podcasts or via the NPR website. For feedback or inquiries, the podcast invites emails to considerthis@npr.org.
Produced by Michael Levitt and Connor Donevan, with editing by Tinbete Ermyas and William Troop, the episode is under the executive production of Sami Yenigun. This timely and informative discussion sheds light on the critical considerations and consequences of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
