PBS Newshour Panel, Plus Comments
On June 10, as Obama dispatched another 450 “military advisers” to Iraq, the PBS Newshour presented a panel discussion about America’s incoherent strategy in Iraq and Syria. Former CIA and Pentagon boss Leon Panetta, former Undersecretary of Defense Michele Flournoy, Gen. Anthony Zinni, ret, and retired Colonel Andrew Bacevich, who teaches at Boston University, comprised the panel. As the Beltway insiders spouted predictable, fear-laden talking points, Bacevich—whose son was killed in Iraq—provides strong counter arguments. He notes our failure to train the Iraqi army during the occupation, and challenges Panetta directly on several issues. Over the gasps of the others, Bacevich offers a sensible proposal: let Iran take the lead against IS. In this podcast, you will hear the PBS discussion with my comments inserted.
Listen to the Preview Clip Here
Listen to the full episode here (BFP Subscribers Only):