Costs Of War - March 19, 2026
The Young Turks Podcast Recap
Published:
Guests: Joe Kent
Summary
The episode discusses the escalating conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, highlighting the financial and geopolitical ramifications. Key points include the U.S. military's request for $200 billion amid potential troop deployments, Israel's attack on Iran's South Pars natural gas refinery,...
What Happened
An F-35 was shot down amidst escalating tensions, but fortunately, the pilot survived. The American military is now requesting a staggering $200 billion to continue their involvement in the conflict. This request comes amid evidence suggesting the potential deployment of ground troops in strategic locations in Iran, including Karg Island and the Strait of Hormuz.
Israel has admitted to attacking the South Pars natural gas refinery on the Iranian coast, which is the largest in the world. The attack is expected to exacerbate inflation at gas stations, with gas prices already rising significantly in places like California and Florida. President Trump has distanced the U.S. from involvement in the attack, although reports suggest coordination between the U.S. and Israel.
The conflict has sparked Iranian retaliation against other Gulf countries' oil and gas infrastructure, affecting nations like Qatar, which President Trump claimed was uninvolved. CNN's Jerusalem Bureau Chief provided insights indicating the attack on the South Pars field was indeed coordinated with the U.S., further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
The economic impact of the conflict is profound, with Brent crude oil prices briefly rising above $119 per barrel. The U.S. national debt has reached a record $39 trillion, with projections to exceed $40 trillion soon. Critics like Peter Schiff highlight issues such as the slowing GDP growth and rising inflation, arguing that the Federal Reserve should raise interest rates to control the economic situation.
The podcast also covers the influence of Israel on American politics and media, with accusations that Israel aims to leverage U.S. military and financial resources to become a regional superpower. Claims are made regarding Israel's targeting of journalists, with 86 journalists reportedly killed by Israel in 2025. This has led to a call for greater accountability and transparency.
Amidst these tensions, Charlie Kirk, a close advisor to Trump, was assassinated. The investigation into his murder has been allegedly shut down by government officials, raising suspicions about government transparency. Joe Kent, a former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, suggests that Kirk was under pressure from pro-Israel donors and was advocating against a war with Iran.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the financial burden of wars related to Israel's neighbors, with $8 trillion already spent and an initial request for an additional $200 billion. This situation is compounded by the fact that the U.S. borrows money from China to fund these conflicts, adding to the national debt. The podcast calls for political change to address these issues.
Key Insights
- The U.S. military's request for $200 billion is double the anticipated funding, highlighting the escalating costs of the conflict. This funding could alternatively support domestic programs like free college and affordable childcare, as noted by Representative Rokana.
- Gas prices have surged significantly, with California seeing averages above $5 per gallon and a $1 increase per gallon in Florida. This rise is partly due to the attack on the South Pars gas field, the largest in the world.
- Israel's influence over American politics and media is criticized, with claims of targeted actions against journalists and infrastructure in Lebanon. The podcast argues for greater accountability and transparency regarding these actions.
- The assassination of Charlie Kirk, a close advisor to Trump, remains shrouded in mystery as the investigation is allegedly blocked. Joe Kent raises concerns about transparency and suggests Kirk was under pressure for his stance against the war with Iran.