The Lone Ranger - March 18, 2026
The Young Turks Podcast Recap
Published:
Guests: Glenn Greenwald, Joe Kent
Summary
Colonel Daniel Davis and journalist Glenn Greenwald discussed the U.S. military action against Iran and its geopolitical consequences, particularly the strain it has caused with NATO allies. The episode explored the economic impacts, including rising oil prices and significant military...
What Happened
Colonel Daniel Davis, known for his show 'Deep Dive,' and journalist Glenn Greenwald, examined the unfolding war in Iran and its geopolitical implications. A significant rift has opened between the United States and its NATO allies, as the U.S. initiated military action against Iran without prior consultation with NATO members. This has led to increased tensions in the region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for global oil and gas transport.
The episode highlighted the Trump administration's narrative of the U.S. as a net exporter of oil, which they claim benefits from the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, there are discussions about the potential nationalization of U.S. oil and gas industries, raising questions about the true motivations behind the military actions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-standing desire for a U.S. attack on Iran was discussed, linking it to broader regional ambitions.
The conflict's economic impacts are already being felt, with the price of Brent crude oil rising from $102 to $108 per barrel. The Pentagon disclosed that $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used in the first two days, with total costs for the initial phase of the war estimated at over $12 billion. This escalation has led to discussions of a supplemental $100 billion funding bill for the war effort.
Israel's military actions, including the attack on Iran's South Pars gas field, have provoked Iranian retaliation. Iran has warned of strikes on oil and gas sites in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, further destabilizing the region. Despite these aggressive maneuvers, Israel's narrative frames the conflict as a liberation effort for the Iranian people, a claim met with skepticism and criticism.
The episode also delved into the resignation of Joe Kent as director of the National Counterterrorism Center. Kent's resignation, driven by his opposition to the war in Iran and claims of undue Israeli influence on U.S. foreign policy, has sparked significant public and political reactions. His resignation message received over 800,000 likes, illustrating public support for his stance.
Glenn Greenwald underscored the influence of the Israel lobby in Washington, citing works by John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt. He also referenced a WikiLeaks cable revealing U.S. alignment with al-Qaeda in Syria under Hillary Clinton's tenure. The episode concluded with an analysis of the long-term fiscal impacts of the conflict, drawing parallels to the Iraq War's estimated $8 trillion cost by 2021.
Key Insights
- The United States launched a war against Iran without consulting NATO allies, causing a diplomatic rift and raising concerns about regional stability.
- Israel's attack on Iran's South Pars gas field, the world's largest natural gas field, has led to Iranian retaliation and heightened regional tensions.
- The Pentagon's initial cost estimates for the war have been significant, with over $12 billion spent in the first week alone, prompting discussions of additional funding.
- Joe Kent's resignation over the Iran war and claims of Israeli influence has garnered massive public support, reflecting growing dissent against U.S. foreign policy.