In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass dissect the messy endgame of the US-Israeli war with Iran. They discuss leverage, informal and formal ceasefires, and strategy. The conversation explores whether and how Washington might end a conflict it started, given that Israel and Iran still have their own agendas. Haass explains why Iran’s biggest bargaining chip may be the Strait of Hormuz, where even the threat of disruption has sent oil markets into panic. The discussion widens to the geopolitical ripple effects: Russia and China quietly benefiting from U.S. distraction, Ukraine watching American weapons flow elsewhere, and the uncomfortable reality that a trillion-dollar Pentagon still struggles with the cheap drone warfare dominating modern battlefields. And as always the two find a way to pivot from geopolitics to golf, safely predicting that the favorite will win the Players Championship.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger

In this week’s episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass dissect the widening conflict with Iran, asking the uncomfortable question: what exactly is the strategy? They debate the shaky logic behind Operation Epic Fury, the limits of American air-defense stockpiles, and why time may actually favor Tehran. Along the way, they examine how the war could boost Russia, drain resources needed for Ukraine, and rattle U.S. politics at home. The conclusion is sobering: wars of choice are easy to start, much harder to end, and the clock may already be ticking on Washington’s ability to control the outcome.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

News Items on Substack

Home and Away on Substack

Produced by Dale Eisinger

In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass begin in Iran, where the Trump administration has assembled more military might than strategy. From there, they unpack the recent Supreme Court decision on tariffs, making clear it will not lead to any clarity for the country’s trading partners. The conversation then moves south, where cartel violence potentially threatens both the United States and Mexico. Closer to home, they examine the awkward but unavoidable topic of diminishing presidential capacity. And last but not least, they somehow manage to end on a high note thanks to Olympic hockey.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

News Items on Substack

Home and Away on Substack

Produced by Dale Eisinger