In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass begin with the muddled US response to upheaval in Iran, highlighting the lack of clarity as to both US objectives and the potential role of military force. Here at home, they examine Minneapolis and the larger issue of immigration policy, arguing that Democrats would be wise to find a middle ground between both borders and the administration's excessive deportations on one hand and between "Abolish ICE" and letting ICE run amok on the other. They then turn to the growing brain drain in the sciences and the federal work force that amounts to nothing less than national self-sabotage. Finally, they call out the outrageous NFL Hall of Fame snub to Bill Belichick and, turning to golf, wonder if we are witnessing the end of the expensive LIV effort to compete with the PGA tour.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger

In episode 14 of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass delve into the new "real estate doctrine" of American foreign policy, discussing the irrelevance of ownership in international relations, particularly in the context of Greenland. Haass critiques the U.S. shift from an approach to allies based on consent to one of coercion under the Trump administration, a shift that has raised fundamental concerns about America's reliability and intentions. The conversation also touches on the failure thus far of American policy toward Iran. The discussion discusses in detail the implications of Trump's speech at Davos, which among other things heightened concerns about his mental capacity and judgment. Haass for his part had nothing good to say about the Board of Peace initiative, be it its mission, membership, or funding model. The episode concludes with predictions and analysis of the upcoming NFL matchups, with the co-hosts agreeing on Seattle and going their separate ways on Denver and New England.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

News Items on Substack

Home and Away on Substack

Produced by Dale Eisinger

In the newest episode of Alternate Shots, hosts John Ellis and Richard Haass dig into many of the most pressing issues around the world. Iran is experiencing widespread protests against a regime that has lost widespread support. The Trump administration needs to decide on its definition of success there and how to bring it about. Haass and Ellis go on to discuss how Venezuela is an example of where the U.S. opted for considerably less than regime change—and is encountering problems in bringing about stability and large-scale oil development. The two agree that Trump's outlandish approach to Greenland is equal parts unnecessary and counterproductive, while Cuba could be a case where regime changes comes less because of U.S. efforts than internal decay and collapse. Closer to home, the hosts predict the midterm elections may be manipulated to suppress voter turnout and alter voting outcomes in a year meant to celebrate American democracy. And as always, the two wrap up with sports
and the latest in college and pro football, a much-needed pressure valve to a heavy set of topics.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

News Items on Substack

Home and Away on Substack

Produced by Dale Eisinger