Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Paul Darling, author of Taliban Safari and host of the War 102 podcast, joins Christopher Turner for an in-depth discussion on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. From escalating tensions with Iran to the risks of nuclear proliferation, they explore the strategic, political, and historical forces driving today's conflicts. Grounded in Colonel Darling's decades of military experience, the conversation offers fresh perspectives on war, diplomacy, and the motivations behind state actions.

(00:00) Christopher Turner welcomes retired army lieutenant colonel Paul Darling to Polypolitics Podcast

(00:55) We just attacked Iran again, according to the Trump administration

(08:05) Donald Trump believes in God, but he's not a religious man

(14:41) With Iran gaining a bomb, it completely changes the dynamic

(22:29) Netanyahu has repeatedly claimed Iran is within weeks of developing a nuclear weapon

(33:26) Questions about Iran's nuclear program and where do we go from here

(37:48) You mentioned the Navy for a second. Would you mind just giving a quick breakdown about that

(42:47) Term limits should extend across the bureaucracy, Pete says

(47:08) I agree with your take on term limits for federal judges

(50:05) Where did we really fail in Afghanistan and how do we not make that mistake again

(57:23) We withdrew from Kabul International instead of Bagram Air Base

(59:38) General says most Americans don't want to get involved in Middle Eastern wars

(01:06:09) There's no diplomatic solution to war because of the inherent definition

(01:11:06) Paul Poly: I don't think majority of Iranian people actually support Ayatollah