THE HIGH COST OF U.S. INTERVENTION

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requests billons of dollars more for America's war in Iran - without laying out a plan of how or when it could end. Former U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel joins the program to discuss the state of play and slams what he calls a lack of transparency from the current administration. And, as several Democratic lawmakers denounce the suffering they witnessed on a trip to Cuba, Congressman Mark Pocan explains how the U.S. blockade is choking the island and what a new State Department report reveals about America's intentions in the region. Then, correspondent Jeremy Diamond reports on how an ancient ruin in the West Bank has become the latest flashpoint in the land dispute between Israelis and Palestinians. Award-winning author Colson Whitehead concludes his celebrated Harlem trilogy and discusses how "Cool Machine" raises the stakes in gritty, glamourous 1980s New York. Plus, a shakeup at the highest levels of Ukraine's military with Zelensky firing his top general Oleksandr Syrskyi. From Christiane's archives, a look back at her exclusive interview with Syrskyi just after he took over as head of the armed forces. Air date: July 25, 2026 Guests: Chuck Hagel Mark Pocan Colson Whitehead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices