OLD GOATS with Jonathan Alter

Then and Now: Iraq (2003) and Iran (2026)

In this episode of Then and Now, Julian Zelizer and Jonathan Alter compare the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq with the 2026 military operation against Iran, highlighting how both conflicts were launched on false pretenses and political misinformation. They note key differences, such as the lack of a congressional vote for the Iran action and the likely avoidance of a large ground invasion. The hosts argue that while history doesn’t repeat exactly, the rhyming patterns of deceptive justifications and executive overreach are evident. Their discussion underscores the challenges of navigating a limited air campaign versus a full‑scale occupation.