Welcome back to the re-education. This show is a little different. Instead of the usual monologue and interview, we are running the latest episode of Aaron McClain's School of War podcast, where I happen to meet the guest. It's a really good conversation. We talk about George W. Bush in the Middle East, and we emphasize the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,

as well as the immediate and long-term effects of 9-11 on U.S. foreign policy. I think you'll

really like it. And in general, I really would like to recommend Aaron's podcast. It's also on

the Nebulous Network, and it is a thoughtful, in-depth conversation every week or two about history, military conflicts, military stuff, but also current national security challenges. You will hear some of the best experts. I highly recommend episodes with Hal Brands on China. I'll try to get him as a guest on

reeducation soon. So please check out Aaron's School of War podcast. Subscribe,

give it good reviews. And I will be back next week with more monologues and interviews.

We've got some stuff in the works that I think my audience is going to love. And now a word from our sponsor.

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Thank you. needs to focus on inflation and leave American workers alone. It's strange to think about the war in Iraq in the beginning of the war in Afghanistan as military history.

But here we are.

Today, we're going to shift focus from the present moment and from China

and take a look at the Middle East policy of the Bush administration.

My guest and I will relitigate the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan,

question what, if any of it was worth it,

and see what strategic opportunities may have gotten missed along the way.

One question on my mind.

Were we failing to focus on the most significant adversary in the region, Iran, all along?

It is a prescription for war, this Iraqi invasion of Hawaii.

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