The US and Israel attack Iran, foment chaos
The ‘president of peace’ has started another war with Iran, with no apparent regard for the consequences.
On this episode of After America, Allan Behm and Dr Emma Shortis discuss the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and the assassination of its leader, Trump and Netanyahu’s cynical messages for the Iranian people, what this war means for nuclear proliferation, and the Australian government’s “deeply disappointing” response.
This discussion was recorded on Monday 2 March 2026.
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Guest: Allan Behm, Advisor, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Show notes:
The Mar-a-Lago model: how Trump is trying to dominate global governance, After America, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
Shorter America This Week: The State of the Union is… bad; AI is also bad; But hard times ain’t gonna rule my mind by Emma Shortis, The Point (February 2026)
How to foster global lawlessness: Destroy the UN and its agencies by Allan Behm, The Point (January 2026)
Photo: The White House/Flickr (U.S. Government work)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Can we trust the USA? | Between the Lines
The Wrap with Dr Emma Shortis The President of Peace has started another war. It began with the bombing of a school in southern Iran. According to Iranian authorities, the death toll from that strike now sits at 168. Many of the victims were children. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have normalised the sight of little coffins.