In this conversation from the America at a Crossroads series, Middle East policy expert Dalia Dassa Kaye joins award-winning journalist Robin Wright to examine the critical decisions facing the United States in its approach to Iran.

At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, this discussion explores the strategic, diplomatic, and security implications of U.S. policy in the region—and what is at stake for global stability.

Drawing on deep expertise in foreign policy and decades of reporting, Kaye and Wright analyze the evolving dynamics between the U.S. and Iran, regional power shifts, and the risks and opportunities shaping America’s next moves.

The discussion explores key questions including:

• What are the current risks and flashpoints in U.S.–Iran relations?
• What policy options are available to the United States?
• How do regional and global actors influence the path forward?

This conversation provides a clear, informed perspective on one of the most consequential foreign policy challenges facing the United States today.

Speakers

Dalia Dassa Kaye – Senior Fellow at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations and former Director of the RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy. She is a leading expert on U.S. foreign policy and Middle East affairs.

Robin Wright – Award-winning journalist, author, and foreign affairs analyst specializing in the Middle East and global security. She has reported from more than 140 countries and has written for The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and NPR.

In this conversation from the America at a Crossroads series, political commentator Jennifer Rubin joins journalist Patt Morrison to examine the state of American democracy and the responsibilities of leadership in a time of institutional strain.

Rubin, co-founder of The Contrarian and former longtime columnist for The Washington Post, brings a sharp perspective on the rule of law, political accountability, and the consequences of silence and inaction in the face of democratic erosion.

The discussion explores key questions including:

• What does accountability look like in today’s political environment?
• How have institutions responded to challenges to democratic norms?
• What role do individuals—inside and outside government—play in defending democracy?

Drawing on her work as a commentator and author, Rubin addresses the moral and political stakes facing the country and the choices that will shape its future.

Speakers

Jennifer Rubin – Political commentator and co-founder of The Contrarian. A former conservative and longtime Washington Post columnist, she is widely recognized for her analysis of democracy, the rule of law, and authoritarianism in American politics. She is the author of Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy from Donald Trump.

Patt Morrison – Journalist, author, and longtime Los Angeles Times columnist and broadcaster. Morrison has received two Pulitzer Prizes and numerous Emmy and Golden Mike awards.

Event Details
America at a Crossroads
March 18, 2026
Hosted by Jews United for Democracy and Justice

In this conversation from the America at a Crossroads series, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta joins Larry Mantle, host of NPR’s AirTalk, to examine the shifting global landscape and the challenges facing American leadership in an era of renewed power politics.

Drawing on decades of experience in national security and government, Panetta discusses how geopolitical tensions are reshaping international relations—from Ukraine and China to Venezuela and Greenland—and what these developments mean for the future of U.S. foreign policy and global stability.

The discussion explores key questions including:

• How is the global balance of power changing?
• What challenges does the United States face in responding to rising geopolitical tensions?
• What lessons from past administrations can guide today’s foreign policy decisions?

With insight from one of the nation’s most experienced national security leaders, this conversation provides perspective on the strategic realities shaping today’s international environment.