8 Mar 2026

In this interview, political scientist and Middle East scholar Norman
Finkelstein discusses the ongoing US-Israeli attack on Iran and explains why the
current crisis is fundamentally different from the 2003 Iraq War.

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Finkelstein argues that while the Iraq invasion in 2003 primarily reflected US
strategic interests, the current escalation with Iran is driven largely by the
interests of Israel, with the United States playing a supporting role.

He also reflects on the differences between the massive anti-war mobilization
during the Iraq War and the protests emerging today against the Iran
war. According to Finkelstein, the 2003 demonstrations were largely
activist-driven, while the current protests appear more spontaneous and organic.

Topics discussed

Why the Iran war differs from the Iraq War in 2003

Internal military debates within the US establishment

Israel's role in shaping the conflict

Anti-war protests then and now

What this conflict means for the Middle East

This conversation offers historical context and political analysis at a critical
moment in the escalating confrontation involving the US, Israel, and Iran.