The Iran war imposed major costs on the United States, the Middle East, and the global economy. But did it advance core U.S. national interests? Inspired by a recent Stimson publication, this in-person discussion will assess the conflict through a simple but often neglected question: was it worth it? Panelists will examine U.S. success in achieving its stated objectives, the war’s direct and indirect costs, and its broader consequences for U.S. strategy in the Middle East. Panelists will also consider the underappreciated second-order effects of the war. At a moment when Washington is debating what comes next with Iran, the event will ask what lessons policymakers should draw from the conflict.
Featured Speakers
Suzanne DiMaggio, Senior Fellow, American Statecraft Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Michael Cohen, Non-resident Senior Fellow, Reimagining U.S. Grand Strategy Program, Stimson Center
Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow, Stimson Center
Greg Priddy, Senior Fellow for the Middle East, Center for the National Interest
John Hudson, National security reporter, Washington Post (Moderator)
