Compass Points

Leading experts analyze prominent international affairs topics and their impact on America today.

Jun 19

17 PUTIN
Watch
Why some Russians are breaking with Putin as Ukraine war drags on

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s iron grip on power is being challenged by the war in Ukraine and his government’s authoritarian crackdowns. He finds himself in unfamiliar political territory, questioned by some of the country’s elite and embarrassed by Ukraine’s strikes…

Jun 12

compasspoints
Watch
How Iran's 'Stolen Revolution' failed to live up to its promise

Many supporters of Iran's revolution believed some form of democracy should govern the country. But over the decades, the Islamic Republic's radical religious rulers have launched brutal crackdowns on social justice and political freedom. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses…

May 22

Centcom 58
Watch
Is it time for the U.S. to reassess its Iran strategy?

With talks stalled and Iran maintaining its chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump is weighing whether to restart the war. Strikes failed to eliminate Iran’s regime or destroy its military and nuclear capabilities, so is it time for…

May 15

CompassPoints
Watch
How Moscow's turbulent past shapes Putin's vision for Russia

Moscow started as a fort on a hill and has survived invasion, revolution, civil war and Soviet collapse to transform into a formidable world power. But with the limits of Russia's power tested in Ukraine, is history doomed to repeat…

May 08

Watch
Inside the U.S. raid that killed Osama bin Laden 15 years ago

It’s been 15 years since the U.S. found and killed the world’s most notorious terrorist, Osama bin Laden. Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin continues last week’s conversation with Mark Kelton, the CIA’s station chief in Pakistan at the time, for…

Apr 24

Watch
Will Congress push back as Trump tests presidential power?

President Trump is not the first to push the boundaries of his power as commander in chief. The law on war powers gives presidents 60 days to conduct military operations without congressional approval. That timeframe for Iran is about to…

Apr 17

Watch
Vance faces first global test as U.S. negotiator with Iran

Vice President JD Vance makes his first major foray onto the world stage as America’s top negotiator with Iran. He’s the most prominent isolationist in the Trump administration and his assignment puts him front and center on an issue with…

Apr 10

Watch
Can the U.S. and Iran turn the temporary ceasefire into long-term peace?

President Trump finds an off-ramp to the five-week war in Iran, but at what cost? He began the week threatening Iran's “whole civilization." But when Pakistan presented a plan to temporarily halt hostilities, Trump embraced it. Can the U.S. and…