The Opinions – "Iran, Epstein and the Abuse of Power: Two Stories, One Pattern"
Podcast: The Opinions (NYT Opinion)
Date: February 21, 2026
Host: Michelle Cottle
Guests: David French, Nick Kristof
Episode Overview
This episode examines two seemingly disparate stories—Iran’s nuclear crisis and the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files—through the lens of power, accountability, and repeated systemic failures. The roundtable of Michelle Cottle, David French, and Nicholas Kristof analyzes Trump’s belligerent foreign policy stances toward Iran and Venezuela, the dangers of regime change rhetoric, the challenges of confronting state corruption and repression, and the persistent epidemic of child sex trafficking as exposed anew by the Epstein revelations. Throughout, the hosts stress the patterns of abuse and institutional neglect affecting both global politics and individual lives.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump, Iran, and Regime Change
[02:25 - 16:49]
- Background: Trump has threatened a U.S. strike on Iran unless they agree to a nuclear deal, just after calling for regime change following recently crushed nationwide protests.
- On-the-ground Sentiment:
- Nick Kristof describes widespread anger at Iran’s regime fueled by corruption, hypocrisy, and economic incompetence—not only among Tehran liberals but also in rural Iran.
- Quote: “I’ve rarely traveled in a country where there is so much antipathy toward the regime… people are just, you know, so pissed off at the government.” – Nick Kristof [02:25]
- Risks of Military Intervention:
- Many Iranians might welcome foreign intervention; however, Kristof warns military action could easily worsen the situation, questioning whether a decapitated regime would actually change anything, or just empower the IRGC.
- He lists nightmare scenarios including missile retaliation, oil disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, regional escalation, and the uncertain efficacy of regime decapitation:
“It may well be that the IRGC, the military command, is what takes over. And it’s not obvious to me that that would be an improvement.” – Nick Kristof [03:43]
- David French questions the administration’s goals and strategy:
- Argues the U.S. shouldn’t rely on airstrikes as a pathway to regime change; historical cases show limited effectiveness.
- Calls out lack of public or congressional buy-in:
“You have no public buy in. We’re not clear of the objectives. Throwing in regime change seems to be an extraordinary reach.” – David French [06:57]
- Pattern of Overstatement:
- Both hosts note Trump claims to have destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities, yet the problem persists—undermining the administration’s “success” narrative.
- Quote: “He did not destroy the Iranian nuclear program, but he did certainly set it back quite significantly… but for right now, that is not happening.” – Nick Kristof [12:33]
- Strategic Drift:
- The ambiguous, aggressive posturing (Venezuela, Iran) is described as “a cocked pistol aimed at Iran” [09:53], creating a risk of unintended escalation.
2. Venezuela & Broader Foreign Policy Patterns
[13:06 - 16:49]
- Trump administration’s raid that removed Venezuelan president Maduro resulted only in the VP (from same regime) taking power—calling into question not just the aims, but the results of such interventions.
- David French warns that limited, symbolic military victories are “trumpeted” as total regime change and that Congress must reassert its role in authorizing such actions.
- Grand Strategies vs. Incrementalism:
- Nick Kristof is skeptical of grand strategies, favoring cautious, incremental change using both hard and soft power:
“The military toolbox… tends to work best with small, modest operations. We get in trouble when we do try to remake the world in really grand ways.” – Nick Kristof [15:34]
- Nick Kristof is skeptical of grand strategies, favoring cautious, incremental change using both hard and soft power:
3. Epstein Files, Sex Trafficking, and Societal Failures
[16:49 - 27:27]
- With new revelations from the Epstein documents and the high-profile arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the panel addresses how one man’s story obscures broader failures.
- Nick Kristof:
- While exposing Epstein and his enablers is important, the focus on celebrity cases occludes the everyday trafficking of over 100,000 children (vastly underreported).
- U.S. systems—like foster care—push vulnerable teens towards exploitation; society and authorities show “indifference” to their plight:
“We have structures in our society that fundamentally propel these kids… toward traffickers. And just as the Epstein associates were indifferent to these young girls, so I think we as a society are indifferent to the broader problem.” – Nicholas Kristof [17:32]
- Systemic Neglect and Accountability:
- David French: Abuse exists at every social stratum—from elites like Epstein to local institutions. Scandals in churches, schools, and elsewhere stem from “a strain of depravity… that leads them to exploit and abuse vulnerable people.” [19:54]
- The role of pornography in normalizing exploitation and harming children is highlighted as an under-discussed societal problem.
- Policy Solutions and Barriers:
- Kristof advocates trauma-informed care, improved foster systems, run-away prevention, better shelters, and, crucially, accountability for buyers of child sex.
- Quote: “If you buy sex from a 15 year old girl, there is approximately zero risks that you will ever face any consequences. Zero.” – Nick Kristof [23:36]
- Reasons include lack of trust in police by victims, prosecutors’ reluctance, and the social “pillar” status of johns.
- Moving anecdote: Kristof recalls finding a missing runaway child online in 20 minutes, but that extreme intervention isn’t scalable—exposing the chronic lack of priority for victims.
- David French: Accountability must extend institutionally as well; systemic reform after scandals is necessary, otherwise abuse will recur:
“If you see an institution that has been through a scandal and it has not engaged in very intentional and systemic reforms… avoid that institution. It’s ripe for more problems.” [26:13]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Iran:
“It’s like a cocked pistol aimed at Iran.” – David French [09:53]
- On Systemic Failures:
“Just as the Epstein associates were indifferent to these young girls, so I think we as a society are indifferent to the broader problem.” – Nicholas Kristof [17:32]
- On Institutional Neglect:
“Sometimes the red flags are just waving… and they’ll just push through it… And then when the truth emerges, that same constellation of people will flip around and say, ‘I’m shocked, I’m stunned.’” – David French [26:15]
Recommendations (Lighter Note)
[27:27 - 31:52]
- Nick Kristof: Suggests the healing practice of “distraction” via hobbies—he recommends tending to one’s own “sandbox.” For him: making wine and cider on his farm in Oregon.
- David French: Recommends the British sitcom Catastrophe as a streaming classic for a nuanced portrayal of human relationships:
“It’s hilarious… but also is one of the most beautiful shows I’ve ever seen about the richness and complexity of human relationships.” [28:54]
- Michelle Cottle: Urges empathy for unpaid TSA workers; commemorates Robert Duvall by recommending the miniseries Lonesome Dove:
“Robert Duvall as Augustus McCrae—just perfection.” [30:49]
High-Impact Timestamps
- 02:25: Kristof on the Iranian people’s attitude toward their regime
- 03:43: Nightmare scenarios of military escalation in Iran
- 06:57: French on the lack of clear public, Congressional buy-in
- 09:53: “Cocked pistol” analogy for U.S. military posture
- 13:32: Overstatement of “success” in Venezuela and Iran
- 15:34: Critique of grand strategy and the case for incrementalism
- 17:32: Kristof on parallels between Epstein and societal indifference
- 19:54: The “strain of depravity” and normalization via pornography
- 23:36: Stark lack of accountability for child sex buyers
- 26:13: Institutional complicity and avoidance of responsibility
Tone and Style
The conversation is serious, urgent, and deeply analytical, displaying the signature voice and candor of NYT Opinion roundtables. The hosts blend sharp policy critique, moral clarity, and personal anecdote, encouraging both pragmatic and systemic responses to abuse—be it on the geopolitical stage or in the lives of America’s most vulnerable children.