Why can’t the U.S. win its wars? episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 24, 2026 · 30 MIN

Why can’t the U.S. win its wars?

from Front Burner

Nearly two months into the war on Iran one thing remains clear: Iran has secured strategic leverage that before this war began, seemed unlikely.And it's left many asking why the United States’ military - the most powerful in the history of the world — so often finds itself unable to win wars or satisfy its strategic objectives?All kinds of military analysts and historians believe the U.S. has lost or failed to meet its strategic objectives in virtually every war it has participated in since 1945. This includes the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, we’re joined by Seth Harp, journalist, and author of the bestselling book ‘The Fort Brag Cartel’. Seth served one tour in Iraq as a member of the U.S. military, and previously worked as the assistant Attorney General for the state of Texas. 

Nearly two months into the war on Iran one thing remains clear: Iran has secured strategic leverage that before this war began, seemed unlikely.And it's left many asking why the United States’ military - the most powerful in the history of the world — so often finds itself unable to win wars or satisfy its strategic objectives?All kinds of military analysts and historians believe the U.S. has lost or failed to meet its strategic objectives in virtually every war it has participated in since 1945. This includes the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, we’re joined by Seth Harp, journalist, and author of the bestselling book ‘The Fort Brag Cartel’. Seth served one tour in Iraq as a member of the U.S. military, and previously worked as the assistant Attorney General for the state of Texas.

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Why can’t the U.S. win its wars?

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This episode is 30 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 24, 2026.

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Nearly two months into the war on Iran one thing remains clear: Iran has secured strategic leverage that before this war began, seemed unlikely.And it's left many asking why the United States’ military - the most powerful in the history of the world...

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