Taiwan And Only - February 17, 2026 - young-turks Recap
Podcast: young-turks
Published: 2026-02-18
Duration: 2 hr 14 min
Guests: Carrie Prajan Bowler
Summary
The episode examines the delicate diplomatic dance involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel, alongside the scrutiny faced by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after her international appearances. It also delves into Eric Trump's controversial investment in an Israeli drone company.
What Happened
U.S.-Iran relations seem to be seeing a potential thaw as both nations engage in negotiations mediated by Oman's foreign minister. Iran has agreed to dilute its uranium stockpile, which could lead to easing tensions, though Israel remains skeptical and demands Iran give up its ballistic missile program.
The episode highlights Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's performance at the Munich Security Conference, where her comments on Gaza and Taiwan drew criticism for lacking depth and clarity. Speculation about her presidential ambitions is rife, despite her denials.
Eric Trump is under scrutiny for investing in Xtend, an Israeli drone company known for its 'low cost-per-kill' technology. The company is about to go public and has already secured significant contracts with the U.S. government, raising ethical concerns.
There is a growing debate about the influence of Israel on U.S. politics, with some questioning whether American decisions are too often aligned with Israeli interests. The U.S. has been heavily investing in military presence in the Middle East, including deploying 50 fighter jets and two aircraft carriers.
The New Mexico House of Representatives is investigating Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch over allegations of criminal activity and public corruption. This bipartisan effort seeks transparency about past misconduct, including allegations of sexual assault.
Stephen Colbert's inability to air an interview with a Texas state representative on CBS due to FCC regulations highlights the ongoing challenges faced by media outlets when dealing with political content. This incident adds to the discourse about media freedom and regulation.
The episode also mentions the Kansas legislature's passage of a resolution for an Article 5 Convention of the States, aiming to impose term limits and other federal limitations. This makes Kansas the 20th state to pass such resolutions.
Key Insights
- U.S.-Iran negotiations mediated by Oman could signal a shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy, as Iran agrees to dilute its uranium stockpile. This move might ease tensions, but Israel's demand for Iran to abandon its ballistic missile program remains a significant roadblock.
- Eric Trump's investment in Israeli drone company Xtend raises ethical concerns due to its 'low cost-per-kill' technology. With the company going public and holding significant U.S. government contracts, the focus is on the moral implications of profiting from warfare technology.
- Stephen Colbert's CBS interview with a Texas state representative was blocked by FCC regulations, spotlighting the tension between media freedom and political content control. This incident raises questions about the boundaries of political discourse on mainstream platforms.
- The Kansas legislature's push for an Article 5 Convention of the States aims to impose federal term limits, making it the 20th state to do so. This movement reflects growing frustration with federal governance, seeking to redistribute power more evenly across states.
Key Questions Answered
What are the U.S.-Iran negotiations about?
The U.S. and Iran are engaged in talks mediated by Oman's foreign minister, focusing on Iran's nuclear program and regional security. Iran has agreed to dilute its enriched uranium stockpile, signaling potential easing of tensions.
Why is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized after the Munich Security Conference?
AOC faced criticism for her comments on Gaza and Taiwan, which were perceived as lacking clarity and depth. Her acknowledgment of genocide in Gaza and strategic ambiguity on Taiwan were focal points of the critique.
What is Xtend's role in Eric Trump's investment portfolio?
Eric Trump invested in Xtend, an Israeli drone company known for its 'low cost-per-kill' technology. The company is securing large contracts with the U.S. government, raising ethical questions.