Q&A: The most unpopular US conflict ever & why is Trump so hostile to journalists?

Q&A: The most unpopular US conflict ever & why is Trump so hostile to journalists?

August 6, 2026 · 21 min · Episode 77

About this episode

Christiane Amanpour discusses the challenges of questioning Trump and the implications of the Iran war and Gaza peace process.

How do you challenge a president who calls you fake news and walks out? Christiane reflects on the futility of confrontational questioning, and why she'd rather ask Trump how he became who he is. Jamie argues the Iran war is the most unpopular US military conflict he can remember, with no rally-around-the-flag effect and no stated objective successfully achieved. Could it lead to an uprising or ‘Arab Spring’ in the US, with Trump’s actions driving a potential midterm reckoning? Plus, Hamas has signalled willingness to disarm as part of a Gaza deal, but is this a sign of real progress or another false dawn in the peace process? Jamie unpacks what Tony Blair's Northern Ireland playbook might look like in Gaza and why none of it matters without an Israeli government willing to allow a Palestinian state. Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode. Follow us on social media @amanpourpod For more content, please follow us: Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpod…

People in this episode

Host: Christiane Amanpour

Guest: Jamie

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hamas, Tony Blair

Places: Iran, US, Northern Ireland, Gaza, Palestinian

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