Is the U.S. fighting a war without rules?

Is the U.S. fighting a war without rules?

Author: WBUR March 10, 2026 Duration: 35:08
Military rules of engagement exist to specify 'who' and 'what' can be attacked. But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. is fighting Iran without "stupid" rules of engagement. So, what rules are American forces following? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Each weekday, On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti cuts through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle to bring clarity and depth to the stories that matter. Produced by WBUR, this daily news podcast is built on the conviction that understanding requires more than headlines. Meghna Chakrabarti guides conversations that dig into the roots of current events, connecting today’s debates to historical context and the broader human experience. You’ll hear thoughtful interviews with experts, journalists, and people directly affected by the issues, all aimed at answering the pressing questions that often go unasked. The approach is rigorous but accessible, tackling complex subjects-from politics and science to culture and ethics-without shying away from nuance. It’s a space where multiple perspectives are examined, not just presented, fostering a more complete picture of our world. Tuning in feels less like being talked at and more like being part of a necessary, informed discussion. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by fragmented news sources, this podcast offers a reliable, substantive hour of analysis that respects the listener’s intelligence and curiosity. The result is a consistently engaging program that doesn’t just report what’s happening, but explains why it matters.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti
Podcast Episodes
The real cost of the war with Iran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:21
The U.S. has been spending up to $2 billion every day on the war with Iran. But that’s just military expenditure. What’s the real, long-term economic toll? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a don…
The Jackpod: Democracy by lottery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:25
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty has been reading “Politics without Politicians” by political theorist Hélène Landemore, in which she makes the case that randomly selected citizens can make for better government than el…
What happened to shame in politics? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:59
Shame is a powerful feeling that can keep behavior in check. So what happens when political leaders feel no shame at all? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint
What are Israel's goals in Lebanon? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:33
So far, more than a million people have been forcibly displaced by Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says eradicating Hezbollah is critical for Israeli security. But critics argue I…
What happens when religious fundamentalists come to power? (Part One) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:33
Shia fundamentalism has come to define Iran’s place in the Middle East and the world. And that wasn’t an accident. How Iranian leaders use Shia Islam to exert their power. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point…
The Jackpod: Dad Gummit! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on how the U.S. Congress serves the financial interests of itself through insider trading. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoin…
From the archive: History-making astronaut Christina Koch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:51
NASA astronaut Christina Koch is making history as the first woman to travel around the moon as a crew member on the Artemis II mission. It’s not the first time Koch has made history. In 2020 she told Meghna what it was…
What will it take to save America's birds? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:35
Since 1970, the North American bird population has declined by more than 25%. There are many factors driving this. And several things bird lovers can do to reverse the trend. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Po…