17:I[66739,["/_next/static/chunks/0.3dg.jzl0xwf.js?dpl=dpl_6rgLmP9cEoGQaJFkbQupH1c1WvHB","/_next/static/chunks/05hx6kuf6-oy4.js?dpl=dpl_6rgLmP9cEoGQaJFkbQupH1c1WvHB","/_next/static/chunks/0e~mn1op2jzz5.js?dpl=dpl_6rgLmP9cEoGQaJFkbQupH1c1WvHB","/_next/static/chunks/0juapqyy99ga..js?dpl=dpl_6rgLmP9cEoGQaJFkbQupH1c1WvHB","/_next/static/chunks/06ze19tienhj6.js?dpl=dpl_6rgLmP9cEoGQaJFkbQupH1c1WvHB","/_next/static/chunks/06dn~uer6.43l.js?dpl=dpl_6rgLmP9cEoGQaJFkbQupH1c1WvHB"],"default"] 19:I[38632,["/_next/static/chunks/0qqtp3r0h7kah.js?dpl=dpl_6rgLmP9cEoGQaJFkbQupH1c1WvHB","/_next/static/chunks/0iukvycbd42rl.js?dpl=dpl_6rgLmP9cEoGQaJFkbQupH1c1WvHB"],"IconMark"] 18:T4ad,

Power — and the abuse of it — is defining the current news cycle. On this week’s round table of “The Opinions,” the Times Opinion politics writer Michelle Cottle is joined by the columnists Nicholas Kristof and David French to discuss President Trump’s aggressive foreign policy, including the buildup of ships in the Middle East, and what the fallout from the Epstein files misses.

Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.

This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Video editing by Lisa Angell. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Carole Sabouraud and Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Iran, Epstein and the Abuse of Power: Two Stories, One Pattern

The Opinions

Iran, Epstein and the Abuse of Power: Two Stories, One Pattern