US Midterm Elections 2026: Voters Grapple with Middle East Conflict and 'Forever Wars'

As the United States finds itself embroiled in conflict in the Middle East once more, a significant portion of the American public expresses disillusionment with the ongoing costs. Al Jazeera's Josh Rushing investigates the persistent U.S. involvement, questioning whether the driving forces are oil interests, a powerful $2.4 trillion defense industry, influential lobbyists, or a political system that often evades accountability. The discussion features retired General Mark Kimmitt and journalist Spencer Ackerman, who debate the reasons behind these prolonged engagements and explore the potential for voters to bring an end to these 'forever wars'.

Contributors include Mark Kimmitt, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general and former assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, and Spencer Ackerman, a journalist, author, and the writer behind the 'Forever Wars' newsletter.