The potential end of the Iran War means our Intelligence Industrial Complex will move to their next target. That appears to be Cuba. And despite over two decades of warnings from the likes of John Bolton, Cuba does not pose a threat to the United States.
Before we go in and do, well, anything at all with Cuba, it’s imperative that we examine our history. The very notion of operating in Cuba smells squarely like an intelligence community folly. It’s not too late to reverse course.
For seven decades, the United States has grappled with the costly aftermath of interventions engineered by its own intelligence apparatus. From Tehran to Kabul, operations conceived in the shadows of Langley have repeatedly produced results that mocked their architects’ intentions. This pattern of unintended consequences reveals not mere tactical errors but a deeper institutional hubris—one that substitutes short-term maneuvering for prudent statecraft rooted in reality, history, and moral clarity.
The record speaks with uncomfortable clarity. In 1953, American operatives helped topple Iran’s elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, clearing the path for the Shah’s autocratic rule. That move, intended to secure Western oil interests and counter Soviet influence, fermented resentment that exploded in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Today, the mullahs’ regime stands as a testament to how regime change can birth adversaries far more implacable than those removed. Similar miscalculations litter the 20th and early 21st centuries, each promising stability yet delivering chaos.
These failures demand scrutiny not to indict every intelligence effort but to question the reflexive interventionism that has defined too much of U.S. foreign policy. When agencies presume to reshape nations they scarcely understand, they play God with peoples and histories far removed from American shores.
The Arrogance of Playing Puppet Master
Intelligence operatives excel at gathering secrets and executing tactical strikes, yet they repeatedly demonstrate ignorance of the cultural, religious, and historical forces that sustain legitimate authority abroad. They approach foreign societies as chessboards, forgetting that nations possess their own DNA of governance forged through centuries of trial. Replacing imperfect leaders with handpicked alternatives often imports the very instability those operations sought to prevent.
Consider the pattern of blowback, a term the CIA itself coined to describe the rebounding harms of covert actions. Arming mujahideen against the Soviets in Afghanistan during the 1980s helped birth networks that later turned against American interests. The Iraq invasion’s aftermath, with its ill-conceived de-Baathification and Chalabi fantasies, destabilized the region and empowered Iran. Each case underscores a failure to heed the limits of American power and the wisdom of non-interference where vital interests are not directly threatened.
Critics on the left often frame these episodes as proof of inherent American imperialism. Yet the conservative insight cuts deeper: such adventurism betrays the very principles of ordered liberty and republican restraint that define our founding.
The Constitution grants no blank check for global social engineering. James Madison warned against foreign entanglements that could corrupt domestic institutions. When spies operate with minimal accountability, they erode the separation of powers and public trust essential to self-government.
Lessons from History and the Human Condition
History abounds with warnings against overweening ambition in statecraft. The French Revolution’s zeal to remake Europe birthed Napoleonic wars and reaction. Soviet meddling in client states collapsed under the weight of its own contradictions. America’s intelligence community, populated more by technicians than statesmen, mirrors these errors by prioritizing the next news cycle over enduring consequences.
Recent flirtations with replacing Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro exemplify the ongoing temptation. Proposals to elevate figures with dubious popular support ignore the massive diaspora and institutional collapse that no external savior can quickly mend. Without organic legitimacy, such efforts risk repeating the cycle: short-term disruption followed by long-term resentment and radicalization.
Prudence dictates a different course. Intelligence should inform defensive measures and targeted responses to genuine threats, not serve as an instrument for perpetual revolution abroad. A chastened approach aligns with America’s core strengths—economic vitality, military deterrence, and moral example—rather than dissipating them in quixotic quests.
This recurring pattern of overreach invites reflection on human nature itself. America’s security ultimately rests not in the cleverness of its spies but in alignment with providential order and humble recognition of limits.
The intelligence community’s track record calls for congressional oversight, cultural reform within the agencies, and a national recommitment to foreign policy realism. Only then can we break the cycle of self-inflicted wounds that has defined too much of the post-World War II era.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.
