Steven Cook
As seen in:
Medium,
Substack,
The Contrarian,
Jefferson City News Tribune,
Everand,
The Liberal Patriot
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Articles by Steven Cook
Welcome to the Patient Revolution
Over the past several months, there has been a flurry of events, opinion pieces, and news stories about the role of Islam in politics. That is not unusual. It’s routine for scholars, analysts and journalists to engage in this kind of work. Yet what’s made this moment atypical was the focus of these high-profile meetings, op-eds, and essays: not the Middle East and Asia but the role of Islam in the politics and societies of the West.
Jen Rubin with Steve Cook: Iran Breaking News
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Chairman of "Peace" Board Starting a War with Iran?
Tomorrow, many world leaders will travel to Washington D.C. to attend the first Board of Peace gathering. Traditional American allies, such as the U.K. and France, have declined to participate because the Board’s goals, funding sources, and implementation strategies remain unclear. Unsurprisingly, Trump has appointed himself as Chairman for life.
America's Global Power Is Flickering
While the United States is contending with its fair share of instability, conflict, and absurdity… so is the rest of the world. From a slew of broken “peace deals” to a White House welcome mat for a former Syrian jihadist, 2025 was simultaneously filled with change and much of the same. Steve Cook, our resident foreign policy expert, joins Jen to unveil foreign policy’s year in review while providing a glimpse into what we can expect in 2026.
Will the ceasefire hold? Steven Cook on the feasibility of the Hamas-Israel peace deal
Israel and Hamas have entered Phase 1 of a US backed ceasefire agreement. Within the next 72 hours, it is expected that all living Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for some Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Additionally, after months of forced starvation and famine, international aid is now permitted to enter Gaza. Middle East expert Steven Cook joins Jen to discuss the hopeful end of hostilities in a region that hasn’t seen peace in decades.
What makes this peace deal more likely than the others? Steven Cook on the Trump-Netanyahu meeting & U.S. security
Monday, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House to discuss a 20-point plan to end the Israel-Palestine conflict. Trump and Netanyahu have come to an agreement on moving forward with the plan, but Hamas is still reviewing it.
God and Language
Language exists eternally within the Trinity. Communication is not a human invention but an intrinsic feature of the Trinity (Gen 1:26–27). Human language is a derivative gift, reflecting the communicative and relational nature of the God whose image we bear (Gen 1:27). It is not accidental that language forms the bridge between divine truth and human understanding. The highest function of language is theological expression.
Contrarian Special: Going to War on a lie
Archive of live conversations with special guests on news essential to safeguarding against autocracy. Get your morning dose of democracy on Coffee with The Contrarians, with Co-founders Jen Rubin and Norm Eisen. Jared Bernstein answers your questions about all things economy on Let's Do Lunch. Plus, breaking legal and political news. Archive of live conversations with special guests on news essential to safeguarding against autocracy.
Breaking News: U.S. enters war
, and many, many others for tuning in to my live video with after the United States bombed Iran. We will be following this stunning development throughout the weekend and in the days ahead. Get more from The Contrarian in the Substack app Available for iOS and Android
Special Coffee with Contrarians on Israel and ICE
Archive of live conversations with special guests on news essential to safeguarding against autocracy. Get your morning dose of democracy on Coffee with The Contrarians, with Co-founders Jen Rubin and Norm Eisen. Jared Bernstein answers your questions about all things economy on Let's Do Lunch. Plus, breaking legal and political news. Archive of live conversations with special guests on news essential to safeguarding against autocracy.
Spiritual Attacks in the Natural Realm
Spiritual warfare is part of the Christian experience. While the battle is spiritual in origin, it often spills over into the visible and natural world. The Apostle Paul reminds us that our true enemies are not “flesh and blood” but “the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). Yet these dark forces often influence the natural realm — through physical illness, mental anguish, relational conflict, temptation, and even death.
Iran, Israel, and Ineptitude: Steve Cook on Trump's Middle East Policy
With news of SignalGate Part 2 breaking over the weekend, American foreign policy in the Middle East is under increased scrutiny. The Hamas-Israel conflict is ongoing, the U.S. is actively conducting airstrikes in Yemen against the Houthis, and there are tense negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Jen is joined by Steve Cook to outline Trump’s strategy in the Middle East and the unique role that Steve Witkoff has found himself in.
Trump and Harris on Middle East Policy
Political professionals often insist that Americans do not vote on foreign policy issues. There is reason to believe them. Issues like the economy, healthcare, education, and crime are often American’s top concerns with immigration being the most prominent issue combining foreign and domestic policy.
America Should Drop Its “Red Lines” and Be Honest About Strategic Interests
Editor’s note: This article from TLP contributor Steven A. Cook is an extension of the arguments put forth in his excellent new book, The End of Ambition: America’s Past, Present, and Future in the Middle East. Put it on your summer reading list! Over the last few months, President Joe Biden and his advisors have laid out so-called “red lines” for Israel’s planned—now underway—Rafah operation.
COMMENTARY: After war in Gaza, America’s relationship with Israel has to change | Jefferson City News-Tribune
COMMENTARY: After war in Gaza, America’s relationship with Israel has to change Today at 3:00 a.m. by Steven A. Cook, Los Angeles Times (TNS) In recent months, many of the U.S. headlines about the Middle East have come not from the Gaza Strip, southern Lebanon or the Red Sea but from American university campuses. The Upcoming Events
Commentary: After The War In Gaza, America’s Relationship With Israel Has To Change. Here’s How - Los Angeles Times
In recent months, many of the U.S. headlines about the Middle East have come not from the Gaza Strip, southern Lebanon or the Red Sea but from American university campuses. The pro-Palestinian protests that rocked UCLA, USC and Columbia (among others) have generated reams of commentary about free speech, antisemitism, violence and higher education.
America Can't Afford to Deter Itself
The United States is an apprehensive giant. This is not a new development, but with the war in Ukraine entering its third year, a war in Gaza that has widened to include the Red Sea and other parts of the Middle East, and chronic geopolitical tension East Asia, the wages of America’s apprehension are now coming due. Washington’s trepidation-fueled foreign policy stems from over-learning the lessons of America’s ambitious efforts to transform the Middle East in recent decades.
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