On Saturday’s WarRoom  Ret. Col. Derek Harvey addressed a number of the critical issues Americans should be considering before the November election.

Here are some notes from Harvey’s appearance with host, Dave Brat and the topics they discussed:

1. Iran’s Threat to Israel and Regional Instability
Harvey emphasized Iran’s orchestrated campaign against Israel, aiming to destabilize the region through proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. According to Harvey, Iran is seeking revenge for past assassinations and is planning a “multi-front campaign” that could pose significant risks to Israeli security and regional stability.

“Iran is not acting alone,” Harvey stated. “They are using Hezbollah and Hamas as proxies to open up a multi-front campaign against Israel. Their objective is not just about retaliation; it’s about exerting influence and destabilizing the region to weaken American allies.” He elaborated on Iran’s strategic objectives, explaining how their actions are part of a broader effort to erode U.S. influence in the Middle East and undermine alliances such as the Abraham Accords.

He highlighted the potential for increased conflict, emphasizing the need for the U.S. and its allies to be vigilant. “Iran’s actions are calculated and deliberate,” he said, “and they have a long-term vision to drive wedges between the U.S. and its partners in the region.”

Harvey also warned of Iran’s ambitions to expand its influence beyond the Middle East. “Iran is looking to assert itself as a regional power with global reach,” he remarked. “Their ambitions are not limited to Israel; they are a threat to broader regional stability and, by extension, global peace.”

Harvey’s analysis of Iran’s threat shows the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the urgent need for strategic responses to counter Iran’s ambitions. The multi-front campaign against Israel serves as a reminder of Iran’s relentless pursuit of regional dominance and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.

2. The Role of China and Russia
Harvey highlighted the significant roles China and Russia play in undermining U.S. influence in the Middle East. He explained that these powers are leveraging regional instability to expand their influence and challenge Western dominance. “China and Russia are not just passive observers in the Middle East,” Harvey asserted. “They are actively working to undermine U.S. influence and disrupt the existing power dynamics.”

He described how China, in particular, is making strategic moves to align itself with key players in the region, emphasizing its economic and military investments. “China is looking to build alliances through economic ties and military cooperation,” Harvey explained. “They are using initiatives like the Belt and Road to increase their footprint and challenge U.S. interests.”

Similarly, he noted Russia’s actions in the region, highlighting their support for regimes that oppose U.S. policies. “Russia is playing a dangerous game,” Harvey stated. “They are backing authoritarian regimes and using their influence to sow discord among U.S. allies.”

Harvey stressed that the actions of China and Russia are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to diminish U.S. influence globally. “This is a coordinated effort,” he said. “China and Russia are working in tandem to reshape the global order in their favor.”

In his view, this geopolitical maneuvering poses significant challenges for the U.S. and its allies. “We must recognize that the battle for influence is not just about military might but also about economic and political power,” Harvey concluded. “The U.S. needs to be proactive in countering these threats and ensuring that its alliances remain strong and resilient.”

3. China’s Global Ambitions and Internal Challenges
Harvey exposed China’s global ambitions, emphasizing its strategic efforts to expand its influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road. However, he also pointed out China’s internal weaknesses that could hinder its long-term goals. “China’s ambitions are clear,” Harvey stated. “They seek to expand their global reach, but they face significant internal challenges that cannot be ignored.”

He discussed China’s geopolitical strategies, highlighting its efforts to form alliances and project power on a global scale. “China is not just focusing on the military,” Harvey explained. “They are leveraging economic power and soft diplomacy to create a network of alliances that serve their interests.”

Despite these ambitions, Harvey noted several internal challenges China faces, including economic debt, demographic issues, and a lack of innovation. “China’s growth is not sustainable,” he argued. “Their economic model is burdened with debt, and their aging population poses a significant demographic challenge.”

Harvey also pointed out that China’s technological advancements often rely on copying rather than innovating. “China’s innovation is not as robust as it appears,” he said. “They are still heavily reliant on acquiring technology from other countries.”

In his analysis, these internal challenges could limit China’s ability to achieve its long-term objectives. “China’s path to global dominance is not assured,” Harvey concluded. “Their internal vulnerabilities are significant, and they will need to address these issues to sustain their ambitions.”

Overall, Harvey’s insights into China’s global ambitions and internal challenges highlight the complexities of modern geopolitics. While China’s strategies pose a challenge to U.S. interests, its internal weaknesses could offer opportunities for the U.S. to counterbalance China’s influence and maintain global stability.

4. U.S. Domestic Political Challenges
He talked about significant domestic political challenges in the U.S., particularly the lack of strategic planning in the previous Trump administration and the necessity for loyal personnel. “The Trump administration had a bold agenda, but it often lacked the strategic planning necessary to implement it effectively,” Harvey said. He pointed to the failure to deliver on key promises, such as repealing Obamacare, as examples of these challenges.

He emphasized the importance of having a cohesive administration aligned with the president’s goals, criticizing the appointment of officials who may not fully support the administration’s agenda. “Personnel is policy,” Harvey stated. “Without the right people in place, even the best plans can falter.”

Harvey also discussed the role of the  Administrative State and bureaucratic resistance to change. “The administrative state is a formidable force,” he explained. “It’s essential to have loyal personnel who understand the president’s vision and are committed to executing it.”

He argued that the lack of strategic foresight and unity in the administration often led to missed opportunities and political setbacks. “There was a disconnect between the president’s ambitions and the execution on the ground,” Harvey remarked.

In his view, future administrations must learn from these challenges and prioritize strategic planning and personnel loyalty. “The lessons of the past should guide future leaders,” Harvey concluded. “To succeed, we need an administration that is not only united in purpose but also adept at navigating the complexities of governance.”

Harvey’s analysis of U.S. domestic political challenges underscores the importance of strategic foresight, personnel alignment, and a unified approach to implementing policies. His insights highlight the need for strong leadership and a cohesive administration to overcome bureaucratic resistance and achieve meaningful change.

5. Deep State and Administrative Complexities
Harvey addressed the challenges posed by the Deep State and the complexities of the U.S. government bureaucracy, emphasizing the need for strong leadership and clear strategies. “Navigating the administrative state is no small task,” Harvey stated. “It requires leadership that is not only decisive but also understands the intricacies of governance.”

He highlighted the importance of having a committed team that aligns with the administration’s goals, particularly in dealing with bureaucratic resistance. “The Deep State is a reality,” Harvey asserted. “It’s a powerful force that can stymie even the most well-intentioned reforms.”

Harvey pointed out the necessity for a close-knit group of advisors who understand the political landscape and are committed to executing the administration’s vision. “Loyalty and alignment are crucial,” he emphasized. “Without them, the best-laid plans can be derailed by entrenched interests within the bureaucracy.”

He also discussed the challenges of implementing policies in the face of institutional inertia, highlighting the need for strategic foresight and a clear understanding of the bureaucratic landscape. “The complexities of government require a nuanced approach,” Harvey explained. “It’s about more than just policy; it’s about execution and overcoming resistance.”

In his view, overcoming these challenges requires a unified administration with strong leadership and a clear strategy. “The path to meaningful change is fraught with obstacles,” Harvey concluded. “But with the right team and a clear vision, it is possible to navigate the complexities of the administrative state and achieve significant progress.”

Harvey’s insights into the Deep State and administrative complexities really show the importance of strategic leadership and personnel alignment. His analysis highlights the need for a cohesive approach to governance, recognizing the challenges posed by bureaucratic resistance and the necessity of a committed team to implement meaningful reforms.

6. Need for Strategic Foresight
Harvey emphasized the importance of strategic foresight in preparing for future administrations, warning that without it, future leaders might face the same obstacles that plagued previous ones. “Strategic foresight is not a luxury; it’s a necessity,” Harvey stated. “Without it, administrations are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.”

He highlighted the importance of a close-knit group of advisors who understand the political landscape and are committed to the administration’s goals. “The right team is essential,” Harvey explained. “They need to be aligned with the president’s vision and capable of executing it effectively.”

Harvey discussed the challenges of navigating the complexities of governance, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and personnel loyalty. “The political landscape is complex and ever-changing,” he remarked. “Having a strategic plan and a committed team is crucial to navigating these challenges.”

He also warned of the dangers of failing to address bureaucratic resistance and institutional inertia, highlighting the necessity of strong leadership and a clear strategy. “Bureaucratic resistance is a reality that must be overcome,” Harvey asserted. “It’s about more than just policy; it’s about execution and overcoming entrenched interests.”

For more context, watch the entire 2-Part, interview from Saturday’s WarRoom:

Col. Derek Harvey Explains The Aggressive Force Behind Conflicts In The Middle East

Col. Derek Harvey: No One Was Held Accountable