War of Choice
Exploring the Decisions That Shape Our World. War of Choice explores the critical decisions that shape nations, organizations, and history. Hosted by Zain Shaito, an Olympic athlete, U.S. Army veteran, and counterintelligence professional, each episode features conversations on intelligence, national security, geopolitics, leadership, technology, business, and the human stories behind the world's most consequential choices.
Behind the Curtain: How Counterintelligence Shapes Your Daily Life
In episode two of War of Choice, host Zain Shaito explains what counterintelligence is and how it affects everyday life, from protecting technologies and institutions to preventing insider threats. He discusses major foreign intelligence concerns, the rise of open source intelligence, and common misconceptions about the field.
The episode emphasizes practical risk management, the importance of safeguarding research and innovation, and how successful counterintelligence often means nothing visible happens — vulnerabilities are found and fixed before they become crises.
Trillion-Dollar Military, Endless War: The Iran War’s Strategic Failure
Former U.S. intelligence officer Zain Shaito breaks down why the Iran war is a strategic failure despite tactical strikes. He argues the U.S. failed to achieve regime change, cannot defend against hypersonic attacks, and has paid a high human and financial price while losing regional influence.
The episode examines censorship, military-industrial incentives, the political influence of allies, and the domestic consequences of a costly overseas conflict. Shaito urges diplomacy over ground invasion and calls for a return to clear, accountable American interests.
