The Colbert Report Season 8 Episode 73 Dexter Filkins

In season 8, episode 73 of The Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert welcomes journalist and author Dexter Filkins onto his show. Filkins is known for his extensive coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he joins Colbert to discuss his latest book, "The Forever War."

Colbert starts the interview by asking Filkins about his experience reporting from the front lines in Iraq, to which Filkins replies that he "never got used to it." He describes the constant danger and chaos of war zones, and the difficulty of witnessing the suffering of both soldiers and civilians. Despite the horrors he witnessed, Filkins believes that it is important for journalists to continue covering war, as it is the only way to understand its complexities and effects.

The conversation then turns to Filkins' book, "The Forever War," which chronicles his experiences reporting from Iraq and Afghanistan. Colbert asks Filkins about the title of the book, and whether he believes that the wars in the Middle East are truly endless. Filkins explains that while the wars themselves may eventually come to an end, their effects will continue to shape the region for generations. He notes that the United States has been involved in conflicts in the Middle East for decades, and that the legacy of these wars will remain long after they officially end.

Colbert then asks Filkins about the role of the United States in the Middle East, and whether he believes that American intervention has done more harm than good. Filkins acknowledges that the United States has made many mistakes in the region, but he also believes that it is important for the U.S. to remain engaged in the Middle East. He argues that the alternative to American involvement is chaos and instability, and that the U.S. has a responsibility to help build a stable and peaceful Middle East.

Throughout the interview, Colbert and Filkins share a mutual respect for each other's work and opinions, but they also engage in respectful debate and disagreement. Colbert challenges Filkins on some of his views, but he does so in a way that is thoughtful and humorous. Overall, the interview is a fascinating exploration of war, journalism, and American foreign policy in the Middle East.