Iraq War lessons from 2003 are back on the table tonight, and the conversation does not land softly. This week marks the anniversary of the invasion. Listeners are texting in to say George W. Bush looks reasonable by comparison to what is happening now. That is where the bar sits.

The 2003 coalition was the UK, Australia, and Poland. The weapons of mass destruction did not exist. The vacuum that war left became ISIS, Syria, and years of consequence. The US went in without broad international backing then. The pattern with Iran today is the same shape. Peggy Mason, president of the Rideau Institute and former Canadian Ambassador, is the person to have this conversation with.

Twenty years is supposed to be enough time to learn something. Whether it was is the question the conversation sits inside.

Topics: Iraq War 2003 anniversary, Peggy Mason Rideau Institute, US Iran coalition, Canadian foreign policy, war vacuum ISIS

GUEST: Peggy Mason | Rideau Institute

Originally aired on 2026-03-19

Iraq War lessons from 2003 are back on the table tonight, and the conversation does not land softly. This week marks the anniversary of the invasion. Listeners are texting in to say George W. Bush looks reasonable by comparison to what is happening now. That is where the bar sits.
The 2003 coalition was the UK, Australia, and Poland. The weapons of mass destruction did not exist. The vacuum that war left became ISIS, Syria, and years of consequence. The US went in without broad international backing then. The pattern with Iran today is the same shape. Peggy Mason, president of the Rideau Institute and former Canadian Ambassador, is the person to have this conversation with.
Twenty years is supposed to be enough time to learn something. Whether it was is the question the conversation sits inside.
Topics: Iraq War 2003 anniversary, Peggy Mason Rideau Institute, US Iran coalition, Canadian foreign policy, war vacuum ISIS
GUEST: Peggy Mason | Rideau Institute
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-03-19

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.