Zbigniew Brzezinski, political scientist and former adviser to Jimmy Carter, opposed the war on Iraq and criticized the U.S.’s handling of Afghanistan. His criticism of the U.S.’s “special relationship” with Israel resulted in him being shunned from the Obama administration after opposition from the so-called Israel lobby. But he is also demonized by progressives, who take issue with his realpolitik approach to international relations. Regardless, at the age of 83, he is one of the few voices of reason on U.S. foreign policy (and sometimes on domestic issues too).

In this clip from late October, Brzezinski discusses Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, one of the few mainstream shows who still feature him. (His daughter, Mika, is Scarborough’s co-host.) On Iran, Brzezinski repeats calls for engagement and reminds us that the Islamic Republic plays a key role in stabilizing both Afghanistan and Iraq. If it is prevented from having one, and the U.S. does not ramp up it’s diplomatic efforts, Iran will respond accordingly, especially after the U.S. has emboldened it and bolstered its influence with the two disastrous wars it has waged and is now leaving behind.

The entire segment is well worth watching in full.