Michael Baker, retired surgeon and rear admiral, will speak on the global consequences of U.S. policy in the Middle East June 5 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. Baker will explore how escalating tensions with Iran could damage the global order, the U.S. economy, and America’s standing abroad.
Many Americans recall Afghanistan, Iraq and Vietnam as wars in which the U.S. military strived to succeed in impossible situations created by leaders who didn’t comprehend the realities on the ground.
Has the United States repeated that mistake with its latest war in the Middle East? Dr. Michael Baker, retired surgeon and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, thinks so, and will explain why during his June 6 talk titled “Bombing Iran – Destroying the Global Order and the U.S. Economy.” The First Friday Forum will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church (LOPC).
In his presentation, Baker will explain the perspectives of the U.S. administration, Iran, Israel and the Arab Gulf states, Iran’s nuclear program, the military and economic realities of the Strait of Hormuz, and the involvement of other parties, such as Russia and China.
Baker will also discuss what could be next: a continuing ceasefire, escalation of hostilities on the ground and in the air, or a permanent peace settlement. There are also broader impacts to explore, such as a global energy and economic crisis, the U.S. 2026 elections, America’s influence in the world, and the future of war with drones and AI.
Baker recently retired from a 40-year career in general, vascular and trauma surgery. He also served 30 years in the uniform of his country and retired with the rank of Rear Admiral. He currently teaches history, political science and military affairs for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) programs and is on the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Club.
He teaches Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) at military bases around the world and most recently, returned from his fifth tour in Ukraine.
This free public program is Friday, June 6, at 1:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church (LOPC), 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Online attendance is also available for the lecture; visit the First Friday Forum page at lopc.org/first-friday-forum, click “Watch,” and scroll to the bottom of the page. Registration is not required. A recording of the event will be posted on the website afterward.
