Two weeks ago, there was reason to think that the Middle East was becoming more stable than it had been for years. Washington was pushing for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia as one piece of a broader attempt to reduce the U.S. role in the region and focus on other priorities. Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 shattered those hopes.
But the ... Show More
Apr 16
How the Iran War Is Shaping a Post-American World
The shockwaves of the ongoing war in Iran are being felt far and wide. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sparked a global energy crisis, one that could be accentuated by a U.S. naval blockade. Countries as disparate as Chile, South Korea, and Zambia have been forc ... Show More
1h 28m
Apr 8
Will the Cease-Fire With Iran Hold?
On Tuesday night, as the world held its collective breath, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary cease-fire with Iran, just hours after warning that “a whole civilization will die” if the Iranian regime did not completely open the Strait of Hormuz. In exchange for a c ... Show More
30m 40s
Oct 2024
Regional war in the Middle East: Anatomy of conflict one year after 7 October
<p>One year on from the murderous attacks of 7 October 2023, the Middle East is in the middle of an escalating regional war. This week, <strong>Mark Leonard</strong> welcomes <strong>Julien Barnes-Dacey</strong>, director of ECFR’s MENA programme; <strong>Elli ... Show More
34m 48s
Apr 2025
Nuclear diplomacy: Trump, Iran and a potential new deal
After years of stalled diplomacy, the US and Iran are back in high-level talks. Surprise meetings have taken place in Oman and Rome, with more expected soon. Could this be President Donald Trump’s long-awaited foreign policy win? Or will competing agendas, regional tensions and i ... Show More
32m 25s
<p class="" data-start="128" data-end="218"><em><strong data-start= "128" data-end="218">Note:</strong> We're excited to announce that 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East' is moving to its own channel! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts to c ... Show More
