The USA and Iran may remake the geopolitics of the Middle East with a successful outcome of a nuclear deal. Failure to reach a nuclear agreement between the USA and Iran will come with its own set of profound consequences. I speak with Alireza Nader of the Rand Corporation about the regional and global implications of both failure and success in reaching a nuclear deal with Iran. We discuss the potential shifting of alliances in the Middle East, how a detente between the USA and Iran may affect the conflict in Syria, and how Saudi Arabia may respond to a diplomatic breakthrough. Have a listen.
The Foreign Policy Implications of the U.S. Midterm Elections
The foreign policy implications of the U.S. midterms could be profound. How might Republican control of the U.S. Senate affect the sensitive nuclear negotiations with Iran? How would it impact President Obama’s Foreign Affairs budget requests. And what do the election results say about foreign policy debates within the Republican party? Here with me to discuss these questions and more is Boston Globe columnist Michael Cohen of The Century Foundation. Enjoy (or not, depending on your political preference!)
Turkey’s Strategic View of the Iraq Crisis
Turkish foreign policy is always a fascinating case study. As the sunni insurgency in Iraq is gaining steam, how are Turkish foreign policy elites responding? What are Turkey’s near term strategic goals for Iraq and Syria? And how does this impact Turkey’s sometimes hostile relationship to its Kurdish population? Mark speaks with professor Louis Fishman who answers these questions and more.
Be sure to check out Prof. Fishman’s blog, Istanbul-New York-Tel Aviv.
