29 June 2024
Episode 548
33 minutes
Photo: Alamy
Iran’s influence is growing across the Middle East, with its proxies now dangerously close to an all-out war with Israel. Could presidential elections or an eventual ayatollah succession lead to a change in course? Andrew Mueller speaks to Iranian-American journalist Farnaz Fassihi of ‘The New York Times’, Iraqi analyst Renad Mansour and defence expert Jean-Loup Samaan.
29 June 2024
Share episode
DownloadWant more radio episodes like these in your inbox?
Sign up to Monocle’s email newsletters to stay on top of news and opinion, plus the latest from the magazine, radio, film and shop.
The Foreign Desk - latest episodes
What does Iran want?
Iran’s influence is growing across the Middle East, with its proxies now dangerously close to an all-out war with Israel. Could presidential elections or an eventual ayatollah succession lead to a change in course? Andrew…
Explainer 423: Will Ukraine and Moldova ever join the EU?
The European Union formally launched accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova this week. Andrew Mueller explains why the tortuous process that has left many countries in limbo might, nevertheless, be a good thing for…
What will it take to achieve peace in Ukraine?
The Ukraine peace summit did not lead to peace but it did surprise on the upside with more than 90 countries. Andrew Mueller was also in attendance in Switzerland. He reviews the summit’s tangible results and speaks to…
Explainer 422: Friends with benefits
As Vladimir Putin visits Kim Jong-un, Andrew Mueller explains why a warm relationship is so advantageous for both Russia and North Korea.
Can the far-right govern in Europe?
Voting for the far-right is no longer merely a protest for many. After the EU elections, we look at who can govern effectively, and who can be defeated. Andrew Mueller speaks with Sophie Pedder in France, Marilisa Palumbo…
Explainer 421: Israel and the UN
Andrew Mueller explains whether Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, will adhere to the UN Security Council resolution and if he even has much of a choice.
India and its neighbours
Narendra Modi has secured a third term as India’s prime minister despite losing more votes than expected in the country’s election. We explore Modi’s foreign-policy doctrine and his testy relationship with Pakistan, China…
Explainer 420: Claudia Sheinbaum
Mexico has elected its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum. But, as Andrew Mueller explains, she has really been elected to continue the legacy of the incumbent president, Obrador.
Georgia’s uncertain European future
Georgia has been gripped by protests as its parliament has passed a law that will force many of its NGOs and media to register as foreign agents. We look at what this means for Georgia’s future in the EU and how such laws…
Explainer 419: Is Armenia conceding to Azerbaijan?
Andrew Mueller explains why Armenia’s prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has given villages to Azerbaijan, resulting in mass protests.
Where did things go wrong for South Africa’s ANC?
The African National Congress looks likely to win South Africa’s upcoming election, despite facing the prospect of securing less than 50 per cent of the vote for the first time in its history. Is this the inevitable result…
Explainer 418: Big trouble in New Caledonia
France and New Caledonia have seen better days. Andrew Mueller explains France’s role in the South Pacific territory and why Paris is blaming a fresh round of unrest there on Azerbaijan.
The Black Sea
Russia celebrated its annual Black Sea Fleet Day with a notably smaller fleet in Sevastopol than just a few years ago. How has Ukraine managed to win in the sea? What has the Nato military alliance learned from that success…
Explainer 417: Catalonia’s fading separatist spirit
Andrew Mueller explains how the most recent Catalonian elections show that voters’ nationalist appetites may be waning.
Will the Baltics be next?
Olaf Scholz visited the First German Brigade, which is stationed in Lithuania as part of Berlin’s new commitment to defend the Baltic states. But is Nato ready for Russia’s next move? We speak with Lithuania’s foreign…
