CrossTalk is a TV debate experience which presents hot-topic discussions on politics, business, newsmakers, global trends, present-day conflicts, and dangers and challenges facing our world. Host Peter Lavelle poses hard, straightforward questions to his guests, and demands concrete answers in response.
End of Sykes-Picot
As the Americans slow-walk talks and Israel obstructs them, the region and the world is moving on. US Vice President J.D. Vance says Washington hopes to “transform” the Middle East. Well, it has already happened. It’s called the end of the Sykes-Picot era. CrossTalking with Joshua Landis, Ashish Prashar, and Mohammad Khatibi.
Iran calls the shots
Ending the US-Israel war of choice on Iran is proving to be difficult if not impossible. The Americans and Israelis fail to publicly acknowledge they have lost this war. Both have their demands, but Iran has the leverage. Iran is calling the shots. CrossTalking with Sarah Leah Whitson, Mohamed Elmenshawy, and Hicham Safieddine.
Now the hard part
When a country loses a war, the winner dictates the peace terms. This is abundantly clear in the memorandum of understanding. The US and Israel still can’t comprehend that Iran won their war of choice. Also, despite the media hype of ‘Ukraine is winning’, the reality is that time is running out for Kiev and its western backers. CrossTalking with George Szamuely and Tarik Cyril Amar.
Defeat and humiliation
At least on paper Iran has won a historic victory over the United States. The MoU demands the US recognize Iran as a legitimate and even powerful state actor. Iran defeated two nuclear states – the US and Israel. Can it now win the peace? CrossTalking with Mohammad Marandi, Ali H. Mourad, and Zaid Belbagi.
Pause, not peace
What are we to make of the memorandum of understanding ending the US-Israel war on Iran? At this point it would seem to be more of a pause than a peace process. Nothing has been resolved. And the headwinds against a final agreement are enormous. The trust deficit remains. CrossTalking with Muhannad Ayyash, Helena Cobban, and Foad Izadi.
Deal theater?
We have been repeatedly told there is a deal to be had ending the unprovoked war on Iran. A deal means there is rough consensus. Given the parties involved that consensus seems a near impossibility. Also, are Kaja Kallas’s days numbered as the EU top diplomat? We can only hope. CrossTalking with George Szamuely and Mark Sleboda.