The Truth of the Matter 12-Day War: Now What?
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Jun 24, 2025 Jon Alterman, a seasoned Middle East scholar from CSIS, delves into the implications of the recent Israel-Iran conflict. He raises pivotal questions about whether the ceasefire fosters global safety or heightens nuclear risks. The dialogue explores Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the complex web of its alliances with China and Russia. Alterman also discusses the influence of military success on Israeli politics and Netanyahu's coalition, emphasizing the delicate balance of power at play. Get ready for a thought-provoking analysis of these pressing geopolitical issues!
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Diverging Outcomes of the 12-Day War
- Israel achieved its goals in the 12-day war, but Iran's actions are ineffective.
- The U.S. sees success and aims to move from military to diplomatic engagement to reduce conflict.
Diplomacy Key to Nuclear Non-Proliferation
- Military actions without diplomatic follow-up risk accelerating Iran's nuclear program.
- Failure could lead to more nuclear states in the Middle East, raising regional security risks.
Nuclear Proliferation and Security Debate
- Some argue more nuclear states create greater security through mutual deterrence.
- Historical and contextual realities in the Middle East make proliferation a dangerous gamble.