The Rachman Review The world at war
34 snips
Sep 10, 2026 
Kim Ghattas, Lebanese-American journalist and author of Black Wave; Tom Tugendhat, former British security minister; and Sir John Sawers, ex-MI6 chief, examine a world under pressure. They connect the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan with tensions over Taiwan. The discussion explores Iran’s strain, Britain’s security and energy risks, Europe’s defence future, nuclear choices and the difficult paths toward ceasefires and lasting peace.
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Why Ukraine Needs More Than A Ceasefire
- Wars eventually end, but Ukraine’s lasting peace requires a fundamental change in Russia’s outlook.
- John Sawers says Putin still seeks to make Ukraine a Russian satellite, making a durable settlement unlikely while he remains president.
Iran’s War Is Becoming An Economic Struggle
- Economic pressure may favor the United States and eventually destabilize Iran, but neither side appears close to a breakthrough.
- Iran’s internal power struggle is increasingly militarized as civilian figures lose influence.
Britain Is Already Connected To Distant Wars
- Britain cannot treat distant conflicts as separate because Iranian terror networks, Russian attacks, and hostile state activity already reach the UK.
- Tom Tugendhat distinguishes Russia’s alleged airport operation as state terrorism rather than merely hybrid warfare.
