Mona Yacoubian

Mona Yacoubian, CSIS Middle East Program Director, shares her insights on the recent military strike by Iran on Al Udeid Air Base. She discusses Iran's calculated military responses and the delicate balance they aim to maintain between resilience and escalation. The conversation also covers the concerns surrounding Iran's enriched uranium and its implications for global security. Yacoubian highlights the complex geopolitical tensions in the Gulf and the potential role of military force in shaping international diplomacy regarding Iran.

Mona Yacoubian, a seasoned expert in Middle Eastern affairs, and Tuvia Gering, a China analyst focused on geopolitical dynamics, delve into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. They discuss the impact of recent military confrontations and Iran's nuclear ambitions. China's cautious balancing act in this conflict emerges as a key point, with Yacoubian emphasizing its preference for economic ties over military commitments. Gering explores internal Chinese debates about support for Iran and the potential shifts in regional security dynamics that could foster new alliances.

Mohanad Hage Ali, deputy director for research at the Carnegie Middle East Center, sheds light on Hezbollah's role in the Captagon smuggling trade in Lebanon. He discusses how this situation threatens Lebanese sovereignty but also offers a chance for political reform. Mona Yacoubian, director at CSIS, elaborates on the drug trade's impact on stability and the pressing challenges law enforcement faces amidst clan-based networks. Their insightful conversation reveals a complex interplay of crime, politics, and potential pathways to stronger governance in Lebanon.