22, April
Ayesha Ijaz Khan: Here are some thoughts about what’s happened…
Here are some thoughts about what’s happened so far — and why some seemingly contradictory things are true. 1. This war was started by Israel and Iran, and they remain untrustworthy. 2. This is a very unpopular war in the US and Trump would like to see it end, but doesn’t want to look weak. 3. Iran has a completely different worldview from many other countries, and has managed to survive despite sanctions for 40 years. A real feat! 4. Many Iranians want to end their economic and diplomatic isolation but remain skeptical of US and Israeli intentions. 5. The IRGC is an obstacle to peace talks, and is more motivated to fight. 6. The US military build up in the region has not given the Iranian civilians confidence to make the case for peace at home. 7. Pakistan is the only country that is able to talk to both parties and has tried tirelessly for a deal. 8. Pakistan is desperate for a deal because it wants peace on its western border and suffers from disrupted energy supplies. 9. The window for diplomacy is narrowing and going back to war is bad for all — Iran, US and Pakistan - but worse for GCC countries — whose place in the global order has significantly been impaired in the last two months.