Firas Modad is back for his second turn on the pod.
After talking about Neo-Ottomanism last time, he is turning his attention to Iran, and its faltering regime.
With rumours of an imminent attack continuing to swirl, what future is there for a post-Khamenei world?
What part could be played by the exiled Shah? Is there perhaps a different faction that could take the reins if the mullahs fell?
Even then: do Iran’s neighbours even want the regime to fall - given that it could unleash an oil rich industrialised state of 80 million into the region’s balance of power?
Then, talk turns to Somaliland. Recently recognised by Israel, this northern splinter state of Somalia is relatively stable, and hangs on a hinge of the Gulf of Aden, making it a juicy prize for lovers of international shipping lanes. The Emiratis are for it – but Turkey says no.
Who will win in this coming tussle between the Gulf monarchies and the neo-sultan Erdogan?
