The Monocle Daily The Middle East war: why did diplomacy fail and what now?
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Apr 13, 2026 Matt Wolfe, theatre critic at the International New York Times, shares stage picks. Latika Burke, writer-at-large for The Nightly, brings sharp reporting on international affairs. Oscar Guardiola Rivera, professor of international law, adds legal and geopolitical analysis. They debate failed diplomacy in Islamabad, risks around the Strait of Hormuz, US policy toward Cuba, political popularity, and ethical dilemmas of AI and the afterlife.
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Why Islamabad Talks Were Doomed From The Start
- Islamabad talks between the US and Iran were unlikely to produce lasting peace given their rushed format and limited commitment from negotiators.
- Oscar Guardiola-Rivera noted the talks felt like a stopover effort, comparing them unfavorably to longer, serious negotiations.
US Moves To Reassert Dominance In Hormuz
- The US move to reassert control over the Strait of Hormuz signals a fresh attempt to challenge perceived Iranian advantage.
- Latika Burke highlighted US naval actions and emerging European cooperation, noting France and the UK preparing monitoring/enforcement support.
Cuba Invasion Is Possible But Risky
- A US invasion of Cuba is unlikely but politically possible under current US dynamics and rhetoric.
- Oscar Guardiola-Rivera emphasised logistical risks, the Guantanamo Bay factor, and potential mass migration optics toward Miami.