Power & Politics The Iran war spreads
Mar 2, 2026
Payam Akhavan, human rights scholar and former UN prosecutor, speaks on humanitarian impact and transition prospects. Randa Slim, Stimson Center Middle East director in Beirut, analyzes escalation dynamics and diplomatic options. Adrienne Arsenault, CBC chief correspondent in Tel Aviv, reports on regional attacks and operational strains. Bob Rae, former Canadian UN ambassador, offers diplomatic strategy and Canada’s role.
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Bombing Alone Won't Deliver Regime Change
- Purely military strategies are unlikely to produce lasting regime change or long-term regional security.
- Bob Rae warns bombing failed seven months ago and regime change 'from 50,000 feet' is a hallucination without political enforcement mechanisms.
Iran's Retaliation Is Opening New Fronts
- The battlefield is expanding as Iran retaliates via proxies, risking wider regional involvement.
- Randa Slim reports drones and attacks reaching Kuwait, Jordan and potential Houthi escalation toward Red Sea shipping.
Mixed Messages Block Diplomatic Off Ramps
- Unclear U.S. and Israeli objectives create regional confusion and hinder a diplomatic off-ramp.
- Slim notes shifting U.S. messaging from regime change to degrading capabilities leaves Gulf states unsure how to assess risk or timetable.