Fmr Ambassador Joseph Manso Makes the Case for Diplomacy
From a White Sox-loving Pope and India's awkward ceasefire with Pakistan, to Trump's strained ties with Israel and bizarre Gulf-renaming schemes—The Foreign Report tackles this week's geopolitical absurdities with sharp analysis and sarcasm.
On last week's TFR we welcomed former Ambassador Joseph Manso to the show to talk all things global politics. We discussed his career in foreign service, his thoughts on the shifting global order, cuts to the State Department, the war in Ukraine, and the potential for a new Iranian nuclear deal, along with much more.
He's one smart guy, so it's worth a listen. Plus, he's somehow still optimistic about our future so that's a bonus!
Here are some other news stories we've been following:
There's a new Pope and he likes the White Sox
On May 8, the world saw white smoke and Cardinal Robert Prevost became the first American-born Pope. You'll hear us talk about how he clapped back at JD Vance (wow, shocker), he's called for a ceasefire in Gaza (double shocker), and he has accusations of covering up child abuse (triple play shocker!) Learn more about the new Chicago-native Pope Leo XIV.
A Fragile Ceasefire Between India & Pakistan
After a week of escalating hostilities, a ceasefire was announced on Saturday. Despite claims of continued violence over the weekend, there are signs of things returning to normal on both sides. Check out TFR episode 130 to hear more on the terrorist attack in Kashmir that set off this current round of violence. What's strange is that the Trump administration claimed they brokered the ceasefire, but neither Pakistan nor India is giving them credit. Here is a readout from Secretary Rubio on a conference call with India and Pakistan:
Rubio: Hello? Hello? Yes, um, well, the administration, the US... um the world, would like you both to not go to war.
Pakistan: ..(silence)..
India: ..(silence)..
Rubio: Well I think we're in agreement then, what's that Mr. President? Yes I'll come look at your new putter. Ok, please keep us posted on this negotiation.
India/Pakistan: .....
Rubio hangs up
India: Is he gone?
Pakistan: I think so. We do not want to escalate this into a full war.
India: Agreed. Let's go back to dance fighting at the Kashmir border.
Pakistan: Fine!
More context on the historical conflict in Kashmir here. More on the ceasefire here and here.
Bibi & Trump Drifting Apart?
As Israel continues to intensify its intention to ethnically cleanse Gaza and the West Bank hopes of a resolution are dwindling, much to the annoyance of Trump. Looks like that Nobel Peace Prize will have to wait. The US has even gone at it alone in negotiating directly with Hamas the release of an Israeli-American hostage, without including Israel in the talks.
In another sign of the fractured relationship, the US has backed off its offensive against the Houthis, leaving Israel to fend for itself on that front.
Precarious Negotiations with Iran (Arabian Gulf?!?)
The US and Iran met again this weekend to continue their strained negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. Trump meanwhile, is doing all he can to muck things up by announcing that he wants to rename the Persian Gulf. Curious what Seena thinks? (ask a Persian friend for a translation)
US/China Trade War Set to Simmer
In the least straightforward policy rollout ever, the US and China have both agreed to temporarily lower tariffs. BUT PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A TRADE DEAL - this is like saying you are getting married when you both swipe right on Tindr.
Join us this week on TFR as we tackle whatever the hell is going to happen next. https://linktr.ee/theforeignreport
