Sunday 28 March 2010

Debating British Middle East Policy

Earlier this month, I was invited by Press TV to debate Dr Rosemary Hollis's new book, Britain and the Middle East in the 9/11 Era, on Epilogue, a show hosted by Ken Livingstone.

Press TV broadcasts legally in Britain. It is not banned, but it is (I understand) funded by the Iranian government. So I thought twice about even implicitly supporting such an appalling regime by going on the show. I decided to join the debate, but not accept any guest fee, because - if it legally broadcasts in Britain - it should be airing a range and balance of views. Free speech and open debate are the best disinfectant. As it turned out, I was joined by Rime Allaf (an Associate Fellow at Chatham House) and we had an interesting debate - I even managed to get 'Red Ken' to express his admiration for Ronald Reagan!

You can watch the show here.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What is your policy on Israel?

Dom Raab said...

That is a broad question. But, in terms of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I believe it is a two sided dispute. The only long term solution is a two-state solution - broadly based on the 1967 borders. At the moment, I question whether there is the leadership ready on either side to deliver on any peace deal, but it is important for the US - as the chief mediator - to try. Britain should support those efforts.

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