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The John Batchelor Show

S8 Ep573: 14. Anatol Lieven (Quincy Institute) explores the resurgence of the "Great Game," detailing Israel's goal to dismantle the Iranian state. He argues that bombing will not break Iranian resistance and notes European reluctance to impose sanctions. (14)

The John Batchelor Show

John Batchelor

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4.52.8K Ratings

🗓️ 12 March 2026

⏱️ 8 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

14. Anatol Lieven (Quincy Institute)explores the resurgence of the "Great Game," detailing Israel's goal to dismantle the Iranian state. He argues that bombing will not break Iranian resistance and notes European reluctance to impose sanctions. (14)

1900 RUSSIA EMPIRE

Transcript

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0:00.0

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with Indeed. do it the right way with indeed great way with indeed great game i'm john bachelor the great game is a piece of romance from the 19th century that might be back with us again.

0:58.7

As I understand it was played out over the Eurasian subcontinent of that we now look upon as India and Pakistan and Bangladesh and Afghanistan and the stands.

1:09.5

But it was played out for empire, for keeps by the Russian Empire, the Romanovs, the British Empire,

1:16.7

and Persian Empire, Khajars.

1:19.3

They played it out over a long period of time.

1:21.8

Afghanistan was part of the game.

1:24.1

India was part of the game.

1:25.3

And it came to, to my end, the 20th century when the European

1:30.4

powers tore each other apart and they were no longer making adventure in Afghanistan.

1:36.3

However, it appears, and it's all, that we've been, the United States has been drawn back

1:41.9

into the great game. My memory is there's no winning it unless there's something new here.

1:47.0

Do you see anything that makes it possible for the U.S. to have an advantage

1:50.2

where Britain couldn't find one, where Russia couldn't find one?

1:55.6

I mean, no, basically, unless the United States can somehow, somehow, declare victory and stop,

2:06.6

you know, or make, you know, wrap up an offer to the Iranians in language which can present it as an

2:17.1

American victory and allow America to stop.

...

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