Now is the time for “intense diplomacy” – that’s what the White House is saying, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepares to travel to Beijing this weekend, hoping to thaw their very chilly standoff. It follows another diplomatic trip last week to the Middle East, where reality is beginning to bite. The region sees the United States pulling back from its close involvement there and shifting its strategic gaze to China – and that’s making room for others. Saudi Arabia is one player looking to elevate its profile on the world stage, from signing global soccer stars and starting up a major new golf tour to hosting Ukrainian President Zelensky and getting Beijing to broker a diplomatic deal with Iran. Meanwhile, top Iranian officials have been meeting with European representatives this week. For insights into all this, Middle East expert Vali Nasr joins the show. 

Also on today's show: actor Brooke Shields, director Waad Al-Kateab 

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