Lynn Thoman

But each time expectations run ahead of reality and the region reacts in ways few predict.

So why does that keep happening and what are we missing right now?

Hi, everyone.

I'm Lynn Thoman and this is Three Takeaways.

On Three Takeaways, I talk with some of the world's best thinkers, business leaders, writers, politicians, newsmakers, and scientists.

Each episode ends with three key takeaways to help us understand the world and maybe even ourselves a little better.

Today I'm excited to be with Daniel Kurtzer.

He served as U.S.

Ambassador to both Israel and Egypt.

He's advised presidents, worked on peace efforts, and seen firsthand how moments of optimism in the region can rise and unravel.

He's now a professor at Princeton.

Welcome, Dan, and thanks so much for joining Three Takeaways again today.

It is great to be with you.

Let's start with regime change.

In countries where longtime dictators fell, Egypt, Libya, Iraq, Syria, did those countries end up with more stable, democratic or chaotic governments?

And how about economic growth?

Have the countries grown economically and are the people better off after regime change?

If Iran is significantly weakened, what do you think actually changes and what stays the same?

Is there a risk that what looks like a win in the Middle East today is really just setting up the next round of conflict?

Unlike Iran, some countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are evolving in very different ways.