What is the realistic timeline for ending the conflict in the Middle East?

The Monocle Daily episode from March 31, 2026, opens with a discussion on the escalating Middle East conflict, focusing on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that operations against Iran are 'beyond halfway'—a statement clarified to refer to operational progress, not time. Host Andrew Muller and guests Caroline Frost and Robin Lustig dissect the ambiguity of Netanyahu’s rhetoric, questioning whether it's a strategic signal to appease U.S. President Donald Trump, who is reportedly eager to exit the conflict. The conversation highlights the deepening rift between NATO allies, with Europe reluctant to follow U.S. military posturing, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz. The episode also explores Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, noting the staggering 1.3 million Russian casualties and the surprising resilience of the Putin regime despite youth-led resistance and digital defiance through VPNs. The hosts reflect on the slow-burn nature of authoritarian collapse, citing historical precedents like the fall of the Soviet Union. In lighter segments, the show covers the launch of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, with debate over its cultural legitimacy and potential for regional bloc voting. The episode closes with a tribute to Australian folk hero Jack Carlson, whose 1991 arrest clip—featuring the iconic line 'eating a meal! A succulent Chinese meal!'—has been archived as a national cultural treasure, symbolizing Australian larrikin spirit and defiance. Finally, British singer Jessie Ware discusses her new album Superbloom, emphasizing artistic maturity, the diva aesthetic, and the organic, iterative nature of songwriting.