The Global Story - Jeremy Bowen: Trump has called for an Iran uprising. The lessons from Iraq in 1991 loom large
In this special essay, the BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen explains what can happen when an American president calls for an uprising – and then doesn’t get involved when it starts.
A version of this piece first ran on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on 11 March.
Producer for The Global Story: Xandra Ellin
Mix: James Shield
Senior news editor: China Collins
Photo: Jeremy Bowen, October 2025
Published on Saturday, 14th March 2026.
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