Diego Garcia Deal Ditched: What Happens Next?
Following a televised discussion between President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the UN General Assembly, the Diego Garcia deal negotiated with Mauritius appears to have been shelved. The deal would have transferred sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius and leased Diego Garcia back to the UK for an annual rent. Ratifying legislation failed in the British Parliament, and the UK side has agreed the matter needs to be looked at afresh.
Why it matters: The fate of Diego Garcia bears directly on maritime security, as the facility's utility is now probably greater than ever given Middle East instability.