Paul Salem

In a gripping discussion, Paul Salem, a seasoned expert on the Middle East and former president of the Middle East Institute, unpacks the fraught dynamics between Israel and Iran. As tensions escalate, they explore the possibility of U.S. military involvement under Trump, and how his supporters are divided over intervention strategies. Salem also sheds light on the challenges facing Iran's regime amidst internal dissent, and the cautious responses from Arab nations. The conversation is a deep dive into the complexities of geopolitics in this volatile region.

In this insightful discussion, Mohamed Ali Harisi, a foreign editor who witnessed Lebanon's conflicts firsthand, joins urban studies expert Mona Fawaz, U.S. foreign policy historian Emily Whelan, and Paul Salem from the Middle East Institute. They explore the lasting scars of Lebanon's civil war, dissecting how sectarian strife has seeped into politics and daily life. Corruption and clientelism thrive amid ongoing unrest, sparking a cycle of violence and uprisings. They also reflect on Lebanon's shifting dynamics in the context of regional conflicts and resilience efforts.

Gavin Esler welcomes Hagai M. Segal, a professor at NYU London and expert on geopolitical strategy, and Paul Salem, VP for international engagement at the Middle East Institute. They delve into the dramatic unraveling of Iran's regional influence, spotlighting its declining power and the internal strife fueled by public demands for democracy. The conversation highlights the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, future interactions with Gulf states, and the potential for regime change as Tehran grapples with unprecedented challenges.