Dr. Randa Slim, Director of the Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program at the Middle East Institute, discusses the alarming escalation of conflict in the Middle East. With Israel's invasion of Lebanon and Iran’s missile strikes, the situation is dire. They explore the historical ties between Iran and Hezbollah, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the risks of a broader regional war. Slim emphasizes the urgent need for de-escalation strategies and reflects on the potential consequences of military actions on civilians and international relations.

Yaroslav Trofimov discusses the shake-up in Ukraine's military leadership while Aluf Benn debates Israel's self-destructive war. Randa Slim addresses the outcry in Iraq over the US strike, Nate Cohn explores why the economy isn't boosting Biden's poll numbers, and Jared Cohen talks about life after power for former US presidents.

Randa Slim is a leader in conflict resolution, while Charles Lister focuses on Syria and counterterrorism. Fatima Abo Alasrar studies Arabian Peninsula affairs. They discuss the dramatic setbacks faced by the Axis of Resistance, particularly its dynamics with Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. The impact of recent conflicts on regional alliances is examined, along with the growing challenges each group encounters. They also delve into U.S. strategies to counter this Iranian-led network, and the Houthis' alignment with the Palestinian cause highlights evolving geopolitical ambitions.