Steven A. Cook

Join Steven A. Cook, a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a Middle East expert, as he delves into the crumbling al-Assad regime in Syria, exploring the role of regional players like Hezbollah and Iran. The conversation shifts to the unexpected public sentiment surrounding a healthcare CEO’s assassination, revealing deep-rooted frustrations with the healthcare system. They also tackle the contentious issue of birthright citizenship in the U.S. and its implications for modern society. Cook’s insights shed light on these pressing geopolitical and societal challenges.

Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, brings his expertise in Middle East politics to discuss the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire. He breaks down the intricate three-phase agreement, focusing on hostages and potential withdrawals. Cook delves into the complex dynamics between both sides, highlighting political pressures and public sentiment in Israel. He also critiques controversial proposals for Palestinian relocation and examines the ramifications of U.S. foreign policy on regional stability and international relations.

Steven A. Cook, a senior fellow at CFR and expert on Middle Eastern politics, joins to dissect reactions from the region to Trump’s electoral win. He shares insights on how countries like Israel and Saudi Arabia view Trump's return with optimism, while also touching on Iran's muted response. The discussion navigates the evolving U.S.-Egypt relationship and the implications of the Abraham Accords. Cook emphasizes the delicate balance of U.S. foreign policy amid regional tensions and the future of U.S.-Middle East dynamics.

Steven A. Cook, a senior fellow at CFR with extensive knowledge on the Middle East, teams up with Amy Hawthorne, a former deputy director at the Project on Middle East Democracy, to explore pressing regional challenges. They dive into Israel's military objectives against Hamas and the complexities of its evolving strategies for Gaza. The conversation unfolds to include heightened tensions involving Hezbollah and Iran's influence. They also discuss the critical foreign policy decisions awaiting the next U.S. president amidst these escalating conflicts.

Steven Cook, an expert on Middle Eastern and Turkish politics at the Council on Foreign Relations, dissects the troubling rise of authoritarianism under Erdogan. He discusses the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, a significant political rival, and the implications of competitive authoritarianism in Turkey. The conversation touches on Erdogan's controversial political strategies, including constitutional changes and purges against dissent. They further explore the broader decline of democratic institutions and the youth's disconnection from a ruler who appears increasingly autocratic.

Steven A. Cook, a Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, dives into the surprising collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. He discusses the potential geopolitical shifts and how players like Iran and Russia are affected. The conversation also touches on alarming topics like the assassination of a healthcare CEO and societal reactions to political violence. Lastly, the nuances of birthright citizenship are explored, revealing the legal and cultural implications for immigrant families in America.

Steven A. Cook, a Middle East expert, discusses US policy in the region, highlighting shifts from ambitious goals to pragmatic approaches. They explore historical events like the Iranian Revolution and challenges in promoting democracy. The conversation emphasizes the need for nuanced strategies and clear assessments to navigate the complexities of the Middle East.

Steven A. Cook discusses the conflict in Gaza, Israeli military tactics, the debate over drafting the Haredim community, Israel's political landscape amidst trials, US-Israel relations, and challenges in influencing the conflict's outcome.

Kim Ghattas and Steven A. Cook analyze the regional implications of the Israel-Hamas war, the potential for a broader conflict in the Middle East, Qatar's role in mediating the conflict, Egypt's concerns about Palestinian refugees. They also introduce a new podcast called 'Disorder' and discuss the era of global enduring disorder.

Steven A. Cook, Senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at CFR, discusses the ongoing Israel-Saudi peace deal negotiations, exploring the potential impact and consequences of the agreement. The podcast also delves into the Biden administration's push for the deal, concerns and risks surrounding the hostage release agreement, and the views and concerns of other regional countries like Egypt.