FDD Morning Brief

Nadav Eyal, an award-winning Israeli journalist from Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynetnews, joins to delve into the complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. He discusses Israel's military strategies in response to Hezbollah's provocations and the intricate negotiations surrounding a proposed ceasefire. Eyal highlights the political ramifications of upcoming U.S. elections on Israeli policy, as well as the significance of international positions, like Germany's response to Iran. Insights on the ongoing insurgency in Gaza and its foreign backing provide a critical context for the conflict.

Eyal Hulata, FDD Senior International Fellow and former Israeli national security advisor, dives deep into Israel's military operations against Iran. He discusses the precision of recent airstrikes and their implications for regional security. The conversation also highlights Israel’s unwavering commitment to preventing a nuclear Iran, which remains a pressing concern. Additionally, Hulata addresses the threat of disinformation from nations like Russia and China, emphasizing the need for strong U.S. countermeasures. It's a gripping look at the current geopolitical landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Dana Stroul, Research Director at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, dives into the recent military escalations in the Middle East. They address Israel's decisive strikes against Iranian military facilities and the broader implications for regional security. The conversation also touches on the shifting alliances involving Russia and Iran, and how these dynamics affect U.S. interests. Stroul's insights shed light on the complexities of military aid and the evolving geopolitical landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Casey Babb, a respected foreign policy expert with ties to major think tanks, delves into the intricate web of current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He analyzes Hamas's connections with Russia and the repercussions of their actions. Babb also addresses Canada's shifting foreign policy in light of rising anti-Semitism. The conversation highlights the urgent need for collaboration to combat hate and bolster diplomatic efforts, illuminating the broader implications for global peace.

Representative Mike Waltz, a Republican Congressman from Florida and a combat-decorated Green Beret, shares his insights on pressing Middle Eastern issues. He discusses the implications of leaked U.S. classified documents on Israeli operations and the critical role of Qatar in U.S. military strategy. Waltz explores leadership lessons from the Green Berets, emphasizing relationship-building in complex political terrains. He also addresses U.S. sanctions on China to mitigate Iranian influence and the importance of strategic alliances in the region.

Join Eugene Kontorovich, an Israeli legal scholar and George Mason University professor, as he discusses the heated multi-front war in the Middle East. He dives into the ramifications of recent military actions, particularly the impact of Yahya Sinwar's death on Palestinian leadership. Kontorovich highlights the complexities of the Palestinian Authority's role in the conflict, the implications of U.S. sanctions, and critiques the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping efforts. He also examines the contrasting refugee law obligations faced by Palestinians and Ukrainians.

Robert Greenway, Director of the Allison Center for National Defense at the Heritage Foundation, shares insights from his time in the Trump administration. He discusses the impact of Yahya Sinwar's death on Hamas and strategies for U.S. involvement in the region. Greenway analyzes the geopolitical implications of the Abraham Accords and military operations in Yemen. He also addresses rising anti-Semitism in the U.S., emphasizing the need for initiatives like Project Esther to combat this issue and the role of virtual currencies in financing terrorism.

Edmund Fitton-Brown, a former British diplomat with extensive experience in the Middle East and the UN, shares his insights on the current multi-front conflict in the region. He discusses Hezbollah's military tactics and internal dynamics, as well as the rise in Iran’s oil revenues and its implications for terrorism funding. Fitton-Brown also addresses the complexities of defining terrorism at the UN and the challenges posed by the Houthi movement in Yemen. Additionally, he explores the geopolitical tensions involving Hezbollah, Qatar, and the influence of China.

Anna Borshchevskaya, a Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, dives deep into Russia's growing influence in the Middle East. She discusses Yahya Sinwar's role in recent tensions from Gaza and the complicated geopolitical dynamics in Lebanon. The conversation reveals the intricate Russia-Iran alliance amid the Ukraine conflict and highlights the effects on regional stability. Borshchevskaya also unpacks Russia-Israel relations, advocating for a more strategic U.S. response to counterbalance destabilizing partnerships.

Brian Katulis, a Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy at the Middle East Institute, brings his expertise in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. He discusses the rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the U.S. foreign policy towards Hezbollah and ongoing conflicts with Hamas. Katulis critiques the Biden administration's approach to regional instability, highlighting both its support for Israel and failures in humanitarian negotiations. He also examines Iran's influence in the region, advocating for a more proactive, bipartisan strategy to tackle these challenges.