FDD Morning Brief

In this discussion, Barak Barfi, a Middle East scholar specialized in Arab and Islamic affairs, delves into Syria's evolving political landscape. He evaluates whether the new regime is malign or moderate, while unpacking the recent lifting of U.S. sanctions. The conversation also highlights the volatile dynamics between Israel and Hamas, touching on humanitarian efforts and civilian relocation plans. Additionally, Barfi discusses the complexity of sectarian violence and the precarious position of minority groups amidst the shifting balance of power in the region.

In this discussion, Nadim Koteich, a seasoned Lebanese journalist and political analyst at Sky News Arabia, dives into President Trump’s recent Gulf trip and its transformative implications for the region. The conversation covers Trump's pivot toward a transactional U.S. foreign policy and the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. They also explore the challenges in post-Assad Syria, with a focus on navigating political instability while addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions and the potential for escalating tensions.

Andrea Stricker, Deputy Director of FDD's Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program, dives into the complexities of Saudi Arabia's nuclear ambitions and its potential nuclear cooperation with the U.S. She discusses the risks of uranium enrichment in the Middle East and how this could trigger a domino effect among neighboring countries, especially given rising tensions with Iran. The conversation also explores shifting geopolitical dynamics, highlighting the roles of Russia and China, and the implications for U.S.-Middle East relations.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Ghalili, a senior policy analyst at the National Union for Democracy in Iran, dives deep into the complexities of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations and the contrasting political stances involved. He offers insights into the public's desire for international support against their regime. The conversation also touches on recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East, the significance of Turkey's role, and strategies for promoting regime change in Iran amidst ongoing tensions.

IRAN, SYRIA, THE HOUTHIS ... AND MOREHEADLINE 1: The United States dropped the demand for normalization with Israel as a condition for advancing civil nuclear cooperation discussions with Saudi Arabia. HEADLINE 2: A mob at Columbia University disseminated pamphlets praising a Palestinian terrorist. There’s a reason people call this school Birzeit on the Hudson.HEADLINE 3: Israel’s ‘Qatargate’ scandal has gotten even messier. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of FDD's Iran Program.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

In this insightful discussion, Jonathan Conricus, a Senior Fellow and former IDF International Spokesperson, shares his expertise on the ever-changing Middle East landscape. He delves into the implications of Israel's upcoming Operation Gideon’s Chariots, examines the ramifications of U.S. policies on Israeli security, and analyzes the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict amidst ongoing hostage negotiations. Conricus also highlights shifting dynamics in Lebanon and critiques U.S. defense strategies, emphasizing the urgent need to curtail Iranian influence.

DOCUMENTING THE TRUTH ABOUT THE OCTOBER 7 MASSACREHEADLINE 1: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Qatar to stop playing games.HEADLINE 2: The UK arrested 8 men on suspected terror offenses.HEADLINE 3: Israel carried out a strike near the presidential palace in Damascus, Syria.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with British historian and author Lord Andrew Roberts, who chaired the United Kingdom's October 7 Parliamentary Commission Report.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

THE IMPACT OF FOREIGN FUNDING TO AMERICAN UNIVERSITIESHEADLINE 1: On Wednesday, two Israeli reservists were wounded in a roadside bomb attack in the northern West Bank. HEADLINE 2: Seven Iranian entities were slapped with U.S. sanctions on Wednesday.HEADLINE 3: Reuters published details from a 33-page document its reporters found in Damascus after the Assad regime was toppled.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Frannie Block, a reporter for The Free Press.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

ABRAHAM ACCORDS, TWO-STATE PARADIGM, AND U.S.-IRAN NUCLEAR TALKSHEADLINE 1: The Navy lost a $60 million fighter jet because of a Houthi missile attack.HEADLINE 2: An Israeli district court sentenced an Israeli citizen to 10 years in prison for treason.HEADLINE 3: Sectarian clashes broke out near Damascus in what people are still calling the new Syria.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

TARIFFS, TRUMP DOCTRINE, AND WHITE HOUSE DIVISIONSHEADLINE 1: The Palestinian Liberation Organization has a new vice president.HEADLINE 2: The Houthis launched yet another ballistic missile at Israel on Saturday morning.HEADLINE 3: Qatar and Saudi Arabia are settling Syria’s debt to the World Bank.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with author and Free Press columnist Batya Ungar-Sargon.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/