Middle East Focus

Israel’s September 9 strike on Hamas leaders in Doha rattled Gulf capitals and revived a decades-old debate over whether the region needs a NATO-style defensive alliance. MEI Senior Fellow Jason Campbell joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to unpack why past attempts at collective defense have fallen short, whether this moment is different, and what the crisis means for US security strategy in the Middle East.    This episode was recorded on September 24, 2025.

Natan Sachs, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and former director at Brookings, shares his expert insights. He discusses the aftermath of Israel's controversial strike on Hamas officials in Qatar, highlighting its operational failures and Netanyahu's prioritization of military action over diplomacy. Sachs explores Israeli public polarization regarding hostage negotiations versus military objectives, as well as the implications for regional partnerships and potential isolation. The conversation delves into the impacts on U.S.-Israeli relations and the shifting dynamics in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

With Iran’s nuclear program devastated, the reimposition of UN sanctions looming, and Tehran grappling with the fallout of the 12-Day War, is the time ripe for Iran to return to the negotiating table? MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow Alan Eyre — former senior US diplomat and member of the 2015 JCPOA negotiating team — joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to assess whether meaningful US-Iran talks are still possible and what they could achieve amid deep mistrust and escalating pressure. This episode was recorded on September 9, 2025.

Karim Elgendy, a climate, energy, and sustainability expert, discusses the Middle East's pressing water and climate crisis. He highlights Iran's looming water shortages and Iraq's power grid failures, linking these issues to climate change and resource mismanagement. The conversation sheds light on the Gulf's dependence on desalination and ongoing efforts for sustainable water management. Elgendy also explores potential for regional cooperation and technological solutions amid political challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for effective resource strategies.

Fadi Nicolas Nassar, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and a political science professor, dives into Lebanon's tumultuous landscape. He discusses the delicate balance of power between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah, and the vital role of UNIFIL in enforcing peace. Nassar highlights the Lebanese government's push for disarmament of non-state militias and the operational challenges faced by international forces. He underscores the necessity for urgent reforms and strategic clarity as Lebanon seeks to reclaim its sovereignty in a complex regional context.

Mirette Mabrouk, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute specializing in Egypt’s economic and security issues, delves into the critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its ramifications for Egypt. She discusses Cairo’s concerns over regional stability and domestic outrage. The conversation highlights Egypt's role in ceasefire negotiations and the challenges of aid delivery amid deteriorating conditions. Mabrouk also touches on international perspectives, the complexities of reconstruction plans, and the implications for Palestinian statehood.

Gönül Tol, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and expert on Turkish politics, dives into the intricacies of Erdoğan's power dynamics. She discusses how the shifting landscape of regional conflicts like the Israel-Iran war and violence in Syria is influencing Turkey's foreign policy. The conversation highlights the complexities of U.S.-Turkey relations, Erdoğan's domestic challenges, and his crumbling relationship with the opposition. Tol also unpacks the implications of Turkey's peace process with the PKK and the future of democracy in the country.

Welcome to a special Bonus Episode of Middle East Focus.  We're pleased to bring you access to a recent MEI Virtual Briefing recorded on July 23, 2025, on the recent violence in southern Syria. Sectarian clashes in the province of Sweida left hundreds dead and exposed deep-rooted tensions, governance gaps, and the fragility of Syria’s post-Assad transition. MEI Senior Fellow Charles Lister and Associate Fellow Gregory Waters join MEI's Zeina Al-Shaib to unpack the sequence of events that ignited the conflict, the Syrian government's controversial response, Israel's intervention, and the broader implications for Syria's future.

Karen Young, a Senior Fellow at MEI and a researcher at Columbia's Center on Global Energy Policy, discusses the resilience of the Gulf economies amidst regional conflict and global uncertainty. She delves into the implications of the Israel-Iran war on energy markets and investment strategies. Young also examines the innovative taxation reforms in Oman and the evolving dynamics between Gulf nations and Iran. Finally, she highlights the Gulf's shift towards renewable energy and strategic investments in BRICS countries, showcasing their pivotal role in a changing global economic landscape.

Mara Rudman, a MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow and former senior advisor in the Clinton and Obama administrations, joins the discussion to dissect the Trump administration's Middle East strategy. She dives into the complexities of Israel-Hamas negotiations and the future of Gaza, as well as U.S.-Iran nuclear diplomacy. Rudman critiques the administration's transactional approach, highlighting the significance of engaging regional partners and the implications of initiatives like the Abraham Accords on broader peace efforts.