Middle East Focus

In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Gönül Tol to discuss democratic backsliding in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The conversation explores how Erdoğan's crackdown against Turkey's opposition has reached new heights, with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and other opposition party officials facing politically motivated charges. At the same time, Erdoğan is attacking opposition media, deepening talks with Kurdish leaders, and strengthening ties with the West — all with, at least in part, an eye to extending his rule beyond 2028. Tol unpacks the government's strategy, the risks to Turkish democracy, and what Erdoğan's growing international prominence means for the country's political future. Recorded on November 4, 2025. Read Gönül Tol's analysis of how Erdoğan uses Turkey's role on the global stage to tighten his grip on power here. Listen to Rethinking Democracy here.

In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Intissar Fakir to discuss Morocco's recent "GenZ 212" protest movement, which gripped multiple cities around the country for weeks. What prompted young Moroccans to take to the streets? Fakir breaks down the underlying drivers, protesters' demands, and the government's response. The conversation then delves more deeply into Morocco's rising generation and how it perceives its future prospects. Finally, the discussion explores the possible longer-term political impact of the demonstrations, especially with an eye to next year's elections. Recorded on October 29, 2025. Read Intissar Fakir's analysis of the protests in Morocco here.

In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj speak with MEI Senior Fellow Brian Katulis about US policy in the Middle East under Donald Trump's second administration. Nine months into Trump 2.0, how much has really changed? Katulis breaks down the administration's approach to ​major issues, including the cease-fire in Gaza and broader prospects for peace, the aftermath of the 12-Day War with Iran, and how Washington is managing ties with regional partners. He also previews his upcoming quarterly report card, which grades the administration on key policy areas. Recorded on October 22, 2025. Listen to Brian Katulis's podcast: Taking the Edge off the Middle East

In this discussion, Paul Salem, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and expert on regional geopolitics, analyzes the recently established Gaza cease-fire and its implications. He highlights how the conflict has altered military dynamics, reduced Iran's deterrence, and reshaped perceptions of Israel. Salem delves into U.S. engagement in the region, the possibility of Palestinian integration without Israeli involvement, and the complexities of Saudi normalization with Israel. He warns about potential radicalization and emphasizes the need for proactive diplomacy.

Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, dives into the nuances of Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza. She explores its acceptance by both Israel and Hamas and the factors influencing its reception. Lucy discusses the plan's vagueness on Palestinian statehood and its implications for U.S. policy. The conversation highlights the complexities of disarmament, the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority, and the essential role of sustained international engagement for success.

In this discussion, Mirette F. Mabrouk, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute specializing in Egypt and Nile issues, delves into the tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Topics include the historical failures in negotiations and the dam's significance for Ethiopia’s economic aspirations. Mirette highlights Egypt's concerns about water security, the evolving regional power dynamics in the Horn of Africa, and the limited options remaining for Egypt and Sudan post-dam completion. She also suggests the need for external mediation and potential incentives to reach a viable agreement.

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.