Following more than a year of turmoil and transformative changes reshaping the Middle East, the region witnessed another shock with the downfall of the Assad family’s 54-year rule over Syria last weekend. The rapid collapse was triggered by a lightning rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former affiliate of al-Qaeda. This on-the-record briefing featured Amb. (ret.) Ryan Crocker, career diplomat with the US Foreign Service. His previous appointments included US Ambassador to Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Lebanon; as well as Charles Lister, Senior Fellow and Director of MEI’s Syria and Countering Terrorism & Extremism programs. Our experts discussed what the fall of Bashar al-Assad means for Syria and the region, the international community’s assessment of the Syrian conflict, what this development portends for Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” in the Levant, the influence of regional powers in Syria, and the future of US policy toward the region.   This is a special presentation of the latest installment of our Virtual Briefing Series.  This episode was recorded on December 10, 2024. 

Larry Diamond, Mosbacher Senior Fellow at Stanford, and Ruth Ben-Ghiat, NYU Professor specializing in authoritarianism, delve into the implications of Donald Trump's recent election on democracy. They discuss the increasing challenges to liberal values and draw historical parallels with Mussolini's rise. The duo examines the psychological roots of Trump’s appeal, the normalization of militarization under authoritarian leaders, and how his governance might shape global democratic trends. Their insights highlight the urgent state of democracy today.

MEI Senior Fellow for Israeli Affairs Nimrod Goren and Associate Research Professor Ilai Saltzman discuss potential shifts in US policy, the outlook for Israeli politics in 2025, and the challenges to advancing peace on the Israeli-Palestinian front. Tune in for expert insights on what lies ahead. *This episode was recorded on November 13, 2024.

Join retired four-star general Philip M. Breedlove, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and Iulia-Sabina Joja, senior fellow and director of MEI's Black Sea program, as they discuss the ongoing impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after 1,000 days. They analyze the shifting battlefield dynamics, the complexities of military strategies, and Russia’s propaganda tactics aimed at the global south. The conversation also covers the implications for U.S. foreign policy and the critical role of NATO in supporting Ukraine’s future security.

Middle East Focus Presents: ’Taking the Edge Off the Middle East’ with Brian Katulis A series of casual conversations with leading policy professionals on the most important happenings in the Middle East today - hosted by MEI’s Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy Brian Katulis. Steven A. Cook, Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, sits down with Brian to discuss his latest book “The End of Ambition,” their policy outlook with the incoming Trump Administration, and deteriorating discourse in Washington policy circles. 

Middle East Focus Presents: ‘Taking the Edge Off the Middle East’ with Brian Katulis A series of casual conversations with leading policy professionals on the most important happenings in the Middle East today - hosted by MEI’s Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy Brian Katulis. Danielle Pletka, Distinguished Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, sits down with Brian to discuss how she made the jump from journalism to policy, her views on the Iraq War, and the need for strong leadership in US-MENA foreign policy. 

Meir Javedanfar, an Iranian-Israeli lecturer and commentator, joins Alex Vatanka, Director of MEI's Iran program, for an insightful discussion. They analyze Iran's recent military setbacks and the sustainability of its strategy in the Axis of Resistance. The conversation unveils Iran's internal dilemmas regarding military support for proxies like Hezbollah and the financial burdens stemming from international sanctions. They also delve into Iran's nuclear ambitions and the evolving regional dynamics, highlighting the need for a diplomatic approach to counteract its influence.

Randa Slim is a leader in conflict resolution, while Charles Lister focuses on Syria and counterterrorism. Fatima Abo Alasrar studies Arabian Peninsula affairs. They discuss the dramatic setbacks faced by the Axis of Resistance, particularly its dynamics with Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. The impact of recent conflicts on regional alliances is examined, along with the growing challenges each group encounters. They also delve into U.S. strategies to counter this Iranian-led network, and the Houthis' alignment with the Palestinian cause highlights evolving geopolitical ambitions.

Gen. Khalil Helou and Dr. Paul Salem speak with MEI's US-Lebanon Fellow Fadi Nicholas Nassar on the unraveling Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces during this critical moment, and the prospects of a political solution in Lebanon and the wider region. 

Director of MEI’s Arabian Peninsula Program Gerald Feierstein speaks to scholars Nadwa Al-Dawsari and Fatima Abo Alasrar as they reflect on the tenth anniversary of Yemen’s civil war.  It’s been ten years since the Houthis seized control of the capital of Sanaa, beginning a cycle of fighting that continues on and off to this day. What happened, what is the current state of the conflict, and where might the country be headed?  *Note: this episode was recorded on Sept. 26, 2024.