Middle East Focus

In this episode of 'Taking the Edge off the Middle East,' Brian Katulis sits down with Frank Lowenstein, a key advisor to Secretary John Kerry during the Obama administration. Lowenstein takes us behind the curtain of the Obama administration's intense peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, from narrowly escaping a snowstorm in Ramallah to advising Secretary Kerry during critical moments. They discuss the Biden and Trump approaches to the region and explore how Middle East policy debates have evolved in American politics over three decades. Don’t forget to look out for new episodes of 'Taking the Edge off the Middle East' every other Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts. 

Stuart Jones, the new president and CEO of MEI, boasts a rich background as a U.S. ambassador with extensive experience in the Middle East. He delves into the geopolitical shifts following the Hamas attack and the evolving U.S.-Middle East dynamics. Jones shares insights from his time in Iraq during a crisis with ISIS, exploring military and humanitarian challenges. He also discusses the region's economic diversification and the importance of U.S.-Iraq partnerships in technology and infrastructure, highlighting the complexities of modern diplomacy.

Dr. Karabekir Akkoyunlu, a research associate at SOAS University of London and author on democratic resistance, and Dr. Senem Aydın Düzgit, a professor at Sabancı University specializing in Turkey-EU relations, delve into Turkey's recent political upheaval. They discuss the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and the surge of protests against Erdoğan's regime. The conversation highlights the erosion of democratic processes, the role of coalition-building among the opposition, and the critical influence of EU relations on Turkey's autocratic shift.

Note: We're excited to announce that 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East' is moving to its own channel! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts to continue following the show. --- 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 Brian Katulis. In this episode, Brian is joined by former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, who recently served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. They discuss the Trump administration’s early approach to the region in its second term, including its handling of Iran, Gaza, and regional normalization efforts. Drawing on his decades of experience across the NSC, State Department, and Pentagon, Dan shares his candid assessments of what’s working, what’s not, and what’s still unsettled. He also reflects on his own career path and what young people interested in U.S. foreign policy can learn from decades of peacemaking efforts.

Middle East Focus Presents: ’Taking the Edge Off the Middle East,' 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 Brian Katulis. Ibrahim Dalalsha, founder and director of Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach, and Shira Efron, research director at the Israel Policy Forum, join host Brian Katulis to discuss policy developments in the devastating war between Israel and Hamas, and how Israelis and Palestinians can work together toward a peaceful resolution of conflict.

Renowned poet, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander joins guest host Lyne Sneige to discuss the power of storytelling and the intersection of art and social change. Looking back on his recent experience speaking at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair in Saudi Arabia, Alexander shares his reflections on the Kingdom's literary scene, the growing appetite for global narratives, and how books and poetry can serve as bridges between cultures.

Barbara A. Leaf, a seasoned diplomat and former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, joins the discussion to illuminate pressing issues in the Middle East. She delves into the potential responses of a second Trump administration to emerging 'black swan' events. The conversation covers the complexities of U.S. policy in Syria, the impact of humanitarian aid freezes, and the shifting geopolitical landscape involving Iran and the Hamas-Israel conflict. Leaf's insights underscore the critical need for effective diplomacy in ensuring regional stability.

Dr. Olivier Roy, a political Islam expert, and Ziad Majed, a prominent international relations professor, dissect the dynamic political landscape of Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. They explore the potential for a pluralistic governance structure versus the threat of Islamist control. The conversation touches on the struggle for democracy amid authoritarian legacies, the challenges of uniting a fractured society, and the role of youth in shaping Syria’s future identity. Their insights provide a nuanced look at this pivotal moment in the region's history.

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. Norman T. Roule is a member of MEI's Iran Program Advisory Council. Roule served for 34-years in the Central Intelligence Agency, where his service included roles as Division Chief and Chief of Station at the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. He joins Brian to discuss the state of an ideologically contested Middle East, as well as the opportunities and challenges following the fall of the Assad regime.

The war in Gaza continues as the Biden administration nears its end, leaving President-elect Donald Trump with a vastly different Middle East from the one he inherited in his first term. Khaled Elgindy, Director of the Palestine & Palestinian-Israeli Affairs program at MEI, is joined by Tamara Kharroub and Daniel Levy to discuss Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza, the fragile cease-fire talks, and the potential shifts in US policy with Donald Trump's return to the White House. What does this mean for Palestinians and Israelis, and how might the Trump administration reshape the future of the region?