Middle East Focus

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?

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.