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2. Spotlight on US Syria policy
- Author:
- Charles Lister and Alistair Taylor
- Publication Date:
- 02-2024
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- On this week's episode, Director of MEI's Syria and Countering Terrorism & Extremism Programs Charles Lister and MEI Editor-In-Chief Alistair Taylor talk about US policy toward Syria. The deadly Jan. 28 drone attack on a US military outpost in northeastern Jordan, near the borders with Syria and Iraq, has drawn renewed attention to the US military presence in the area. This comes against a backdrop of regional conflict and escalation.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Syrian War, Escalation, and Military
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Syria, North America, and United States of America
3. Antisemitism and Islamophobia in the US political discourse on Israel/Palestine
- Author:
- Sahar Aziz and Mitchell Plitnick
- Publication Date:
- 01-2024
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- Sahar Aziz and Mitchell Plitnick discuss their study "Presumptively Antisemitic: Islamophobic Tropes in the Palestine Israel Discourse" with MEI's Palestine and Palestinian-Israeli Affairs Program Director Khaled Elgindy.
- Topic:
- Politics, Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism, and Discourse
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Israel, Palestine, Gaza, North America, and United States of America
4. What Does the US-China Tech Cold War Mean for the Middle East?
- Author:
- Alistair Taylor and Mohammed Soliman
- Publication Date:
- 04-2023
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- On this week's episode Alistair Taylor, MEI's editor-in-chief, is joined by Mohammed Soliman, director of MEI's Strategic Technologies and Cyber Security Program, to discuss the US-China tech Cold War and what it means for the Middle East. At the nexus of great power competition and rapid technological advances in areas like semiconductors and AI, the rivalry between Washington and Beijing is fuelling a longer-term process of economic and technological decoupling. Navigating this growing divide will be a key challenge for regional actors across MENA.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Science and Technology, Cybersecurity, Economy, and Strategic Competition
- Political Geography:
- China, Middle East, and United States of America
5. Roundtable with Special Representative Dilawar Syed (U.S. Business in Iraq)
- Author:
- Dilawar Syed and Randa Slim
- Publication Date:
- 07-2023
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The Middle East Institute (MEI) was pleased to host a roundtable with the U.S. State Department's Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs, Dilawar Syed, moderated by Paul Salem, President & CEO with Randa Slim, Senior Fellow and Director, Conflict Resolution & Track II Dialogues Program. SR Syed had recently returned from a delegation trip to Baghdad with the U.S.-Iraq Business Council (USIBC). In this roundtable, he briefed a private sector and policy audience about his findings. During his visit, he held high level bilateral meetings with senior Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Al-Sudani. SR Syed also met with the Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, many of the Council of Representatives Iraq (COR) committees, and Iraqi entrepreneurs. SR Syed also spoke to opportunities and challenges for U.S. businesses in Iraq at large, responding to questions such as: Which economic sectors show the most promise for US-Iraqi economic cooperation in the short-, medium-, and long-term? What are the biggest challenges facing Iraq's economy and potential business partnerships with US companies? What were some of the private sector delegates impressions of Iraq today, and the economic opportunities available to US businesses? From this administration's perspective, how important (or high-priority) is our relationship with Iraq and what is the strategic rationale for improved and integrated economic cooperation? Looking past the delegation, how does the State Department intend to continue promoting active private sector partnerships? How do your Iraqi counterparts understand their relationship with the US, what are their hopes and fears as we look towards the future of this relationship, both economic and otherwise?
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Business, and Economic Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Iraq, Middle East, and United States of America
6. Little Amal Walks Across America
- Author:
- Kate Seelye and Vanessa Zuabi
- Publication Date:
- 08-2023
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- MEI’s Senior Vice President Kate Seelye speaks with award-winning theater director and writer Amir Nizar Zuabi - Artistic Director of the 'Amal Walks Across America' tour. They discuss the upcoming U.S. tour of Little Amal, an internationally celebrated 12-foot-tall puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl traveling across the world carrying a message of hope and compassion for displaced people everywhere.
- Topic:
- Arts, Refugees, Displacement, and Syrian War
- Political Geography:
- Syria, North America, and United States of America
7. The Problem of Democracy: America, the Middle East, and the Rise and Fall of an Idea
- Author:
- Shadi Hamid and Thomas Carothers
- Publication Date:
- 11-2023
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- In The Problem of Democracy: America, the Middle East, and the Rise and Fall of an Idea, author Shadi Hamid explores what he describes as the ‘democratic dilemma,’ the U.S. desire for democracy in theory but not in practice. Hamid cites the rise of Islamist parties during a wave of democratic elections across the Middle East, which he argues produced outcomes the U.S. was not intending, such as the empowerment of Hamas in Gaza following the 2006 Palestinian elections. Reviewing the lessons learned from the past two decades of U.S. policy in the Middle East, Hamid proposes ‘democratic minimalism’ as a new approach to democracy promotion. Instead of viewing democracy as a tool to usher in liberalism, economic development, and cultural progress, Hamid argues that democracy as an end in of itself should be prioritized over other liberal values. Please join us at the Middle East Institute for an in-person discussion with author Shadi Hamid and Thomas Carothers, Co-Director and Senior Fellow, Democracy, Conflict and Governance Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, on the strategy of U.S. democracy promotion abroad, the consequences of the democratic push in the early twenty-first century and the future shape of governance systems globally. Gönül Tol, MEI Senior Fellow and Director of the Turkey Program, will moderate the discussion.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Elections, Democracy, Islamism, and Hamas
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Palestine, Gaza, and United States of America
8. The Biden Administration’s National Security Strategy
- Author:
- Alistair Taylor, Ross Harrison, Jerry Feierstein, and Marwa Maziad
- Publication Date:
- 10-2022
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The Biden Administration's National Security Strategy has drawn some criticism for its relatively late release, but what of its actual substance? Today, Alistair Taylor talks with four experts, each with unique insights into the context and strategy of this document with regards to the Middle East, North Africa, and American foreign policy at large. Our first guest is Ross Harrison, a Senior Fellow and Director of Research at the Middle East Institute, and a Professor of Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh. Our second guest is Jerry Feierstein, Distinguished Senior Fellow on U.S. Diplomacy and Director of MEI’s Arabian Peninsula Affairs Program. We are then joined by Dr. Marwa Maziad, a Non-Resident Scholar with MEI's Defense and Security Program and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Israel Studies at the Gildenhorn Institute at the University of Maryland. Our final guest is Melissa Horvath, a Non-Resident Scholar with MEI’s Defense and Security Program and the lead Foreign Military Sales Instructor and Curriculum Developer at ASRC Federal.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, National Security, and Joe Biden
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, North America, and United States of America
9. Somalia (Horn of Africa, part 2 of 2)
- Author:
- Guled Ahmed
- Publication Date:
- 06-2022
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- Guled Ahmed joins the program to discuss the political climate in Somalia, its recent elections, security conditions, and the role of external actors including the African Union, Gulf states, Turkey, and the U.S.
- Topic:
- Security, Politics, Elections, and African Union
- Political Geography:
- Africa, Turkey, Somalia, United States of America, Gulf Nations, and Horn of Africa
10. Area Studies, the Cold War, and the History of the US Academic Library Collections
- Author:
- Michael Albin, Ryan Zohair, Joan Weeks, and William Kopycki
- Publication Date:
- 06-2022
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- This panel brings together Middle East Studies librarians to discuss how Cold War-era programs like the Food for Peace Act, whose revenues supported the Library of Congress' foreign offices in the Middle East, functioned and contributed to foreign language acquisitions in the U.S., and how they continue to shape how knowledge is produced on the region within American academia.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Cold War, History, Academia, Area Studies, and Libraries
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, North America, and United States of America
11. The US strike on al-Qaeda leader al-Zawahiri
- Author:
- Alistair Taylor, Mick Mulroy, Javid Ahmad, and Douglas London
- Publication Date:
- 08-2022
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- On today’s episode, host Alistair Taylor explores the ramifications of the CIA drone strike that killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul, Afghanistan on July 31. Joining the program are three MEI experts - Mick Mulroy, Javid Ahmad, and Douglas London - who bring with them a variety of perspectives, from intelligence to diplomacy.
- Topic:
- Al Qaeda, Drones, and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan, North America, and United States of America
12. Taliban rule of Afghanistan at six months
- Author:
- Marvin G. Weinbaum and Sayed Madadi
- Publication Date:
- 02-2022
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- Marvin Weinbaum and Sayed Madadi discuss Afghanistan’s worsening economic and humanitarian crises six months after the Taliban reclaimed control of the country.
- Topic:
- Security, Taliban, Humanitarian Crisis, and Economic Crisis
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan, South Asia, and United States of America
13. Israel & Palestine: Hot topics in Congress
- Author:
- Alistair Taylor, Khaled Elgindy, and Lara Friedman
- Publication Date:
- 04-2022
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- Host Alistair Taylor speaks with Khaled Elgindy and Lara Friedman about the release of their recently completed 2022 congressional briefing series on Israel and Palestine: Hot topics in Congress. The eight-part webinar series features an array of Palestinian and Israeli voices, weighing in on some of the most pressing and timely Israel/Palestine-related topics in Congress. Recordings of all eight sessions of the congressional briefing series can be found on the MEI and FMEP websites at www.mei.edu and www.fmep.org.
- Topic:
- Education, Government, and Conflict
- Political Geography:
- Ukraine, Middle East, Israel, Palestine, and United States of America
14. US-Gulf Relations at the Crossroads
- Author:
- Gerald Feierstein, Bilal Y. Saab, and Karen E. Young
- Publication Date:
- 04-2022
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- Amb. Gerald Feierstein, Bilal Saab, and Karen Young join guest host Brian Katulis to discuss their recent MEI policy paper, US-Gulf Relations at the Crossroads: Time for a Recalibration, and why they believe now is not the time to disengage from the region.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Foreign Policy, and Strategic Engagement
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, North America, United States of America, and Gulf Nations
15. The Legacy of the Iranian Hostage Crisis
- Author:
- Alex Vatanka and Michael Metrinko
- Publication Date:
- 11-2021
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- Alex Vatanka and Michael Metrinko discuss the Iranian hostage crisis, how it’s shaped US-Iran relations, and what that history tells us about the present and potential future of the Islamic Republic. Metrinko also recounts his experience as a political officer at the embassy in Iran in 1979 and being one of the 52 hostages.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, History, Bilateral Relations, and Iranian Hostage Crisis
- Political Geography:
- Iran, Middle East, North America, and United States of America
16. America's Global Posturing Review
- Author:
- Bilal Y. Saab
- Publication Date:
- 12-2021
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- Bilal Saab, senior fellow and founding director of MEI's Defense & Security Program, discusses the recently completed Defense Department Global Posture Review (GPR), his thoughts on the review and process, and how it will impact the U.S. strategy in the Middle East.
- Topic:
- Security, Foreign Policy, and Defense Policy
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
17. Oil in the Age of Biden: U.S.-Middle East Energy Relationships Under a New Administration
- Author:
- Ruba Husari, Samantha Gross, Gerald Feierstein, and Jean-Francois Seznec
- Publication Date:
- 02-2021
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- One of President Biden's most ambitious campaign promises is centered around American energy policy. Biden has vowed to shift away from a traditional focus in oil toward investments in renewable energy sources. Meanwhile, the oil industry in the Middle East is already facing severe repercussions from the coronavirus pandemic. States like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon are struggling to replace oil revenue, cutting social benefits and worsening social unrest in the process. Oil has been the economic backbone on which the U.S. and nations in the Middle East have built diplomatic relationships and maintained mutual security interests. How will these crucial bonds be affected by a greener Biden presidency?
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, Energy Policy, Oil, Pandemic, and Joe Biden
- Political Geography:
- Iraq, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, and United States of America
18. Countering Terrorism since 9/11: International Perspectives
- Author:
- Edmund Fitton-Brown, Ken Dilanian, Nadwa Al-Dawsari, Jane Marriott, and Aimen Dean
- Publication Date:
- 02-2021
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 were a dramatic wake up call to the United States and the wider world as to the threats posed by violent jihad. However, more than 20 years later, the challenges remain and efforts to combat the likes of al-Qaeda and ISIS have led to even greater levels of conflict and terrorism itself. With a view to hindsight and an eye focused forwards, this panel will seek to assess the lessons learned from the war on terror since 2001 from a range of international perspectives and to present alternative approaches to dealing with the challenges that prevail today.
- Topic:
- Terrorism, History, Counter-terrorism, and 9/11
- Political Geography:
- Middle East and United States of America
19. Egypt, The US, And An Evolving Regional Landscape
- Author:
- Motaz Zahran, Joey Hood, Paul Salem, Gerald Feierstein, and Mirette F. Mabrouk
- Publication Date:
- 02-2021
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The Middle East has become a kaleidoscope of evolving relationships and developments. Following almost a decade of near chaos, Libya has just elected an interim government, paving the way for a new transition. Despite several new normalization treaties with Arab states, Israel remains deadlocked in perhaps the most urgent of its relationships with Arab states; that with Palestine. A decade of stressful and largely fruitless negotiations between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is threatening to become even more complicated by Ethiopia’s internal conflicts and the possibility of a civil war spilling over its borders, threatening a fragile transition in Sudan and possibility of stability in the Horn of Africa. Amid all these developments, relationships and alliances are being reformed and reevaluated. Where does Egypt stand on all of these issues? MEI held a private, on the record roundtable discussion with the Ambassador of Egypt to the United States Motaz Zahran and Acting Assistant Secretary of State Joey Hood. MEI President Paul Salem gave an introduction and Senior Vice President Amb Gerald Feierstein and Egypt Programme Director Mirette F Mabrouk moderated the discussion.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Government, Regional Cooperation, and Transition
- Political Geography:
- Libya, North Africa, North America, Egypt, and United States of America
20. Leveraging a Moment of Change: Pathways to a Sustainable U.S.-Pakistan Relationship
- Author:
- Syed Mohammed Ali, Gerald Feierstein, Ali Jehangir Siddiqui, and Marvin G. Weinbaum
- Publication Date:
- 03-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The relationship between Pakistan and the United States has never been easy or stable, and in recent years has come under increasing strain. Yet both countries have a vital stake in the maintenance of a working relationship. Several factors have complicated prospects for bilateral cooperation in the past, leading to a growing strategic divergence in how both countries view one another, and their interests vis-a-vis other regional players. Perhaps the biggest shortcoming in the Pakistan-US relationship has been that both sides have tried to address the issues between them without common frames of reference, resulting in differences of perceptions and policies. An expert group of academics, policy analysts, and retired government officials have recently convened at the Middle East institute to study the Pakistan-US relationship. The product of their discussions is a paper that explores a range of ideas and concrete proposals designed to move the relationship in a positive and stable direction. With support from the Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation, and hosted by the Middle East Institute, we are pleased to invite you to this presentation by a team of former government officials and analysts, and other experts involved in this effort. This event will take place over a light lunch on March 3rd from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm at the Middle East Institute.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Politics, and Bilateral Relations
- Political Geography:
- Pakistan, South Asia, North America, and United States of America
21. Understanding EU-MENA Relations: Current and Changing Dynamics
- Author:
- Przemysław Osiewicz, Alex Vatanka, and Suzanne Kianpour
- Publication Date:
- 02-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The relationship between the European Union and the Middle East is facing a critical period of change, given the changing leadership in key European Union bodies, rising tensions with regard to Iran, and increasing confrontation between the United States and Iran. The Middle East Institute is pleased to invite you to a conversation with MEI scholar Przemysław Osiewicz, who will discuss his recently released paper series on the impact of leadership changes in key EU bodies such as the EU high representative for foreign and security policy, the European Commission, and the European Council on EU-MENA relations. He will be joined by MEI Senior Fellow Alex Vatanka and moderator Suzanne Kianpour to explore divergences between the United States and the EU approaches in their policies toward Iran, internal divisions within the EU on engagement with Iran, the role of economic factors, and the future of the JCPOA.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Security, Foreign Policy, Politics, Geopolitics, and Leadership
- Political Geography:
- Iran, Middle East, United States of America, and European Union
22. After Qassem Soleimani: The Islamic Republic’s Strategy for the Arab World
- Author:
- Tarek Osman, Ariane Tabatabai, Morad Vaisibiame, and Alex Vatanka
- Publication Date:
- 08-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The January assassination of Qassem Soleimani shocked the leadership in Tehran. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had not expected the United States to escalate tensions between the two countries in such a manner. The assassination of Soleimani was an effort to change Tehran’s strategic calculations and policies for the Middle East. With continued sanctions imposed by the United States, regional tension, and the loss of a key decision maker, Iran is facing intensified challenges to achieve its goals at home and in the region. The Middle East Institute (MEI) is pleased to welcome a group of experts to assess Iranian policy towards the Arab world following the death of Soleimani and to discuss how Arab states are reacting to Iran’s actions. How has Iran’s strategy in the Arab world performed following Soleimani’s death? In what ways have proxy forces in the Middle East that operate under Tehran’s command been affected? Who is left to make key decisions about the Islamic Republic’s involvement in the Arab states, and are we faced with a weaker IRGC Quds force after Soleimani? Finally, what do Arabs think of Iranian policies aimed at them?
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Sanctions, Qassem Soleimani, Assassination, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC), and Regional Power
- Political Geography:
- Iran, Middle East, Arab Countries, and United States of America
23. Is a Plan B Needed to Save Afghanistan?
- Author:
- Marvin G. Weinbaum, Saad Mohseni, Anthony H. Cordesman, Muqaddesa Yourish, David Sedney, and Ali Jalali
- Publication Date:
- 09-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The future of Afghanistan’s constitutionally liberal democratic system is very much at issue. On its survival rests the aspiration of the greatest number of its people, the deep investment of the international community in the country’s stability and wellbeing, and ultimately the security of the region and beyond. Negotiations are beginning in what is certain to be a lengthy process that may in the name of a compromise trade away social and economic gains realized over nearly two decades. Afghanistan has additionally to cope with the disengagement of foreign forces just at a time when their leverage militarily and diplomatically could be critical. In the absence of a verifiable ceasefire, the country confronts a prospect of exploding violence and possible descent into chaos. Can Afghanistan pull itself together to not only protect its achievements but to overcome past errors? Should Afghans and their international partners think about formulating a Plan B to save the republic while striving for true reconciliation with the insurgency? The Middle East Institute is pleased to host a panel of experts to discuss these questions and more.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Political stability, Domestic Politics, and Violence
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan and United States of America
24. The Middle East in an Era of Great Power Competition
- Author:
- Stephen Walt, Bilal Y. Saab, and Barry R. Posen
- Publication Date:
- 04-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- Of all the internal obstacles and external challenges the United States is likely to face in its pursuit of its new foreign policy priority of great power competition, the Middle East might prove to be the biggest. If the region continues to command U.S. attention and resources, Washington will struggle in its efforts to effectively pivot and counter Chinese and Russian ambitions in Asia and Europe, respectively. How does or should the Middle East fit in America’s new grand strategy? Does the great power competition necessitate an entirely new U.S. approach toward the Middle East? Which U.S. approach best serves Washington’s new global plans? To answer these questions and many others, the Middle East Institute (MEI) is honored to host a conversation with Professor Barry Posen from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Professor Stephen Walt from Harvard University.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Foreign Policy, Grand Strategy, and Strategic Competition
- Political Geography:
- Russia, China, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and United States of America
25. Iran, Russia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan: Prospects and Potential Trajectories
- Author:
- Alex Vatanka, Amin Tarzi, Laila Bokhari, Madiha Afzai, and Fatemeh Aman
- Publication Date:
- 03-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- As the United States continues to engage in peace talks with the Taliban, even as Washington considers its future military presence in Afghanistan, the country’s uncertain future provides an opportunity for regional power competition. Recent developments have laid the groundwork for coordination between Iran and Russia in this space, a cooperation which has implications for Iran’s rivalry with Pakistan. At stake in this interplay of regional interests are long-term geopolitical, military and economic interests that can be shaped for years to come. How might Iran approach the divergent and common interests of Iran, Russia and Pakistan in Afghanistan? What are Iran’s priorities, and where might opportunities emerge for cooperation or conflict? How might Iran balance these competing interests, and what will be the impact on the ground in Afghanistan? The Middle East Institute (MEI) is proud to host a group of experts to address these questions and more.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, Economics, Military Strategy, Geopolitics, Negotiation, and Strategic Interests
- Political Geography:
- Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, and United States of America
26. Assessing the Implications of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act
- Author:
- Rime Allaf, James Jeffrey, Lister, and Qutaba Idlibi
- Publication Date:
- 06-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- On June 17, the long-awaited Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act came into force, imposing the most comprehensive set of sanctions against Syria’s Assad regime to date. Aimed principally at preventing further war crimes by preventing any foreign investment into the Syrian regime, the sanctions will almost certainly have a consequential impact on Syria’s politics and economy. As the act comes into force, Syria is already beset by a spiraling economic crisis, the effects of which have generated unusually defiant and persistent anti-regime protests in the Druze-majority governorate of Suwayda and rising levels of discontent within regime-held territories. Southern Syria faces an expanding insurgency, ISIS is slowly resurging in the central desert, Turkey is doubling down on a permanent presence in the northwest and for now, U.S. troops appear to be staying. How will the Caesar Act’s sanctions be enforced and with what goals in mind? What effect are they likely to have within today’s context? Does a policy of escalating pressure on the Assad regime promise diplomatic progress or humanitarian suffering?
- Topic:
- Human Rights, Sanctions, Syrian War, Legislation, and Civilians
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Syria, and United States of America
27. Navigating Diplomacy: US Policy Options in Iran
- Author:
- Douglas London, Scott Modell, Alex Vatanka, and Mohsen Sazegara
- Publication Date:
- 06-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The Trump administration’s unprecedented “maximum pressure” campaign has so far failed to result in a breakthrough in the long-running US-Iran standoff. This simple reality leaves the US with very few fresh policy options as Washington looks to navigate the various challenges it considers the Islamic Republic to pose to American interests. Among remaining untested policy options is the idea that the United States should commit to pursue a policy of regime change in Tehran. This should be led by a combination of efforts spearheaded by American intelligence services. Advocates of such a policy course favor this path as they see no realistic chance for any kind of deal with the Islamist ruling class in Tehran. How would such a US-led covert action agenda against Iran look like? What are the key components of such a policy of “regime change”? Would it really represent a risk-free transition from the militant theocracy that is the Islamic Republic to a democracy? The Middle East Institute (MEI) is delighted to host a panel of experts to address these questions
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Regime Change, and Democracy
- Political Geography:
- Iran, Middle East, and United States of America
28. Cyber War and Cyber Peace: Past and Future Cyber Clashes in the Middle East
- Author:
- Selena Larson, James Shires, and Thom Langford
- Publication Date:
- 12-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- Although the cyber domain is an emerging field of conflict, it is no longer a new frontier – many battles in cyberspace have been fought and it is imperative they be understood to begin imagining how the future of warfare online may look. As the United States, the Middle East, and policy community globally begin to consider how a Biden administration will approach conflict and cyber conflict in the region, this panel is an opportunity to study the history of cyber warfare in the Middle East as context for the policy challenges that will arise in the next four years. This panel is sponsored by SentinelOne, a cybersecurity solution encompassing AI-powered prevention, detection, response and hunting in a single autonomous platform.
- Topic:
- Science and Technology, Cybersecurity, Conflict, Non-Traditional Threats, and Cyberspace
- Political Geography:
- Middle East and United States of America
29. Conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia: Scope and Implications
- Author:
- Mamuka Tsereteli, Margarita Assenova, Alex Vatanka, and Rauf Mammadov
- Publication Date:
- 10-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The military conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has entered its fourth week. The scope of the war has not been limited to the boundaries of the combat zone, resulting in human loss and destruction of civil infrastructure. The region’s important network of energy infrastructure, including oil and gas pipelines, are not immune to this latest round of fighting. The military confrontation is taking place in proximity to the critical energy infrastructure that connects the Caspian basin with the European markets. Can the fighting cause disruption to oil and gas flows to the West? What could potential disruption mean for global markets? Can the Southern Gas Corridor be prevented from being launched by the end of this year as had been planned? What are the interests of regional stakeholders such as Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Iran and others that are either energy exporters, consumers or transit nations for Caspian hydrocarbons. And finally, what are the interests of the United States in this conflict and its impact on the energy markets?
- Topic:
- Energy Policy, Territorial Disputes, Infrastructure, Conflict, and Exports
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Iran, Eurasia, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and United States of America
30. The Palestinians and U.S. Elections: What’s at Stake?
- Author:
- Khaled Elgindy, Martin Indyk, Nour Odeh, and Shibley Telhami
- Publication Date:
- 10-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- As Americans head to the polls in November the results will have far reaching implications for Americans and the global community alike—perhaps none more so than Israelis and especially Palestinians. Insofar as Israelis and Palestinians are concerned, the differences between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden could not be more stark. While Trump has upended one sacred pillar of the peace process after another Biden has pledged to reverse the most destructive of these policies in the hope of salvaging what remains of a two-state solution and to restore U.S.-Palestinian relations, now at an all-time low. Even as the Trump administration has worked to preempt virtually all issues of concern to the Palestinians—from Jerusalem and refugees to the prospect of self-determination—Palestinians are themselves beset by a host of internal and external challenges. Internal political division, institutional paralysis, and a chronic economic crisis, have brought the Palestinian Authority (PA) to the verge of collapse and sapped its legitimacy. Meanwhile, the recent normalization deals between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain, and the possibility further normalizations, have underscored the marginalization of the Palestinian cause, both in the region and in the global policy discussion. What is—or should be—the Palestinian national strategy in light of these unprecedented challenges? Can the PA survive another Trump term? Would an ostensible return to the status quo ante by a Biden administration be enough to save the two-state solution?
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, Territorial Disputes, Elections, and Peace
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Israel, Palestine, and United States of America
31. US and Iranian Strategies for a Biden Administration
- Author:
- Alex Vatanka, Hannah Kaviani, Behnam Ben Talebiu, and Jon B. Alterman
- Publication Date:
- 11-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The looming arrival of the Joe Biden administration in January 2021 provides the leadership in Tehran with an opportunity to seek a qualitatively different relationship with the United States. President-elect Biden has already expressed a desire to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, which the Trump administration abandoned in 2018. While Tehran awaits to see what, if any, conditions the Biden team has for the resumption of the diplomatic track and removal of US-led sanctions, a policy fight is already under way inside the Iranian state about the future of US-Iran relations. The American question in Tehran is not just a foreign policy file but ultimately linked to the question of whether the Islamic Republic opts to continue a revolutionary and militant foreign policy or settles for a path of de-escalation with Washington and other rivals. How much of this policy competition in Tehran will shape Washington’s next steps vis-à-vis Iran? To discuss these matters and other key challenges in the path of US-Iran relations in the coming Biden administration, we are delighted to host a panel of experts.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Geopolitics, and Joe Biden
- Political Geography:
- Iran, Middle East, and United States of America
32. MEI Webinar Series Pt 1: The Future of Palestinian Politics under a Biden Administration
- Author:
- Khaled Elgindy, Sam Bahour, Tareq Baconi, Mustafa Barghouti, and Noura Erakat
- Publication Date:
- 11-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- Part 1 – Reviving Palestinian Political Life Former Vice President Joe Biden’s election victory over President Donald Trump is likely to produce a major reset in American-Palestinian relations as well as in Washington’s role in Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. No U.S. president had done more to isolate Palestinians and delegitimize Palestinian national aspirations than Trump. Meanwhile, Biden has pledged to reverse the most destructive aspects of Trump’s policies and restore U.S.-Palestinian relations in the hope of salvaging what remains of a two-state solution. Yet even as the Palestinians breathe a collective sigh of relief at Trump’s departure, the Palestinians’ internal house remains in a state of disarray and decline. The Palestinian national movement, now at one of the lowest points in its history, continues to be racked by political division, institutional stagnation, and a lack of strategic clarity.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, Politics, Negotiation, Peace, and Joe Biden
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Israel, Palestine, and United States of America
33. Rethinking U.S. Counterterrorism Strategy
- Author:
- Douglas London, Chris Costa, Charles Lister, and Karen Greenberg
- Publication Date:
- 07-2020
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- After nearly two decades of the so-called War on Terror, the threats and challenges posed by terrorism to the United States and its allies have proliferated in number, grown in sophistication, and expanded geographically. While our terrorist enemies have proven resilient and adaptable, our strategy and tactics have remained largely unchanged. Although the U.S. mainland may be better protected from a 9/11-style attack, our interests overseas and the stability of regions like Africa and the Middle East have never been more challenged. As terrorism continues to evolve and the threats we face diversify, the time has come for a serious re-examination of American counterterrorism policy and the determination of more effective approaches to counter the threats of tomorrow. What lessons can we learn from the past two decades of countering terrorism? In what ways have our enemies adapted? How might we adapt to more effectively counter terrorism? Given domestic political constraints, what approaches are likely to be most realistic and effective?
- Topic:
- Military Affairs, Violent Extremism, Counter-terrorism, and War on Terror
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, North America, and United States of America
34. U.S. Policy Priorities for Afghanistan: A Conversation with U.S. Representative Mike Waltz
- Author:
- Michael Waltz and Marvin G. Weinbaum
- Publication Date:
- 10-2019
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Middle East Institute (MEI)
- Abstract:
- The Middle East Institute (MEI) hosted U.S. Representative (FL) Michael Waltz to address U.S. policy priorities for Afghanistan. In conversation with Dr. Marvin Weinbaum, director of Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies at MEI, Rep. Waltz will discuss the many complicated challenges facing Afghanistan, key regional challenges to consider, and policy prescriptions given the fallout of the deal with the Taliban.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Taliban, Conflict, and Negotiation
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan, North America, and United States of America