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Middle East Focus
- 583 - Old Rivals, New Alignments in North Africa
Algeria and Morocco have long been at odds, but recent diplomatic moves may signal a widening geopolitical split in North Africa. Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Intissar Fakir to unpack Algeria's decision to sever diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates and Morocco's warming relations with both the UAE and Israel. They also explore linkages between these diplomatic shifts and the Western Sahara conflict, Moroccan domestic concerns, particularly in light of this week's elections, as well as broader regional stability. Read Intissar's latest article on the Moroccan electionshere. Recorded on September 23, 2026.
Thu, 24 Sep 2026 - 33min - 582 - How Far Can the Houthis Go?
Over the past several weeks, the Houthis have seized the port city of Mokha, Yemen's western coastline, and several islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and they are now massing around Marib and Taiz in the first major frontline shift since 2022. MEI Associate Fellow Nadwa Al-Dawsari joins host Matthew Czekaj to unpack the latest developments. Together, they discuss what has allowed the Houthis to advance against Yemeni government forces, the role the militant group plays in Iran's regional strategy, and what it will take to contain the threat. Recorded on September 15, 2026.
Thu, 17 Sep 2026 - 30min - 581 - Syria: What You Missed
Though it has fallen out of the headlines because of the Iran war, Syria has had a dramatically consequential summer. Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Charles Lister to take stock of recent developments: the dissolution of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Israeli strikes and the friction with Turkey they have exposed, the standoff in Sweida, as well as Damascus's bid to turn Syria into a trade corridor between the Mediterranean and the Gulf. Is the transition consolidating or fragmenting nearly two years after the fall of the Assad regime? Recorded on September 9, 2026.
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 - 45min - 580 - Regional Escalation and the Fight Over Hormuz
As the US-Israel-Iran war enters its sixth month, the conflict has taken a sharp turn. After a brief lull in the fighting, Iran launched a surprise ballistic missile attack on US forces on July 28, and the US and Saudi Arabia struck back at Iran-backed militias in Iraq, marking Riyadh's entry into the war. MEI Senior Fellow Alex Vatanka joins host Alistair Taylor to discuss the escalation, what may come next, and the state of talks over sharing the Strait of Hormuz. Recorded on July 29, 2026.
Thu, 30 Jul 2026 - 39min - 579 - Food Security in a Hotter, Drier North Africa
This summer, brutally hot temperatures, deepening water scarcity, and spiking fertilizer costs have put North Africa's agricultural sector under intense pressure. Host Alistair Taylor is joined by Mohammed Mahmoud, CEO and founder of the Climate and Water Initiative and lead for Middle East Climate and Water Policy at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, to unpack the region's food and water security challenges. Drawing on Mahmoud's new report card on agricultural sustainability in North Africa, they explore the diverging picture across the region, why some countries have weathered the strain better than others, and what it will take to build a more resilient and secure food system. Recorded on July 16, 2026. Read Mohammed's report card assessing the sustainability of agriculture across North Africahere.
Thu, 23 Jul 2026 - 32min - 578 - Inside the Ankara NATO Summit
At the recent NATO summit in Ankara, renewed US-Iran strikes and Turkey's push to rejoin the F-35 stealth fighter program overshadowed the Alliance's message of unity and a strong European pillar. MEI Senior Fellow Iulia Joja joins host Alistair Taylor to unpack the summit — what it achieved, what got left off the agenda, and why the roads out of Ankara run through the Middle East.
Recorded on July 14, 2026.
Thu, 16 Jul 2026 - 39min - 577 - Trump, Syria, and the Hizballah Question
US President Donald Trump recently proposed that Syria intervene militarily against Hizballah in Lebanon. Is that a good idea? This episode of Middle East Focusfeatures a recent MEI Virtual Briefing. Director of Communications Zeina Al-Shaib is joined by Ambassador David Hale, MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow and Charles Lister, MEI Senior Fellow. Together they examine the prospects and implications of renewed Syrian involvement in Lebanon, the potential impact on US relations with both countries, and how evolving dynamics in Lebanon and Syria could reshape the regional balance of power and affect countries such as Turkey and Israel. Watch the Virtual Briefing Serieshere. Recorded on July 8, 2026.
Thu, 09 Jul 2026 - 58min - 576 - Do the Gulf States Need a New Playbook?
After the US-Israel-Iran war — and the strikes that followed the cease-fire — the Gulf states find themselves dangerously exposed. Host Alistair Taylor is joined by MEI Associate Fellow Gregory Gause to discuss the war's impact on the Gulf, their partnership with the United States, and whether the turmoil of recent months will push Gulf leaders to reassess their alliances and international engagement. Recorded on July 1, 2026.
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 - 35min - 575 - The US and Iran Signed a Deal — Now What?
After nearly four months of war, the US and Iran have signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding declaring the conflict over, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and beginning talks toward a final deal. Alan Eyre, MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow and a core member of the 2015 JCPOA negotiating team, joins host Alistair Taylor to unpack the deal's implications for both countries, its ripple effects across the region, and what a lasting settlement would take. Recorded on June 23, 2026.
Thu, 25 Jun 2026 - 36min - 574 - The Human Cost of the Strait of Hormuz Closure
When the Strait of Hormuz closed in March, fertilizer prices spiked within weeks, triggering a food security crisis across North Africa and the Sahel. Host Alistair Taylor is joined by MEI Senior Fellow Intissar Fakir to explore what it means for the region, unpack the link between food security and regional stability, and assess how the strait's reopening could impact those affected. Recorded on June 17, 2026. Find more information on MEI's research initiative on food security, governance and regional stabilityhere.
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 33min - 573 - Attacked by All Sides: Iraq's New Government Faces Old Problems
After months of deadlock following the November 2025 elections, Iraq's parliament approved a new government under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on May 14, 2026 — just as the country has become a battleground in the US-Israel-Iran war. Zaidi inherits a daunting brief: reviving a struggling economy, reining in armed factions, and steering Iraq through a perilous regional landscape. Dr. Renad Mansour, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme and director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House, joins host Alistair Taylor to discuss the war's impact on Iraq — from Iran's militia networks to the surge of attacks on the Kurdistan region — and how it's reshaping Baghdad's ties with Tehran and Washington. Recorded on June 9, 2026.
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 - 35min - 572 - Can the Latest US Plan Bridge Libya's Divide?
After over a decade of division between rival factions in eastern and western Libya, the Trump administration has put forward a plan to unite the two sides through a power-sharing agreement. Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow Jonathan M. Winer to unpack the details of this proposal and its potential consequences for the Libyan people. Winer, who served as United States Special Envoy for Libya, offers analysis of the plan's viability, the response of various actors on the ground, and whether it can stabilize the country and help resolve its deep-seated challenges. Recorded on June 3, 2026.
Thu, 04 Jun 2026 - 37min - 571 - MP Fouad Makhzoumi on Lebanon's Future
A fragile cease-fire between Lebanon and Israel is barely holding as military delegations from both countries arrive in Washington for a new round of direct talks scheduled for this Friday. But diplomatic success could mean new strategic opportunities for the Lebanese nation. Guest host and MEI Senior Fellow Brian Katulis is joined by Lebanese Member of Parliament Fouad Makhzoumi to unpack the challenges facing the Lebanese government today, Hizballah's influence over state institutions, and what all of this means for the country's future. Makhzoumi also reflects on his personal journey and what inspired him to transition from business to politics in an effort to help shape a better life for his granddaughters in Lebanon. Recorded on May 26, 2026.
Thu, 28 May 2026 - 56min - 570 - When Will Energy Markets Recover From the Iran War?
Two and a half months into the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, what lessons can markets draw from the resulting global energy shock? Colby Connelly, MEI Senior Fellow, joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to assess the crisis's impact on the energy industry. Together, they examine how producers are responding to the conflict in both the short and long term, how this moment differs from past energy disruptions, and how regional reverberations may shape international energy policies going forward. Find Colby's latest Energy Recap Report here. Recorded on May 18, 2026.
Thu, 21 May 2026 - 33min - 569 - Middle Eastern Rivalry in the Horn of Africa
How is competition for influence in the Horn of Africa among Middle Eastern powers — especially the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel — reshaping the political landscape? Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellows Mirette Mabrouk and Gönül Tol to unpack the dynamics driving this rivalry and its implications for conflicts and alliances across the region. In the first half of the episode, Mabrouk explores the impact of Israel's December 2025 recognition of Somaliland, the emergence of two competing regional blocs, and what these developments mean for Egypt's security and strategic interests. In the second half, Tol shares key takeaways on middle power competition in the Horn of Africa from a recent trip to Kenya, reflects on local views of this phenomenon, and examines Turkey's strategy as it seeks to expand its influence in Somalia and beyond. Recorded on May 13, 2026.
Thu, 14 May 2026 - 46min - 568 - How to Wrest Lebanon From Iran's Grip
Despite efforts to extend the cease-fire in Lebanon and disarm Iranian proxy Hizballah, fighting continues between the militant group and Israeli forces. Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Fadi Nicholas Nassar to examine what the renewed fighting means for attempts to counter Iranian influence in Lebanon and what could lie ahead. They discuss the prospects for a lasting agreement, Iran's broader proxy strategy, and how Washington can help strengthen the sovereignty of the Lebanese state. To read Nassar's latest commentary piece inThe National Interest, pleaseclick here. Recorded on May 5, 2026.
Thu, 07 May 2026 - 41min - 567 - Violence, Settlements, and Creeping Annexation in the West Bank
As international attention remains fixed on the fallout from the Iran war, conditions in the West Bank continue to deteriorate. Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj speak with MEI Senior Fellow Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen about the sharp rise in settler violence, expanding settlement activity, and growing Palestinian displacement across the territory. They examine how recent Israeli legal and administrative measures are reshaping realities on the ground, the implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations, and what the United States should do to play a constructive mediator role. Recorded on April 28, 2026.
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 - 38min - 566 - A New-Old Regime in Tehran
Nearly two months into the Iran war, US President Donald Trump has announced an indefinite extension of the cease-fire between Washington and Tehran, even as control of the Strait of Hormuz remains contested. Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Alex Vatanka to explore where the conflict may be headed and unpack the factors at play. They discuss how Iran's internal power structures have shifted since February 28, the prospects for a deal between Washington and Tehran, and what form a resumption of hostilities could take. Find Alex's analysis of the war's impact on the Iranian regimehere. Recorded on April 22, 2026.
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 - 31min - 565 - Bonus Episode: Stalled Talks and Next Steps for the US and Iran
This bonus episode of Middle East Focusfeatures a recent MEI Virtual Briefing. Director of Communications Zeina Al-Shaib is joined by MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellows Alan Eyre and Daniel Benaim to discuss the historic talks held in Pakistan last weekend between the United States and Iran. Tehran insists the US failed to gain its trust, while the US made its red lines clear and declared it would blockade Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf. What happens next? Eyre and Benaim offer insights into what goes on behind the scenes at such negotiations; identify the core issues at play; explore potential incentives to end the war; analyze the weaponization of energy; as well as assess the role of other regional players in this conflict. Watch the Virtual Briefing Serieshere. Recorded on April 15, 2026.
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 - 1h 02min - 564 - How the War May Reshape Iran's Political Future
As the international community focuses on the regional and economic reverberations of the US-Israel-Iran war, the wartime experiences of ordinary Iranians and their aspirations for the future have received much less attention. Arash Azizi, a postdoctoral associate at Yale University and contributing writer at The Atlantic, joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to discuss the war's repercussions for the Iranian population and how the outcome of the conflict may shape the peoples' lives going forward. Together, they explore Iran's internal politics, the viability of the opposition, and the conditions needed to achieve democracy in Iran. Read Arash's analysis of the fractured the Iranian oppositionhere, and his argument for why talks with Washington could ultimately benefit the Iranian peoplehere. Recorded on April 15, 2026.
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 - 43min - 563 - Iraq in Between Iran and the United States
Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow Amb. (ret.) Robert S. Ford to examine what is at stake for Iraq in the Iran war. The only country to have been hit by both sides, Iraq is caught in the middle of a regional conflict, with the local Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) carrying out attacks on American interests and personnel — and the US responding. This escalation comes at a period of internal political transition in Iraq, which has been locked in negotiations to form a new government since the November 2025 elections. Ford, who served as Deputy and later Acting Ambassador in Baghdad from 2008 until 2010, unpacks how Iraq is navigating the current moment, how the Kurdistan region fits into this equation, and what this all means for the future of US-Iraqi relations. This episode was recorded on the afternoon of April 7, 2026, before the US announced it had reached a temporary cease-fire with Iran.
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 - 44min - 562 - Special Episode: Europe and the Iran War
This special episode of Middle East Focus features a conversation from MEI's Virtual Briefing Series. Host Alistair Taylor is joined by former National Security Council Senior Director Stephen Flanagan and MEI Senior Fellow Iulia-Sabina Joja to discuss the impacts of the Iran war on US-European relations. The conflict has hit Europe's economy hard and created deep divisions across the continent, even as some European countries play a quiet supporting role to the US. President Donald Trump has called for NATO member states to help secure shipping through the Iranian-blocked Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for international maritime trade. Flanagan and Joja explore the prospects for stepped-up European military involvement, the knock-on effects on the war in Ukraine, and the potential longer-term impact on the future of the US-European alliance. Watch the Virtual Briefing Serieshere. Recorded on March 31, 2026.
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 - 58min - 561 - As Iran Weakens, Can Hamas Survive?
MEI Senior Fellow Jaser AbuMousa joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to unpack how Hamas is navigating the US-Israel conflict with Iran and its impact on Gaza. Two and a half years after the start of the Gaza war, international attention has shifted away from the humanitarian crisis in the devastated coastal strip. Meanwhile, Hamas' primary state sponsor, Iran, has been severely weakened by US-Israeli military strikes and the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. AbuMousa examines how this could affect Hamas' trajectory moving forward and its place within the Axis of Resistance, as well as what it all means for the Palestinian people. Read Jaser's argument for why now is the time to focus on Gaza here, and his analysis of the power struggle within Hamas following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei here. Recorded on March 24, 2026.
Thu, 26 Mar 2026 - 37min - 560 - Why the Houthis are Holding Back — For Now
Despite claiming they are poised to attack, the Yemeni Houthis have yet to join Iran and its other proxies in their fight against the United States and Israel. Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj speak to MEI Associate Fellow Nadwa Al-Dawsari to unpack why the Houthis continue to stay on the sidelines of the Iran war and what might prompt them to join the fray. They also discuss the Houthis' evolving role within the Axis of Resistance, what the Yemeni group has learned from its earlier rounds of direct conflict with Israel and the US, as well as whether its actions could precipitate a renewed flareup in Yemen's civil war. Find Nadwa's analysis of why the Houthis have stayed out of the Iran warhere. Recorded on March 17, 2026.
Thu, 19 Mar 2026 - 39min - 559 - Can Turkey Stay Out of the Iran War?
Nearly two weeks into the US and Israel's war with Iran, MEI Senior Fellow Gönül Tol joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to explore the impact of the widening regional conflict on Turkey. On March 9, Ankara announced that NATO air defenses shot down a second Iranian ballistic missile that had entered Turkish airspace since the start of the war and stated it would take all necessary defensive measures. Turkey is now caught in the middle of an escalating conflict that could pose risks to the country's security, economy, and foreign policy. Tol, Taylor, and Czekaj discuss what a prolonged regional conflict could mean for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, his regional political objectives, and Turkey's relationship with key Middle Eastern neighbors. Find Gönül's latest article on Turkey's position amid the Iran war here, and her explainer on what the war means for Turkey here. Recorded on March 11, 2026.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026 - 47min - 558 - Lebanon on the Brink: Hizballah, Iran, and the War's Spillover
Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Fadi Nicholas Nassar to discuss Hizballah's role in the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the implications for Lebanon. A day after the United States and Israel launched a joint military campaign against Iran, Tehran's Lebanese proxy fired missiles at northern Israeli territory. Israel responded swiftly and forcefully, and Lebanon's government and population now fear the Iranian-backed militia is dragging the country back into war. The conversation explores the broader repercussions of Hizballah's actions against the backdrop of a widening war in Iran and Lebanon's quickly evolving political climate. Nassar also outlines recommendations for how Lebanon can move forward as a sovereign and effective state. Find Nick's recent article assessing the Lebanese authorities'actions to disarm Hizballah here. Recorded on March 4, 2026.
Thu, 05 Mar 2026 - 43min - 557 - Is the Regime Doomed? Iran on the Eve of War
Against the backdrop of one of the largest US military deployments to the Middle East since 2003, MEI Senior Fellow Alex Vatanka joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to assess the situation inside Iran on the eve of potential war. Weeks after the Islamic Republic's brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters and as negotiations with the US fail to find common ground, Donald Trump is reportedly weighing options for military action against Iran. Vatanka breaks down the regime's strategic calculus, the current dynamics of Iran's opposition movement, and the likely domestic political consequences of a military strike. For more information, see Alex's co-authored article with Sanam Vakil on Iran's divided opposition here and his analysis of the regime's strategic calculus here. Recorded on February 24, 2026.
Thu, 26 Feb 2026 - 40min - 556 - Bibi's Hail Mary on Iran
Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Natan Sachs to discuss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's February 11 visit to the White House, Israel's anxieties surrounding the ongoing US-Iran talks, and the domestic political dynamics Netanyahu is operating under. Taylor, Czekaj, and Sachs unpack what Netanyahu hoped to achieve during the visit, particularly regarding Iran, and what his relationship with President Donald Trump can tell us about the relative coordination and policy alignment between the US and Israel. They also examine Netanyahu's political standing at home, two and half years since the October 7 attacks, as the 2026 election campaign begins in Israel. Finally, Sachs assesses what lies ahead for Israeli politics. Recorded on February 17, 2026.
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 - 42min - 555 - From the Middle East to West Asia: Redefining America's Global Strategy
MEI Senior Fellow Mohammed Soliman joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to discuss his new book, West Asia: A New American Grand Strategy in the Middle East. The book argues that it is time for the United States to move decisively away from nation-building and focus instead on order-building, outlining a framework for a new regional order that links Europe to the Indo-Pacific. Soliman also shares how he conceived of the core ideas behind his book and explains why his thesis is especially relevant in today's geopolitical, economic, and technological landscape. Purchase your copy of West Asia here. Recorded on February 11, 2026.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 - 40min - 554 - America's New Defense Strategy — and What It Means for Iran
Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Distinguished Military Fellow Mick Mulroy to discuss the Trump administration's new National Defense Strategy (NDS) and its implications for the Middle East. While serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Middle East from 2017 to 2019, Mulroy helped prepare the 2018 NDS, giving him an insider perspective on US defense planning. Together, Taylor, Czekaj, and Mulroy unpack what the new strategy means for US priorities globally and for the Middle East in particular, including how it could be reflected in a potentially looming military strike on Iran.
Recorded on February 4, 2026.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 - 45min - 553 - Ambiguous Uncertainties: Phase Two of Trump's Plan for Gaza
MEI Senior Fellow Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to discuss the latest developments in Gaza. Nearly four months after the Israeli government and Hamas agreed to President Donald Trump's 20-point plan, Washington has announced that phase two of the process is now underway. Kurtzer-Ellenbogen, Taylor, and Czekaj examine the humanitarian situation in the devastated coastal strip, assess what phase two could entail, break down how international actors are responding, and explore what would need to happen to realize the plan's aspirations. Recorded on January 27, 2026.
Thu, 29 Jan 2026 - 43min - 552 - Bonus Episode: Can Yemen Hold Together?
This bonus episode of Middle East Focus features an excerpt from a recent MEI Virtual Briefing recorded on January 20. Director of Communications Zeina Al-Shaib is joined by MEI Affiliate Fatima Abo Alasrar and Associate Fellow F. Gregory Gause III to discuss the dramatically changing dynamics in Yemen's civil war. Last month, Yemen emerged as a focal point of rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Southern Transitional Council, a UAE-backed southern separatist movement, has disbanded in recent weeks, following fierce clashes with Saudi-backed forces. In the conversation, Alasrar and Gause analyze the political, security, and socio-economic shifts affecting Yemen's internal dynamics and what all this means for regional stability. Watch the Virtual Briefing Series here.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 - 53min - 551 - Emergency Podcast: Damascus and the Syrian Kurds Come to Blows
MEI Senior Fellow Charles Lister joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to unpack the latest developments in Syria, as a tenuous cease-fire takes hold after several days of intense fighting between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Their discussion explores the drivers of the conflict, the prospects for a lasting deal that would integrate the SDF into the Syrian military, as well as the role and perspective of key external actors, including the US, Turkey, and Israel. For more background on the Damascus-SDF conflict, please see Charles's recent article on the fighting in Aleppo in mid-January here. Recorded on January 20, 2026.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 - 33min - 550 - Venezuela's Shadow Over MENA: Perceptions and Precedents
MEI Vice President for Policy Ken Pollack joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to explore what the precedent set by the Trump administration's military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro could mean for US policy in the Middle East — particularly in light of ongoing anti-regime protests in Iran. The conversation unpacks the reverberations of Operation Absolute Resolve, Washington's options for and potential consequences of responding to the Iranian regime's brutal crackdown, regional perceptions of recent US actions and stated objectives, and broader questions around the direction of the Trump administration's evolving grand strategy. Recorded on January 14, 2026.
Thu, 15 Jan 2026 - 1h 08min - 549 - Bonus Episode: Tehran's Brewing Troubles
This bonus episode of Middle East Focus features a conversation from MEI's Virtual Briefing Series. Director of Communications Zeina Al-Shaib is joined by Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow Alan Eyre and Senior Fellow Alex Vatanka to discuss the ongoing protests in Iran. The street demonstrations, sparked by the country's economic nosedive and at times turning violent, are the largest in three years. As regime arrests and killings of protesters have intensified, US President Donald Trump has threatened to intervene, his remarks potentially taking on a more vivid significance in light of the American military extraction over the weekend of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro, an ally of Tehran. Eyre and Vatanka discuss what these latest developments mean for an Iranian regime already under intense internal and international pressure; the political impact of President Trump's threats; the limits of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's power to de-escalate the situation at home; and how the instability inside Iran may affect the wider region. Watch the Virtual Briefing Series here. Find Alex Vatanka's analysis of the latest wave of protests in Iran here. Recorded on January 7, 2026.
Thu, 08 Jan 2026 - 1h 01min - 548 - What 2025 Has Wrought... and What 2026 May Bring
In the final episode of 2025, MEI Senior Fellow Paul Salem joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to unpack the major developments that shaped the Middle East over the past year and to look ahead to 2026. Salem reviews the key events that redefined the regional order, including President Donald Trump's return to office, the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, and the ongoing negotiations over Gaza. He assesses how the region has changed over the past year and what those shifts could mean moving forward. Read MEI scholars' reflections on the past year and what to expect in 2026 here. Recorded on December 16, 2025.
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 - 44min - 547 - What does Trump's new National Security Strategy mean for the Middle East?
In this episode, MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow Ambassador David Hale joins host Alistair Taylor to unpack the Trump administration's new National Security Strategy (NSS). Released on December 4, the document outlines the administration's foreign policy vision, priorities, and approach to global challenges. Ambassador Hale analyzes the new NSS and how it compares to previous US strategy documents. The conversation focuses on what the NSS means for the future of US policy in the Middle East, and how it is likely to be received by regional actors. Recorded on December 9, 2025.
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 - 40min - 546 - Soft Power in Hard Times: Pope Leo XIV's Visit to Lebanon
MEI Senior Fellow Fadi Nicholas Nassar joins host Matthew Czekaj to share expert insights and personal reflections on Pope Leo XIV's trip to Lebanon from November 30 to December 2. Nassar unpacks the significance of the visit, part of the pontiff's first overseas tour since assuming office, and its potential impact on Lebanon's untenable status quo. The conversation explores key questions, including the ability of spiritual and moral authority to compensate for the shortcomings of political leadership as well as whether Lebanon's government will be able to capitalize on the momentum generated by this visit as the possible return of conflict looms on the horizon. Find Fadi Nicholas Nassar's recent book on the challenges and responsibilities of conflict resolution here. Recorded on December 3, 2025.
Thu, 04 Dec 2025 - 39min - 545 - MBS's Visit and the Future of US-Saudi Relations
In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj sit down with MEI Visiting Scholar F. Gregory Gause, III, to analyze the policy implications of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud's (MBS) first visit to the US in seven years. What do US and Saudi officials hope to achieve from MBS's historic trip? Gause breaks down how the kingdom has changed under MBS's leadership and the prospects for a bilateral defense agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia. Gause also examines the evolving US-Saudi relationship and how the turbulent regional landscape is affecting Riyadh's foreign policy calculations. Recorded on November 18, 2025.
Thu, 20 Nov 2025 - 37min - 544 - From War to Reconstruction: Syria's Next Chapter
In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Charles Lister to unpack the historic November 10 meeting between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Oval Office as well as assess post-Assad Syria's evolution over the past year. Lister, who recently returned from Damascus, offers on-the-ground insights into the country's transition, the challenges of post-war recovery, and the prospects for lifting US sanctions under the Caesar Act. The conversation explores how the new Syrian government is balancing engagement with the United States and regional partners, its decision to join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, and what these developments could mean for Syria's long-term stability and reintegration into the Middle East. Recorded on November 12, 2025. Read Charles Lister's recent reflection on how the US can best help Syria recover and rebuild, co-authored with General Joseph Votel, here.
Thu, 13 Nov 2025 - 37min - 543 - Erdogan Forever?
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.
Thu, 06 Nov 2025 - 49min - 542 - Can Morocco Placate Its Frustrated Youth?
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.
Thu, 30 Oct 2025 - 30min - 541 - Trump 2.0 and the Middle East: Taking Stock of the First Nine Months
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
Thu, 23 Oct 2025 - 41min - 540 - The Gaza Cease-Fire and a Region Reshaped by War
Two years after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks and Israel's devastating war in Gaza, the two sides have agreed to a new cease-fire. But can it last, and what kind of Middle East has emerged from the turmoil in the interim? In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj speak with MEI Senior Fellow Paul Salem about how the conflict has reshaped the region's geopolitical landscape, from Iran's weakened deterrence and shifting attitudes toward Israel as a prospecitve security partner to the renewed centrality of American power and influence for regional countries. The conversation also explores President Trump's Gaza peace plan and the uncertain path toward reconstruction, regional integration, and enduring stability in the aftermath of the war. Recorded on October 14, 2025. Read Paul Salem's recent article inAl Majalla: Two years after October 7: a region between disorder and transition
Thu, 16 Oct 2025 - 42min - 539 - After Two Years of War in Gaza, Can Trump's Plan Deliver Peace?
Two years after Hamas' October 7 attack and Israel's punishing response, both sides say they accept in principle President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to halt the war and chart a path toward enduring peace. MEI Senior Fellow Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to unpack what's in the plan, how compatible it is with earlier Arab and European proposals, and whether its vague "credible pathway" to Palestinian statehood can withstand politics in Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Washington. They also explore the sticking points—Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and Palestinian Authority reform—as well as what success would actually look like on the ground.
This episode was recorded on October 7, 2025. On October 9, Israel and Hamas reportedly agreed to the first phase of the peace plan.
Thu, 09 Oct 2025 - 38min - 538 - Water and Power: Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia at Odds Over Africa's Largest Dam
In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Mirette F. Mabrouk to unpack the growing tensions over the recently inaugurated Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile. With no water-sharing agreement with Ethiopia in place after decades of negotiations, what options remain for downstream Egypt and Sudan? The discussion explores the political, economic, and security stakes of the dispute, prospects for averting open conflict, and what the issue reveals about the shifting balance of power in the Horn of Africa.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Thu, 02 Oct 2025 - 40min - 339 - A Middle East NATO? Regional Security Options After Doha
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.
Thu, 25 Sep 2025 - 43min - 338 - Crossing Red Lines: Israel's Doha Strike and What Comes Next
Israel's strike on Hamas officials in Qatar frustrated Washington, outraged Arab partners, and underscored Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's choice to prioritize destroying Hamas over carrying on hostage talks. MEI Senior Fellow Natan Sachs joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to unpack the fallout. They discuss the immediate consequences of the strike, its impact on future negotiations with Hamas, and political repercussions at home. Additionally, they get into the Israeli government's broader calculations, the ramifications for its regional and international partnerships, and Netanyahu's warning that Israel may face a new era of isolation.
This episode was recorded on September 16, 2025.
Thu, 18 Sep 2025 - 46min - 337 - Under Pressure: Will Snapback Sanctions Bring Iran Back to the Table?
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.
Thu, 11 Sep 2025 - 32min - 336 - The Middle East's Water and Climate Crisis: Lessons from Iran, Iraq, and the Gulf
In this episode of Middle East Focus, host Alistair Taylor is joined by climate, energy, and sustainability expert Karim Elgendy to examine the growing water and climate crisis across the Middle East. They explore how climate change, mismanagement, and regional politics are straining already scarce resources — from Iran's looming water shortages to Iraq's power grid collapse and the Gulf's dependence on desalination. The conversation also looks at prospects for regional cooperation, the role of technology, and the difficult balance between development and environmental sustainability. This episode was recorded on Tuesday, August 12th.
Thu, 14 Aug 2025 - 32min - 335 - Lebanon and the UNIFIL Mandate: Disarming Hizballah and Reclaiming Sovereignty
With its new government at the half-year mark and the UNIFIL international peacekeeping force's mandate due for reauthorization at month's end, Lebanon stands at a pivotal moment. In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Fadi Nicolas Nassar to evaluate whether the Lebanese state can reclaim its sovereignty, starting with the disarmament of Hizballah and the enforcement of a cease-fire. Nassar examines UNIFIL's evolving mandate for action, the force's operational limits and posture, and the Lebanese prime minister's Aug. 5 demand for a plan to disarm all non-state militias by the end of the year. Recorded August 5th, 2025
Thu, 07 Aug 2025 - 31min - 334 - Egypt and Gaza: Conflict, Crisis, and the Path to a Ceasefire
With the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza in the global spotlight, Egypt faces mounting pressure both at home and abroad. In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj speak with MEI Senior Fellow Mirette Mabrouk about how Cairo is handling the crisis in the neighboring coastal strip. What are the Egyptian government's main concerns as conditions there continue to deteriorate? How is Egypt responding to domestic outrage and changing international dynamics? And what role is it playing in the Israel-Hamas cease-fire talks and planning for the day after? The discussion explores the geopolitical and political stakes for Cairo, the challenges of aid delivery, and the prospects for a lasting resolution.
Recorded July 28, 2025.
Thu, 31 Jul 2025 - 36min - 333 - The Regional and Domestic Elements of Erdoğan's Grand Strategy
In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Gönül Tol to discuss how shifting regional dynamics — from the Israel-Iran war to renewed violence in southern Syria — are reshaping Turkey's foreign policy and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's domestic agenda. They unpack Ankara's ties with the US under the Trump administration, its strained relations with Israel, the implications of Turkey's peace process with the PKK, and Erdoğan's bid to maintain his hold on power. The conversation also explores how Turkey is positioning itself as Western engagement grows more uncertain and what this means for the future of democracy in the country.
Listen to Gönül's podcast Rethinking Democracy, where she explores threats to democracy at home and abroad — and how to counter them — at the link below:
https://www.mei.edu/podcast/rethinking-democracy
Thu, 24 Jul 2025 - 41min - 332 - Bonus Episode: Understanding the Violence in Southern Syria
Welcome to a special Bonus Episode of Middle East Focus. We're pleased to bring you access to a recent MEI Virtual Briefing recorded on July 23, 2025, on the recent violence in southern Syria. Sectarian clashes in the province of Sweida left hundreds dead and exposed deep-rooted tensions, governance gaps, and the fragility of Syria's post-Assad transition. MEI Senior Fellow Charles Lister and Associate Fellow Gregory Waters join MEI's Zeina Al-Shaib to unpack the sequence of events that ignited the conflict, the Syrian government's controversial response, Israel's intervention, and the broader implications for Syria's future.
Wed, 23 Jul 2025 - 1h 03min - 331 - The Gulf's Geo-Economic Balancing Act
Amid sustained regional conflict and global uncertainty, the Arab Gulf states are navigating a shifting economic and strategic landscape with surprising resilience. MEI Senior Fellow Karen Young joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to break down the latest economic data and geopolitical developments affecting the Gulf economies — from the ripple effects of the Israel-Iran war and Houthi maritime threats to energy diversification and global investment strategies. Young unpacks the challenges and opportunities shaping the Gulf's economic resilience and explains what it all means for regional stability and growth.
Recorded July 15th, 2025
Thu, 17 Jul 2025 - 49min - 330 - Deals, Diplomacy, and Day-After Plans: The Trump Administration's Middle East Strategy
As the Trump administration marks six months in office, it is pursuing a flurry of diplomatic initiatives across the Middle East — some publicly coordinated, others shaped behind closed doors. MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow Mara Rudman joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to assess the administration's broader regional strategy and its handling of key issues including Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations, the future of Gaza, US-Iran nuclear diplomacy, Israeli-Arab normalization, Lebanon's political stalemate, and prospects for Israeli-Syrian talks. Rudman, a veteran of the Clinton and Obama administrations, offers a candid assessment of Trump's transactional style, the role of regional partners, and the risks and opportunities of a diplomacy rooted more in personality than in policy consistency.
Recorded July 8, 2025
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 - 32min - 329 - Israel at War: Regional Reverberations and Political Fallout
Dr. Yoel Guzansky, associate fellow at MEI and senior research fellow at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to unpack the military and political implications of Israel's 12-day war with Iran. In the lead-up to next week's closely watched visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House, they discuss Israel's strategic gains and domestic reaction, the evolving US-Israel relationship, and the war's ripple effects across Gaza, the Gulf, and beyond. Recorded July 2, 2025
Thu, 03 Jul 2025 - 32min - 328 - After the 12-Day War: Iran, Israel, and the Future Regional Order
The dust has barely settled following the dramatic 12-day war between Israel and Iran, but its political and strategic reverberations are already shaping the future of the Middle East. In this episode of Middle East Focus, Ross Harrison, senior fellow and book series editor at the Middle East Institute, joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to assess what comes next — from Tehran's internal power recalibrations to the future of Iran's forward defense strategy, and shifting regional alliances. Harrison also discusses key themes from his forthcoming book, Decoding Iran's Foreign Policy (I.B. Tauris), which offers a timely and incisive analysis of how Iran navigates the complex geopolitical landscape.
Recorded June 25, 2025
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 - 37min - 327 - Bonus Episode: A Fragile Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran
Welcome to a special Bonus Episode of Middle East Focus.
We're pleased to bring you access to a recent MEI press briefing on the evolving Israel-Iran conflict, recorded on Wednesday, June 25. You'll hear from MEI's Distinguished Military Fellow Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan, Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow Alan Eyre, and Senior Fellow Paul Salem who join MEI's Ken Pollack to discuss the ongoing conflict, in light of the recent proposed ceasefire agreement. They also discuss the recent US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran's retaliatory missile strikes on a US military base, and prospects for de-escalation. This session was on-the-record and open to the public.
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 - 1h 01min - 326 - Bonus Episode: Updates on the Israel-Iran Conflict
Welcome to a special Bonus Episode of Middle East Focus.
We're pleased to bring you access to a recent MEI press briefing on the evolving Israel-Iran conflict, recorded on June 16, 2025. You'll hear from MEI's Distinguished Diplomatic Fellows Barbara A. Leaf and Alan Eyre, as well as our Distinguished Military Fellow Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., USMC (ret.), who bring decades of firsthand experience working on Iran policy and regional security issues. The discussion was moderated by Kenneth Pollack, MEI's VP for Policy. Their analysis offers insights into the rapidly developing events shaping the conflict and highlights the critical indicators we should be watching for as this situation continues to unfold.
Wed, 18 Jun 2025 - 1h 01min - 325 - The Iran-Israel Conflict and the Future of the Iranian Regime
Senior Fellow Alex Vatanka joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to examine the dramatic escalation between Israel and Iran following Israel's targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, infrastructure, and senior IRGC officials. Vatanka discusses how the Iranian regime is responding, the risk of wider regional conflict, and whether the current campaign could mark the beginning of the end for the Islamic Republic. Recorded June 17, 2025
Tue, 17 Jun 2025 - 27min - 324 - Lebanon at a Crossroads: Sovereignty, Hizballah's Disarmament, and the Road to Reform
MEI Senior Fellow Paul Salem joins the program to assess Lebanon's rapidly shifting political landscape. With a new president and government promising to enact reforms and reassert sovereignty, Lebanon faces a daunting agenda: disarming Hizballah, rebuilding institutions, navigating regional diplomacy, and restoring the economy. Salem offers on-the-ground insight from Beirut, unpacks the fragility of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, and outlines how international actors--from the US to Iran--are shaping the country's future.
Recorded June 9, 2025
Thu, 12 Jun 2025 - 37min - 323 - What Is Israel's Path Forward on Gaza?
What's next for Gaza—and for Israel? In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj sit down with Ghaith al-Omari, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and former advisor to the Palestinian Authority, to unpack the urgent humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza, the impact of Israeli settlement expansion, and what these developments mean for the future of the region.
Recorded June 3, 2025Thu, 05 Jun 2025 - 33min - 322 - Syria Looks to a Future Unburdened from US Sanctions
MEI Senior Fellow Charles Lister joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to discuss the Trump administration's dramatic reversal of four decades of US policy toward Syria. Following President Trump's May 2025 meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the issuance of a new general license and 180-day waiver of Caesar Act sanctions, the episode explores the implications of this policy shift. What does this mean for Syria's recovery and reconstruction? How are regional actors like Turkey, Israel, and the Gulf states responding? And what are the risks and opportunities ahead for US-Syria relations? Lister unpacks the diplomatic, economic, and security dimensions of this major policy development and what it signals for Syria's evolving role in the region.
This episode was recorded on May 27, 2025.
Thu, 29 May 2025 - 46min - 321 - AI, Tech, and the Future of US-Gulf Relations
Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj speak with MEI Senior Fellow Mohammed Soliman about President Donald Trump's recent trip to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, which yielded a wave of major US-Gulf tech and AI deals. Soliman explains how these partnerships mark a shift in the relationship—from oil and arms to compute power and data infrastructure—and what it means for the Gulf's strategic role in the global AI ecosystem. The discussion explores the energy bottlenecks behind AI development, evolving US export control policy, and the social and geopolitical implications of the Gulf's ambitions to become a digital hub for emerging markets.
Recorded May 19, 2025.
More analysis from Mohammed Soliman:
Realigning US-Saudi relations for the AI era
Sheikh Tahnoon in Washington: UAE-US relations reimagined for the 21st century with technology at the core
JD Vance Unveils America's AI Doctrine (The National Interest)
Thu, 22 May 2025 - 38min - 320 - US-Houthi Ceasefire Deal & the Future of Red Sea Security
The sudden announcement of a US-Houthi ceasefire, brokered by Oman, has halted Washington's air campaign in Yemen and raised urgent questions about the future of Red Sea security. What prompted the deal, and what are its implications for maritime shipping, regional alliances, and the trajectory of Yemen's civil war? This episode explores the strategic motivations behind the ceasefire, the role of Iran and Saudi Arabia, and how the Houthis could leverage the pause to regroup and expand their influence across the Horn of Africa. Joining the program is Nadwa Al-Dawsari, associate fellow with the Middle East Institute, the Irregular Warfare Initiative, and the Center on Armed Groups. She speaks with MEI's Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj. Recorded May 12, 2025
Thu, 15 May 2025 - 24min - 319 - Trump's Gulf Visit: Strategic Stakes and Symbolic Optics
President Donald Trump is heading to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE on his first foreign trip of his second term, with major investment deals, defense cooperation, and tech diplomacy on the agenda. What are the Gulf states hoping to gain, and what does the trip signal about US policy in the region? Alistair Taylor speaks with Dr. Ibrahim al-Assil, Senior Fellow at MEI, about the goals of the visit, the geopolitical and economic dynamics at play, and how regional powers are navigating a complex landscape shaped by Iran, China, AI ambitions, and the crisis in Gaza.
Recorded May 6, 2025
Further Analysis:
Video: "First Stop, Riyadh: Why Trump's Saudi Visit Will Be Nothing Like the Last" with F. Gregory Gause, III
Article: "Realigning US-Saudi relations for the AI era" by Mohammed Soliman
Thu, 08 May 2025 - 34min - 318 - Turkey at a Crossroads: Protests, Crackdowns, and the Future of Democracy
The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has sparked the largest wave of public protests in Turkey in over a decade, signaling a potential turning point in the country's political trajectory. As the opposition rallies support and President Erdoğan intensifies his crackdown, what lies ahead for Turkish democracy, the Kurdish peace process, and the broader political landscape? MEI Senior Fellow Gonul Tol joins host Alistair Taylor to unpack the growing unrest, the strategic stakes for Erdoğan's ruling coalition, and the mobilization of a new generation of political activists.
Recorded April 29, 2025.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out MEI's podcast series, Rethinking Democracy with Gonul Tol (now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts), and especially Episode 7, "The Protests and Political Crisis Shaping Turkey's Democratic Future." Further reading: "Turkey Is Now a Full-Blown Autocracy," by Gonul Tol for Foreign Affairs (March 21, 2025)Thu, 01 May 2025 - 34min - 317 - US-Iran Nuclear Talks: A Fragile Opening for Diplomacy
Following seven years of diplomatic deadlock, Washington and Tehran have resumed nuclear negotiations — and for the first time in years, there are signs of real momentum.
Alex Vatanka, MEI Senior Fellow and author of The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran, joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to analyze the current round of talks, the technical issues under discussion, and the political stakes on both sides. He explores Iran's economic and domestic pressures, US red lines, and the role of key players like Israel, China, and Oman in shaping the negotiations.
The conversation also assesses what's changed since the 2015 nuclear deal, and what it would take for this fragile opening to lead to something more lasting.
Recorded on Tuesday, April 22, 2025
For more context, read Alex Vatanka and Ross Harrison's recent article, "Thinking the unthinkable: Improved US-Iran relations under Trump?"
Look out for new episodes of Middle East Focus every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 - 35min - 316 - Toni Verstandig on What We've Learned—and Forgotten—About Peace
In this episode of Taking the Edge off the Middle East, Brian Katulis sits down with Toni Verstandig, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and current board member at the Middle East Institute. Three months into the second Trump administration, they assess how the White House is reshaping US policy in the Middle East—what's changed, what's stayed the same, and what risks lie ahead. Verstandig reflects on lessons from her years working on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process during the Clinton era, offering both poignant stories and policy insights from a time when diplomacy looked very different. They also discuss how think tanks like MEI are stepping up at a moment when institutions like USIP and the Wilson Center are under fire.
Don't forget to look out for new episodes of Taking the Edge off the Middle Easton its own independent channel every other Tuesday, wherever you get your podcasts.
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 - 53min - 315 - Two Years of War in Sudan and the Elusive Path to Peace
As Sudan's civil war enters its third year, the humanitarian catastrophe continues to spiral, with more than 12.7 million people displaced and little hope of resolution in sight.
Jehanne Henry, MEI Associate Fellow and former Africa Director at Human Rights Watch, joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to assess the latest developments on the ground. She outlines the scale of devastation, the regional spillover effects, and the war economy fueling the fighting.
Their conversation explores the fragmentation of civilian political forces, the lack of international coordination, and the role that external powers — including the United States — could play in helping bring the conflict to an end. What will it take to chart a path toward peace?
Recorded on Monday, April 15, 2025
Read Jehanne's accompanying article: Two years into Sudan's war, a resolution seems further than ever — can U.S. involvement help bring peace?
Look out for new episodes of Middle East Focus every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.
Thu, 17 Apr 2025 - 40min - 314 - Netanyahu and Israel at War
(This episode was recorded on Monday, April 7).
In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by Eran Etzion, former deputy head of the Israeli National Security Council, for a revealing look inside Israel's most pressing challenges.
Etzion unpacks Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tightening grip on power amid legal battles and democratic concerns, while offering insights into Israeli society's deepening divides. Their conversation moves beyond the headlines to explore how renewed fighting in Gaza and military operations in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria are changing Israel's strategic position in the region. They also explore Israel's evolving relationships with regional countries like Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and what these changes mean for the future of the Middle East.
Look out for new episodes of Middle East Focus every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.
Thu, 10 Apr 2025 - 45min - 313 - Frank Lowenstein | Ep. 10
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.
Tue, 08 Apr 2025 - 51min - 312 - Diplomacy, Technology, and Innovation: Amb. Stuart Jones on the Evolution of US-Middle East Relations
We're excited to relaunch Middle East Focus with an insightful conversation featuring MEI's new CEO, Amb. Stuart Jones. In this episode, hosted by MEI's Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj, Ambassador Jones shares his perspectives on the second Trump administration's foreign policy approach, the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape in the region, and Iraq's place in the developing order. Drawing from his extensive experience in both diplomacy and the private sector, he also explores emerging US-Middle East business partnerships and cooperation in AI and technology. Tune in to this discussion and be sure to join us every Thursday for new episodes of Middle East Focus.
Thu, 03 Apr 2025 - 32min - 311 - Rethinking Democracy Ep. 7: The Protests and Political Crisis Shaping Turkey's Democratic Future
Turkey has plunged into turmoil after authorities arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, President Erdoğan's strongest opponent, on charges of corruption. Mass protests, the largest in over a decade, have erupted nationwide after İmamoğlu was removed from office and jailed just hours before the opposition was set to declare him its presidential candidate.
Political scientists warn this is a defining moment for the future of democracy in the country. Is it indeed a turning point? How did we get here and where do we go next?
In this episode of Rethinking Democracy, experts break down Turkey's latest turmoil and what it means for the country's democratic future and democracy worldwide.
Dr. Karabekir Akkoyunlu, research associate at the Department of Politics and International Studies at SOAS University of London, and Dr. Senem Aydın Düzgit, professor of International Relations at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Sabancı University in Istanbul, join host Gönül Tol to explore the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead for Turkey.
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 - 56min - 310 - Dan Shapiro | 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East' ep. 9
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.
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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.
Mon, 24 Mar 2025 - 1h 13min - 309 - Ibrahim Dalalsha and Shira Efron| 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East' Ep. 8
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.
Tue, 04 Mar 2025 - 1h 15min - 308 - NYT bestselling author Kwame Alexander on the intersection of art and social change
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.
Thu, 13 Feb 2025 - 20min - 307 - Barbara A. Leaf | 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East' Ep. 7
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. Barbara A. Leaf is a seasoned diplomat and expert on the Middle East, having served as the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and held key positions in US embassies across the region. In this episode, Barbara joins Brian to discuss the array of "black swan" events currently unfolding in the Middle East, and how the second Trump administration may respond to these challenges. They discuss the broader implications of these developments for US foreign policy, national security, and regional stability.
Thu, 06 Feb 2025 - 43min - 306 - Rethinking Democracy Ep. 6: Shariah, Democracy, and the Future of Governance in Syria
For the first time in decades, the question of how Syria will be governed is wide open. The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime at the hands of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an armed Islamist group with former ties to al-Qaeda, has left Syria in uncharted territory. Its de facto leader, Ahmed Al Shaara, has pledged a vision of a pluralistic Syria governed by civil institutions rather than dictatorship or ideology.
But can Syria's new rulers deliver on that promise? Will this moment mark the beginning of an inclusive, secular democracy, or will Islamist rule take hold? And can Syria's fractured society—divided by years of war and sectarian tensions—unite around a new national identity?
Dr. Olivier Roy, Professor of Political Science at the European University Institute, and Ziad Majed, Professor of International Relations at the American University of Paris, join host Gonul Tol to explore the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead for Syria.
Wed, 29 Jan 2025 - 55min - 305 - Norman T. Roule | 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East' Ep. 6
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.
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 - 46min - 304 - Trump, Gaza, and the Future of US Policy in the Middle East
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?
Wed, 18 Dec 2024 - 51min - 303 - End of an era: The fall of the Assad regime
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.Thu, 12 Dec 2024 - 31min - 302 - Rethinking Democracy Ep. 5: Impact of Donald Trump's Election on American Democracy and the World with Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Larry Diamond
About the series: This is a critical year for the future of democracy. Half the world's population will go to the polls in 2024, at a time when citizens in America and across the globe are losing faith in democratic institutions. We often view the rollback of democracy and threats to the liberal international order as separate problems, but in reality they are closely interlinked. Through a new limited podcast series, MEI's Gonul Tol seeks to examine the interplay between democracy's domestic and international foes as well as how to counter them. In this episode: Last month, the US electorate voted President-Elect Donald Trump back into the White House. His victory was seen by some experts as part of a global trend and a move towards anti-incumbency attitudes and populism.
How will Trump's rhetoric impact the United States domestically and internationally? Will he govern as a strongman during his second term? What can we expect to be different from his first term?
Dr. Larry Diamond, Mosbacher Senior Fellow of Global Democracy at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University and author of Ill Winds: Saving Democracy from Russian Rage, Chinese Ambition, and American Complacency, and Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University and author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, join host Gonul Tol to discuss Trump's election.
Thu, 05 Dec 2024 - 48min - 301 - How might US-Israeli relations evolve under the Trump administration?
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.
Thu, 21 Nov 2024 - 33min - 300 - 1,000 Days of Russia's Full-Scale War Against Ukraine
Wednesday, November 20, marks a somber anniversary for Ukraine: 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion of the country. Though the Ukrainians continue to hold out with Western assistance against Russian attacks, the past two-and-a-half years have been devastating for the country and its people. Ukraine now faces another winter at war as momentum appears to be shifting in Russia's favor. What can the US and its allies do to ensure hostilities end as favorably as possible to Ukraine and in line with American strategic national interests?
Former NATO SACEUR Gen. Philip M. Breedlove and MEI Senior Fellow Dr. Iulia-Sabina Joja join host Matthew Czekaj to discuss the state of the conflict and what's at stake for the region and the global community. Note: This conversation was recorded Nov. 4.
Thu, 14 Nov 2024 - 46min - 299 - Steven A. Cook | 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East' Ep. 5
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.
Wed, 13 Nov 2024 - 43min - 298 - Danielle Pletka | 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East' Ep. 4
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.
Wed, 30 Oct 2024 - 37min - 297 - The Axis of Resistance Pt. 2: Iran
Over the past month, Iran and its regional network of allies and proxies - the Axis of Resistance - has suffered a string of dramatic losses and defeats. What is the future of the Axis and its members, and what can the US and its allies do to confront and disrupt this Iranian-led network?
MEI Managing Editor Matthew Czekaj speaks to Meir Javedanfar and Alex Vatanka on Iran's role in keeping its network of proxies together and the conflicting interests that may force the country to rethink its antagonistic regional strategy.
Thu, 24 Oct 2024 - 25min - 296 - The Axis of Resistance Pt. 1: the Proxies
Over the past month, Iran and its regional network of allies and proxies - The Axis of Resistance - has suffered a string of dramatic losses and defeats. What is the future of the Axis and its members, and what can the US and its allies do to confront and disrupt this Iranian-led network?
MEI Managing Editor Matthew Czekaj speaks to Randa Slim, Charles Lister, and Fatima Abo Alasrar about Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis - and how the Gaza war has affected standing in the region.
Tue, 22 Oct 2024 - 37min - 295 - Hezbollah, Israel, and the Lebanese Armed ForcesThu, 10 Oct 2024 - 45min
- 294 - Yemen's Civil War: Ten Years Later
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.
Thu, 03 Oct 2024 - 40min - 293 - Rethinking Democracy Ep. 4: China's Growing Presence in the Middle East with Dr. F. Gregory Gause and Dr. Jon Alterman
About the series: This is a critical year for the future of democracy. Half the world's population will go to the polls in 2024, at a time when citizens in America and across the globe are losing faith in democratic institutions. We often view the rollback of democracy and threats to the liberal international order as separate problems, but in reality they are closely interlinked. Through a new limited podcast series, MEI's Gonul Tol seeks to examine the interplay between democracy's domestic and international foes as well as how to counter them.
In this episode: China has made significant inroads in the Middle East through diplomacy, trade, investment, and infrastructure projects. Beijing advertises the benefits of its authoritarian development model and presents itself as a responsible alternative to the United States. What does this mean for MENA autocracies?
Dr. F. Gregory Gause and Dr. Jon Alterman join Gonul Tol to discuss China's growing presence in the Middle East.
Thu, 26 Sep 2024 - 42min - 292 - ISIS and the detainee dilemma
Shiraz Maher - Co-Director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) - and Charles Lister - Director of MEI's Syria and Countering Terrorism and Extremism Programs - speak to MEI Editor in Chief Alistair Taylor about ISIS and the detainee dilemma. What is the international community to do with the tens of thousands of foreign ISIS detainees and their families, including children, held in makeshift facilities in northeastern Syria under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces?
Today's episode is the second in a several-part series looking at where the group stands today and the challenges associated with it a decade on from the founding of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
Thu, 12 Sep 2024 - 27min - 291 - ISIS's enduring threat in Syria and Iraq
On this week's episode, Director of MEI's Syria and Countering Terrorism and Extremism Programs Charles Lister speaks with MEI Editor-in-Chief Alistair Taylor on the resurgence of the Islamic State, or ISIS, in Syria and Iraq. This episode is the first in a several-part series looking at where the terrorist group stands today and its international footprint 10 years on from the founding of the 87-country Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
Wed, 21 Aug 2024 - 28min - 290 - Israeli Strikes and the Risk of Regional Escalation
This week's episode looks at the dramatic regional developments of the past 24 hours, including the Israeli strike on a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut and the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The strikes mark a significant escalation, and are expected to provoke retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah that could potentially ignite a wider regional conflict. This two-part interview features insights from regional experts: Dr. Nimrod Goren, Senior Fellow for Israeli Affairs at the Middle East Institute, and Paul Salem, MEI's Vice President for International Engagement and former President and CEO of the Institute.
Wed, 31 Jul 2024 - 29min - 289 - Rethinking Democracy Ep. 3: Economic Conditions and Support for Democracy with Daron Acemoglu and Tamara Cofman Wittes
About the series: This is a critical year for the future of democracy. Half the world's population will go to the polls in 2024, at a time when citizens in America and across the globe are losing faith in democratic institutions. We often view the rollback of democracy and threats to the liberal international order as separate problems, but in reality they are closely interlinked. Through a new limited podcast series, MEI's Gonul Tol seeks to examine the interplay between democracy's domestic and international foes as well as how to counter them.
In this episode: Authoritarian populism is on the rise around the world. Political scientists and policymakers are debating what's driving this trend. Is it economic inequality, or a cultural backlash against social change that erodes trust in democratic institutions?
Dr. Daron Acemoglu and Dr. Tamara Cofman Wittes join Gonul Tol to discuss the relationship between changing economic conditions and support for democracy.
Thu, 11 Jul 2024 - 1h 02min - 288 - On the Eve of the Washington Summit: Shoring up NATO's Vulnerable Flanks
On July 9-11, Washington will host the leaders of NATO's 32 member states for a special anniversary summit, celebrating 75 years since the Alliance's founding. But the NATO heads of state and government are unlikely to spend much time reminiscing. Their agenda will be full, spanning from Ukraine, Russia, wars in the Middle East, China, terrorism, cyber threats, NATO enlargement, boosting Allied capabilities, freedom of navigation around the world, nuclear deterrence, and more.
On the eve of the Washington Summit, Iulia-Sabina Joja (Director, MEI's Black Sea Program) and Emiliano Alessandri (Non-resident scholar, MEI) join host Matthew Czekaj to discuss security in the wider Black Sea region, and NATO's policy toward the Middle East and Africa.
Wed, 03 Jul 2024 - 36min - 287 - Iran's snap presidential elections
Alex Vatanka (Director, MEI's Iran Program) and Ali Afshari (Iranian political analyst and pro-democracy activist) discuss Iran's snap presidential elections, set to be held on June 28th, following the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month. The 63-year-old regime loyalist was widely viewed as a leading potential successor to the Islamic Republic's 85-year-old supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The elections come as Iran faces a number of challenges both at home and abroad, ranging from long-running domestic economic troubles and preparations for an eventual leadership transition to the regional reverberations of the ongoing war in Gaza and the tit-for-tat exchange of missile and drone strikes with Israel in April.
Mon, 24 Jun 2024 - 33min - 286 - Migration in North Africa: EU Engagement & Policies
MEI's North Africa & the Sahel Program Director Intissar Fakir and Guillaume Soto-Mayor discuss Soto-Mayor's paper "Libya, Tunisia, and Niger as Case Studies for Counter-Productive Anti-Migration Policies" - including how EU policies reinforce criminal patterns and empower illicit networks in these areas.
Thu, 13 Jun 2024 - 21min
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