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51. Yulia Navalnaya in the Václav Havel Library

Author:
Yulia Navalnaya and Ondřej Kundra
Publication Date:
12-2025
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Vaclav Havel Library
Abstract:
In her first live interview in the Czech Republic, Yulia Navalnaya spoke with Ondřej Kundra, a journalist from Respekt, about the book Patriot (Universum, 2025), which is about the life and work of her husband, Alexei Navalny, a leader of the Russian opposition, who was brutally murdered by Putin's regime. The debate between Navalnaya and Kundra touches on some of the most difficult moments of Julia and Alexei’s lives, but also delves into Alexei’s childhood, his entrance into public life and politics, and his fight for a free Russia.
Topic:
Repression, Vladimir Putin, Opposition, and Alexei Navalny
Political Geography:
Russia

52. Virtual Briefing Series | The Future of US-Iran Relations

Author:
Zeina AlShaib, Alan Eyre, and Jason Campbell
Publication Date:
07-2025
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Middle East Institute (MEI)
Abstract:
This on-the-record briefing, moderated by MEI's Zeina Al-Shaib, discussed the future of US-Iran relations. The recent 12-day war saw coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes against key Iranian military officials and nuclear facilities. Washington is weighing Iran’s conditional offer to return to nuclear negotiations contingent on firm security guarantees. Tehran is assessing whether to pursue diplomacy or reinforce its deterrent capabilities after this decisive confrontation. What impact will Tehran’s and Washington’s next steps have on the region’s already fragile political balance? The briefing featured Alan Eyre, a Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow at MEI. A former senior State Department diplomat, Eyre served as a core member of the US nuclear negotiating team with Iran in 2010-15. The briefing also featured Jason H. Campbell, Senior Fellow at MEI. Campbell has previously served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy. Our experts discussed the lessons learned from the war between Israel and Iran; the prospect of renewed fighting; the future of Iran’s nuclear ambitions; the ripple effect of this conflict on the wider region; as well as outlines of a durable diplomatic solution.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Nuclear Weapons, Bilateral Relations, and Armed Conflict
Political Geography:
Iran, Middle East, Israel, North America, and United States of America

53. Virtual Briefing Series | An Israeli-Palestinian Conversation on Gaza's Uncertain Endgame

Author:
Zeina AlShaib, Ibrahim Dalalsha, and Natan Sachs
Publication Date:
10-2025
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Middle East Institute (MEI)
Abstract:
This on-the-record virtual briefing on Tuesday, October 21, at 11:00 AM EDT, discussed Gaza’s future with a pair of leading Israeli and Palestinian analysts. The conversation examined the difficult questions surrounding Israeli and Palestinian politics, regional strategy, and the search for a sustainable endgame that both sides can accept. This briefing featured Natan Sachs, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute (MEI), as well as Ibrahim Dalalsha, Founder and Director of the Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach. Dalalsha served for two decades as Senior Political Advisor at the US Consulate General in Jerusalem, where he advised US officials on the peace process, Palestinian politics, and state-building efforts. Our experts explored the deep political, psychological, and strategic challenges now confronting both Israelis and Palestinians: What does “victory” mean to the Israeli public today, and how has that definition evolved? What is the future of Hamas? Who could plausibly govern Gaza after the war — and with what legitimacy? How will regional actors and the international community shape (or complicate) the post-war phase? How can all parties build up the trust that any future arrangement will depend on?
Topic:
State Building, Israeli–Palestinian Conflict, 2023 Gaza War, and Peace Process
Political Geography:
Middle East, Israel, Palestine, and Gaza

54. Syria’s Reset: A Post-Sanctions Economic Revival?

Author:
Zeina AlShaib, Charles Lister, and Robert Ford
Publication Date:
06-2025
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Middle East Institute (MEI)
Abstract:
This on-the-record briefing, moderated by MEI's Zeina Al-Shaib, discussed Syria’s post-sanctions era. Syria’s transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, is reorienting the country toward the West and key regional partners, ending decades of isolation within Iran’s and Russia’s orbits. Crucially, both the United States and the European Union have suspended sanctions to support the country’s transition. With Syria at a crossroads, what does the post-sanctions landscape look like? This briefing featured Amb. (ret.) Robert Ford, the last US ambassador to serve in Syria and Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute (MEI). The briefing also featured Charles Lister, Senior Fellow at MEI and head of the Institute’s Syria Initiative. Our experts discussed the US’s policy about-face toward the interim Syrian authorities and the warming of relations between Washington and Damascus; what the termination of sanctions means for foreign investment in Syria; Iran’s potential spoiler role; the confidence boost President Sharaa is enjoying domestically; as well as the direction of Syria’s relations with its neighbors, particularly Israel, Turkey, and the Gulf states.
Topic:
Sanctions, Economy, Syrian War, Post-Conflict, Political Transition, and Ahmad al-Sharaa
Political Geography:
Middle East and Syria

55. Trump's pivot to the Middle East

Author:
Zeina AlShaib and Ibrahim Al-Assil
Publication Date:
05-2025
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Middle East Institute (MEI)
Abstract:
In a repeat of his 2017 visit to Saudi Arabia, President Donald Trump is once again headed to the Middle East for the first official foreign trip of his second term. The decision to travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates underscores the priority the president places on strengthening strategic, security, and economic ties with regional partners. What deals will Trump be able to seal during his trip to the Gulf? This on-the-record briefing featured Daniel Benaim, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Peninsula Affairs and Associate Fellow at the Middle East Institute and Ibrahim Al-Assil, Senior Fellow at MEI and a Professorial Lecturer at George Washington University. Our experts examined the potential for Trump to strengthen US ties with a region that has undergone significant geopolitical shifts since his last term in office and explored the administration's renewed focus on the Middle East. They assessed prospects for reshaping the US-Gulf relationship for the 21st century, navigating regional realignments, and expanding the Abraham Accords, among other major issues.
Topic:
Security, Foreign Policy, Economics, Donald Trump, and Strategic Interests
Political Geography:
Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE

56. Gaza’s Cease-Fire Shattered: What Role Can the Arab World Play?

Author:
Brian Katulis, Nadav Eyal, Ibrahim Dalalsha, and Yasmine Farouk
Publication Date:
04-2025
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Middle East Institute (MEI)
Abstract:
Israel and Hamas were unable to reach an agreement to extend their fragile truce, collapsing a two-month-old cease-fire and throwing the Gaza Strip back into violence. Efforts to revive the cease-fire by Arab powers have so far proven fruitless. After 18 months of regional turmoil, what comes next for Gaza and the broader Middle East? Join the Middle East Institute for a discussion with experts on the breakdown of the cease-fire; the Israeli government’s potential end-goals, calculations, and domestic pressures; US priorities in the region; the threats the renewed war in Gaza and escalations in the West Bank pose to the internal situations of some long-time Arab partners of the United States; as well as Arab countries' influence and ability to change dynamics on the ground.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Ceasefire, Armed Conflict, Regional Politics, and 2023 Gaza War
Political Geography:
Middle East, Israel, Palestine, Gaza, and Arab Countries

57. Can Turkey and Israel Find Common Ground in Syria?

Author:
Ken Pollack, Gonul Tol, and Natan Sachs
Publication Date:
10-2025
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Middle East Institute (MEI)
Abstract:
With the collapse of the Assad regime last December and Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s assumption of power in January, Syria has entered a precarious era, with both dangers and opportunities. Its trajectory will depend in part on neighboring Turkey’s and Israel’s interventions and competition for influence in Syrian affairs. Rising tensions between them raise the stakes of their respective objectives in Syria and whether the two sides may be reconciled in a way that is beneficial to Syria’s recovery post-Assad. Our panel of experts will help us understand how Syria has become an arena for Turkish-Israeli rivalry, what role the United States could play in tamping down the hostilities between its two allies, and how this situation affects the stability and geostrategic trajectory of the broader region.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Syrian War, Rivalry, Post-Conflict, Regional Politics, and Foreign Influence
Political Geography:
Turkey, Middle East, Israel, and Syria

58. The Regional and Domestic Elements of Erdoğan's Grand Strategy

Author:
Alistair Taylor, Matthew Czekaj, and Gonul Tol
Publication Date:
07-2025
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Middle East Institute (MEI)
Abstract:
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.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Armed Conflict, PKK, Regional Politics, and Political Transition
Political Geography:
Iran, Turkey, Middle East, Israel, Syria, and United States of America

59. Iran’s Snapback Sanctions: Deal or Defiance?

Author:
Zeina AlShaib, Ross Harrison, and Alan Eyre
Publication Date:
09-2025
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Middle East Institute (MEI)
Abstract:
On August 28, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany triggered the “snapback” process under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal — also known as the JCPOA — giving Tehran 30 days to negotiate a pathway that would return it to full compliance and avoid the reimposition of sweeping UN sanctions. How has Iran responded? And how can the international community best use this time to address the threat posed by the Iranian nuclear program? This briefing featured Alan Eyre, Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow at the Middle East Institute and member of the US State Department’s 2015 JCPOA negotiating team, alongside Ross Harrison, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and author of Decoding Iran’s Foreign Policy: Strategic Interests, Power and Influence.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, United Nations, Sanctions, Nuclear Power, and JCPOA
Political Geography:
United Kingdom, Europe, France, and Germany

60. From Glasnost to Crackdown: Ann Cooper on Covering the Fall of the USSR and What Came After

Author:
Masha Udensiva-Brenner and Ann Cooper
Publication Date:
10-2025
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
The Harriman Institute
Abstract:
Harriman Magazine editor Masha Udensiva-Brenner interviews editor-in-chief Ann Cooper about her experiences covering the end of the Soviet Union for NPR; how we might reframe that period; and some of the articles in the 2025 issue of Harriman Magazine.
Topic:
History, Journalism, Soviet Union, National Public Radio (NPR), and Glasnost
Political Geography:
Europe, Eurasia, and Soviet Union