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Middle East Focus

Middle East Focus

By: Middle East Institute
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Weekly discussion of Middle East policy, arts, and culture, featuring experts from the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C. Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • When Will Energy Markets Recover From the Iran War?

    When Will Energy Markets Recover From the Iran War?
    May 21 2026
    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.
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    33 mins
  • Middle Eastern Rivalry in the Horn of Africa

    Middle Eastern Rivalry in the Horn of Africa
    May 14 2026
    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.
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    46 mins
  • How to Wrest Lebanon From Iran's Grip

    How to Wrest Lebanon From Iran's Grip
    May 7 2026
    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 in The National Interest, please click here. Recorded on May 5, 2026.
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    41 mins
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