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Breakfast Session under Chatham House Rule

The Middle East’s Dangerous New Normal

May 17, 08:30-09:45

“Throughout the world, change is the order of the day.”  

—Franklin D. Roosevelt, State of the Union address, 4 January 1935

Speakers

Omar Ashour

Professor of Security & Military Studies

Zohar Palti

Chair of Strategic Dialogue at the European Leadership Network

Sameh Shoukry

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt

Moderator

JJ Green
JJ Green

National Security Correspondent at WTOP Radio

Over the past year and a half, Israel has significantly impaired Iran’s “ring of fire” by greatly weakening Hamas, reshaping Gaza’s territorial landscape, decimating Hezbollah, and conducting incursions into Syria. Yet, problems abide: for Israel, none of its adversaries have been entirely defeated, giving them a reason and justification for continuing war; for the broader Middle East, the threat of a major escalation between Israel and Iran remains. Amidst this power struggle, Syria is trying to figure out its future and allies. This panel will explore whether the Middle East serves as a microcosm for understanding multipolarity in the 21st century. How will Israel’s wars impact and reshape the dynamics in the region? Who are the winners and losers in this dangerous new normal in the Middle East?