Middle East Focus cover art

Middle East Focus

Middle East Focus

Written by: Middle East Institute
Listen for free

About this listen

 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
  • Bibi's Hail Mary on Iran

    Bibi's Hail Mary on Iran
    Feb 19 2026
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • From the Middle East to West Asia: Redefining America's Global Strategy

    From the Middle East to West Asia: Redefining America's Global Strategy
    Feb 12 2026
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • America's New Defense Strategy — and What It Means for Iran

    America's New Defense Strategy — and What It Means for Iran
    Feb 5 2026

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
No reviews yet