Middle East Institute

The US presidential election is only 24 days away. According to Brookings, 75% of Americans believe that "the future of democracy is at risk." Francis Fukuyama, Paul Salem, Gonul Tol discuss the top factors for the success of democracy. 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eSgeQBpr

"Biden has been unique in his uncompromising, almost fundamentalist, refusal to use U.S. leverage or apply any meaningful pressure on Israel," writes MEI's Khaled Elgindy for Foreign Policy. https://lnkd.in/esw_Q_6u

Given the latest Israeli military achievements against Hezbollah and the recent expansion of Netanyahu's coalition, the prime minister is in a better position to continue in power than he was before the Knesset went on recess, in late July. He has managed to secure some breathing space, although his coalition is still behind in the polls and a strong pro-change sentiment exists within the Israeli public. Spoke about it with Jamie Dettmer of Politico https://lnkd.in/dxRJxPn8

Gen. Khalil Helou & Paul Salem speak with MEI's US-Lebanon Fellow Fadi Nicholas Nassar on the unraveling Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces during this critical moment, and the prospects of a political solution in Lebanon and the wider region. 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/ewy4xbdd

“In the past, when I would talk with Israeli colleagues, they always said that their security establishment, as well as their political establishment, has always believed, what they call ‘the big war’ was going to be inevitable. And the big war was going first after Iranian proxies … and then going after Iran," says MEI's Randa Slim to The Hill. https://lnkd.in/ejT44hVb

Over the past year, as the conflict between #Israel, #Iran, and its proxies has unfolded, the region's energy sector has remained surprisingly resilient. However, emerging threats from both sides to target each other's energy infrastructure could drastically change this landscape. With retaliatory strikes on energy facilities a serious possibility, the risks for global #oil markets and regional economies are growing and the implications for energy security are significant. MEI's Colby Connelly warns of the dangers posed by these potential developments. To read the full briefing visit the link below. https://lnkd.in/e57TYisJ

Having recently passed the one-year anniversary of the attack on Israel, we are grateful to our recent speaker, Dr. Fadi Nicholas Nassar of the Middle East Institute, who reminded us of the human element and toll involved in these conflicts.

The only flag that belongs on that land is that of the cedars of Lebanon- not Israel, not Iran, nor Hezbollah’s. Through actions & words, Natenyahu risks breathing new life into a Hezbollah that is increasingly under pressure. Stop.

"There are better ways for Israel and the U.S. to defeat Hezbollah and neutralize Iran that preserve options for enduring solutions. But if Netanyahu doesn’t shift his tactics, and Washington is unable to decouple itself from them, the costs will be borne not just by Israelis but by Americans," writes MEI's Douglas London in POLITICO. https://lnkd.in/ecafr8Vf