Brookings: Topics - Arab-Israeli Relations

The U.S.-Israel Partnership: Can New Governments Overcome Old Challenges?

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT

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November 14, 2009, 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM
November 16, 2009, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On November 14-16, 2009, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings brought together top Israeli and American policymakers, journalists, and members of the public and private sectors to Jerusalem for discussions on the most critical issues in the Middle East.

National Dialogue and State-Building in the Middle East

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 GMT

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November 09, 2009, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

On November 9, the Brookings Doha Center hosted a policy discussion with H.E. Mohamad Chatah, the Lebanese minister of finance, H.E. Ghassan Khatib, director of the Palestinian Government Media Center, and H.E. Ayad Al Samarrai, speaker of the Iraqi Parliament on the project of inclusive national dialogue and state-building in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, and Iraq. The speakers examined past and current nationally-driven conflict resolution efforts.

Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama’s 2009 Nobel Peace Prize immediately triggered strong reactions worldwide. Hady Amr and Steven Barnes write that the prize presents President Obama an opportunity to build on his recent efforts to foster dialogue between America and people of all faiths around the globe.

Arab Citizens of Israel: What Do They Think?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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October 01, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On October 1, Shibley Telhami, Saban Center nonresident senior fellow and Anwar Sadat professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland, presented results of the 2009 University of Maryland/Zogby International opinion poll, conducted in August 2009, that surveyed Israeli Arabs and Palestinian public opinion.

The Future of Middle East Peace: Israel's Options and Opportunities

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:30:00 GMT

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September 09, 2009, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

On September 9, the Saban Center at Brookings hosted a policy discussion with Alon Pinkas, former Consul General of Israel in New York and current President of the U.S.-Israel Institute at the Rabin Center in Tel Aviv. The discussion came in advance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to New York to attend the UN General assembly and amid debate over the health of the United States-Israel relationship.

U.S.-Egypt Relations and Hosni Mubarak's Washington Visit

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak visited the White House for the first time in five years this week. His message was that Arab nations want peace but Israel must make concessions first. Martin Indyk joined Diane Rehm to discuss the future of U.S.-Egypt relations and the Middle East peace process.

Arab-Israeli Conflict: Let the Diplomatic Games Begin

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anouar Boukhars, visiting fellow at Brookings Doha Center, says the world has watched the rearrangement of practices and strategies of American foreign policy under the Obama administration with interest and fascination. By making Arab-Israeli relations a top priority, Boukhars believes Obama is determined to address the tough unanswered challenges of the past.

Options for a New American Strategy Toward Iran

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a new Saban Analysis Paper, six Brookings experts analyze the main policy approaches toward Iran. In examining the benefits and drawbacks of the nine options—including engagement, persuasion, airstrikes, and containment—the authors refrain from recommending one policy over the other. Rather, they present the details of the policies in a manner that allows readers to understand the complexity of the challenge that is Iran and decide for themselves which group of policies is best.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in Lebanon's Elections

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr discusses the good and bad news related to Lebanon's recent elections in which a pro-American coalition won. Amr notes that while there are many positives, the electoral system, in which parliament is seated on sectarian lines needs to go.

Obama's Cairo Speech Could Make the World a Safer Place

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama’s speech in Cairo has been heralded as a historic moment in redefining and reorienting the U.S. approach to the Muslim world. Michael Fullilove examines the issues, themes and tone of Obama’s speech while exploring the implications of the speech for U.S.-Muslim relations, particularly in reference to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Thoughts on President Obama's Cairo Speech

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In broadly and directly addressing the Muslim World, President Obama undertook a complex task. Mirette Mabrouk points to Obama’s discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his promises of U.S. economic aid to the Middle East as particularly dynamic areas of the speech.

Obama's Egypt Speech: What He Said to the Muslim World

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On June 4, President Obama delivered what was billed as a “major speech to the Muslim world” in Cairo, Egypt. As a follow up to commentary prior to the speech, the Saban Center at Brookings’s Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World asked leading experts and policy-makers from the United States and the Muslim world to submit their thoughts on the speech.

Obama's Egypt Speech: What He Should Say to the Muslim World

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On June 4, President Obama delivered what was billed as a “major speech to the Muslim world” in Cairo, Egypt. To provide context for this event, the Saban Center at Brookings’ Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World asked leading experts and policy-makers from the United States and the Muslim world to submit commentary on what they hoped to hear from President Obama’s speech.

Obama in Egypt and His Speech to the Muslim World

Sun, 31 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tamara Cofman Wittes and Martin Indyk joined a group of Middle East experts, journalists and activists to discuss what should be said by President Obama during his trip to Egypt in June. Wittes argued Obama must redefine how America's role is viewed and Indyk stated that, among other things, a sincere commitment to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is necessary.

The Scouting Report: Re-engaging the Middle East Peace Process

Wed, 27 May 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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May 27, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

In this edition of the Scouting Report, Brookings expert Tamara Cofman Wittes and Politico senior editor Fred Barbash discussed the issues involved with the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict and re-invigorating the Middle East peace process.

Netanyahu-Obama Meeting: Don't Expect Confrontation

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with the Council on Foreign Relations, Martin Indyk downplayed the prospects of any confrontation over the Mideast peace process between President Barack Obama and new Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in their first meeting. Still, he said, Netanyahu could have trouble reconciling Obama's desire for a two-state solution with the Palestinians with opposition from his political base.

Roundtable Discussion on Upcoming Meetings Between Barack Obama and Middle East Leaders

Thu, 14 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

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May 14, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

On May 14, Foreign Policy at Brookings held a journalist roundtable to discuss upcoming meetings between U.S. President Barack Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Martin Indyk, director of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, and Tamara Cofman Wittes, senior fellow and director of the Middle East Democracy and Development Project, explored the issues and answered questions.

The New Israeli Government, Palestinian Reconciliation, and Prospects for Peace after the Gaza War

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:00 GMT

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March 31, 2009, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

On March 31, 2009, the Brookings Doha Center hosted Saeb Erakat, Head of the Palestine Liberation Organization Negotiations Affairs Department, for a policy discussion. Erakat opened the session by responding directly to the inauguration speech given a few hours earlier by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. He expressed disappointment in Netanyahu’s failure to highlight the two-state solution in his speech and said that the Israeli leader's call for Palestinians to rule themselves is not a possibility when they must live in a continued state of occupation.

The Syrian-Israeli Relationship as a U.S. Policy Issue

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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March 20, 2009, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

On March 20, the Saban Center hosted Itamar Rabinovich, Charles and Andrea Bronfman Distinguished Visiting Fellow, to present a comprehensive analysis of the interaction of American, Israeli, and Syrian policies over the last three decades. He was joined by Frederic Hof, CEO of Armitage Associates, L.C.

On a New Footing: U.S.-Syria Relations

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The recent high-level meeting between U.S. and Syrian officials in Damascus effectively ends recent U.S. policy of isolating Syria. Bilal Saab examines this dialogue and the future of U.S.-Syria relations.

Beyond Reconstruction: What Lies Ahead for Young Palestinians?

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Donors have pledged $4.4 billion in new aid to rebuild Gaza, yet serious questions remain regarding the fate of the Palestinian economy. Navtej Dhillon writes that the West Bank and Gaza need more than a lifeline of aid to achieve real development for a growing youth population.

Israel's Elections: Can This Batch Do Peace?

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following parliamentary elections in Israel, Martin Indyk writes that even though the right-wing bloc won a majority and a hard-liner has become the kingmaker, it is premature to declare the end of the two-state solution and the death of the Middle East peace process.

President Obama in the Middle East

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT

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February 02, 2009, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

On February 2, 2009, The Brookings Doha Center (BDC), a Project of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, hosted its second videoconference, bringing together Ambassador Martin Indyk, Director of the Saban Center, via live feed from Washington and Hady Amr, Director of the Brookings Doha Center in Qatar. The discussion focused on the key players and policies of the new Obama administration and what changes this would likely mean for the relationship between the United States and the Middle East. Both speakers offered their thoughts before taking questions from audience members.

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Beyond Gaza

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bilal Saab writes that Israeli and Palestinian leaders are either incapable or unwilling to think strategically about ways they can resolve, or at least effectively manage, the many issues that have divided their people for more than sixty years.

Hamas at the Crossroads

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following a three-week war with Israel, Hamas officials have recently emerged from weeks in hiding for a "victory celebration." Bilal Saab argues that while support for Hamas remains strong, anger and fears have been on the rise among Palestinians. Saab examines the war in Gaza and where Hamas can go from here.

Brookings – Politico Live Web Chat: The Gaza Strip

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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January 28, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

With a fragile cease-fire in place in the Gaza Strip, President Obama is sending very different signals to the Middle East and the larger Arab world than his predecessor. In a web chat moderated by Politco’s Fred Barbash, Brookings expert Tamara Cofman Wittes answered questions on how these new messages are being received and the challenges that await the new president in the region.

President Obama's Speech: An Appraisal from the Middle East

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Expectations for the Obama administration in the Middle East and Muslim world are characterized by a realistic optimism, says Tarik Yousef, speaking on a BBC Arabic radio broadcast. Yousef highlights the importance of the new President’s symbolic changes in rhetoric and discusses the tests that the new administration will face in the region, from the stalled Arab-Israeli peace process to the relationship with Iran. What will beckon the administration first, however, are a pressing set of domestic policy challenges.

Obama's Options for Gaza

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk, director of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, argues that there is an opportunity in the Gaza crisis for the new president to achieve a better future for Palestinians and Israelis. The immediate objective, says Indyk, is a sustainable cease-fire, but then President Obama should urgently to paint his vision of a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, summoning all leaders of goodwill to the task.

West Bank and Gaza Economy: Before and After the Crisis

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Navtej Dhillon speaks to Edward Sayre, co-author of a forthcoming Middle East Youth Initiative working paper on Palestinian youth, on the economic conditions in the Palestinian Territories. As the Gaza crisis continues and young Palestinians face deteriorating prospects, the imperative of transforming a weak and fragmented Palestinian economy is greater than ever.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Beyond Band-Aid Solutions

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

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January 14, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

The latest conflict in Gaza has exacerbated an already fragile humanitarian situation and created another humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. The Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement hosted a discussion on the humanitarian situation in Gaza within the broader context of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

Renew Diplomacy in the Middle East

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:30:00 GMT

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January 05, 2009, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Israel's continued engagement against Hamas in Gaza, now being waged with ground forces, further complicates Barack Obama's agenda for the Middle East, which also includes withdrawing from Iraq and capping Iran’s nuclear ambitions. On January 5, Martin Indyk and Kenneth Pollack offered a public memo to President-elect Obama with recommendations on how to deal with the urgent challenges that will confront him across the volatile region.

Middle East Needs Obama's Touch

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama will face a series of challenges in the Middle East demanding urgent attention: an Iraq that could still unravel, an Iran approaching the nuclear threshold, a faltering Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and weak governments in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. Martin Indyk and Richard Haass outline what the initial goals of the Obama administration should be in the region.

Beyond Iraq: A New U.S. Strategy for the Middle East

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk and Richard Haass argue to be successful in the Middle East, the Obama administration will need to move beyond Iraq, find ways to deal constructively with Iran, and forge a final-status Israeli-Palestinian agreement.

Saban Forum 2008

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:00:00 GMT

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December 05, 2008, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
December 06, 2008, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
December 07, 2008, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

On December 5-7, in the month before the new U.S. administration enters office, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings brought together top Israeli and American policymakers, journalists, and members of the public and private sectors, as well as leaders from Britain and Turkey to discuss the most critical issues in the Middle East.

Restoring the Balance in the Middle East

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk and Richard Haass joined Charlie Rose to discuss the newly released Saban Center at Brookings-Council on Foreign Relations book Restoring the Balance: A Middle East Strategy for the Next President. They highlighted three major foreign policy challenges in the region that President-elect Obama will need to focus on and detailed some of the recommendations found within the book.

A Time for Diplomatic Renewal: Toward a New U.S. Strategy in the Middle East

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk and Richard Haass note that President-elect Obama will face a series of critical, complex, and interrelated challenges in the Middle East that will demand his immediate attention: an Iran apparently intent on approaching or crossing the nuclear threshold as quickly as possible; a fragile situation in Iraq that is straining the U.S. military; weak governments in Lebanon and Palestine under challenge from stronger Hezbollah and Hamas militant organizations; a faltering Israeli-Palestinian peace process; and American influence diluted by a severely damaged reputation.

Restoring the Balance: A Middle East Strategy for the Next President

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:30:00 GMT

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December 02, 2008, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Middle East: A Path Out of the Desert

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack joined washingtonpost.com readers to discuss his new book A Path Out of the Desert: A Grand Strategy for America in the Middle East.

Engaging Syria: New Negotiations, Old Challenges

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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July 23, 2008, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

The Saban Center for Middle East Policy hosted a policy forum luncheon in conjunction with Search for Common Ground on July 23, 2008. The Saban Center welcomed three members of Search for Common Ground’s US-Syria Working Group, including featured speaker Ahmad Samir al-Taki, director of the Orient Center for International Studies in Damascus and consultant to the Syrian Prime Minister.

Does the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Still Matter?

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:00:00 GMT

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July 01, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Arab public sentiment and opinion present critical challenges to the struggle for peace, stability and economic growth in the Middle East. On July 1, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings hosted a discussion of Shibley Telhami’s new analysis paper, Does the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Still Matter? with Steven Kull, director of WorldPublicOpinion.org and the Program on International Policy Attitudes, who presented data from his recent poll of 18 nations focused on attitudes towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Does the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Still Matter?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this Saban Center Analysis Paper, Shibley Telhami analyzes emerging trends in public attitudes and whether there has been a change over time in the degree to which Arabs assign importance to the Arab-Israeli conflict and the prospects of Middle East peace. In addition, Telhami addresses the ramifications of the divide between Hamas and Fatah, between the government appointed by President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah and the Hamas-appointed government in Gaza.

The Arab Center: The Promise of Moderation

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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June 16, 2008, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Arab moderates who embrace a future of regional peace and democracy appear to be losing ground in today’s Middle East. On June 16, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings hosted Marwan Muasher, former foreign minister and deputy prime minister of Jordan and Thomas L. Friedman for a discussion of Muasher's new book, The Arab Center: The Promise of Moderation, and how to make a moderate future more possible in the Middle East.

Salafists Ascendant in the Arab World

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Khalil Al-Anani says conservatism is on the rise in the Middle East. He notes that by using modern communication technology, groups like the Salafis in Kuwait have spread their conservative ideas to younger generations, thus threatening moderate Islam.

Israel-Syria Relations: Does America Have a Role in Ankara?

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As indirect peace talks between Israel and Syria continue in Turkey, Ariel Kastner writes about the current climate in both countries regarding a possible breakthrough. One party that is so far missing in these talks, he contends, is the United States as a mediator or participant.

The Rise of Middle East Peacemakers

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr believes that after 7 years of the Bush Administration’s blunders in Iraq, Lebanon and Israel-Palestine, Middle East leaders are beginning to solve their own problems. He writes that the new president of the United States will have to find a way to encourage the Middle East to continue to take responsibility for their problems while also restoring American credibility throughout the region.

Lebanon Rivals Agree to Deal

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tamara Cofman Wittes discusses a new deal announced in Doha between Lebanese factions including Hezbollah. Wittes believes that this decision should force others in the Middle East to recognize that Hezbollah is a regional actor with ambitions outside of Lebanon.

Is Peace Possible in 2008? A Palestinian Perspective

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:30:00 GMT

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April 25, 2008, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

The Saban Center and the American Task Force on Palestine hosted Yasser Abd Rabbo, the secretary general of the Palestinian Liberation Organization and policy adviser to Palestinian President Abbas, for an assessment of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the prospects for a final status agreement before the end of the Bush administration.

U.S. Policy and Syria: Who's Converting Whom?

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Testifying before the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Peter Rodman argued "the conditions do not exist for an improvement of relations with Syria as long as Syrian policies remain hostile to important interest of ours in the Middle East." He concluded that Syria must change course in relation to Iraq, Lebanon, and Arab-Israeli peace before the U.S. reaches out to the country.

The Future of U.S.-Syrian Relations

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In congressional testimony, Martin Indyk argued that the current policy of isolating Syria has had mixed results. He believes that the next U.S. president should consider a different approach that could foster a more productive relationship allowing mutual goals to be realized in the troubled region.

Views from the Middle East: Public Opinion in the Arab World

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

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April 14, 2008, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

The Saban Center for Middle East Policy hosted the release of a new University of Maryland/Zogby International opinion poll reflecting public attitudes in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.

Counterterrorism Trip Report: Israel and Jordan

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Byman traveled to Israel and Jordan in March—a time of crisis in the Middle East. During Byman’s trip, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired rockets against the Israeli cities of Sderot and Ashkelon, an attack occurred in the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem, and Israel took retaliatory measures in the Gaza Strip. In both Israel and Jordan, Byman found that the predominant mood was one of frustration and gloom. Israelis felt trapped between their sense that inaction would encourage more violence and their recognition that the military and political options looked unpromising. Jordanians fretted that the Israeli reaction to the violence would strengthen the radicals politically.

Gulf Trip Report: Qatar and the United Arab Emirates

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In February, Martin Indyk and Richard Haass engaged leading Gulf policymakers in detailed conversations about what they are looking for from a new American president. While all those with whom they spoke were fascinated by the American presidential primary elections and seem to be following the results closely, few have yet focused on the possibility that a significant change in U.S. foreign policy might result from a new administration in Washington. There was also a significant disconnect between leaders and publics: The leaders are focused on how the next administration will deal with complex regional security challenge posed by Iran, whereas the publics are hoping that a new president will resolve the Palestinian issue and press authoritarian governments to be more open, transparent and accountable.

Shaping Lebanon's Future

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lebanon is mired in a long running political crisis and the country has been without a president since November 2007. Bilal Saab writes that "three years after the withdrawal of Syrian troops, Lebanon has become less, not more stable." He offers suggestions for the U.S. to reshape its policy towards the country.

The Lebanon Crisis

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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March 19, 2008, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

The Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings hosted a policy luncheon on March 19, 2008 with Jeffrey Feltman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and, until recently, the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon. Feltman addressed the crisis in Lebanon in the context of his three and a half years experience there.

Israel Braces for Hizbullah's Revenge

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bilal Saab investigates the likely responses from Hezbollah in light of the recent killing of Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh.

Israel, Hamas and the Challenge of Gaza

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:29:37 GMT

As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held talks in the Middle East to discuss peace negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel, Martin Indyk stressed that a resolution to the conflict is imperative for those two parties and the region as a whole.

Testing the "Israel Lobby" Thesis

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Itamar Rabinovich discusses the phenomenon of John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt's recent book The Israel Lobby and notes that it should give Israel and its friends pause.

New Directions: The Opportunities and Challenges Ahead in the U.S.-Muslim World Relationship

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:00:00 GMT

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February 16, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

The 2008 U.S.-Islamic World Forum, held from February 16-18, 2008, in Doha, Qatar, was an immense success, bringing together key leaders in the fields of politics, business, media, academia, and civil society from across the Muslim world and the United States. Now in its fifth year, the forum has become the foremost meeting for positive cross-cultural engagement among leaders from the United States and the Muslim world.

Lebanon: The Forgotten Crisis

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT

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January 24, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Often overlooked in the headlines, Lebanon continues to flirt with renewed civil strife that could be devastating to a region that does not need any more. Bilal Y. Saab joined Nadim Shehadi and David Schenker to discuss this critical and delicate region.

The Peace Process: What to do about Hamas?

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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January 16, 2008, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

The Saban Center for Middle East Policy held a policy luncheon discussion with Israeli Minister Ami Ayalon. Ayalon discussed policy recommendations regarding how Israel should deal with Hamas. He argued that pursuing negotiations with President Mahmoud Abbas and creating political progress on the ground in the West Bank would marginalize Hamas’s message of violence and resistance.

It's Not About Iran

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Shibley Telhami writes that the United States could make a costly mistake by believing that Arab nations are currently motivated by a perceived Iranian threat and that the specter of Iran alone brought the Arab nations to the Middle East conference in Annapolis last fall. Telhami notes that the Bush Administration reliance on this belief was clearly reflected in the President’s recent speech in the United Arab Emerites.

A Preview of President Bush's Trip to the Middle East

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:00:00 GMT

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January 03, 2008, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

The Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings hosted a media roundtable with Senior Fellows Kenneth Pollack and Bruce Riedel to preview President George W. Bush’s trip to the Middle East. They agreed that this is a very important time in the region and that there has been little activity on the peace process since the recent one-day meeting in Annapolis.

The Future of the Syrian-Iranian Alliance

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Bilal Saab and Bruce Riedel argue that the Bush Administration pushed for a meeting in Annapolis "to gather the pro-U.S. Arab states under the aegis of a peace process for the purpose of containing or at least balancing the rising power of Iran."

Whither Syria

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT

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December 13, 2007, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

This fifth session of the Crisis in the Middle East Task Force, hosted by the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, focused on the difficult in balance among competing U.S. priorities towards given its interference with the U.S. agenda in the Middle East.

The “Shi’i Crescent”: Myth and Reality

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Moshe Ma‘oz argues that far from there being a threatening “Shi‘i crescent,” or a Middle East about to be torn apart along Muslim sectarian lines, the pattern has been for mixed Sunni-Shi’i states to remain intact.

Upgrading Authoritarianism in the Arab World

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:30:00 GMT

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November 29, 2007, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

The Saban Center for Middle East Policy hosted a policy luncheon launching a Saban Center analysis paper of the same name. The author, Steven Heydemann, presented a summary of the paper’s arguments; Kenneth Wollack, served as the respondent. The event was chaired by Tamara Cofman Wittes.

After Annapolis: Prospects for Peacemaking

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:00:00 GMT

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November 28, 2007, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

International leaders, including representatives from the United States, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, met in Annapolis to develop a foundation upon which the Israelis and Palestinians can move toward a negotiated peace agreement. Brookings hosted a discussion to assess the talks and address the future of the Middle East peace process. Saeb Erekat, the Palestinian Authority's chief negotiator, participated.

Preview of the Annapolis Middle East Peace Talks

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:51:43 GMT

President Bush will host a meeting of international leaders to help revive the Arab-Israeli peace process. Research fellow Tamara Wittes says the talks are critical for the future of the entire middle east.

A New Iran Strategy

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT

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November 19, 2007, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

The Saban Center for Middle East Policy hosted the fourth session of the Crisis in the Middle East Task Force. The Task Force is a monthly dinner discussion series that brings together a high-level group of policy analysts, Middle East specialists, government officials and journalists for a year-long effort to explore means of addressing the region’s many problems.

The Arab-Israeli Conflict as a Franco-American Challenge

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses the Arab-Israeli conflict in terms of Franco-U.S. relations. He argues that the EU and France are eager to see the peace process get back on track and warns that sticking with status quo will not bring the required settlement to the issue.

Boosting the Slim Chances for Mideast Breakthrough

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Shibley Telhami examines the probability of successful negotiations at the upcoming Annapolis meeting between United States and Middle East leaders. Telhami writes that unless the U.S. can take a new approach to controlling Hamas and also drastically improve Palestinians' lives, progress will be short-lived.

Saban Forum 2007

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT

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November 03, 2007, 12:00 PM to 11/5/2007 12:00 PM

Just weeks before a U.S.-sponsored peace meeting on the Middle East in Annapolis, Maryland, the Saban Forum held its fourth annual U.S.-Israel dialogue from November 3-5, 2007, bringing a high-level, bipartisan U.S. delegation to Jerusalem for discussions with their Israeli counterparts on the theme of “War and Peace in the Middle East.”

Back to Balancing

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk and Tamara Cofman Wittes argue that the United States must strengthen its international partnerships, use diplomacy, and offer security guarantees to advance U.S. interests in the Middle East and Gulf regions. Those U.S. interests include: stabilizing Iraq, revitalizing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and encouraging moderate Arab nations to enact political and economic reforms.

Optimism for Mideast Summit

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk disusses the possibility of a Middle East peace agreement at the upcoming international peace conference. He asserts several middle eastern states may become more cohensive due to the Iranian extremist threat.

Syria and Israel: Precarious Possiblities

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

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October 18, 2007, 12:00 PM to 01:30 PM

The Saban Center for Middle East Policy hosted a policy luncheon discussion with Itamar Rabinovich and Murhaf Jouejati. The discussion focused on current tensions between Israel and Syria, and whether there is a possibility of an Israel-Syria peace agreement.

Securing Lebanon from the Threat of Salafist Jihadism

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Bilal Y. Saab provides an independent and in depth assessment of the threat of Al Qaeda–inspired salafist jihadism to the present and future security of Lebanon.

The U.S. Should Engage Iran

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Suzanne Maloney argues that while Iran is part of the problem in Iraq, “there can be no effective, enduring solution without Tehran playing a constructive role.”

Lebanon's Presidential Election: Make or Break?

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Bilal Y. Saab argues that the outcome of the Lebanese presidential election on September 25 is a crucial event which could have major implications for the future stability of Lebanon.

Democratization and Reform

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 20, 2007, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

The Crisis in the Middle East Task Force addressed the topic of “Democratization and Reform” in its third session. The discussion focused on democracy promotion in the Middle East given the obstacles to change.

Avoiding the Emergence of Two Lebanons

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Hady Amr, The Daily Star (9/10/07

Battle for Gaza: Hamas Jumped, Provoked and Pushed

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Bruce Riedel, Middle East Roundtable (8/16/07)

Cloning Hizballah: Easier Said Than Done

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Terree Haidet (August 2007)

U.S. Assuring Arab States It Will Remain a Force in Mideast Post-Iraq

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Tamara Cofman Wittes, CFR.org (8/1/07)

Mideast Diplomacy and Arms Sales

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Suzanne Maloney and Shibley Telhami, The Diane Rehm Show (7/31/07)

Shared Sovereignty, Jerusalem and the War of Ideas

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has always been finding a solution for Jerusalem. Hady Amr argues that American leadership on "shared" sovereignty for the city can help bring peace, but that the U.S. must remain committed to making it happen.

Governing Gaza: Hamas's Dilemma

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Martin S. Indyk, Newsweek International (July 2-9, 2007 Issue)

Is Trusteeship for Palestine the Answer?

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Martin S. Indyk, foreignaffairs.org (6/27/07)

Update on Hamas-Fatah Conflict

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Shibley Telhami, The Diane Rehm Show (6/18/07)

A 'Two-State Solution,' Palestinian-Style

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Does Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas know something that we don't? For five days his presidential security forces in Gaza came under organized attack by Hamas gunmen. His compound in Gaza City was under siege. But he responded to these clear challenges to his authority with observations about the madness that had infected Gaza and refused to assign blame.

Gaza Violence: Middle East at a Critical Turning Point

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Martin S. Indyk, Australian Broadcast Corportation (6/14/07)

Creating a Culture of Coexistence

Fri, 11 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 11, 2007 at 12:00 AM

Amr Khaled discussed how to support youth and women in the Middle East, give them hope and increase development based on the values of faith. His message stresses three parts: faith, development, and coexistence.

Addressing the Palestinian Refugee Problem

Tue, 08 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Shibley Telhami before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia (5/8/07)

Exporting Democracy to the Middle East

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Shibley Telhami, Dissent Magazine (Spring 2007)

In the Shadow of the Iraq War: America in Arab Eyes

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Shibley Telhami, Survival (Spring 2007)

Back to Balancing in the Middle East: A New Strategy for Constructive Engagement

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A new Sunni-Shi'a fault line and a significant decline in U.S. influence frame the challenge to the next President's Middle East policy. That challenge requires both a return to balance-of-power diplomacy and a better balancing of interests and values to contain the Iraq civil war, strengthen the forces of moderation, prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, and promote democratic reform.

Poll Takes the Pulse of the Middle East

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Shibley Telhami, NPR (2/25/07)

Secretary Rice Can Put Israeli-Palestinian 'Peace Train' Back on Tracks

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Martin S. Indyk

Next Steps in Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Martin S. Indyk before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia (2/14/07)

Hope Springs Eternal in the Middle East

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Martin S. Indyk, Suddeutsche Zeitung (2/9/07)

Lebanese Identity and Israeli Security in the Shadows of the 2006 War

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Shibley Telhami, Current History (January 2007)