Dan Shapiro | ‘Taking the Edge Off the Middle East’ ep. 9

Following seven years of diplomatic deadlock, Washington and Tehran have resumed nuclear negotiations — and for the first time in years, there are signs of real momentum. Alex Vatanka, MEI Senior Fellow and author of The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran, joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to analyze the current round of talks, the technical issues under discussion, and the political stakes on both sides. He explores Iran’s economic and domestic pressures, US red lines, and the role of key players like Israel, China, and Oman in shaping the negotiations. The conversation also assesses what’s changed since the 2015 nuclear deal, and what it would take for this fragile opening to lead to something more lasting. Recorded on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 For more context, read Alex Vatanka and Ross Harrison’s recent article, "Thinking the unthinkable: Improved US-Iran relations under Trump?" Look out for new episodes of Middle East Focus every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Taking the Edge off the Middle East, Brian Katulis sits down with Toni Verstandig, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and current board member at the Middle East Institute. Three months into the second Trump administration, they assess how the White House is reshaping US policy in the Middle East—what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what risks lie ahead. Verstandig reflects on lessons from her years working on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process during the Clinton era, offering both poignant stories and policy insights from a time when diplomacy looked very different. They also discuss how think tanks like MEI are stepping up at a moment when institutions like USIP and the Wilson Center are under fire.  Don’t forget to look out for new episodes of Taking the Edge off the Middle East on its own independent channel every other Tuesday, wherever you get your podcasts.   

As Sudan’s civil war enters its third year, the humanitarian catastrophe continues to spiral, with more than 12.7 million people displaced and little hope of resolution in sight. Jehanne Henry, MEI Associate Fellow and former Africa Director at Human Rights Watch, joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to assess the latest developments on the ground. She outlines the scale of devastation, the regional spillover effects, and the war economy fueling the fighting. Their conversation explores the fragmentation of civilian political forces, the lack of international coordination, and the role that external powers — including the United States — could play in helping bring the conflict to an end. What will it take to chart a path toward peace? Recorded on Monday, April 15, 2025 Read Jehanne's accompanying article: Two years into Sudan’s war, a resolution seems further than ever — can U.S. involvement help bring peace? Look out for new episodes of Middle East Focus every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.

(This episode was recorded on Monday, April 7). In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by Eran Etzion, former deputy head of the Israeli National Security Council, for a revealing look inside Israel's most pressing challenges. Etzion unpacks Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tightening grip on power amid legal battles and democratic concerns, while offering insights into Israeli society's deepening divides. Their conversation moves beyond the headlines to explore how renewed fighting in Gaza and military operations in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria are changing Israel's strategic position in the region. They also explore Israel's evolving relationships with regional countries like Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and what these changes mean for the future of the Middle East.  Look out for new episodes of Middle East Focus every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of 'Taking the Edge off the Middle East,' Brian Katulis sits down with Frank Lowenstein, a key advisor to Secretary John Kerry during the Obama administration. Lowenstein takes us behind the curtain of the Obama administration's intense peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, from narrowly escaping a snowstorm in Ramallah to advising Secretary Kerry during critical moments. They discuss the Biden and Trump approaches to the region and explore how Middle East policy debates have evolved in American politics over three decades. Don’t forget to look out for new episodes of 'Taking the Edge off the Middle East' every other Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts. 

We're excited to relaunch Middle East Focus with an insightful conversation featuring MEI's new CEO, Amb. Stuart Jones. In this episode, hosted by MEI's Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj, Ambassador Jones shares his perspectives on the second Trump administration's foreign policy approach, the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape in the region, and Iraq's place in the developing order. Drawing from his extensive experience in both diplomacy and the private sector, he also explores emerging US-Middle East business partnerships and cooperation in AI and technology. Tune in to this discussion and be sure to join us every Thursday for new episodes of Middle East Focus.

Turkey has plunged into turmoil after authorities arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, President Erdoğan's strongest opponent, on charges of corruption. Mass protests, the largest in over a decade, have erupted nationwide after İmamoğlu was removed from office and jailed just hours before the opposition was set to declare him its presidential candidate. Political scientists warn this is a defining moment for the future of democracy in the country. Is it indeed a turning point? How did we get here and where do we go next?  In this episode of Rethinking Democracy, experts break down Turkey's latest turmoil and what it means for the country's democratic future and democracy worldwide. Dr. Karabekir Akkoyunlu, research associate at the Department of Politics and International Studies at SOAS University of London, and Dr. Senem Aydın Düzgit, professor of International Relations at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Sabancı University in Istanbul, join host Gönül Tol to explore the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead for Turkey.

Note: We're excited to announce that 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East' is moving to its own channel! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts to continue following the show. --- Middle East Focus Presents: ‘Taking the Edge Off the Middle East’ with Brian Katulis A series of casual conversations with leading policy professionals on the most important happenings in the Middle East today — hosted by MEI’s Senior Fellow Brian Katulis. In this episode, Brian is joined by former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, who recently served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. They discuss the Trump administration’s early approach to the region in its second term, including its handling of Iran, Gaza, and regional normalization efforts. Drawing on his decades of experience across the NSC, State Department, and Pentagon, Dan shares his candid assessments of what’s working, what’s not, and what’s still unsettled. He also reflects on his own career path and what young people interested in U.S. foreign policy can learn from decades of peacemaking efforts.

Middle East Focus Presents: ’Taking the Edge Off the Middle East,' a series of casual conversations with leading policy professionals on the most important happenings in the Middle East today - hosted by MEI’s Senior Fellow Brian Katulis. Ibrahim Dalalsha, founder and director of Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach, and Shira Efron, research director at the Israel Policy Forum, join host Brian Katulis to discuss policy developments in the devastating war between Israel and Hamas, and how Israelis and Palestinians can work together toward a peaceful resolution of conflict.

Renowned poet, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander joins guest host Lyne Sneige to discuss the power of storytelling and the intersection of art and social change. Looking back on his recent experience speaking at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair in Saudi Arabia, Alexander shares his reflections on the Kingdom's literary scene, the growing appetite for global narratives, and how books and poetry can serve as bridges between cultures.