There would never be a good time to lose as keen and courageous a Middle East hand as Shoshana Bryen. But this is a particularly bad moment, when America desperately needs deeply knowledgeable and well-grounded experts on that region’s troubled history, dynamics and often tragic missteps. 

Unfailingly, this late and longtime Senior Director of the Jewish Policy Center would address with clarity the vexing intersection of U.S. interests, challenges to Israel’s survival and the treachery of so-called Mideast allies like Qatar, Turkey and Pakistan. She would do so calmly, creatively and with a sort of gallow’s humor, speaking truth to power, whether solicited or not. 

Despite long-running health challenges, Shoshana served as a singular mentor, inspiration and resource for generations of legislators and other senior officials, academics and influential patriots. She will long and lovingly be remembered and deeply missed.

This is Frank Gaffney.