FDD Morning Brief

FDD Senior Vice President Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, to discuss Hamas's tunnel networks in Gaza.

Learn more at: www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

FDD Senior Vice President Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Cliff May, FDD's Founder and President, discussing the role of Russia and Iran in continued Middle East tensions and escalating violence.

Learn more at: www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

Check out Cliff's podcast, Foreign Podicy, here: www.fdd.org/category/analysis/podcasts/foreign-podicy/

FDD Senior Vice President Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Gilad Erdan, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations who also previously served as Israel's Ambassador to the United States.

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FDD Senior Vice President Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Dan Senor, author of The Genius of Israel and Start-Up Nation, host of "Call Me Back," prolific journalist, and former political advisor.

Learn more at: www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

The Eastern Mediterranean – a nexus for trade and culture, rich in resources, and home to many Western allies – is embroiled in complex geopolitical dynamics, only exacerbated by Russia’s War against Ukraine and the aftermath of the attacks of October 7, 2023.

The Abraham Accords have brought Middle East nations closer to normalization and peace – enabling the Mediterranean to collectively advance its interests as well. Yet further regional integration seems, at least temporarily, on ice. How do democratic backsliding, energy conflict, and tense diplomatic relationships affect the region as a whole? What can be done to forge ahead? What is the prospect for reviving institutions like the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum and the Negev Forum? What role can Greece and Cyprus play in bridging the gap between Israel and Arab States? Who are the “spoilers” in getting such cooperation back on track?

To discuss cooperation and impediments for progress in the Eastern Mediterranean, FDD hosts a discussion featuring Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Amb. Alexandra Papadopoulou; U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Amb. Geoffrey Pyatt; FDD Senior Vice President for Research Jonathan Schanzer; and FDD Non-Resident Senior Fellow Sinan Ciddi. The panel will be moderated by Washington Correspondent for Greek Public TV ERT Lena Argiri.

This FDD-hosted event is a breakout session of the Delphi Economic Forum.

FDD Senior Vice President Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Mannie Fabian, military correspondent at the Times of Israel, for the latest on the IDF operation that freed two hostages from Rafah over the weekend.

Learn more at: www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s proxy strategy to build a network of armed groups on Israel’s borders to create instability and foment terrorism is on full display in the region. While the fight against Hamas to the south of Israel grinds on, a war on Israel’s northern border looms. Were Israel not preoccupied in Gaza, the Iran-backed aggression from the north would almost certainly have already been met with a swift and powerful response. Equipped with decades of Iranian funding, arms, training, and coordination, is this the next warfront to break out on Israel’s borders? What challenges is Israel facing as it settles into what seems to be a long-haul war that may only be just starting to heat up? What would a war with Hezbollah mean for Israel and its defense capabilities? How would a multi-front war impact Washington and our allied nations’ involvement in the war?

To explore these questions, FDD will host a panel discussion with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, former international spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces and FDD Senior Fellow; Eyal Hulata, former Israeli National Security Advisor and FDD Senior International Fellow; and Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network. The conversation will be moderated by Anna Schecter, Senior Producer in the NBC News Investigations Unit.

FDD Senior Vice President Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with David Daoud, FDD Senior Fellow focused on Lebanon and Hezbollah.

Learn more at: www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

Check out: 10 Things to Know About Hezbollah

Ukrainians continue to fight hard to defend their homes and defeat the Russian invasion, but the future is uncertain. The Ukrainian counteroffensive has not gone as well as many hoped and congressional delay is hampering the administration’s efforts to provide Kyiv the weapons and munitions it needs. What are Putin’s goals in Ukraine? Why should Americans care about the outcome in Ukraine? What does the administration believe success looks like in Ukraine? What is happening on the battlefield, and what are Ukraine’s most urgent security needs? What are the consequences if Congress continues to delay the provision of additional security assistance funding for Ukraine?

To answer these questions and more, FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) hosts Dr. Celeste Wallander, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. FDD Founder and President, Cliff May, will moderate the conversation.

FDD Senior Vice President Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis on the war in the Middle East, followed by a conversation with Amichai Stein, Israeli journalist and diplomatic correspondent for Channel 11 Kan News.

Learn more at: www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/