Seventeen years after Saddam Hussein, Iraq has reached a critical juncture. A privileged, corrupt elite controls the government and parliament, while heavily armed and well-paid militias answer to Tehran. The infrastructure is in a state of deep neglect, the economy is in shambles, and the judiciary has lost its independence. In addition to Sunni-Shi’i tensions, internal Shi’i tensions are at an unprecedented high. Where is Iraq heading and can Washington help?

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is arriving in Israel next week. What does this extraordinary visit mean? What does it mean for the Trump Peace Plan, annexation and Iran? Will it have an effect on the makeup of the new government?

In 1990, Jews of the collapsing Soviet Empire began to escape their antisemitic prison in large numbers. Over one million of them repatriated to Israel and made up the country’s biggest, most educated immigration wave ever. They dramatically changed nearly every aspect of Israel’s life, from science to sports. What is their net impact and how will this influence Israel going forward?

The Middle East is more closely connected to Latin America than generally understood. Iran’s links to the region and its establishment of jihadi networks go back to the 1990s (recall the bombings in Buenos Aires). They have grown especially with Maduro’s Venezuela. In addition to local aspirations, this effort also endangers domestic U.S. national security interests.

Expect a dramatic week ahead. The Supreme Court will decide if the new government is legal. The Prime Minister needs 61 MPs to stop Israel from plunging towards its fourth elections. Should we expect smooth sailing or further surprises?

Robert Nicholson, founder and president, Philos Project, joins Gregg Roman on MEF Radio.

In a just-published book co-written with Einat Wilf, the speaker argues for the centrality of the refugee issue in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict because it continues the rejection of Jewish sovereignty on any part of the land. Therefore, Western powers must send a clear message: no support for the return of Palestine refugees.

Steve Emerson, Founder and Executive Director, The Investigative Project on Terrorism.

The Syrian civil war has been replaced by a clash of regional and global rivals with their local clients. Various conflicts are currently being played out on Syrian soil: Israel vs. Iran, Turkey vs. PKK, Assad regime vs. Turkey, US-led coalition vs. ISIS, Russia vs. US, and (still) the Assad regime vs. Sunni Islamist insurgents. Will the current situation become semi-permanent or will Damascus reimpose its rule throughout the country?

With Winfield Myers and Clifford Smith on TItle VI of the Higher Education Opportunity Act.