The MENA Mix: Regional Recap

The MENA Mix: Regional Recap is a monthly video podcast, produced by the Institute for Middle East Options (IMEO). Each episode features rotating experts who unpack and analyze key news stories shaping the Middle East and North Africa.

Our October episode brought together Hala Bugaighis (Co-Founder & Director, Jusoor Center for Studies and Development) and David Wood (Senior Researcher, Center on Conflict, Development, and Peacebuilding). They discussed key MENA conflicts through mediation and commemoration frameworks, the fragility of the Israel Gaza Ceasefire, the need to amplify the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, tensions in Syria despite initial optimism around new leadership, and the emerging landscape of the Red Sea.

*Music Featured in Podcast: Baghdad Nights by Sahara

The MENA Mix: Regional Recap is a monthly video podcast, produced by the Institute for Middle East Options (IMEO). Each episode features rotating experts who unpack and analyze key news stories shaping the Middle East and North Africa.

Our September episode brought together Mani A. Jad (Executive Director, IMEO) and Leon Shahabian (Founder & Principal, Global Insights Group, LLC). Amongst other topics, they discussed the Syrian president’s future in light of his participation at the United Nations General Assembly, the three year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death and the state of Iranian human rights, and the significance of Britian, Canada, and France recognizing the Palestinian state.

*Music Featured in Podcast: Baghdad Nights by Sahara

The MENA Mix: Regional Recap is a monthly video podcast, produced by the Institute for Middle East Options (IMEO). Each episode features rotating experts who unpack and analyze key news stories shaping the Middle East and North Africa.

Our August episode brought together Farah Bdour (Political Analyst and former Senior Advisor, IPEL program, USIP) and Firas Maksad (Managing Director, MENA Practice, Eurasia Group). Amongst other topics, they discussed the mood in Beirut after a recent visit, the Lebanese government’s decision to disarm Hezbollah, lifting sanctions on Syria, and the latest Israel-Gaza headlines.

*Music Featured in Video: Baghdad Nights by Sahara

The MENA Mix: Regional Recap is a monthly video podcast, produced by the Institute for Middle East Options (IMEO). Each episode features rotating experts who unpack and analyze key news stories shaping the Middle East and North Africa.

Our July episode brought together Ambassador Hesham Youssef (Senior Advisor, European Institute of Peace) and Dr. Nimrod Novik (EXCOM Member, Commanders for Israel's Security). Amongst other topics, they discussed the prospects of a ceasefire in Gaza, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, developments in the West Bank, and internal developments in Israel.

Have a topic you’d like us to cover next month? Send your suggestions to [email protected].

*Music Featured in Video: Baghdad Nights by Sahara

The MENA Mix: Regional Recap is a monthly video podcast, produced by the Institute for Middle East Options (IMEO). Each episode features rotating experts who unpack and analyze key news stories shaping the Middle East and North Africa.

Our June episode brought together Anna Borshchevskaya (Senior Fellow, The Washington Institute) and Sara Bazoobandi (Research Associate, Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University). Amongst other topics, they discussed the Iran and Israel conflict, Russia's regional position, and how Ukraine impacted Russia's failure to aid Iran.

Have a topic you’d like us to cover next month? Send your suggestions to [email protected].

Music Featured in Podcast: Baghdad Nights by Sahara

The MENA Mix: Regional Recap is a monthly video podcast, produced by the Institute for Middle East Options (IMEO). Each episode features rotating experts who unpack and analyze key news stories shaping the Middle East and North Africa.

Our May episode brought together H.A. Hellyer (Senior Fellow, Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies) and Noha Alkamcha (Middle East Advocacy Consultant, Women For Women International). Amongst other topics, they discussed Western pressure on Israel, Syria’s recovery following Trump’s sanctions, and implications of the US-Iran Deal and what this says about US diplomacy in MENA.

Have a topic you’d like us to cover next month? Send your suggestions to [email protected].

Music Featured in Podcast: Baghdad Nights by Sahara

The MENA Mix: Regional Recap is a monthly video podcast, produced by the Institute for Middle East Options (IMEO). Each episode features rotating experts who unpack and analyze key news stories shaping the Middle East and North Africa.

Our April episode brought together Charlotta Sparre (Deputy Director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) and Zine Labidine Ghebouli (Fellow, MENA Program, European Council on Foreign Relations).  Amongst other topics, they discussed the recent US-Iran nuclear negotiations, the Gaza conflict and its regional repercussions, and European-Middle East relations.

Have a topic you’d like us to cover next month? Send your suggestions to [email protected].

Music Featured in Podcast: Baghdad Nights by Sahara