The United States has maintained interests in the Middle East almost since its founding. The lecture addresses American influence in the Middle East today, and its tendency to lose interest in the region. This creates a dangerous vacuum that emboldens Iran, but also creates an opportunity for Israel to play a significant role vis-à-vis the Arab states. Among other issues, the lecture will address American interests and how the Middle East’s diminishing value for them affects the entire area. We will also discuss the challenge created by radical Sunni Muslim groups for states which are, themselves, Sunni.

 

MAIN LECTURE TOPICS

  • US-Middle East relations
  • Iran and its satellites in the Middle East
  • The role of Israel in the Middle East
  • The Abraham Accords and their influence on relations between Israel and Arab states

VISUALS

A map of the Middle East