Michael Wahid Hanna

Michael Wahid Hanna, a U.S. policy analyst; Mairav Zonszein, an Israel specialist; Yasmine Farouk, a Gulf affairs expert; and Ali Vaez, an Iran analyst. They discuss intense strikes and communications blackouts in Iran. Gulf states’ defensive dilemmas and missile/drone impacts. Israeli public mood and Lebanon operations. U.S. motives, domestic politics and the murky decision-making behind involvement.

Ali Vaez, Iran expert, outlines Tehran's leadership shift and limited off-ramps. Yasmine Farouk, Gulf director, maps divergent Gulf state responses. Mairav Zonszein, Israel analyst, explains durable public support and strategic aims. Stephen Pomper, policy chief, and Michael Wahid Hanna, U.S. director, assess Washington's decision-making, narrow counsel and the high risk of further escalation.

Max Rodenbeck, the Israel-Palestine director at Crisis Group, provides expert insights on Israel's return to military action. Mairav Zonszein discusses Israeli public sentiment towards the government's response to the hostage crisis, while Amjad Iraqi highlights the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Michael Wahid Hanna analyzes U.S. support for Israel's campaign amidst a shifting Middle East policy. They delve into the complexities of negotiating peace, the role of Hamas, and the mounting pressures on both Palestinians and Israelis.

Yasmine Farouk, Ali Vaez, and Michael Wahid Hanna, experts at Crisis Group, dive into Trump’s anticipated Gulf trip. They discuss the significant interplay of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations and regional security, highlighting Iran's urgent need for a deal amidst crises. The conversation spans the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and its international implications, Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in U.S. policy, and the potential for normalization with Israel. Their insights illuminate the complex geopolitical dynamics shaping the Middle East today.

Olga Oliker, Crisis Group's Europe and Central Asia director, discusses the implications of Trump's potential return for European security and the Ukraine war. Michael Wahid Hanna, U.S. director, delves into U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, highlighting the Israel-Palestine conflict. Renata Segura covers how Trump's policies could affect Latin America, particularly immigration. Ali Wyne and Amanda Hsiao examine the prospects for U.S.-China relations, exploring tariffs, Taiwan, and broader geopolitical dynamics.