Yossi Mekelberg

Yossi Mekelberg, Middle East security expert at Chatham House, and Julie Norman, UCL politics scholar, discuss Iran-US tensions, back-channel talks and missile campaigns. They examine risks to the Strait of Hormuz, military options like Har Island, divergent US and Israeli aims, and the escalating violence and settler attacks in Gaza and the West Bank.

Join Yossi Mekelberg, an insightful political commentator, and Vincent McAviney, a keen political analyst, as they unpack this week's major stories. They dive into the diplomatic tensions highlighted at the Munich Security Conference, especially regarding Ukraine and transatlantic relations. Istanbul correspondent Hannah Lucinda Smith shares updates on Turkey's political turmoil and recent earthquakes. The conversation also touches on the Israel-Gaza ceasefire complexities and the ethical dilemmas of resume embellishment in today’s job market.

Yossi Mekelberg, a Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House, and Julie Norman, an Associate Professor at UCL, delve into the tenuous state of Gaza following a ceasefire. They explore potential long-term solutions, like a confederation model, that could offer a pragmatic alternative to the two-state solution. The discussion also highlights the risks of temporary arrangements solidifying into permanent divides. Rose George joins in to spotlight the global fishing industry's environmental challenges and our complex relationship with seafood.

Latika Bourke, a journalist and geopolitics expert, shares critical insights on the fragile Gaza ceasefire and the political implications for both Israeli and Palestinian societies. Yossi Mekelberg, a senior fellow at Chatham House, discusses the resignation of Israel's security minister amidst rising tensions. Gorana Grgić provides a preview of the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting concerns over global economic growth amid fragmentation. The conversation also touches on the intersection of art and technology, showcasing the 'Glacier Dreams' exhibition in Zurich.

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue and King's College visiting professor, and Yossi Mekelberg, Chatham House MENA analyst, dig into Trump's new Board of Peace and its implications. They also debate tense US-Iran diplomacy, Venezuela’s diplomatic shift, and how food, sport and soft power shape international relations.

Join Elizabeth Braw, a Senior Fellow specializing in defense and security, and Yossi Mekkelberg, a Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House, as they dive into the geopolitical tensions surrounding Venezuela's UN appeal over US naval actions. They discuss the complexities of international law and the implications of US military presence. The conversation shifts to Australia's new hate speech laws post-Bondi Beach attack, exploring the challenges of defining hate speech and balancing free speech with regulation. A thought-provoking analysis awaits!

Yossi Mekelberg, an expert in international relations, and Stephen Dalziel, a commentator on European politics, join reporter Hannah Lucinda Smith, who offers insights from the heart of Istanbul. They discuss the explosive protests in Turkey sparked by a provocative cartoon, highlighting the tension between free speech and religious sentiments. The conversation also touches on global issues, from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to the implications for Turkish politics, including government crackdowns on dissent.

Yossi Mekelberg, Chatham House fellow on Israeli public opinion; Gordon Gray, Georgetown expert on Gulf affairs and former U.S. ambassador; Daniel Levy, U.S./Middle East Project president and ex-Israeli negotiator. They debate Israel’s aims in strikes on Iran. Short takes on shifting public support, U.S. decision-making, military goals and regional power plays. Tense snapshots of missiles, diplomacy and political risks.

In this lively discussion, Quentin Peel, a former Financial Times foreign editor, Yossi Meckelberg, a Middle East expert from Chatham House, and Julie Norman, an international relations professor at UCL, delve into the geopolitical landscape of 2026. They explore whether the Ukraine conflict will conclude, analyze US midterm dynamics, and assess China's intentions towards Taiwan. The panel also contemplates the prospects for Palestinian statehood, potential Middle East realignments, and the risks posed by AI. Each guest shares their hopes and fears for the upcoming year, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, joins Lina Khatib and Yossi Mekelberg, both associate fellows at Chatham House, to delve into Israel's recent military escalation against Hezbollah. They discuss the political and historical context behind these strikes, examining the psychological toll on both soldiers and the Lebanese population. The impact on Hezbollah's morale is analyzed, alongside broader implications for U.S.-Israel relations, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the overall dynamics of the Middle East conflict.