MED Panels
Kirsten Fontenrose
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, Atlantic Council
Massad Boulos
Senior Advisor for Africa, U.S. Department of State
Curt Mills
Executive Director, The American Conservative
William F. Wechsler
Director, Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and Middle East Programs, Atlantic Council
The Middle East, a region of enduring geopolitical significance, has experienced notable shifts in the year following Donald Trump’s presidency. This session will explore the strategic implications of Trump’s policies, including the Abraham Accords and the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. Key challenges include balancing regional power dynamics and addressing the humanitarian crises exacerbated by ongoing conflicts. Opportunities may arise from new diplomatic engagements and economic partnerships. As we assess the impact of Trump’s approach, we must consider: How have these policies reshaped alliances and rivalries in the Middle East? What are the long-term implications for regional stability and U.S. influence?