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.

This crucial conversation examines the trajectory of U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East following President Trump’s landmark visit to Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Doha in May 2025. The discussion reflects on the outcomes of the trip, focusing on economic engagement, strategic cooperation, and points of political alignment and divergence. Featuring HRH Prince Turki AlFaisal and former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney, the dialogue provides high-level insights into the evolving dynamics of this critical partnership in a shifting global landscape.  Facilitated by Adel Hamaizia, Harvard Belfer Center MEI.

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.

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 it’s regional repercussions, and European-Middle East relations.