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 September episode brought together Mani A. Jad (Executive Director, IMEO) and Leon Shahabian (Founder & Principal, Global Insights Group, LLC). Amongst other topics, they discussed the Syrian president’s future in light of his participation at the United Nations General Assembly, the three year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death and the state of Iranian human rights, and the significance of Britian, Canada, and France recognizing the Palestinian state.
Mani A. Jad
Mani A. Jad is the Founder and Executive Director of IMEO. She works closely with IMEO’s Board of Advisors and staff to shape and execute the organization’s mission. She also cultivates strong partnerships with international and local donors, driving impactful projects that aim to create connections between the East and the West. Mani’s leadership at IMEO is rooted in over two decades of experience at UCLA’s Center for Middle East Development, where she co-founded and helped grow an internationally acclaimed peace-building dialogue program. As Deputy Director and Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, her strategic vision and operational expertise played a pivotal role in advancing the Center's purpose and global influence.
Leon Shahabian
Mr. Leon Shahabian is a principal at Global Insights Group LLC, an advisory services firm based in VA, where he focuses on the Middle East and due diligence issues. He serves as a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC. An award-winning documentary filmmaker, Mr. Shahabian has implemented cooperative agreements in 15 Arab countries on behalf of the Department of State. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Middle East Policy Council (MEPC), and a member of the Board of Visitors of the Political Science Department at Penn State.