Alistair Taylor
@mideasteditor
Editorial Director, @MiddleEastInst. Editor, writer & analyst with a focus on #MiddleEast and #Turkey. Views are my own. T/RT≠ endorsement.
Since #Trump shook Ahmed al-Sharaa's hand, #ISIS has directed more energy towards attacking #Syria's new gov't -- whilst upping the ante against the #SDF too. Amidst a US drawdown, there are serious reasons for concern -- my NEW @ForeignPolicy piece: foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/05/syr…
On this week's episode of Middle East Focus, we talk to @GhAlOmari about the urgent humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza, Israel's escalating military campaign, the domestic & international reverberations, and much more. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/multimedia/pod…
On Middle East Focus this week, we discuss the US-Houthi cease-fire & the future of Red Sea security with @Ndawsari. What prompted the deal & what does it mean for maritime shipping, regional alliances & Yemen’s civil war? @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/multimedia/pod…
This week on Middle East Focus, @ProfessorKaren joins us to discuss how the Gulf states are navigating the shifting economic & strategic landscape — from the ripple effects of the Israel-Iran war to changes in the investment environment. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/multimedia/pod…
This week on Middle East Focus, Mara Rudman joins the program to discuss takeaways from the first 6 months of the Trump administration's Middle East policy. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/multimedia/pod…
Ross Harrison, @MiddleEastInst senior fellow & author of the new book Decoding Iran’s Foreign Policy, joins the podcast to discuss what comes next for Iran — from Tehran’s internal power shifts to the future of its forward defense strategy. mei.edu/multimedia/pod…
Pezeshkian’s overtures: Cosmetic change or real shift in power? - @AlexVatanka on how the Iranian president has become the regime's public voice as Khamenei remains silent. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/blog/pezeshkia…
Trump at war with Iran: Regime change, risk, and the hidden battle inside Tehran - @AlexVatanka for @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/blog/trump-war…
The US enters Israel’s war with Iran | MEI experts react with analysis from Ken Pollack, @Charles_Lister, @mmabrouk, @ThisIsSoliman, Ross Harrison, @AlanEyre1, @paul_salem, @ProfessorKaren, @dr_nickfn & John Calabrese. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/publications/u…
"Instead of using this moment to explore diplomatic off-ramps ... Khamenei opted for posturing over negotiation and left the Iranian people even more fearful about the future," writes @AlexVatanka about Khamenei's June 17 speech. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/blog/khamenei-…
A divided and distracted America edges towards another major Middle East war - @Katulis for @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/publications/d…
In case you missed it, Middle East Focus is pleased to bring you access to a recent MEI press briefing on the evolving Israel-Iran conflict, recorded on June 16, 2025. mei.edu/multimedia/pod…
F. Gregory Gause III on the Israel-Iran war — Israel's objectives, Iran's predicament, the choice before the US & the potential long-term consequences. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/publications/w…
"The past four days have clarified much about what Israel wants from this conflict, what Iran can and cannot do to fight back, and what decisions confront the American president over the next few days," writes F. Gregory Gause III. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/publications/w…
On the podcast this week, we're joined by @AlexVatanka to discuss the Iran-Israel conflict, the risk of wider regional conflict, and the future of the Iranian regime. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/multimedia/pod…
Special Briefing: Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear program | Analysis from MEI experts including @AlexVatanka, @paul_salem, @Charles_Lister, F. Gregory Gause, III, @Katulis, @ProfessorKaren, @IuliJo, @ThisIsSoliman & more. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/publications/s…
This week on the podcast, @paul_salem joins us to discuss Lebanon’s rapidly shifting political landscape & the daunting challenges facing its new gov't, including disarming Hizballah, rebuilding institutions & restoring the economy. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/multimedia/pod…
Building Syria’s new army - @mohammed_nomad on current developments around its formation, progress to date & key challenges going forward @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/publications/b…
On Middle East Focus this week, we talk to @Charles_Lister about the Trump administration’s dramatic reversal of four decades of US policy toward Syria. What are the implications & what does it mean for the country going forward? @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/multimedia/pod…
On Middle East Focus this week, we talk to @ThisIsSoliman about the wave of major tech & AI deals signed during Trump's recent trip to Saudi, Qatar, and the UAE & how they mark a shift in the US-Gulf relationship. @MiddleEastInst mei.edu/multimedia/pod…
