Oct 16, 2025
Two years after Hamas’
October 7, 2023, attacks and Israel’s devastating war in Gaza, the
two sides have agreed to a new cease-fire. But can it last, and
what kind of Middle East has emerged from the turmoil in the
interim? In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts
Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj speak with MEI Senior
Fellow Paul Salem about how the conflict has reshaped the region’s
geopolitical landscape, from Iran’s weakened deterrence and
shifting attitudes toward Israel as a prospecitve security partner
to the renewed centrality of American power and influence for
regional countries. The conversation also explores President
Trump’s Gaza peace plan and the uncertain path toward
reconstruction, regional integration, and enduring stability in the
aftermath of the war.
Recorded on October 14, 2025.
Read Paul Salem's recent article in Al
Majalla: