MEF Wires

Middle East Forum Wires are summary accounts and audio recordings of MEF speaking events.

Wires are written by MEF staff and (when summary accounts) are generally not reviewed by the speaker.

To see a listing of forthcoming MEF events, please click here.

Audio, Video and Transcripts
Gregg Roman Testifies Before the Knesset on the Cost of Redeeming Hostages
The Mishnah Warns Against Redeeming Captives at Exorbitant Prices—Not from Callousness, but from Wisdom
December 24, 2025
Audio, Video and Transcripts
Eastern Mediterranean Contributions to Middle East Security
The Middle East Forum participated in a high-level panel on “Eastern Mediterranean Contributions to Middle East Security” at the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece.
April 18, 2025
Audio, Video and Transcripts
The Middle East: Harris and Trump Policies Explained
November 4, 2024
 · 
Ahnaf Kalam
Fluttering Israel flag on crimson red sky with smoke pillars background. Israel problems concept.
Audio, Video and Transcripts
Israel’s Crucible: Forging a New Security Paradigm
Navigating Complex Threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and Beyond in a Shifting Middle East Landscape
October 6, 2024
 · 
Gregg Roman
Winfield Myers
Audio, Video and Transcripts
The Challenges of Countering Islamism in the West
May 17, 2023
 · 
Sam Westrop
Winfield Myers
Audio, Video and Transcripts
Salvaging Our Universities in an Era of Intellectual Decadence
May 17, 2023
 · 
Winfield Myers
More from MEF
U.S. Navy warships transit the Arabian Sea on June 30, 2026, to promote regional security and stability.
Middle East Forum Observer
Iran Is Confident About Victory. Only Strategic Setback Can Change That
The Regime Media Continue to Portray the Current Phase of the War as Unprovoked, Omitting Iran’s Assaults on Shipping
July 25, 2026
 · 
Shay Khatiri
President Donald Trump and Secretary of War is Pete Hegseth brief the news media on the war in Iran.
Middle East Forum Observer
How Diplomacy Could Strengthen the Islamic Republic of Iran
If Negotiations Produce an Agreement That Reduces Pressure on Tehran, the Regime Will Prioritize Rebuilding Its Security Capabilities
July 25, 2026
 · 
Arvin Khoshnood
On July 10, the pro-government Turkish newspaper Hürriyet reported that Ankara was seeking to finalize the sale of its Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to a Persian Gulf country. Image: Russian S-400 missile system near Moscow.
Middle East Forum Online
The S-400 Transfer and the Erosion of American Leverage in the Gulf
The Transfer Cannot Proceed Without Moscow’s Approval
July 24, 2026
 · 
Hussein Aboubakr Mansour
The signing of an intergovernmental agreement by member states of the Economic Community of West African States in Sierra Leone in July 2026 marks a decisive geopolitical turning point. By formally endorsing the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, West Africa's primary regional bloc has cleared the way for a transformational 6,900-kilometer energy corridor. Image: An overland liquid natural gas pipeline system.
Middle East Forum Online
How the New Atlantic Gas Corridor Changes the Balance of Power in North Africa
It Delivers Energy Security, Weakens Algerian Leverage, and Creates a Major Strategic Win for Western-Aligned Partners
July 24, 2026
 · 
Amine Ayoub
The port of Benghazi, Libya.
Middle East Forum Observer
Deliberate Blindness Undercuts U.S. Diplomacy in Libya
The State Department’s Absence in Benghazi Trades Intelligence for Spin and Rumor
July 24, 2026
 · 
Michael Rubin
The Iraqi government has largely failed to act against sanctioned individuals or entities.
Middle East Forum Observer
Why Washington’s Current Sanctions Regime Fails to Curb Iraq’s Parallel Economy
Because Iraq’s Political System Cannot Police Itself, Washington Should Focus on State Officials Who Enable Sanctioned Networks
July 24, 2026
 · 
Ali Almrayatee
Hasan Izquierdo has proposed converting the Plaza Monumental de Barcelona, above, into a mosque. Izquierdo is a convert to Islam and mayoral candidate for Barcelona for the Andalusian Party, an Islamist formation that aims to reconvert Spain into Al-Andalus.
Middle East Forum Online
After 500 Years, Spain Returns to Al Andalusia
The Question Is Whether the Country Still Possesses the Spiritual and Demographic Energy for a New Reconquista—Not Armed, but Cultural and Biological
July 23, 2026
 · 
Giulio Meotti
Under Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, there is no question that Israel hammered Iran and its proxies with its outstretched arm. But the decisive victory that Netanyahu promised continues to evade him. Image: February 5, 2025
Middle East Forum Online
Israel Remains on Sidelines of U.S.-Iran Fight, Which for Jerusalem Is Just Fine for Now
Tehran Is Determined to Impose Its Control over Hormuz, and Hitting Israel Doesn’t Advance That Goal
July 23, 2026
 · 
Lazar Berman
The University of Sirte in Libya.
Middle East Forum Observer
Visa Ban Will Undercut American Interests for a Generation
The State Department Has Never Accused a Libyan Student or Somalilander of Engaging in Terrorism
July 23, 2026
 · 
Michael Rubin
An Iraqi flag covers an oil pipeline.
Middle East Forum Observer
What Does Iraq’s $1.47 Billion Arbitration Victory over Turkey Mean for the Future?
The Agreement Makes Clear That Turkey Cannot Disregard the Authority of Iraq When Dealing with the Ceyhan Pipeline
July 23, 2026
 · 
Umud Shokri