Focusing on Iran, Syria and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, students will discuss the Obama Administration's approach to the Middle East, including the Iran nuclear deal, the response to the Arab Spring, the infamous "red line" and response to Syria's use of chemical weapons, negotiations with the Israelis and Palestinians, the rise and demise of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and the various attempts, through diplomacy and other means, to bring an end to the Syria conflict. We would also discuss early indications of how President Trump will approach these challenges.

 

Guest: White House Middle East Coordinator and Special Assistant to the President Rob Malley, the Obama White House's top Middle East advisor

Study Groups are weekly off-the-record discussions on various topics of political, policy, and public interest.  All are welcome; no prior knowledge or experience is necessary to attend or participate.  Sessions take place at the IOP.  Groups begin the week of 2/13/17 and end the week of 4/10/17.  It is not necessary to attend all groups to participate in the program.

Location: Institute of Politics - Littauer FDR

Contact information: Deisy_Carrera@hks.harvard.edu