"Middle East Strategic Outlook:

Regional and Global Implications"

November 21, 2016

The current deteriorating Middle East security architecture gravely challenges the international community more than ever before. The lingering crisis of national identities coupled with escalating extremism and violence is resulting in unprecedented social, economic, and strategic costs. These regional calamities require most urgently comprehensive conflict resolution policies and actions by all concerned nations. Most importantly, will the new U.S. administration provide critical global leadership in advancing the cause of peace in the Middle East and beyond? These and related concerns were be discussed by a distinguished panel, including current and former diplomats, military, and academics experts.

Opening remarks were given by Michael S. Swetnam, CEO and Chairman, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. The panel was moderated by Professor Yonah Alexander, Director, Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies and Senior Fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. The panel consisted of: Ambassador (Ret.) Marcelle M. Wahba, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and President of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington D.C.; Ambassador (Ret.) Theodore H. Kattouf former U.S. Ambassador to Syria and other diplomatic appointments elsewhere in the Middle East and President and CEO of AMIDEAST; Cem Ulusoy, Counselor at the Embassy of Turkey, focusing on counter terrorism issues and Iraq; Prasad Nallapati, retired Additional Secretary to the Government of India and, currently, President of the Centre for Asia-Africa Policy Research in India; and Professor Don Wallace, Jr., Chairman, International Law Institute. Closing remarks were given by General Alfred Gray, USMC (Ret.), Twenty-Ninth Commandant of the United States Marine Corps and Senior Fellow and Chairman of the Board of Regents, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.

To view a recording of the seminar please click here.