FDD Events Podcast

ABRAHAM ACCORDS, TWO-STATE PARADIGM, AND U.S.-IRAN NUCLEAR TALKSHEADLINE 1: The Navy lost a $60 million fighter jet because of a Houthi missile attack.HEADLINE 2: An Israeli district court sentenced an Israeli citizen to 10 years in prison for treason.HEADLINE 3: Sectarian clashes broke out near Damascus in what people are still calling the new Syria.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

TARIFFS, TRUMP DOCTRINE, AND WHITE HOUSE DIVISIONSHEADLINE 1: The Palestinian Liberation Organization has a new vice president.HEADLINE 2: The Houthis launched yet another ballistic missile at Israel on Saturday morning.HEADLINE 3: Qatar and Saudi Arabia are settling Syria's debt to the World Bank.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with author and Free Press columnist Batya Ungar-Sargon.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

SOCIOECONOMIC AND POLITICAL REALITIES IN ISRAEL POST-OCTOBER 7HEADLINE 1: The Palestinian Liberation Organization Central Council held a two-day meeting this week.HEADLINE 2: Iran may be operating a new, deeply buried tunnel and an expanded security perimeter near the Natanz nuclear site.HEADLINE 3: Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa says he is open to normalizing ties with Israel.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Reichman University lecturer Rachel Gur, who formerly served as deputy CEO of Lobby 99.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

SANCTIONS, ILLICIT FINANCE, AND THE IRANIAN PEOPLEHEADLINE 1: Egypt and Qatar reportedly tabled a new ceasefire proposal.HEADLINE 2: Another day, another round of Iran sanctions.HEADLINE 3: Egypt and China kicked off their first-ever joint air force exercise.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Saeed Ghasseminejad, senior Iran and financial economic advisor at FDD.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

To help protect the United States and its allies from the rising threat of missile and drone attacks, FDD is excited to inaugurate its new Air and Missile Defense Program, housed within the Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP).This state-of-the-art program conducts rigorous, timely research regarding the air and missile defense capabilities necessary to protect the United States, its forward-deployed forces, and its allies and partners from adversary missiles, aircraft, and drones. The development, procurement, and fielding of cutting-edge air and missile defense capabilities — in sufficient quantities — by the United States, its NATO allies, Israel, Taiwan, Ukraine, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and others can bolster deterrence and enhance collective defense against evolving threats.Join FDD for a kickoff discussion of the systems, policies, and infrastructure critical to empowering the United States and its allies to meet these challenges. The panel features program co-leaders Bradley Bowman, senior director of FDD's CMPP and RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, senior director of FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI), as well as Lydia LaFavor, CMPP research fellow. The conversation will be moderated by Pentagon reporter at Politico, Paul McLeary.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/04/22/fdds-air-and-missile-defense-program-launch/

The current economic “moment” is seeing a generational re-ordering of global trade, alliances, and capital. The Trump Administration is unleashing an unprecedented and muscular use of economic power, with tariffs on historical allies and adversaries alike, ramped up sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, new investment incentives and reviews, and willingness to endure economic pain to remake the global order. The framework and objectives for this new use of economic power, however, continue to evolve.What tools are available for advancing America's strategic interests and what doctrinal guardrails should govern their use? How can the U.S. and partners limit emerging geoeconomic risks? What new models of economic integration, trade, investment, and development should we be pursuing? Which pathways are available to counteract adversarial challenges, and what strategic alignments are required among allies to sustain U.S. and global prosperity? As questions abound, the United States and its partners face choices about how to safeguard domestic interests while fostering global economic resilience and security.To examine these questions and more, FDD hosts an on-the-record expert panel including Brian Hook, vice chairman of Cerberus Global Investments; and Elaine Dezenski, senior director and head of FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP). Juan C. Zarate, chairman and co-founder of FDD's CEFP, will moderate the discussion.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/04/21/the-trajectory-of-us-economic-statecraft/

SANCTIONS, TARIFFS, AND MOREHEADLINE 1: Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin met with Hamas leaders over the weekend. HEADLINE 2: The U.S. and Iran held a second round of nuclear talks in Rome.HEADLINE 3: Hamas launched a deadly attack against Israeli troops in northern Gaza.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Juan Zarate, former deputy national security advisor for combating terrorism under George W. Bush and chairman and co-founder of FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

MORAL COURAGE IN THE WAKE OF OCTOBER 7HEADLINE 1: Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived in Moscow yesterday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.HEADLINE 2: Hamas is on the verge of bankruptcy.HEADLINE 3: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned the International Bank of Yemen.HEADLINE 4: Lebanese forces detained multiple people who fired rockets into Israel last month.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with actress and producer Debra Messing, who has used her platform to stand with Israel and against antisemitism in the wake of October 7, 2023.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

The U.S. military has a vested interest in the security of the nation's critical transportation infrastructure. During a conflict, America's adversaries are likely to attack U.S. critical infrastructure in an attempt to constrain Washington's policy options, including its capacity to mobilize the armed forces. Over the past year, the intelligence community has revealed how deeply Chinese hackers known as Volt Typhoon penetrated U.S. transportation, energy, and water systems. Meanwhile, other Chinese Communist Party (CCP) malicious cyber operations, including Flax Typhoon, hijacked cameras and routers. Salt Typhoon burrowed deep into U.S. telecommunications networks; Silk Typhoon compromised U.S. Treasury networks.These hacks have uncovered a dangerous truth: the cybersecurity of the critical air, rail, and maritime infrastructure that underpins U.S. military mobility is insufficient. In addition to enabling disruption, compromising critical infrastructure would allow U.S. adversaries to amass information about the movement of goods and military equipment – and impede America's ability to deploy, supply, and sustain large forces.To explore these themes and more, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies hosts Gen. (Ret.) Mike Minihan, former commander, Air Mobility Command; RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, senior director, FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation; and Annie Fixler, director and research fellow, FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation. The conversation is moderated by Bradley Bowman, senior director, FDD's Center on Military and Political Power.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/04/17/persistent-access-persistent-threat-ensuring-military-mobility-against-malicious-cyber-actors/

CAN THE UNITED STATES SUSTAIN SIMULTANEOUS MILITARY SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL, UKRAINE, AND TAIWAN?HEADLINE 1: Jordan arrested 16 people linked to the Muslim Brotherhood who were involved in a plot to undermine Jordan with targeted attacks.HEADLINE 2: The European Union announced a new aid package for the Palestinian Authority. HEADLINE 3: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says 2025 is the year that the Lebanese Armed Forces must gain a monopoly of arms in his country.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ryan Brobst, a senior research analyst at FDD's Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP).Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

IRAN, OMAN, AND THE UNITED STATESHEADLINE 1: The IDF struck a Hamas command center inside Gaza's al-Ahli hospital.HEADLINE 2: Syrian President Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani was on a charm offensive this weekend. Yes, I still called him by the name he used when he was openly leading an Al-Qaeda affiliate group.HEADLINE 3: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are reportedly planning to sign a nuclear energy cooperation agreement.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis on headlines of the Middle East, followed by a conversation with FDD Chief Executive Mark Dubowitz, who hosts FDD's brand-new podcast, The Iran Breakdown.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

LEBANON, ISRAEL, AND THE FUTURE OF THE MIDDLE EASTHEADLINE 1: The Trump administration rolled out another round of Iran sanctions.HEADLINE 2: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a wanted man in Argentina.HEADLINE 3: Israeli and Turkish officials met in Azerbaijan to discuss Syria.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Carine Hajjar, an opinion and editorial writer and Editorial Board member at The Boston Globe.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

JERUSALEM, ANKARA, AND WASHINGTONHEADLINE 1: Hezbollah may be using maritime routes to smuggle weapons into Lebanon.HEADLINE 2: Iran has been recruiting Swedish criminal gangs to target Jews and Israelis.HEADLINE 3: Protests erupted in Egypt against President Trump's plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Erick Stakelbeck, a bestselling author and host of "Stakelbeck Tonight" and "The Watchman" on TBN. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Iran's nuclear program is escalating, its economy is worsening, and Tehran's terror-regime ties with other authoritarians are tightening. As a result, the United States has an unparalleled opportunity to operationalize alternative policy options that marry maximum support for the Iranian people with maximum pressure against the Iranian regime.To advance these ideas, FDD and the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI) host a symposium featuring a keynote address by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) followed by an exclusive fireside chat with HIH Reza Pahlavi, crown prince of Iran, and Cliff May, FDD founder and president. An expert panel featuring Behnam Ben Taleblu, FDD's Iran Program senior director, and Cameron Khansarinia, NUFDI vice president, will unpack the current state of play with Iran and how maximum support can be paired with maximum pressure; Negar Mojtahedi, Iran International correspondent, will moderate.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/04/07/maximum-support-operationalizing-the-other-iran-policy/

A VISION FOR YEMEN'S FUTUREHEADLINE 1: In June 2021, Hamas asked Iran for $500 million to help fund the destruction of Israel.HEADLINE 2: On Saturday, The Washington Post reported that the regime in Iran hired a Georgian drug trafficker to assassinate a rabbi in Azerbaijan. HEADLINE 3: The United States has sent another THAAD air defense system to Israel.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ahmed Atef, a former Yemeni diplomat who now serves as the U.S. representative of the Southern Transitional Council. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

MAXIMUM PRESSURE ON THE REGIME IN IRAN + MAXIMUM SUPPORT FOR THE IRANIAN PEOPLEHEADLINE 1: On Wednesday, the IDF struck what it described as “remaining military capabilities” that belonged to the former Bashar al-Assad regime.HEADLINE 2: The IDF is establishing a new security corridor in southern Gaza.HEADLINE 3: Russia and Iran's deputy foreign ministers spoke with each other about Iran's nuclear program.HEADLINE 4: The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a network of Houthi financiers and procurement operatives.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Emily Schrader, an Israeli journalist, author, and activist who serves as a news anchor at ILTV News.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Israel's tech ecosystem plays a pivotal role in strengthening US-Israel relations, particularly collaborative innovations, economic partnerships, and geopolitical ties. These dynamics, notably in defense technology, align with U.S. national security interests and foster normalization with Gulf states by enhancing regional stability and economic resilience. Through the lens of innovation, these unique opportunities for collaboration and diplomacy have the potential to reshape regional dynamics and foster lasting peace.For an insightful conversation on technology's power to shape diplomacy and drive peace in the Middle East, FDD hosts Eyal Hulata, senior fellow, FDD and former Israeli National Security Advisor; Ilana Sherrington Hoffman, director of global partnerships, Startup Nation Central; and Seth Spergel, managing partner, Merlin Ventures. Nave Shachar, director of innovation diplomacy, Startup Nation Central, gives keynote remarks. The conversation is moderated by Bradley Bowman, senior director, FDD's Center on Military and Political Power.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/04/03/israeli-innovation-and-defense-tech-strengthening-ties-and-regional-normalization/

ISRAEL, QATAR, AND TURKEYHEADLINE 1: Israel eliminated a top Hezbollah terrorist in Beirut.HEADLINE 2: Israeli security forces foiled a terror cell in the West Bank city of Nablus.HEADLINE 3: The Houthis said they shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone.--FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow provides timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation between Jon Schanzer and Lena Argiri, the D.C. correspondent for Greek Public Broadcasting. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

TURKEY, GAZA, AND IRAQHEADLINE 1: Erdogan's Hamas clients are also dealing with popular unrest.HEADLINE 2: The regime in Iran replied to President Trump's letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.HEADLINE 3: The United States military continues to hammer the Houthis.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Michael Rubin, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN MOUNTING GLOBAL THREATSHEADLINE 1: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps unveiled another so-called missile city.HEADLINE 2: Those Houthi ballistic missile attacks keep on coming.HEADLINE 3: The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit for the forfeiture of $47 million in proceeds from the sale of Iranian oil. --FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer and Hudson Institute Adjunct Fellow Garrett Exner who also serves as the executive director of the Public Interest Fellowship.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

HEADLINES:HEADLINE 1: The U.S. Treasury Department issued another round of Iran sanctions.HEADLINE 2: The Trump administration handed Syria's new rulers a list of conditions they must meet to finally see some of those sanctions lifted.HEADLINE 3: Anti-Hamas protests erupted in Gaza yesterday.--FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer and John Mirisch, who formerly served as the mayor of Beverly Hills. Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

TURKEY: AUTHORITARIANS, BAD ACTORS, AND PROTESTSHEADLINE 1: The U.S. military is beefing up its naval presence in the Middle East.HEADLINE 2: The debate over the credibility of the Lebanese government is heating up again.AND HEADLINE 3: Protests are still raging in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor last week – Turkey's top opposition leader.--FDD Senior Vice President Jonathan Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis on headlines of the Middle East, followed by a conversation with Steven Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for MENA at the Council on Foreign Relations.Learn more at: www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

REVERSING KISSINGERHEADLINE 1: The Trump administration issued a new round of Iran-related sanctions yesterday.HEADLINE 2: Hamas popped off a handful of rockets at Israel yesterday.HEADLINE 3: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei delivered a speech yesterday to mark the start of the Iranian New Year, Nowruz.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with author Lee Smith, who serves as the media columnist for Tablet Magazine.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

THE SHIFTING DYNAMICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST: A SPECIAL SITREP EPISODE--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer is joined by former IDF International Spokesperson Jonathan Conricus and U.S. Middle East policy expert John Hannah for a special edition of the FDD Morning Brief. The two will provide Middle East situational updates and analyze the U.S. response to them as the region undergoes tumultuous shifts. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

CHINA, RUSSIA, AND THE MIDDLE EASTHEADLINE 1: The Shin Bet and Israel police foiled a plot to carry out a terrorist attack in Jerusalem. HEADLINE 2: A former Islamic Revolutionary Guard from Iran gave a rare interview with Israeli media. HEADLINE 3: Former Israeli hostage Tal Shoham gave an exclusive interview to Fox News.BONUS HEADLINE 4: A Syrian soldier was killed yesterday by a Hezbollah rocket.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Grant Rumley, who directs The Washington Institute for Near East Policy's Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

LEBANON, ISRAEL, AND THE GULFHEADLINE 1: The IDF carried out a strike in Damascus yesterday.HEADLINE 2: Qatar is preparing to supply natural gas to Syria.HEADLINE 3: The United Nations published a report accusing Israel of perpetrating “genocidal acts” in Gaza.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Hussain Abdul-Hussain, a research fellow at FDD.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Cyber threats are evolving – but U.S. cyber policy coordination is still lagging behind. Four years after the establishment of the Office of the National Cyber Director, the Trump administration has a unique opportunity to establish stronger central coordination and drive meaningful improvements in how the federal government secures and defends cyberspace. How should the administration clarify and reinforce the role of the National Cyber Director? How can the administration create a more structured and accountable interagency cyber community? How can these structures set clearer national priorities and achieve the goals of deterring adversaries and advancing national resilience in cyberspace?To discuss these issues and more, FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI) hosts a virtual conversation with former National Cyber Director Chris Inglis and John Costello, senior advisor to CSC 2.0, an initiative housed at FDD to continue the work of the congressionally mandated Cyberspace Solarium Commission. The conversation is moderated by RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, senior director of CCTI and former executive director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission with introductions by Dr. Samantha Ravich, Chair of FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/03/12/coaching-thecyberteam-the-future-of-the-office-of-the-national-cyber-director-and-cyber-governance/

A SECURE FUTURE FOR THE MIDDLE EASTHEADLINE 1: The IDF conducted a series of strikes in Syria.HEADLINE 2: The IDF has been busy dismantling terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank city of Jenin.HEADLINE 3: Iran, Russia, and China conducted joint naval exercises.HEADLINE 4: Israel and Lebanon are launching a series of talks to resolve outstanding issues.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Lianne Pollak-David, founding partner of the newly established Coalition for Regional Security.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

THE REVERBERATING IMPACT OF THE 1929 HEBRON MASSACREHEADLINE 1: Israel will allow Syrian Druze, along with Circassians – another ethnic minority in Syria – to work in the Israeli Golan Heights. HEADLINE 2: Recent meetings in Qatar between top Hamas terrorists and Adam Boehler, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, are focused the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander. HEADLINE 3: The Trump administration has followed through on its threat to cancel federal funding to Columbia University, revoking $400 million due to the institution's failure to respond to campus antisemitism.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with award-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated producer, and bestselling author Yardena Schwartz. Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

WHO ARE THE KURDS, AND HOW DO THEY FIT INTO THE MIDDLE EAST PUZZLE?HEADLINE 1: The U.S. Air Force conducted a joint exercise with the Israeli Air Force on Tuesday.HEADLINE 2: Clashes broke out in Syria between Assad loyalists and the new government's security forces.HEADLINE 3: The Trump administration is getting creative with its maximum pressure campaign.BONUS HEADLINE 4: Syria's foreign minister made a historic visit to the headquarters of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, or the OPCW.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Giran Ozcan, who serves as the executive director of the Kurdish Peace Institute.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

CAMPUS ANTISEMITISM POST-OCTOBER 7HEADLINE 1: The State Department designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.HEADLINE 2: Russian missile experts travelled to Iran twice last year.HEADLINE 3: Turkey and Iran are at loggerheads. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Wendy Sachs, director of "October 8." This documentary offers a powerful examination of the surge in antisemitism across college campuses, social media, and American streets in the wake of Hamas' October 7 massacre in southern Israel.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Nations pursue access to reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy that will sustain their national security objectives. While the China-Russia led alliance continues to rely largely on fossil fuels, Western countries increasingly seek to replace these traditional energy sources with renewable offerings, leading to less reliable and more expensive electricity. This has profound national security implications.International organizations such as the United Nations and the International Energy Agency promote the existence of an “energy transition” to renewable energy, despite no signs that a transition is imminent. This is dangerous. Simultaneously, the United Nations promotes diversion of trillions of dollars from the West to China and the Global South to promote climate policies and renewable energy use.Future energy policies based on reliable energy supplies must necessarily include a full consideration of the national security implications.What are the potential dangers of operating and enacting energy policies based on future ideals as opposed to current realities? What is the position of the Trump administration on these matters? What is the role of the United Nations in promoting energy policies that will weaken the West?To explore these questions and more, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies hosts Dr. Brenda Shaffer, Senior Advisor for Energy at FDD; Michael Ratner, Energy Specialist at Congressional Research Service; and Ken Moriyasu, Washington Correspondent at Nikkei Asia. The conversation is moderated by Clifford D. May, FDD Founder and President.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/03/04/powering-national-security-energy-policy-in-the-us-and-beyond/

TURKEY'S TIES TO SYRIA AND ERDOGAN'S DYNAMIC WITH TRUMPHEADLINE 1: The IDF says it is ready to defend an endangered Druze community in Syria.HEADLINE 2: Lebanese authorities detained a man at the airport in Beirut on Friday. HEADLINE 3: The Trump administration is expediting the delivery of some $4 billion in military aid to Israel.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Henri J. Barkey, the Bernard L. and Bertha F. Cohen Chair in International Relations at Lehigh University and adjunct senior fellow for Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

THE U.S.-ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP FROM A DEFENSE PERSPECTIVEHEADLINE 1: The Iran sanctions keep on coming.HEADLINE 2: Israeli authorities arrested yet another Israeli citizen accused of spying for Iran. HEADLINE 3: A car-ramming attack unfolded at a bus stop near the Israeli city of Caesarea yesterday.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis ahead of a conversation between Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power, and Adam Tarsi of the Department of Defense's Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate. Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

ANTISEMITISM AND A NEW MIDDLE EASTHEADLINE 1: The Trump administration escalated its maximum pressure campaign on Iran with a new round of sanctions.HEADLINE 2: Things are getting hairy between Syria's new leadership and the Israeli government.HEADLINE 3: Speaking of Syria, an Israeli journalist uncovered troves of classified intelligence from the fallen Assad regime at Iran's embassy in Damascus.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC).Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

After nearly a year and half of war following Hamas's brutal October 7 attacks, Israeli society has proven its resilience and strength. The IDF has had a series of military successes against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and in Iran – though substantial challenges remain, in particular the return of all the hostages from Gaza.Paired with global political realities, Israel's military successes present Jerusalem a window of opportunity. What could this opportunity look like? How should Israel turn its military successes into strategic victories and ensure lasting peace and security? Critically, what should Israel do about the future of the Gaza Strip and how can it work together with the U.S. administration to continue down the path of the Abraham Accords and advance normalization with Saudi Arabia?Yair Lapid, former Israeli Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and current Leader of Opposition of the Knesset, joins FDD to deliver a new proposal for the future of Gaza as part of his strategic vision for a peaceful and prosperous Israel and Middle East. FDD Chief Executive Mark Dubowitz will moderate an exclusive fireside chat following a presentation by Leader Lapid.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/02/25/the-day-after-yair-lapids-vision-for-a-peaceful-middle-east/

THE HOSTAGE CRISIS: THE STORY OF ALON OHELHEADLINE 1: Israeli authorities have arrested 10 people suspected of smuggling arms from Jordan into Israel.HEADLINE 2: The IDF deployed tanks to the West Bank city of Jenin.HEADLINE 3: The IDF carried out a series of airstrikes in Lebanon ahead of Nasrallah's funeral.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Idit Ohel, mother of 24-year-old Hamas hostage Alon Ohel.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

SOUTH AFRICA'S MALIGN TIES WITH AUTHORITARIANS HEADLINE 1: Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was in Iran this week.HEADLINE 2: Arab leaders are meeting in Riyadh today to discuss alternatives to President Trump's vision for Gaza.HEADLINE 3: Iran executed a record number of people in 2024.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Max Meizlish, senior research analyst at FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

ABRAHAM ACCORDS, 10/7 WAR, IRANHEADLINE 1: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Saudi officials in Riyadh.HEADLINE 2: Israeli troops remain in "buffer zone" in Lebanon to enforce the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. HEADLINE 3: The European Union plans to weigh in on the postwar Gaza discussion.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Dan Feferman, a Middle East and Jewish studies scholar who serves as the chairman of the peace-building NGO Sharaka.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

STARTUP NATION, ISRAEL AND THE GULF, AND THE ABRAHAM ACCORDSHEADLINE 1: Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in Israel over the weekend.HEADLINE 2: On Friday evening, Hezbollah supporters attacked a UN peacekeeping convoy.HEADLINE 3: The IDF was hard at work in Gaza over the weekend.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Nave Shachar, who serves as the Gulf Cooperation Council and MENA Innovation Diplomacy Director at Startup Nation Central.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation between Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD's Center on Military & Political Power (CMPP), and IDF Major General (Ret.) Tal Kelman, who was tasked with overseeing Israel's "Iran file" during his service.Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ed Husain, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a professor at Georgetown University. Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Over the last two months, Turkey has thrown its weight behind Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the victorious Syrian rebel group who ousted Bashar al-Assad's government from power. Westen countries have labeled HTS a terrorist organization – yet, despite HTS's jihadi roots, Turkey has argued the group is capable of establishing a state that brings law and order and is dedicated to serving Syria's diverse population. For Syrian Kurds and other communities opposed to HTS governance, Erdogan's embrace of the Sunni government foreshadows a grim future where Turkey is the dominant foreign power in Syria. For Turkey's neighbors, Western allies, and fellow NATO members, Erdogan's actions are a warning sign that Turkey is trying to fundamentally restructure and reshape regional boundaries.In light of its ambitions for the Middle East and Arab world, how can Turkey's expansionist ambitions be best understood? What are the potential consequences for Turkey's neighbors in the Mediterranean? Will Turkey's NATO status mean less as the U.S. changes its relationship with the alliance? Can Turkey be trusted to be an honest power in Syria, or will Turkey's dreams yield a new sphere of influence?To explore these questions, FDD hosts a sideline session during the 6th Annual Delphi Economic Forum featuring the Cohen Chair in International Relations at Lehigh University and adjunct senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations Henri J. Barkey; FDD Non-Resident Fellow and expert on Turkish domestic politics, Sinan Ciddi; former Minister of Migration and Asylum of Greece and current member of the Greece-Cyprus-Israel-US Interparliamentary Committee Dimitris Kairidis; and FDD Executive Vice President Jon Schanzer. The panel will be moderated by Lena Argiri, Washington Correspondent for Greek Public TV (ERT), with introductions by Endy Zemenides, Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/category/events/

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Newsweek Senior Editor-at-Large Josh Hammer.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL).Learn more at: https://fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Professor Eyal Zisser, Middle East expert and Vice Rector of Tel Aviv University.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Former IDF International Spokesperson and FDD Senior Fellow Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus delivers timely situational updates and analysis on headlines out of the Middle East, followed by a conversation with Rageh Omaar, ITV News' International Affairs Analyst.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, senior director of FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, fills in for Jon Schanzer on the FDD Morning Brief. He delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with retired U.S. Air Force General Mike Minihan.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

FDD Senior Fellow David Daoud delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Seth Frantzman, Senior Middle East Correspondent and Analyst at The Jerusalem Post and an FDD adjunct fellow.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Gidi Grinstein, founder and president of Reut Group and Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM).Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, an author, Tel Aviv University professor, and one of the world's foremost experts on Turkey.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief