Speakers
Nader Hashemi
Director of the Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding
Georgetown University
Lahib Higel
Senior Analyst – Iraq
International Crisis Group
Moderator
The October 7 attack by Hamas and other Palestinian factions on Israel and the latter’s response with endless war on the Gaza Strip opened what can be considered a new era in Middle East politics and in United States relations with the region. Israel’s devastating war on Gaza has generated regional resistance and confrontations on multiple fronts.
In solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza and with Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shia militias in Iraq have opened armed confrontations with Israel. As the premier supporter of and supplier of weapons to Israel, and as the international power with undeniable strategic interests in the Middle East, the United States has been targeted and seriously involved and has in fact taken military action against Iraqi militias and the Houthis. Its involvement will very likely impact its domestic politics and regional alignments.
Arab Center Washington DC is organizing this webinar to explore the current conditions and possible wider repercussions of the Israeli war on Gaza. Experts will discuss the regional dimensions of the conflict, US involvement in it, and its possible escalation into open regionwide conflict.
Featured image credit: US DoD