The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Washington D.C., DC Videos

"The Israeli strike on Hezbollah pagers and then a day later on their handheld radios was an absolute tactical mastermind stroke," said Matthew Levitt. Watch the full video for more.

Decision Points S5 E8: Israel's Wartime Enemy: Navigating Crisis and Beyond
Soaring military expenditures, plummeting tourism, and the costs of compensating reserve soldiers and displaced citizens have all taken a toll on economic growth. How much of this turbulence stems from the war itself, and to what extent have policy missteps worsened the situation? More importantly, what does the path to economic recovery look like? Tune in to this week's episode of Decision Points as host David Makovsky speaks with Karnit Flug, Vice President of Research at the Israel Democracy Institute and former Governor of the Bank of Israel, about the challenges ahead and the resilience of the Israeli people: https://shows.acast.com/decision-points/episodes/israels-wartime-economy-navigating-crisis-and-beyond

Israel's Wartime Economy: Navigating Crisis and Beyond
A brain drain in Israel? On this week's episode of Decision Points, host David Makovsky speaks with Karnit Flug, Vice President of Research at the IDI - Israel Democracy Institute and former Governor of the Bank of Israel, about the effect of the war on Israel's economy, including the possibility of a brain drain. Listen to the full episode: https://shows.acast.com/decision-points/episodes/israels-wartime-economy-navigating-crisis-and-beyond

U.S.-Bahrain Ties One Year After the Strategic Partnership Agreement
At its core, C-SIPA showcases a shared global threat assessment and allows the U.S. and Bahrain to stand publicly for shared principles. The agreement is a vision of achieving progress, said Amb. Steven Bondy. Read a rapporteur’s summary of his remarks: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/us-bahrain-ties-one-year-after-strategic-partnership-agreement

U.S.-Bahrain Ties One Year After the Strategic Partnership Agreement
Over the last several months, Bahrain has pardoned over 2000 prisoners. Institute expert Elizabeth Dent spoke with Sheikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa about the significance of these recent developments. Read a rapporteur’s summary of his remarks: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/us-bahrain-ties-one-year-after-strategic-partnership-agreement

U.S.-Bahrain Ties One Year After the Strategic Partnership Agreement
Shortly after C-SIPA was signed, Bahrain lost several military personnel in an attack by the Houthis. Sheikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa spoke with Elizabeth Dent about Iran's actions. Read a rapporteur’s summary of his remarks: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/us-bahrain-ties-one-year-after-strategic-partnership-agreement

Decision Points S5 E7 - Back to School: Lessons from New Study on Israel and Campus Narratives
A recent survey found that almost one-third of students feel hostility toward #Israel. What is it about Israel and the war that is a catalyst for so many students? Is it connected to a set of controversial academic theories or ideas that go beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Decision Points host David Makovsky speaks with Uriel Abulof about this complex topic. Listen to the full episode: https://shows.acast.com/decision-points/episodes/back-to-school-lessons-from-new-study-on-israel-and-campus-n

Decision Points S5 E7 - Back to School: Lessons from New Study on Israel and Campus Narratives
In the wake of rising campus tensions over the Israel-Hamas war, Jewish students have faced increasing hostility, with a reported 700% spike in antisemitic incidents since October 7. As colleges reopen for the fall, we dive into the complexities of these protests. A recent Brandeis University survey found that almost one-third of college students feel hostility towards Israel. How can we put the Brandeis survey in context? Decision Points host David Makovsky speaks with Leonard Saxe about the survey results. Listen to the full episode: https://shows.acast.com/decision-points/episodes/back-to-school-lessons-from-new-study-on-israel-and-campus-n

Decision Points S5 E6 - The Evolution of Hamas
When Hamas won the elections in 2006 and then took over Gaza in 2007, some members of the group were very uncomfortable going into governance, Institute expert Ghaith al-Omari told Decision Points host David Makovsky. Listen to their conversation about the dynamics within the group. Listen to the full episode: https://shows.acast.com/decision-points/episodes/evolution-of-hamas

Decision Points S5 E6 - The Evolution of Hamas
Hamas is dedicated to the destruction of #Israel, and the organization has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2006. How has Hamas evolved over the last few decades, and how can we understand the organization and its leadership? On this episode of Decision Points, Ehud Yaari and David Makovsky discuss the evolution of the group and the rise of its top leader, Yahya Sinwar. Listen: https://shows.acast.com/decision-points/episodes/evolution-of-hamas

Decision Points S5 E5 "Middle East Crisis Moment: Stakes for the U.S.-Israel Security Relationship
A breakthrough in the hostage-for-ceasefire negotiations may delay or eliminate Hezbollah and Iran retaliatory attacks and could be a pivotal turning point in the Israel-Hamas war. Decision Points host David Makovsky spoke with Dana Stroul and Amos Gilead about how this crisis moment will test the resolve of the U.S.-Israel security relationship. Listen: https://shows.acast.com/decision-points/episodes/middle-east-crisis-moment-stakes-for-the-us-israel-security-

Decision Points S5 E5 "Middle East Crisis Moment: Stakes for the US-Israel Security Relationship"
A key takeaway from Iran's attack on Israel on April 13 and the regional response is that the role of the U.S. in the Mideast remains indispensable, Institute Director of Research Dana Stroul told Decision Points host David Makovsky. Listen as they discuss the implications of this key moment: https://shows.acast.com/decision-points/episodes/middle-east-crisis-moment-stakes-for-the-us-israel-security-

Decision Points S5 E4 - Can the Gaza War Bridge the Secular-Haredi Military Draft Divide?
While the Haredim have historically enjoyed a blanket exemption from military service, a decision by the High Court of Israel overturned that status quo. David Makovsky spoke with Yohanan Plesner and Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer about the reality on the ground, the changes that are happening, and how these changes can be enduring. Listen to the full episode as they discuss how to bridge the secular-Haredi divide: https://shows.acast.com/decision-points/episodes/can-the-gaza-war-bridge-the-secular-haredi-military-draft-di

Decision Points S5 E4 - Can the Gaza War Bridge the Secular-Haredi Military Draft Divide?
Wartime demands have pushed the IDF to integrate more Haredim. Decision Points host David Makovsky spoke with Yohanan Plesner and Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer about how to incorporate the Haredi community into military and national service. Listen to the full episode as they discuss how to bridge the Secular-Haredi divide: https://shows.acast.com/decision-points/episodes/can-the-gaza-war-bridge-the-secular-haredi-military-draft-di

On the Brink? The Potential for a Broader Conflict in the Middle East
The Middle East appears to be on the brink of full-scale war even though none of the major players—including Iran, Israel, and Hezbollah—want it, said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amir Eshel. Read a summary of his remarks: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/brink-potential-broader-conflict-middle-east

On the Brink? The Potential for a Broader Conflict in the Middle East
At the moment, all of the players presumably want to avoid a broader war, but it remains to be seen if the desire to avenge public humiliation outweighs the pragmatic need for de-escalation, said Institute Research Director Dana Stroul. Read a summary of her remarks: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/brink-potential-broader-conflict-middle-east

On the Brink? The Potential for a Broader Conflict in the Middle East
All eyes are on this week's hostage and ceasefire talks in Doha. Whether or not this results in Hezbollah and Iran holding off on further action remains to be seen. The next few days are critical, said Institute Research Director Dana Stroul. Read a summary of her remarks: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/brink-potential-broader-conflict-middle-east

The region appears to be on the brink of full-scale escalation. There is risk of a miscalculation or mistake that could lead to broader conflict. Iran and Hezbollah don't want regional escalation that results in a significant Israeli response or, even worse, a U.S. response. The only actor that wants to widen the war is Hamas, said Amb. Satterfield. Read a summary of his remarks: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/brink-potential-broader-conflict-middle-east

Countering IS Gendered Violence and Minority Persecution
Many IS-affiliated individuals remain in indefinite detention in NE Syria. A major concern is the “conveyor belt of incarceration” which puts boys at higher risk for violence and indoctrination, said Devorah Margolin. Read more: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/countering-islamic-states-gendered-violence-and-minority-persecution

Countering IS Gendered Violence and Minority Persecution
Authorities in Iraq and DAANES-controlled areas of Syria continue to grant amnesty to IS family members and possible perpetrators due to resource constraints, said Pari Ibrahim. Read more: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/countering-islamic-states-gendered-violence-and-minority-persecution