The Rita Hauser Annual Event

The Future of the Middle East

The Future of the Middle East symposium was held on April 11 and April 12, 2018. The event convened CFR scholars and experts from think tanks and academic institutions to address the region's current political, economic, and security challenges. Presented as part of the Rita Hauser Annual Event, the symposium was made possible by the generous support of the Hauser Foundation, and held in collaboration with United States Central Command.

Keynote Session: Historical Perspectives on the Middle East

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In the opening session of The Future of the Middle East symposium, Lisa Anderson, Howard Eissenstat and Richard Haass discuss the past, present, and future of the Middle East. 

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Session 1: The Iran Fault Line

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In the first session of The Future of the Middle East symposium, Faysal Itani, Ray Takeyh, Karen E. Young, Nussaibah Younis and presider Glenn Kessler address Iran's influence in Syria, Iraq, and the Gulf and offer ideas on how to counter Tehran's efforts.

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Session 2: Afghanistan: Endless War?

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In the second session of The Future of the Middle East symposium, Alyssa Ayres, Carlotta Gall, Cameron P. Munter, and presider Barney Rubin look at America's longest war and examine strategies for how to bring it to an end. 

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Session 3: U.S. Interests in the Central Region--Is Washington Overinvested?

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In the final session of The Future of the Middle East symposium, Steven A. Cook, Philip H. Gordon, Amy Hawthorne, Mona Yacoubian and presider Jonathan J. Finer debate the future role of the United States in the Middle East given competing global priorities.

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Rita E. Hauser and Gustave M. Hauser
Rita E. Hauser and Gustave M. Hauser
Richard N. Haass giving opening remarks
Richard N. Haass giving opening remarks
Symposium question
Symposium question
Symposium attendees
Symposium attendees