October 8, 2025
Dear MEPIN Readers,
Watch my latest analysis of the talks in Cairo, where I discuss concerns that Hamas may escalate its demands and enlist the Qataris, Turks, and Egyptians to lobby President Trump into urging Israel to accept further concessions beyond the 20 points it has already agreed to.
As Qatar and Turkey claim that a deal could be reached today or before the weekend, we should approach these reports with cautious optimism. Progress is possible but experience reminds us that declarations of imminent breakthroughs often precede new complications when dealing with jihadists.
I also address Secretary of State Rubio’s upcoming trip to Paris to work on the specifics of the “day after” plan. The obstacles remain formidable: Hamas has rejected 19 of the 20 points in the Trump proposal. Critical questions persist: who will disarm Hamas, dismantle the tunnel networks, and ensure the new civilian administration is not hijacked by Hamas?
I welcome your thoughts on these complex and consequential issues. –
Dr. Eric R. Mandel
Director, MEPIN – Middle East Political Information Network