America’s Middle East commitments must come with clear reciprocity
A SYRIAN flag is displayed outside the White House after the meeting of US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa last week. November is shaping up as a…
Watch My Latest Panel on the Middle East: Fragile Ceasefires and Diverging U.S.–Israel Interests
Dear MEPIN Readers, This morning, I joined Rear Admiral (ret.) Dr. Eyal Pinko, an intelligence, cyber, and security expert, for a timely discussion on the fragile ceasefires in Gaza and…
US must keep Iraq central as Iran rebuilds its Ring of Fire
IRAQ’S PRIME MINISTER Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani (left) meets with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran earlier this year. Israeli officials warn that Iranian-controlled Iraqi militias are regaining strength, the writer…
Israel’s Post–October 7 Reality: Disarm Hamas, Confront Iran, and Reassess U.S. Partners in Qatar and Turkey
Dear MEPIN Readers, In my latest comprehensive interview with my colleague and friend Brian Schrauger, we analyze the shifting dynamics across Israel, Gaza, and the wider region. Our conversation explores:…
Watch Dr. Eric Mandel on i24News Middle East Now
Dear MEPIN Readers, This evening, I participated in a panel discussion on Middle East Now with host Laura Cellier and Ariel Oseran. The conversation addressed Israel’s evolving plans for Gaza,…
From Syria to Settler Violence: Analyzing and Navigating U.S.-Israel Tensions
Dear MEPIN Readers, Israel is facing sharp criticism from U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack—who also serves as Ambassador to Turkey—and unnamed White House officials, over its intervention to protect Syrian…
Netanyahu-Trump Negotiations
Dear MEPIN Readers, Will there be a ceasefire deal? How much pressure will President Trump apply on Prime Minister Netanyahu for an interim agreement, especially after the U.S. supported Israel…
Political, social and diplomatic possibilities within reach for Syria and Lebanon
Sothern Lebanon, 2025. Photo Eric Mandel. It will take patience, prodding and the imposition of consequences, but for the first time in a long while, cautious optimism can be construed…
A president with different priorities: Israel and US chart a new course under Trump
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump speaks during a Kennedy Center board dinner at the White House this week. At least for the rest of the Trump term, and probably much longer,…
Watch Dr. Mandel Discuss the Change in the Middle East since the Trump Inauguration
March 18, 2025 Dear MEPIN Readers, Please watch this comprehensive up-to-the-day analysis of President Trump’s disruptive, unpredictable influence on the Middle East and willingness to use force. Topics range from…