Looking ahead to 2023, the Biden administration faces the continued challenge of how to
balance a revived U.S. engagement in the Middle East with other geopolitical priorities such as
the Russo-Ukrainian war and China. A second set of challenges will include preparing for
additional possible regional turbulence from Iran, Israel’s new government and unresolved
conflicts in Syria and Yemen. In this vein, how will US foreign policy in the Middle East look like
in 2023? What are the implications for Lebanon?

Speakers:
1. Nassif Hitti, Lebanese diplomat, academic, professor and the former Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Emigrants. (Confirmed/ Zoom)
2. Brian Katulis, Vice President of Policy at the Middle East Institute (Confirmed/ Zoom)
3. Marwan Muasher Vice president for studies at Carnegie, where he oversees research in
Washington and Beirut on the Middle East.

4. Honorable Nick Rahhal, Former US Congressman and Senior Advisor at Cassidy &
Associates in Washington DC
Moderator:
Alain Dargham, Journalist, Reporter, DC correspondent at MTV lebanon