The Islamic State and the Middle East’s Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

This panel considered the political, security, and humanitarian situation in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon and the threat posed by the rise of Salafist jihadist groups including the Islamic State, Al Nusra, and other groups. It also examined the dynamics between the Kurdish Regional Government and Baghdad as well as shifting relations between different Kurdish groups, including the PKK and Syrian and Iraqi Kurdish factions. Participants included Hayder al-Khoei of Chatham House, Joseph Bahout of Sciences Po, Denise Natali of the National Defense University, and Carnegie’s Yezid Sayigh. Carnegie’s Marwan Muasher moderated.

This panel examined the role of the Gulf States, Jordan, and Turkey in the international coalition against the Islamic State, including the various priorities and goals of different coalition partners in the region and how these fit into the stated objectives of the US-led effort to degrade and destroy the Islamic State. Participants included Soli Özel of Kadir Has University, Abdulaziz Sager of the Gulf Research Center, and Carnegie’s Marwan Muasher. Carnegie’s Michele Dunne moderated.

This panel assessed Iranian interests and influence in the region in the context of the fight against the Islamic State and the continuing Syrian civil war. Specifically, they discussed how Iran stands to gain or lose from the current crisis and the implications of the outcome of the P5+1 nuclear talks for regional dynamics. Panelists included Ray Takeyh of the Council on Foreign Relations, Joel Rayburn of the National Defense University, and Carnegie’s Karim Sadjadpour. Carnegie’s Frederic Wehrey moderated.

Deputy national security adviser Antony Blinken delivered remarks on the U.S. policy to degrade and destroy the Islamic State and the political, security, and humanitarian crisis in Iraq and the Levant.