Now that ISIS has been driven out of Iraq and Syria, rebuilding the region is a significant issue for the U.S., Iraq, Syria, and its allies. Hudson Institute hosted a discussion on post-ISIS Iraq and Syria and the future of U.S. Middle East policy. Keynote remarks will be delivered by Assistant Secretary of State for Stabilization Denise Natali, followed by a panel with the RAND Corporation’s Linda Robinson; Senior Advisor with the Iraq Haven Project Loay Mikhael; the Middle East Institute’s Elizabeth Dent; and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Frances Z. Brown. The discussion was moderated by Hudson Non-resident Senior Fellow Jonas Parello-Plesner.
ISIS has been defeated militarily, yet many challenges remain to stabilize and reconstruct the war-torn region, particularly in Iraq and Syria. The chief difficulties plaguing these countries include unlawful reconciliation practices for residents of former ISIS-occupied territories; regional disputes between the Kurdish population, Turkey, and Assad-controlled Syria; and mounting influence from outside actors including Russia and Iran. Rebuilding the region is in the U.S.’s best interests, but it cannot be done alone. Instead, the Trump administration favors a burden-sharing approach that requires greater investment from Iraq, Syria, and its western allies.
**NOTE: This event is open to the press. All members of the media should RSVP to [email protected].**
With Research Fellow Zineb Riboua, Ambassador Zimeray will examine the legal, political, and strategic implications of Sansal’s detention and what it reveals about freedom of expression under authoritarian regimes.
A panel of experts will discuss how the Japanese government should approach domestic political questions, its partnership with America, and Japan’s role in the world.
Hudson will welcome Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN) to discuss their proposal to restore America’s shipping and shipbuilding industries to help deter Chinese aggression.
