THE BRIEFING ROOM
FROM THE MIDDLE EAST | ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST | BY AVI MELAMED
NEXT EPISODE June 21
NEXT GUEST ON THE BRIEFING ROOM: ABDULAZIZ AL-KHAMIS
The Gulf States and the War | Context. Interests. Implications.
Abdulaziz Al-Khamis. Abdulaziz Al-Khamis is a Saudi journalist, researcher, writer, media analyst, and political commentator specializing in Middle East and North Africa affairs, Islamic movements, and regional conflicts. Based in Dubai, he has built a distinguished career providing nuanced analysis of the political, social, economic, and ideological dynamics shaping the Middle East.
Known for his commitment to journalistic integrity and thoughtful analysis, Al-Khamis brings a balanced and research-driven perspective to some of the region's most complex and consequential issues. His work focuses on geopolitical developments, regional security, political reform, Islamic movements, Arab-Israeli relations, economic trends, and the growing impact of emerging technologies across the Middle East.
Al-Khamis is widely recognized for his ability to contextualize current events within broader historical, cultural, and geopolitical frameworks, helping audiences navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing region. Through his writing, research, and media appearances, he is dedicated to fostering informed dialogue and deeper understanding of Middle Eastern affairs.
He currently serves as the host of Friendly Fire on Sky News Arabia, where he engages leading regional voices in discussions on politics, society, and international affairs. He also produces Gulf Talk for the Arab News Network in London, further contributing to conversations on the key issues influencing the Gulf region and the wider Middle East.
As both a journalist and researcher, Al-Khamis is known for delivering in-depth, thought-provoking commentary that bridges academic rigor with accessible public discourse. His work continues to provide valuable insight into the evolving political landscape of the Middle East and North Africa, making him a respected voice among policymakers, media professionals, scholars, and public audiences alike.
If you haven't registered yet for the next Briefing Room | Register Here >>
Last Episode MAY 17
(Re) Introducing The Briefing Room
Now Open To The Public! For years, the Briefing Room was reserved for private organizations and select audiences. In response to increasing demand, we’re relaunching it with a new format, new technologies, and new voices — live and unfiltered. Free access. Live participation. No filters.
- A chance to learn directly from Avi Melamed, a leading Middle East analyst and founder of ITME, and his distinguished guests
- Expert insights and perspectives from regional voices|
- Insider access to current, in-depth analysis that you won’t find in Western media
- In-depth understanding of current geopolitical events
- Interactive Q & A
- Resources & tools to connect the dots + see the big picture of the Middle East
PREVIOUSLY ON THE BRIEFING ROOM
Negar Mojtahedi
THE TALIBAN RETAKE AFGHANISTAN | WITH MAIAHAN WALI
Our Regional Guest Was Maihan Wali, Founder Of Women’s Empowerment Through Sport In Afghanistan And An Alumna Of The Inside The Middle East Intelligence Perspectives Program!
THE COUP IN SUDAN | A POWER STRUGGLE OVER SUDAN'S FUTURE |WITH ABU BAKR
Our Regional Guest Was Mohamed Abu Bakr, President, The African Middle Eastern Leadership Project (AMEL).
EGYPT, UM AL-DUNYA “THE MOTHER OF THE WORLD” | WITH DALIA ZIADA
Our Regional Guest Was Dalia Ziada, Founder And Director, Liberal Democracy Institute. Board Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee at Egypt's National Council for Women
THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES & THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS | WITH AHMED OBAID ALMANSOORI
Our Regional Guest Was Ahmed Obaid Almansoori, Former Member Of The United Arab Emirates Federal National Council; Founder, Crossroad Of Civilizations Museum.
LEBANON | THE TRAGIC TRAJECTORY OF THE PARIS OF THE MIDDLE EAST | WITH HUSSAIN ABDUL-HUSSAIN
Our Regional Guest Was Hussain Abdul-Hussain, Former Managing Editor At Beirut’s The Daily Star. Reporting From War Zones In Lebanon And Iraq. Former Head Of The Washington Bureau Of Kuwaiti Daily Alrai. Hussain Is Currently A Research Fellow At The Foundation For Defense Of Democracies.
SUNNIS & SHI’ITES | AN ANCIENT & PRESENT RIVALRY SPECIAL | WITH AVI MELAMED
(PRIMER SESSION BY SPECIAL REQUEST)
The Briefing Room is designed to educate people about Israel’s
neighborhood and connect people to the Middle East through
knowledge & personal encounters!
Thanks to your support we can open the briefing room to more communities and organizations.
INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST | ENTERING A NEW ERA - PERSPECTIVES FROM SYRIAN-BORN JOURNALIST | WITH HAYVI BOUZO
In March our regional guest will be Hayvi Bouzo, a Syrian broadcast journalist with over 12 years of experience as a Bureau Chief, T.V. host, blogger, and commentator, and the co-founded Yalla, a fun, fast-paced, Arab-language show about the people who are building the future of the Middle East.
2022 INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST | THE NEW ERA & THE ANCIENT JEWISH COMMUNITIES | RABBI MENDY CHITRIK
In April our regional guest will be Rabbi Mendy Chitrik, the Chief Rabbi of Turkey, the Founder and Chairman of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States.
