Sample Category Title

VOICES FROM THE MIDDLE EAST ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST

with Avi Melamed & Regional Experts

Description of Course

| ITME FELLOWSHIP |

VOICES FROM THE MIDDLE EAST ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST

ITME’s newest initiative, VOICES FROM THE MIDDLE EAST ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST, is an international fellowship for motivated college and graduate students. Inside The Middle East | Voices From The Region About The Region educates passionate students – emerging global leaders in the Middle East complexities, equipping them to bridge divides, drive informed dialogue, and inspire meaningful change.

The ITME Fellowship is an unparalleled, immersive, and interactive educational experience designed to equip motivated and passionate students with the knowledge, tools, and resources to explore the complexities of the Middle East.

To Understand Israel, We Must Understand The Middle East. 

The fellowship’s goal is to empower participants to think critically, bridge divides, and confidently initiate meaningful conversations that inspire understanding, drive informed dialogue, and lead to impactful change.

By fostering knowledge and providing direct access to Middle East experts and resources, the Fellowship aims to help students shape a more informed and connected world on campus and beyond.

WHO IS AVI MELAMED?

Avi Melamed is a geopolitical Middle East expert, intelligence analyst, author, educator, founder, and CEO of Inside the Middle East Intelligence Perspectives [ITME], an institute dedicated to apolitical Middle East education.

With a rich history as a former Israeli Intelligence Official and Senior Advisor on Arab Affairs, Avi has been uniquely positioned at the intersection of diplomacy, education, and intelligence. Fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, Avi is recognized for his distinct understanding of current affairs in the Arab and Muslim world and their implications on Israel and the broader Middle East. His deep familiarity with the Arab and Muslim world has enabled him to predict key regional events.

Beyond his governmental and intelligence roles, where he undertook high-risk assignments, Avi’s most significant contribution lies in his commitment to education. His public service journey segued into academia when he was appointed the Fellow of Intelligence and Middle East Affairs at the Eisenhower Institute in Washington, D.C. During his tenure (2013 – 2018), Avi developed an undergraduate experiential education course, which later expanded to Capitol Hill, called “Inside the Middle East: Intelligence Perspectives” [ITME]. The ITME praxis rests on two core pillars: providing apolitical, non-partisan, contextualized education about the Middle East and developing critical thinking and media literacy skills. Recognizing the course’s broader implications, Avi expanded ITME into a not-for-profit independent institute. Today, guided by a diversified Board of Directors, ITME offers a wealth of customized educational programming, resources, and tools in Israel and around the world. ITME equips individuals with knowledge, resources, skills, and tools, empowering them to navigate complex global issues. 

Avi has authored three books on the region, produced “The Seam Line,” a five-part docuseries exploring the many layers of the conflict in and over Jerusalem, and the soon-to-be-released Inside The Middle East | The Primer, an educational film featuring voices from the Arab and Muslim world often absent in Western discourse.

He is a frequent commentator on international media platforms such as ABC, Al-Arabiya, AP, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, CNN, the Financial Times, FOX, the Guardian, Newsweek, The Hill, Reuters, Sky News, Wall Street Journal and more. He is a permanent contributor to USA Today. To keep up with Avi’s analysis, please visit the ITME HUB.

Session One: HISTORICAL FRAMING OF THE MIDDLE EAST [ AVI ]

Date: January 26
Historical milestones that shape the Middle East—this context is essential for understanding its modern complexity and conflicts.

PLEASE NOTE: This will be an extended session (1:00 pm Eastern to 3:30 pm Eastern) to do a general orientation, have each of the fellows get to know each other, and for our Board Members to introduce themselves.

Session Two: NATIONALISM IN THE MIDDLE EAST [Avi Melamed & Abdulaziz AlKhamis]

Date: February 2

How the rise of nationalism transformed the Middle East – from the fall of empires to the creation of modern states.

 

Session Three: “ISLAM IS THE SOLUTION” | THE RISE OF MILITANT ISLAM [Avi & Jassim Mohamad]

What is Salafi Jihadi Ideology?
Date: February 9

The historical and ideological roots of Militant Islam and its profound impact on contemporary geopolitics.

Session Four: TURKEY AND NEO-OTTOMANISM | RECEP TAYYIP ERDOĞAN AND HIS QUEST FOR REGIONAL POWER [Avi & Guest]

Date: February 16
Turkey’s historical legacy and how Erdoğan’s policies are reshaping its role in the Middle East and beyond.
 
PLEASE NOTE: If you can join 10 – 15 minutes early, we can do another round of “getting to know you.” 

Session Five: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN AND ITS PURSUIT OF HEGEMONY | WHERE ARE WE NOW? [Avi & Guest]

Date: March 2

Iran’s journey from the 1979 Islamic Revolution to its quest for regional dominance and where it stands now domestically and regionally.

Session Six: THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT | A VIEW FROM THE REGION [Avi & Guest]

HOW THE MIDDLE EAST SHAPES THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT | A VIEW FROM THE REGION - Avi Melamed - Inside The Middle East
Date: March 9

How the Middle East geopolitics impact the past, present, and future trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Session Seven: THE WEST BANK & GAZA | AN INSIDER’S PERSPECTIVE [Avi & Guest]

Date: March 16
The interplay of powers in Israel and the Middle East with the Palestinian struggle for identity, power, and direction.

 

Session Eight: ISRAEL | PATH, IDENTITY, DIRECTION [Avi & Guest]

Date: March 23

The diversity and ideological conflicts within Israeli society and their implications for Israel’s future.

Session Nine: IRAQ, SYRIA & LEBANON | IDENTITY AND THE STRUGGLE FOR SOVEREIGNTY [Avi & Guest]

Date: March 30

The struggle for sovereignty in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon and their ongoing battles for stability and self-determination.

PLEASE NOTE: This will be an extended session (1:00 pm Eastern to 3:00 pm Eastern).

 

Session Ten: JORDAN | A MONARCHY IN TRANSITION? [Avi & Guest]

Date: April 6
Jordan – a monarchy navigating tradition, modernization, and regional challenges.


PLEASE NOTE: THE NEXT TWO SUNDAYS (13 AND 20) ARE PASSOVER. WE WILL DISCUSS THE DATES FOR SESSIONS 11 AND 12 WITH YOU TO FIND DATES THAT WORK BEST WITH YOUR SCHEDULES.

Session Eleven: THE ARAB GULF MONARCHIES AND THE REGION [Avi & Guest]

Date: TBD
Explore the relationship between the different Gulf countries with each other and with the wider Middle East.

 

Session Twelve: REGIONAL UPDATE & REFLECTIONS FROM THE REGION [Avi & Guest]

Date: TBD
Overview: Discussion about the most current events in the region – about the region and from within the region.


PLEASE NOTE: This will be an extended session (1:00 pm Eastern to 3:00/30 pm Eastern).

CONCLUDING TWO-DAY IN-PERSON SESSION [Avi & Guests]

Date: Late May 2025 (Likely the week of May 18)
Location: Washington, D.C.

Celebrate the Fellowship journey with project presentations, reflections, and meaningful engagement with peers, Board Members, and ITME FELLOWSHIP educators.

FELLOWSHIP RESOURCE LIBRARY

AVI MELAMED’S RESOURCES

The ITME Fellowship is an unparalleled, immersive, and interactive educational experience designed to equip motivated and passionate students with the knowledge, tools, and resources...

ABDULAZIZ ALKAHMIS’ RESOURCES

Abdulaziz AlKhamis is a seasoned Saudi journalist, media strategist, and political analyst with over four decades of experience in the Middle Eastern media landscape....

HAYVI BOUZO’S RESOURCES

The ITME Fellowship is an unparalleled, immersive, and interactive educational experience designed to equip motivated and passionate students with the knowledge, tools, and resources...

MEET THE EDUCATORS

LEAD EDUCATOR | AVI MELAMED Avi Melamed is a former Israeli Intelligence Official and Senior Official on Arab Affairs. In his public service,...

MEET THE FELLOWS

SAID ABAHIG Bahij resides in Washington, D.C where he is currently a triple major studying Arabic, Persian, and International Affairs. In his free time he...

LEXICON

GROUPS & ORGANIZATIONS

Al Badr Corp / Militia A Pro-Iranian Iraqi Shi’ite political party and militia headed by Hadi al-Amiri Al-Qaeda “The Base” or “The Foundation.” Al-Qaeda is a...

UNSCRs – UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS

UNSCR 1696 (2006) On July 31, 2006, the UNSC passed its first resolution regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. UNSCR 1696 called on the regime to...

PLACES

Al-Aqsa Mosque The third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Al-Medina. The mosque is located in the Old City of Jerusalem on the...

ACCORDS & AGREEMENTS

The Abraham Accords The agreements signed by Bahrain, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States on September 15, 2020. The UAE signed...

AVI'S LATEST ARTICLES

The end of Iran’s hegemonic vision will ripple across the Middle East in 2025 ...

The end of Iran's hegemonic vision will ripple across the Middle East in 2025 | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network |...

Exempting Palestinians from accountability perpetuates a hopeless future | USA TODAY

Exempting Palestinians from accountability perpetuates a hopeless future | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network | This article has already published in...

By refusing to hold Hamas accountable, Western observers perpetuate despair for Palestinians and Israelis ...

By refusing to hold Hamas accountable, Western observers perpetuate despair for Palestinians and Israelis | an article by Avi Melamed published in The Jewish News Syndicate |...

Turkey’s support of Syrian rebels could spin out of control and impact the U.S. ...

Turkey's support of Syrian rebels could spin out of control and impact the U.S. | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network |...

Oct. 7 wrought storm of destruction and a chance for stability in the Middle East...

Oct. 7 wrought storm of destruction and a chance for stability in the Middle East | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network...

>> UPCOMING EVENTS >>

AVI's LATEST BRIEFINGS

The Primer – Film & Discussion Based On My Upcoming Documentary

THE PRIMER The format is the following: We Screen Episode 1 Episode 1         The Edge of Eternity Avi makes introductory remarks We Screen Another Episode Episode 2         Existence | Coexistence or Episode...

Inside The Middle East | Navigating Through The Storm To The Horizon’s Edge

INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST |NAVIGATING THROUGH THE STORM TO THE HORIZON'S EDGE How Did We Get Here? Where Are We Going? Arab World's Perspectives on The War The...

Israel At War | A Pivotal Moment For The Middle East

ISRAEL AT WAR OCTOBER 2023 |A PIVOTAL MOMENT FOR THE MIDDLE EAST Brief Introduction to Gaza How Did We Get Here? Why Did Hamas Launch The War...

Israel’s Northern Front | The Iranian Corridor & The Shi’ite Crescent

ISRAEL'S NORTHERN FRONT | THE IRANIAN CORRIDOR & THE SHI'ITE CRESCENT What is the Shi'ite Crescent? What is the Iranian Corridor? What Threat Does it Hold for...

Gaza Strip & Israel | What Fuels The Conflict?

THE GAZA STRIP & ISRAEL | What fuels the conflict? What can you do? Background on Gaza Milestones in the Conflict How do domestic and regional events...

AVI MELAMED ON TV

Many Palestinians would be ‘happy’ if US took over Gaza Strip: Fmr. intel officer | STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS

Many Palestinians would be ‘happy’ if US took over Gaza Strip: Fmr. intel officer | Avi Melamed’s insights quoted by Ryan Robertson (Anchor),...

Trump’s Gaza ‘takeover’ rankles America First conservatives, allies suggest negotiator-in-chief is at work | FOX NEWS

Trump's Gaza 'takeover' rankles America First conservatives, allies suggest negotiator-in-chief is at work | FOX NEWS | Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence quoted...

Netanyahu gives Trump a golden pager, reminiscent of covert Israeli operation | STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS

Netanyahu gives Trump a golden pager, reminiscent of covert Israeli operation | Avi Melamed’s insights quoted by Ryan Robertson (Anchor), STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS. Despite...

Understanding Trump’s Gaza ‘takeover’ Proposal | NTD NEWS

Understanding Trump's Gaza 'takeover' Proposal | NTD NEWS Evelyn Li with Geopolitical Analyst Avi Melamed | NTD NEWS TODAY https://youtu.be/S7E7wrHM0m8 Understanding Trump's Gaza 'takeover'...

Nearly 100 US Special Forces vets hired to operate key checkpoints in Gaza | STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS

Nearly 100 US Special Forces vets hired to operate key checkpoints in Gaza | Avi Melamed’s insights quoted by Ryan Robertson (Anchor), William...

AVI's LATEST ARTICLES

The end of Iran’s hegemonic vision will ripple across the Middle East in 2025 ...

The end of Iran's hegemonic vision will ripple across the Middle East in 2025 | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network |...

Exempting Palestinians from accountability perpetuates a hopeless future | USA TODAY

Exempting Palestinians from accountability perpetuates a hopeless future | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network | This article has already published in...

By refusing to hold Hamas accountable, Western observers perpetuate despair for Palestinians and Israelis ...

By refusing to hold Hamas accountable, Western observers perpetuate despair for Palestinians and Israelis | an article by Avi Melamed published in The Jewish News Syndicate |...

Turkey’s support of Syrian rebels could spin out of control and impact the U.S. ...

Turkey's support of Syrian rebels could spin out of control and impact the U.S. | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network |...

Oct. 7 wrought storm of destruction and a chance for stability in the Middle East...

Oct. 7 wrought storm of destruction and a chance for stability in the Middle East | Avi Melamed special to the USA TODAY Network...

PODCASTS WITH AVI

The three phases of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire | ABC AUSTRALIA

The three phases of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire | Avi Melamed joins ABC Australia Podcast, Radio National Breakfast hosted by Sally Sara. Qatar's prime minister...

Israel refuses to withdraw from Syrian border zone for now | VOA

Israel refuses to withdraw from Syrian border zone for now | Avi Melamed quoted by Linda Gradstein in this article for VOA | Voice...

After Hezbollah ceasefire, will Israel’s contest with Iran move to Syria? | IRAN INTERNATIONAL

After Hezbollah ceasefire, will Israel's contest with Iran move to Syria? | Avi Melamed’s insights quoted by Negar Mojtahedi, Canadian Iranian journalist and documentary...

VOA The Issue: Hezbollah cease-fire | VOA

VOA The Issue: Hezbollah cease-fire | Avi Melamed quoted by Scott Walterman in this Podcast for VOA | Voice of America - November...

Hezbollah says Hassan Nasrallah killed | VOA

Hezbollah says Hassan Nasrallah killed | Avi Melamed quoted by Scott Walterman in this article and Podcast for VOA | Voice of America -...


For more of Avi's Apolitical middle east analysis
In Arabic, English, Spanish & Hebrew

Al Badr Corp / Militia A Pro-Iranian Iraqi Shi’ite political party and militia headed by Hadi al-Amiri Al-Qaeda “The Base” or “The Foundation.” Al-Qaeda is a...
UNSCR 1696 (2006) On July 31, 2006, the UNSC passed its first resolution regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. UNSCR 1696 called on the regime to...
Al-Aqsa Mosque The third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Al-Medina. The mosque is located in the Old City of Jerusalem on the...

PLACES

The Abraham Accords The agreements signed by Bahrain, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States on September 15, 2020. The UAE signed...
Al-Aqsa Literally translated as “The Far Edge” in Arabic. Over time the term has become synonymous with Jerusalem. Al-Haj The pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims...

CONCEPTS & TERMS

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (1954–) General and President of Egypt (2013–). Former Director of Military Intelligence, Former Minister of Defense Abdullah II Bin Hussein bin Talal...

PEOPLE

Subscribe NOW to our Newsletter for more Intelligence Perspectives from Avi Melamed

New book by Avi Melamed, acclaimed intelligence & geopolitical analyst - Inside the middle east | Entering a new era | published in 2022
BOOKS by AVI MELAMED | INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST | ENTERING A NEW ERA | ITME Making Sense Of The Most Dangerous And Complicated Region On Earth
BOOKS by AVI MELAMED | Separate and Unequal_The Inside Story of Israeli Rule in East Jerusalem