The Alexander Hamilton Society and the John Quincy Adams Society at George Washington University invite you to a pivotal debate on U.S. foreign policy in the Gulf, titled "From Ta'izz to Tehran: Debating the Next Steps for U.S. Foreign Policy in the Gulf."

Set against the backdrop of recent conflicts in the Middle East, notably the October 7th incident and Houthi incursions near Bab al-Mandab, this debate will cover American responses to Iranian influence in recent Middle Eastern conflicts and the broader implications for regional stability.

Join us on April 2nd for an engaging dialogue between experts Michael Singh and Steven Simon, moderated by GWU's Sina Azodi. This is a unique opportunity to hear from seasoned professionals on a critical issue affecting U.S. and Middle Eastern relations today.

The conversation will be a debate between Mr Singh and Mr. Simon on U.S. actions on the following:

1) American reaction and policy towards October 7th in regards to Iranian influence.

2) American reaction and policy towards the Houthi attacks in Yemen against international shipping in regards to Iranian influence.

3) General discussion on whether or not current American posturing towards Iran is helping or hurting Middle Eastern stability.
4) Question and Answer section will follow.

Bios for the speakers and moderator:
 

Michael Singh is the Managing Director and Lane-Swig Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, notable for his role as a former senior director for Middle East affairs at the National Security Council. His expertise encompasses a broad range of issues, including Arab-Israeli relations, democracy and reform, and U.S. policy, particularly with a focus on Iran and the Middle East. In addition, he serves on the advisory boards of United Against a Nuclear Iran and the Texas National Security Review.

Steven Simon is a visiting professor of practice in Middle East Studies at Washington University's Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, with a distinguished career spanning roles such as the National Security Council senior director for counterterrorism in the Clinton administration and for the Middle East and North Africa in the Obama administration. He’s served senior roles at the U.S. Department of State and contributed to the International Institute for Strategic Studies and the RAND Corporation. Simon is a recognized author on counterterrorism and Middle Eastern affairs, with notable publications such as his latest work, "Grand Delusion," examining American ambition in the Middle East.

Dr. Sina Azodi is a professorial lecturer and visiting scholar at The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, where his research and teaching focus on international security, nuclear nonproliferation, and U.S.-Iranian relations. His doctoral dissertation, "Iran's Nuclear Program: A Struggle for Security and Modernity," examines the development of Iran's nuclear ambitions from its inception to 2015. Azodi has previously worked as a research assistant at Princeton University and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, contributing to discussions on global security and nuclear policy. He is an active commentator in both English and Persian in several prestigious organizations such as the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists and the Atlantic Council.