On November 3, 2023, the newsletter Nonzero shared a video discussion with Center for Middle East Studies Director and CIS Professor Joshua Landis, hosted by Robert Wright. The discussion, titled "Where Is the Israel-Hamas War Heading?" covers topics relating to the war, including what Iran hopes to gain, an explanation of Hezbollah, predictions for the future state of the Arab world, how China might benefir, and more.
In April 2023, the Center for Middle East Studies hosted Stacey Philbrick Yadav, Associate Professor of International Relations at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, for a talk on Yemen. Here, you can watch her conversation with Waleed Mahdi, Associate Professor in the OU Department of International & Area Studies.
September 17, 2022
"Increased U.S. Intervention and Global Insecurity," with Joshua Landis, Director of the Center for Middle East Studies. In the session on "Insecurity in MENA," part of the inaugural Security in Context conference Landscapes of Insecurity, Landis presented his study on U.S. intervention's relationship with global insecurity.
November 9, 2022
CMES, with the Farzaneh Family Center for Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies and the Institute for US-China Issues, co-sponsored a talk with Ambassador Chas Freeman, Visiting Scholar, Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, Brown University.
October 25, 2021
"Leaving Afghanistan: Fowzia Karimi on Her Family's Flight and Her Art," with Fowzi Karimi, a writer and illustrator, on her novel Above Us the Milky Way. Moderator is CMES/Farzaneh Family Center Director Joshua Landis.
August 30, 2021
"Teach-In and Discussion on Afghanistan," with Fereshta Abbasi (Human Rights Lawyer & former advisor to Afghanistan Attorney General Office), Christian Cabaniss (Retired Colonel, Marine Corps and Military Operations Analyst), Joshua Landis (Director, OU Center for Middle East Studies), Mike Boettcher (OU Gaylord College of Journalism), Mohammad Qadam Shah (Seattle Pacific University).
"Yezidis of Iraq: The Struggle Against a 21st Century Genocide," with Pari Ibrahim, Executive Director, Free Yezidi Foundation
"Reopening Muslim Minds: A Return to Reason, Freedom and Tolerance," with Mustafa Akyol, Cato Institute
November 10, 2025
Joshua Landis offers concise expert commentary on the political significance of the Syrian president’s landmark visit to Washington, drawing on his deep knowledge of Syria and regional diplomacy.
November 10, 2025
Joshua Landis discusses his take on the Syrian President's visit to the White House with BBC TV.
November 10, 2025
Joshua Landis discusses Syria's President Sharaa's visit to the White House with host Ian Master.
November 9, 2025
Joshua Landis is cited in this CNN article as a regional expert who explains that the United States is taking a significant risk by supporting Syria’s new leader. He notes that Washington has few reliable partners left in the region, with Lebanon unstable and Iraq heavily influenced by pro‑Iranian militias.
October 5, 2025
Joshua Landis appears as the program’s featured expert, offering analysis on Syria’s first post‑Assad elections. His role is to help listeners understand whether the vote represents genuine democratic progress or a more superficial shift after years of conflict and authoritarian rule.
October 9, 2025
Joshua Landis appears as one of the featured experts, contributing analysis as a leading Syria and regional specialist. His role is to provide broader Middle East context and help interpret how the Gaza ceasefire and emerging peace plan fit into regional dynamics and U.S. policy considerations.
Joshua Landis appears as the program’s featured expert, offering analysis on Syria’s first post‑Assad elections. His role is to help listeners understand whether the vote represents genuine democratic progress or a more superficial shift after years of conflict and authoritarian rule.
October 4, 2025
Joshua Landis appears as the segment’s Syria expert, explaining how the country’s first post‑Assad election is structured and why it remains far from a genuinely democratic process.
Joshua Landis is introduced as the panel’s primary Syria expert, drawing on his long experience studying the country’s politics and society to assess the challenges Syrians face after Assad’s fall. He helps frame the discussion around the risks of renewed communal violence, the potential resurgence of extremist groups, and the complexities of Syria’s ties with regional powers and the wider international community.
