Amid the deep transformations taking place in the Middle East, which are reshaping regional balances and international policies, Qatar's capital, Doha, is preparing to host the 16th Al Jazeera Forum on Saturday and Sunday, 15 and 16 February 2025, under the title, “From the War on Gaza to Change in Syria: Shifting Dynamics in the Middle East”.
The forum will bring together leading researchers, political analysts and experts to discuss the region's most pressing issues, from the consequences of the war on Gaza to the profound changes in Syria, as well as the geopolitical conflicts that are influencing regional and international security and stability. The forum sessions will cover various topics that shed light on the key aspects of the upcoming phase in light of these changes.
The situation in Gaza: Post-war challenges
This session will explore the implications of the war on Gaza after more than fourteen months of conflict. Participants will discuss the challenges the region faces in the post-war phase, including reconstruction prospects, managing political and economic conditions, and the future of the ceasefire agreement. The session will also address the role of regional and international actors in supporting stability and development in Gaza.
Regime change in Syria: Domestic impacts and regional dimensions
This session will delve into the developments in Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, focusing on the implications for the country’s political, security and economic situation. It also will delve into the impact of these developments on regional and international relations. Furthermore, the session will highlight the role of Arab countries in supporting Syria's stability and the challenges involved in this process.
A war of regional strategies
This session will examine the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East and how the war on Gaza, along with developments in Lebanon, Iran, Yemen and Iraq, has reshaped regional rivalries among key actors. It will also explore the potential for Arab decision-making to break free from external influences and the shifts in the regional power balance.
Transitional justice in post-conflict countries: Opportunities and challenges
This session will focus on the mechanisms of achieving transitional justice in post-conflict countries, with an emphasis on the political and legal challenges faced in the process. It will also discuss the balance between accountability and political stability, and the role of international institutions in supporting these efforts.
The global landscape under the new U.S. administration
This session will analyse the global scene under the new U.S. administration, with experts discussing the impact of political changes in Washington on major international issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and U.S. policies toward the Middle East. It will also explore the influence of U.S. elections on the future of international alliances and power dynamics.
Oyoun Gaza [Eyes of Gaza]: A media perspective from the heart of the conflict
The forum will feature a special screening of the documentary, Oyoun Gaza [Eyes of Gaza], which captures the situation in Gaza during the war, along with the challenges faced by journalists in covering the events. Following the screening, there will be a discussion on the role of the media in documenting events and conveying the reality on the ground, as well as the importance of media coverage in shaping global public opinion.
The global protest and solidarity movement
This session will discuss the rise of protest and solidarity movements supporting the Palestinian cause, particularly after recent developments. The discussion will focus on the role of younger generations in these movements, their influence on Western policies toward the Palestinian issue and the future trajectory of these movements.
Closing of the forum
The forum will conclude with a speech by Dr. Mohammed Mukhtar Al Khalil, Director of Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, who will summarise the key takeaways from the sessions and offer a forward-looking perspective on the future political and strategic dynamics in the Middle East.
The 16th Al Jazeera Forum provides a platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas on the key issues shaping the region's future. It offers an opportunity for in-depth discussions between experts and analysts on both current and emerging challenges.
Forum sessions can be followed on Al Jazeera Mubasher, as well as through live-streaming on AJCS’s digital platforms across social media.