The new administration has been faced with the challenge of repairing relations with the Middle East that have been severely damaged by United States foreign policy over the past eight years. President Barack Obama’s speech in Cairo offered a road map to a new relationship with the Arab and Muslim world. How likely is it to succeed? What risks apply? How might this new path jeopardize our relationships with other countries, specifically Israel? The United States and Israel have a strong alliance that has in many ways helped Israel thrive in the Middle East, but has this relationship increased the gap between the U.S. and the Muslim World? How can these polarized interests be reconciled through diplomacy? How is U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East changing? To what extent is Obama's rhetoric going to lead to actual policy? Join us on July 9th as we discuss what policy the Obama administration should enact in order to foster relationships with both Israel and the Muslim world.

The Public Policy Lunch Series is program hosted by The Century Foundation for NYC interns and young adults with an interest in public policy. This is the second of three lunchtime forums with FREE food, beverages, and prizes.

Panelists Include:

Daniel Levy, Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation; Co-director of the Middle East Task Force, New America Foundation

Sarah Leah Whitson, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Division, Human Rights Watch

Ambassador Philip Wilcox, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace

With Moderator:

Michael Hanna, Fellow and Program Officer, The Century Foundation

Highlight Video

Discussion Video

Q&A Video