Panel discussion: Middle East in Review

Reporting the Middle East in 2025, a year of news.

It has been an extraordinary year across the Middle East. The end of the Gaza war; a Syrian president in the White House; elections in Iraq; along with unexpected political moments in Lebanon, Yemen and Iran.

In this panel discussion, we’ll look back at the year of news in the Middle East and ask: what stories defined the year, and which ones failed to make global headlines? What new power dynamics are at play? And what stories most surprised our panel of journalists and commentators?

We’ll also take a wry look at some of the more unexpected moments, from Donald Trump settling eight wars - nine, by the time of this event - and Tony Blair - yes, that Tony Blair - returning to the Middle East.

Join Leila Molana-Allen, Special Correspondent for the PBS Newshour, and the architect and satirist Karl Sharro for a reflective look back. The panel will be moderated by New Lines’ International Editor Faisal Al Yafai.