Forward Thinking attend Ditchley Conference on the Middle East, 17th-19th March

The Director and Political Dialogues Director participated in a conference organised by Ditchley Park, organised around the theme: “Change in the Middle East: new lines in the sand?” The conference brought together expert political, diplomatic and other voices, from the region and beyond, to stand back from the immediate conflicts and tensions, and to consider how the region can develop in a more peaceful, prosperous and democratic direction, and what future borders might look like.Discussions covered a wide range of issues including the conflict in Syria and its impact on neighbouring countries, notably Lebanon and Jordan, but also Turkey; the ongoing threat from the Islamic State and its impact on the Syrian crisis; Sunni-Shia tensions tensions in the region; internal conflict in Libya; the civil war in Yemen; the ongoing challenges of transition in Egypt and Tunisia; and the ongoing issues of Israel-Palestine and the chances of further conflict in Gaza.