Manama Dialogue to feature Iran affairs
The 11th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue convenes in Bahrain just as Iran’s parliament has approved the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on its nuclear programme and it has caused disquiet among Iran’s immediate neighbours. This issue will be debated during the three-day Manama Dialogue, which will kick- off tomorrow, said Sir John Jenkins, Executive Director, IISS-Middle East.
Commenting on the issues to be discussed during the dialogue, he said that dramatic developments had taken place in Syria, where Iran and now Russia appear to have doubled down on the survival of the regime of Bashar Al Assad.
“In Iraq, IS and Al Sham continue to pose a radical challenge not only to the government of Haider Al Abadi, but also ideologically to Iraq’s neighbours. In Yemen, the current conflict was sparked at least in part by the deep concern of these same neighbours about Iran’s regional activities and its apparent willingness to back the Zaidi Huthi insurgency as an instrument of national policy. The event will focus on all these issues,” Sir John Jenkins said.
The Manama Dialogue will also see the presence of high-profile delegates. “We have senior representation – Deputy Prime Ministers, Foreign, Defence and Interior Ministers, national security advisers and senior military officers – from Europe, the US and Asia.”
“This year we shall also have strong representation from the United Nations – an important development if you believe, as I do, that what is happening in the Middle East is a global challenge that will in the end need globally guaranteed solutions,” the Executive Director of IISS- Middle East said.
“The Middle East and North Africa is at a historic inflection point. The Manama Dialogue offers a unique opportunity for decision- makers, practitioners, analysts and commentators to come together for two days of intense, focused and operational debate about the future,” Sir John Jenkins said.
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