Zamir Akram, Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, delivered remarks at the Middle East Institute regarding relations between Pakistan and the United States on the War on Terror. His comments covered a brief history of the relations between the two countries, emphasizing a “trust deficit” that has developed over the past 30 years. According to Akram, the future of this relationship should lie in a more substance-based strategic relationship built on long-term interests.

The panelists discussed the situation and challenges facing Palestinian refugees in the Middle East. They emphasized the importance of addressing the consequences of the refugees’ plight because these problems can lead to feelings of anger and despair, which can easily become exploited by radical forces. The speakers addressed ways to improve the situation, linking the Palestinian refugee situation to the Israeli and Palestinian peace process.

The panelists discussed what they considered current trends in the Middle East and gave some of their own suggestions as to where American policy in the region should be directed in the near future.

The panel discussed the prospective legacy of the jihadists fighting in Iraq. The speakers focused on the military and ideological influence of the new generation of jihadists in Iraq. They emphasized the importance of working to undermine the jihadist ideology as much as combating terrorism by military means.

His Excellency Abdullah Alireza, Minister of State, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Ambassador David L. Mack, Vice President of The Middle East Institute, deliver closing remarks at the Middle East Institute's 61st Annual Conference, "The Middle East In 2010."

Jared Cohen, a Rhodes Scholar, received his B.A. from Stanford University and his Master's in International Relations from Oxford University. He is also author of the book One Hundred Days of Silence: America and the Rwanda Genocide (Rowman & Littlefield). Since writing this book, he joined the U.S. Department of State.

In this episode, Cohen discusses his new book, "Children of Jihad."