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Transition Notes 2025
In these memos, Washington Institute experts address challenges and opportunities for the Trump-Vance administration during a period of extraordinary change in the Middle East. A primary challenge, with the world’s attention focused on Syria and Lebanon, will be countering Iran’s march toward the bomb. Also critical will be determining a sustainable U.S. force posture in the region and updating America’s counterterrorism mission. Opportunities—suddenly ample after blows to the “axis of resistance”—include the imperative to forge a better relationship with Turkey, which is set to be an influential player in post-Assad Syria.