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Chinese People's Liberation Army honour guard members march during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People on November 12, 2025, in Beijing, China. (Getty Images)
The protests in Iran pose a challenge to the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic. Ironically, this grave threat arises just as Iran has reached the apex of its influence in the Middle East. It now exercises considerable sway over four Arab countries, the most important of which is Syria.
On Wednesday, January 10, Hudson Institute hosted a discussion examining the state of play in Iran and its impact on the conflict in Syria. To help us understand the Syrian dimension of the question, we were honored to host Dr. Kamal al-Labwani, a Syrian native and a physician. Dr. al-Labwani is a prominent Syrian dissident. Reuel Marc Gerecht analyzed the Iranian aspects of the problem, and Hudson Senior Fellow Michael Doran moderated the discussion.
Related Events
20
January 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Canceled | A Conversation with Former METI Minister Nishimura on the Takaichi Government’s Economic Strategy
Featured Speakers:
Yasutoshi Nishimura
Kenneth R. Weinstein
20
January 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Canceled | A Conversation with Former METI Minister Nishimura on the Takaichi Government’s Economic Strategy
On January 20, Hudson Japan Chair Kenneth R. Weinstein will host Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, former head of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), for remarks on the Takaichi government’s economic security strategy.
Featured Speakers:
Yasutoshi Nishimura
Kenneth R. Weinstein
22
January 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Why Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Matter for America
Featured Speakers:
Bay Fang
Lisa Curtis
Alexis Mrachek
Hyun-Seung Lee
Moderator:
Olivia Enos
22
January 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Why Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Matter for America
At Hudson, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders will gather for a conversation on next steps the US government should take to provide a future for RFA and RFE/RL and ensure comprehensive information access around the globe.
Featured Speakers:
Bay Fang
Lisa Curtis
Alexis Mrachek
Hyun-Seung Lee
Moderator:
Olivia Enos
27
January 2026
In-Person Event | Washington Convention Center
Apex Defense Conference 2026
Featured Speakers:
Bryan Clark
Nadia Schadlow
Timothy A. Walton
27
January 2026
In-Person Event | Washington Convention Center
Apex Defense Conference 2026
Apex Defense, in collaboration with Hudson Institute, will host a dynamic defense technology event that unites warfighters, acquisition professionals, startups, small and medium businesses, investors and industry leaders to tackle operational challenges from the seabed to space.
Featured Speakers:
Bryan Clark
Nadia Schadlow
Timothy A. Walton
16
January 2026
Past Event
Why Transportation Matters to Israel’s Regional Strategy
Featured Speakers:
Miri Regev
Michael Doran
16
January 2026
Past Event
Why Transportation Matters to Israel’s Regional Strategy
Hudson Senior Fellow and Director for the Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East Mike Doran will sit down with Israeli Minister of Transportation Miri Regev to examine how Israel’s transportation policy has become a frontline arena for its national resilience and global strategy.
Featured Speakers:
Miri Regev
Michael Doran
Related Research
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National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, and Minister of Interior Diosdado Cabello appear at Palacio Federal Legislativo on January 15, 2026, in Caracas, Venezuela. (Getty Images)
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Protesters block a road on January 8, 2026, in Tehran, Iran. (Getty Images)
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(Screenshot via Fox News)