FAC announces two sessions on the Middle East and North Africa
Next week the Foreign Affairs Committee will hold two sessions on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Meeting details
The first session will be held on Monday 4 December at 16.00. The Committee will hear evidence (virtually) from John Bolton, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and former National Security Advisor.
The second session will be held on Tuesday 5 December at 14.30. The Committee will hear from two panels of expert witnesses, including John Casson, former Foreign Affairs Private Secretary to the Prime Minister David Cameron, and former Ambassador to Egypt.
Likely areas of questioning
Both sessions will examine the key challenges within the MENA region, including conflict, climate change and the refugee crises. The Committee is likely to ask which countries in the region the UK should prioritise engagement with. Members may also ask about cooperation with, and containment of, Iran, as well as the impact of US politics – including the potential for a second Trump Presidency – on the region. Other topics that may be covered include the UK’s influence in the MENA region, engagement with Turkey and the role of outside powers, such as China and Russia.