ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Have you heard the chatter about Yemen recently? Did you follow the Signal Group Chat controversy reported by The Atlantic?
Join us for an in-depth discussion on the current state of Yemen with Gerald M. Feierstein, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Yemen during a critical period in the country’s history. This event will explore the ongoing humanitarian crisis, diplomatic efforts for peace, and the broader geopolitical dynamics shaping Yemen’s future.
Drawing from firsthand experience, Ambassador Feierstein will provide unique insights into U.S. foreign policy, the challenges of diplomacy in the region, and the prospects for stability in Yemen. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with one of the foremost experts on Yemeni affairs.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Yemen’s complex landscape and the role of international diplomacy in addressing its challenges.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Amb. (ret.) Gerald Feierstein previously served as director of MEI’s Arabian Peninsula Affairs Program and a distinguished senior fellow on US diplomacy. He retired from the US Foreign Service in May 2016 after a 41-year career with the personal rank of Career Minister. As a diplomat he served in nine overseas postings, including three tours of duty in Pakistan, as well as assignments in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Lebanon, Jerusalem, and Tunisia. In 2010, President Obama appointed Amb. Feierstein US Ambassador to Yemen, where he served until 2013. From 2013 until his retirement, Amb. Feierstein was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.
In addition to his career-long focus on the Near East and South Asia, Amb. Feierstein also played a prominent role in developing and implementing State Department policies and programs to counter violent extremism. As Deputy Coordinator and Principal Deputy Coordinator in the State Department’s Counter-Terrorism bureau, Amb. Feierstein led the development of initiatives to build regional networks to confront extremist groups as well as to counter terrorist financing and promote counter-terrorism messaging. He continued to focus on defeating terrorist groups through his subsequent tours as Deputy Chief of Mission in Pakistan and as Ambassador to Yemen.