In recent years, following the tumult of the Arab Spring and turmoil in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, some key Middle Eastern countries showed signs of moving toward peace and economic stability. The October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel threatens to undermine these prospects, delaying or even destroying the progress under the Abraham Accords. What are the potential outcomes for the region–and how can Israel and the US minimize the damage done by Hamas and keep the region focused on stability and economic advancement?

About the facilitator: David Cheney is an international economics writer, instructor, and trainer for international and educational institutions. He has held a variety of positions at the International Monetary Fund and has provided communications and writing support for a number of multilateral institutions including the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. David has served as an adjunct professor of Global Economics and Writing at NYU and currently runs two foreign affairs discussion groups at the Manhattan JCC and Scarsdale Adult School.