Middle East Studies Forum

We would like to congratulate Dr Abbas Farasoo for winning the 2023 Australian Political Studies Association PhD Thesis Prize which is awarded annually to the best PhD dissertation in political science, broadly defined. Dr Farasoo researched ‘The Impacts of Proxy War on Afghanistan’ at Deakin University. The award was formally announced at the APSA 2023 Conference Dinner on November 29.  Learn More

Shahram Akbarzadeh from Deakin University talks to TRT World about the US stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and how its support for Israel affects its relations with the Arab world.  Watch Now

On his latest trip to Israel on Friday (3 Nov), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to meet Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to voice solidarity but also to reassert the need to minimize Palestinian civilian casualties. Joining us to share his analysis is Prof Shahram Akbarzadeh, Convenor for the Middle East Studies Forum, at Deakin University.  Listen Now

To say that Israel has been an occupying power since 1967 and has violated its obligations toward the occupied people of Palestine under international law is not an opinion. It is a fact. And it diminishes Australia’s international standing to suggest otherwise. This article was published in thejakartapost.com.  Read Article

Heightening concerns about a wider conflict erupting  in the middle east — American fighter jets launched airstrikes on two targets inside Syria, which the United States says are linked to Iran.  Listen

Iran’s potential entry into the Gaza war would open a new chapter in hostilities between the enemies – and take the war directly to Iran’s doorstep.

By Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh.  Read article