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New strategic perspectives for the Middle East
Discussion with Middle East expert Gudrun Harrer and AIES president Werner Fasslabend
Sep 10, 2025 / Vienna / Global Affairs / European Security and Defence
On September 10, the Austria Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES) hosted a panel discussion on “New Strategic Perspectives for the Middle East.” The discussion featured Mag. Dr. Gudrun Harrer (Middle East expert and senior editor, DER STANDARD) and Dr. Werner Fasslabend (President of AIES). The event was moderated by Michael Zinkanell (Director of AIES).
The focus was on the major changes of recent years, namely the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the power shift by HTS in Syria in December 2024 and the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025. These developments highlight the growing instability in the region, complicating diplomatic processes and intensifying geopolitical rivalries.
The discussion pointed out that Israel has undergone a strategic paradigm shift, moving away from a defensive security doctrine toward a policy of regional dominance. This is reflected both in territorial consolidation and in direct confrontations with Iran and Hezbollah. At the same time, the regional peace process is under pressure. Qatar’s role as a central mediator has been weakened, alternative channels such as Oman are in doubt, and both the Abraham Accords and Saudi Arabia’s involvement have stalled.
Harrer and Fasslabend also emphasized the consequences for Europe. The continued escalation in the Middle East is fueling humanitarian crises, destabilizing traditional mediation mechanisms and increasing political pressure on the European Union. Europe's scope for action remains limited. The participants agreed that European credibility in the Global South depends on a clearer stance.
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