The objective of this Working Group is to bring together members of the policy community from the United States and the Middle East to evaluate the evidence for and against an emerging realignment of the interests, objectives, and policies of the United States and its traditional Middle Eastern allies. Issues that will be explored in the Working Group meetings will include the significant changes in the world energy markets, the Obama administration’s efforts to develop a new relationship with Iran, and Washington’s rising strategic interest in Asia. Discussions will also center on the underlying tension between American liberal values and the unmistakable authoritarian trend in the region, post-Arab Spring.