
Photo: Ali Alawa
189th Bergedorf Round Table
Back from the Brink? Crisis and Opportunity in the Middle East
12 October 2025 in Doha
The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is undergoing a profound transformation. Following the Hamas terrorist attacks on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent wars and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the ceasefire and release of Israeli hostages have given rise to cautious hope.
The EU and other international actors are faced with the urgent question of how to contribute to the region’s long-term stability. Qatar and other states in the region play a key role as mediators in local conflicts.
At the 189th Bergedorf Round Table in Doha, participants discussed political changes in the region, how to address regional conflicts and a future security architecture for the region.

Dr Thomas Paulsen, Prof Dr Volker Perthes, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani Photo: Ali Alawa 
Museum of Islamic Art Photo: monk333