Throughout his term in office, President Obama has faced continuing crises in the Middle East: the Tunisian revolt, the Tahir Square demonstrations and turmoil in Egypt, the Libyan civil war and the Benghazi attack, the civil war in Syria, the rise of ISIS, the Gaza war, relations with Israel – the list is long. IIS is pleased to welcome Ambassador Frank Wisner to discuss this fraught area of the world and the obstacles President Obama faces as he seeks to define his legacy. Ambassador Wisner’s diplomatic experience spans four decades and eight American presidents during his extensive career in the State Department. In addition to his role as Ambassador to Egypt, India, the Philippines and Zambia, he has served as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and as Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs. He was also senior Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Director of Plans and Management in the Bureau of Public Affairs, Director of the Office of Southern African Affairs and special representative to the Kosovo Status Talks in 2005. He currently serves as International Affairs Adviser to Squire Patton Boggs in Washington, DC.