The Middle East’s energy map could be changing fast. Could Syria and Lebanon play a bigger role in what comes next?

In this episode of the Wolfe Power Club Podcast, Alex Wolfe questions Dr Dania Arayssi, the Program Head and Senior Analyst at New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, about the energy opportunities emerging after Iran, and whether Syria and Lebanon could become important parts of a new regional energy network.

They discuss the Four Seas Project, Syria’s potential as an energy corridor, Türkiye’s role as a regional hub, and whether new routes could reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. Alex also asks who would finance the infrastructure, whether Syria’s energy resources could help fund reconstruction and what the US, China, Russia and Gulf states stand to gain.

The Four Seas Initiative report: https://newlinesinstitute.org/middle-east-center/the-four-seas-initiative-2/

Biography

Dr Dania Arayssi is a Program Head and Senior Analyst at the New Lines Institute, where she leads the Four Seas Project and Central Asia Center and researches political behavior, institutional trust, economic vulnerability, and remittances across the Middle East and beyond. She also teaches at Georgetown University and George Washington University and has previously worked with the World Bank, USAID, Oxfam America, and the U.S. Army War College. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Contact her further inquiries on Twitter (X) and email: darayssi@thenewlinesinstitute.org

About The Host

Host Alex Wolfe has over 20 years of experience in the energy industry, including previously serving as Commercial Director at Certas Energy and Director of the South, with responsibility for 900 fuel HGVs. In addition, he has led M&A activity, ran Hollies Truck Stop, and was a Director of the 5th largest fuel company in the UK. Currently, Alex not only hosts the Wolfe Power Club Podcast but also chairs The Spectator Energy Summit.

Season Three is in Partnership with The Spectator

Tickets for the upcoming The Spectator Energy Summit, on Monday 30th November 2026, are available on sale. Use code: WPC50 for 50% off your purchase

If you would like to partner with The Spectator Energy Summit, please contact Alex on LinkedIn or emilia@wolfepowerclub.com

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This episode was produced at Studio 55