MBN on the Hill

Dear Colleagues,

MBN is on the Hill tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be joined by Leila, Matt, Min, and Andres in a discussion of our exciting new editorial strategy and 2026 opportunities. Our indispensable CFO Raji will attend, with deputy Michael minding the fort and pressing forward with our budget exercise in Springfield.

Board member Tom Melia will be with us tomorrow (Ilan Berman joined us on the Hill last week). Tomorrow, we’re joined as well by colleague Joe Kawly. Great news for MBN: Joe’s just been promoted to Washington bureau chief.

Tomorrow, we have an important opportunity to tell the MBN story. In the room will be an important group of staffers — Republican and Democrat, from the House and Senate. We’re grateful to Brian Mast’s office for the invitation. Mr. Mast is chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The MBN Transformation

Not everyone is aware of the MBN transformation that began a year and a half ago. Those were hard days. We made the difficult decision to part ways with some 200 colleagues in order to align with new budget realities. This meant a reduction of workforce by 20 percent saving the American taxpayer nearly $25 million annually.

We were on course for a second phase of reform when new leadership arrived at USAGM in early 2025. We were taken by surprise by the unlawful termination of our grant agreement, the interruption of Congressionally approved funding, and the prospect of bankruptcy. This was an exceptionally painful period.

Last spring, we closed bureaus and dismissed some 500, full-time employees and contractors. MBN was in survival mode. You’ll recall how jarring this was for our audiences, too. I recall how Iranian-backed militia and unsavory others crowed over the collapse of American soft power.

A New Strategy

MBN pivoted. We moved to a leaner, agile, entrepreneurial model with a start-up mindset. Our battle cry:  American values, U.S. interests, audience trust, and digital first. We accepted that our industry was in the throes of wrenching change. We decided to lean in.

We decided last year to focus like a laser on mission and niche, fully consistent by all means with our role as U.S.-funded media and our obligation under the International Broadcasting Act.

Competition in the Middle East and North Africa is fierce. It comes from France 24, Deutsche Welle, the BBC, Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia. It’s driven by those multiple outlets and influencers lavishly funded by the Chinese, Iranians, and Russians. Disinformation and anti-American narratives flood airwaves. MBN shoulders serious responsibility.

We decided last year on a new editorial strategy. We’ve launched new programs, a magazine — thanks , Christian — and an exciting suite of newsletters. I fully realize just how hard this entire company has worked under incredibly demanding circumstances. I’ll make the point again tomorrow. MBN needs stable funding to operate and plan properly.

We know how to save money. Every week, we’re finding new ways to enhance efficiency, oversight, and accountability. Relocation coming soon will mean fit-for-purpose space — we no longer need 70,000 square feet in Springfield —and an additional savings of $1 million a year for the American taxpayer.

But efficiency must lead to ever greater impact. Content is still king. It’s time now to build — wisely, strategically.

American interests (and the MBN Story)

Each week, there’s an immense amount to cover in our region. Gassan reports this week on Iraqi militias, including Khattab Hezbollah, and ongoing threats to strike American interests if the United States attacks Iran.

Rasha is following Iraq’s preparation for the transfer of 7,000 ISIS prisoners from eastern Syria. Iraqi Intelligence Director Al-Shatri warns that ISIS numbers have swelled from 2,000 to over 10,000.

Ringo is focused on shifting alliances in Syria; Asrar on Hezbollah’s arsenal north of the Litani River despite a Lebanese government plan to enforce security as far as the Awali River. Israeli strikes recently targeted five southern towns, exposing hidden supply lines. Joelle is reporting on Syria’s recent interception of a weapons shipment bound for Hezbollah in the Bureij area.

We have Yehia on Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and phase 2 Gaza; Joe on China and Iran; Sakina on the Saudi-UAE conflict; and Ezat on Yemeni diplomacy.

Aya is covering Gold prices — they hit an all-time high of $5,110.50 per ounce on January 26, 2026 — and the impact on Middle Eastern market reserves as some central banks diversify, moving away from dollar-denominated assets.

Andres and Min cover Iran and China across our region brilliantly. Beijing is starting to reposition itself vis-à-vis Iran as the regime teeters. At the same time, the Chinese continue to expand new energy enterprises in the Middle East. Andres and Min will brief tomorrow on their work.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention here the vital marketing and editorial management work done by Alina and Kristina. But then of course, my tip of hat as well to Abed, our understated and formidable colleague who works closely with Leila, showing us all what patience and resilience look like. Good heavens.

MBN has a compelling story to tell. We have an outstanding board chaired by six-time Ambassador Ryan Crocker. We have a tremendous team across HR, finance, legal, ops, and editorial. You all keep teaching the master class on how to navigate change and ambiguity with grace and character.

As we secure stable funding, we’ll stick to fiscal discipline; we insist on being good stewards of resources. But we’ll also build forward in exciting, creative, and increasingly impactful ways.

Gratefully, Jeff