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The Southwest Asia program looks at security issues in the Middle East, with particular focus on Iran, Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula. Our work examines security in all its dimensions, from strategic issues in the region and beyond, to managing security at the national level and also considers human security issues that have important implications for political stability. We examine US policies in the region, the policies of the states in the area, the views of non-state and other outside actors, including the rising Asian powers.
Our activities include workshops, field research, conferences, and publications.
In 2006, our work focuses on:
1. Iraq
- We are engaged in supporting Iraq’s emerging civil society. The Southwest Asia team has organized a workshop in Beirut in January 2006 to that effect. The team will continue to work with Iraqi non-governmental organizations willing to contribute independent and rigorous policy expertise to the political, economic and social rebuilding of Iraq.
- We are exploring US policies towards Iraq in a project entitled “Iraq and America: Choices and Consequences.” Over the next six months, leading American experts will discuss and develop ideas and policy recommendations on various aspects of Iraq and its impact on US policy options and interests.
2. Security Sector Reform
A fundamental aspect of Middle East reform relates to the structure, objectives and organization of Middle East security and defense services. In February 2006, we convened a workshop to examine the prospects for security sector reform in the Gulf and produced a report that summarized its findings. This workshop builds on a Stimson-organized June 2005 conference on NATO’s role in the Gulf.
The Stimson Center's president, Ellen Laipson, directs the program. She worked on Middle East and South Asian issues for most of her 25 years in government. Research Fellow Emile El-Hokayem joined the program in June 2004. |
