The Stimson Center’s Middle East Program seeks to inform policy discussions on the Middle East by leveraging regional expertise, convening dialogues, and producing rigorous, non-partisan analysis and scholarship. The program assesses regional geopolitical developments with a focus on conflict management, regional security, and post-conflict peacebuilding. Through sustained engagement with policymakers, scholars, and subject-matter experts, the program aims to advance practical policy thinking rooted in on-the-ground realities.
A core pillar of the program is the convening of high-level Track 1.5 and Track 2.0 regional dialogues that bring together policymakers, academics, and experts to conduct joint analysis, discuss de-escalation processes, and advance regional cooperation. The program also organizes issue-area roundtables to develop impactful policy recommendations informed by global lessons learned and regional experience. The program’s analysis and policy outputs are directly informed by the insights generated through these dialogues and roundtables.
Iran may be willing to move to direct diplomacy but will start out by insisting on a mediator – Oman – to gauge U.S. seriousness in talks
April 8, 2025
Syria’s interim government faces urgent security and economic challenges while seeking domestic and international legitimacy
April 1, 2025
The de-facto normalization of relations between GCC nations and the Taliban reflects the Gulf’s interest in seeing Afghanistan stabilize
March 28, 2025
Addressing water challenges necessitates sustainable management, conservation, diversified sources such as desalination, and climate change mitigation
March 26, 2025
The Astana Process may still be significant in managing the emerging status quo, especially as ties between Europe and the United States appear to fray
March 20, 2025
With new leadership in Beirut, Hezbollah weakened, and Syria’s Ba’athist regime overthrown, GCC states cautiously reconsider repairing ties with Lebanon
March 17, 2025
Azerbaijan has boosted ties with Israel despite Israel’s harsh prosecution of the Gaza war since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023
March 11, 2025
Hardliners’ new assault on the Pezeshkian government in Iran highlights enduring barriers to reform and reconciliation with the West
March 10, 2025
