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.
Historic call opens rare opportunity to de-escalate long-standing conflict across Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran
March 5, 2025
With the prospect of a Ukraine cease-fire and better U.S.-Russia ties under the Trump administration, financial integration with Iran may also no longer seem as urgent or attractive to Moscow
February 28, 2025
U.S. and European firms now face growing competition from Turkey, China, and South Korea as well as traditional buyers developing their own capabilities.
February 26, 2025
The UAE aims to position itself as an interlocutor with Iran and to reshape the mechanisms regulating the region’s geopolitical architecture
February 20, 2025
Pharmacies have been forced to ration an array of products from formula for babies to critical medication such as insulin shots
February 18, 2025
Historic social and cultural similarities between the two peoples provide a natural platform for cooperation between Iraqi and Syrian universities, think tanks, intellectuals, artists and civil societies.
January 31, 2025
Russia and Iran may adopt a model of diplomacy with Syria, similar to their efforts to cultivate the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
January 29, 2025
A refugee mother in Mashhad said her children eventually gained school access, but only after navigating delays and bureaucratic obstacles.
January 28, 2025
