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.
There are no guarantees that whoever follows Khamenei will be an improvement, but popular protests have exposed the Islamic Republic’s vulnerability more dramatically at this time
February 28, 2026
The prevailing consensus reduces incentives for strategic innovation, even as the cycle of confrontation persists
February 23, 2026
Azerbaijan is watching rising unrest in neighboring Iran and the prospect of new Israeli or American strikes on that country with concern
February 18, 2026
Gulf states fear not only a belligerent Iran but also Iranian fragmentation, escalation, and strategic miscalculation
February 13, 2026
Even after Khamenei dies, it is unclear whether Iran can produce a new unifying leader or a transition to a liberal democratic order
February 12, 2026
Russia’s diplomatic activism comes at a time when it fears a weakening Iran, cornered by internal unrest and outside military and economic pressure
February 2, 2026
The main challenge is division of Iranians into “insiders” versus “outsiders,” which exacerbates divisions among elites and political and civil society activists
January 27, 2026
A narrow space remains for dialogue between the SDF and the Syrian government to prevent the country from sliding into another cycle of terrorism and revenge
January 23, 2026
