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.
After four decades of dealing with Iran-backed militants in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, Israel is giving Iran a taste of its own medicine by forming a front at Iran’s northern doorstep and increasing ties with Azerbaijan
April 18, 2023
Growing criticism of Raisi across the political spectrum opens the prospect that he could be a one-term president, the first not to be re-elected in Iran since 1980
April 12, 2023
With both countries now isolated by the West, the emerging alliance is based on common opposition to Western domination and a mutual need to circumvent sanctions
April 11, 2023
Examining the history, politics, and consequences of Israel's policy of "nuclear opacity"
April 6, 2023
The announcement of Iran-Saudi reconciliation and cooperation with the IAEA reflect Tehran's understanding that it is not possible to fight internally and with the international community at the same time
April 5, 2023
A camp of progressives, including prominent political prisoners and civil society activists, is gaining momentum in Iran and calling for a constitutional referendum and a more democratic system
April 3, 2023
A Saudi-Syria deal concluded in Moscow would mark a significant Russian foreign policy win only weeks after China brokered a similar agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran
March 30, 2023
A successful weakening of judicial independence by Netanyahu would damage Israel's democracy and give serious energy to those who question the billions the US sends Israel each year in military aid
March 28, 2023
