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.
What strategic thinking, if any, was behind Hamas’ decision to carry out the October 7 attacks?
October 6, 2025
Tehran has become proficient at evasion measures such as ship-to-ship transfers of oil, disabling Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking, and alternative payment mechanisms that circumvent the dollar-based international financial network
October 2, 2025
The collapse of the JCPOA marks a new nadir in intermittent efforts to resolve conflicts dating from the 1979 Islamic revolution
September 29, 2025
An August 10 announcement suspending the German export of offensive weapons to Israel has ignited intense debate on the real impact of this decision
September 25, 2025
The decision by the two countries reflects growing unease among wealthy Arab petrostates about the willingness of the United States to defend them against what they see as an increasingly unconstrained Israel
September 22, 2025
While Iran remains the Houthis’ principal military sponsor, Chinese-sourced materiel is playing a growing role in sustaining their war effort and bolstering critical logistics infrastructure
September 18, 2025
Three years after the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests, women in Iran continue to resist an increasingly sophisticated surveillance apparatus
September 16, 2025
More recognition now will only be meaningful if accompanied by other steps that put pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza and on Hamas to release remaining hostages
September 12, 2025
