The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is undergoing unprecedented, historic, complex, and rapid transformations. These changes, both violent and peaceful, are reshaping the relationships between state and society and among countries, shifting the regional balance of power and influence among regional rivals, and causing fragmentation and polarization.
Stimson’s MENA program, which was relaunched in 2021, is recognized for its role as a bridge-builder between conflicting parties. By providing a platform and safe environment for influential, well-connected experts and officials from the region and beyond to engage in confidential, complex and constructive conversations, the program helps find common ground and develop solutions to the crises that destabilize the region.
In addition to implementing Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy projects, the MENA Program provides thought leadership to policymakers and the media, and academic analysis of regional affairs.
Nonproliferation experts are scrambling for new ideas to avoid what some have called a binary choice between bombing Iran and Iran with a bomb
March 15, 2024
An attack on a Roman Catholic church in Istanbul signals a renewed threat from ISIS-K, which is seeking new targets outside Taliban-controlled Afghanistan
March 14, 2024
While Saudi Arabia may not be able to develop complex weapon systems, it could design and produce light arms, drones, and armored vehicles
March 11, 2024
Moscow is in need of missiles and might be more forthcoming in response to Iran’s requests for high-tech Russian weaponry
March 6, 2024
A reported 41% participation rate, inclusive of spoiled ballots, marks the lowest level of participation by the Iranian people in the 12 rounds of parliamentary elections since 1979
March 4, 2024
While a low voter turnout guarantees their continued control, it further undermines the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic's conservative regime
February 29, 2024
Algeria's role in freeing 52 U.S. diplomats from captivity in Iran provides valuable insights for mediators seeking to free hostages today
February 28, 2024
A rise in US-Iran tensions has depressed the Iranian currency, the rial, with serious consequences for ordinary Iranians
February 26, 2024
Copyright The Henry L. Stimson Center