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.
Iran’s massive aerial assault on Israel resembles the 1991 Gulf War in its theatricality and the psychological media operations
April 17, 2024
Iran might have been better advised to let Netanyahu continue to dig a bigger hole for himself rather than changing the subject and making Israel the perceived victim
April 16, 2024
Iran used Turkish and Swiss intermediaries to communicate with Washington in advance how it would calibrate its attack on Israel
April 15, 2024
The negotiations reflect a shift in Turkey’s foreign policy from an ideological focus to investment and trade priorities
April 11, 2024
McDonald’s, Starbucks, and other high-profile American companies have been targeted because of their perceived support for Israel and its war on Gaza
April 9, 2024
Iran is caught between a perceived need to retaliate to preserve its internal authority while fearing to escalate the conflict into full-scale war
April 5, 2024
An altercation between a cleric and an unveiled woman in Qom has become the latest cause celebre in Iran, widening rift between the regime and society
April 4, 2024
Germany has been among Israel's strongest supporters since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, providing both diplomatic backing and significant arms transfers.
April 2, 2024
Copyright The Henry L. Stimson Center