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.
Higher levels of insecurity in the Middle East reinforce Russia’s message that the United States is an ineffective guarantor of stability in the region
May 1, 2024
GCC members understand that none of the mega projects they envision can be realized under the shadow of military confrontation with Iran
April 29, 2024
The Iranian government forbids its athletes from competing with Israelis and punishes women athletes who refuse to wear the hijab
April 25, 2024
There are indications that quiet contact has continued between the U.S. and Iran not only on the Gaza crisis but on the nuclear file
April 23, 2024
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
Copyright The Henry L. Stimson Center