Paul Salem is a senior associate (non-resident) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He previously served as president and CEO of the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., and as founding director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, Lebanon. He also founded and led the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies. Salem's work focuses on Middle East geopolitics, political and economic transitions, and U.S. and international policy toward the region. His research examines state fragility, regional security dynamics, and pathways to conflict resolution and regional order. He is the coeditor of Escaping the Conflict Trap: Toward Ending Civil Wars in the Middle East (2019), Winning the Battle, Losing the War: Addressing the Conditions that Fuel Armed Non-State Actors (2019), and From Chaos to Cooperation: Toward Regional Order in the Middle East (2017). His earlier publications include Broken Orders: The Causes and Consequences of the Arab Uprisings (2013) and Bitter Legacy: Ideology and Politics in the Arab World (1994). Salem has advised numerous governments, international organizations, and corporations on regional affairs and U.S. policy toward the Middle East. He is a frequent commentator on Middle East affairs and appears regularly on major international and regional media outlets.

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The Levantine Opportunity in a Churning Middle East

The wars of the past three years have eroded the fragile order of the Middle East. Now, for the first time in decades, the Levant has a chance to create a new alignment and build a regional order centered around strong, inclusive states, stability, and open trade.

Commentary by Paul Salem — September 21, 2026

State of Play

Trump's Iran Deal: What Comes Next?

U.S. and Iran announce a framework deal with a 60‑day ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. CSIS experts analyze its winners, challenges ahead, and its impact on the Middle East.

Podcast Episode by CSIS Scholars — June 15, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS