Middle East Program
Providing fresh analysis of the drivers of change in the Middle East
The CSIS Middle East Program provides fresh analysis of the drivers of change in the Middle East to decision makers and thought leaders in the United States and abroad.
The Middle East Program is a source for new ideas that go beyond the conventional wisdom, disseminated through written scholarship, events, and commentary in leading news outlets.
Follow us on Twitter @CSISMidEast and like us on Facebook.
Dr. Alterman serves as the director of the Middle East Program, a position he has held since 2002. Under his leadership, the Middle East Program has launched a biweekly podcast and numerous miniseries, convened events with many of the top thinkers in the field, and conducted innovative research on the Middle East including work on the Chinese influence, sustainability, and cultural shifts in the region.
Contact Information
- Mennah Abdelwahab
- Program Coordinator and Research Assistant, Middle East Program
- 2024578749
- mabdelwahab@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Paige Montfort
- Media Relations Manager, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Featured Analysis

Photo: Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images
The Unique Promise of Environmental Cooperation in the Gulf
Environmental issues hold unique promise for fostering negotiation and cooperation in the Gulf. A new CSIS brief explores the potential of environmental diplomacy to bring broader geopolitical benefits.
Brief by Will Todman , Lubna Yousef , and Mennah Abdelwahab — July 11, 2023

The Ripple Effect of Water Insecurity
Commentary by Natasha Hall — May 4, 2023

Powering Recovery: Reform, Reconstruction, and Renewables in Conflict-Affected States in the Arab World
Report by Will Todman , Jon B. Alterman , and Lubna Yousef — March 3, 2023

China Podcast Miniseries

India's Model for the Middle East
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 20, 2023
Featured Projects
All Middle East Program Content
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Has the United Nations Failed Ukraine and the World?
Congressional Testimony by Natasha Hall — September 27, 2023
Viewpoint: Data Dead Zone
Podcast Episode by Natasha Hall and Leah Hickert — September 26, 2023

Biden’s Efforts to Bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 22, 2023
Biden’s Hostage Diplomacy, Explained
Commentary by Danielle Gilbert — September 22, 2023
Tarek Megerisi: Libya's Crises
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , and Leah Hickert — September 20, 2023

Iran Hostage Release: Honey and Vinegar
Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Jon B. Alterman — September 20, 2023

Profile: Arab Youth Climate Movement – Qatar
Blog Post by Will Todman — September 20, 2023
Roundtable Summary: Civil Society and Environmental Action in the Gulf
Blog Post by Will Todman — September 20, 2023
Running Dry: Exploring the Water Crisis in Syria
Event by Natasha Hall , Marjolaine Bos , Simav Hassan , Marie Schellens , Peter Schwartzstein , and Nadeen Taha — September 19, 2023
“Whose Water Is It Anyway”: Audio Brief with Natasha Hall
Podcast Episode by Natasha Hall — September 19, 2023
