Egypt, Israel, and the Levant

Political, economic, and security trends in Egypt, Israel and Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan

Syria’s decade-long conflict continues to destabilize the Levant. Syria remains an arena for proxy wars by external forces, millions of Syrians experience protracted displacement in the region, and compounding crises in Syria and Lebanon indicate prolonged economic hardship. Meanwhile, Israel’s new relationships with Arab states are creating new opportunities, while it seeks to manage enduring threats from Iran and its proxies in the Levant. The Middle East Program analyzes the evolving political, geopolitical, and humanitarian dynamics in the Levant and Egypt, providing analysis and recommendations for U.S. policy.

See the Middle East Program's publications and past events on Egypt and the Levant HERE.

 

Featured Analysis

Photo: OMAR ALBAW/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: OMAR ALBAW/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Syria’s Promise and Challenges One Year After Assad’s Fall

A year after Assad’s fall, the promise of a new Syria hinges on the transitional government’s ability to garner domestic and international support. 

Brief by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman — December 4, 2025

Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

The Trump Administration’s Middle East Policy: Shaping an Emerging Regional Order

The Trump administration stands before a historic opportunity to help usher the Middle East into a new era of stability and prosperity. Its engagement in the Middle East is shaping the contours of the emerging regional order—whether by default or design.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian — October 6, 2025

See all analysis on Egypt, Israel, and the Levant

Featured Event

Featured Podcast

Photo: iLab/CSIS

Photo: iLab/CSIS

Did the Saudi & Syrian Trump visits meet expectations?

Mona Yacoubian and former ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney join Will to discuss how successful the visits really were, what failed to materialize, and what surprises emerged. 

Podcast Episode by Will Todman and Mona Yacoubian — November 21, 2025

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Why Trump’s Executive Order on Qatar Marks a Historic Shift

On September 29, President Trump signed an executive order that provides Qatar with an explicit security guarantee in the event of “external attack.” Mona Yacoubian analyzes its timing, significance, and situates it in a broader context.

Critical Questions by Mona Yacoubian — October 2, 2025

Israel Strikes Hamas in Qatar

On September 9, the Israeli Defense Forces announced that the Israeli Air Force conducted an assassination attempt against Hamas leaders in Doha. This comes as Israel is escalating its efforts to force Hamas to surrender.

Critical Questions by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman — September 9, 2025

Is Israel Headed for a Forever War in Gaza?

On August 8, the Israeli security cabinet announced its decision to take control of Gaza City. This risks Israel embedding itself in a “forever war,” while also worsening the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian — August 8, 2025

Experts React: Starvation in Gaza

CSIS experts react to Gaza’s descent into mass starvation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, international and domestic pressure on Israel, and more.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian, Will Todman, Jon B. Alterman, Caitlin Welsh, Zane Swanson, Michaela Simoneau, Sophia Hirshfield, Hadeil Ali, Andrew Friedman, J. Stephen Morrison, and Leonard Rubenstein — July 28, 2025

The Truth of the Matter

Emergency Podcast: Iran Strikes Back

CSIS Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian joins the podcast to discuss Monday’s strike by Iran on Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the Middle East and the broader strategic implications of the conflict.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Mona Yacoubian — June 23, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter

Israel and Iran At War: What Comes Next? 

CSIS experts Daniel Byman and Doreen Horschig join Mona Yacoubian to discuss current developments in the Iran-Israel conflict, moderated by Will Todman.

Event — June 17, 2025