Pillar I: Middle East Mediators

This pillar examines how regional powers mediate regional and global conflicts, assess risks and rewards, and shape implications for U.S. national security

This initiative will highlight mediation efforts undertaken by Middle East mediators: Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Turkey. It will enhance understanding of the complexities underlying mediation efforts—both regional and global—by these “middle powers", including the complex “risk/benefit” calculus underlying these efforts. The initiative will also deepen our understanding of the stakes for the United States and impact on U.S. national security interests. It will seek to map and compare the success of regional and global mediation efforts to understand “lessons learned” from previous mediations. The initiative will also explore the future direction of Middle East mediation efforts, tracking the evolution of Middle East mediation strategies and tools.  

This initiative is made possible by general support to CSIS.

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Featured Analysis

Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

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.

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Critical Questions by Mona Yacoubian — October 2, 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

Audio Briefs

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

An audio version of “⁠Why Trump’s Executive Order on Qatar Marks a Historic Shift⁠,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Mona Yacoubian. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Mona Yacoubian — October 2, 2025

Audio Briefs

Doha Strikes Highlight Clashing Visions of the Middle East

The September 9 Israeli attack on Hamas officials in Qatar marked a watershed for the region and illustrated the stark contrast in regional approaches to shaping the Middle East’s emerging order.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian — September 24, 2025

Audio Briefs

Doha Strikes Highlight Clashing Visions of the Middle East

An audio version of "⁠Doha Strikes Highlight Clashing Visions of the Middle East⁠," a new commentary by CSIS’s Mona Yacoubian. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Mona Yacoubian — September 24, 2025

Audio Briefs

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

Audio Briefs

Israel Strikes Hamas in Qatar

An audio version of “⁠Israel Strikes Hamas in Qatar⁠,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman — September 9, 2025

Audio Briefs