Pillar II: Levant Stabilization

This pillar will bring to together regional, international, and local stakeholders to advance post-conflict stabilization and economic recovery in Syria, Lebanon, and beyond

The Middle East Program will serve as the pre-eminent convening space for all key stakeholders engaged in post-conflict stabilization and economic development, with a particular focus on Syria and Lebanon, and potentially Gaza. The forum will focus on activities designed to engage key stakeholders involved in stabilization efforts as well as to inform U.S. policy. It will convene key Gulf stakeholders funding stabilization efforts (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE), U.S. and international community interlocutors (e.g., USG, World Bank, United Nations), and INGOs, as well as Syrian and Lebanese stakeholders. Specifically, the initiative will look to connect the “missing link” of technical expertise and deep experience embodied by former USAID, multilaterals, INGOs and other implementers to Gulf funders and stabilizing countries. This initiative will also develop insights and knowledge on the emerging assistance landscape, a new “ecosystem” that includes new funders, broadened stakeholders, and new approaches and tools, including the innovative use of AI. It will work closely with members of the Lebanese and Syrian diasporas, tapping their expertise and passion for peace and prosperity in their respective countries.

This initiative is made possible by general support to CSIS.

Contact Information

Featured Analysis

Photo: OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP/Getty Images

How Syria Can Succeed in Integrating the Kurds

Intensified conflict between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces could threaten Syria’s transition. Here’s what the government can do to ensure it doesn’t.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman — January 22, 2026

Featured Event

How Shifts in Global Aid are Reshaping Fragile States

Presented by Middle East Program
December 6, 2025 • 6:30 – 7:15 am EST

Featured Projects

Photo: NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP via Getty Images

Work on the Move

Bolstering livelihoods for displaced populations in the Middle East

All Pillar II: Levant Stabilization Content

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How Syria Can Succeed in Integrating the Kurds

Intensified conflict between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces could threaten Syria’s transition. Here’s what the government can do to ensure it doesn’t.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman — January 22, 2026

What Comes Next for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire?

On October 8, President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of his peace deal for Gaza. Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman unpack the agreement’s timing, Trump’s role, remaining challenges, and regional ramifications.

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

Audio Briefs

What Comes Next for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire?

An audio version of “⁠What Comes Next for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire?⁠,” a new Critical Questions by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

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

Audio Briefs

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