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 Projects


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PHOTO: SYRIAN RED CRESCENT/AFP/GETTYIMAGES

PHOTO: SYRIAN RED CRESCENT/AFP/GETTYIMAGES

Rescuing Aid in Syria

Eleven years into the Syrian conflict, needs continue to rise. Yet, violence, uncertainty, and the Syrian government’s manipulation of the aid sector continues to plague the aid response. This CSIS report articulates the challenges to assistance and how to overcome them.

Report by Natasha Hall — February 14, 2022

Featured Analysis


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Photo: Hasan Belal/Anadolu/Getty Images

Photo: Hasan Belal/Anadolu/Getty Images

Natasha Hall in The New York Times: There's Still a Chance to Get Syria Right

Syria is in a fragile state after the overthrow of Bashar al Assad. The United States can help ensure a stable post-Assad transition by engaging the new government, lifting its broad sanctions, and keeping its regional allies in check.

Commentary by Natasha Hall — April 2, 2025

Featured Podcast


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Babel Banner

Nicolas Pelham: Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syria’s Future

This week on Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Nicolas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist. Together, they discuss his latest article, “The Great Pretender: How Ahmed al-Sharaa Won Syria,” an in-depth profile of the Syrian leader based in part on a mid-February interview. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman, Ninar Fawal, and Natasha Hall — March 20, 2025