Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction

Analyzing and rethinking humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts throughout the region

From Syria to Yemen, the Middle East is the site of some of the world’s most complex humanitarian emergencies. The region receives billions of dollars of humanitarian aid every year, but current conditions are alarming and current trends appear unsustainable. International donors are rethinking how they can best leverage their financial assistance to the Middle East, considering changes in aid levels, modalities, and targets. The Middle East Program investigates trends in humanitarian aid and reconstruction in the Middle East, providing analysis and recommendations for U.S. and international policymakers.

 

Featured Analysis

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

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Lebanon’s Growing Humanitarian Crisis

A humanitarian emergency is growing among Lebanese. Overlaps in humanitarian responses risk fueling tensions and wasting limited aid resources. CSIS's Will Todman and Caleb Harper argue that an independent review is necessary to maximize the effectiveness of humanitarian aid.

Brief by Will Todman and Caleb Harper — December 16, 2021

Photo: ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images

Lebanon’s Growing Humanitarian Crisis

Will Todman moderates a panel discussion on the growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. 

Event by Jon B. Alterman , Jacob Kurtzer , Will Todman , Sally Abi Khalil , Haneen Sayed , Georges Kettaneh , and Maha Yahya — November 16, 2021

Photo: MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/AFP/Getty Images

The UN Vote on Aid in Syria

Natasha Hall and Will Todman break down the implications of the UN Security Council's vote to renew the cross-border mandate in Syria, what concessions were made, and who came out the biggest winner.

Critical Questions by Natasha Hall and Will Todman — July 12, 2021

Photo: OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP/Getty Images

The Future of Humanitarian Operations: Aid and Politics in Syria

As we approach the expiration date of the UN mandate to provide cross-border assistance to Syria, our panel of experts will delve into these questions and assess the consequences of business as usual for the aid sector and for long-term stability.

Event by Jon B. Alterman , Jacob Kurtzer , Natasha Hall , Zaher Sahloul , and Charles Petrie — July 7, 2021

Photo: AMER ALMOHIBANY/AFP/Getty Images
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Carsten Wieland: The Politicization of Aid in Syria

Jon Alterman talks with Carsten Wieland about the politicization of humanitarian aid in Syria. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Natasha Hall , Will Todman , and Daniel Sharp — June 29, 2021

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Stephanie Williams: UN Mediation in Libya

Jon Alterman talks with Stephanie Williams about her work as the acting special representative of the UN Secretary-General and the head of the UN Support Mission in Libya.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Natasha Hall , and Will Todman — March 9, 2021

CSIS Babel

Online Event: Supporting Marginalized Groups amid Lebanon's Cascading Crises

Sahar Atrache, Yasmin Kayali, and Banchi Yimer will join us for a discussion of the threats facing Lebanon's most vulnerable communities, and what stakeholders can do to support and empower them.

Event by Jon B. Alterman , Jacob Kurtzer , Sahar Atrache , Yasmin Kayali , and Banchi Yimer — October 6, 2020

Photo: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Refugees Could Help Solve Lebanon’s Economic Crisis

Lebanon is facing an unprecedented crisis. Will Todman and Erol Yayboke argue that Lebanese policymakers should view refugees as part of the solution. If Lebanon lets refugees work, they can uncover opportunities that benefit vulnerable Lebanese and refugees alike.

Commentary by Will Todman and Erol Yayboke — July 10, 2020

Photo: Erol Yayboke

The Possible End of Cross-border Aid in Syria

On July 10, UN agencies’ mandate to deliver aid to opposition-held areas of northwest Syria from Turkey will expire. CSIS’s Jake Kurtzer and Will Todman analyze the humanitarian and political consequences of failing to renew the cross-border resolution.

Critical Questions by Jacob Kurtzer and Will Todman — July 6, 2020

Photo: MSALLAM ABDALBASET/AFP via Getty Images