Middle East Program
Providing fresh analysis of the drives of change in the Middle East
The CSIS Middle East Program provides fresh analysis of the drivers of change in the Middle East to decision makers and thought leaders in the United States and abroad.
The Middle East Program is a source for new ideas that go beyond the conventional wisdom, disseminated through written scholarship, events, and commentary in leading news outlets.
Follow us on Twitter @CSISMidEast and like us on Facebook.
Dr. Alterman serves as the director of the Middle East Program, a position he has held since 2002. Under his leadership, the Middle East Program has launched a biweekly podcast and numerous miniseries, convened events with many of the top thinkers in the field, and conducted innovative research on the Middle East including work on the Chinese influence, sustainability, and cultural shifts in the region.
Contact Information
- Daniel Sharp
- Associate Director and Associate Fellow, Middle East Program
- 202.775.3179
- DSharp@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Paige Montfort
- Media Relations Manager, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Featured Analysis

Photo: VLADIMIR SIMICEK/AFP/Getty Images
What Did Saudi Arabia Just Do?
Dr. Jon Alterman, Ben Cahill, and Dr. Joseph Majkut note key questions arising from the recent decision by OPEC+ to decrease oil production and its impact on the United States’ relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman , Joseph Majkut , and Ben Cahill — October 6, 2022

Rescuing Aid in Syria
Report by Natasha Hall — February 14, 2022

Sustainable States: Environment, Governance, and the Future of the Middle East
Report by Jon B. Alterman , Natasha Hall , and Will Todman — May 18, 2021

Babel: U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East
Podcast Series by Jon B. Alterman

China Podcast Miniseries
Featured Projects
All content by Middle East Program
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A Mezze: Syrians Need Not Apply
Podcast Episode — November 8, 2022

COP 27 Preview: Electrifying the Middle East with Ali al-Saffar
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , and Lubna Yousef — November 1, 2022

COP27 Preview: Electrifying the Middle East
Transcript by Jon B. Alterman — November 1, 2022

Saudi Oil Moves
Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz , Joseph Majkut , and Jon B. Alterman — October 28, 2022


Why Playing the ‘Long Game’ Is the Right Approach to Iran’s Protests
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — October 19, 2022

On the Hook: How Egypt's Military Outcompetes Local Fish Farmers
Newsletter by Caleb Harper — October 19, 2022

Is Iran on the Brink?
Event by Jon B. Alterman , Jason Rezaian , Arash Azizi , and Yeganeh Rezaian — October 18, 2022

Mahsa Alimardani: Protest, Social Media, and Censorship in Iran
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — October 18, 2022

A Mezze: Honey, I Froze the Kids
Podcast Episode — October 11, 2022
