Middle East Program

Providing fresh analysis of the drivers 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.

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Saudi Arabia Steps Out

The recent China-brokered agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran represents a new era of Saudi diplomacy, shifting away from passive agreement with the United States and toward greater independent engagement in the region and beyond. 

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — March 22, 2023

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Security Assistance in the Middle East: A Conversation

Please join the CSIS Middle East Program for a conversation with Dr. Robert Springborg, Dr. Hicham Alaoui, Dr. Lindsey Benstead, and Alex Walsh, about their new book, Security Assistance in the Middle East: Challenges … and the Need for Change.

Event by Jon B. Alterman , Hicham Alaoui , Robert Springborg , Lindsay J. Benstead , and Alex Walsh — April 19, 2023

Babel: Translating the Middle East

Ayham Kamel: The Gulf's Regional Diplomacy

This week on Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Ayham Kamel of the Eurasia Group. They talk about the current diplomatic landscape in the Gulf, how leaders perceive their security interests, their views on the U.S. staying in power in the region, and how they are responding to the U.S. retrenchment from the Middle East.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , and Daniel Sharp — April 18, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: Help Wanted, But Not Found

What started as a job advertisement for a sandwich maker in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) quickly landed one firm in hot water last December. As the UAE pushes for companies in the private sector to hire more Emiratis, they're finding that there are some jobs that Emiratis don't want.

Podcast Episode — April 11, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Ali Vaez: Iran's Regional Policy

Jon Alterman speaks with Ali Vaez about the Saudi-Iranian agreement to resume diplomatic ties and Iran's wider approach to the region. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Natasha Hall , and Caleb Harper — April 4, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: Saudi Arabia's New Anime Journey

Imported entertainment options have flourished under MBS, helping erode the Saudi state’s ability to shape public culture. But now, Saudi state-owned firms are using the growing popularity of anime to shape their own narrative, at home and abroad. A new Mezze from the CSIS Middle East Program.

Podcast Episode — March 28, 2023

CSIS Babel

Powering Recovery in the Middle East: Realities on the Ground

Please join the CSIS Middle East Program for a conversation about international efforts to support more resilient and sustainable infrastructure in fragile states in the Middle East. 

Event by Jon B. Alterman , Matthew D. Steinhelfer , Christina Abi Haidar , Paul Noumba Um , and Will Todman — March 22, 2023

Saudi Arabia Steps Out

The recent China-brokered agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran represents a new era of Saudi diplomacy, shifting away from passive agreement with the United States and toward greater independent engagement in the region and beyond. 

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — March 22, 2023

Help Wanted, But Not Found: Emiratization in the UAE

As the UAE intensifies efforts to employ more nationals in the private sector, Emirati officials are finding that there are some jobs that Emiratis don’t want to take.  

Newsletter by Lubna Yousef and Caleb Harper — March 22, 2023

Babel: Translating the Middle East

Iraq 20 Years Later with Marsin Alshamary and Hamzeh Hadad

In a special episode of Babel to mark the 20th anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war, Jon sits down with Marsin Alshamary and Hamzeh Hadad to talk about the aftermath of the U.S.-led invasion. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , and Lubna Yousef — March 21, 2023

CSIS Babel