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.
Contact Information
- Mennah Abdelwahab
- Program Coordinator and Research Assistant, Middle East Program
- 2024578749
- mabdelwahab@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Paige Montfort
- Assistant Director of Communications, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Featured Analysis

Photo: YAHYA HASSOUNA/AFP/Getty Images
Israel Could Lose
In a new commentary, Jon Alterman explains that while Israel has the most formidable fighting force in the region, it needs to prioritize winning back global support, invigorating the Palestinian Authority, and splitting Hamas off from the population.
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — November 7, 2023

Analysis: Developments in the Israel-Hamas War
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman and Leah Hickert — October 24, 2023

What Comes after War in Gaza
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — October 12, 2023

The World Can’t Solve the Israel-Hamas War without Egypt
Commentary by Daniel Byman and Jon B. Alterman — October 25, 2023

Has the United Nations Failed Ukraine and the World?
Congressional Testimony by Natasha Hall — September 27, 2023
Featured Projects
All Middle East Program Content
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Everyday Choices: A Conversation with Dr. Ellen Lust
Event — October 10, 2023
A Mezze: Fishing for Food Security
Podcast Episode by Leah Hickert and Martin Pimentel — October 10, 2023

Khalid Ikram: Egypt's Economic Crisis
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman Will Todman and Leah Hickert — October 3, 2023

Has the United Nations Failed Ukraine and the World?
Congressional Testimony by Natasha Hall — September 27, 2023
Viewpoint: Data Dead Zone
Podcast Episode by Natasha Hall and Leah Hickert — September 26, 2023

Biden’s Hostage Diplomacy, Explained
Commentary by Danielle Gilbert — September 22, 2023
Biden’s Efforts to Bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 22, 2023
Tarek Megerisi: Libya's Crises
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman Will Todman and Leah Hickert — September 20, 2023

Iran Hostage Release: Honey and Vinegar
Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Jon B. Alterman — September 20, 2023

Profile: Arab Youth Climate Movement – Qatar
Blog Post by Will Todman — September 20, 2023