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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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
Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: Going Green with Envy

In Lebanon, neighboring communities are looking to connect and build off one another's initiatives, but a dysfunctional environment makes capitalizing on that opportunity a challenge for international donors and Lebanese communities alike. A new Mezze from the CSIS Middle East Program.

Podcast Episode — March 14, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Will Todman: Powering Recovery

Jon Alterman speaks with Will Todman about his new report on the relationship between electricity and politics in conflict-affected environments and what donors should do differently.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , Lubna Yousef , and Caleb Harper — March 7, 2023

CSIS Babel

Will Israeli-Palestinian Violence Spin Out of Control?

In the wake of increasing violence in Palestine and Israel, Jon B. Alterman explains the tumultuous political situation and the potential for significant change to the status quo. 

Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — February 28, 2023

Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: From Beijing to Jerusalem

Before the pandemic, Chinese tourism to Israel was growing the fastest out of any country. As Chinese tourists begin to return to the market, Israel may continue to be a popular destination.

Podcast Episode — February 28, 2023

CSIS Babel

Deaths of Despair

With unemployment in the Middle East reaching alarming levels, Jon B. Alterman explores the potential consequences of the region's economic growth and energy transition on its youth population, and with it, the critical choices governments should make to avoid crises.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — February 21, 2023

Babel: Translating the Middle East

Natasha Hall: The Aftermath of Earthquakes in Syria

This week, in a special episode of Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Middle East Program senior fellow Natasha Hall about the aftermath of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman and Natasha Hall — February 21, 2023

CSIS Babel