Middle East

The Middle East is undergoing a transformative moment where the old order is vanishing and a new one is beginning to take shape. Wars in Gaza and Iran, the evolution of terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and the fall of Bashar al Assad have dramatically changed the region, leading to unprecedented conflict and alliances in the midst of changing economies and energy flows. CSIS experts grapple with these fast-moving developments and explore questions surrounding issues such as geopolitics and geostrategy, governance, counterterrorism, economics, and water security.

Photo: Aamir QURESHI / AFP via Getty Images

Photo: Aamir QURESHI / AFP via Getty Images

What Is Next After the Suicide Attack in Pakistan?

This morning, a suicide bomber attacked a Shia mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. The most likely perpetrator is the Islamic State–Khorasan Province, which operates both in Afghanistan and Pakistan but has a significant interest in mass-casualty international attacks. 

Critical Questions by Alexander Palmer and Alexander Margolis — February 6, 2026

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Jon Alterman

Jon B. Alterman

Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair
Daniel Byman

Daniel Byman

Director, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program
Will Todman

Will Todman

Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program

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What Is Next After the Suicide Attack in Pakistan?

This morning, a suicide bomber attacked a Shia mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. The most likely perpetrator is the Islamic State–Khorasan Province, which operates both in Afghanistan and Pakistan but has a significant interest in mass-casualty international attacks. 

Critical Questions by Alexander Palmer and Alexander Margolis — February 6, 2026

Understanding Global South Perspectives on Taiwan

The CSIS Freeman Chair convened an international task force on to evaluate Global South perspectives on Taiwan and cross-Strait issues. This event reveals what task force members found, and why Global South powers have a critical stake in Taiwan’s future.

Event — January 28, 2026

How Syria Can Succeed in Integrating the Kurds

Intensified conflict between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces could threaten Syria’s transition. Here’s what the government can do to ensure it doesn’t.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman — January 22, 2026

Beyond Hacktivism: Iran's Coordinated Cyber Threat Landscape

Iran’s state sponsored hacktivist operations blur the line between state action and independent actors. Tracking this dynamic remains crucial in understanding Iran’s goals and capabilities as cyberattacks increase in the region.

Blog Post by Jiwon Lim — January 14, 2026