Middle East

The Middle East Program heads CSIS’s work on the region, which analyzes a wide range of political, security, and socioeconomic issues related to the Middle East and North Africa, with special attention to the ways that changes in the Middle East and North Africa have effects beyond 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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Jon B. Alterman

Jon B. Alterman

Senior Vice President, Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy, and Director, Middle East Program
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

Senior Vice President; Harold Brown Chair; and Director, International Security Program

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Durable Solutions for Syria’s Displaced: U.S. Support for a Better Future

Millions of Syrians have been forcibly displaced by conflict, including an entire generation of children. The United States has an opportunity to mirror ambitious initiatives to help refugees by supporting displaced communities in their countries of origin and first asylum.

Commentary by Bernice Romero and Jiwan Said — March 8, 2021

What Lies Ahead: The Next Chapter of Syria Humanitarian Policy

After ten years of crisis, the humanitarian, protection, and human rights challenges in Syria are at their apex. The humanitarian response and policy must be revitalized and revamped to achieve peaceful, long-term solutions for the people of Syria.

Commentary by Hazem Rihawi — March 8, 2021

Protection in Northern Syria

The Syrian conflict continues to create protection risks for millions across the country. The U.S. government must make policy and programmatic changes to support a more resilient population through engaging with local organizations and increasing funding for protection.

Commentary by Global Communities Protection Staff in Syria and Emily Galloway — March 2, 2021

Civilians in the Crosshairs: The Cost of a Decade of Impunity in Syria

A decade of conflict in Syria has been defined by a flouting of international humanitarian law and deliberate harm to civilians. Accountability is needed to break a cycle of impunity and prevent the war in Syria from setting a precedent for conflicts across the globe.

Commentary by Rehana Zawar Ali and Mazen Kewara — March 2, 2021

Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: Influence Peddlers

If social media influencers in the UAE want to capitalize on their fame, they have to acquire a license from the UAE government. 

Podcast Episode — March 2, 2021

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Amb. James Jeffrey: Erdogan’s Middle East Policy

Jon Alterman talks with Ambassador James Jeffrey about how Turkey views the Middle East.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman and Natasha Hall — February 23, 2021

CSIS Babel

Access to All Syrians Must Be at the Heart of All Syria Policy

As humanitarian needs persist in Syria’s decade-long conflict, the needs of Syrians must be the guiding compass for policymakers to ensure there is unimpeded access to all Syrians across the entire country.

Commentary by Basma Alloush and Oula Mashfj — February 23, 2021

The Smart Way out of the Middle East

Dr. Jon Alterman discusses how the United States can rebalance away from the Middle East while maintaining influence over its allies and partners.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — February 22, 2021