Middle East

Stretching from the Western Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, the Middle East continues to be a region struggling with violent conflict, political repression, and poor development. Numerous pro-democracy protest movements, a burgeoning youth population, and efforts to reform governments and lessen economic dependence on oil, however, are causes for optimism. The United States and the international community must remain engaged with the region to provide support for these positive moves and to address the many remaining challenges.

Content

In the News

Apr 2, 2024

Panikoff joins Bloomberg to discuss aftermath of Israeli strike on aid workers in Gaza

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Apr 2, 2024

Iranian drones have proliferated under US watch

By Daniel E. Mouton

Although the solution to stop the spread of Iranian drones is complex, it is important to note that there were plenty of warnings and time for the United States to prepare its defenses.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Apr 2, 2024

Polymeropoulos coauthored for Politico about intelligence sharing and combatting transnational terrorist groups

On April 2, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Marc Polymeropoulous coauthored “The Surprising Intelligence Community Outreach to Russia” for Politico about combatting the threat posed by transnational terrorist groups like ISIS-K. He warns that the United States must be careful when engaging with other nations for intelligence sharing and basic counterterrorism exchanges, as such outreach […]

Intelligence Middle East

In the News

Apr 1, 2024

Wechsler joins Channel 4 News to discuss the reported transfer of arms from US to Israel

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Israel

In the News

Mar 30, 2024

Donovan and Nikoladze cited by Yahoo Finance on oil trade between China, Russia, and Iran

Read the full article here.

China Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

MENASource

Mar 30, 2024

As long as Sisi continues his policies, the Egyptian economy will drown 

By Shahira Amin

While the funding secured in recent weeks will help ease the economic crisis and stabilize Egypt in the short term, skeptics fear it may only offer a temporary respite.

Economy & Business Middle East

In the News

Mar 29, 2024

Donovan and Nikoladze featured by Business Insider on illicit oil trade between Russia, China, and Iran

Read the full article here.

China Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Event Recap

Mar 29, 2024

Launching the Syria Strategy Project

By JP Reppeto and Charles Johnson

On March 18, 2024, the Atlantic Council’s Syria Project, the Middle East Institute’s Syria Program, the European Institute of Peace, and Madaniya Civil Society Network launched the Syria Strategy, an intensive process of engagement with subject matter experts and policymakers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East to develop a holistic strategy to […]

Civil Society Conflict

MENASource

Mar 29, 2024

No, Putin, the ISIS-K attack in Moscow wasn’t about Ukraine

By Mark N. Katz

This attack by ISIS-K may have been motivated by several grievances, including retaliation for the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

Strategic Litigation

Mar 29, 2024

Strategic Litigation Quarterly Newsletter: It’s time for a Syria Victims Fund.

The latest updates on the Strategic Litigation Project's work advancing human rights and accountability.

Afghanistan Civil Society

Experts

Events