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
- mabdelwahab@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Paige Montfort
- Media Relations Manager, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Featured Analysis
The Unique Promise of Environmental Cooperation in the Gulf
Environmental issues hold unique promise for fostering negotiation and cooperation in the Gulf. A new CSIS brief explores the potential of environmental diplomacy to bring broader geopolitical benefits.
Brief by Will Todman , Lubna Yousef , and Mennah Abdelwahab — July 11, 2023
The Ripple Effect of Water Insecurity
Commentary by Natasha Hall — May 4, 2023
Powering Recovery: Reform, Reconstruction, and Renewables in Conflict-Affected States in the Arab World
Report by Will Todman , Jon B. Alterman , and Lubna Yousef — March 3, 2023
China Podcast Miniseries
India's Model for the Middle East
Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 20, 2023
All Middle East Program Content
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A Mezze: Saudis Take to the Streets
Podcast Episode by Lubna Yousef and Layan Shaaban — July 18, 2023
Is There Logic to Russia’s Wrongful Detentions of Americans?
Commentary by Eric Lebson — July 17, 2023
Fifty Years after Hostage Taking Went Global, We’re Still Learning Lessons
Commentary by Christopher P. Costa — July 13, 2023
The Unique Promise of Environmental Cooperation in the Gulf
Brief by Will Todman , Lubna Yousef , and Mennah Abdelwahab — July 11, 2023
Shirin Hakim: Iran’s Environmental Challenges
Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , and Daniel Sharp — July 11, 2023
Guardians of the Nile: No Interstate War, No Peace
Commentary by Natasha Hall — July 11, 2023
Event Summary: Ripple Effect: Exploring the Intersection of Water Insecurity and Displacement in the Middle East
Blog Post by Natasha Hall , Giorgi Gigauri , Michael Talhami , and Niku Jafarnia — July 10, 2023
Book Review: The Wounded Tigris: A River Journey Through the Cradle of Civilization
Blog Post by Natasha Hall — July 5, 2023
Event Summary: Water Security in the Middle East
Blog Post by Natasha Hall — July 5, 2023
A Mezze: The Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Podcast Episode by Lubna Yousef and Will Todman — July 4, 2023