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.

A Mezze: Saudis Take to the Streets

Through new urban planning projects, Saudi Arabia is encouraging its citizens to join a quiet revolution of walking. While many Saudi cities have improved their mobility index, the government still faces many challenges. A new Mezze from the CSIS Middle East Program.

Podcast Episode by Lubna Yousef and Layan Shaaban — July 18, 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
Will Todman

Will Todman

Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program

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Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: Saudis Take to the Streets

Through new urban planning projects, Saudi Arabia is encouraging its citizens to join a quiet revolution of walking. While many Saudi cities have improved their mobility index, the government still faces many challenges. A new Mezze from the CSIS Middle East Program.

Podcast Episode by Lubna Yousef and Layan Shaaban — July 18, 2023

CSIS Babel

Examining Extremism: Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)

The Transnational Threats Project's Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a nationalist insurgency that has a complicated relationship with both the U.S. and Turkey.

Blog Post by Alexander Palmer and Mackenzie Holtz — July 13, 2023

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

Babel: Translating the Middle East

Shirin Hakim: Iran’s Environmental Challenges

This week on Babel, Jon speaks with Dr. Shirin Hakim about Iran’s growing environmental problems and how Western sanctions play into the Iranian regime’s mismanagement of its natural resources. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman , Will Todman , and Daniel Sharp — July 11, 2023

CSIS Babel

Guardians of the Nile: No Interstate War, No Peace

Senior Fellow Natasha Hall argues that the ongoing dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam requires prompt water diplomacy to avoid increasing tensions, conflict, and displacement, even if open interstate war is not in the cards.

Commentary by Natasha Hall — July 11, 2023

Event Summary: Ripple Effect: Exploring the Intersection of Water Insecurity and Displacement in the Middle East

The Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Middle East Program held a virtual discussion on the Water and the Future of the Middle East initiative on June 26, 2023. Panelists explored the connections between water insecurity and displacement, particularly in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Gaza, with experts Giorgi Gigauri, Niku Jafarnia, and Michael Talhami. Natasha Hall, senior fellow, moderated the discussion.

Blog Post by Natasha Hall , Giorgi Gigauri , Michael Talhami , and Niku Jafarnia — July 10, 2023

Babel: Translating the Middle East

A Mezze: The Kurdistan Region of Iraq

As power outages become more frequent in Iraq, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is turning to renewable energy and working to attract private investors to access the full potential of the sun.

Podcast Episode by Lubna Yousef and Will Todman — July 4, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Dalia Hatuqa: Palestinian Politics

This week on Babel, Jon speaks with Dalia Hatuqa about Palestinian politics and Palestinians’ rising frustration with their government, the Israeli government, and the international community. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — June 27, 2023

CSIS Babel