TOMORROW, IN-PERSON: Join us tomorrow from 2:00-3:30 PM as Mona Yacoubian and other CSIS experts explore the growing ties among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. Register to attend here: www.csis.org/events/unpac...

NEW EVENT 📢: Join us on Tuesday, October 28 from 2-3:30 PM as Mona Yacoubian and other CSIS experts explore the growing ties among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. Register to attend in-person or virtually here: www.csis.org/events/unpac...

ICYMI: Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman outline potential challenges related to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/wha...

On October 8, President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of his peace deal for Gaza. Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman unpack the agreement’s timing, Trump’s role, remaining challenges, and regional ramifications: www.csis.org/analysis/wha...

On September 29, President Trump signed an executive order that provides Qatar with an explicit security guarantee in the event of “external attack.” CSIS Middle East Program expert @myacoubian.bsky.social analyzes its significance, timing, and broader context.

Join us THIS MONDAY for an event exploring how U.S. allies and partners are responding to navigating the Trump administration’s foreign policy. Register here to attend in-person or virtually: www.csis.org/events/respo...

NEW BRIEF — CRINK Diplomatic Ties: A Broader Tilt Toward the Global South "How China and Russia respond [to Iran's current situation] will shed light on the degree and substantive nature of CRINK’s alignment moving forward," write Mona Yacoubian and Briana Winslow. www.csis.org/analysis/cri...

The E3 has officially triggered snapback sanctions on Iran, which will yet again test its relationships with China, Russia, and North Korea. These relationships were most recently tested during the Israel-Iran conflict, which CSIS experts discuss here: www.csis.org/events/what-...

"By opting for deepening occupation, Israel runs the risk of embedding itself in a 'forever war,' while also provoking intensified international and Arab criticism." Read Mona Yacoubian's analysis on Israel's decision to take control of Gaza City: www.csis.org/analysis/isr...

On August 22, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) announced that famine is currently occurring in Gaza. Read Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman's Experts React piece on starvation in Gaza here: www.csis.org/analysis/exp...

Join us TODAY @ 3pm ET as @victordcha.bsky.social, @myacoubian.bsky.social, Dr. Maria Snegovaya & @brianthart.bsky.social discuss the future of the "Axis of Upheaval" between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Access the virtual event using the link below 👇 www.csis.org/events/what-...

NEW: Middle East Program director @myacoubian sat down with @handrewschwartz to discuss the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran's retaliation on Al Udeid Air Base. Check out "The Truth of the Matter" podcast below.

Israel's strikes on Iran last night have significantly increased the chances of a region-wide war, which neither the United States nor the countries in the region want. @myacoubian.bsky.social‬ unpacks reasons behind the operation, possible responses, and more.

In today's #Babel episode, Jon Alterman speaks with @mohanad.bsky.social about how Hezbollah's involvement in drug trade networks has evolved over recent years. It's a special episode, and Mona Yacoubian's first Babel appearance. Make sure you tune in! Listen🎧: www.csis.org/podcasts/bab...

NEW: Why now? President Trump’s surprise move to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria is shaking up regional geopolitics. In the latest Critical Questions, Mona Yacoubian breaks down the winners, losers, and what’s really behind the timing. Read more 👉 www.csis.org/analysis/tru...

🚨 NEW #Babel episode🚨 Trump says the Houthis blinked—and calls off the bombs. But what really drove the sudden U.S. reversal in Yemen? And how does it tie to Iran, Israel, and a looming nuclear deal? Listen to Jon Alterman's full breakdown here: www.csis.org/podcasts/bab...

Upcoming Event | Jon Alterman and other CSIS experts will provide a press briefing tomorrow, previewing President Trump's upcoming trip to the Middle East. They'll discuss key issues to watch and regional dynamics. 📆 May 8, 10:00 AM EDT 🔗 Register here: www.csis.org/events/press...

📡 📖 On April 26, a massive explosion at Iran’s largest port, Shahid Rajaee killed at least 70. Was it an accident—or something more? In a new Critical Questions piece, Martin Pimentel investigates with exclusive satellite imagery & media reports: www.csis.org/analysis/ira...

🚨 NEW🚨 Dr. Dina Esfandiary joins Jon Alterman on today's #Babel episode to provide revealing insights into shifting Iranian strategy, lessons learned from the JCPOA, and the obstacles—new and old—standing in the way of a nuclear deal. Check the full episode out here 🎧: www.csis.org/podcasts/bab...

Upcoming Event | @natashahall.bsky.social joins @rbkhoury.bsky.social and Ibrahim al-Assil for a panel discussion at the Baker Institute about #Syrian displacement and return. 🕔 5:30 PM CDT 📆 April 29, 2025 📍 In-person at Rice University, online Register: www.bakerinstitute.org/event/syrian...

In today's #Babel episode, Jon Alterman analyzes how President Trump’s break from diplomatic norms is reshaping U.S. negotiations—from Gaza to Ukraine to Iran. Is speed and outsider strategy the right gamble? Tune in to hear Jon's thoughts 👇

How have Middle Eastern countries received Trump's policies, and what sustains Iran's regime? Jon Alterman discusses these questions and more with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas of @progressntwrk.bsky.social on the podcast "What Could Go Right?" Listen in here 👇

What might make or break the nuclear talks between Iran and the United States? And what advantages does each side hold over the other in negotiations? Jon Alterman breaks down the aims and possible timelines for the current talks in a new Asked and Answered. Watch🎥 www.youtube.com/shorts/d64nJ...

"There are some really difficult decisions and concessions needed from both sides," says @willtodman.bsky.social to @cbsnews.com regarding the ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. Watch Will's full comments to find out why he remains hopeful about the talks🎥

🚨 NEW🚨 In the latest #Babel episode, Dr. Craig Larkin chats with Jon Alterman about rebuilding and healing after conflict in the Middle East. Tune in to find out what Dr. Larkin believes the international community gets wrong about post-conflict recovery. www.csis.org/podcasts/bab...

Upcoming Event | Next Monday, Jon Alterman joins @BuffettInst to discuss the growing phenomenon of state-backed hostage taking and wrongful detention with @jrezaian and @_danigilbert. 📆 Monday, April 21 🕔 4:00 - 5:00 PM CT Register here: planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/627642

"If they don’t allow reform, the consequence will be revolution,” says Jon Alterman to the Wall Street Journal about #Iran's economic fragility and the incentives for Iran to strike a deal with President Trump. Read his full comments here: www.wsj.com/world/middle...

🚨 NEW🚨 In a new #Babel episode, Jon Alterman breaks down why the U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are happening now, the obstacles to their success, and what negotiating tactics can be expected from both Washington and Tehran's negotiators. Tune in here 🎧

Yesterday, President Trump announced that the United States will be negotiating with #Iran over its nuclear program. In a new CSIS Asked & Answered, Jon Alterman explains why these talks are happening now and what obstacles might be encountered. Watch 🎥 www.youtube.com/shorts/_9lME...

"The Israeli attacks that happened right after the fall of Assad...potentially also obscured efforts toward accountability,” says @natashahall.bsky.social to the New York Times about the continued threat of chemical weapons stockpiles in #Syria. Read more here:

New on #Babel: Jon Alterman speaks with @dahliasc.bsky.social to make sense of Israel's political disarray, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's controversies and staying power, and upcoming pivot points for the country's politics. Listen to the full episode here:

🚨 NEW🚨 In an op-ed for @nytimes.com, @natashahall.bsky.social argues that U.S. sanctions risk worsening #Syria's economic, governance, and security crises and creating a vacuum for #Iran, #Hezbollah, and the Islamic State to exploit. Read more here: www.nytimes.com/2025/04/02/o...

New on #Babel: Jon Alterman unpacks the motivations behind the recent U.S. strikes on Houthi targets in #Yemen and what the end state of the conflict could look like. Listen to the full episode here to find out more:

🚨 NEW🚨"If the #Houthis are fighting a war, it gives them an excuse not to deliver to the population," explains Jon Alterman in a new Critical Questions on the recent U.S. strikes against the Houthis. Dive in here: www.csis.org/analysis/tru...

We're #hiring! The CSIS Middle East Program is seeking in-person, paid interns for Summer 2025. Competitive applicants will have strong research skills and a demonstrated interest in the Middle East. Find out more and apply here: careers.csis.org/opportunitie...

"The one fact that we know about him is that he's true to himself, and he wants power, and he intends to keep it by fair means or foul," says Nicolas Pelham on #Babel about Ahmed al-Sharaa's rise to power in #Syria. Listen to his full interview here:

"There is no way this government survives" without sanctions relief, argues @natashahall.bsky.social to Arab News about the challenges facing #Syria's new government. Read her recent comments below 👇

This week, #Israel resumed airstrikes in #Gaza. In a new commentary, Jon Alterman breaks down what this latest phase of the conflict means for Netanyahu's short-term political coalition and the long-term outcome of the war. Read here for more:

Diplomats and the business community now treat Saudi Arabia as "a sometimes-brutal government that brooks no challenge but an important global player with whom it is better to engage than isolate," argues Jon Alterman on NBC News. Read his latest comments here:

On March 4, Jon Alterman spoke with Renad Mansour and Sanam Vakil about a recent Chatham House report on the resilience of Iranian networks in the Middle East. The latest #Babel episode presents a condensed version of their full conversation. Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/bab...

"Israel was so outward in its ambitions that it has had an opposite effect and created a moment of unity amongst Syrians,” says @natashahall.bsky.social to CNN about #Israel's intervention in #Syria. Read more here:

“The SDF is allowed to hold on to its weapons and basically maintain the same structure that it did in the northeast. So that could lead to further fragmentation in the future," says @natashahall.bsky.social to CNN on political consolidation in #Syria. Read here:

After high-level talks in Saudi Arabia brokered by the United States, #Ukraine announced that it would accept a 30-day ceasefire with #Russia. Jon Alterman joined CBS News to break down the agreement and what it means for the conflict. Watch here for more:

Amid a sea change in U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East, the CSIS Middle East Program is producing research that cuts through the noise and produces actionable policy insights. Follow our newsletter to stay up-to-date with our latest work:

We're #hiring! The Middle East Program is seeking in-person, paid interns for Summer 2025. Competitive applicants will have strong research skills, a demonstrated interest in the MENA region, and knowledge of a regional language. Learn more and apply here:

Why does #Iran use transnational networks? In a recent event, Jon Alterman discussed the future of Iran's "Axis of Resistance and new approaches for countering Iranian networks in the Middle East with Sanam Vakil and @@renadmansour.bsky.social. Watch more here: www.csis.org/events/irani...

Political dysfunction often drives water insecurity in the Middle East, but a failure to resolve conflicts has left international donors responding to political problems with technical fixes, argues @natashahall.bsky.social in a new commentary. Read more here:

New Report 🚨 In a region beset with wars, fragility, and political tensions, water insecurity could reshape the region. In a new report, @natashahall.bsky.social and other experts unpack the risks facing #Iraq, #Jordan, #Syria, and #Yemen and propose new policy solutions. Read here:

Happening Tomorrow | @natashahall.bsky.social hosts a panel of experts to discuss a new CSIS report on the politics of water scarcity in the Middle East. 🕔 10:00 - 11:00AM ET 📆 March 11, 2025 📍 Online Register here:

President Trump's comments on #Gaza and #Iran have sent shockwaves throughout the region. But what is Trump's Middle East strategy? In the latest episode of #Babel, Jon Alterman discusses how the new U.S. administration is approaching Middle East policy. Listen here: