Middle East Program

Dear friends and colleagues, As you may be aware, the Wilson Center is being reduced to its statutory minimum function in compliance with the March 14, 2025 executive order. As a result, the Middle East Program is no longer continuing with planned programming, fellowships or publications and will be inactive. Thank you for supporting and following our work throughout the last 20 years. Sincerely MEP Team

Pleased to share the Middle East Dialogue February 2025 Report with essential insights on regional security, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding @rmslim @WilsonCenterMEP wilsoncenter.org/publication/mi…

EVENT | Documentary Screening: Artifact War Join us for "Artifact War," exploring ISIS's antiquities trafficking in Syria, followed by a panel with the filmmaker and other experts. 📅 Apr 4, 10:30AM-12:30PM 📍RSVP: wilsoncenter.org/event/document…

[WATCH] In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, MEP Director @MerissaKhurma discusses the end of the Gaza ceasefire, current negotiations with the US and regional powers, and potential post-war plans for Gaza by Trump and Netanyahu. Full episode⬇️ wilsoncenter.org/video/israel-e…

“The key to ensuring we end this conflict in Gaza is through diplomacy, and that’s the path key Arab allies and the US have chosen.” –@MerissaKhurma In this episode of #WilsonNOW, @WilsonCenterMEP Director Merissa Khurma discusses the end of the ceasefire and possible post-war plans for #Gaza ⬇️ buff.ly/45j0ReR

[READ] Ali Al-Mawlawi, Director of Horizon Advisory, argues that a carefully recalibrated UNAMI mission, focused on external mediation and crisis prevention, could help Iraq navigate regional threats without undermining its sovereignty. For more ⬇️ buff.ly/PF2Dz6h

[READ] Rachel George emphasizes the need to prioritize Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) efforts in the Middle East to ensure women and youth have a voice in peace processes. Full article ⬇️ buff.ly/2BBvwz9

EVENT | Documentary Screening: Artifact War Join us for "Artifact War," exploring ISIS's antiquities trafficking in Syria, followed by a panel with the filmmaker and other experts. 📅 Apr 4, 10:30AM-12:30PM 📍RSVP: buff.ly/o5uemUb

[READ] Since 2005, Iraq’s central government has taken steps to recentralize authority—challenging regional autonomy and halting proposals for new federal regions. In a new brief, @MohammedASalih examines the implications for Iraq’s federal system. wilsoncenter.org/publication/ba…

[WATCH] In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, MEP Director @MerissaKhurma discusses the end of the Gaza ceasefire, current negotiations with the US and regional powers, and potential post-war plans for Gaza by Trump and Netanyahu. Full episode⬇️ wilsoncenter.org/video/israel-e…

[WATCH] MEP Coordinator @YusufCan_EN provides an analysis of the recent protests in Turkey, examining their underlying causes, their implications for Turkish society and the economy, and their broader significance for the country's future. #SmartTake wilsoncenter.org/video/imamoglu…

[READ] @AaronMagid, Middle East analyst, examines Jordan's precarious position as U.S. support wanes and explores the uncertain alternatives among Russia, China, and Iran. For more ⬇️ buff.ly/JXYu293

[READ] Wilson Global Fellow @nadinemaenza highlights the urgent need for justice and inclusivity in Syria amid recent violence and crises. As sectarian divides deepen, Syria's future depends on accountability and equal citizenship. For more ⬇️ buff.ly/AyMquKp

Join us and @WilsonCenterMEP @10:00 EDT to discuss #Lebanon's new government and the prospects for reform and revitalization Speakers: @jobahout, David Hale, @PatriciaJKaram, @aliamoub, and @MerissaKhurma for more info and to rsvp👇 arabcenterdc.org/event/lebanons…

[READ] For International Women’s Day, Hiba Adulwahhab (@HAbdulwahhab) highlights the women leaders from Iraq advocating for women’s rights and underscores the need to invest in the education of young girls to be the leaders of tomorrow. Full article⬇️ wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/how-…

What steps will #Lebanon's new government take to improve relations with Arab neighbors and other global actors? And how can Lebanon navigate domestic reconciliation and secure international assistance for much-needed reconstruction efforts? Tune in to the panel of experts hosted on 3/27 by @WilsonCenterMEP and @ArabCenterDC to hear more. Speakers: @jobahout, David Hale, @PatriciaJKaram, @aliamoub, and @MerissaKhurma arabcenterdc.org/event/lebanons…

[READ] Kahina Bouagache sheds light on the female leadership positively changing the world and the MENA region, emphasizing the importance of sustaining empowerment and action. Full article⬇️ buff.ly/jNM7jr7

EVENT | Arab Center Washington DC and the Wilson Center Middle East Program (MEP) are co-convening a panel of experts to assess the challenges and opportunities facing Lebanon under its new leadership. 📅 Thursday March 27, 10:00AM-11:30AM 📍RSVP: buff.ly/lIAEewk

[READ] Middle East Analyst @AaronMagid examines the implications of US aid suspension to Jordan, raising critical questions about alternative alliances with Russia, Iran, and China. For more⬇️ buff.ly/UI6t83o

[READ] Global Fellow Nadine Maenza (@nadinemaenza) sheds light on sectarian divides in post-Assad Syria, emphasizing the need to ensure representation of all Syrians in the process of statebuilding. Full article⬇️ buff.ly/RF0eKpA