Regions

Middle East and North Africa

Content covering countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Yemen, and more.

Past Events

A 'Historic Dawn' in the Middle East?

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Rapid Response

Professor Lisa Anderson and Ambassador Daniel Shapiro join the Council's Cécile Shea to discuss the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

Oct 14

An Israeli hostage released from the Gaza Strip walks off a helicopter at the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel.

Leo Correa / AP

Israel-Hamas Phase One Deal

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Rapid Response

Daniel Byman, Sanam Vakil, and Leslie Vinjamuri discuss the Israel and Hamas ceasefire deal and a potential end to the conflict in Gaza.

Oct 9

Ofir Kimchi prays as relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas celebrate news of a ceasefire deal at a plaza known as hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 9, 2025.

Emilio Morenatti / AP

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Commentary

November 21, 2025

In His Pursuit of Peace, Trump Defers the Difficult Details

Analysis

by Leslie Vinjamuri

From the exclusion of Europe in outlining a Ukraine peace plan, a continued push against Venezuela, and his embrace of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Trump showed this week that he will disrupt the status quo to deliver on his agenda.

President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman watch a flight of F-35's and F-15's fly over during a welcome ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington.

Evan Vucci / AP

US Foreign Policy

November 13, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Is Set to Visit Washington. Here’s What to Expect Out of His Meeting with Trump

Analysis

by Rachel Bronson

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s meeting with US President Donald Trump comes during a period of relatively strong and stable ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States. How much he can leverage those ties will be on full display.

President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrive for a signing ceremony at the Royal Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Alex Brandon / AP

Global Politics

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Research

October 7, 2025

Democrats and Republicans Grapple with Internal Divisions on Israel

RESEARCH

Public Opinion Survey by Lama El Baz

As the war in Gaza continues, rifts between progressive and moderate Democrats are deepening—and cracks within the Republican Party are also beginning to show.