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

The Middle East on Edge: What's Next for Iran, Israel, and the Region

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Security and Middle East policy experts discuss the Iran-Israel conflict, the current ceasefire, and the status of Iran's nuclear program.

Jul 29
From left to right: Leslie Vinjamuri, Ali Vaez, Robert Pape, and Rachel Bronson on the Council stage.
Ana Miyares Photography

World Review Live: Gaza Chaos, Rubio's Rise, Iran Deal or Strike

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Carla Anne Robbins, Nahal Toosi, and Karen DeYoung join Ivo Daalder for a special live recording of the farewell episode of the "World Review with Ivo Daalder" podcast.

May 30
Marco Rubio listens during a hearing of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Capitol Hill on May 21, 2025.
Mark Schiefelbein / AP
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Commentary & Analysis

The Strategic Costs of the Gaza War

In the News
Substack
Daniel W. Drezner

"With . . . an American public growing more and more hostile to Israel as the war has progressed, Trump has little to lose by bullying Netanyahu—and a fair amount to gain," Dan Drezner argues.

People hold Israeli flags with the Gaza strip in the distance
Ohad Zwigenberg
US Foreign Policy

Israel and Hamas Hold Gaza Peace Talks in Egypt

In the News
Fox 32 Chicago
Cécile Shea

"There is more potential for a deal now than there has been for probably the last year or so," Cécile Shea says.

Cécile Shea appears via video on Fox 32 Defense and Security
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Research

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.

a person holds an American flag in front of Israeli flags
Oded Balilty / AP
Public Opinion

Republicans Favor Trump Approach to Israel-Hamas War

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

But as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, Democrats and Independents say US support for Israel has gone too far.

n Image of the US and Israeli flags is projected on the walls of Jerusalem's Old City
Mahmoud Illean / AP
US Foreign Policy
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Experts

Lama El Baz 

Research Assistant, Public Opinion and US Foreign Policy
headshot of Lama El Baz
Expertise
Middle East and North Africa
Public Opinion
US Foreign Policy
Contact
Send a Message or Question
Social Media

Saeid Golkar 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Iran Policy
Council expert Saeid Golkar
Expertise
Middle East and North Africa
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