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.

Upcoming Events

The Middle East in Transition

Hybrid EVENT

Join us for a conversation on recent developments in the Middle East and how they are reshaping politics in the region.

People participate in a rally in the town of Majdal Shams, close to the Syrian border, demanding Israel return the annexed Golan Heights to Syria on February 14, 2025.

Ohad Zwigenberg / AP

May

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Past Events

A Conversation with Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Greece Defense Minister Nikos Dendias discusses the country’s expanding strategic role.

Jan 24

Endy Zemenides and Nikos Dendias on the Council's stage.

Ana Miyares Photography

Rebuilding Syria

PAST EVENT VIDEO

A conversation on the challenges and opportunities of rebuilding Syria after a decade of civil war.

Jan 16

Alisa Bhachu, Zaher Sahloul, and Suzanne Akhras speak onstage at the Chicago Council Conference Center.

Ana Miyares Photography

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Commentary & Analysis

February 28, 2025

Germany Moves Right, US Abandons Ukraine, and Gaza Truce Extension

Video Series

World Review with Ivo Daalder

Stefanie Bolzen, Andrew Roth, and Giles Whittell join Ivo Daalder to discuss the week's top news stories.

Alice Weidel, co-leader of far right Alternative for Germany (Afd) smiles at the AfD party headquarters in Berlin on February 23, 205.

Michael Probst / AP

Global Politics

February 26, 2025

Israel-Hama Ceasefire Set to End This Weekend

In the News

Fox 32 Chicago

Cécile Shea

Cécile Shea weighs in on what's next for Gaza and peace negotiations moving forward.

Defense and Security

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Research

November 25, 2024

US Opinion Leaders Deeply Divided on Israel-Gaza War

RESEARCH

Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

When it comes to the conflict in the Middle East, American foreign policy professionals are more divided along partisan lines than the general public.