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Upcoming Events

The Middle East in Transition

Hybrid EVENT

Aaron David Miller, David Schenker, Mona Yacoubian, and Ivo Daalder analyze how conflicts and power shifts are reshaping the Middle East and the roles of key regional players.

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
13

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.

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.

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

Commentary & Analysis

Trump May Get a Nuclear Deal—on Iran’s Terms

In the News
Politico Europe
Ivo H. Daalder

Given Tehran’s weakened state and Washington’s eagerness for a deal, success is possible. However, it’s more likely to resemble the 2015 one Trump abandoned.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi (center) visits an exhibition of Iran's nuclear achievements, in Tehran, Iran on April 17, 2025.
ATOMIC ENERGY ORGANIZATION OF IRAN / AP
Defense and Security

Signalgate Blows Up, Turkey in Crisis, Vance Visits Greenland

Video Series
World Review with Ivo Daalder

Steven Erlanger, Matt Kaminski, and Nahal Toosi join Ivo Daalder to discuss the week's top news stories.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth does a television interview outside the White House on March 21, 2025.
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
Defense and Security

Research

Plurality of Russians Support Military Withdrawal from Syria

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

After a decade of involvement in Syria, some Russians are eager to withdraw their forces from the country.

 Syrian fighters watch Russian armoured vehicles driving past near the Hmeimim Air Base
Leo Correa / AP
Public Opinion

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.

Israeli soldiers take up positions next to an entrance of a tunnel in Gaza
Leo Correa / AP
Public Opinion

Experts

Lama El Baz 

Research Assistant, Public Opinion and US Foreign Policy
headshot of Lama El Baz

Saeid Golkar 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Iran Policy
Council expert Saeid Golkar