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 in Transition

PAST EVENT VIDEO

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.

May 13
Ivo Daalder, Mona Yacoubian, David Schenker on the Council stage
Ana Miyares Photography

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
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Commentary & Analysis

How Will President Trump Impact Relations with the Middle East?

In the News
Fox 32 Chicago
Cécile Shea

Cécile Shea weighs in on what President Trump's trip to the region could mean for a nuclear deal with Iran, US business interests, and more.

Cecile Shea on Fox 32 Chicago with a split screen showing Trump's visit to the Middle East US Foreign Policy

Putin-Xi Pact, India-Pakistan Crossfire, Netanyahu’s Push

Video Series
World Review with Ivo Daalder

Anton La Guardia, Elise Labott, and Lee Hockstader join Ivo Daalder to discuss the week's top news stories.

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 8, 2025.
Pavel Bednyakov / AP
Global Politics
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Research

Americans Grow More Divided on US Support for Israel

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Republicans support US backing for Israel until its military objectives in Gaza are achieved, while majorities of Democrats now oppose it.

Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed homes and buildings in Jabaliya, northern Gaza Strip
Jehad Alshrafi / AP
Public Opinion

Just Half of Americans Support Airstrikes Against Houthis

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

To address the Red Sea attacks, Americans would rather use economic sanctions to force the Houthis (and Iran) to concede the waters.

A fighter jet lands on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea
Bernat Armangue / AP
Public Opinion
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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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