Analysis
Gaza cease-fire: A first step on a very long road ahead
The cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas announced on Jan. 15 took more than a year to reach and almost certainly will take much longer to fully realize than the four-plus months outlined in the framework. Like many things in life, this agreement was hard to build and will be easy to tear down. Indeed, the deal has already run into issues even before it is set to take effect on Jan. 19, with a dispute within the Israeli cabinet delaying a vote on it to Jan. 17.
Maximal Miniatures
Contemporary Art from Iran
January 31 - May 23, 2025
Curated by Donna Honarpisheh
Maximal Miniatures features the work of 13 leading contemporary Iranian artists who reimagine the rich visual tradition of the Persian miniature genre through inventive formal techniques, including experimentations with scale, color, composition, figuration, and abstraction.
Book appointment to visit in person
Photo: Farah Ossouli. David and I (2), 2014. Gouach on cardboard. 75 x 110 cm
Upcoming Events
Attend free, public events at our D.C. headquarters or tune in to our live webcasts
No events are currently scheduled. Subscribe to our mailing list to receive notification of events as they are added to the calendar.
Visit the MEI Art Gallery
The MEI Art Gallery is open to the public weekdays from 10am to 5pm (closed for federal holidays). Visitors are encouraged to register for a timed visit at the link below, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Virtual Briefing Series
MEI’s Virtual Briefing Series is a bi-weekly program that brings together regional and subject-matter experts to provide in-depth analysis on breaking news and key issues in the Middle East and their global implications.
Leading Regional Expertise
MEI’s scholars draw on deep ties and decades of experience working in the region to build better understanding of Middle East policy.
What We Do
We seek to promote knowledge of the Middle East in America and strengthen understanding of the United States by the peoples and governments of the region. We believe pursuit of this goal is integral to building a world of peace and stability, in which the people of our two regions value our shared humanity.
Our experts shape diplomatic, legislative, and public discourse through publications, private briefings, testimony, and media.
We provide education and resources to the next generation of global leaders.
Our Center for Arts & Culture promotes a more integrated understanding of the Middle East, forging people-to-people connections and creating a destination for exploring the role of the arts in the region.
We elevate voices from the region in international conversation.
Our international conflict resolution dialogues bring together civil society and political leaders to achieve impact through cooperation both in and outside of the region.