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Middle East Institute

Can the Latest US Plan Bridge Libya’s Divide?
  • Podcast
  • Can the Latest US Plan Bridge Libya’s Divide?

    After over a decade of division between rival factions in eastern and western Libya, the Trump administration has put forward a plan to unite the two sides through a power-sharing agreement. Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow Jonathan M. Winer to unpack the details of this proposal and its potential consequences for the Libyan people. Winer, who served as United States Special Envoy for Libya, offers analysis of the plan’s viability, the response of various actors on the ground, and whether it can stabilize the country and help resolve its deep-seated challenges.

    June 4, 2026

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    The Latest on War in Iran

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    The Middle East Institute aims to enhance peace, security, and people-to-people ties between the US and the Middle East by providing actionable foreign policy recommendations, rich cultural and educational programming, and opportunities for dialogue, engagement, and exchange.

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    MEI has a deep roster of Fellows and Distinguished Fellows with extensive experience in military, diplomatic, and policy leadership.

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    Read in-depth research, analysis, and commentary from MEI’s fellows and experts on the Middle East.

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    Arts & Culture

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    Featured Events

    In Conversation with Zahi Hawass
  • Arts & Culture
  • Event
  • In Conversation with Zahi Hawass

    Reflections on Egypt's Heritage, Tourism and Global Partnerships

    June 5, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

    Middle East Institute 1763 N St. NW Washington, DC 20036

    MEI Art Gallery – June First Friday Open House
  • Arts & Culture
  • MEI Art Gallery – June First Friday Open House

    Join us to see our latest exhibition, Beyond the Weave: Contemporary Dialogues with AlSadu, at the upcoming First Friday Open House as part of Art Walk Dupont.

    June 5, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    MEI Art Gallery - 1763 N St NW, Washington DC 20036

    Podcasts

    Backgrounders

    What’s behind Sudan’s humanitarian crisis?
  • Video
  • What’s behind Sudan’s humanitarian crisis?

    After the Rapid Support Forces’ seizure of al-Fashir, the capital of the North Darfur State and the last remaining stronghold of the Sudanese army, the conflict in Sudan has once again drawn international attention. This development is the latest in a devastating civil war that has lasted over two years. MEI’s Jehanne Henry unpacks the origins of the conflict, the humanitarian situation on the ground, and what needs to happen in the future.

    November 14, 2025

    OPEC and OPEC+
    Source: Simon Dawson/ Bloomberg via Getty Images
  • Backgrounder
  • OPEC and OPEC+

    This backgrounder provides an overview of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), including its history, structure, and function, and the US government’s approach to the organization.

    November 24, 2025