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Middle East Institute

Do the Gulf States Need a New Playbook?
  • Podcast
  • Do the Gulf States Need a New Playbook?

    After the US-Israel-Iran war — and the strikes that followed the cease-fire — the Gulf states find themselves dangerously exposed. Host Alistair Taylor is joined by MEI Associate Fellow Gregory Gause to discuss the war’s impact on the Gulf, their partnership with the United States, and whether the turmoil of recent months will push Gulf leaders to reassess their alliances and international engagement.

    July 2, 2026

    Lebanon Back on Track
  • Commentary
  • Lebanon Back on Track

    Much work lies ahead, but the June 26 agreement is a rare act of constructive statesmanship in the Middle East.

    A Post-War Model for Verifying Iran’s Missile Arsenal
  • Report
  • A Post-War Model for Verifying Iran’s Missile Arsenal

    This study proposes a model for constraining and verifying Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal by employing a layered Strategic Verification Model with seven components: comprehensive baseline declarations; missile test and launch monitoring; intrusive inspections; quantitative and qualitative limits on missile capabilities; production controls, especially on solid-fuel manufacturing; a robust enforcement and compliance architecture; and regional confidence building measures.

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    The Latest on War in Iran

    Our Mission

    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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    Policy Experts

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

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    Research & Analysis

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

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    Arts & Culture

    MEI’s Arts & Culture Center sits at the intersection of culture and policy, providing a platform for a deeper understanding of the Middle East. 

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    The oldest peer-reviewed publication dedicated to the study of the modern Middle East, MEI’s flagship journal covers politics, society, and culture in the region.

    Featured Events

    Do You Love Me – Film Screening
  • Arts & Culture
  • Event
  • Do You Love Me – Film Screening

    A screening of "Do You Love Me" (2025), a film by Lana Daher.

    July 9, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    The MEI Art Gallery, 1763 N St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia 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