Letter from the President:

Last year was an exciting one for MEI. It marked the second year of our strategic growth plan, which yielded some of the most impactful policy, cultural diplomacy, and educational programming in our 75-year history. MEI scholars published over 600 analyses, hosted and participated in over 300 events, engaged with national and international media outlets on a daily basis, and traveled extensively across the region and the world. 

In 2022, MEI engaged with US and Middle Eastern government officials, as well as leaders from civil society, the arts, and the private sector across the Middle East, in an effort to enhance pathways to sustainable partnerships. Our scholars helped shape U.S. policy, presented strategies, and analyzed how best to tackle challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the region. MEI scholars also briefed Congress, published reports, and hosted dialogues, helping to solidify our standing as the premier source for unbiased, non-partisan information, analysis, and convening on the Middle East. 

As part of these efforts, MEI invested in strengthening internal practices related to donor, conflict of interest, and intellectual independence policies. It strengthened its conflict of interest policies applying to both employees and non-resident scholars; made sure that its donor lists were complete and up to date; and made it easier for readers to find its financial disclosure policies and 990s on the website.

MEI welcomed new donors in 2022 including government donors, such as Switzerland and the State of Qatar. New foundation grants came from the Open Society Foundation and the Canadian International Development Research Center, and MEI also added new U.S. corporate and individual donors as it sought to diversify its sources of revenue. 

Also in 2022, MEI acted on a resolution made by the Board of Governors to lift the suspension of funding from Saudi Arabia, a decision that had been taken in 2018 after the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. MEI’s Board of Governors approved a motion in the 2021 fall meeting determining that it was important to re-engage in dialogue with Saudi Arabia as it embarks on a social, economic, and cultural transformation. The board’s sentiment was best expressed by board member General John P. Abizaid, former CENTCOM commander and U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia: “I spent my life fighting in the Middle East, and so have my children… I do not want my grandchildren fighting there. The path to peace must begin with open dialogue.”

In addition to developing our policy work and our internal practices, MEI’s educational and cultural initiatives fostered interpersonal exchange, bringing individuals and communities together through the universal languages of art, learning, and fellowship. Programming around literature, music, and the visual arts focused on shared themes of climate, refugees, identity and more, providing opportunities for dialogue and engagement between regional artists and American audiences. Our Middle East Journal increased its number of international subscribers, our hybrid language programs enrolled hundreds of students from several countries around the world, and our Oman Library reopened its doors to the public, after a two-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As we continue to grow the Middle East Institute, we remain steadfast in our mission: increasing understanding between the people of the United States and the Middle East, and promoting peace, prosperity, and partnership between the two regions. 

Sincerely,

Paul Salem
President and CEO