This article is part of a collection of short essays written by the Fellows of the Middle East Institute to explore aspects of the ongoing war with Iran. The intent of the collection is to help readers see new and unexpected elements of the dynamics and impact of the ongoing hostilities and to think harder, deeper, and broader about the implications of the conflict.
Turkey: Ankara’s Nuclear Ambitions in the Post-Iran War Environment
In February 2026, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan suggested that shifting international dynamics could push Turkey to acquire nuclear weapons. That rhetoric, combined with Turkey’s civilian nuclear energy and research programs and its indigenous surface-to-surface missile development projects, has fueled concerns that these capabilities could eventually form the backbone of a Turkish nuclear weapons program.
When the US and Israel launched military action against Iran on February 28, 2026, it set in motion a chain of events that saw violence spread across the Middle East. Yet as the region found itself engulfed in conflict, Syria has experienced its most peaceful months in 15 years, and the government in Damascus appears determined to stay its course toward recovery.
U.S. Policy in a Time of Transition: Ending Occupation, Enhancing Israel's Security, Realizing Palestinian Sovereignty
The Middle East Institute is pleased to welcome Amb. Thomas Pickering, Col. Philip Dermer, and Geoffrey Aronson for a discussion of their new report entitled “U.S. Policy in a Time of Transition: Ending Occupation, Enhancing Israel’s Security, Realizing Palestinian Sovereignty.” This report is the product of an independent study group chaired by Ambassador Pickering. Principal authors Geoffrey Aronson and Col.
Beijing Hosts Simultaneous Visits of Mahmoud Abbas and Benjamin Netanyahu: What, if Any, Significance?
DR. ROBERT BIANCHI INTERVIEWED
In The Guardian, May 8, 2013
“China welcomes Binyamin Netanyahu—Visits from Israeli prime minister and president prompt speculation about China’s possible role as a Middle East mediator.”
This article was originally published on Salon.com on May 10, 2013
Watching Syria is like looking through a kaleidoscope. The picture seems to change dramatically in response to the slightest jolt, but the components remain the same. The past week has seen lots of jolts, but no real change in the elements that make up the sad picture.
The International Response to Syria's Humanitarian Catastrophe
Tue, 5/7/2013 12:15 pm to 1:15 pmLocation: Carnegie Endowment – Root Room1779 Massachusetts Ave NWWashingtonDistrict of Columbia20036 The Middle East Institute is pleased to welcome Valerie Amos, the UN under-secretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs, for a discussion about the humanitarian crisis inside Syria. Now in its second year, the Syrian conflict has generated more than 1.3 million refugees and left 4.25 million internally displaced. According to the UN, some 6.8 million people are in desperate need of assistance.
The International Response to Syria's Humanitarian Catastrophe
Tue, 5/7/2013 12:15 pm to 1:15 pmLocation: Carnegie Endowment – Root Room1779 Massachusetts Ave NWWashingtonDistrict of Columbia20036 The Middle East Institute is pleased to welcome Valerie Amos, the UN under-secretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs, for a discussion about the humanitarian crisis inside Syria. Now in its second year, the Syrian conflict has generated more than 1.3 million refugees and left 4.25 million internally displaced. According to the UN, some 6.8 million people are in desperate need of assistance.
The International Response to Syria's Humanitarian Catastrophe
Tue, 5/7/2013 12:15 pm to 1:15 pmLocation: Carnegie Endowment – Root Room1779 Massachusetts Ave NWWashingtonDistrict of Columbia20036 The Middle East Institute is pleased to welcome Valerie Amos, the UN under-secretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs, for a discussion about the humanitarian crisis inside Syria. Now in its second year, the Syrian conflict has generated more than 1.3 million refugees and left 4.25 million internally displaced. According to the UN, some 6.8 million people are in desperate need of assistance.
The International Response to Syria's Humanitarian Catastrophe
Tue, 5/7/2013 12:15 pm to 1:15 pmLocation: Carnegie Endowment – Root Room1779 Massachusetts Ave NWWashingtonDistrict of Columbia20036 The Middle East Institute is pleased to welcome Valerie Amos, the UN under-secretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs, for a discussion about the humanitarian crisis inside Syria. Now in its second year, the Syrian conflict has generated more than 1.3 million refugees and left 4.25 million internally displaced. According to the UN, some 6.8 million people are in desperate need of assistance.
Interview with Dr. Yiyi Chen on Hebrew/Jewish Studies in China and Sino-Israel Relations
Some might find it surprising to learn that China was never hostile or belligerent towards Israel. China never rejected or even questioned the State of Israel’s right to exist. Premier Zhou En Lai criticized Palestinian terrorism and categorically rejected the idea of ‘throwing the Israelis into the sea.’
The Middle East Institute, The Foundation for Middle East Peace and Just World Books Present:A cookbook and more than a cookbook, The Gaza Kitchen: A Palestinian Culinary Journey brings together traditional recipes from the Gaza Strip based on extensive interviews with home cooks, and uses profiles of these cooks as well as beautiful documentary photography to explore the history, economy and daily life of the territory.
The Middle East Institute, The Foundation for Middle East Peace and Just World Books Present:A cookbook and more than a cookbook, The Gaza Kitchen: A Palestinian Culinary Journey brings together traditional recipes from the Gaza Strip based on extensive interviews with home cooks, and uses profiles of these cooks as well as beautiful documentary photography to explore the history, economy and daily life of the territory.
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.
