This report considers the lack of Palestinian political agency as a driver of regional insecurity that must be resolved before wider conflicts can be settled. The author analyses the conditions that contributed to the destruction of Palestinian political capacity, including Israeli policies, Palestinian shortcomings, and exploitation by Iran, and makes recommendations for an Arab strategic initiative.
Trump’s Family Business Deals Risk Further Undermining the Credibility of US Middle East Policy
President Trump’s family businesses are once again in the spotlight as a new financial disclosure showed they earned $2 billion in income in 2025 — a dramatic increase on the year before, with much of it coming from Gulf entities, raising emoluments concerns. Mounting perceptions of corruption, combined with unresolved crises in Iran and Israel-Palestine, are eroding trust among key partners in the Middle East. With the 2026 midterms approaching, these entanglements could represent a major political vulnerability and further undermine America’s already-strained standing in the region.
The dramatic events of July 3, which saw the unseating of Egypt’s first and only democratically-elected government by a military coup stimulated by enormous popular demonstrations, has created a huge question mark as to the future governance of the Arab world’s largest and most important country. The ramifications and repercussions will be playing out for months and years, whatever steps are taken in the next days and weeks. However, two parties acutely affected by these events are watching with particular concern.
Security Challenges in a Two-State Solution: Is an International Role the Key?
…in any peace agreement, the Palestinian area must be demilitarized. No army, no control of air space. Real effective measures to prevent arms coming in, not what’s going on now in Gaza. Israel must govern its own fate and security. (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, June 14, 2009)[1]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
