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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · 2d

On October 8, President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of his peace deal for Gaza. Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman unpack the agreement’s timing, Trump’s role, remaining challenges, and regional ramifications: www.csis.org/analysis/wha...

CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · 7d

On September 29, President Trump signed an executive order that provides Qatar with an explicit security guarantee in the event of “external attack.” CSIS Middle East Program expert @myacoubian.bsky.social analyzes its significance, timing, and broader context.

Why Trump’s Executive Order on Qatar Marks a Historic Shift

On September 29, President Trump signed an executive order that provides Qatar with an explicit security guarantee in the event of “external attack.” Mona Yacoubian analyzes its timing, significance,…

www.csis.org

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · 8d

Join us THIS MONDAY for an event exploring how U.S. allies and partners are responding to navigating the Trump administration’s foreign policy. Register here to attend in-person or virtually: www.csis.org/events/respo...

CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · 12d

NEW BRIEF — CRINK Diplomatic Ties: A Broader Tilt Toward the Global South

"How China and Russia respond [to Iran's current situation] will shed light on the degree and substantive nature of CRINK’s alignment moving forward," write Mona Yacoubian and Briana Winslow.

www.csis.org/analysis/cri...

CRINK Diplomatic Ties: A Broader Tilt Toward the Global South

Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the 2025 Iran-Israel war have raised questions about deepening cooperation between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea (CRINK). Mona Yacoubian and Briana…

www.csis.org

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Sep 2

The E3 has officially triggered snapback sanctions on Iran, which will yet again test its relationships with China, Russia, and North Korea. These relationships were most recently tested during the Israel-Iran conflict, which CSIS experts discuss here: www.csis.org/events/what-...

What Do Strikes on Iran Mean for China, Russia, and North Korea? | CSIS Events

Please join the CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department for a discussion on the future of the “Axis of Upheaval” after the Israel-Iran conflict.

www.csis.org

CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Aug 29

"By opting for deepening occupation, Israel runs the risk of embedding itself in a 'forever war,' while also provoking intensified international and Arab criticism."

Read Mona Yacoubian's analysis on Israel's decision to take control of Gaza City: www.csis.org/analysis/isr...

Is Israel Headed for a Forever War in Gaza?

On August 8, the Israeli security cabinet announced its decision to take control of Gaza City. This risks Israel embedding itself in a “forever war,” while also worsening the humanitarian situation…

www.csis.org

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Aug 26

On August 22, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) announced that famine is currently occurring in Gaza. Read Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman's Experts React piece on starvation in Gaza here: www.csis.org/analysis/exp...

Experts React: Starvation in Gaza

CSIS experts react to Gaza’s descent into mass starvation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, international and domestic pressure on Israel, and more.

www.csis.org

CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Jun 30

Join us TODAY @ 3pm ET as @victordcha.bsky.social, @myacoubian.bsky.social, Dr. Maria Snegovaya & @brianthart.bsky.social discuss the future of the "Axis of Upheaval" between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Access the virtual event using the link below 👇
www.csis.org/events/what-...

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Jun 24

NEW: Middle East Program director @myacoubian sat down with @handrewschwartz to discuss the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran's retaliation on Al Udeid Air Base. Check out "The Truth of the Matter" podcast below.

Emergency Podcast: Iran Strikes Back | The Truth of the Matter

CSIS Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian joins the podcast to discuss Monday’s strike by Iran on Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military ins...

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Jun 13

Israel's strikes on Iran last night have significantly increased the chances of a region-wide war, which neither the United States nor the countries in the region want. @myacoubian.bsky.social‬ unpacks reasons behind the operation, possible responses, and more.

Middle East on Edge After Israeli Strikes Derail Nuclear Talks

On June 13, Israel launched widespread attacks on Iran. Mona Yacoubian explores reasons why, possible responses, and what this means for the region and the United States.

www.csis.org

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · May 15

In today's #Babel episode, Jon Alterman speaks with @mohanad.bsky.social about how Hezbollah's involvement in drug trade networks has evolved over recent years.

It's a special episode, and Mona Yacoubian's first Babel appearance. Make sure you tune in!

Listen🎧: www.csis.org/podcasts/bab...

Mohanad Hage Ali: Hezbollah and the Captagon Trade | Babel: Translating the Middle East | CSIS Podcasts

Jon Alterman speaks with Dr. Mohanad Hage Ali, deputy director for research at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut. Together, they discuss Hezbollah’s involvement in these drug networks, as…

www.csis.org

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · May 14

NEW: Why now? President Trump’s surprise move to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria is shaking up regional geopolitics. In the latest Critical Questions, Mona Yacoubian breaks down the winners, losers, and what’s really behind the timing.

Read more 👉 www.csis.org/analysis/tru...

Trump Announces Lifting of Sanctions on Syria

President Trump’s announcement that he is lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria could yield both Gulf goodwill and lucrative business opportunities. While some are undoubtedly happy with the decision, it…

www.csis.org

CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · May 8

🚨 NEW #Babel episode🚨 Trump says the Houthis blinked—and calls off the bombs.

But what really drove the sudden U.S. reversal in Yemen? And how does it tie to Iran, Israel, and a looming nuclear deal?

Listen to Jon Alterman's full breakdown here:
www.csis.org/podcasts/bab...

Analysis: Will Trump’s Houthi Deal Stick? | Babel: Translating the Middle East | CSIS Podcasts

On May 6, President Trump declared that the United States would immediately halt its bombing of Houthi targets. Asher Grant-Sasson speaks with Jon Alterman about the core drivers behind this policy…

www.csis.org

CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · May 7

Upcoming Event | Jon Alterman and other CSIS experts will provide a press briefing tomorrow, previewing President Trump's upcoming trip to the Middle East. They'll discuss key issues to watch and regional dynamics.

📆 May 8, 10:00 AM EDT
🔗 Register here: www.csis.org/events/press...

Press Briefing: Previewing President Trump's Trip to the Middle East | CSIS Events

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) will host a call-in press briefing to preview key topics to watch in relation to President Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East as well…

www.csis.org

CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · May 6

📡 📖 On April 26, a massive explosion at Iran’s largest port, Shahid Rajaee killed at least 70.

Was it an accident—or something more?

In a new Critical Questions piece, Martin Pimentel investigates with exclusive satellite imagery & media reports: www.csis.org/analysis/ira...

Iran’s Port Explosion

Middle East Program Research Associate Martin Pimentel answers critical questions about the recent explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port.

www.csis.org

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · May 1

🚨 NEW🚨 Dr. Dina Esfandiary joins Jon Alterman on today's #Babel episode to provide revealing insights into shifting Iranian strategy, lessons learned from the JCPOA, and the obstacles—new and old—standing in the way of a nuclear deal.

Check the full episode out here 🎧: www.csis.org/podcasts/bab...

Dina Esfandiary: Will Iran Make a Deal with Trump? | Babel: Translating the Middle East | CSIS Podcasts

Jon Alterman speaks with Dina Esfandiary, Middle East Geoeconomics Lead at Bloomberg, to discuss why the U.S. and Iran are negotiating again, how Tehran’s position has changed since 2015, and the…

www.csis.org

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Apr 25

Upcoming Event | @natashahall.bsky.social joins @rbkhoury.bsky.social and Ibrahim al-Assil for a panel discussion at the Baker Institute about #Syrian displacement and return.

🕔 5:30 PM CDT
📆 April 29, 2025
📍 In-person at Rice University, online

Register: www.bakerinstitute.org/event/syrian...

Syrian Displacement and the Prospects of Return | Baker Institute

On Dec. 8, 2024, the world watched as Bashar al-Assad’s regime fell following the takeover of Syria by the opposition group led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. The 2011 uprising and subsequent 13-year civil...

www.bakerinstitute.org

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Apr 24

In today's #Babel episode, Jon Alterman analyzes how President Trump’s break from diplomatic norms is reshaping U.S. negotiations—from Gaza to Ukraine to Iran. Is speed and outsider strategy the right gamble?

Tune in to hear Jon's thoughts 👇

Analysis: Trump’s Novel Middle East Diplomacy | Babel: Translating the Middle East | CSIS Podcasts

Asher Grant-Sasson speaks with Jon Alterman, director of the CSIS Middle East Program, about the promise and hazards posed by this shift in diplomatic strategy, especially in connection with the…

www.csis.org

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Apr 23

How have Middle Eastern countries received Trump's policies, and what sustains Iran's regime? Jon Alterman discusses these questions and more with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas of @progressntwrk.bsky.social on the podcast "What Could Go Right?"

Listen in here 👇

What Could Go Right?

What if instead of being on the brink of disaster, we’re on the cusp of a better world? No one can deny the challenges the world faces, from pandemics to climate change to authoritarianism. But…

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Apr 23

What might make or break the nuclear talks between Iran and the United States? And what advantages does each side hold over the other in negotiations?

Jon Alterman breaks down the aims and possible timelines for the current talks in a new Asked and Answered.

Watch🎥 www.youtube.com/shorts/d64nJ...

U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations | Asked & Answered

Talks continue between the United States and Iran over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. How do these negotiations differ from the ones in 2015 tha...

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Apr 22

"There are some really difficult decisions and concessions needed from both sides," says @willtodman.bsky.social to @cbsnews.com regarding the ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations.

Watch Will's full comments to find out why he remains hopeful about the talks🎥

U.S. signals progress in talks over Iran's nuclear program

The Trump administration held a second round of talks with Iranian officials over the weekend on the country's nuclear program. Will Todman, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and…

www.cbsnews.com

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Apr 18

🚨 NEW🚨 In the latest #Babel episode, Dr. Craig Larkin chats with Jon Alterman about rebuilding and healing after conflict in the Middle East.

Tune in to find out what Dr. Larkin believes the international community gets wrong about post-conflict recovery.

www.csis.org/podcasts/bab...

Craig Larkin: The Politics of Memory, From Mosul to Beirut to Gaza | Babel: Translating the Middle East | CSIS Podcasts

Jon Alterman speaks with Dr. Craig Larkin to unpack different approaches taken to reconstruction and reconciliation after violence in the Middle East.

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CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Apr 14

Upcoming Event | Next Monday, Jon Alterman joins @BuffettInst to discuss the growing phenomenon of state-backed hostage taking and wrongful detention with @jrezaian and @_danigilbert.

📆 Monday, April 21
🕔 4:00 - 5:00 PM CT

Register here: planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/627642

Buffett Conversation: Responding to Hostage Taking & Wrongful Detention 4/21/2025

Join us for an in-depth discussion on U.S. hostage recovery policy with Jon Alterman and Jason Rezaian, the co-directors of the Bipartisan Commission on Hostage…

planitpurple.northwestern.edu

CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Apr 14

"If they don’t allow reform, the consequence will be revolution,” says Jon Alterman to the Wall Street Journal about #Iran's economic fragility and the incentives for Iran to strike a deal with President Trump.

Read his full comments here: www.wsj.com/world/middle...

Iran Has a Reason to Strike a Nuclear Deal: Its Economy Is in Trouble

Crippling sanctions and systemic corruption are pushing ordinary Iranians to the brink at a politically sensitive moment.

www.wsj.com

CSIS Middle East @mideast.csis.org · Apr 10

🚨 NEW🚨 In a new #Babel episode, Jon Alterman breaks down why the U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are happening now, the obstacles to their success, and what negotiating tactics can be expected from both Washington and Tehran's negotiators.

Tune in here 🎧

Analysis: Iran, Deal or No Deal? | Babel: Translating the Middle East | CSIS Podcasts

Asher Grant-Sasson speaks with Jon Alterman, director of the CSIS Middle East Program, about why nuclear talks with Iran are happening now—and what the Trump administration must do to ensure their…

www.csis.org

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