CSIS Middle East
@mideast.csis.org
The CSIS Middle East Program focuses on the drivers of change in the region and is led by Mona Yacoubian. Follows/RTs ≠ endorsements.
This special episode of State of Play invites you to consider what Russia, Iran, and China are learning from Maduro’s capture in Venezuela.
Watch the conversation here:
www.csis.org/events/donro...
Watch the conversation here:
www.csis.org/events/donro...
The Donroe Doctrine: What Venezuela Means for China, Russia, and Iran | The State of Play | CSIS Events
The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a special episode of State of Play on the lessons that CRINK countries (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) are learning from…
www.csis.org
January 30, 2026 at 3:30 PM
This special episode of State of Play invites you to consider what Russia, Iran, and China are learning from Maduro’s capture in Venezuela.
Watch the conversation here:
www.csis.org/events/donro...
Watch the conversation here:
www.csis.org/events/donro...
Read the latest analysis on the tensions between Syria’s transitional government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman.
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
How Syria Can Succeed in Integrating the Kurds
Intensified conflict between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces could threaten Syria’s transition. Here’s what the government can do to ensure it doesn’t.
www.csis.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Read the latest analysis on the tensions between Syria’s transitional government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman.
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
What comes next for Maduro’s former allies? Catch this special episode of State of Play on what Venezuela means for China, Russia, and Iran.
www.csis.org/events/donro...
www.csis.org/events/donro...
The Donroe Doctrine: What Venezuela Means for China, Russia, and Iran | The State of Play | CSIS Events
The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a special episode of State of Play on the lessons that CRINK countries (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) are learning from…
www.csis.org
January 28, 2026 at 8:43 PM
What comes next for Maduro’s former allies? Catch this special episode of State of Play on what Venezuela means for China, Russia, and Iran.
www.csis.org/events/donro...
www.csis.org/events/donro...
“The SDF overplayed its hand, and Sharaa must not do the same,” write Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman.
Read what’s at stake in Syria and what can be done to preserve the current ceasefire.
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
Read what’s at stake in Syria and what can be done to preserve the current ceasefire.
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
How Syria Can Succeed in Integrating the Kurds
Intensified conflict between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces could threaten Syria’s transition. Here’s what the government can do to ensure it doesn’t.
www.csis.org
January 28, 2026 at 8:03 PM
“The SDF overplayed its hand, and Sharaa must not do the same,” write Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman.
Read what’s at stake in Syria and what can be done to preserve the current ceasefire.
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
Read what’s at stake in Syria and what can be done to preserve the current ceasefire.
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
Despite common goals of economic diversification and security partnerships with the U.S., Saudi-UAE tensions are deepening. Read Michael Ratney’s analysis of the tensions below:
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
A New Rift in the Gulf, and Only the Gulf Can Solve It
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have a lot in common. Instead of fostering cooperation, it led to rivalry.
www.csis.org
January 28, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Despite common goals of economic diversification and security partnerships with the U.S., Saudi-UAE tensions are deepening. Read Michael Ratney’s analysis of the tensions below:
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
Last night, Mona spoke to Al Jazeera about ongoing ceasefire violations in Syria. Watch here:
January 26, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Last night, Mona spoke to Al Jazeera about ongoing ceasefire violations in Syria. Watch here:
Will Todman moderated a special episode of State of Play to understand how the crisis in Venezuela is viewed by Maduro’s former allies. Vali Nasr provides analysis on Iran’s calculus after the U.S. attempt to “break a regime that it doesn’t like.”
www.csis.org/events/donro...
www.csis.org/events/donro...
The Donroe Doctrine: What Venezuela Means for China, Russia, and Iran | The State of Play | CSIS Events
The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a special episode of State of Play on the lessons that CRINK countries (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) are learning from…
www.csis.org
January 25, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Will Todman moderated a special episode of State of Play to understand how the crisis in Venezuela is viewed by Maduro’s former allies. Vali Nasr provides analysis on Iran’s calculus after the U.S. attempt to “break a regime that it doesn’t like.”
www.csis.org/events/donro...
www.csis.org/events/donro...
Saudi Arabia seeks de-escalation in Yemen. Alleged weapons shipments from the UAE to STC forces "was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Former ambassador to Saudi Arabia and CSIS expert Michael Ratney provides analysis on intra-GCC tensions.
www.csis.org/analysis/und...
Former ambassador to Saudi Arabia and CSIS expert Michael Ratney provides analysis on intra-GCC tensions.
www.csis.org/analysis/und...
Understanding the Saudi Reaction to the Escalation in Yemen
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council’s capture of two southern Yemeni provinces, as well as Saudi forces’ recent strike on UAE-shipped weapons and vehicles in Al Mukalla, has led to…
www.csis.org
January 24, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Saudi Arabia seeks de-escalation in Yemen. Alleged weapons shipments from the UAE to STC forces "was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Former ambassador to Saudi Arabia and CSIS expert Michael Ratney provides analysis on intra-GCC tensions.
www.csis.org/analysis/und...
Former ambassador to Saudi Arabia and CSIS expert Michael Ratney provides analysis on intra-GCC tensions.
www.csis.org/analysis/und...
The rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is growing. Michael Ratney highlights the drivers of this rift and offers some recommendations to strengthen regional cooperation.
Read below to learn more:
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
Read below to learn more:
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
A New Rift in the Gulf, and Only the Gulf Can Solve It
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have a lot in common. Instead of fostering cooperation, it led to rivalry.
www.csis.org
January 23, 2026 at 8:04 PM
The rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is growing. Michael Ratney highlights the drivers of this rift and offers some recommendations to strengthen regional cooperation.
Read below to learn more:
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
Read below to learn more:
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
NEW COMMENTARY by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman on what the Syrian transitional government can do to ease tensions and cement the recent ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces.
⬇️ Read here: www.csis.org/analysis/how...
⬇️ Read here: www.csis.org/analysis/how...
How Syria Can Succeed in Integrating the Kurds
Intensified conflict between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces could threaten Syria’s transition. Here’s what the government can do to ensure it doesn’t.
www.csis.org
January 23, 2026 at 4:38 PM
NEW COMMENTARY by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman on what the Syrian transitional government can do to ease tensions and cement the recent ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces.
⬇️ Read here: www.csis.org/analysis/how...
⬇️ Read here: www.csis.org/analysis/how...
What did the United States achieve during Trump’s November meeting with MBS? CSIS’s Michael Ratney questions if Saudi commitments constitute a mere “trillion-dollar soundbite.”
Read his analysis here⬇️:
www.csis.org/analysis/sau...
Read his analysis here⬇️:
www.csis.org/analysis/sau...
Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman Got a Lot from Trump. What Did the United States Get?
Saudi Arabia seems to be the “net winner” after MBS’s recent trip to Washington, D.C.
www.csis.org
January 23, 2026 at 3:14 PM
What did the United States achieve during Trump’s November meeting with MBS? CSIS’s Michael Ratney questions if Saudi commitments constitute a mere “trillion-dollar soundbite.”
Read his analysis here⬇️:
www.csis.org/analysis/sau...
Read his analysis here⬇️:
www.csis.org/analysis/sau...
Our non-resident senior adviser Vali Nasr says that while the Venezuela-Iran relationship was “largely symbolic,” Maduro's capture immediately increased the pressure on Iran, which now finds itself “in the crosshairs of the United States.”
Watch here:
www.csis.org/events/donro...
Watch here:
www.csis.org/events/donro...
The Donroe Doctrine: What Venezuela Means for China, Russia, and Iran | The State of Play | CSIS Events
The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a special episode of State of Play on the lessons that CRINK countries (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) are learning from…
www.csis.org
January 22, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Our non-resident senior adviser Vali Nasr says that while the Venezuela-Iran relationship was “largely symbolic,” Maduro's capture immediately increased the pressure on Iran, which now finds itself “in the crosshairs of the United States.”
Watch here:
www.csis.org/events/donro...
Watch here:
www.csis.org/events/donro...
“For two countries now at each other’s throats, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have an awful lot in common,” writes Michael Ratney.
To learn more about the drivers of the rift between these two Gulf States, read below:
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
To learn more about the drivers of the rift between these two Gulf States, read below:
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
A New Rift in the Gulf, and Only the Gulf Can Solve It
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have a lot in common. Instead of fostering cooperation, it led to rivalry.
www.csis.org
January 22, 2026 at 3:14 PM
“For two countries now at each other’s throats, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have an awful lot in common,” writes Michael Ratney.
To learn more about the drivers of the rift between these two Gulf States, read below:
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
To learn more about the drivers of the rift between these two Gulf States, read below:
www.csis.org/analysis/new...
Despite their shared views on economic ambitions, security cooperation with the United States, and even the role of Israel in the region, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates increasingly find themselves at odds. Read Michael Ratney's analysis here: www.csis.org/analysis/new...
A New Rift in the Gulf, and Only the Gulf Can Solve It
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have a lot in common. Instead of fostering cooperation, it led to rivalry.
www.csis.org
January 21, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Despite their shared views on economic ambitions, security cooperation with the United States, and even the role of Israel in the region, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates increasingly find themselves at odds. Read Michael Ratney's analysis here: www.csis.org/analysis/new...
"With all that the two countries share, there should be great opportunities for cooperation—with each other and with the United States. But those commonalities also set the stage for the bitter antagonism they are now living," writes Michael Ratney. www.csis.org/analysis/new...
January 17, 2026 at 6:59 PM
"With all that the two countries share, there should be great opportunities for cooperation—with each other and with the United States. But those commonalities also set the stage for the bitter antagonism they are now living," writes Michael Ratney. www.csis.org/analysis/new...
"On January 9, under the cover of an internet blackout, the Islamic Republic started its deadly crackdown. But even if Iran’s rulers survive this uprising, it could prove to be a Pyrrhic victory," writes Vali Nasr in his first article as non-resident senior adviser.
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
How Will the Trump Administration Respond to Violent Protests in Iran?
Protests are once again raging in Iran. Will the outcome be different?
www.csis.org
January 13, 2026 at 4:04 PM
"On January 9, under the cover of an internet blackout, the Islamic Republic started its deadly crackdown. But even if Iran’s rulers survive this uprising, it could prove to be a Pyrrhic victory," writes Vali Nasr in his first article as non-resident senior adviser.
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
TOMORROW: Tune in to watch a live recording of State of Play, where CSIS non-resident adviser Vali Nasr joins other CSIS experts to discuss what Maduro's capture could mean for the CRINK countries.
www.csis.org/events/donro...
www.csis.org/events/donro...
The Donroe Doctrine: What Venezuela Means for China, Russia, and Iran | The State of Play | CSIS Events
The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a special episode of State of Play on the lessons that CRINK countries (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) are learning from…
www.csis.org
January 12, 2026 at 11:00 PM
TOMORROW: Tune in to watch a live recording of State of Play, where CSIS non-resident adviser Vali Nasr joins other CSIS experts to discuss what Maduro's capture could mean for the CRINK countries.
www.csis.org/events/donro...
www.csis.org/events/donro...
We are happy to announce the appointments of Vali Nasr as non-resident senior adviser and Joseph Farsakh as non-resident senior associate with the CSIS Middle East Program. Read the press release here: www.csis.org/news/csis-mi...
CSIS Middle East Program Names Vali Nasr as Non-Resident Senior Adviser and Joseph Farsakh as Non-Resident Senior Associate
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) today announced the appointments of Vali Nasr as non-resident senior adviser and Joseph Farsakh as non-resident senior associate with the…
www.csis.org
January 12, 2026 at 10:14 PM
We are happy to announce the appointments of Vali Nasr as non-resident senior adviser and Joseph Farsakh as non-resident senior associate with the CSIS Middle East Program. Read the press release here: www.csis.org/news/csis-mi...
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman left Washington with major wins—from advanced U.S. chips to defense deals. But what did the United States actually gain from the visit? Read the full analysis from CSIS's Senior Adviser Michael Ratney: 👇
www.csis.org/analysis/sau...
www.csis.org/analysis/sau...
Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman Got a Lot from Trump. What Did the United States Get?
Saudi Arabia seems to be the “net winner” after MBS’s recent trip to Washington, D.C.
www.csis.org
January 7, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman left Washington with major wins—from advanced U.S. chips to defense deals. But what did the United States actually gain from the visit? Read the full analysis from CSIS's Senior Adviser Michael Ratney: 👇
www.csis.org/analysis/sau...
www.csis.org/analysis/sau...
"At a time when Saudi Arabia wants de-escalation, it sees the UAE—rightly or wrongly—as stoking regional conflict in a way that will not end well for anyone," writes former ambassador to Saudi Arabia and non-resident Senior Adviser Michael Ratney.
www.csis.org/analysis/und...
www.csis.org/analysis/und...
Understanding the Saudi Reaction to the Escalation in Yemen
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council’s capture of two southern Yemeni provinces, as well as Saudi forces’ recent strike on UAE-shipped weapons and vehicles in Al Mukalla, has led to…
www.csis.org
January 1, 2026 at 3:49 AM
"At a time when Saudi Arabia wants de-escalation, it sees the UAE—rightly or wrongly—as stoking regional conflict in a way that will not end well for anyone," writes former ambassador to Saudi Arabia and non-resident Senior Adviser Michael Ratney.
www.csis.org/analysis/und...
www.csis.org/analysis/und...
CSIS Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian spoke to BBC News about today's deadly explosion inside a mosque in Homs, Syria. Watch the full clip here: www.linkedin.com/posts/csis-m...
December 27, 2025 at 3:17 AM
CSIS Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian spoke to BBC News about today's deadly explosion inside a mosque in Homs, Syria. Watch the full clip here: www.linkedin.com/posts/csis-m...
Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman participated in the TRENDS’ 2nd Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence: Tech Diplomacy in the MENA Region, where they explored U.S.-Gulf relations and soft power through AI and digital infrastructure. Watch below:
www.csis.org/events/trend...
www.csis.org/events/trend...
TRENDS’ 2nd Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence: Tech Diplomacy in the MENA Region | CSIS Events
Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman participate in the TRENDS’ 2nd Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi.
www.csis.org
December 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman participated in the TRENDS’ 2nd Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence: Tech Diplomacy in the MENA Region, where they explored U.S.-Gulf relations and soft power through AI and digital infrastructure. Watch below:
www.csis.org/events/trend...
www.csis.org/events/trend...
Mona Yacoubian moderated a panel at the Doha Forum on shifting dynamics in the global aid landscape. Watch "How Shifts in Global Aid are Reshaping Fragile States" below:
www.csis.org/events/how-s...
www.csis.org/events/how-s...
How Shifts in Global Aid are Reshaping Fragile States | CSIS Events
On December 6, Mona Yacoubian moderated a panel at the Doha Forum exploring a weakened aid landscape and its impact on fragile states.
www.csis.org
December 16, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Mona Yacoubian moderated a panel at the Doha Forum on shifting dynamics in the global aid landscape. Watch "How Shifts in Global Aid are Reshaping Fragile States" below:
www.csis.org/events/how-s...
www.csis.org/events/how-s...
From budding civic life in Damascus to persistent sectarian tensions and reconstruction bottlenecks, a new brief by the CSIS Middle East Program highlights both optimism and deep challenges facing post-Assad Syria.
www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
Syria’s Promise and Challenges One Year After Assad’s Fall
A year after Assad’s fall, the promise of a new Syria hinges on the transitional government’s ability to garner domestic and international support.
www.csis.org
December 12, 2025 at 3:14 PM
From budding civic life in Damascus to persistent sectarian tensions and reconstruction bottlenecks, a new brief by the CSIS Middle East Program highlights both optimism and deep challenges facing post-Assad Syria.
www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
www.csis.org/analysis/syr...