Enhancing peace, security, and people-to-people ties between the US and the Middle East through dialogue, engagement and exchange.
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"Countering the Houthis does not require US boots on the ground. It requires US leadership."
That was the message from Associate Fellow @Ndawsari in her Congressional testimony this week: real, lasting pressure on the Houthis comes from territory — and the US can empower Yemenis to take it back.
Click here for the full hearing and written testimony ⬇️ mei.edu/testimony/nadwa-al-d…
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The timing and force behind the recent Houthi offensive reflects a desire to "strengthen Iran's position against the US, as Iran's leverage over the Strait of Hormuz faltered," MEI Associate Fellow @Ndawsari tells @washingtonpost.
washingtonpost.com/world/202…
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"This plan by the Board of Peace is the only game in town. But it's a game riddled with a lot of questions."
MEI Senior Fellow Brian @Katulis spoke with Arab News about the potential challenges facing the Board of Peace's rehabilitation plan in Gaza.
arabnews.com/middle-east/can…
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As Syria's political transition continues, the challenge of building institutions that both respect human rights and address the legacy of past atrocities raise many questions central to the country’s path forward. @UNCoISyria Commissioner @NiAolainF joined MEI to unpack the UN Commission’s latest findings, discussing the significance of international support during Syria’s transition, the necessity of holistic and inclusive legal frameworks, and more.
For the Commission's findings: news.un.org/en/story/2026/09…
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MEI President Ambassador Stuart Jones met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting addressed regional and international developments, the trajectory of Iraq's economic and financial reforms, and government efforts to enhance the investment climate, support the national economy, and diversify revenue sources.
ina.iq/en/politics/52307-pm-…
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“One US diplomat once described Morocco's Israel ties as this kind of security blanket. ... Now we have the EU and Israel … diverging, which I think is why we see Morocco really leaning into the US-Israel … strategic axis," explains @IntissarFakir.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
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Only 3% of Moroccans aged 18–24 registered to vote in this week's parliamentary elections.
MEI Senior Fellow Intissar Fakir joined @dwnews to discuss youth disengagement from electoral politics, the recent Ceuta migrant crossings, and the potential to restore public trust in politics.
piped.video/_rLyRcsW9E4si=qZWOI…
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US-Syria relations haven't had this much potential since 1963. To capitalize on this moment, @Charles_Lister and @Karam__Shaar argue that the two states "must immediately prioritize negotiating a comprehensive bilateral trade and investment agreement." mei.edu/commentary/unlocking…
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MEI Associate Fellow F. Gregory Gause III told @nytimes that Gulf leaders speaking with President Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly "are undoubtedly worried about the longer-term commitment of the US to their security but the immediate issue of securing their energy exports will be top of mind."
nytimes.com/2026/09/22/world…
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RT @gonultol: Read this @NewYorker interview with my colleague Jaser Abu Mousa, who lost family members in Gaza. He speaks about the devas…
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MEI Senior Fellow Jaser Abu Mousa was interviewed at length in The New Yorker about what life is actually like in Gaza today.
Drawing on his firsthand experience and ongoing conversations with people in Gaza, Abu Mousa discusses the destruction and displacement facing civilians, the struggle to restore some sense of normal life, and the profound impact of the war on Palestinian society.
Read the full interview: newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/w…
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One of the first major US exhibitions devoted exclusively to modern and contemporary Egyptian art is on view through December 11.
Visit our public opening tonight, September 18, 5:30-7:30 PM.
For more information: mei.edu/exhibition/el-marsam…
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“You can't be risk-averse when you're trying to dismantle the malignant cancer that Hizballah is.”
@RepLaHood joined the Middle East Institute for a discussion on “A Strategy for Lebanon,” focused on what he described as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to change Lebanon’s trajectory. Alongside MEI’s @dr_nickfn, Amb. (ret.) David Hale, and @PatriciaJKaram, the panel examined how Washington can help strengthen Lebanese state institutions, support the Lebanese Armed Forces, and restore Lebanese sovereignty.
Link to MEI's full report on A Strategy to Win in Lebanon: mei.edu/a-strategy-to-win-in…
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"This is not a time to be risk averse. We've underestimated the Houthis. And because we underestimated them, they continue to evolve and become stronger," explains @Ndawsari. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
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How do you break the ice with a sitting president?
@hisham_melhem joins @Katulis and shares some special stories from his career in journalism, including his interviews with Presidents Bush and Obama. Listen to the full episode: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
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MEI's new exhibition, El Marsam, is one of the first US shows dedicated exclusively to Egyptian modern and contemporary art. Already drawing international attention, the exhibition features over 45 works by historically significant artists alongside leading and emerging Egyptian talent working today.
Please join us for El Marsam's opening reception Friday, September 18, 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the MEI Art Gallery. For more information, visit the link in our bio.
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