Twenty years after the signing of the Oslo Accords, Secretary of State John Kerry—the latest in a series of U.S. envoys—is embarked on a serious effort to revive the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. How will recent elections in Israel and the resignation of Prime Minister Fayyad influence his prospects? What about the impact of the Iranian nuclear issue and the civil war in Syria? Join us for a discussion with four regional experts with long experience in government, diplomacy, and national security affairs. read more
About the Middle East Program
The Middle East Program pays special attention to the role of women, youth, civil society institutions, Islam, and democratic and autocratic tendencies. In addition, the Middle East Program hosts programs on cultural issues, including contemporary art and literature in the region. MORE
The Latest from the Middle East Program
Iran Election Update
Article //
May 24, 2013
The Middle East Program offers the latest news on the Iranian presidential election of June 2013, based on a selection of Iranian news sources. The Iran Election Update is a daily summary of up-to-date information with links to news in both English and Farsi. It includes the latest developments and analysis of news about the upcoming election. more
Morocco: “Advanced Decentralization” Meets the Sahara Autonomy Initiative
Publication //
May 23, 2013
The pace of reform in Morocco has been extremely slow since the enacting of the new constitution. Yet, buried in the maze of reports and studies that accompany any change in Morocco, a significant development is taking place: the program of “advanced regionalization” promoted by the king is transforming the 2007 proposal to grant a degree of autonomy to the Western Sahara into a one-size-fits-all system in which all Moroccan regions would enjoy more self-government, with the Western Sahara treated like any other region. more
Getting it Wrong: American Misperceptions of the Middle East
Event //
June 06, 2013 // 4:00pm — 5:00pm
The Middle East is a very confusing region. However well-intentioned, does the United States add to that confusion by injecting its own flawed assumptions and illusions into the mix? Join us for a discussion with seasoned Middle East experts. more
YaLa Young Leaders: A Palestinian and Israeli Discuss the Future
Event //
June 03, 2013 // 12:00pm — 1:00pm
Facebook has revolutionized the world and the Middle East, too. Join us for a presentation by two representatives of YaLa Young Leaders, a Middle East Facebook organization bringing Arabs, Israelis, and Turks together in virtual and direct contact designed to breakdown old stereotypes and promote a new dialogue based on mutual respect and dignity.
more
Syria’s Humanitarian Crisis: A Briefing by Marianne Gasser
Event //
May 22, 2013 // 12:00pm — 1:00pm
More than two years after the onset of the conflict in Syria, the humanitarian toll continues to grow. With estimates of 4 million Syrians displaced internally, and another 1.2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries, the impact on civilians continues. more
