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
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May 21, 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
Syria’s Humanitarian Crisis: A Briefing by Marianne Gasser
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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
The View from Israel: A Conversation with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
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June 04, 2013 // 11:00am — 12:00pm
Rarely has there been a time where so many parts of the Middle East seem to be moving all at once. Civil war in Syria, the impact of the Arab Spring, the impasse in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and the Iranian nuclear issue all offer up challenges without quick or easy solutions. In this Director's Forum, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will share his views on these and other regional issues. more
Egypt: Political Challenges for the Youth Movement
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May 24, 2013 // 12:00pm — 1:00pm
Egypt’s young generation played an important role in the country’s revolution, and they continue to be a political force. Nabulsi, an activist and organizer in the revolution who was shot multiple times, will discuss the future of the youth movement in Egypt. more
U.S. Intervention in Syria
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May 10, 2013
Jane Harman and Zbigniew Brzezinski debate a U.S. intervention in Syria on Morning Joe. "I hope we have a strategy to work this out diplomatically with the Russians on the other side and the leader is moved out even if he stays in country and another transitional government takes his place,” said Jane Harman. more


