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.
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...
One year after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria stands at a pivotal moment. The resilience of Syrians has opened space for freedom, but deep divisions and fragile institutions threaten progress. A new brief from Mona Yacoubian and @willtodman.bsky.social here: 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 11, 2025 at 8:59 PM
One year after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria stands at a pivotal moment. The resilience of Syrians has opened space for freedom, but deep divisions and fragile institutions threaten progress. A new brief from Mona Yacoubian and @willtodman.bsky.social here: www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
How can the United States continue to support Syria's transition?
Mona Yacoubian and @WillTodman share perspectives and insights from Damascus ahead of the one-year anniversary of Assad’s ouster.
www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
Mona Yacoubian and @WillTodman share perspectives and insights from Damascus ahead of the one-year anniversary of Assad’s ouster.
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 7, 2025 at 8:02 PM
How can the United States continue to support Syria's transition?
Mona Yacoubian and @WillTodman share perspectives and insights from Damascus ahead of the one-year anniversary of Assad’s ouster.
www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
Mona Yacoubian and @WillTodman share perspectives and insights from Damascus ahead of the one-year anniversary of Assad’s ouster.
www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
📘 NEW BRIEF - One year after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria stands at a crossroads. Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman explore renewed hope and the sectarian, governance, and reconstruction challenges that could derail the transition. 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 6, 2025 at 7:23 PM
📘 NEW BRIEF - One year after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria stands at a crossroads. Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman explore renewed hope and the sectarian, governance, and reconstruction challenges that could derail the transition. www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
📘 NEW @CSISMidEast Brief - One year after Assad’s fall, Syria stands at a crossroads.
Mona Yacoubian & Will Todman explore renewed hope—and the sectarian, governance, and reconstruction challenges that could derail the transition.
www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
Mona Yacoubian & Will Todman explore renewed hope—and the sectarian, governance, and reconstruction challenges that could derail the transition.
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 6, 2025 at 3:14 PM
📘 NEW @CSISMidEast Brief - One year after Assad’s fall, Syria stands at a crossroads.
Mona Yacoubian & Will Todman explore renewed hope—and the sectarian, governance, and reconstruction challenges that could derail the transition.
www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
Mona Yacoubian & Will Todman explore renewed hope—and the sectarian, governance, and reconstruction challenges that could derail the transition.
www.csis.org/analysis/syr...
HAPPENING NOW: A fireside chat between CSIS Senior Adviser and Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) on Lebanon's current transformative moment.
Watch here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Watch here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Lebanon’s Path Forward: A Fireside Chat with Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) | CSIS Events
CSIS Senior Adviser and Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian will host Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) and discuss prospects for change and reform in Lebanon and the role the United States…
www.csis.org
December 1, 2025 at 8:19 PM
HAPPENING NOW: A fireside chat between CSIS Senior Adviser and Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) on Lebanon's current transformative moment.
Watch here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Watch here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
TOMORROW: Join us IN-PERSON at 3:00 PM EST for a conversation between Mona Yacoubian and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) on Lebanon's current transformative moment.
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Lebanon’s Path Forward: A Fireside Chat with Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) | CSIS Events
CSIS Senior Adviser and Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian will host Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) and discuss prospects for change and reform in Lebanon and the role the United States…
www.csis.org
November 30, 2025 at 4:59 PM
TOMORROW: Join us IN-PERSON at 3:00 PM EST for a conversation between Mona Yacoubian and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) on Lebanon's current transformative moment.
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
FOUR DAYS AWAY: Join us IN-PERSON this Monday, December 1 at 3:00 PM EST for a conversation between Mona Yacoubian and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) on Lebanon's current transformative moment.
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Lebanon’s Path Forward: A Fireside Chat with Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) | CSIS Events
CSIS Senior Adviser and Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian will host Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) and discuss prospects for change and reform in Lebanon and the role the United States…
www.csis.org
November 27, 2025 at 10:51 PM
FOUR DAYS AWAY: Join us IN-PERSON this Monday, December 1 at 3:00 PM EST for a conversation between Mona Yacoubian and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) on Lebanon's current transformative moment.
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
NEW: David Michel, Will Todman, and Jennifer Jun analyze Tehran’s water crisis through satellite imagery, which show the city's key reservoirs falling far below typical seasonal levels amid years of sustained drought.
Read here: www.csis.org/analysis/sat...
Read here: www.csis.org/analysis/sat...
Satellite Imagery Shows Tehran’s Accelerating Water Crisis
Tehran’s water crisis is rapidly worsening, as imagery analysis shows its key reservoirs fall far below typical seasonal levels amid years of sustained drought.
www.csis.org
November 26, 2025 at 8:02 PM
NEW: David Michel, Will Todman, and Jennifer Jun analyze Tehran’s water crisis through satellite imagery, which show the city's key reservoirs falling far below typical seasonal levels amid years of sustained drought.
Read here: www.csis.org/analysis/sat...
Read here: www.csis.org/analysis/sat...
Join us IN-PERSON this Monday, December 1 at 3:00 PM EST for a conversation between Mona Yacoubian and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) on Lebanon's current transformative moment, prospects for change and reform, and the role the United States should play.
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Lebanon’s Path Forward: A Fireside Chat with Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) | CSIS Events
CSIS Senior Adviser and Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian will host Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) and discuss prospects for change and reform in Lebanon and the role the United States…
www.csis.org
November 25, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Join us IN-PERSON this Monday, December 1 at 3:00 PM EST for a conversation between Mona Yacoubian and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) on Lebanon's current transformative moment, prospects for change and reform, and the role the United States should play.
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
Register here: www.csis.org/events/leban...
In a recent NYT op-ed, CSIS MEP Senior Nonresident Adviser and former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney explores the Mohammed bin Salman's changing priorities and Saudi Arabia's transformation under his rule.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/o...
Opinion | A Crown Prince With a New Set of Priorities
The crown prince will meet President Trump with an agenda aimed at protecting the kingdom’s interests.
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:02 PM
In a recent NYT op-ed, CSIS MEP Senior Nonresident Adviser and former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney explores the Mohammed bin Salman's changing priorities and Saudi Arabia's transformation under his rule.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/o...
TOMORROW, IN-PERSON: Join us tomorrow from 2:00-3:30 PM as Mona Yacoubian and other CSIS experts explore the growing ties among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
Register to attend here:
www.csis.org/events/unpac...
Register to attend here:
www.csis.org/events/unpac...
Unpacking the CRINK Axis | CSIS Events
Join the CSIS Korea Chair for a discussion unpacking the growing ties among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, which some have called a CRINK axis or an "Axis of Upheaval."
www.csis.org
October 27, 2025 at 9:07 PM
TOMORROW, IN-PERSON: Join us tomorrow from 2:00-3:30 PM as Mona Yacoubian and other CSIS experts explore the growing ties among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
Register to attend here:
www.csis.org/events/unpac...
Register to attend here:
www.csis.org/events/unpac...
NEW EVENT 📢: Join us on Tuesday, October 28 from 2-3:30 PM as Mona Yacoubian and other CSIS experts explore the growing ties among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
Register to attend in-person or virtually here: www.csis.org/events/unpac...
Register to attend in-person or virtually here: www.csis.org/events/unpac...
October 24, 2025 at 8:54 PM
NEW EVENT 📢: Join us on Tuesday, October 28 from 2-3:30 PM as Mona Yacoubian and other CSIS experts explore the growing ties among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
Register to attend in-person or virtually here: www.csis.org/events/unpac...
Register to attend in-person or virtually here: www.csis.org/events/unpac...
ICYMI: Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman outline potential challenges related to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/wha...
What Comes Next for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire?
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…
www.csis.org
October 16, 2025 at 7:04 PM
ICYMI: Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman outline potential challenges related to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/wha...
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...
October 9, 2025 at 9:56 PM
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...
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
October 4, 2025 at 2:14 PM
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.
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...
October 3, 2025 at 8:40 PM
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...
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...
"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
September 29, 2025 at 7:03 PM
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...
"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...
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
September 2, 2025 at 7:03 PM
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-...
"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...
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
August 29, 2025 at 7:03 PM
"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...
Read Mona Yacoubian's analysis on Israel's decision to take control of Gaza City: www.csis.org/analysis/isr...