RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Martin S. Indyk and Kenneth M. Pollack, January 05, 2009, The Brookings Institution
The next president will face a Middle East in turmoil and an American public weary of engagement there. That challenge requires a return to diplomacy in order to begin the withdrawal from Iraq, cap Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and promote a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace. Read More
UPCOMING EVENT
Friday, December 12, 2008
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Washington, DC
For the last five years, Brookings’ Saban Center for Middle East Policy has hosted an annual U.S.-Islamic World Forum designed to build bridges of understanding. On December 12, the Center’s Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World will host a discussion of The Doha Compact – New Directions: America and the Muslim World, a new report that encapsulates the ideas developed at the forum. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Navtej Dhillon, Nader Kabbani and Taher Kanaan, December 01, 2008, The Brookings Institution
Jordan and Syria have recently faced similar economic challenges such as absorbing large numbers of Iraqi refugees and fighting high inflation. Yet the global economic slowdown may have unique implications for development and reform in each country, as Taher Kanaan and Nader Kabbani reveal in interviews with the Middle East Youth Initiative’s Navtej Dhillon. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Navtej Dhillon and Ragui Assaad, November 23, 2008, The Egyptian Gazette
Navtej Dhillon and Ragui Assaad share findings from new research by the Middle East Youth Initiative indicating that a series of reforms in Egypt has given young people easier access to rental housing. With housing more affordable so, too, is marriage, giving hope to numerous young people in the region who have delayed married life due to financial constraints. Read More
PAST EVENT
Friday, November 21, 2008
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Washington, DC
On November 21, the Middle East Youth Initiative at the Wolfensohn Center for Development at Brookings hosted David Arnold, president of the American University in Cairo, for a discussion on the future of American-style higher education in the Middle East. The discussion will highlight the growing ties between U.S. colleges and universities and their counterparts in the Middle East and the role of such institutions in promoting social and economic development in the region. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Bilal Y. Saab, November 2008, CTC Sentinel
Bilal Saab examines the Salafi-jihadi movement in Lebanon which he believes has no operational ties to the tribal areas of Pakistan-Afghanistan. He writes that the movement in Lebanon is neither fictional nor a creation of Syrian intelligence services, and instead has a Lebanese constituency not entirely made up of Palestinians. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Bilal Y. Saab, November 17, 2008, Jane’s Foreign Report
Bilal Saab analyzes Syria's relations with the West as well as its Middle East neighbors. Saab argues that though U.S.-Syrian relations have been dismal throughought recent history, there is potential for improvement under a new U.S. president. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mark R. Parris, Autumn 2008, Private View
Mark Parris notes that a major foreign policy issue for President-elect Barack Obama to address will be repairing the U.S.-Turkish relationship. Parris outlines six key steps that he believes Obama should move quickly on to ensure a well developed Turkey agenda moving forward. Read More
PAST EVENT
Monday, November 10, 2008
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Washington, DC
On November 10, the Wolfensohn Center for Development and the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings will host a discussion on emerging trends in youth attitudes toward future economic prospects in the Middle East and North Africa. Policy-makers, development experts and business leaders are acknowledging the importance of achieving a better understanding of the needs and aspirations of the Middle East’s youth demographic. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Michael E. O'Hanlon, November 04, 2008, The Washington Times
Michael O'Hanlon argues the success of the surge in Iraq depends on our ability to maintain the gains made thus far. However, the unwillingness of Iraqi leaders to accept a new Status of Forces Agreement jeopardizes hard-fought security improvements and endangers prospects of political reconciliation. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Suzanne Maloney, November 03, 2008, Middle East Economic Survey
Suzanne Maloney writes that Iran will loom large on the agenda of the next American president. Maloney believes Barack Obama's willingness to talk to Tehran represents a promising start, and that history suggests engagement is appropriate, but also notes Tehran will need to demonstrate it is prepared to rejoin the international community. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Navtej Dhillon and Heba Handoussa, November 03, 2008, The Brookings Institution
In the third in a series of analyses by the Middle East Youth Initiative, Navtej Dhillon speaks with with prominent Middle East economist Dr. Heba Handoussa on the critical issues facing Egypt’s economy and how it can create a favorable climate for long-term growth and investment in the context of the global financial crisis. Read More