Wilson Center Middle East Program

Dear friends and colleagues,

As you may be aware, the Wilson Center is being reduced to its statutory minimum function in compliance with the March 14, 2025 executive order. As a result, the Middle East Program is no longer continuing with planned programming, fellowships or publications and will be inactive.

Thank you for supporting and following our work throughout the last 20 years.

Sincerely,
MEP Team

[WATCH] In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, MEP Director Merissa Khurma discusses the end of the Gaza ceasefire, current negotiations with the US and regional powers, and potential post-war plans for Gaza by Trump and Netanyahu.

Full episode⬇️

Israel Escalates Attacks in Gaza: What’s Next? In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, Merissa Khurma discusses the end of the ceasefire in Gaza.

[READ] Ali Al-Mawlawi, Director of Horizon Advisory, argues that a carefully recalibrated UNAMI mission, focused on external mediation and crisis prevention, could help Iraq navigate escalating regional threats without undermining its sovereignty. With the country’s stability at stake, extending the mission may be a strategic necessity.

For more ⬇️

Iraq Should Consider Extending UNAMI’s Mission UNAMI is set to conclude its 22-year mandate at the end of this year. However, this decision was made before Israel's escalation with Iran and Hezbollah last summer. With regional tensions rising, leaders in Iraq should consider extending the mandate.

[READ] Rachel George emphasizes the need to prioritize Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) efforts in the Middle East to ensure women and youth have a voice in peace processes.

Full article ⬇️

What Remains for Aid: Women, Youth, and the Opportunity for Peace in the Middle East Reflecting on the WPS Focal Points Network meeting in Japan, Rachel George argues for the strategic use of remaining foreign aid to support ‘Women, Peace, and Security’ and ‘Youth, Peace, and Security’ efforts for the best prospect at securing peace in MENA.

EVENT | Documentary Screening: Artifact War

The Wilson Center's Middle East Program invites you to a screening of "Artifact War," a documentary uncovering ISIS's antiquities trafficking network. A panel discussion with filmmaker Evan Carpenter and experts Amr Al-Azm & Katie Paul, moderated by Steven Heydemann, will follow.

📅 Apr 4, 10:30AM-12:30PM
📍RSVP:

Documentary Screening: Artifact War Wed Apr 02 Online The Initiative for Knowledge in the Americas (INKA): The Contribution of Science to a Productive, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development

📍 In a new policy brief, Mohammed A. Salih, Senior Fellow at the , analyzes Iraq’s shift toward recentralization.

Since 2005, the central government in Baghdad has incrementally reasserted authority within the federal system. Salih explores how administrative and legal actions have impacted the Kurdistan Region’s autonomy and blocked efforts to establish new federal regions.

📖 Read more in the latest policy analysis at the link in bio.

📍 In a new policy brief, Mohammed A. Salih, Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, analyzes Iraq’s shift toward recentralization.

Since 2005, the central government in Baghdad has incrementally reasserted authority within the federal system. Salih explores how administrative and legal actions have impacted the Kurdistan Region’s autonomy and blocked efforts to establish new federal regions.

📖 Read more below.

Baghdad’s Push for (Re)Centralization: Understanding the Impact of Declining Federalism in Iraq Wed Apr 02 Online The Initiative for Knowledge in the Americas (INKA): The Contribution of Science to a Productive, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development

[READ] Aaron Magid, Middle East analyst, examines Jordan's precarious position as U.S. support wanes and explores the uncertain alternatives among Russia, China, and Iran.

For more ⬇️

Russia and China Poor Alternatives for Jordan Should Washington Upend Alliance The US halted aid to Jordan in 2025 as Trump urged it to accept Palestinian refugees. Despite tensions, alternatives like Russia, Iran, and China pose financial and security risks, making Washington remain Amman’s most reliable ally for aid and military support.

[READ] Wilson Global Fellow Nadine Maenza highlights the urgent need for justice and inclusivity in Syria amid recent violence and crises. As sectarian divides deepen, Syria's future depends on accountability and equal citizenship.

For more ⬇️
https://buff.ly/KWEO1P4

[READ] For International Women’s Day, Hiba Adulwahhab highlights the women leaders from Iraq advocating for women’s rights and underscores the need to invest in the education of young girls to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Full article⬇️

How Education Can Empower Young Women in MENA For International Women’s Day, Hiba Adulwahhab highlights the women leaders from Iraq advocating for women’s rights and underscores the need to invest in the education of young girls to be the leaders of tomorrow.

[READ] Kahina Bouagache sheds light on the female leadership positively changing the world and the MENA region, emphasizing the importance of sustaining empowerment and action.

Full article⬇️

Empowering the Changemakers of Today: Young Women Young women and girls are driving change today, challenging outdated norms and fighting for gender equality through activism and leadership. This piece highlights the sustained action of female leaders making a global impact every day.