Middle East Institute
@MiddleEastInst • 114,361 subscribers
Enhancing peace, security, and people-to-people ties between the US and the Middle East through dialogue, engagement and exchange.
Videos
Turkey’s popular leader of the main opposition party, Özgür Özel, has been ousted from his role by a court ruling. With this action, Turkey is moving closer to a “Russia-style” system, where weak, handpicked opposition allows for no surprises at the ballot box, says Gönül Tol.
Middle East Institute82,907 views • 2 months ago
A historic shift may be on the horizon, as Turkey and Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan engage in unexpected peace talks. After 40 years of insurgency and 40,000 lives lost, Ocalan is expected to call for PKK fighters to lay down their arms. MEI's Gönül Tol explains.
Middle East Institute129,087 views • 1 year ago
“The most important thing about Pakistan is that they have decent relations with both the US and Iran—and there aren’t a whole lot of countries that fall into that category. In addition, we should remember that Pakistan has excellent relations with China. So it may be that Pakistan was acting not just as an honest broker, but also as a conduit for Chinese messages to the Iranians," Ken Pollack tells MS NOW.
Middle East Institute18,050 views • 3 months ago
"Interestingly, in Syrian state TV, a lot of the people interviewed around all of these developments have literally been cheering the Israelis on,” MEI Senior Fellow Charles Lister explained in a recent MEI webinar. Lister unpacked the Syrian government's silence on the exchange of strikes and analyzed why some Syrians are voicing their support for Israel.
Middle East Institute41,921 views • 1 year ago
Nasrallah’s funeral is one of the most consequential moments for #Lebanon & the Levant. Will the show of force mark the start of #Iran's campaign to sabotage an emerging American order? Much depends on what the US does next. MEI’s Firas Maksad offers insights & recommendations.
Middle East Institute30,047 views • 1 year ago
At its 80th Anniversary Gala, the Middle East Institute was proud to honor Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber with the Distinguished Global Leadership Award. A visionary leader shaping the future of energy, industry, and innovation, Dr. Sultan’s work reflects a deep commitment to building smarter, cleaner, and more resilient systems. Throughout his career, he has championed investment in people, strong partnerships, and long-term progress that creates shared value. This tribute video brings together voices from across sectors and regions who have worked alongside him and witnessed that leadership firsthand. ADNOC Group
Middle East Institute10,949 views • 4 months ago
In his new book, West Asia: A New Grand Strategy for the Middle East, MEI's Mohammed Soliman explores how the Middle East is becoming increasingly integrated into the broader Asian economy and why that shift matters for global politics and US strategy.
Middle East Institute11,657 views • 5 months ago
If you're interested in the Middle East and want to hear how seasoned insiders are thinking about the events shaping the region today, Taking the Edge Off the Middle East with Brian Katulis (Brian Katulis) offers candid, insightful conversations worth listening to. Brian sits down with friends and colleagues who’ve spent decades working in US foreign policy to reflect on what’s happening now, how we got here, and what might come next. From personal stories to hard-earned lessons, these exchanges bring clarity, context, and a refreshingly human touch to complex issues. It’s a podcast that cuts through the noise—with curiosity, honesty, and just enough humor to take the edge off. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. Find all episodes at the link below ⬇️
Middle East Institute16,133 views • 1 year ago
As President Trump prepares for his visit to Saudi Arabia in May, MEI's F. Gregory Gause, III unpacks the evolving Saudi-American relationship. Compared to his first term, Trump faces a more volatile Middle East and a Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman whose calculations have fundamentally shifted. The new regional landscape has directly reshaped MBS's priorities toward regional stability, cautious Iran relations, and economic transformation through Vision 2030. Discover what challenges await as these two leaders navigate complex dynamics, oil markets, and the fallout from the Gaza War.
Middle East Institute14,602 views • 1 year ago
MEI’s recent trip to Oman brought together a high-level delegation consisting of MEI senior leadership, fellows, and other think-tank experts, to meet with Omani officials for critical discussions on the US-Oman bilateral relationship. These conversations deepened our understanding of Oman's unique diplomatic position and provided invaluable insights into how regional stakeholders view the shifting geopolitical landscape.
Middle East Institute12,451 views • 1 year ago
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