In these volatile times, with so many localized crises looming in the Middle East, it is easy to forget that long-term regional stability, as well as the ability of the United States to maintain its overseas military and economic interests, depends upon the broad balance of power of all the nations throughout the Middle East. With hostile countries attempting to develop deliverable weapons of mass destruction and local populations increasingly wary of U.S. policies and methods, it is essential that we monitor long-term issues threatening the balance of power in the Middle East.

The Middle East Institute takes a balanced perspective on regional security rooted in U.S. national interests. Through regional security programs held across the country and in the Middle East, policy papers and briefings, and our scholar-in-residence program including senior military officers from the region, we seek to provide up-to-date information on security threats to U.S. interests and policy options to address them.