Israel Is on the Cusp of Comprehensively Defeating Hamas, and It Must Gain Control of Gaza That Lasts Indefinitely
The Islamic Republic and Its Opponents Both Draw on Myths and Religious Narratives, Shaping Political Culture to Mobilize Support
The Case Against Turkey Is Not a Matter of Conjecture or Partisan Polemics; It Is a Matter of Open Record
Underlying Grievances Fueling Nationwide Protests Are Not Going Away, and Risk of Unrest Keeps the Regime on Edge
While Harbouring and Funding Hamas and Spreading the Muslim Brotherhood’s Agenda, Qatar Has Styled Itself as an Ally and ‘Mediator’
The Crackdown on Bribery and Corruption Announced in April at Europe’s Main Land Border Crossing with Turkey Appears to Function Primarily as a Cosmetic Gesture
The West, Which Believed It Had Banished Its Demons, Now Discovers Itself Hateful in Its Own Eyes
England’s Oldest National Flag, the Red Cross of St. George on a White Banner, Is Currently Embroiled in Controversy
Algeria Has Again Revealed Its True Colors by Calling for an Emergency Session of the United Nations Security Council Following Israel’s Precision Strike on Hamas Leadership in Doha
Seminary’s Dissolution Declared ‘Unprecedented Victory Against the Islamists’
The Sprawling New Compound in Ankara Faces Renewed Legal Uncertainty After Turkey’s Supreme Court of Appeals Annulled a Lower Court Ruling
Qatar, a Country That Bankrolled Hamas Before, During, and After the Oct. 7 Massacre, Is Showing Its True, Anti-Semitic, Hateful Colors
Qatari Officials Long Pursued Policies That Coddled Terrorists and Promoted Extremism
Erdoğan Has Welcomed Hamas to Turkey, Talked About Using His Military Against Israel, and Spied on Turkish Dissidents in America
As Syria Enters This New Political Phase, the United States Faces a Critical Opportunity to Help Shape a More Stable and Inclusive Future
Spotlight on War with Iran
A ceasefire is in effect, somewhat. Negotiations are starting soon in Pakistan about a full deal. There seem to be many obstacles to fulfilling the announced goals of the United States as the Iranians are circulating an entirely different plan.
The Strait of Hormuz was opened and then closed. Israel hit Hezbollah very hard the day after the ceasefire was announced. The future is very uncertain but the bombing has stopped and the talks will begin. MEF fellows and experts weigh in on all of this.
The Strait of Hormuz was opened and then closed. Israel hit Hezbollah very hard the day after the ceasefire was announced. The future is very uncertain but the bombing has stopped and the talks will begin. MEF fellows and experts weigh in on all of this.
As unrest spreads across Iran, the regime and the opposition both face narrowing choices.
Tehran Appears to Be Moving Toward Conditional Access, While Retaining the Ability to Disrupt Maritime Traffic
The Abrupt Announcement of a Two-Week Ceasefire in the War Between the U.S., Israel, and Iran Resolves None of the Issues Which Caused the Conflict
The Tactical Triumph and Strategic Uncertainty of Operation Epic Fury
While Legal Scholars Seek to Promote and Reinforce International Humanitarian Law, Their Subjectivity and Political Agendas Now Undermine It
The Iranian News Media Have Not Fully Reported the Reverberation of the War on the Iranian Economy
Spotlight on the Middle East
The entire region is affected by the conflict with Iran, but there are many other vital issues being covered by MEF. Political change in Iraq, Corruption in Turkey, and Islamists exerting their influence online and politically.
India and the UAE are deepening ties and tough words from Israel’s Chief Rabbinate to the Pope. The war has caused many problems for security and commerce, but it has also created opportunities. These issues and more are getting the attention of Middle East Forum authors.
India and the UAE are deepening ties and tough words from Israel’s Chief Rabbinate to the Pope. The war has caused many problems for security and commerce, but it has also created opportunities. These issues and more are getting the attention of Middle East Forum authors.
Iraq’s Crisis Is a Problem of Not Only Armed Factions but Also the Political Order That Preserved and Protected Them
Group that Affirmed Hamas’s October 7 Attack Defends Terrorists in India
Experts Warn of Radicalization Persisting at ‘Precariously High Levels’
Vatican Maintains Formal Ties with Top Iranian University Despite Theocratic Regime’s Massacre of Thousands
The Emirates Remains a Stabilizing Actor with Strong Ties to Israel, the United States, and Other Key Regional Players
Explosive Claims Point to Coordinated Pressure Campaign Targeting Wealthy Individuals
Middle East Quarterly - Current Issue
Founded in 1994 by Daniel Pipes, MEQ is the Middle East Forum’s journal intended for both scholars and the educated public. Policymakers, opinion-makers, academics, and journalists write for and read the Quarterly, which is known for exclusive interviews, in-depth historical articles, and book reviews on subjects ranging from archaeology to politics and on countries from Morocco to Iran.
Spring 2026 Volume 33: Number 2
Spring 2026 Volume 33: Number 2
Middle East Forum Observer
Founded in 2024, the Observer provides rapid analysis on leading Middle East developments, from Marrakech to Mashhad and the Bab el-Mandeb to the Black Sea.
Launched in 2006, Islamist Watch is a project of the Middle East Forum. We work to combat the ideas and institutions of lawful Islamism in the United States and throughout the West. Arguing that “radical Islam is the problem, moderate Islam is the solution,” we seek to expose the Islamist organizations that currently dominate the debate, while identifying and promoting the work of moderate Muslims.
CAMPUS WATCH, a project of the Middle East Forum, reviews and critiques Middle East studies in North America with an aim to improving them. The project mainly addresses five problems: analytical failures, the mixing of politics with scholarship, intolerance of alternative views, apologetics, and the abuse of power over students. Campus Watch fully respects the freedom of speech of those it debates while insisting on its own freedom to comment on their words and deeds.
