Making Sense
Trump still looking for major wins on the global stage after budget battle victory at home
US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the third time in his second term this week, shortly after securing a major victory for his domestic policy agenda in the budget bill passed by Congress.
Virtual Briefing Series
MEI’s Virtual Briefing Series is a bi-weekly program that brings together regional and subject-matter experts to provide in-depth analysis on breaking news and key issues in the Middle East and their global implications.
Latest Publications
Deals, Diplomacy, and Day-After Plans: The Trump Administration's Middle East Strategy
Jul 10, 2025As the Trump administration marks six months in office, it is pursuing a flurry of diplomatic initiatives across the Middle East — some publicly coordinated, others shaped behind closed doors. MEI Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow Mara Rudman joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to assess the administration’s broader regional strategy and its handling of key issues.
How US Policy Is Taking Shape – From Libya To Iran
Jul 01, 2025
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Maximal Miniatures
Contemporary Art from Iran
January 31 - August 22, 2025
Curated by Donna Honarpisheh
Maximal Miniatures features the work of 13 leading contemporary Iranian artists who reimagine the rich visual tradition of the Persian miniature genre through inventive formal techniques, including experimentations with scale, color, composition, figuration, and abstraction.
Book appointment to visit in person
Photo: Farah Ossouli. David and I (2), 2014. Gouach on cardboard. 75 x 110 cm
Visit the MEI Art Gallery
The MEI Art Gallery is open to the public weekdays from 10am to 5pm (closed for federal holidays). Visitors are encouraged to register for a timed visit at the link below, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Leading Regional Expertise
MEI’s scholars draw on deep ties and decades of experience working in the region to build better understanding of Middle East policy.
What We Do
We seek to promote knowledge of the Middle East in America and strengthen understanding of the United States by the peoples and governments of the region. We believe pursuit of this goal is integral to building a world of peace and stability, in which the people of our two regions value our shared humanity.
Our experts shape diplomatic, legislative, and public discourse through publications, private briefings, testimony, and media.
We provide education and resources to the next generation of global leaders.
Our Center for Arts & Culture promotes a more integrated understanding of the Middle East, forging people-to-people connections and creating a destination for exploring the role of the arts in the region.
We elevate voices from the region in international conversation.
Our international conflict resolution dialogues bring together civil society and political leaders to achieve impact through cooperation both in and outside of the region.