Washington, DC, June 30, 2025 — The Middle East Institute (MEI) is honored to welcome Dr. Barham A. Salih, former President of the Republic of Iraq, as its inaugural Distinguished Leadership Fellow. A veteran Iraqi Kurdish statesman and founder of the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, Dr. Salih brings decades of high-level public service and thought leadership to MEI’s growing network of distinguished experts.
“Dr. Salih has played a defining role in shaping Iraq’s post-2003 political landscape and has long been a voice for moderation, reform, and inclusion in the region,” said Ambassador (ret.) Stu Jones, President of MEI. “We are privileged to welcome him to MEI, and we look forward to the insights and perspectives he will bring to our work.”
From 2018 to 2022, Dr. Salih served as the eighth President of Iraq. Over the course of his career, he held a range of senior positions in both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal Iraqi government, including two terms as Prime Minister of the KRG (2001-2004 and 2009-2012), Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq (2004-2009), and Minister of Planning in the transitional government (2005). He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Initiative at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Dr. Salih joins MEI as the first member of its newly launched Distinguished Leadership Fellows expert cohort, which is planned to include prominent former public officials — primarily from the Middle East — whose careers reflect exceptional leadership outside of the diplomatic service or armed forces. The Distinguished Leadership Fellows complement MEI’s existing Distinguished Diplomatic Fellows and Distinguished Military Fellows, offering unique expertise and real-world experience to MEI’s convenings, publications, and strategic dialogues.
“Barham Salih embodies the very purpose of this new fellowship,” said Dr. Kenneth M. Pollack, MEI’s Vice President for Policy. “He is a statesman of the highest caliber, whose voice is deeply informed by both democratic ideals and the practical challenges of governance. We are proud to have him affiliated with MEI.”
Dr. Salih earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Cardiff and his PhD in statistics and computer applications in engineering from the University of Liverpool. He is married to Dr. Sarbagh Salih, a botanist and women’s rights advocate. He is fluent in Kurdish, Arabic, and English.
Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute (MEI) is America’s leading nonpartisan policy and cultural institute focused on the Middle East. Based in Washington, DC, and working at the intersection of policy, education, and culture, MEI is the leading convener of Middle East experts and officials, fostering dialogue between diverse stakeholders. Its experts provide cutting-edge analysis of a complex region, while its Arts and Culture Center promotes understanding and cultural diplomacy through the universal language of the arts. MEI’s Policy Center boasts a roster of leading regional experts, including former diplomats and US defense and security officials who provide decision makers with trusted analysis of the region’s challenges and identify opportunities to advance US national interests.