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Center for Middle East Public Policy

The RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy (CMEPP) provides expertise on the Middle East. CMEPP analysts are in touch with political, social, economic, and technological developments in and around the region. Through research and analysis, CMEPP helps public and private decision makers solve problems, tackle challenges, and identify ways to make society safer, smarter, and more prosperous.

Featured CMEPP Event

U.S. Policy in Afghanistan: Basic Questions — Strategic Choices

Daily Life in Afghanistan, Photo courtesy of Boston.com

On October 29, 2009, the RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy convened a half-day symposium of experts — including Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, Ambassador James Dobbins, Senator Carl Levin, and others — and journalists to address assumptions and alternatives for U.S. policy in Afghanistan.

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RAND Experts Discuss Events in the Middle East — Mar 7, 2011

RAND experts provide an audio discussion of the humanitarian and diplomatic challenges present in the revolt in Libya, the role of the Islamic Brotherhood in the events in Egypt, and the effects of the growing strife in the Middle East on Iran.

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Five Myths about the Muslim Brotherhood — Mar 6, 2011

Well before the regime change in Egypt, officials in Western capitals were debating what role the Muslim Brotherhood would play in a changing Middle East. Yet much of their notions about the group's ambitions, beliefs and history may have serious misperceptions.

Commentary

Can You Hear Libya Now? — Mar 5, 2011

The U.S. and its allies could help Libyans communicate with the outside world by deploying cellphone base stations on aircraft or tethered balloons, write Dan Gonzales and Sarah Harting.

Commentary

Iran Might Not Be the Big Winner of Mideast Uprisings — Mar 4, 2011

The recent unrest may not be undermining U.S. policies toward Iran as much as some suggest, and Iran may have much to fear from the tumult in Middle East politics, writes Dalia Dassa Kaye.

Commentary

Stormy Seas off Somalia: Pirate Activity Will Increase in 2011 — Feb 28, 2011

Only by addressing the poverty and lack of central authority in Somalia can the international community lower maritime crime and violence off the Horn of Africa, writes Peter Chalk.

Commentary

Libya's Terra Incognita: Who and What Will Follow Qaddafi? — Feb 28, 2011

The new, post-Qaddafi era is likely to be marked by the emergence of long-suppressed domestic groups jostling for supremacy in what is sure to be a chaotic political scene, writes Frederic Wehrey.

Commentary

Bahrain Protests: A Point of No Return for Ruling Family—and Obama — Feb 23, 2011

The only route out of the current impasse may be a fully functioning and pluralistic parliament like the one that enabled Bahrain's golden days, writes Frederic Wehrey.

Commentary

Egypt Faces Rough, Uncharted Road — Feb 22, 2011

More than 30 years ago, Egypt's external relations underwent seismic change—from alliance with the Soviet Union and war with Israel to alliance with the United States and peace with Israel. Now Egypt is undergoing even more fundamental change, and the international consequences could well prove more far reaching.