OUR MISSION To promote mutual knowledge and understanding between the people of the Middle East and the United States

TABLE OF CONTENTS

“Family Men” by Mohammad Shafai, MEI Photo Contest First Prize Winner.

CHAIRMAN’S & PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - 4 CENTER FOR ARTS AND CULTURE - 22 HOW WE WORK - 6 MEI’S NEW HOME - 28 OUR VISION BY THE NUMBERS - 7 HISTORY - 30 CENTER FOR POLICY ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH - 8 BOARD OF GOVERNORS - 32 A world of peace and prosperity where CENTER FOR EDUCATION - 16 DONORS - 33 the people of the Middle East and the United States value our shared humanity

OUR METHOD Engaging experts and policy makers from the region and the United States; teaching the region’s languages and history; and promoting arts and cultural exchanges in both directions

2 3 FROM THE FROM THE CHAIRMAN PRESIDENT

Since my time as Chair began in 2012, for all things Middle East: a place that I was honored and humbled in October future trend analysis. Education, and Culture—that make our I have seen this organization go through represents the voices of the region in our 2018 to be appointed as President of The Secondly, we seek to build up the mission unique. an unprecedented period of growth. This research and panel discussions; a place (MEI). I follow in educational arm of MEI to reach global As we prepare to embark upon our was due in large part to the exceptional that trains the next generation of leaders the footsteps of the many fine leaders audiences. We are well known for our newest and greatest venture yet, the leadership of former MEI president through our internships and language who have built this remarkable organiza- language classes in Arabic, Hebrew, opening of our expanded and renovated Wendy Chamberlin and her staff, but and regional studies programs; a place tion since its founding in 1946. I am par- Kurdish, Turkish, and Farsi as well as offices, I want to thank everyone who also to the passion for and firm belief in that showcases the stunning diversity of ticularly indebted to Ambassador Wendy classes on the politics and history of the has contributed to MEI’s journey. Our our mission by our many members and artistic creation, and serves as a gath- Chamberlin, MEI’s president from 2006 region; we want to take those classes on- Board of Governors, led by Richard supporters around the world. In 2019, ering point for anyone interested in the to 2018, whose deft leadership and clear line, reaching younger and more global Clarke, our dedicated staff, and our many MEI’s mission continues under the future of this important, dynamic and vision for the future built the institution audiences. We will continue to invest in supporters – foundations, corporations, leadership of our new president, Paul rapidly changing part of the world. that we know today. our world renowned Middle East Journal embassies, individuals, governments, In the end, Salem, and the institute’s growing body The Middle East is a complex I have three goals in mind as I take and our Oman Library—home to the members, and friends – who continue facts matter. of experts and staff. region, but one that is essential to on the stewardship of MEI. second largest collection of Middle East to believe and invest in MEI. We truly At the outset, MEI’s founders iden- understand. I spent much of my career The first is to build up our policy manuscripts and books in Washington, could not do our work without you. tified the region as of critical future im- involved with the region, and know how center to work toward a more peaceful, DC, after the Library of Congress. I look forward to a challenging and portance to the United States when it was important it is to have institutions like prosperous and well-governed Middle Third, we’re excited to dramatically successful 2019. still relatively unfamiliar to most Amer- MEI as honest brokers of information East. We are proud to report that MEI expand the breadth and impact of MEI’s icans. In the years since our founding in free from spin and political bias. In the was recently ranked the number one new Center for Arts and Culture. Artists Paul Salem 1946, the role and presence of the Middle end, facts matter. Middle East-specific think tank in the are the antennae of the human race, and PRESIDENT East on the world’s stage has grown We look forward to an exciting United States. Our policy work will arts and culture can overcome barriers exponentially. MEI has always been and productive 2019, especially as MEI include programs on defusing regional of language and politics. Our renovated dedicated to understanding the region in moves into its newly renovated head- conflict, ending civil wars, boosting headquarters on N Street will include a full—not just through a political lens, but quarters on N Street. humanitarian response, countering ter- beautiful art gallery to highlight the work through the languages, art, culture, and rorism, and improving U.S.-Middle East of artists from all over the Middle East. customs of its many and varied peoples. Richard A. Clarke relations. We also aim to add programs MEI has never been just a think MEI strives to be a destination CHAIRMAN on climate change, cybersecurity, and tank. It is these three pillars—Policy,

Policy, Education, and Art. MEI has never been just a think tank. It is these three pillars that make our mission unique.

4 5 75 INTERNS 155 EVENTS 241 HOW WE WORK BRIEFINGS

OBJECTIVE PUBLIC BUILDING NEW 45O RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT LEADERS PIECES OF ORIGINAL POLICY ANALYSIS AND ANALYSIS We bring together all who are interested Through language and regional studies The bedrock of MEI is the production of in the Middle East – its past, present, courses, academic publishing, media out- 525 fact-based research and policy analysis. and future – in public events through- reach, and a rigorous internship program, STUDENTS IN LANGUAGE AND REGIONAL STUDIES CLASSES Our experts and contributors draw out the year that engage policymakers, we educate students and mid-career pro- on deep ties and decades of experience diplomats, analysts, corporate executives, fessionals as well as the general public. in the region to build a better under- journalists, and students. Most important- standing of the Middle East, sharing ly, we highlight voices from the region their insights with the public, the media, across all of our programs to encourage INCLUSIVE 2O18 BY THE NUMBERS and the policy community. informed and inclusive dialogue. PROGRAMS Our original Middle East analysis Our work is amplified through appears in articles, interviews, Con- extensive communications outreach. Putting research and policy expertise gressional testimony, and more, and is Events are live-streamed or recorded into practice is part of MEI’s goal to be featured in print and online. Our experts and available online. Weekly podcasts a place where new ideas are generated 1,5OO are cited on a regular basis by major address ongoing regional developments, and tested. MEDIA CITATIONS media outlets around the world. and our social media engages people From our international Track II di- throughout the world. plomacy efforts to our working groups on Syria, Yemen, cybersecurity, and more, 3,834 MEI convenes the leading diplomats, ex- HOURS OF PRIVATE TUTORING GLOBAL POLICY perts, and changemakers working today IMPACT to address problems in real time.

We put our research and analysis into 4,6OO action by actively engaging policymak- EVENT ATTENDEES ers and influencers through testimony before Congress and briefings to gov- ernment agencies and departments, the 3O,OOO White House, foreign governments, and SUBSCRIBERS international NGOs. 67,OOO TWITTER FOLLOWERS

6 7 OUR PROGRAMS

AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN

CONFLICT RESOLUTION & TRACK II DIALOGUES

COUNTERING TERRORISM AND EXTREMISM

The Center for Policy Analysis & Research convenes regional and internation- CENTER FOR al leaders to find solutions to the region’s most challenging issues. The Cen- ter’s 12 resident and 42 non-resident experts produce hundreds of pieces of POLICY ANALYSIS original analysis every year that advance understanding of the complexities of the Middle East and regional policy. Our established programs cover broad AND RESEARCH themes as well as individual countries and delve deeply into regional dynamics. Working for a peaceful, prosperous, and well-governed Middle East, and for better relations between the U.S. and its regional partners DEFENSE AND SECURITY

EGYPT PROGRAM

GULF AFFAIRS

IRANOBSERVED

MIDDLE EAST-ASIA PROJECT MEI was ranked the #1 Middle East-focused think tank in the United States by the University of Pennsylvania Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program’s Annual Global Go-To Think Tank Index. TURKISH STUDIES

8 9 The upcoming book, Civil Wars in diplomatic officials and participat- Program the Middle East: Toward Ending ed in global events like the Halifax POLICY the Conflicts, will provide context, International Security Forum. We history and actionable policy rec- convened experts and stakeholders MEI’s newest scholar, ommendations. to discuss key security issues like Mirette Mabrouk, spear- WORKING TO END Shaikh of the Shaikh Group and prospects for political progress. the risk of interstate wars and how THE REGION’S Hadi al-Bahra of the Syrian Nego- Throughout the year, MEI BUILDING A STABLE to manage rising regional tensions. heads a program that CIVIL WARS AND tiations Commission to discuss the scholars and contributors produced AND INCLUSIVE Among the many notable PROXY CONFLICTS lessons learned from years of Track dozens of articles, papers, and REGIONAL ORDER events, State Department Bureau seeks to analyze Egypt’s II efforts, the U.S. strategy, and podcasts on the region’s civil wars. of Political-Military Affairs senior security, economic, and Civil wars are among the most By highlighting the drivers of insta- advisor Lee Litzenberger keynoted pressing issues facing the Middle bility and engaging with leaders in a panel on the challenges facing political developments, East, and MEI brings together pol- Washington and the region to find U.S. security assistance to the Mid- as well as its domestic icy experts and key decision-mak- solutions, MEI is working toward dle East, and PLO Ambassador Dr. ers to develop solutions. building a stable and inclusive re- Husam Zomlot led a public conver- environment and re- gional order. sation on the potential regional and gional role. She has an MEI’s ongoing working groups global impact of President Trump’s on Yemen and Syria provided a In 2018, our scholars regularly decision to move the U.S. embassy extensive background regular forum for scholars and briefed political, military, and to Jerusalem. in research, communica- stakeholders to discuss current issues. Public events advanced the tions, and journalism in debate in Washington addressing both the US and Egypt, the region’s crises. MEI’s conference “Yemen’s and joins MEI after five (Top left) Path Forward” featured Yemen’s “Yemen’s Path Forward” at the National Press Club, October 4, 2018. Senior Fellow Will Wechsler (Bottom right) and president Paul Salem record a podcast on terrorism in western Europe and the future of years as Director of ambassador to the U.S., Ahmed the fight against ISIS. Ambassador (ret.) Gerald Feierstein(Bottom left) and Yemen’s ambassador to the U.S., Awad bin Mubarak, the State H.E. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, discuss the country’s internal and security challenges. Research and Programs Department’s deputy assistant at the Atlantic Council’s secretary of state for Arabian Gulf Affairs, Timothy Lenderking, and Rafik Hariri Center for others assessing priorities for end- the Middle East. ing the conflict and scenarios for moving forward. Events like “What’s Next for Syria” brought experts together with practitioners such as Salman

10 11 The Middle East- Asia Project

A global online community COUNTERING EXTREMISM AND of hundreds of experts, the TERRORISM Middle East-Asia Project

MEI prioritizes the use of local provides in depth and knowledge and expertise to pro- current research about vide a deeper and more holistic understanding of extremism, ter- (Top left) Senior Fellow and Director of the Countering Terrorism and Extremism Program Charles Lister joins Se- the growing ties between rorism, and insurgency. nior Fellow Robert Ford in briefing the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, outlining policy recommendations for stabilization and reconstruction in Syria. (Top right) Jihad Azour answers an the Middle East and Asia, audience question during a panel on regional economies at MEI’s 73rd Annual Conference, flanked by Dina Sherif, In 2018, MEI scholars provided CEO and co-founder of Ahead of the Curve; Ferid Belhaj, vice president for the Middle East and North Africa at the especially the four main regular briefings to help keep World Bank Group; Christopher Schroeder, co-founder of Next Billion Ventures; and Nahed Taher, group president Asian economic powers policymakers up to speed on the for the Middle East and director of Islamic finance at National Standard Bank.(Bottom left) Charles Lister partici- latest developments in the region. pates in a panel at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism’s 2018 World Summit in . – China, Japan, Korea, and Our experts met with National India. Helmed by MEI’s Security Council staff to discuss counterterrorism and Syria. MEI longest-serving scholar, ATTENDING TO scholars participated in high-pro- in Washington to bring together Dr. John Calabrese, the file external events throughout the URGENT policymakers and practitioners to year as well, with Charles Lister HUMANITARIAN discuss landmine removal, the role innovative program fosters AND RELIEF NEEDS giving a speech at the World Sum- played by internally displaced per- collaborative research mit of the International Institute sons, and stabilization efforts. for Counter-Terrorism in Israel, Improving conditions for refugees The conference featured key- through institutional and internally displaced persons as and Gerald Feierstein joining an note addresses from Lise Grande, partnerships and publishes Oxford Union debate on the War well as human security more broad- UNDP representative for Yemen, on Terror, among others. violent extremism; a conference in of policy papers on transnational ly is an integral part of our work. and HRH Prince Mired bin Ra’ad regularly online. Public events included a round- Dubai co-hosted with the Orient violent movements by world-re- al-Hussein, special envoy of the table on the nexus between bad Research Centre; and a panel enti- nowned scholars based in the Mid- MEI’s conference “Landmines, Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Con- governance and violent extremism tled “How America’s partners help dle East and North Africa, Europe, IEDs, and other Explosive Hazards vention and chairman of Jordan’s in North Africa; a discussion on and hinder the War on Terror.” and the U.S. that will be compiled in the Middle East: Addressing a National Committee for Demining ancient and modern patterns of We also published a series into an upcoming book. Growing Threat” was the first event and Rehabilitation.

We prioritize local expertise to provide a more holistic understanding of extremism.

12 13 (Left) MEI’s 9th Annual Conference on Turkey included a panel on “The Future of Turkey’s Youth in a Time of Turmoil,” featuring the Honorable Serpil Midyatli, mem- SPOTLIGHT ON ber of Germany’s State Parliament, and her translator; Felix Schmidt, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung’s representative TRACK II DIPLOMACY to Turkey; Berkin Şafak Şener, international consultant on employment at the Development Programme; Semuhi Sinanoğlu, PhD student at the Track II diplomacy has become a critical conflict prevention University of Toronto; and Max Hoffman, associate and management tool in the international political landscape and director of National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress. an important component of peacemaking strategies.

The region’s humanitarian the IMF, and “Turkey’s Econom- EMPOWERING crises were a major focus over the ic Crisis and Political Fallout” WOMEN AND YOUTH year as well. As such, MEI hosted featuring Gonul Tol, director of roundtables with UN deputy special MEI’s Turkey program, and Omer With nearly two-thirds of the coordinator for the Middle East Taspinar, professor at the National region’s population under 30 and peace process Jamie McGoldrick War College. women taking on growing roles on Gaza, and Philippe Lazzarini, Over 400 people attended our in public spaces, MEI is focusing UN deputy special coordinator for Annual Conference, which fea- on youth leadership and women’s Lebanon, on the humanitarian and tured a panel on economic growth empowerment. security challenges facing Lebanon. through innovation, inclusion, and resilience. This year, we hosted PSB Re- Our Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program FOCUS ON JOB Other 2018 highlights included search’s CEO Curtis Freet, Bur- CREATION AND a discussion of the social and eco- son-Marstellar’s CEO Don Baer, engages leading experts and current and former officials in ECONOMIC nomic drivers of protests in North USAID’s Maria Longi, and UAE DEVELOPMENT Africa, and “Agriculture in Syria: Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba to problem-solving dialogues on political and security trends Building resilience amid conflict,” discuss the results of the Asda’a Bur- MEI works with private and public a panel co-hosted with Global son-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey. in the region and conflict de-escalation and resolution. sector partners to help promote Communities, on the centrality of HRH Princess Reema bint Ban- economic opportunity in the region. agricultural development to resil- dar al-Saud came to MEI to discuss ience and reconstruction. the role of women in Saudi Vision THE MIDDLE EAST DIALOGUE series of official decisions and agreements. While no Track In 2018, our weekly podcasts We are currently completing 2030, the kingdom’s long-term II process can claim sole authorship of ideas since differ- explored major economic issues, a multi-study research project on economic development plan. In co- The Middle East Dialogue (MED) monitors evolving po- ent processes are always working simultaneously, MED including “Economic Prospects for “The Political Economy of Civil operation with the Institute for War litical and security dynamics and provides a forum for was one of the first to lay the groundwork for U.S.-Russia the Middle East” featuring Jihad War Countries in the Arab World, and Peace Reporting, MEI hosted discussion among a group of former officials and senior official dialogue on the Syrian conflict starting in 2012, Azour, director of the Middle East and Lessons for Designing Recon- Syrian delegates for a roundtable policy experts from Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab leading to the U.S.-Russia May 2013 agreement. Dialogue and Central Asia department at struction Approaches.” on the role of women in Syria. Emirates, , Turkey, Iran, and Lebanon, as well as discussions on conflict resolution in Syria contributed the United States, China, Russia, and Europe. While initially ideas to the Vienna II 2015 Declaration of Principles for focused on the regional and international aspects of the a solution in Syria. Over a series of sessions, the MED Syrian crisis, the dialogue agenda soon expanded to in- group also negotiated principles for a framework for We are focusing on clude proposals for conflict de-escalation in Syria, Iraq, and regional cooperation, which were adopted in the Decla- youth empowerment and Yemen, as well as possible new cooperative frameworks. ration of Good Neighborhood Principles in the Middle women’s leadership. Since its launch, MED has laid the groundwork for a East at their December 2017 meeting in Baghdad.

14 15 The Middle East Institute has made education a core tenet of our mission CENTER FOR since our founding. In 2017 we took a major step forward, consolidating our diverse educational programs into a newly-established Center for EDUCATION Education. This center is now home to our Languages, Regional Studies, and Leadership Development Programs, as well as the Middle East Journal Shaping the leaders of tomorrow and promoting mutual understanding and the Oman Library. Through these, we equip the next generation of leaders with the skills necessary for international careers.

16 17 2018, the Journal was downloaded once every 52 seconds and cited in a EDUCATION record 528 academic articles. A REPOSITORY UNDERSTANDING led to the Gulf state’s protracted through its internship program. OF KNOWLEDGE THE REGION civil war. The program is competitive: MEI receives hundreds of applications Our Oman Library holds thousands Language Courses PREPARING THE each term for fewer than 30 posi- of images, maps, and artifacts, MEI offers courses and private LEADERS OF tions. Interns work directly along- Professional development work- viewed publication dedicated solely plus over 20,000 volumes in seven tutoring in Arabic, Dari, Hebrew, TOMORROW side MEI experts and professional shops on resume writing and inter- to the study of the Middle East. languages about and from the Kurdish, Pashto, Persian, Turkish, staff conducting research, writing viewing as well as visits to federal Each issue includes articles writ- Middle East, including 300 rare and Urdu. Through the support of MEI offers an immersive profes- and editing, producing video and agencies, think tanks, and press ten by renowned scholars, foreign books dating as far as back as the its experienced instructors, MEI sional development experience podcasts, fundraising, and more. offices complete the experience. policy analysts, and area experts; a early 18th century. We are actively teaches students from a variety of chronology, organized by subject digitizing and sharing our collec- academic and professional back- THE MIDDLE EAST and country, maintained continu- tion with libraries and institutions grounds. JOURNAL ously since 1947; and book reviews around the world. The library will that are among the most respected, reopen to the public in September Regional Studies The Middle East Journal is our flag- comprehensive, and up-to-date in 2019 alongside the launch of MEI’s Our Regional Studies classes fea- ship quarterly and the oldest peer-re- the field of Middle East studies. In newly renovated offices. ture Middle East experts sharing their knowledge and experience with students, both online and in-person, in small “masterclass” INTERVIEW WITH: formats. Popular with journal- ists, embassy officials, and other mid-career professionals, these classes cover topics like the strug- TINA LUU gle for governance in Afghani- Senior Program Assistant, Center for Applied Conflict Transformation stan and the political economy of United States Institute of Peace war. The lecturers are uniquely Spring 2016 Programs and Communications Intern qualified to speak on their chosen subjects; for example, Gerald Fei- MEI has a very supportive team. I real- cated to a Saudi artist and a Kuwaiti erstein, who retired as U.S. ambas- ly valued the community that you get rap group. Seeing what young people sador to Yemen in 2013, lectured to build here while you’re in school, are doing in the Gulf was refreshing on the events and conditions that or transitioning between undergrad- at a time when we are so focused on uate and graduate studies. The events conflict in the Middle East. I took my I helped plan at MEI related closely to experience here directly into a posi- my graduate studies; I wrote a paper tion at USIP, where I recently helped (Center) MEI intern class, Summer 2018. (Bottom) Research assistants study on the upper floor on how arts and culture contribute to coordinate an internal arts and cul- of the Oman Library. (Top Right) A language peacebuilding shortly after we had an ture exchange looking specifically at instructor teaches a class of Arabic students. evening at Busboys and Poets dedi- USIP’s work in arts and peacebuilding.

18 19 INTERVIEW WITH: INTERVIEW WITH: ZAHRAA MAYA ALNAJJAR ALFAISAL ARABIC INSTRUCTOR ARABIC INSTRUCTOR

I came to the U.S. from Syria in 2011 engineering and Islamic Studies, that, the students will love Arabic. I teach Introduction to Arabic and did my BA in foreign languages at my linguistics abilities in the U.S. through an exchange program to but when I entered the school of Ar- MEI is my second home. Beginner I Arabic at MEI, along the University of Jordan. Later, I I started teaching at MEI a year teach at American University, but abic literature, I didn’t study; most When the war began in Syria, no with private lessons in Levantine completed my masters in linguis- ago and I love it. The atmosphere when the war broke out I sought things came just because I loved it. one else in my family had work Arabic. I like to include a lot of tics at the University of Valencia, has been welcoming since day one, asylum. I have taught at MEI since In my classes, I start with authorization here. Everything culture in my classes. Language and after that, I taught cross-cul- and I feel really fortunate to be able 2013. I was a professor with a PhD culture. I try to find good commen- we had was gone, but I didn’t feel is not just about words; it’s about tural competence and linguistics at to bring everything I’ve learned in Arabic, but MEI was the first tary, a video, something to give the homesick at MEI. I’m always opti- understanding the traditions and the Liaoning University in China. through my study of languages to place I was able to achieve my goals. whole story. I think 75 percent of mistic now. I focus on the future— body language too. I have family on my mom’s my students here at MEI. I was a poet even before I the language comes from history, this is my opportunity to stand on I’m a linguist and have been side in DC so I moved here after specialized in Arabic. I had learned geography, art—and if I explain firm ground. learning languages all my life. I teaching in China. I wanted to use 20 21 The Middle East Institute’s Center for Arts and Culture presents unique CENTER FOR ARTS programs that introduce audiences to the Middle East’s vibrant arts scene and to the pressing social and political issues being addressed by the region’s AND CULTURE artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, and others. By amplifying the voic- es of the region’s artists, the Center serves as a much-needed platform Building bridges through artistic and cultural exchange for dialogue and exchange about the important role of the arts in society.

22 23 ARTS & CULTURE

THE MEI ART ing arts and is working to provide such as the Kennedy Center, the GALLERY educational programming for high National Museum of Women in the school and university students. The Arts, American University’s Katzen Opening in 2019, MEI’s newly Center also works to connect the Arts Center, Georgetown Univer- renovated headquarters will fea- region’s artists with their Ameri- sity, and others, in the belief that ture an art gallery dedicated to the can counterparts through cultural fostering partnerships is key to the exhibition of contemporary and exchanges, roundtable discussions, Center’s success. modern art from the Middle East and networking opportunities that and North Africa. Free and open help build invaluable connections to the public, the MEI Art Gallery between the creative communities will be a cultural destination in the in the U.S. and the region. U.S. capital, providing audiences a rare opportunity to engage with the BUILDING region through the lens of the arts PARTNERSHIPS and the voices of its visiting artists. THROUGH THE ARTS

CULTURAL AND Since the program’s inception in EDUCATIONAL 2014, MEI has hosted dozens of PROGRAMMING panel conversations, book talks, poetry readings, performances, film MEI’s rich programming promotes screenings, and exhibitions. We the work of the region’s cultural have organized many of these in producers through talks, panels, partnership with prominent uni- film screenings, and the perform- versities and cultural institutions

(Center) A woman adds the finishing touches to a traditional mural, and (Left) a guest converses with the oud player during an event at the Kennedy Center celebrating contemporary Saudi art. (Top and bottom right) “Untitled” by Thana Faroq and “Palestinian Refugee from the 1948 Nakba” by Andrew Courtney, MEI Photo Contest Honorable Mentions.

24 25 LENS ON PALESTINE: team and explores the social issues WOMEN AND surrounding their career. RESILIENCE Emwas (dir. Dima Abu Ghoush) MEI and FilmLab Palestine host- - The film follows the director’s ed four documentary screenings, journey as she rebuilds her demol- highlighting the voices of Palestin- ished hometown, Emwas, through ian women in the face of loss and memories of family and friends dispossession. who still yearn for their return.

The Judge (dir. Erika Cohn) - The Stitching Palestine (dir. Car- Judge chronicles the struggle of ol Mansour) - Twelve resilient, Kholoud Al-Faqih, who became the determined, and articulate Pales- first woman judge to be appointed tinian women speak about their MEI organized a delegation to the Middle East’s Shari’a courts. lives, memories, and identities to the UAE for 13 U.S.-based before their exile. Their narratives art and design influencers. Speed Sisters (dir. Amber Fares) are connected by the enduring ART AND DESIGN The five-day trip was focused - This documentary follows the first thread of the Palestinian tradition DELEGATION on introducing participants to all-female Palestinian car racing of embroidery. TO THE UNITED key art- and design-focused ARAB EMIRATES institutions, events, and lead- ers in the Emirates, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Art Foundation, and Dubai Design Week. The trip also provided social and historical context for the growth of the country’s arts and design sectors. The aim was to build connections, fos- ter relationships, and facilitate a deeper understanding of the UAE’s cultural sector.

26 27 For most of its history, MEI has will more than double its previous sion, MEI seeks to become the hub been headquartered in a 19th cen- size and feature additional office in the nation’s capital for Middle MEI’S NEW tury brownstone in Washington, space, a 140-seat conference room, East policy, culture, and education— DC’s historic Dupont Circle neigh- an art gallery, classrooms equipped not only a platform for public events borhood. Close to embassies, think with modern audio-visual capabil- and policy-focused programs, but a HOME tanks, universities, and other key ities for distance learning, a broad- meeting place for officials and dig- institutions, our central location has cast studio, and exterior courtyard, nitaries, a center of innovation for contributed to our success. But our garden, and fountain. The original working groups, a destination for A Middle East hub in the heart of DC growth necessitated additional space historic façade keeps with the char- lovers of art and culture, a resource and facilities, and instead of moving acter of the neighborhood, while for students, researchers, and profes- to another office building, we chose the rest of the building is state-of- sionals, and a gathering place for the to renovate and expand in place. the-art and energy efficient. Middle Eastern community in the MEI’s newly renovated home With this renovation and expan- metropolitan area.

28 29 HISTORY

For more than 70 years, The Middle East Institute ca’s attention was focused on the emerging of the Middle East. From an informal gathering of With a sole focus on the Middle East for over (MEI) has operated as Washington, DC’s preeminent and the new balance of power after WWII. Keiser and like-minded colleagues, the Institute has evolved into a 70 years, MEI has built a deep reservoir of experts, center for research, dialogue, and inquiry about the his associates recognized that the Middle East would highly-regarded international forum for dialogue, one extensive contacts and collaborations with regional Middle East. become a region of critical importance for the United where a wide range of opinions can be presented and leaders and institutions, and a growing worldwide base The Institute was founded in 1946 by George Camp States, and that understanding its people, cultures, lan- challenged. Points of view underrepresented in Amer- of supporters including foundations, governments, em- Keiser, an architect by training and a devoted student of guages, history, and politics was essential. ican media find voice through MEI’s publications and bassies, corporations, and individuals whose continued Islamic art and architecture. Keiser had served as a first They established MEI with an enduring mission: events, ensuring that a balanced, nuanced, and sophisti- generosity makes our work possible. With the opening lieutenant in the US Army Signal Corps in World War II “to promote knowledge of the Middle East in America cated understanding of the issues is widely available. of our newly renovated, expanded offices in 2019, we and traveled extensively in the region. Upon returning and strengthen understanding of the United States by Today, MEI’s role as an unbiased source of knowl- reflect proudly on what we have achieved and look to Washington, he assembled a group of scholars and the peoples and governments of the region.” edge on the Middle East is more important than ever. forward to what we can become. statesmen, including Christian A. Herter, a congress- Public interest in the Middle East has grown, and man from who would go on to become so has the United States’ involvement in the region. (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) Dwight Eisenhower’s secretary of state. Like Keiser, MEI has maintained its commitment to objectivity, MEI founder George Camp Keiser. 1761 N Street NW as it appeared in the 1950s. Map of Dupont Circle in the early 20th century. Ceramic bowl depicting MEI’s original logo. MEI co-founder and Secretary of State Christian Herter. Former President Bill Clinton and MEI Honorary Chairman Anthony these associates recognized the need for accurate, intellectual rigor, and public service, striving to provide Zinni. A 1970 photo depicting Yemeni children, part of the MEI Colbert Held Archive. Wendy Chamberlin presents the Cairo Declaration, signed by ten key regional Minis- rigorous scholarship about the Middle East in a rapidly both policymakers and their constituents with knowl- ters of Antiquities, which announced an action plan to stop terrorist financing through cultural racketeering. Ambassador Wendy Chamberlin celebrates her retirement after changing post-war environment. At the time, Ameri- edge of and firsthand conversations with the peoples 12 years as president of MEI. Board members attend groundbreaking of new headquarters. Architect’s rendering of expanded MEI headquarters.

30 31 BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2O18 DONORS Richard A. Clarke Marjorie A. Adams Samia Farouki Anne Keiser The Middle East Institute is grateful for the generous contributions of CHAIRMAN Patrick Barry VA Robert S Harward, Jr. Deborah Lehr Paul Salem Rand Beers Brian C. McK. Henderson Jack Moore the many foundations, governments, corporations, and individuals who PRESIDENT Thomas Campbell George R. Hoguet Richard W. Murphy support our mission and invest in our activities. The following reflects cash Anthony C. Zinni T. Gail Dady Karl V. Hopkins George R. Salem HONORARY CHAIRMAN Paula J. Dobriansky James Holman William H. Webster and in-kind donations received between January 1 and December 31, 2018. Robert Jordan RP Eddy Louis Hughes Rochdi Younsi VICE CHAIRMAN Nijad I. Fares Sanford Alexander Ibrahim Susan L. Ziadeh $75O,OOO - $1,OOO,OOO Emirates NBD Kenneth Cooper Shelaan Hakky Embassy of the United Good Harbor Consulting Michael Thomas Lars Hanson Arab Emirates Global Communities Mohamed Kanoo Joe Hardiman INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL Hassan Al Kabbani Monarc Construction Dick Hare $1OO,OOO - $749,999 James K. Holman Nijad Fares Frederic Hof Wesley Bush Shafik Gabr Hassan Al Kabbani James B. Smith Carnegie Corporation Michael Fares Phebe Marr Zubair Iqbal George S. Corey Anwar Gargash Daniel C. Kurtzer Frank G. Wisner of New York Northrop Grumman Richard Clarke David and Cher Jacobs Saudi Aramco Paladin Capital Group Richard Debs Patti Kelly Ryan C. Crocker Lee H. Hamilton Thomas R. Pickering Abbas “Eddy” Zuaiter Thomas Campbell PTC Richard Murphy Fadlo Khuri Richard A. Debs Shell Oil Company Sahouri Insurance and Financial Alan Kovski $5O,OOO- $99,999 Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center The Spectrum Group Bernard Krawczyk Asfari Foundation Susan Bastress Climis Lascaris Chevron $5,OOO - $9,999 Velox Visa & Passport Services Stephen Lintner Embassy of the State of Qatar Allen Keiswetter Wafa Bughaighis Deborah Lodge GIZ The Antiquities Coalition Wendy Chamberlin Cherie Loustaunau Michael Baker International Arnold & Porter Sultan Lutfi Ploughshares Fund Embassy of the $25O - $999 David Mack University of Central Florida Kingdom of Lisa Abuhamad Paul Martin George Corey Abed Agha Eric Melby $2O,OOO - $49,999 Hunt Oil Ali Alameri Greg Myre Acuity Japan External Trade Rend Al-Rahim Lanny McLean American Chamber of Organization (JETRO) Edward Arrendell Denise Merlone Commerce/ Egypt Lois Critchfield Jack Bandrevics Dianne Moss Caliburn Holdings Marjorie Adams Graeme Bannerman Mary Mott Council on Foreign Relations Robert Jordan Roby Barrett Tim Mott Edge of Arabia Squire Patton Boggs Patrick Barry Embassy of the State of Kuwait Thomas Meurer Rand Beers ExxonMobil William Feldman William Benac Foundation for Amanda Britt Middle East Peace $1,OOO - $4,999 Elizabeth Bunce GardaWorld Anita Cosgrove Sean Carroll Janus Global Anne Patterson Page Chapman III Sallyport Betty Sams Peter Curran Wedge Foundation Bianca Cusimano Danner Richard Davis The World Bank Group Cushman and Wakefield Dale Dean Daniel Serwer Walter Denny $1O,OOO - $19,999 The David and Rosamond Mack Adam Ereli American University of Beirut Charitable Fund Leila Fawaz Anne Boardman George Hoguet Gerald Feierstein Anne Keiser George Valanos Jackie Flanigan Brian Henderson Herbert Hunt Darab Ganji Brownstein Hyatt Jan Mares Jay Ghazal Farber Schreck John Kincannon James Grimshaw Dentons US LLP Karim Abuhamad Charles Grose

32 33 Cynthia Murphy Sarah Bassil Aidan Hall James Phippard Christopher Murray Gregga Baxter Ross Harrison Andrew Pizor FINANCIALS Year Ending December 31, 2017 and 2O18 Elizabeth O’Connor Defne Bilir William C. Harrop Walter Posch Joan O’Neil Linda Bogaczyk Naofumi Hashimoto Henry Precht ASSETS 2018 2017 W. Robert Pearson Agostino Bono Robert Hervey Michael Purzycki CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents ...... $ 488,083 ...... $ 942,791 Patricia Pickard Salah Brahimi Norman Howard E Candace Putnam Accounts receivable ...... 138,351 ...... 94,772 John Poole James L. Bullock Michael Hudson Xuming Qian Grants and contributions receivable ...... 663,716 ...... 703,036 Prepaid expenses ...... 195,376 ...... 615,943 Wolfgang Pordzik Carnegie Endowment Art Hughes William Quandt Total Current Assets ...... 1,485,526 ...... 2,356,542 Andrew Reape for International Peace Paul Humler Martin Quinn Francis Ricciardone Rochelle Carroll Lydia Jabs Ray Rafidi PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 9,242,791 3,732,177 May Rihani Walter Casey Jameen Jacoby Jayaram Reddi OTHER ASSETS Investments in board designated account ...... 16,455,503 ...... 22,724,405 Ramzi Rihani Ahmad Chit Oliver John Karl Reiner Investments for endowment ...... 3,156,624 ...... 3,354,286 William Rugh Joseph Cicippio Chris Johnson Rayburn Ridgway Investments in beneficial interest in perpetual trust...... 1,177,232 ...... 1,267,537 Total Other Assets ...... 20,789,359 ...... 27,346,228 John Ryan Michael Cirami Dixie Johnson Steve Riskin Paul Salem Patrick Clawson Lillian Judge David Risley TOTAL ASSETS $ 31,517,676 $ 33,434,947 Adam Louis Shrier Frances Cook Robert Kaneiss Philip Rizk LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Dana Skillern Elizabeth Crider Omer Karasapan Christopher Robinson CURRENT LIABILITIES Connie Smith DiDi Cutler Mark Katz Harlan Rosacker Accounts payable ...... $ 821,898 ...... $ 624,735 Sandor Szombathy Walter Cutler Joseph Kechichian Steven Rosenkrantz Accrued expenses ...... 72,788 ...... 183,750 Deferred revenue ...... 495,509 ...... 158,504 Peter Tanous Eugenia Davis Charles Kestenbaum Christopher Ross Gerald Thompson David Des Roches Chakib Khelil Konrad Rudnicki TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,390,195 966,989 Petr Thorson Paula Dobriansky Shin Sook Kim Lee Wayne Rusch NET ASSETS Without donor restrictions: Jack Vaughn Norma Dugger William Kirby Anne Rutherford Undesignated ...... 9,338,122 ...... 4,703,347 John & Ellen Wallace Joseph Englehardt Stanley Kober Michael Ryan Board designated ...... 16,455,503 ...... 22,724,405 Total without donor restrictions ...... 25,793,625 ...... 27,427,752 Larry Wangberg Yaya Fanusie Devashish Krishan Abdo Sabban With donor restrictions ...... 4,333,856 ...... 5,040,206 Johnny Young Shahrokh Fardoust Daniel Kurtzer Michael Sahouri I William Zartman James Farwell Robert Lawrence Robert Schafer TOTAL NET ASSETS 30,127,481 32,467,958 Susan Ziadeh Gary Feulner Andrew Ledford Paul Schneider TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 31,517,676 $ 33,434,947 John Francis Ysabel Lightner Andrew Scott $1OO - $249 Robert Freedman Dana M Linnet Jean-Francois Seznec Without Donor With Donor Restrictions Restrictions Total Jean Abinader William Garvelink John Lister Alex Shalaby REVENUE AND SUPPORT Jo Ann Abraham Carole George Melissa Mahle Feraidoon Shams Contributions ...... $ 2,302,606 ...... $ - ...... $ 2,302,606 Grants ...... 342,677 ...... 57,527 ...... 400,204 Michael Albin Ryan Goeres Donald Maxwell Carl Shankweiler Membership dues ...... 29,885 ...... - ...... 29,885 Mohammed Al-Hashemi Johan Mehlum Daniel Sheehan Center for Policy Studies...... 557,727 ...... - ...... 557,727 Center for Education ...... 313,786 ...... - ...... 313,786 Suhaim Al-Thani Charles Greenleaf Robert Mertz Lana Shekim Interest and dividends, net ...... 423,198 ...... 102,921 ...... 526,119 Rental and other income ...... 39,847 ...... - ...... 39,847 Cynthia Anthony Max Gross Aviva Meyer Leslie Smart Net assets released from restrictions ...... 507,910 ...... (507,910) ...... - Richard Arndt George Gurvin Karim Mezran John Solecki Paro Astourian Behrooz Hadavi Christopher Solomon TOTAL REVENUE AND SUPPORT 4,517,636 (347,462) 4,170,174 Kenneth Audroue S. Jane Haggerty Raymond Millikin John Sotos EXPENSES Program services: Judith Barnett David Hale William Monroe Joseph Stanik Center for Policy Studies ...... 2,972,191 ...... - ...... 2,972,191 Center for Arts and Culture ...... 545,476 ...... - ...... 545,476 Kristine Montamat Julie Stewart Center for Education ...... 400,962 ...... - ...... 400,962 Keith Morton Kathleen H Sutherland Communications ...... 362,991 ...... - ...... 362,991 Polly Mary Nayak Paul Sutphin TOTAL PROGRAM SERVICES 4,281,620 - 4,281,620 Bruce Nelson George Tannous Support services: Network for Good Victor S Terenzio Fundraising ...... 516,771 ...... - ...... 516,771 General and administrative ...... 645,485 ...... - ...... 645,485 Robert Newman Patrick Theros Total Support Services ...... 1,162,256 ...... - ...... 1,162,256 William Notz Yerlan Uskenbayev TOTAL EXPENSES 5,443,876 - 5,443,876 William Ochsenwald Nicholas Veliotes Patrick O’Connell Veronique Verschoore CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS (926,240) (347,462) (1,273,702) Megan O’Keefe Nathan Wang OTHER CHANGES Net depreciation in fair value of board designated investments ...... (707,887) ...... - ...... (707,887) Richard Olson Scott Wayne Net depreciation in fair value of endowment investments ...... - ...... (277,492) ...... (277,492) Frank Pandolfe Dorothy Wexler Net depreciation in beneficial interest in perpetual trust...... - ...... (81,396) ...... (81,396) Jacob Passel Wayne White TOTAL OTHER CHANGES (707,887) (358,888) (1,066,775) David Pearce David Wight CHANGE IN NET ASSETS ...... (1,634,127) ...... (706,350) ...... (2,340,477) Glenn Perry Rima Zeitouneh NET ASSETS, beginning of year ...... 27,427,752 ...... 5,040,206 ...... 32,467,958 Michael Philpy Ronald Zwart NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR $ 25,793,625 $ 4,333,856 $ 30,127,481

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