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The Middle East Institute 2019 Annual Report

Grand Opening Weekend

On Thursday, September 12, MEI celebrated a milestone many years in the making: the grand opening of our new headquar- ters. Over 300 people gathered including our members and friends, donors, members of Congress, the Administration, the DC Mayor’s office, and the diplomatic community as we cut the ribbon on our new home. The next day, 200 people attended the inaugural exhibit in our new Art Gallery. The 2 following night, MEI participated in Washington, DC’s “Art 3 All Night,” a free public arts festival taking place across eight different neighborhoods, bringing visual and performing arts to indoor and outdoor public spaces throughout the city. More than 1,500 people came through MEI’s new building that evening and celebrated with Middle Eastern-style dabke dancers, DC-based DJ Muath spinning rai, chobi and other Arabic dance beats, a pop-up hosted by Adams Morgan bar The Green Zone, and an on-site calligrapher who created unique mini-artworks for guests in real time - an auspicious beginning! 4 5

Attendees gather for an event in MEI’s newly-renovated conference room. A Strategy for a New World

During a time of unprecedented global uncertainty, The Middle East Institute is more committed than ever to working towards peace, prosperity and partnership. The region’s future remains of great importance to the United States and the world, and MEI is uniquely positioned to exercise the leadership necessary to build resilience in the Middle East and promote close collaboration with the U.S. 6 7

Core Vision and Values

VISION: A world of peace and prosperity where the people of the Middle East and the United States value our shared humanity. Table of Contents MISSION: To build mutual understanding and cooperation between the people of

the Middle East and the United States, based on human security, inclusivity, peace, Chairman’s & President’s Message - 8 prosperity, sustainability and good governance. HOW WE WORK - 16 BY THE NUMBERS - 20 CENTER FOR POLICY ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH - 22

OUR APPROACH: Engaging experts and policymakers from the region and the U.S.; CENTER FOR education - 44 teaching the region’s languages and history; and promoting arts and cultural CENTER FOR arts and culture - 48 BOARD OF GOVERNORS - 58 engagement. DONORS - 59 learn to do our work in other ways, but adapt and we must lead. Letter from the Chairman to step forward and take the lead on MEI will be there. rethinking the world around us. MEI has I have served as the chairman of The Middle East Institute moved to become a virtual organization, Richard A. Clarke, Chairman and our signature policy conferences since 2012, and every day it has been an honor to do so. and briefings, language classes, and art Top: Attendees gather outside MEI’s headquarters before the The growth of this institution over these past few years events now take place in cyberspace, ribbon-cutting. Bottom: MEI Chairman Richard Clarke gives reaching many more people than we remarks at the Grand Opening of MEI’s renovated building. has been nothing short of astonishing, and it is thanks to ever could in person. MEI is strengthen- the many fine people who serve on the board, the dedicat- ing its relationships and collaborations with think tanks and organizations in ed leadership and staff, our hard working interns, and the region, to share ideas, explore and supporters around the world who believe in our mission. test solutions to an ever-increasing set 8 of challenges around security, climate 9 change, cyber threats, energy, finance, I thank you all. and much more. I spent many years of my career deeply involved with the Middle East We have just completed perhaps the goals of being a resource, a convener, and I know the importance of having most significant year in our history. In and a destination for all things Middle institutions like MEI as sources of September 2019, we opened the doors East in Washington. unbiased analysis, strong on-the- of our newly and completely renovat- But fate always has other plans. ground contacts and knowledge, and ed offices in Washington. This is the The new year started strong, and then integrity that resists spin and outlasts fulfillment of a dream that the board COVID-19 brought the world to a halt. ever-changing political cycles. and staff have had for many years and Think tanks like ours had to quickly One thing is clear: from now on, the which better enables us to fulfill our innovate, not only to stay relevant and world will never be the same. We must 10 11

Guests take part in MEI’s Grand Opening, explor- ing the exhibit in the new Art Gallery and hearing remarks from federal and city officials as well as MEI leadership. Letter from the President When will we return to normal? What ed to the crisis by being more active does the new “normal” even look than ever before. We are bringing our From our perspective here in 2020, the year 2019 seems like? And our central concern: what programs to the public virtually and is next for the Middle East? Its 500 have actually increased our program- positively quaint! True, it was a momentous year for The million inhabitants awaken every day ming, almost doubling our previous Middle East Institute. We finally realized our long-held to a region besieged by unprecedented output and attracting more people than demographic, economic, and environ- dream, opening the doors of our newly-renovated offices mental challenges. Regional conflicts, in September for thousands of you to join us over a joyous proxy wars, and refugees further stress already-unstable systems and threaten weekend of celebration with art, music, food, and commu- political order. Summer temperatures nity. We could not have done this without the support of rise beyond survival thresholds, jobs 12 are scarce, and water is scarcer. Yet 13 our many friends around the world. You helped us achieve the region remains a crucial global this, and we are forever grateful. nexus: a place of re-emergent Great Power competition, a critical energy powerhouse, and a front line in With 74 years behind us and looking to look outward and across disciplines cyberwarfare—and thus a core policy ahead to our 75th anniversary next year, to discern where tomorrow’s risks and concern for the United States. we are building innovative programs opportunities lie. The year ahead has many that break down established paradigms. As we come up on our first full unknowns. It remains to be seen how The challenges of the future will not year in our new home, the world has the pandemic will impact the Middle be confined within borders or even changed. COVID-19 has caused a global East, and how historically low oil regions—they will be cross-cutting re-think of what will come next. Will prices will affect regional economies and comprehensive. MEI has chosen global institutions and systems hold? and global markets. We have respond- we could ever accomodate in person. As we look ahead at our 75th anniversary in 2021, MEI will contin- ue doing what we have always done: serving as an unbiased, trusted source of knowledge on this dynamic and ever-changing region and working for better understanding between the people of the United States and the Middle East. We are very proud that MEI has again been ranked as the #1 Middle East-focused think tank in the 14 United States for the third year in a row 15 by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annual Global Go-To Think Tank Index, the industry standard rating of Former MEI President Amb. Wendy Chamberlin speaks to a crowd of guests at MEI’s Grand Opening global think tank performance. in September 2019. We thank our many supporters and friends around the world, without whom we could not be who we are, and could not have come as far as we have. Let us now go together, into our shared global future.

Paul Salem, President CONVENING We bring together all who are interested in the Middle East CONNECTING – its past, present, and future We are a bridge – in public events throughout between the the year that engage policy- Mideast and the makers, diplomats, analysts, United States: corporate executives, a meeting journalists, and students. place, a space From our international for dialogue, Track II diplomacy a networking efforts to our working arena, and a 16 groups on Syria, Yemen, 17 destination for all cybersecurity, and more, those interested MEI convenes the leading in the region and diplomats, experts, its people. and changemakers working today to address How We Work problems in real time.

COLLABORATING AMPLIFYING We have built a strong network of Middle Eastern think tanks We feature the leading voices from the and scholars who provide MEI with a base from which to speak region across all of our programs to with credibility and authenticity on the challenges in the region. encourage informed and inclusive dialogue. INFLUENCING We put our research 18 and analysis 19 into action by actively engag- ing policymakers INVESTING through testimony Through language and before Congress and regional studies courses, briefings to govern- academic publishing, and a ment agencies and rigorous internship program, departments, the we are preparing the next White House, foreign generation of students for governments, and international careers, and international NGOs. helping mid-career profes- sionals gain skills necessary to remain competitive. 13 Resident scholars 51 Podcast episodes 68 Interns 70 Non-resident scholars 92 Events 140 Pieces of original art exhibited 460 Pieces of original policy analysis 531 Students in language and regional studies classes 20 2019 By The NumberS21

972 Media citations 1,425 Instagram followers 2,481 Hours of private tutoring 6,843 Event attendees 7,072 YouTube subscribers 19,601 Facebook followers 42,441 Subscribers 72,489 Twitter followers As U.S. policymakers argued in 2019 over America’s role in the Middle East and North Africa and struggled to formulate foreign policy reflecting a consistent view of U.S. commit- Center for ments abroad, renewed conflict in Syria, contentious elections, and brinkmanship with Iran threatened stabili- Policy Analysis ty and human security region-wide. Russia capitalized on and Research American uncertainty, stepping into the gaps created by U.S. drawdowns and diplomatic dust-ups to consolidate influ- Working for a peaceful, prosperous, and 22 ence. Mass demonstrations in Algeria, Sudan, Iraq, Lebanon, 23 well-governed Middle East, and for better relations between the U.S. and its regional partners and Iran marked hopeful moments in an otherwise deeply troubling year. The events of 2019 have only served to empha- size the globally-interconnected nature of the challenges facing the region. Viable solutions will require cross-cut- ting, collaborative, and even unorthodox approaches.

We put our research and analysis into to government agencies and depart- action by engaging policymakers and ments, the White House, diplomats, MEI was ranked the #1 Middle East-focused think tank in the United influencers directly through testi- and international NGO leaders. States by the University of Pennsylvania Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program’s Annual Global Go-To Think Tank Index. mony before Congress and briefings Our work is amplified through extensive communications MEI collab- East have evolved region. Beyond MENA, the importance Crossroads explored what these devel- outreach. Events are lives- orates with beyond the Sunni/ of the surrounding regions has also opments mean for the future of Israeli treamed or videotaped and Shia confines, making risen and become a new battleground democracy and for Israel’s broader available online. Weekly the private complicated issues in for regional and global rising powers. role in the Middle East. The webinar podcasts address ongoing and public the region more conten- Competition over influence in the Horn featured Ari Heistein, Researcher regional developments, and sector to tious. By bringing to of Africa region has pitted powers in our social media engages increase light the various ways the Middle East against those in East people throughout the world. social this emerging regional Asia, as discussed at MEI’s half day Putting research and policy order affects countries conference on Migration, Investment, expertise into practice is part of cohesion and ongoing conflicts, and Competition: The Middle East and MEI’s goal to be a place where and inclu- MEI is working towards the Horn of Africa. new ideas are generated and sion and building a robust and 24 25 tested. From our international to help inclusive regional order. Questions of Democracy Track II diplomacy efforts to promote This past year saw the 2019 was a tumultuous year for our working groups on Syria, ever-so-important rise democracy in the region and beyond. Yemen, Cybersecurity, and economic of Egypt and Turkey as MEI aids political development in

more, MEI convenes the leading opportu- key regional players. The the region by examining the impacts Ambassador Susan Rice gives the keynote speech at MEI’s diplomats, experts, and change nity in the Turkey Program’s latest of democratic challenges faced by Grand Opening in September 2019. makers working today to region. book, Aspiring Powers, various countries and suggesting ways and Chief of Staff to the Director, address problems in real time. Regional Rivals: Turkey, to manage them. INSS; Dahlia Scheindlin, Co-founder Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Israel saw two elections followed and columnist, +972 Magazine and Highlights the New Middle East, investigated the by two failed attempts at coalition The Honorable Aida Touma-Sliman implications of shifting alliances and making, and the possibility of a peace Member, Knesset, and was moderated Navigating New Regional Geopolitics conflicting approaches between the plan seems ever more distant. MEI’s by Khaled Elgindy, senior fellow and Geopolitical alliances in the Middle “Sunni vanguards” for the greater webinar “Israeli Democracy at a director of the Program on Palestine and Palestinian-Israeli Affairs, MEI. of popular support to fulfill the aspira- East and the West. American alliances, the opposition Tunisia’s second democratical- tions of the 2011 Jasmine Revolution, The first panel dealt with the election would not have had the ly elected president, Kais Saied, is and parliamentary elections have dynamics of Turkey’s domes- observers institutional framework coming to power with a groundswell demonstrated the continuing trends tic politics, with a focus on to put together formal of anti-establishment voting and the electoral losses of the AKP brought alliances.” Top: Annual Conference on Turkey. Bottom: Roundtable with HE Tarek El-Molla, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum & shrinking but somewhat resilient – the party of President Recep fresh Mineral Resources. support for some establishment Tayyip Erdoğan. The conference perspec- Political, Social, and parties. MEI’s panel “Observations featured Ruşen Çakır, (Journalist, tives from Economic Development from the Tunisian Elections” featured Medyascope), Aykan Erdemir the ground, To unleash the untapped the Tunisian Ambassador to the (Senior Fellow, Foundation for potential of a region ripe United States and four expert panelists Defense of Democracies); Fehmi includ- with talent and resourc- including recently-returned American Koru (freelance journalist), and ing both es, MEI collaborates with 26 27 election observers who brought fresh Giran Özcan (Washington repre- anecdotes the private and public perspectives from the ground, includ- sentative, People’s Democratic from their sector to increase social ing both anecdotes from their recent Party/ HDP). recent cohesion and inclusion in-country experiences and in-depth Erdemir spoke of the and to help promote analysis of what this means for the unintended consequences of in-country economic opportunity in future of Tunisian democracy. policymaking: “What laid the experiences the region. MEI and the Friedrich Ebert groundwork for the 2019 victo- and in-depth MEI’s panel discus- Foundation (FES) were pleased to host ry of the opposition is actually analysis sion “Reform, Challenges the 10th Annual Conference on Turkey. the odd alliance between the and Adaptation: Egypt’s The conference brought together far-right or ultra nationalist MHP Evolving Economic Outlook” featured policymakers and experts to discuss (Nationalist Action Party) and the Egyptian business leaders offering an the challenges Turkey faces domesti- ruling AKP, because if it weren’t for on-the-ground perspective on the

cally and its relations with the Middle their design for assembling electoral Continued on Page 35 after the Gala Photo Gallery 28 29

Left: Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Nadine Labaki gives an impassioned plea for the people of Lebanon at MEI’s 73rd Annual Awards Gala. Right: Guests mingle at the Annual Gala. 30 31

Guests at MEI’s 73rd Annual Awards Gala explored the winners of “Untold Stories,” the 2019 Photography Contest, and connected with awardees and fellow attendees. Center: The first prize winner of the 2019 Photography Contest, “Hug of Reconciliation,” by Ali Abdullah Alsonidar, is displayed at the Annual Awards Gala. Taken in Sana’a, Yemen, it depicts two septuagenarian broth- ers setting aside their thirty-year separation caused by a dispute over land inherited from their father.

32 33 Continued from Page 27 before the Gala Photo Gallery

economic, developmental, legal and environmental challenges to achieving economic success. Mirette Mabrouk, senior fellow and director of MEI’s Egypt Program, moderated the discussion that featured Sarah El-Battouty, Chairman and founder, ECOnsult; Girgis Abd El-Shahid, Managing Partner, Shahid Law Firm; Tarek Tawfik, Chairman, Cairo Poultry Group and President, American Chamber of Commerce; and 34 Dalia Wahba, Chairman, CID Consulting. 35

Migration, Investment, and Competition: The Middle East and the Horn of Africa Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia face a myriad of security and development challenges, including instability in and migration from neighboring Middle Eastern

Visionary Award recipients Othman and Leila Benjelloun (center right) laid out a vision for philanthropy in North Africa at the MEI Gala, and Issam Fares Award recipient Nadine Labaki (top left) painted a hopeful image of the changes sought by Lebanon’s protests. countries. Meanwhile, the Horn of Africa East Asia. MEI’s conference focused on Challenges of Refugee The panel the various challenges and risks region is emerging as a new battle- the evolving internal dynamics in the Reintegration Ongoing highlighted refugees must navigate as they ground for competition among rising Horn of Africa region, and the ways in conflicts have generated consider a return home. The global powers in the Middle East and which these countries are affecting and one of the largest refugee contribu- World Bank Regional Director being affected by events and conflicts in crises since World War II. tions made for the Mashreq Saroj Kumar Top: Syrian-Kurdish politician Ilhan Ahmed speaks at a round- table. Bottom: Lebanese poet Zeina Hashem Beck reads from the broader Middle East. As the Syrian, Iraqi, and by women Jha and lead author presented her acclaimed book “Louder Than Hearts.” Libyan conflicts begin to in Syria’s the report and was joined by Regional Financial Markets The wind down, the people ongoing Senior Economist Harun Onder Middle East Institute (MEI) and the displaced by them will U.S. Institute of Peace Senior Atlantic Council’s Global Energy begin returning, howev- political Advisor Mona Yacoubian. MEI Center’s discussion “The Financial er, the post-conflict processes, Senior Vice President Amb. Markets of the Arab Gulf: Power, reconstruction plans need Gerald Feierstein moderated 36 including 37 Politics and Money” featured MEI’s to be strengthened to the nascent the discussion. Jean-François Seznec with Samer support the reintegration Geneva Mosis, authors of “The Financial of returning refugees. MEI’s Second Iraq Conference Markets of the Arab Gulf: Power, negotiation MEI’s Second Iraq Conference, Politics and Money.” The discussion The Return of Syrian track... brought together leading examined the future of Gulf Refugees: Social and policy voices to explore the key economies and explored how Saudi Economic Considerations MEI challenges and opportunities confront- Arabia’s financial institutions differ hosted the public release of the World ing current and future generations in from those of other Gulf countries; Bank’s new report, “The Mobility Iraq. Four panels and two keynotes the different diversification strategies of Displaced Syrians: An Economic explored ways in which Iraqis, the United implemented in the Gulf; and how the and Social Analysis” examining key States, and the international community growth of Gulf markets affect citizens factors behind the return of more than must adapt to the political, economic, of these countries. 100,000 Syrian refugees, and analyzed and social changes facing Iraq. The opening panel examined humanitarian concerns, economic Dialogues Program, MEI; H.E. Fareed at shaping a better future for Syria. opportunities for growth in regional desperation, and legal limbo facing Yasseen, Ambassador to the United The panel highlighted contributions cooperation, specifically, economic, internally displaced persons in Iraq, States, Republic of Iraq, and MEI’s made by women in Syria’s ongoing security, and trade policies which and proposed policy solutions regard- Ross Harrison, moderated. political processes, including the encourage bilateral and multilat- ing livelihoods, safe resettlement, and nascent Geneva negotiation track, as eral solutions to systemic regional minority rights protections. Panelists The Role of Women in Syria’s future well as in the recently UN-convened issues. The second panel, “Rebuilding included: Joey Hood, Principal Deputy The important role of women within Constitutional Committee. Panelists Iraq’s Social Fabric: A Way Forward Assistant Secretary of State for Near Syrian civil society and in local and Rafif Jouejati, Jomana Qaddour and for IDPs and Communities Liberated Eastern Affairs; Randa Slim, Director international initiatives was the focus Sarah Hunaidi, joined moderator from ISIS” addressed the urgent of Conflict Resolution and Track II of this MEI panel discussion aimed Charles Lister of MEI.

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SpotlighT | Frontier Europe Initiative The Initiative has two main strands: Black Sea Security and Caspian Sea affairs. Since the launch, the initiative has brought together experts from the U.S and from the MEI’s Frontier Europe Initiative, launched in region and continues to diversify its scope and team. November, 2019 explores the evolving connections Being one of its kind in Washington, the Initiative and interactions between the United States, Europe sparked interest within the US government, think and Asia. The Initiative focuses on the growing energy, tanks and the diplomatic corps, conducted numerous trade, security in Frontier Europe (FE)—i.e. those meetings and established partnerships with regional parts of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus that form organizations, and is rapidly establishing itself as a a frontier both between western Europe and Russia. respected and important part of the regional discussion. The Way Forward At the precipice of a Climate Change women, children, and other vulnera- new decade, the region seems ripe with Climate change is already having an ble groups. potential and pitfalls that could trans- outsized effect on the Middle East and form it by 2030. By facilitating projections for the future Cybersecurity Launched in 2019, conversations on current trends are dire. Extreme heat, MEI’s Cyber program studies the and future projections, MEI Over the insufficient water, soil intersection of technology, security helps policymakers and stake- past couple depletion, and a rapidly and governance in the Middle East, Amb. Makila James, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for holders be better prepared to of years, expanding population with a particular focus on interna- East Africa and the Sudans, discusses humanitarian challeng- address potential developments. MEI has are all converging to tional security, foreign relations, es in the region. The Middle East Institute create crisis condi- privacy, and human security. The new (MEI) and Friedrich Ebert begun to tions throughout the Initiative seeks to establish a greater Strategic Foresight Initiative Over Foundation (FES) hosted incorporate region. MEI launched understanding of cybersecurity issues the past couple of years, MEI has 40 “Shaping the Future: future-fo- the Climate Change and among Middle East experts, through begun to incorporate future-fo- 41 Geopolitics and the Middle cused Environment Program regular working groups and roundta- cused analysis into its research in East” that explored what’s at analysis in 2019 to examine ble discussions. order to add a unique and valuable stake for the United States, the interdependencies The program looks at emerging perspective. In 2019, MEI formal- Europe, Russia, and other criti- into its among human security, technologies like blockchain and ly launched its Strategic Foresight cal actors in the Middle East. research environmental health, examines its implication on region- Initiative, which examines key drivers Panelists discussed options in order and sustainability in al economies and societies and also and dynamics at work in the region, for the United States and EU to add a order to enhance knowl- looks at major regional developments thinks strategically, creatively and to engage productively in unique and edge of the implications like the Iranian internet shutdown, its rigorously about various scenarios, the region, to protect human on the stability and impact on protests and the nation’s risks and opportunities, and uses rights, promote the rule of law, valuable prosperity of the region, economy, and what it means for the methodologically sound approaches to and facilitate an end to the perspec- with special attention future of civil liberties in Iran and the help decision-makers chart a course region’s conflicts. tive. on rural populations, wider region. forward. Topics include security, climate, resources, demographics, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, three key Escaping the Conflict Trap: Towards migration, energy and more. aspiring regional powers that have Ending Civil Wars in the Middle Led by MEI non-resident scholar sought to take on a growing role in East, edited by Paul Salem and Ross Ross Harrison and Steven Kenney, the Middle East in recent years at a Harrison Currently, the end to the president of Foresight Vector, an time of declining U.S. influence and Yemeni, Syrian, and Libyan civil wars independent foresight consultan- involvement. The rise of the Justice and seem further delayed by develop- cy, the team conducted its first Development Party (AKP) in Turkey in ments over the past year. Augmented major event in September: “Future the early 2000s under now-President tension between Saudi Arabia and Projections for the Middle East” Recep Tayyip Erdogan ushered in a new Iran, Turkish deployment of troops featured MEI Chairman Richard Clarke era in Ankara’s Middle East policy — in Libya, and withdrawal of US troops and the UAE’s Minister of Climate one that was dramatically reshaped by from Syria are bound to prolong these Change and Environment, H.E. Dr. the Arab uprisings of 2010-12 and their on-going conflicts. Escaping the 42 Thani T Al-Zeyoudi and two panels of aftermath. Early hopes for a positive Conflict Trap: Towards Ending Civil 43 experts who looked broadly at trends transformation gave way to violence, Wars in the Middle East (Middle East and trajectories that will have serious civil wars, and failed states. The upris- Institute, 2019) examines the history effects on the region over the next 10 ings not only transformed the internal of civil wars in the 20th century and years. dynamics of regional states, but they delves into the causes, drivers, and also led to a new regional order, with dynamics of the ongoing civil wars in Top: Ambassador Joan Polaschik introduces a panel on the Book Reviews powers such as Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Afghanistan. future of geopolitics in the Middle East. Bottom: Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Brian Katulis on “Why Arabia playing a greater role. This book Think Tanks Matter,” in collaboration with UPenn’s Think Aspiring Powers, Regional Rivals: explores the dynamic between these —“This timely volume provides a Tanks and Civil Societies Program. Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and three key actors in detail and examines sober, thoughtful framework for gic folly which all too often result.” the New Middle East In Aspiring whether they can reconcile those understanding the roots of civil war Powers, Regional Rivals, Gönül Tol visions to play a constructive role in in the Middle East, as well as ways to - William J. Burns, examines relations between Turkey, addressing regional problems. mitigate the human tragedy and strate- former Deputy Secretary of State Education has been part of MEI’s core mission since its found- ing in 1947. The Center for Education at MEI is the home of the Language and Regional Studies programs, a vibrant and competitive internship program, The Oman Library, and The Middle East Journal, which equip the next generation of lead- ers with skills necessary for international careers.

Language and Regional Studies: group classes has increased by over Center for MEI offers courses and private 20% from the previous year, and tutoring in Arabic, Dari, Hebrew, nearly 30% in private tutoring. Education Kurdish, Pashto, Persian, Turkish, 44 and Urdu. Through the support of its Online Regional Studies Online 45 Shaping the leaders of tomorrow and promoting mutual understanding experienced instructors, MEI teaches Regional Studies offer lessons that students from a variety of academ- allow students to go through the ic and professional backgrounds, courses at their own pace, and engage including part-time language instruc- with MEI experts directly and via tors. Our Regional Studies classes online webinars. Eight sessions were feature Middle East experts and diplo- offered in 2019 including; mats sharing their knowledge and experience with young professionals · Paul Salem: Introduction to the in small “masterclass” formats. Modern Middle East

2019 in Numbers Interest in MEI’s · Ross Harrison: Shifting Power programs is growing - enrollment in Dynamic in the Middle East MEI hired a new Library · Richard Clarke: The Effect of US tions each term for fewer than 25 Director for the Oman Library. Military Intervention in the Middle slots. Interns work directly along- East side MEI experts and professional Victoria Jacobs obtained her staff conducting research, writing Masters in Library and Information · Ahmad Majidyar: Afghanistan in the and editing, producing video and Science at the University of Illinois, Post 9/11 World podcasts, fundraising, and more. Urbana-Champaign in 2012. The Professional development workshops first five years of her library career · Alex Vatanka: The Politics and on resume writing and interviewing as involved working in various roles at Ideology of Post-Revolutionary Iran well as visits to government agencies, the university’s Slavic, East European, media offices, think tanks, and Capitol and Eurasian Library, before accept- · Jerald Feierstein: Yemen’s Security Hill complete the experience. and Political Changes ing a job as an indexer/cataloger 46 Oman Library: Our Oman Library for the Digital National Security 47 · Gonul Tol: Turkey’s Evolving holds thousands of slides, maps, and study of the Middle East. Each issue Archive Database. She joined MEI on Political Dynamics artifacts, plus over 20,000 volumes includes articles written by renowned January 7, 2020 and is enthusiasti- in 7 languages by, about, and from scholars, foreign policy analysts and cally continuing with the Rare Books · Charles Lister: Allies, Rival and the the Middle East, including 300 rare area experts; a chronology, organized Digitization project, in addition to Global Struggle for Syria books dating as far as back as the early by subject and country, maintained reorganizing and modernizing the 1700s. We are actively digitizing and continuously since 1947; and book main floor of the library. Goals for Internship and Professional sharing our collection with libraries reviews that are among the most 2020 include increasing the library’s Development: MEI offers an immer- and institutions around the world. respected, comprehensive, and online presence and outreach efforts. sive professional development up-to-date in the field of Middle East An official event celebrating the Oman experience through its internship The Middle East Journal: Our flagship studies. There are currently approx- Library’s opening is scheduled for program. The program is competitive: quarterly is the oldest peer-reviewed imately 30,000 subscribers to The mid-March, once the fountain in the MEI receives hundreds of applica- publication dedicated solely to the Middle East Journal. courtyard is complete. The Center for Art and Culture at MEI continues to elevate the voices of the region’s artists, writers, and filmmakers and offers a platform for inclusive dialogue about the role of art. The Center has earned a reputation in Washington, DC for unique programs introducing audiences to the Middle East’s vibrant arts scene and to the pressing social and political issues being addressed by the region’s artists.

MEI not only promotes the work of screenings at MEI and in partnership 48 young regional artists, but we connect with prominent institutions such as the 49 Center for Arts them with their American counter- Kennedy Center, the National Museum parts through programs, workshops, of Women in the Arts, American and Culture roundtable discussions, and events University’s Katzen Arts Center, that explore the role of art and artists Georgetown University, and others. Building bridges through artistic and cultural exchange in social change. MEI seeks to build connections between the creative MEI Gallery Opening The MEI Art communities in the U.S. and the region Gallery is the only gallery in the and pursue cultural exchanges. nation’s capital dedicated to showcas- Since the program’s inception ing contemporary art from the Middle in 2014, MEI has hosted dozens of East. With a focus that spans from exhibitions, musical and dance perfor- Morocco to Afghanistan, the gallery mances, poetry readings, and film supports Middle Eastern artists and fosters cross cultural dialogue. of memory, identity, war, recon- Barakeh, Anas AlBraehe, Tagreed “We want to provide a platform for struction, displacement, and a host Darghouth, Hassan Hajjaj, Fathi the Middle East’s leading and emerg- of other issues affecting the region Hassan, Susan Hefuna, Abdul Rahman ing artists to engage with US audiences at this critical time with sensitivity, Katanani, Youssef Nabil, Mahmoud and the local DC community,” said depth, beauty, and even humor,” said Obaidi, Khalil Rabbah, Raeda Saadeh, Kate Seelye, vice president for arts and Lyne Sneige, MEI’s director of arts and Batoul S’Himi and Sharif Waked.

culture at MEI. “With thoughtfully culture. “The diverse works on view The second exhibit of 2019, MEI Vice President for Arts, Culture, and Communications curated and accessible exhibitions, convey not only the challenges and Speaking Across Mountains, opened in Kate Seelye introduces the new art gallery and exhibition to Grand Opening guests. free talks and film screenings, it’s a problems facing the region, but also December and features nine contem- welcoming place for people to discover the incredible humanity, richness, and porary artists from Iraq, Syria and the region. a new perspective on the region and to resilience of its artists and people.” Turkey whose work offers audiences In an era of ongoing deep sectari- celebrate its rich culture.” Across various media, from painting a rare opportunity to connect with an and socioeconomic divides in the 50 and sculpture to installation and video, Kurdish voices and experiences beyond region, the Middle East’s museums 51 Event and Exhibits The inaugural the artists draw upon wide ranging the headlines. Through painting, are busy navigating a path from their exhibit, Arabicity | Ourouba, spans influences, such as pop culture, video, photography, and installation, traditional role as “mirror museums” two decades of contemporary art from folk art, sufi poetry, everyday found the artists reflect on themes that have of the West or archaeological centers the Arab world, curated by renowned objects and the global environmental long shaped the Kurdish experience, to a new goal: to bring people together London-based curator Rose Issa. The movement. Together the works in the such as displacement, exile, memory and engage in difficult conversations. show, which ran through November exhibition reveal the potential of art and gender, while giving voice to the The Middle East Institute co-hosted 22, featured seventeen leading artists to both explore personal, national, resilience of Kurdish communities in a panel with the Beirut Museum of who resist stereotyping, challenge the regional and international realities the face of decades of persecution. Art (BeMA) in April to discuss where perceived confines of their identity, and to transform subjective narratives Middle Eastern museums are hoping and reshape the parameters of their into universal ones. Featured artists Art and Culture in the Region The Art to go, as well as what challenges they artistic traditions. include Adel Abidin, Chant Avedissian, Gallery also serves to facilitate conver- might face along the way. NPR Art “The exhibition touches on themes Ayman Baalbaki, Said Baalbaki, Khaled sation about art and its evolving role in Desk Reporter Neda Ulaby moderated 52 53 54 55

Gallery patrons examine artwork from MEI’s first two exhibi- tions, “Arabicity | Ourouba” and “Speaking Across Mountains: Kurdish Artists in Dialogue.” “Arabicity,” curated by Rose Issa, featured 17 contemporary artists exploring various construc- tions of Arab identity. “Speaking Across Mountains” reflected on themes that have long shaped the Kurdish experience, such as displacement, exile, memory, and gender. a conversation between Glenn Lowry, examined.” He added that the region Field: A Journal of “I think recent form of protest culture director of the Museum of Modern Art is experiencing seismic shifts on its Cultural Inquiry), and there is through independent theatre, (MoMA), Taline Boladian, member cultural stage, moving awaying from Ayşe Öncü (Professor well hidden in Istanbul’s arts of the Association for the Promotion traditional centers such as Cairo and in the Department of a limit to scene, and executed by young and Exhibition of the Arts in Lebanon Damascus to Qatar and the United Arab Sociology, Sabancı what music active people: “independent (APEAL), and Peggy Loar, president Emirates. But even as Middle Eastern University). Lisel Hintz can do… initiatives [in the arts]… are of International Museum Planning museums have shifted their focus (Assistant Professor of I feel like highly heterogeneous, and they Consultants. Lowry opened the inward to celebrate the region’s own international relations my song define themselves as political. discussion by noting that museums — artists, Loar emphasized that these at John Hopkins SAIS) These independent initia- especially for contemporary art — are spaces are also trying to “globalize moderated the panel. somehow tives are a highly important one of the few platforms that are “still the local and localized the global.” Palaur uses his music as contribut- domain.” Political economy available for something like a civic Not only do curators want to bring art a platform for dissenting ed to the and the consolidation of the 56 57 discourse to occur, where opposing, from around the world to places like and socially concerned polariza- media since the mid-1990s often competing, and contradicto- Qatar, but they also want to export the viewpoints and hopes tion of the has radically changed the ry ideas and positions can be put on country’s own artistic achievements that his music can landscape for culture. Palaur the table, discussed, debated and and increase international under- change or emotion- country, noted the limits of empathy

Renowned London-based curator Rose Issa speaks to a standing of Qatari culture. ally touch people. so I’m not and action in art. “I think reporter about her exhibition “Arabicity | Ourouba.” The second panel at MEI’s Annual Kenan Sharpe added optimistic.” there is a limit to what music Turkey Conference investigated an academic perspec- can do… I feel like my song the political potential of art; on the tive on the origins of somehow contributed to the opportunities, modes, relevance, Turkish rap music in Germany and polarization of the country, so I’m not and power of art in an authoritari- explained how other genres have optimistic. […] The classical terms of an regime. On the panel were Sarp also had a history of expressing economics and politics do not work for Palaur (director and musician), Kenan dissenting and opposition opinions. our generation. The language does not Sharpe (Founder & Co-Editor, Blind Professor Öncü introduced the most represent us.” Board OF DONORS

$500,000-$1,000,000 Owl Cyber Defense Solutions Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain GOVERNORS QRC William Feldman Dugladze Zaal Total GardaWorld Richard A. Clarke Marjorie A. Adams James K. Holman Embassy of the United Arab Emirates Tresys Technology LLC Japan External Trade Organization Chairman Patrick Barry Louis R. Hughes Wedge Foundation (JETRO) Habib Kairouz Paul Salem Rand Beers Hunter Hunt President Thomas J. Campbell Robert Kapla Kettani Law Firm T. Gail Dady Anne Keiser $100,000-$499,999 $10,000-$24,999 Thomas Meurer Anthony C. Zinni Paula J. Dobriansky Deborah Lehr Marjorie Adams Rose Issa Projects Chairman Emeritus Nijad I. Fares Jack Moore Thomas Campbell American Chamber of Commerce/ Brian C. McK. Henderson Samia Farouki Richard W. Murphy Caliburn Holdings Egypt Vice Chairman Jeffrey Feltman George Salem DC Capital Partners Arnold & Porter LLP $1,000-$4,999 Robert Jordan VA Robert S. Harward, Jr. William H. Webster Saudi Aramco Rafic Bizri Sultan Alqassemi Vice Chairman George R. Hoguet Susan L. Ziadeh Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Rand Beers 58 Chevron Peter Curran 59 $50,000-$99,999 Richard Clarke Richard Debs Dentons US LLP Sara Elizabeth Dill Council on Foreign Relations Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman Ergo GIZ Joe Englehardt Jeffrey Feltman Michael Baker International Samia and A. Huda Farouki Joseph Hardiman Ploughshares Fund Stephanie Freid-Perenchio George Hoguet Rockefeller Brother Fund George and Rhonda Salem Family Robert Jordan World Bank Group Foundation David Mack Global Communities Phebe Marr international Hawkeye 360 Anne Patterson $25,000-$49,999 James K. Holman REQ Anne Keiser Daniel Serwer advisory council Brian C. McK. Henderson Occidental Petroleum Nicole Stephensen Chevron Paladin Capital Group SunTrust Wesley Bush Anwar Gargash James B. Smith Embassy of the State of Kuwait Michael Thomas George S. Corey Lee H. Hamilton Frank G. Wisner ExxonMobil University of Central Florida Ryan C. Crocker Hassan Al Kabbani Abbas “Eddy” Zuaiter Foundation for Middle East Peace $5,000-$9,999 Velox Global Services Richard A. Debs Daniel C. Kurtzer Hunt Oil American Task Force for Lebanon William Webster Shafik Gabr Thomas R. Pickering National Defense University DLA Piper LLP Molly Williamson Gary Feulner Suhaim Al-Thani Dennis Gormley Robert Lawrence Christopher Ross Philip Frayne Saad Alajmi Gordon Gray Andrew Ledford Ghassan Rubeiz Joe Gebeily Ibrahim Alassil Max Gross Colin Mackinnon William Rugh Lars Hanson Michael Albin George Gurvin Dr. Rafic Makki Wayne Rusch Ross Harrison Abdul Rahman Algdaia Behrooz Hadavi Warren Marik Anne Rutherford Frederic Hof Naser Alizadeh David Hale Lamia Matta Nadin Samaan Zubair Iqbal Daria Allen Aidan Hall Carolyn McIntyre Betty Sams Stanley Kober Najla Alqassemi Wafa Faith Hallam Robert Mertz Victoria Sams Cherie Loustaunau Cynthia Anthony Brad Hanson Aviva Meyer Robert Schafer Rita Maalouf Richard Arndt Victoria Harper Karim Mezran Andrew Scott Paul Martin Dina Asmaro William C. Harrop Jamal Middlebrooks Carl Shankweiler Eric Melby Paro Astourian Naofumi Hashimoto William Milam Charles Smith Christopher Murray Don Babai Syed Hasnat Raymond Millikin Christopher Solomon $500-$999 Greg Myre Mohamad Baharoon Amy Hawthorne William Monroe John Sotos Jo Ann Abraham Reem Najjar Sima Bakalian Caroline Hooper-Box Keith Morton Chris Stevenson Rend Al-Rahim Waleed Nassar Gregga Baxter Norman Howard Elisabeth Myers Cathy Sununu Patrick Barry Jason Pack Teresa Blank Ballah Howard Rachel Nagem Kathleen H Sutherland Chris Berardini Emily Pavlick Agostino Bono Michael Hudson Belkacem Nahi Victor S Terenzio William Pearson Patricia Pickard William Breer Paul Humler Polly Mary Nayak Patrick Theros Robert Pelletreau John Poole Gordon Brown Mohammed Ismaeel Robert Newman Nathan Wang 60 Wolfgang Pordzik Walter Posch James L Bullock Lydia Jabs John Nixon Sarah Ward 61 Kent Regens Francis Ricciardone Roberto Saverio Caponera Osama Jaradeh Kevin Nolan Scott Wayne Florence Romanov Harlan Rosacker Walter Casey Anne Jardine William Notz David Weiss Paul Skillern Justine Ann Ruggio David Christie Oliver John John O`Donnell Dorothy Wexler Randa Slim Michael Ryan Patrick Clawson Chris Johnson William Ochsenwald Wayne White University of Wisconsin-Madison George Salem Christelle Comair Fadi Jradi Richard Olson Sharon Wiener Kate Seelye Frances Cook Robert Kaneiss David Pearce Judith Yaphe $250-$499 Jean-Francois Seznec Elizabeth Crider Rania Kanj B J Perezvargas Rola Zaarour Jean Abinader Joseph Stanik Walter Cutler Ghassan Kanj Adam Perone Ronald Zwart Roby Barrett George Tannous Anne-Marie Daris Omer Karasapan Glenn Perry Susan Bastress Gerald Thompson Ambassador Paula Dobriansky Mark Katz E Candace Putnam Catherine Batruni Philip Wilcox David Dunford Joseph Kechichian Jomana Qaddour Jeffrey Birnbach Johnny Young Rana El-Amine Charles Kestenbaum Xuming Qian Lois Critchfield I William Zartman Moustapha El-Amine Shin Sook Kim Lee Caroline Quinn DiDi Cutler Susan Ziadeh Kail Ellis Rania Kort Eman Quotah Harriet Davis Joshua Emmott Rula Kort Jayaram Reddi Karen De Saint Phalle $100-$249 Williamson Evers Sharon Kotok Steve Riskin Dale Dean Ghalia Al Thani Shahrokh Fardoust Alan Kovski David Risley Leena El-Ali Sana Al-Hajj Robert Freedman Daniel Kurtzer John Robertson Gerald Feierstein Samir al-Taqi William Garvelink Lara Langley Christopher Robinson FINANCIALS Year Ending December 31, 2019 and 2018 * Numbers are pre-audit

ASSETS 2019 2018 CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents...... 301,604 ...... 488,082 Accounts receivable...... 133,536 ...... 138,351 Grants and contributions receivable...... 1,057,000 ...... 663,716 Prepaid expenses...... 56,912 ...... 195,376 Total Current Assets ...... $1,549,053 ...... $1,485,525 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET...... $15,080,572 ...... $9,242,791

62 OTHER ASSETS 63 Investments in board designated account...... 11,020,136 ...... 16,455,503 Investments for endowment...... 3,778,591 ...... 3,156,624 Investments in beneficial interest in perpetual trust...... 1,305,032 ...... 1,177,232 Total Other Assets...... 16,103,759 ...... 20,789,359 TOTAL ASSETS...... $32,733,383 ...... $31,517,676

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS CURRENT LIABILIITIES Accounts payable...... $438,412 ...... $821,898 Accrued expenses...... 146,082 ...... 72,788 Deferred revenue...... 986,265 ...... 495,509 TOTAL LIABILITIES ...... $1,570,758 ...... $1,390,195

NET ASSETS...... $31,162,626 ...... $30,127,481 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS...... $32,733,383 ...... $31,517,676 2019 2018 REVENUE AND SUPPORT Contributions...... $2,605,796.5 ...... $2,302,606.0 Grants...... 502,737 ...... 400,204 Membership Dues...... 32,555 ...... 29,885 Center For Policy Studies...... 587,435 ...... 557,727 Center for Education...... 297,253 ...... 313,786 Interest and dividens, net...... 494,609 ...... 526,119 Rental and other income...... 41,609 ...... 39,847 Net assets released from restrictions...... - ...... TOTAL REVENUE AND SUPPORT...... 4,561,994 ...... 4,170,174

EXPENSES

Program Services 64 Center for Policy Studies...... 3,166,091 ...... 2,972,191 65 Center for Arts and Culture...... 407,054 ...... 545,476 Center For Education...... 397,433 ...... 400,962 Communications...... 323,816 ...... 362,991 TOTAL PROGRAM SERVICES...... 4,294,394 ...... 4,281,620

Support Services Fundraising...... 624,703 ...... 516,771 General and administrative...... 612,770 ...... 645,485 Total Support Services...... 1,237,473 ...... 1,162,256

TOTAL EXPENSES...... 5,531,867 ...... 5,443,876 CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS...... (969,873)...... (1,273,702) OTHER CHANGES...... 2,005,288 ...... (1,066,775) CHANGE IN NET ASSETS...... 1,035,415 ...... (2,340,477) NET ASSETS, beginning of year...... 30,127,481 ...... 32,467,958 NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR...... 31,162,896 ...... 30,127,481 General Information [email protected] 2O2-785-1141

Classes [email protected] 66 2O2-785-271O

Events [email protected] 2O2-785-1141 x2O2

Development [email protected] 2O2-785-1141 x2O9

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