Center for Middle East Public Policy

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

Featured CMEPP Event

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

Daily Life in Afghanistan, Photo courtesy of Boston.com

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

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CMEPP in the NewsMore »

Ahmadinejad vs. the Revolutionary Guards — Jul 11, 2011

Khamenei and Jafari are unlikely to allow the political faction loyal to Ahmadinejad to win elections for parliament in 2012 and the presidency in 2013, writes Alireza Nader.

Obama on Afghanistan: Strategic Drawdown or Rush for the Door? — Jun 23, 2011

Most major plots and attacks, including 9/11 and 7/7, were directly linked to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. Travel there has been essential to improving bomb-making skills, receiving strategic and tactical guidance, and undergoing religious indoctrination, writes Seth Jones.

After bin Laden: The United States, Afghanistan, and Pakistan — Jun 16, 2011

On June 16, 2011, the RAND Corporation presented "After bin Laden: The United States, Afghanistan, and Pakistan" as part of its public outreach series in Santa Monica, California. The program featured senior political scientist Seth Jones, an expert on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and al Qa'ida who has worked abroad in conflict zones over the last several years.

Nurturing the Arab Spring: What Can Be Done to Remove Existing Barriers to Freedom of Expression in the Arab World? — Jun 13, 2011

In this June 2011 Congressional Briefing, RAND researchers discuss the growing body of creative works produced by Arab authors and artists that counter the intellectual and ideological underpinnings of violent extremism, factors that thwart the distribution of such works, and policy recommendations for overcoming those barriers.

Osama a Wizard of Illusion and Rhetoric — Jun 1, 2011

Bin Laden was chairman of the board, not CEO, using his moral authority to urge his tiny army forward, pointing out new ways to kill Americans, encouraging followers to think outside the typical terrorist playbook, writes Brian Michael Jenkins.

Glimpse of bin Laden Techniques in Captured Records of al-Qa'ida in Iraq — May 27, 2011

Captured financial documents of al-Qa'ida's Iraq affiliate in Anbar Province revealed its internal operations and enabled one of the most comprehensive assessments of an al-Qa'ida linked group, write Benjamin Bahney, Renny McPherson, and Howard J. Shatz.

How Might bin Laden's Demise Affect Business? — May 25, 2011

Given how markets are responding thus far, Osama Bin Laden's death is likely to have a modestly positive and buoyant effect on equity markets, writes Charles Wolf, Jr.

In Obama Speech, Will There Be Aid for Arab Spring Nations? — May 19, 2011

Assisting Arab democratic transitions will not eliminate religious extremism. But successful transitions would directly challenge the jihadist brands that promote attacks on America, writes Julie Taylor.

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Cover: An Economic Analysis of the Financial Records of al-Qa'ida in Iraq

An Economic Analysis of the Financial Records of al–Qa’ida in Iraq — 2010

This monograph analyzes the finances of the militant group al-Qa'ida in Iraq in Anbar province during 2005 and 2006, at the peak of the group's power and influence. The authors draw on captured financial documents that give details on the daily financial transactions of one specific sector within Anbar province and of the financial transactions of the AQI provincial administration.

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The al Qaeda-Inspired Terrorist Threat: An Appreciation of the Current Situation — 2010

Testimony presented before the Canadian Senate Special Committee on Anti-terrorism on December 6, 2010.

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Cover: Three Proposed Initiatives for Improving Mobility, Quality of Life, and Economic Growth in the West Bank

Three Proposed Initiatives for Improving Mobility, Quality of Life, and Economic Growth in the West Bank: A Visual Summary

Describes three demonstration projects based on the Arc, RAND's proposal for a sweeping infrastructure corridor linking urban centers, within and between the West Bank and Gaza.

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Cover: Whither Al-Anbar Province? Five Scenarios Through 2011

Whither Al-Anbar Province? Five Scenarios Through 2011 — 2010

Presents a discussion of likely scenarios for Iraq's al-Anbar Province over the course of the next three years.

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