The Middle East Policy Council: Difference between revisions
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==Perspective from Iran== | ==Perspective from Iran== | ||
From Iran’s perspective, MEPC is viewed as a U.S.-centric think tank that shapes and reflects American policy debates about the Middle East, including issues related to Iran’s regional role, security concerns, and U.S.-Iran relations. While MEPC provides a platform for dialogue and analysis, its funding ties and leadership backgrounds reflect U.S. establishment and, at times, Gulf Arab interests. This context is important for Iranian policymakers and analysts, who may see MEPC’s outputs as influential in Washington but potentially aligned with U.S. and allied regional priorities rather than those of Iran (Middle East Policy Council, n.d.-d)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (n.d.-d). Iran's 20-Year Economic Perspective: Promises and Pitfalls. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://mepc.org/essays/irans-20-year-economic-perspective-promises-and-pitfalls/</ref>. | From Iran’s perspective, MEPC is viewed as a U.S.-centric think tank that shapes and reflects American policy debates about the Middle East, including issues related to Iran’s regional role, security concerns, and U.S.-Iran relations. While MEPC provides a platform for dialogue and analysis, its funding ties and leadership backgrounds reflect U.S. establishment and, at times, Gulf Arab interests. This context is important for Iranian policymakers and analysts, who may see MEPC’s outputs as influential in Washington but potentially aligned with U.S. and allied regional priorities rather than those of Iran (Middle East Policy Council, n.d.-d)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (n.d.-d). Iran's 20-Year Economic Perspective: Promises and Pitfalls. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://mepc.org/essays/irans-20-year-economic-perspective-promises-and-pitfalls/</ref>. | ||
==References== |
Revision as of 14:31, 20 May 2025
The Middle East Policy Council (MEPC) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on producing analysis and commentary related to U.S. national interests and policy in the Middle East. Its mission is to expand public discussion and understanding of issues affecting U.S. policy in the region, including topics that directly or indirectly impact Iran and its relations with neighboring countries and the United States (Middle East Policy Council, n.d.-a)[1].
Location
MEPC is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Its official mailing address is:
- P.O. Box 33877, Washington, D.C. 20033
- Phone: (202) 476-9649
- Fax: (202) 296-5791
(Middle East Policy Council, n.d.-b)[2]
History and Establishment
The Council was established in 1981, initially under the name American-Arab Affairs Council. It was co-founded by journalist Richard Curtiss and American diplomat George Naifeh. The organization adopted its current name, Middle East Policy Council, as it broadened its focus to encompass a wider range of Middle Eastern policy issues (Middle East Policy Council, n.d.-a)[3].
Key Historical Leadership
- Richard Curtiss: Co-founder; also founded the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs.
- George Naifeh: Co-founder and first president until 1991.
- George McGovern: President from 1991 to 1997.
- Charles W. Freeman Jr.: President from 1997 to 2009.
- Frank Anderson: President from 2009 to 2012, with a background in the CIA and extensive experience in the Middle East.
- Ford M. Fraker: President in late 2013.
- Richard J. Schmierer: Elected president in 2017
(Middle East Policy Council, n.d.-a[4]; Middle East Policy Council, 2025)[5].
Financial Sponsors
MEPC has received funding from various sources, including significant donations from Saudi Arabia. For example, in 2007, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud donated $1 million to the Council for future projects. The organization’s financial disclosures showed total receipts of $731,000 in 2007. The Council has faced criticism and scrutiny regarding its funding sources, particularly from those concerned about foreign influence on U.S. policy debates (Middle East Policy Council, n.d.-a)[6].
Website and Contact Information
- Website: mepc.org
- Contact Form and Details: Available on the website, or by mail and phone as listed above (Middle East Policy Council, n.d.-b)[7].
Board and Leadership
The current leadership includes:
- Richard J. Schmierer: Chairman of the Board; former U.S. Ambassador to Oman.
- Ms. Anne Joyce: Vice President and long-serving editor of the Council’s journal, Middle East Policy.
- Ms. Bassima Alghussein: Executive Director since 2021, with a background in international relations and government affairs.
- Other board members include entrepreneurs, scholars, and regional experts, some with direct experience in Middle Eastern affairs (Middle East Policy Council, n.d.-c[8]; Middle East Policy Council, 2025)[9].
Perspective from Iran
From Iran’s perspective, MEPC is viewed as a U.S.-centric think tank that shapes and reflects American policy debates about the Middle East, including issues related to Iran’s regional role, security concerns, and U.S.-Iran relations. While MEPC provides a platform for dialogue and analysis, its funding ties and leadership backgrounds reflect U.S. establishment and, at times, Gulf Arab interests. This context is important for Iranian policymakers and analysts, who may see MEPC’s outputs as influential in Washington but potentially aligned with U.S. and allied regional priorities rather than those of Iran (Middle East Policy Council, n.d.-d)[10].
References
- ↑ Middle East Policy Council. (n.d.-a). Middle East Policy Council. In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_Policy_Council
- ↑ Middle East Policy Council. (n.d.-b). Contact. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://mepc.org/contact/
- ↑ Middle East Policy Council. (n.d.-a). Middle East Policy Council. In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_Policy_Council
- ↑ Middle East Policy Council. (n.d.-a). Middle East Policy Council. In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_Policy_Council
- ↑ Middle East Policy Council. (2025, January 10). Our Leadership. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://mepc.org/our-leadership/
- ↑ Middle East Policy Council. (n.d.-a). Middle East Policy Council. In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_Policy_Council
- ↑ Middle East Policy Council. (n.d.-b). Contact. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://mepc.org/contact/
- ↑ Middle East Policy Council. (n.d.-c). Board of Directors. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://web.archive.org/web/20220701054047/https:/mepc.org/board-directors
- ↑ Middle East Policy Council. (2025, January 10). Our Leadership. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://mepc.org/our-leadership/
- ↑ Middle East Policy Council. (n.d.-d). Iran's 20-Year Economic Perspective: Promises and Pitfalls. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://mepc.org/essays/irans-20-year-economic-perspective-promises-and-pitfalls/