The Middle East Policy Council: Difference between revisions

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==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>.

==Prominent Research Figures==

The Middle East Policy Council (MEPC) includes leading experts such as Dr. Dania Thafer, who specializes in Gulf security and U.S.-Gulf relations, and Sina Toossi, an authority on U.S.-Iran relations and nuclear policy. Ambassador Richard J. Schmierer, the current president, is recognized for his work on Iran’s regional influence and U.S. policy in the Middle East. Other notable contributors include Clayton Thomas, Hadeil Ali, and Prof. Sabs Quereshi, each bringing expertise in Middle Eastern affairs, diversity, and humanitarian policy (Middle East Policy Council, 2024a)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (2024a). 2024 40 Under 40 Awards. https://mepc.org/commentaries/2024-40-under-40-awards/</ref>.

==Key Fields of Concentration (Research)==

MEPC’s research focuses on U.S. policy in the Middle East, with particular attention to Iran, the Gulf region, and the broader Islamic world. Key areas include security and political economy, sectarian dynamics (such as the Sunni-Shia divide), regional rivalries, energy security, counterterrorism, and human rights. The organization’s Capitol Hill Conference Series addresses topics like U.S.-Iran confrontation and regional alliances (Middle East Policy Council, 2024a)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (2024a). 2024 40 Under 40 Awards. https://mepc.org/commentaries/2024-40-under-40-awards/</ref>.

==Relations to the Islamic World==

MEPC maintains a comprehensive focus on the Islamic world, especially Iran’s role as a Shi’a leader and its rivalry with Sunni powers. The Council has hosted conferences and published analyses on U.S.-Iran relations, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and Iran’s involvement in regional conflicts. MEPC’s programming includes dialogue on interfaith and Sunni-Shia relations, aiming to promote tolerance and reduce sectarian conflict (Middle East Policy Council, 2024b)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (2024b). Iran - Middle East Policy Council. https://mepc.org/hill-forums/iran/</ref>.

==Publishing/Significant Reports and Impacts==

MEPC publishes the quarterly journal Middle East Policy, regarded as one of the most cited publications on Middle Eastern affairs since 1982. The journal covers security, diplomacy, and economic topics relevant to Iran and the region. The Council’s Breaking Analysis series and Capitol Hill Conferences provide accessible analysis for policymakers and the public. Notable publications include symposiums on regional security and articles like “Iran and the SCO: The Quest for Legitimacy and Regime Preservation” (Middle East Policy Council, 2024c)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (2024c). New Middle East Policy Articles Free to Read. https://mepc.org/commentaries/new-middle-east-policy-articles-free-read/</ref>.

==Partnerships from Iran’s Perspective==

From Iran’s perspective, MEPC engages with a wide range of regional actors through analysis and dialogue, rather than direct institutional partnerships. The Council invites Iranian perspectives to its forums and publishes works by Iranian scholars and policymakers, fostering dialogue on issues such as the JCPOA and regional security. MEPC’s approach emphasizes mutual understanding and the exploration of cooperative frameworks involving Iran, its neighbors, and global powers (Middle East Policy Council, 2024d)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (2024d). Reimagining Relations with Iran. https://mepc.org/speeches/reimagining-relations-iran/</ref>.

==References==

@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 ==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>.
+==Prominent Research Figures==
+The Middle East Policy Council (MEPC) includes leading experts such as Dr. Dania Thafer, who specializes in Gulf security and U.S.-Gulf relations, and Sina Toossi, an authority on U.S.-Iran relations and nuclear policy. Ambassador Richard J. Schmierer, the current president, is recognized for his work on Iran’s regional influence and U.S. policy in the Middle East. Other notable contributors include Clayton Thomas, Hadeil Ali, and Prof. Sabs Quereshi, each bringing expertise in Middle Eastern affairs, diversity, and humanitarian policy (Middle East Policy Council, 2024a)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (2024a). 2024 40 Under 40 Awards. https://mepc.org/commentaries/2024-40-under-40-awards/</ref>.
+==Key Fields of Concentration (Research)==
+MEPC’s research focuses on U.S. policy in the Middle East, with particular attention to Iran, the Gulf region, and the broader Islamic world. Key areas include security and political economy, sectarian dynamics (such as the Sunni-Shia divide), regional rivalries, energy security, counterterrorism, and human rights. The organization’s Capitol Hill Conference Series addresses topics like U.S.-Iran confrontation and regional alliances (Middle East Policy Council, 2024a)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (2024a). 2024 40 Under 40 Awards. https://mepc.org/commentaries/2024-40-under-40-awards/</ref>.
+==Relations to the Islamic World==
+MEPC maintains a comprehensive focus on the Islamic world, especially Iran’s role as a Shi’a leader and its rivalry with Sunni powers. The Council has hosted conferences and published analyses on U.S.-Iran relations, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and Iran’s involvement in regional conflicts. MEPC’s programming includes dialogue on interfaith and Sunni-Shia relations, aiming to promote tolerance and reduce sectarian conflict (Middle East Policy Council, 2024b)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (2024b). Iran - Middle East Policy Council. https://mepc.org/hill-forums/iran/</ref>.
+==Publishing/Significant Reports and Impacts==
+MEPC publishes the quarterly journal Middle East Policy, regarded as one of the most cited publications on Middle Eastern affairs since 1982. The journal covers security, diplomacy, and economic topics relevant to Iran and the region. The Council’s Breaking Analysis series and Capitol Hill Conferences provide accessible analysis for policymakers and the public. Notable publications include symposiums on regional security and articles like “Iran and the SCO: The Quest for Legitimacy and Regime Preservation” (Middle East Policy Council, 2024c)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (2024c). New Middle East Policy Articles Free to Read. https://mepc.org/commentaries/new-middle-east-policy-articles-free-read/</ref>.
+==Partnerships from Iran’s Perspective==
+From Iran’s perspective, MEPC engages with a wide range of regional actors through analysis and dialogue, rather than direct institutional partnerships. The Council invites Iranian perspectives to its forums and publishes works by Iranian scholars and policymakers, fostering dialogue on issues such as the JCPOA and regional security. MEPC’s approach emphasizes mutual understanding and the exploration of cooperative frameworks involving Iran, its neighbors, and global powers (Middle East Policy Council, 2024d)<ref>Middle East Policy Council. (2024d). Reimagining Relations with Iran. https://mepc.org/speeches/reimagining-relations-iran/</ref>.
 ==References==