US-Iranian Engagement - Working Paper (Image: USIP)
June 2009 | Working Paper by Daniel Brumberg and Eriks Berzins

On February 23, 2009, the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), together with the United Nations Association-USA and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, held a roundtable discussion among top Middle East experts and former United States Government officials. Held at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars, the meeting’s purpose was to discuss prospects for creating a diplomatic framework through which the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran can address issues of common concern in the Middle East and South Asia, and in so doing, advance an engagement dynamic that might eventually open the doors for rapprochement between the two countries.

Countries: Iran | Issue Areas: Religion and Peacemaking
News coverage of President Barack Obama's message to the people of Iran plays on televisions displayed in a store in Manam, Bahrain, on Friday, March 20, 2009. Invoking art, history and "the common humanity that binds us," Obama offered a "new day" in Ame
April 2009 | On the Issues by Daniel Brumberg

Daniel Brumberg, acting director of USIP's Muslim World Initiative, discusses the recent meeting between senior U.S. officials and Iranian diplomats during an international conference at the Hague on March 31. This meeting represents the Obama administration's biggest step so far to reestablish dialogue with the Islamic Republic after 30 years of hostility.

Countries: Iran, United States | Issue Areas: Negotiation and Diplomacy
Credit: File Photo
February 2009

The recent war in Gaza has again underscored the tensions involved in brokering sustainable peace in the Middle East. USIP has actively explored the critical role neighboring countries in the Middle East play in the success of creating peace throughout the region. In this "On the Issues," USIP presents a collection of resources and tools about the role of Syria in peacebuilding efforts. Building upon the foundation started in 2005 with the Syrian Working Group, USIP has held a number of recent events, activities, and programs resulting the development of some recent resources.

May 2008 | Peace Brief by Kelly Campbell

The surprising success of Iran's "third way" movement in the March 2008 parliamentary elections may pose a significant challenge in the country's 2009 presidential election.

Countries: Iran
June 2007 | Congressional Testimony by Suzanne Maloney

Briefing before the bipartisan Congressional briefing series sponsored by Congressmen Howard Berman (D-CA) and Chris Shays (R-CT) on the rising tensions in U.S.-Iran relations over Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Iran’s nuclear ambitions featuring Suzanne Maloney, co-chair of USIP’s Iran Policy Forum, and the International Crisis Group.

Countries: Iran, United States | Issue Areas: Negotiation and Diplomacy
May 2007 | Peace Brief by Kelly Campbell

Western policy toward Iran relies heavily on economic pressure, and Iran's political trajectory is shaped in large part by its economic prospects and constraints. What is the state of the Iranian economy? The Iran Policy Forum tackled this question in their latest meeting.

Countries: Iran | Issue Areas: Economics and Conflict
April 2007 | Peace Brief by Hesham Sallam, Andrew Mandelbaum, and Robert Grace

Iran’s recent detention of 15 British sailors and marines has exacerbated tensions between the United States and Iran. With relations already strained due to Iran's activities in Iraq and its nuclear ambitions, understanding Iran's power structure and decision-making processes has become increasingly important.

Countries: Iran