The Islamic State is a terrorist state with almost all governing elements. ISIS rules today over a swath of land bigger than the United Kingdom, with a population of almost 10 million.
Latest articles from CIE
Israel in Context With Ken Stein — A CIE+ Webinar: Regional Effects of Iran War, Hamas CeasefireCIE+
The joint U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has expanded into extensive Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Oil prices have spiked. Iran’s regime is battered. Israel and Muslim states across the region are facing massive Iranian…
Objectives and Conclusions: U.S.-Israel-Iran War
While too much is unknown after a week of fighting to make definitive statements about the war, certain possible outcomes can be explored.
Explainer: Turkey-Israel Relations
Turkish-Israeli relations have swung between friendship and hostility since Turkey became the first Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel in 1949.
Bibliography: Modern Turkey and Turkey-Israel Relations
A collection of books and articles providing insights into the history and current situation of Turkey and its relations with Israel.
#156 Contemporary Readings, February 2026
Maya Rezak and Ken Stein, February 27, 2026 Hussain Abdul-Hussain, “Why Saudi Arabia is Turning Back to Islamism – and Against Israel,” Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, February 6, 2026. Al-Arabiya, (editorial) “The Crisis…
President Trump Announces Attack on Iran, February 2026CIE+
President Donald Trump announces Operation Epic Fury, the second U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs in eight months, and urges the Iranian people to overthrow their Islamic regime.
Prime Minister Netanyahu Announces Strike on Iran, February 2026CIE+
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces Operation Roaring Lion and briefly explains why Israel, with U.S. help, has attacked the nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities of Iran. He also encourages the Iranian people to topple their regime.
Board of Peace Inaugural Meeting, 2026: Hamas Disarms for Redevelopment, or Gaza Returns to WarCIE+
The first meeting of the Board of Peace convened under the Trump ceasefire for Gaza offers grand plans for reconstruction and a vibrant, peaceful future for Palestinians but depends on the disarmament of Hamas.
Stein: The Causes and Consequences of the 2023-2025 Hamas-Israel War (transcript)CIE+
CIE President Ken Stein addresses what is and what is not known about why Hamas attacked October 7, 2023, why Israel was caught off guard, and what happens after the war across the region.
