Salam Fayyad joins the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings as a distinguished fellow

The Brookings Institution announced today that Salam Fayyad, former prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, has joined the Center for Middle East Policy (CMEP) as a distinguished fellow. Fayyad brings to Brookings extensive expertise on the Middle East. Throughout his career, and especially in his leadership roles within the Palestinian Authority, Fayyad was known as a vigorous reformer, a tireless and highly effective public servant, and a champion of Palestinian empowerment and independence.

Fayyad joins a dynamic roster of CMEP experts providing policy-relevant research and analysis on timely issues that cover the critical challenges in the Middle East today. As a distinguished fellow, Fayyad will continue his important work to inform policy decisions that advance a more peaceful Middle East and enhance diplomatic efforts in the region.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Salam to the Brookings Institution. His preeminent leadership and decades of experience on critical Middle East issues will greatly enhance the work of our Center for Middle East Policy and provide a unique and important perspective for everyone at Brookings,” said Brookings President John Allen.

Bruce Jones, vice president and director of the Foreign Policy program, added, “I am thrilled Salam is joining the Foreign Policy program. During his tenure leading the Palestinian Authority, he made notable strides on economic, political, and state reforms, while affirming a principled and pragmatic commitment to Middle East peace. His insights from those lessons will add further depth and richness to our Middle East portfolio, which was also recently strengthened by the addition of Jeffrey Feltman as visiting fellow.”

Director of the Center for Middle East Policy Natan Sachs added: “We are honored and excited that Salam is joining the center. He is a passionate advocate of the Palestinian cause, the welfare of ordinary citizens, and the cause of Israeli-Palestinian peace. He brings with him both deep knowledge and a keen sense for practical-yet-bold policy. His experience and wisdom will be an asset to us all.”

Fayyad served as prime minister of the Palestinian Authority from 2007 to 2013. During his tenure, he oversaw extensive plans for state building through institutional reform and the modernization of public services. He previously served as the Palestinian Authority’s Finance Minister from 2002 to 2005 and from 2007 to 2012, and worked at the International Monetary Fund. Fayyad holds a PhD in economics from the University of Texas at Austin and is a graduate of St. Edward’s University and the American University of Beirut.

Since 2002, the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings has worked to chart the path to a Middle East at peace with itself and the world. Its scholars offer decades of experience in government and in the field. Through thoughtful in-depth research, expert exchanges, high-level events, peer-reviewed publications, media outreach and public engagement, the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings has solidified a reputation as the premiere independent policy research center working on the Middle East in Washington. Our scholars have produced a rich and diverse array of written products on such topics, including more than 33 monographs, 32 policy briefs and 16 books. Our experts bring keen insight and fresh perspectives to bear on the critical challenges facing the Middle East today, and on the choices facing American and regional decision makers

For more information, please contact Anna Newby, Managing Editor of the Foreign Policy Program, [email protected], 202-797-6083.