The Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (jiss.org.il) and TRENDS Research and Advisory of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (trendsresearch.org) have agreed to cooperate on several key programs to bring about a better understanding of the Middle East.

This includes the monitoring of radical Islam, Turkish encroachment, Iranian influence, and other regional crises. The two think tanks will combine forces to propose to Washington ways of strengthening Western partnerships in the Middle East, as well. Experts from the two institutes will conduct joint research, publication, and conference projects.

“This focused policy-relevant cooperation is based on the vision of ‘Abraham Accords’ for a bright future of Arab-Israeli cooperation in the region,” said Prof. Efraim Inbar, president of JISS. “We hope to develop robust policy recommendations for greater stability and better national security in the region, which we share,” adds Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, Director-General of TRENDS. “Our common goal is solidifying the peace in the region.”

The two think tank directors signed a formal “Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation” on October 6, 2020 and have since begun to flesh-out the research partnership.

Established in Israel 2017, JISS offers security expertise for a strong Israel. The institute provides counsel to the highest echelons of Israeli government and trains the next generation of Israeli national security specialists. It educates the public at large and highlights the importance of united Jerusalem to Israel’s destiny and defense.

Established in Abu Dhabi in 2014, TRENDS Research & Advisory is focused on exploring future strategic, economic, and political challenges in the Arabian Gulf, the Middle East, and around the world. Its areas of specialty are the military, terrorism, extremism and political violence, space, and sustainable development.