Project on Middle East Democracy

The Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., that works to advance democratic governance, human rights, and civic participation across the Middle East and North Africa. Founded in 2006, POMED operates as a research and advocacy institution rather than a commercial enterprise, but it functions as a branded policy platform with a distinct identity, publications, and public profile. Its work centers on producing analysis, convening policymakers, and pressing the U.S. government and international actors to adopt policies that support democratic reform in the region. POMED's activities include policy briefs, reports, congressional testimony, and public events that connect regional experts, activists, and U.S. officials. The organization is known for its annual flagship publication, the "Middle East Democracy Index," which assesses political freedoms and reform trajectories across countries in the region. It also maintains a network of fellows and contributors and engages in direct advocacy with the U.S. Congress and executive branch agencies. As a nonprofit, POMED is funded through grants and donations from foundations and individuals rather than commercial sales. Its brand is associated with independent, evidence-based analysis and a reform-oriented perspective on U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and its primary operating market is the United States, with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa as its subject region.

The Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) was founded in 2006 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. It emerged during a period of heightened U.S. engagement in the Middle East and sought to provide a dedicated voice for democracy and human rights concerns in U.S. policy debates. From its early years, POMED distinguished itself by combining rigorous research with direct advocacy, aiming to influence both public discourse and concrete policy decisions. POMED's work has included producing policy briefs and reports, hosting events that bring together regional experts and U.S. policymakers, and engaging with Congress and the executive branch. The organization is particularly known for its annual "Middle East Democracy Index," which evaluates the state of political freedoms and reform across countries in the region. This publication has become a reference point for journalists, analysts, and officials seeking a comparative overview of democratic trends. Over the years, POMED has expanded its network of fellows and contributors and has maintained a consistent focus on supporting democratic reformers and civil society actors in the Middle East and North Africa. While it is not a commercial brand, it operates as a branded policy platform with a recognizable identity, publications, and public profile. Its funding comes from foundations and individual donors, and it remains headquartered in Washington, D.C.

• 2006

  Project on Middle East Democracy founded in Washington, D.C.

Nonpartisan policy research and advocacy organization focused on democracy and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa.

• Middle East Democracy Index

  Annual publication assessing political freedoms and reform across Middle East and North Africa countries.

• Policy briefs and reports

  Analysis and recommendations on U.S. policy toward the Middle East.

1. 1Project on Middle East Democracywikidata.org