Washington Institute for Near East Policy

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The Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP) was founded in 1985 by Martin Indyk, a former research director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee who later became United States ambassador to Israel. WINEP is one of the most influential think tanks concerning US Middle East policy.

According to its mission statement, it was "established to advance a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East. Under the guidance of a distinguished and bipartisan Board of Advisors, the Institute seeks to bring scholarship to bear on the making of U.S. policy in this vital region of the world. Drawing on the research of its scholars and the experience of policy practitioners, the Institute promotes an American engagement in the Middle East committed to strengthening alliances, nurturing friendships, and promoting security, peace, prosperity, and democracy for the people of the region."

As of 2006, it is led by Executive Director Robert Satloff. Several current and former members of WINEP have served in senior positions in the administrations of Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Members of its Board of Advisors include Warren Christopher, Lawrence S. Eagleburger, Alexander Haig, Max Kampelman, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Samuel W. Lewis, Edward Luttwak, Michael Mandelbaum, Robert McFarlane, Martin Peretz, Richard Perle, James Roche, George P. Shultz, R. James Woolsey, and Mortimer Zuckerman.<ref>WINEP: About Us Paul Wolfowitz resigned from the board in 2001 upon entering government service, but his name remains on the Institute's website</ref>