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, previously research director of the leading pro-Israel lobby, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac). WINEP quickly became one of the most influential think tanks concerning US Middle East policy. While it was at first most supportive of Israel's Labour party, it became closer to the right-wing Likud party led by Ariel Sharon.

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."

Members of its Board of Advisors include Richard Perle, Paul Wolfowitz, Warren Christopher, Lawrence S. Eagleburger, Alexander Haig, Max M. 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.[WINEP: About Us]

As of 2006, it is led by Executive Director Robert Satloff. Several members of WINEP have entered the administration of Bush Sr, others the Clinton administration and many the Bush administration.

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