Daniel Pipes

Daniel Pipes, a recognized authority on foreign policy, the Middle East, and the role of Islam in public life, earned his Ph.D. in medieval Islamic history from Harvard University in 1978. Following his doctoral studies, Pipes began a distinguished academic career, teaching world history at the University of Chicago from 1978 to 1982, and subsequently history at Harvard from 1983 to 1984. He further broadened his expertise by teaching policy and strategy at the U.S.

That same year, he launched Campus Watch, an initiative of the Middle East Forum. His expertise was further acknowledged in 2003 when President George W. Bush nominated him to the board of the United States Institute of Peace, where he served through 2005. During this period, he also received an honorary doctorate from Yeshiva University in 2003.

Expanding MEF’s reach, he launched The Legal Project in 2005 and Islamist Watch in 2006. His commitment to the region was honored with the Guardian of Zion Award in 2006. Pipes also held a visiting professorship at Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy in 2007, and has contributed articles to major publications including ‘The New York Times’ and ‘The Wall Street Journal.’ In 2009, Pipes launched the Washington Project, further solidifying the Middle East Forum’s influence on policy discussions. Throughout his career, he has authored a total of sixteen books, establishing himself as a leading commentator on global affairs.

His work consistently emphasizes the critical analysis of the political and cultural dynamics of the Islamic world, informing public discourse and policy debates on critical issues.