American Committee for Middle East Rights

08/20/2026

Across the country, voters are fed up with the foreign policy status quo and have been sending a clear message: they want leaders who will stand up for human rights and democratic values.

Congratulations to ACMER MERIT PAC endorsed candidates — Connie Chan, Darializa Avila Chevalier, Abdul El-Sayed, Peggy Flanagan, Adam Hamawy, Brad Lander, Donavan McKinney, Tom Perriello, Chris Rabb, Claire Valdez, and Randy Villegas — on your primary victories! We’re proud to stand with you, and are ready to send you to Washington in November.

08/12/2026

US military aid to Israel has become increasingly unpopular among Americans, so Netanyahu & his allies are pitching “co-production” — or more accurately, “cooperative defense projects” — as a replacement.

But these projects aren’t new. Since the late 80s, the US has provided over $16 billion, nearly all of which has gone to Israeli weapons systems, not US arms & capabilities.

Our new brief with the Center for Civilians in Conflict and the Stimson Center breaks down what these projects are, the legal authorities behind them, and the risks.

The real alternative to unconditional aid isn't "co-production" — it's ending unconditional aid and fully phasing out US military support to Israel.

Read it here:

In the United States, a growing number of legislators are challenging the value and purpose of continuing traditional military aid to Israel. The

08/12/2026

🗣️ We’re looking for the next generation of MENA foreign policy and human rights leaders — and applications are now open for ACMER Foundation’s Spring 2027 Leadership Development Program, a paid internship placing participants in congressional offices and NGOs working on foreign policy, human rights, and national security.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The priority deadline is September 13, 2026. Learn more and apply at the

08/04/2026

Elon Musk's X has become the latest American tech company to bow to Saudi authorities — following Snapchat and Meta's Facebook and Instagram — by censoring dissidents' accounts inside the kingdom.

“[W]e were fighting tyrants back home and now we’re fighting tyrants and their cronies here where we are in exile," ACMER's
Abdullah Alaoudh told the Guardian.

"It's censorship – and what's even worse is that they did not say we violated X's rules or Meta's rules."

Read more:

Exclusive: More than 60 accounts on X have been made unavailable in Saudi Arabia, after similar action on Snapchat and Facebook

08/03/2026

Are you passionate about electing human rights champions? We’re hiring a political intern!

At ACMER, you'll help research competitive 2026 Senate & House races, dig into candidates’ MENA policy positions, support our PAC’s endorsement process, and more. This role is ideal for an undergraduate or graduate student who is genuinely excited about electoral politics, brings strong research and writing skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

📍Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid)
🗓️ Dates: September–November 2026
Compensation: $20/hr, 15 hrs/week
🚨Deadline to apply: August 17, 2026

Learn more and apply here: https://form.jotform.com/262095764377166

06/26/2026

Read our new report at the .

05/29/2026

Washington is in the middle of a rare and long-overdue debate about whether U.S. military aid actually serves U.S. interests. From Sen. Lindsey Graham to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, lawmakers have recently called—to varying degrees—for the end of U.S. aid to Israel, forcing a reckoning with how the United States uses military assistance as a foreign-policy tool.

But Israel is not the only relationship that deserves scrutiny. Egypt has received $1.3 billion in U.S. military financing every year—and has for nearly four decades—despite bribing a U.S. senator, imprisoning Americans, and ranking among the world’s worst human rights abusers.

If the U.S. Congress is finally asking the hard questions about what U.S. military dollars buy, then Egypt belongs in that conversation.

In a new piece in Foreign Policy, ACMER's Executive Director Kristina Biyad and Director of Policy and Government Relations Seth Binder argue for an end to U.S. military aid to Egypt. Read the piece:

Israel is not the only relationship that deserves scrutiny from Congress.

05/16/2026

🗣️Are you an undergraduate student or recent graduate passionate about MENA human rights and foreign policy? We're now accepting applications for our Leadership Development Program Fall 2026 Internship.

ACMER’s Leadership Development Program places interns in congressional offices and NGOs working on foreign policy, human rights, and national security. Students receive hands-on experience and direct exposure to the policymaking processes that define U.S. foreign policy. Alongside their placements, ACMER offers structured professional development sessions and networking events designed to strengthen leadership skills and expand professional networks.

More Details
🔹Location: Washington, D.C.
🔹Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The priority deadline is May 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.
🔹Compensation: $5,000 stipend

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of Middle Eastern and North African descent, as well as those with a demonstrated interest in MENA-related foreign policy, human rights, and national security.

Learn more and apply here: acmer.us/ldp

04/29/2026

📢 We're excited to announce two new opportunities: The Leadership Development Program 2026-2027 Fellowship and the Fall 2026 Internship.

Our Leadership Development Program places participants in congressional offices and NGOs working on foreign policy, human rights, and national security. Students receive hands-on experience and direct exposure to the policymaking processes that define U.S. foreign policy.

About the programs:

2026-2027 FELLOWSHIP: A nine-month paid fellowship for graduate students, law students, or those who have recently finished a graduate program. Fellows are placed in congressional offices to gain direct insight into the legislative and advocacy processes that drive U.S. foreign policy. The program is designed to support policy specialization and post-graduate career placement, preparing fellows to pursue mid- to senior-level positions on Capitol Hill and within NGOs, and cultivate the next generation of policy and advocacy leaders.

FALL 2026 INTERNSHIP: A paid internship for undergraduate students and recent graduates. Interns are placed in congressional offices or NGOs focusing on foreign policy, human rights, and national security. The program aims to equip students with the tools and connections needed to launch careers on Capitol Hill and in the broader policy and advocacy community.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent, as well as those with a demonstrated interest in MENA-related foreign policy, human rights, and national security.

Learn more about both opportunities and apply here 👉 acmer.us/ldp

04/17/2026

🚨Don't forget: The priority deadline to apply for the ACMER Leadership Development Program's summer internship is this Sunday, April 19.

The Leadership Development Program places participants in congressional offices and NGOs working on foreign policy, human rights, and national security, offering hands-on experience and direct exposure to the policymaking processes that define U.S. foreign policy.

For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit:

The ACMER Leadership Development Program provides undergraduate students and emerging professionals with hands-on experience in Congressional offices and advocacy organizations.