Heiko Wimmen

Heiko Wimmen

Project Director, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon

Crisis Group Role

Heiko Wimmen oversees Crisis Group’s Iraq/Syria/Lebanon project. Prior to joining Crisis Group, he was an associate researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin. He has also published with the Carnegie Middle East Center and MERIP, and recently oversaw an edited academic volume on Elite Change and New Social Mobilization in the Arab World.

Heiko, who is German, has lived in the region since 1994, mostly in Beirut where he currently resides.

Areas of Expertise

  • Domestic politics of Lebanon, Syrian civil war, post-war Iraq
  • Sectarianism and identity politics in the Middle East
  • Divided societies
  • Social movements and political activism
  • Civil society in post-conflict institution building
  • EU policies towards the Arab world

Professional Background

  • Fellow and research associate with German Institute for International and Security Affairs 2009-2015
  • Project manager and deputy director of the Beirut Office of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, 2004-2009
  • Professional fellow of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), 2002-2004
  • Independent Journalist and Broadcast Producer in Beirut, 1996-2002

Languages

  • German
  • English 
  • Arabic
  • French

In The News

14 Oct 2022
Israel and one of its neighbors [Lebanon] - a neighbor that doesn't officially recognize Israel - have come to a constructive solution for a conflict. And that's histor... DW

Heiko Wimmen

Project Director, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon
26 Jan 2022
It is in Hezbollah’s interest to have at least the outward appearance of a functioning political system [in Lebanon] where everyone is involved, including the Sunnis. Reuters

Heiko Wimmen

Project Director, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon
27 Dec 2021
I wouldn’t expect that Turkey would like to expand the zone it occupies in the northeast [of Syria]. A move like this will require a difficult conversation with the Russi... Syria Direct

Heiko Wimmen

Project Director, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon
12 Aug 2021
For a large part of the population [in Lebanon], electricity will become a luxury. Driving your car will become a luxury, too. Transportation will become a luxury. CNN

Heiko Wimmen

Project Director, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon
22 Aug 2020
Turkey is also one of the candidates to rebuild Beirut harbour. There is also a section within Lebanese society – amongst Sunni Muslims – who have some sympathy for Turke... Cyprus Mail

Heiko Wimmen

Project Director, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon
13 Aug 2020
The Lebanese state has been hollowed out by decades of corruption and patronage, and this has undermined due process and any sense of accountability. Voice of America

Heiko Wimmen

Project Director, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon

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