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Atlantic Council blogs provide short-form analyses from Council experts and a wider community of global voices on the world’s most important news stories.
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SouthAsiaSource

Aug 3, 2021

On the frontline: Protecting Afghanistan’s human rights defenders

By Atlantic Council

Despite being on the receiving end of threats, harassment, intimidation, violence, and assassinations, Afghanistan's human rights defenders continue to fight for the rights of Afghans. Join the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center for a discussion with some of Afghanistan’s leading human rights defenders and experts to explore what lies ahead for the activists who put their lives on the line to fight violence, impunity, and militancy.

Afghanistan Civil Society

UkraineAlert

Aug 3, 2021

The next hot food destination is Ukraine

By Melinda Haring

It's only a matter of time before foodies the world over discover these gems in Ukraine.

Civil Society Ukraine

MENASource

Aug 3, 2021

Event Recap: A conversation with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ali Allawi

By Hezha Barzani

On July 28, the Iraq Initiative hosted an event with H.E. Ali Allawi, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, to discuss the Iraqi delegation visit to the United States, the White Paper for Economic Reforms, and Iraqi economic and political developments.

Iraq Middle East

Feature

Aug 2, 2021

South Asia midyear pause: Taking stock of 2021

By South Asia Center

South Asia will face crucial issues like human security, regional stability, economic prosperity, and the pandemic in the remainder of 2021. How should we understand the region's prospects as we embark on the second half of the year? Our South Asia experts weigh in.

Afghanistan Bangladesh

IranSource

Aug 2, 2021

The ‘Balkanization’ of Iran is a fantasy. Here’s why.

By Raz Zimmt

Despite the profound differences between the various ethnic groups, Iran has existed as a separate political and cultural entity with a unique national identity for centuries, unlike most Arab nation-states, whose borders were shaped by Western powers after World War I.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Aug 2, 2021

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are economic frenemies. And that’s a good thing.

By Amjad Ahmad

Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have wisely made the economy the focal point of their strategies for the future, as evidenced by national policy changes and a reduction in foreign adventures. Ending the Qatar blockade, and opening a dialogue with adversarial neighbors like Iran and Turkey is linked to long-term economic ambitions.

Economy & Business Middle East

The future is here

Jul 31, 2021

The post-COVID world this week: We’re not in the clear yet, so here’s what to read while you wait

By Andrew R. Marshall

What can we expect from a post-COVID world after a pandemic that has reshaped international affairs? A world in which there are plenty of bookworms.

Coronavirus Education

New Atlanticist

Jul 30, 2021

How the New Atlantic Charter can save the free world

By Daniel Fried, Ash Jain

To succeed, the Biden administration must bring on board other US allies and establish new institutions to turn these principles into action.

International Norms International Organizations

Fast Thinking

Jul 30, 2021

FAST THINKING: Will Facebook’s anti-extremism efforts actually work?

By Rose Jackson, Jared Holt

Following the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, social-media platforms are under pressure to address the extremist content circulating on their sites. But what exactly should social media's role be in intervening against extremism?

Disinformation

IranSource

Jul 30, 2021

The grapes of Khuzestan’s wrath

By Nasser Karami

After decades of poor environmental governance and mismanagement of water resources in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province, it’s not surprising that people have taken to the streets once again since July 15, prompting a violent crackdown by security forces and near total internet shutdown.

Energy & Environment Iran