MENASource brings you up-close to a region at the epicenter of geo-political headlines. It is the Atlantic Council’s hub for in-depth commentary about breaking news, key topics, and trends from our team of experts on the Middle East and North Africa.

The views expressed in MENASource are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the Atlantic Council, its staff, or its supporters.

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Libya is Now Beyond Any Easy Solutions

MENASource
Jan 14, 2026

Voices from Iran: As rejection of government reaches all-time high, Iranians also wary of foreign intervention

If Trump is serious about peace, stability, and a lasting legacy, the path forward does not run through air strikes or transactional deals with a failing theocracy.

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Libya is Now Beyond Any Easy Solutions

MENASource
Jan 13, 2026

Eight questions (and expert answers) on the SDF’s withdrawal from Syria’s Aleppo

By
Atlantic Council experts

Our experts unpack why violence erupted, what it means for Kurdish safety and integration in Syria, and how Washington is engaging.

Civil Society
Conflict

Libya is Now Beyond Any Easy Solutions

MENASource
Jan 12, 2026

The Venezuela-Iran connection and what Maduro’s capture means for Tehran, explained 

By
Joze Pelayo, Kirsten Fontenrose, Ellie Sennett 

Our experts break down Iran’s ties to Venezuela and the impact Maduro’s capture could have on Tehran’s interests in and outside of its own borders. 

Iran
Oil and Gas

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Content

MENASource

Feb 19, 2015

Libya is Now Beyond Any Easy Solutions

By Hafed Al-Ghwell

On February 17, Libya marked four years since the uprising that toppled Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, and ignited the country’s civil war. The war that began as a fight between two camps — Gaddafi and his supporters against other Libyans who were determined to topple him with the help of Nato forces — is now a […]

Libya

MENASource

Feb 18, 2015

Iraq’s National Guard and the Perils of Decentralization

By Adam Simpson

Iraq’s Council of Ministers promulgated a long-gestating law to create a National Guard on February 3. The proposal would create local fighting forces comprised of militias answerable to respective provincial governments and the prime minister.

Iraq

MENASource

Feb 18, 2015

The Debate over Gamal Mubarak

By Sonia Farid

The release of Alaa and Gamal Mubarak was seen as a staggering blow to the January 25 Revolution by its supporters. While the Mubarak brothers were released on bail in accordance with article 143 of the Criminal Procedures Law, which states that preventive detention should not exceed 18 months, the uneasiness with which the ruling […]

North Africa

MENASource

Feb 18, 2015

Top News: Western Powers Stress Need for ‘Political Solution’ in Libya; US Respects Egypt’s Decision to Defend Itself

By EgyptSource

Western powers stressed on Tuesday the need for a political solution to the crisis in Libya, apparently distancing themselves from calls by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for military intervention in the north African state.

MENASource

Feb 18, 2015

Top News: Italy Warns of Libya Threat as Pressure for Action Grows

By MENASource

Italy called for urgent international action to halt Libya’s slide into chaos and said it was ready to help monitor a ceasefire and train local armed forces. The UN Security Council is set to meet today to discuss the violence and a growing fear of local Libyan militias allying themselves with the Islamic State.

MENASource

Feb 17, 2015

Strong Egypt: A Party in the Middle

By Jayson Casper

On an uncontested electoral list at the Strong Egypt Party’s first general conference on February 13, Abdel Moneim Aboul-Fotouh was confirmed as president along with his running mate for general-secretary, Ahmed Fawzi. But this was the least remarkable event of the day. Their acceptance speeches set the tone for the controversy to follow.

North Africa

MENASource

Feb 17, 2015

Syria: Is Assad Crucial to Defusing the Conflict?

By Frederic C. Hof

In a word: yes. Bashar al-Assad is absolutely crucial to defusing the conflict in Syria. United Nations Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura attracted considerable controversy and criticism for having stated the obvious.

Syria

MENASource

Feb 17, 2015

Top News: Egypt Conducts Airstrikes in Libya; Sisi Calls for UN-Backed Coalition

By EgyptSource

The Egyptian army announced in a statement on Monday morning it conducted air strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants’ targets in Libya, including training camps and arms depots in three coastal Libyan cities. The army also released footage of the airstrikes. Libyan air force commander Saqr Jeroushi said the attacks were conducted in coordination with the Libyan Air Force. 

MENASource

Feb 17, 2015

Top News: Egypt’s President Sisi calls for UN-backed coalition to fight ISIS in Libya

By MENASource

The Egyptian army announced in a statement on Monday morning it conducted air strikes against Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) militants’ targets in Libya, including training camps and arms depots in three coastal Libyan cities. Libyan Air Force Commander Saqr Jeroushi said the attacks were conducted in coordination with the Libyan Air Force.

MENASource

Feb 17, 2015

Syria: Will Washington Brace Tehran on the Humanitarian Costs?

By Frederic C. Hof

Another session (the fifth) of intensive, informal discussions with senior, well-connected, and non-official Iranians produced no startling breakthroughs on the subject of Syria. Yet, there may be a way forward toward official discussions as Iranians try to strike a balance between their perceived Assad-centric national interests and the cost to Iran’s reputation incurred by their […]

Iran
Syria
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