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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In Yemen and elsewhere, manageable local issues are driving an unmanageable regional crisis

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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In Yemen and elsewhere, manageable local issues are driving an unmanageable regional crisis

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
In Yemen and elsewhere, manageable local issues are driving an unmanageable regional crisis

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

Jan 13, 2024

In Yemen and elsewhere, manageable local issues are driving an unmanageable regional crisis

By Borzou Daragahi

The United States and international response should remain otherwise measured so as not to play into the hands of the Houthis.

Iran
Middle East

MENASource

Jan 13, 2024

Iraq’s prime minister is sending mixed messages on whether US forces should withdraw or not

By Abbas Kadhim

It would not be an exaggeration to state that US-Iraqi relations are rapidly approaching the dynamics observed under the Trump administration in 2020.

Defense Policy
Iraq

MENASource

Jan 12, 2024

Six big questions about US-led strikes against the Houthis, answered

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Ahead of authorizing the strikes, Biden had to carefully consider arguments for and against conducting strikes to limit the Houthis’ capacity to continue waging war on international shipping.

Iran
Middle East

MENASource

Jan 10, 2024

Egypt was mediating a deal to end the Gaza war. Then Saleh Al-Arouri was assassinated. 

By Shahira Amin

Keen on regaining its traditional leadership role as chief mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, Cairo had put forward a three-stage plan to end the conflict. 

Conflict
Israel

MENASource

Jan 4, 2024

Here’s how Hezbollah will likely respond to Israel’s assassination of Saleh Al-Arouri

By David Daoud

What Hezbollah has not been seeking is opening a full-scale war with Israel. However, Hezbollah has other indirect options that it may activate.

Israel
Lebanon

MENASource

Jan 3, 2024

Gulf states are vying for sports fans’ hearts and minds—one sovereign wealth fund at a time

By Joze Pelayo

In 2023, the annual tennis tournament colloquially called the Washington Open was renamed the Mubadala Citi DC Open thanks to a sponsorship from Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company—an unknown name to most Washington sports fans, but one they may see again. The Gulf Arab states have been turning their efforts and attention to Beltway sports amid […]

Economy & Business
Inclusive Growth

MENASource

Dec 21, 2023

Need a book on the Middle East to read during the holidays? Here’s our recommendations

By William F. Wechsler, Nadereh Chamlou, Mark N. Katz, Marcy Grossman, Nour Dabboussi, Sarah Zaaimi, Masoud Mostajabi

Our team of experts and staff have you covered with their recommended reads related to the Middle East and North Africa for the holidays.

Civil Society
Middle East

MENASource

Dec 18, 2023

2023: A year in the Middle East

By Rachel Friedman

2023 was a tumultuous and tragic year for the Middle East and North Africa. It also produced moments of hope and diplomatic feats.

Iran
Iraq

MENASource

Dec 14, 2023

China is fixed on discrediting the US on Gaza War. But this policy lacks credibility and will likely fail.

By Ahmed Aboudouh

It should be clearly understood that, as long as Israel continues to kill Palestinian civilians in Gaza, China will use the eroding effect this has on the US’s credibility

China
Crisis Management

MENASource

Dec 13, 2023

China’s de-dollarization message finds a receptive audience in North Africa

By Thomas Hill

A coordinated and concerted de-dollarization effort in North Africa poses a significant threat to US interests in the region and the African continent at large by existing regional trade groupings and agreements.

China
East Asia
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