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MENASource

Apr 8, 2025

Legalizing child marriage in Iraq: Stepping back from the brink

By Sareta Ashraph

While there have been some elements of relief that the Iraq parliament has pulled back from legalizing child marriage, the situation remains dynamic.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Apr 7, 2025

Can Donald Trump “completely annihilate” the Houthis in Yemen?

By Emily Milliken

The Trump administration’s Houthi strategy will require a more nuanced approach that deepens these non-military components.

Defense Policy Middle East

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

Experts React: No MENA ally or adversary unscathed by Trump tariffs

By Atlantic Council experts

A “Liberation Day” for the White House, an upset for global markets. President Donald Trump on Wednesday made good on a campaign promise, slapping tariffs spanning between 10 percent and 50 percent on countries across the globe. Almost no ally or adversary has been left unscathed in the sweeping move, and the Middle East and […]

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

In the thorny world of intra-Afghan talks, new challenges and opportunities emerge

By Omar Samad

Even with Taliban rule, Afghan dialogues have seen a boom in recent months. Their focus are as expansive as the diverse range of perspectives participating in them.

Afghanistan Middle East

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

Washington halted the Iraq-Iran electricity waiver. Here is how it’s perceived by Washington and Baghdad. 

By Ahmed Tabaqchali, C. Anthony Pfaff

By making Iranian energy more costly, the United States hopes to incentivize Iraq to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependency on Iran.

Energy Markets & Governance Iraq

MENASource

Apr 2, 2025

​Libya’s political deadlock endures. There is a case for Trump and Meloni to challenge the status quo.

By Yaseen Rashed

The political crisis in Libya is one that the US and Italy may be uniquely postured, and incentivized, to quell.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Apr 1, 2025

The only viable solution: an independent Syria, not a Turkish protectorate

By Gallia Lindenstrauss

After a risky bet on the Syrian opposition, Turkey is weighing where to place its bets between dueling visions for the new Syria.

Middle East Security & Defense

MENASource

Apr 1, 2025

Israel is making a miscalculation in southern Syria. Here is why.

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Israel’s approach in southern Syria risks deepening sectarian divisions, eroding the Druze community’s standin, and fueling broader instability.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Mar 31, 2025

Western sanctions against Damascus must evolve—Just as Syria has

By Sinan Hatahet

The US can play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Syria's recovery by shifting its approach from maximum pressure to calibrated influence.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Mar 27, 2025

Öcalan’s call for disarmament: A new hope for Kurdish peace

By Hanar Marouf

Complexities of reintegrating PKK fighters, navigating Syrian conflict, and addressing Turkish military activity pose significant hurdles.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East