With curated multimedia series focused on hard hitting issues such climate change as well as current events, MENASource seeks to explore all facets of life in the region as affected by political, security, economic, and cultural issues.

Of particular focus and interest are the minorities, women, and the youth populations across the region and how they are affected by the changing environments.

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

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NATO’s Reluctant Dance with the Middle East

MENASource
Jun 16, 2025

Twenty questions (and expert answers) on the Israel-Iran war

The escalation between Israel and Iran has raised many important questions about a region already facing crises on multiple fronts.

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NATO’s Reluctant Dance with the Middle East

MENASource
Jun 13, 2025

China’s basing quest in the Gulf: Pipe dream or strategic reality?

By
Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

While the Gulf remains central to China’s long-term maritime aspirations, its near-term military footprint is likely to stay limited.

China
Maritime Security

NATO’s Reluctant Dance with the Middle East

MENASource
Jun 10, 2025

Why DDR programs are the missing link to Syrian stability

By
Muhsen al-Mustafa

With the end of Western sanctions, Syria faces a rare opportunity to address the imbalances of the post-conflict period.

Middle East
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

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MENASource

Dec 5, 2012

NATO’s Reluctant Dance with the Middle East

By Richard LeBaron

The heavily-qualified December 4 decision by NATO to dispatch Patriot missile batteries to Turkey’s border with Syria reflects a pattern of reluctance by the Alliance to involve itself in the messy conflicts of the Middle East.

MENASource

Dec 5, 2012

Syria: Has the Bubble Burst?

By Frederic C. Hof

Reports that the Syrian regime is moving chemical weapons components for possible use against rebels, or pro-rebel populated areas, have provoked stern warnings from President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton.  For an administration that has consistently steered clear of military involvement in Syria’s civil war, the use of dirty weapons by the Assad regime […]

Syria

MENASource

Dec 5, 2012

Top News: Egypt’s VP offers amendments to disputed constitution

By Egypt Source

Egypt’s vice president said on Wednesday amendments to disputed articles of the draft constitution could be agreed with the opposition ahead of a Dec. 15 referendum and put in writing, and he called for dialogue with opponents to end the crisis. 

MENASource

Dec 5, 2012

Morsi’s Dilemma Solved: Why the Judges will not Boycott the Referendum

By Ahmed Aboul Enein

The Supreme Council of the Judiciary (SCJ), the State Council and the State Litigation Authority have all announced that judges will be overseeing the 15 December constitutional referendum. Conversely the national Judges’ Clubsaid that the country’s judges would not monitor the referendum unless President Mohamed Morsi rescinds his November 22 constitutional decree. Both decisions are […]

MENASource

Dec 4, 2012

Women’s Equality: No Longer a Part of Egypt’s Constitution

By Nahla Samaha

As of today, demonstrations continue across Egypt, both in support of and against the recently completed draft of the constitution. Demonstrations against the constitution have been fueled by fear that the brand of the newly emerged strains of conservative Islam would be imprinted on it. Nowhere is that more a matter of concern for some […]

MENASource

Dec 4, 2012

“Boycott” Elections Distill Kuwait’s Divisions

By Kristin Smith Diwan

On December 1 Kuwait held its second parliamentary election in ten months following the court-imposed dissolution of a strongly oppositional parliament last June.  Instead of the usual selection among Kuwait’s liberal nationalist, Islamist, tribal populist, and independent candidates, the choice this time was more stark:  vote or boycott?   In the months since October, when Kuwait’s […]

The Gulf

MENASource

Dec 4, 2012

The Constituent Assembly’s ‘Last’ Night / الليلة الأخيرة للجمعية التأسيسية

By Yussef Auf

The past few days Egypt has experienced are like no other in the country’s history. They have been so filled with developments, that even the keen observer is unable to make an assessment, and can only follow as the story unfolds, reading the news and analysis. If it is this difficult for them to follow […]

MENASource

Dec 4, 2012

Top News: Egyptian journalists protest draft constitution

By Egypt Source

Hundreds of journalists gathered outside the Egyptian Press Syndicate in downtown Cairo on Tuesday afternoon, waiting outside the syndicate for half an hour before marching to Tahrir Square to declare their objection to the controversial constitutional declaration which was passed by President Mohamed Morsi two weeks ago. 

MENASource

Dec 3, 2012

Why the Salafis Agreed to the Constitution

By Mahmoud Salem

Up until recently, the majority of the Salafi parties in Egypt were planning to vote against the constitutional draft that is to be put to a referendum in two weeks. While some hardliners continue to call for a boycott, the vast majority are mobilizing in favor of the constitution. Their opposition to the constitution lay […]

MENASource

Dec 3, 2012

The Common Islamist: Principle, Pragmatism, or Triumphalism?

By Jayson Casper

For many in Egypt, conspiracies and manipulations are evident, none clearer than the current battle over the Supreme Constitutional Court. Many liberals are convinced Islamists are seeking to destroy the judiciary in order to establish control over all three branches of government. But do Islamists see themselves this way? Setting aside any possible top level […]

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