MENASource

As the MENA region continues to be the epicenter of news headlines, the Atlantic Council’s MENASource is a hub for thought-provoking and hard-hitting analyses about the latest trends, ideas, and debates. This online publication provides fast reactions and in-depth commentary on breaking news and key regional topics by a diverse team of experts and contributors.

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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Insights from Israel and the Gulf: An evolving regional integration

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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Insights from Israel and the Gulf: An evolving regional integration

MENASource Jan 28, 2026

Trump’s National Security Strategy doesn’t downgrade the Middle East, it redefines it

By Kristian Alexander

Trump’s strategy is a sophisticated refinement of “America First.” For the Gulf, the implications are significant, but manageable.

Middle East National Security
Insights from Israel and the Gulf: An evolving regional integration

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

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Content

MENASource

Sep 18, 2025

Insights from Israel and the Gulf: An evolving regional integration

By Emily Milliken and Gershom Sacks

At a moment when the Abraham Accords is in question, we witnessed how the region moves quietly, sometimes boldly, towards cooperation.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Sep 17, 2025

In landmark Syria elections, women still face electoral hurdles

By Marie Forestier 

As the indirect electoral process begins, Syrian officials could take several steps to increase women’s chances in this process.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Sep 10, 2025

Ten questions (and expert answers) on Operation Inherent Resolve’s end in Iraq

By Atlantic Council experts

This new frontier in the US-Iraq relationship leaves many opportunities, challenges and unknowns. Our experts unpack it all.

Defense Policy Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Sep 10, 2025

Jordan is building scalable startups—without chasing unicorns

By Rajae Sahouri

Despite challenges, in the world of privately held startups valued at $1 billion plus—the country has produced several resilient companies.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Haftar’s long game: Dynastic power and diplomatic leverage in Libya

By Karim Mezran and Dario Cristiani

Haftar may be shaping not only the current political landscape, but is also positioning himself—and his family—for long-term influence.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Revitalizing Qualified Industrial Zones can help revive Middle East integration

By Amir Hayek and Samantha Sutton

Revitalized QIZs can transition from political instruments into dynamic engines of inclusive growth, resilience, and regional stability.

Economy & Business Israel

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Can Iraq’s partial crackdown on a powerful militia weaken Iran’s proxies?

By Akeel Abbas

The prime minister's willingness to face down Kataib Hezbollah is a rare and daring move.

Iran Iraq

MENASource

Sep 4, 2025

Dispatch from Basra: Glimpses of hope in Iraq’s forgotten south

By Jon Wilks

Basra is proving to be part of a broader trend: improved security and visible reconstruction, despite persistent corruption and dysfunction.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Aug 29, 2025

Is the cautious China-Iran military cooperation at a turning point?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

With a new war between Iran and Israel still an immediate threat, China might need to ask itself: Is cooperation with Iran worth risking its diplomacy model in the Gulf?

China Iran

MENASource

Aug 28, 2025

The Gulf’s dark horse: Why Oman can seize a global trade realignment

By Nic Adams

While economic uncertainty is gripping many countries around the world, Oman has remained a steadfast defense and economic partner of the United States.

Defense Industry Defense Policy
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