Content

Event Recap

Dec 20, 2021

Fintech innovation is critical for business and women in MENA

By Hezha Barzani

On December 14, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a virtual event on “MENA’s Fintech innovators: Digitizing financial services” in partnership with ABANA.

Economy & Business Middle East

IranSource

Dec 20, 2021

I once headed the Iran branch of Israel’s military intelligence research. Here’s why Israel can’t take out Iran’s nuclear program.

By Danny Citrinowicz

Besides the operational challenges in executing such a military attack, especially given Iranian forces’ buildup of surface-to-air units, there are other more strategic challenges facing Israel.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2021

The multilateral trade system isn’t what it used to be. Here’s why it still matters.

By Mark Linscott

The WTO may have its fair share of problems—but it still serves a valuable purpose.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics

Fast Thinking

Dec 17, 2021

FAST THINKING: Russia calls for a Cold War-style Europe. Will NATO give in?

By Atlantic Council

As tensions tick up on the eastern front, our experts break it all down for you.

Conflict Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Dec 17, 2021

Russian court accidentally delivers guilty verdict on Putin’s Ukraine war

By Peter Dickinson

A Russian court in Rostov has accidentally issued a guilty verdict on Putin's Ukraine war by publishing official documents confirming the presence of Russian military units in Kremlin-occupied eastern Ukraine.

Conflict Disinformation

GeoTech Cues

Dec 17, 2021

The next step in community-centric service delivery

By Andrés de Jongh

Communities are evolving; as is the data they generate, so government service delivery must evolve as well. Richer data comes with a wide array of opportunities and a proportionate number of risks. Therefore, the future of digital government and centric service delivery requires a comprehensive roadmap that takes into account each area’s starting point, resources, and objectives.

Technology & Innovation

MENASource

Dec 17, 2021

2021: A year in the Middle East

By Holly Dagres

2021 was a year full of impactful elections, historic anniversaries, and new challenges for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iran Iraq

MENASource

Dec 17, 2021

Israel pumps up the volume on Iran

By Shalom Lipner

The commencement of multilateral talks in Vienna has brought various Israeli voices to a fever pitch, with the negotiations on a possible return to the JCPOA triggering a storm of undiplomatic pronouncements from Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and other senior Israeli officials.

Iran Israel

TURKEYSource

Dec 16, 2021

Turkey could tip the balance in the Ukraine-Russia standoff

By Matthew Bryza, Grady Wilson

Turkey is doubling down on defense cooperation with Ukraine via drone sales, while retaining cordial relations with Russia. How can Ankara's diplomacy play a role in this simmering conflict?

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

Dec 16, 2021

Vladimir Putin fears Ukrainian democracy not NATO expansion

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin's claims of a growing NATO presence in Ukraine are not matched by facts on the ground. In reality, protests over NATO expansion are an excuse to escalate Russia's eight-year war against Ukraine.

Conflict Disinformation