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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The Syria policy the US got wrong—and the bittersweet moment Washington finally got right

MENASource Jul 31, 2026

Why GCC integration matters more than ever

Gulf countries can’t build their knowledge economies of the future on their own.

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The Syria policy the US got wrong—and the bittersweet moment Washington finally got right

MENASource Jul 13, 2026

Israel’s next government must prioritize the Abraham Accords

By Amit Yarom and Itai Melchior

The fall election could open a narrow window for Israel to reset its regional strategy and create momentum to expand normalization.
Israel Politics & Diplomacy
The Syria policy the US got wrong—and the bittersweet moment Washington finally got right

MENASource Aug 3, 2026

Can al-Zaidi separate the sects from the state in Iraq?

By Munqith Dagher

The biggest challenge facing Iraq’s prime minister is how to curb the role of sectarian institutions in shaping Iraq’s state decisions.
Conflict Iran

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Content

MENASource

Sep 21, 2026

The Syria policy the US got wrong—and the bittersweet moment Washington finally got right

By Wa’el Alzayat

A former State Department official dissects how the US helped defeat ISIS but didn't protect the Syrian people.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Sep 21, 2026

Don’t talk about optimism in Syria, talk about action

By Arwa Damon

It’s been twenty months since Bashar al-Assad’s fall. People expect more, and patience is wearing thin.

Democratic Transitions Inclusive Growth

MENASource

Sep 16, 2026

Could the GCC and Iran collaborate to solve the Strait of Hormuz crisis?

By Alia Brahimi

A Gulf-led maritime cooperation could break the Hormuz stalemate by offering Iran an off-ramp while preventing unilateral control.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Middle East

MENASource

Sep 15, 2026

Can oil deals reset US-Iraqi relations? 

By Yesar Al-Maleki

Iraq has a short window of time to rein in its militias and create favorable commercial conditions to improve ties with the US.

Energy & Environment Iraq

MENASource

Sep 9, 2026

Ten questions (and expert answers) on the final withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts unpack what the US withdrawal from Iraq means for the Middle East and beyond.

Iraq Security & Defense

MENASource

Sep 8, 2026

Will Washington back the UN’s Libya roadmap with more than just rhetoric?

By Frank Talbot

There are actionable steps the US can take now to help bring about Libya's first national elections in more than a decade.

Libya

MENASource

Sep 3, 2026

Bahrain’s opportunity for AI leadership lies under water

By Minwa Alkhalifa

Bahrain could test the possibility of placing AI infrastructure, specifically data centers, under water.

Artificial Intelligence The Gulf

MENASource

Aug 31, 2026

Jordan’s military deterrence has collapsed 

By Aaron Magid

Jordan continues to absorb attacks from Iran without firing back.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Aug 31, 2026

The Iran war is no Vietnam. But it may become an economic quagmire for the Gulf.

By Kurt Davis Jr.

Five costs related to the Iran war are compounding across the Gulf and its trading partners, and none will be eliminated soon.

Economy & Business Iran

MENASource

Aug 20, 2026

With war in the region, Egypt must recalibrate its energy policy

By Nour Taha

Egypt needs a two-track strategy, accelerating its green energy buildout while managing its natural gas reserves for sustained output.

Crisis Management Egypt
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