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Dispatches

May 12, 2026

Dispatch from Libya: Why the US needs a renewed counterterrorism commitment in Africa

By Alex Plitsas

A recent visit to Sirte with US Africa Command reveals why Washington should treat Africa as a strategic priority.

Libya North Africa

In the News

May 11, 2026

Kroenig published in Foreign Policy on Iran’s uranium enrichment

By Atlantic Council

On May 11, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig published an article in Foreign Policy, arguing that Iran does not have a right to enrich uranium and that Trump should push for zero enrichment in perpetuity as part of any deal with Tehran.

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation

MENASource

May 8, 2026

New avenues for Syria-EU cooperation are forming amid conflict in the Middle East

By Marie Forestier 

The May 11 EU-Syria High-Level Political Dialogue marks a step toward a closer partnership.

Energy & Environment European Union

Issue Brief

May 7, 2026

The new playbook for AI leadership: The case of the United Arab Emirates

By Trisha Ray, Ryan Pan, Raul Brens Jr.

This report is the first in a series by the Atlantic Council’s GeoTech Center assessing emerging artificial intelligence (AI) powers around the world according to a novel five-pillar framework.

Artificial Intelligence Middle East

Dispatches

May 7, 2026

What Gulf states need in a US-Iran deal

By Eric Alter

Any Strait of Hormuz agreement must establish a framework in which states economically dependent on the waterway help monitor and enforce its terms.

Conflict Middle East

Timely Commentary & Analysis

May 5, 2026

Braw in Future Center on maritime tolls and global shipping

By Elisabeth Braw

On May 5, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw was published in Future Center in an article examining how maritime tolls in strategic chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz could reshape global shipping and trade.

Middle East Security & Defense

MENASource

May 5, 2026

Dispatch from Beirut: Israel-Hezbollah talks risk falling into a failed, decades-long pattern

By Nicholas Blanford

As the war with Israel revives Hezbollah and divides Lebanon, the ongoing negotiations echo failed 1983 talks.

Conflict Israel

In the News

May 4, 2026

Charai for The National Interest: Iran’s Terror Regime Has Shown Its True Face

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

MENASource

May 4, 2026

Syria needs a trustworthy digital ecosystem to support its revival

By Nadia Farra

Robust digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and cybersecurity are no longer luxuries for high-income nations but fundamental requirements for national stability and economic resilience.

Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth

In the News

May 4, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Breaking the Architecture of Iran’s Regime Power

By Atlantic Council

Iran Maritime Security

Experts

Events