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MENASource

Jun 8, 2022

Trade trumps strategic competition in the Middle East

By Jonathan Fulton

Washington would do well to understand that many outside the US have a different view of China, and very few are interested in being a theater of strategic competition. 

China Economy & Business

MENASource

May 31, 2022

Lebanon just had an election. Its result? Curb the optimism.

By David Daoud

Lebanon desperately needs genuine economic reforms to even halt its ongoing collapse. Political reform is a necessary precondition to establishing a sustainable economy. Neither are more likely today than under the previous parliament.

Elections Lebanon

MENASource

May 19, 2022

In Israel’s domestic political theater, the plot thickens

By Shalom Lipner

The tenuous prospects of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's ruling coalition are fanning speculation from critics that its box office run will be cut short. 

Israel Middle East

MENASource

May 14, 2022

Memorializing Sheikh Khalifa, transition, and restoring US-UAE relations

By R. Clarke Cooper

The death of Sheikh Khalifa and the designation of his successor occurs during the fiftieth anniversary year of formal diplomatic relations with the US, marking decades of increasing security cooperation vital to supporting US interests in the Middle East. 

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 11, 2022

Emerging market investments are shrinking. How will MENA countries hit FDI targets? 

By Amjad Ahmad

A US economic slowdown or a recession couldn’t come at a worse time for emerging markets, particularly those in MENA, where most are fighting chronic unemployment, slowing growth, and higher debt levels.

Economy & Business Middle East

Event Recap

May 10, 2022

Building a New Middle East – A Conversation with US Ambassador to Israel Thomas R. Nides  

By Salwa Balla

On May 3, the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs hosted a public event with Ambassador Thomas R. Nides, US Ambassador to Israel.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

May 6, 2022

Can soccer plead ignorance? A World Cup of politics is brewing for Qatar 2022.  

By Joze Pelayo, Hamad Abbas

The integration of politics with the World Cup goes beyond the Russian invasion, as the choice of Qatar as the host nation invited significant backlash.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 4, 2022

Iran-linked missile and maritime threats continue. Here’s how the US and its regional partners can bolster deterrence.

By Simon Handler

A shift in US strategy is needed to reestablish credible deterrence that denies potential attacks and punishes violations in order for the US and its partners in the Middle East to counter Iranian naval aggression and missile launches. 

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Apr 29, 2022

Lebanon has a parliamentary election next month. The Lebanese are eyeing it with apathy and cynicism. 

By Nicholas Blanford

Most Lebanese believe that those politicians who created the financial disaster in the first place lack the will and ability to implement sector-wide reforms.

Elections Lebanon

MENASource

Apr 28, 2022

Israel’s PM gave a Holocaust Remembrance speech without mentioning Iran. It signals a new approach.

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Naftali Bennett signals confidence that Israel will be vigilant and strong. That confidence grows out of more than just a different philosophical approach.

Iran Israel

Experts