N7 Initiative

In the wake of the Abraham Accords signed in September 2020, the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs, in partnership with the Jeffrey M. Talpins Foundation, launched the N7 Initiative to help accelerate and strengthen normalization between Israel and Arab and Muslim countries, and to drive bipartisan support in the US for normalization.

Experts

Past events

Latest analysis

MENASource

Jan 17, 2024

Hamas hostage-taking must not go unpunished. The ICC must make a case against the terrorist group.

By Brandon Silver and Irwin Cotler

If Hamas hostage-taking is left unaddressed and its victims go without redress, international norms will be severely eroded.

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

Jan 16, 2024

Experts react: What to expect after Iranian attacks on Erbil

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share their insights about the attack and what to expect next.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jan 12, 2024

What it took to rescue a US soldier’s mother from Gaza

By Alex Plitsas

Read a first-hand account of the recent rescue from northern Gaza told by a member of the group that organized the daring operation.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jan 12, 2024

Five questions and answers about South Africa’s genocide case against Israel

By Lisandra Novo

A former judicial fellow at the ICJ explains what you need to know about the case and what to expect going forward.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Jan 11, 2024

China’s bid for a new Middle East meets reality

By Tuvia Gering

The October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel has put China’s story about it setting off a “wave of reconciliation” in the Middle East to the test.

China Conflict

MENASource

Jan 10, 2024

Egypt was mediating a deal to end the Gaza war. Then Saleh Al-Arouri was assassinated. 

By Shahira Amin

Keen on regaining its traditional leadership role as chief mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, Cairo had put forward a three-stage plan to end the conflict. 

Conflict Israel

TURKEYSource

Jan 9, 2024

Can Turkey help resolve the Israel-Hamas war?

By Matthew Bryza

Turkey once offered to secure a role in de-escalating the conflict and in serving as a guarantor of a future ceasefire. Months later, can Turkey still play that role?

Conflict Crisis Management

IranSource

Jan 8, 2024

ISIS was behind the Kerman attack. Iran still blames Israel and the United States, though.

By Jason Brodsky

Despite Iran’s bombastic rhetoric, however, its response against ISIS assets will likely be limited.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

Jan 4, 2024

Why is the UN secretary-general so worried about Gaza but not Ukraine?

By Pierre Goldschmidt

António Guterres should apply the same standard to Ukraine as he did to Gaza and put forward a Security Council resolution addressing Russia’s nuclear threats.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

MENASource

Jan 4, 2024

Here’s how Hezbollah will likely respond to Israel’s assassination of Saleh Al-Arouri

By David Daoud

What Hezbollah has not been seeking is opening a full-scale war with Israel. However, Hezbollah has other indirect options that it may activate.

Israel Lebanon

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