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In the News

Feb 1, 2025

Tannebaum quoted in Newsweek on DOGE’s access to Treasury payment systems

Read the full article here

Democratic Transitions Economy & Business

MENASource

Jan 31, 2025

The foreign aid freeze poses risks to US interests in Syria

By Diana Rayes 

Postwar Syria faces a precarious economic and security situation and the United States’ assistance—or lack thereof—will play an outsize role in its outcome.

Democratic Transitions Economic Sanctions

MENASource

Jan 31, 2025

Libya’s de facto partition demands a solution designed for it—not for outside contenders

By Hani Shennib

Libya needs new ideas and a national and international will to reset a realistic path toward a modern state.

Democratic Transitions Elections

MENASource

Jan 29, 2025

Lebanon’s prime minister-designate is unlikely to confront Hezbollah

By David Daoud

Given Lebanon’s dire postwar economic state, Nawaf Salam is highly unlikely to risk escalating internal conflict during his premiership.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Jan 23, 2025

On prosperity, Taiwan ranks high—but its future hinges on Chinese power plays

By Shelley Rigger

Taiwan’s democracy has thrived for over three decades, defined by vibrant elections and a deep pride in its liberal institutions. Despite Beijing's persistent threats of a takeover, Taiwan’s global economic significance acts as a buffer against conflict. Yet, the country's future remains uncertain as it must balance its economic and political ideals with escalating geopolitical tensions.

Democratic Transitions East Asia

MENASource

Jan 21, 2025

What a Secretary of State Rubio means for the Middle East: Getting tougher on Iran and tighter with allies 

By Joze Pelayo

By straddling the Ronald Reagan-era and Trump-era Republican foreign policy worldviews, Rubio is now well-positioned to counterbalance isolationist voices within the president’s circle.  

Conflict Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Jan 21, 2025

The quest ahead for Lebanon’s new president: Secure a modern statehood

By Frederic C. Hof

Aoun knows what must be done to stabilize the Lebanon-Israel frontier. But the long game he wishes to contest and win centers on Lebanese statehood.

Democratic Transitions Elections

In the News

Jan 17, 2025

Charai in National Interest: Donald Trump and the New Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Economy & Business

MENASource

Jan 15, 2025

As a new Syria takes shape, Iraq will need to recalibrate its role in the Middle East

By Abbas Kadhim

The Iraqi government must navigate several challenges, recalibrate its role in the region, and balance its foreign relations—including with the United States

Crisis Management Democratic Transitions

Fast Thinking

Jan 10, 2025

What the world can do about Maduro

By Atlantic Council experts

As the Venezuelan autocrat is inaugurated for a third term as president, our experts analyze what the United States, the region, and the opposition can do.

Democratic Transitions Economic Sanctions

Experts

Events