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Report

May 20, 2025

The European Union Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: A reality test for EU enlargement

By Valbona Zeneli, Richard Grieveson, Isabelle Ioannides, Dimitar Bechev

EU enlargement faces a test case in the Western Balkans. The current plan offers real benefits before accession, creating incentives for reform, but questions of enforceability and the relatively low amount of financial support threaten the success of the EU's political influence in the region.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

May 13, 2025

Experts react: Trump just announced the removal of all US sanctions on Syria. What’s next? 

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts provide their insights on how the removal of US sanctions on Syria would affect the country and the wider region.

Civil Society Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Apr 26, 2025

In a normalization agreement with Israel, Saudi Arabia should settle for nothing less than Palestinian statehood

By Amir Asmar

Saudi Arabia should make full Palestinian statehood part of the asking price for normalizing relations with Israel.

International Norms Israel

MENASource

Apr 25, 2025

Will Pope Francis’s Middle East legacy endure?

By Karim Mezran

The late Pope's final address on Easter Sunday was a capstone in a track record of advocacy for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.

International Norms Middle East

MENASource

Apr 25, 2025

One hundred days of Trump’s Middle East policy: money, mediation, and military force

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

President Trump’s desire for more investment in the United States plays to the strengths of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Middle East Political Reform

MENASource

Apr 16, 2025

Solving Libya’s economic collapse will require confrontation—not consensus

By Emadeddin Badi

If the status quo continues, the next phase of Libya’s crisis will not be quiet erosion. It will be public revolt.

Africa Economy & Business

MENASource

Apr 9, 2025

Why it’s time to terminate the UN’s dysfunctional mission in Western Sahara

By Sarah Zaaimi

Only way out of fifty-year colonial impasse may be outside the United Nations and its legacy of failure for the Sahraoui people.

International Norms International Organizations

MENASource

Apr 8, 2025

Legalizing child marriage in Iraq: Stepping back from the brink

By Sareta Ashraph

While there have been some elements of relief that the Iraq parliament has pulled back from legalizing child marriage, the situation remains dynamic.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

In the thorny world of intra-Afghan talks, new challenges and opportunities emerge

By Omar Samad

Even with Taliban rule, Afghan dialogues have seen a boom in recent months. Their focus are as expansive as the diverse range of perspectives participating in them.

Afghanistan Middle East

MENASource

Mar 27, 2025

Öcalan’s call for disarmament: A new hope for Kurdish peace

By Hanar Marouf

Complexities of reintegrating PKK fighters, navigating Syrian conflict, and addressing Turkish military activity pose significant hurdles.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

Experts