Why Syria’s government must turn inward in 2026

New Atlanticist Mar 18, 2025

The Gaza cease-fire is over. What’s next from Israel, Hamas, and the US?

By Atlantic Council experts

In the early hours of March 18, Israel launched air strikes on Gaza, ending the two-month cease-fire. Atlantic Council experts answer pressing questions about the resumed conflict.
Conflict Israel
Why Syria’s government must turn inward in 2026

New Atlanticist Mar 17, 2025

Enough carrots for Putin. For better negotiations, serve ‘maximum pressure’ instead.

By Benjamin L. Schmitt, Richard L. Morningstar, and Daniel Fried

Since Russia appears content for negotiations to move slowly, the Trump administration should turn up the pressure with new sanctions.
Conflict Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
Why Syria’s government must turn inward in 2026

Issue Brief Mar 13, 2025

Present without impact? How the Middle East perceives China’s diplomatic engagement

By Jonathan Fulton

Despite economic advancements and high-profile diplomatic engagements, China’s influence remains largely economic rather than political, Jonathan Fulton argues.
China Economy & Business

Content

MENASource

Jan 29, 2026

Why Syria’s government must turn inward in 2026

By Gregory Waters

Necessary domestic reforms include continued security reforms, economic development, and writing a new constitution.

Civil Society
Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Jan 28, 2026

Syria’s Kurds could be al-Sharaa’s partners in rebuilding. Why did Damascus assault them instead?

By Amy Austin Holmes

The offensive on Kurdish neighborhoods was the third wave of sectarian violence after the targeting of Druze and Alawites.

Democratic Transitions
Middle East

In the News

Jan 28, 2026

Charai for The National Interest: Jared Kushner’s Quiet Middle East Diplomacy

By Atlantic Council

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Jan 28, 2026

The expert conversation: Should Trump strike Iran? What happens next if he does?

By Jason M. Brodsky and Danny Citrinowicz

As the USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in the Middle East, two experts debate the opportunities, uncertainties, and risks of a US strike on Iran.

Iran
Middle East

Dispatches

Jan 28, 2026

To boost Venezuela’s economic recovery, the US should lean into Colombia

By Enrique Millán-Mejía

With the right safeguards in place, increased US coordination with Colombia can help boost Venezuela’s reconstruction.

Colombia
Economy & Business

Inflection Points Today

Jan 28, 2026

The ‘mother of all’ trade deals in the time of Trump

By Frederick Kempe

On Tuesday, the European Union and India announced a free trade deal—an example of how the global system is reorganizing itself.

Economy & Business
European Union

Dispatches

Jan 27, 2026

The India–EU trade deal is worth watching, but not overhyping

By Mark Linscott

The newly announced free trade agreement is an important accomplishment, even if it is unlikely to be transformational.

Economy & Business
European Union

Dispatches

Jan 27, 2026

The EU and India are creating a free trade area of two billion people. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts answer five pressing questions about the major trade deal between Brussels and New Delhi announced on Tuesday.

Economy & Business
European Union

Dispatches

Jan 27, 2026

How the Nordic-Baltic states became Europe’s reliable security engine

By Anna Wieslander

Eight Northern European states are acting together early and turning solidarity into capabilities and delivery. 

NATO
Northern Europe

MENASource

Jan 27, 2026

When UNIFIL leaves, south Lebanon still needs an international presence

By Nicholas Blanford

Absence of an international eye could encourage Hezbollah and Israel into actions that lead to renewed conflict.

International Organizations
Israel
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Experts

Staff

Victoria J. Taylor 

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Millennium fellow

Chloe Demrovsky

Executive in Residence in Global Economy and Adjunct Assistant Professor, New York University

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Education

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Kristina Kempkey

Former Senior Advisor, USAID

Millennium Leadership Program

International Organizations National Security

Fellow

Frank Talbot

Nonresident Senior Fellow, North Africa Program

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business English

Fellow

Margaritis Schinas

Distinguished Fellow

Europe Center

English European Union

Staff

Torrey Taussig

Director

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Eastern Europe Europe & Eurasia
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Events

Public Event Thu, February 5, 2026 • 3:00 pm ET

Balkans Forward Summit
Civil Society Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy
Public Event Fri, February 6, 2026 • 11:00 am ET

How Moscow manufactured the myth of Putin’s inevitable victory
Artificial Intelligence Disinformation Europe & Eurasia Internet
Public Event Tue, February 10, 2026 • 12:00 pm ET

Global Foresight 2036: What will the next decade bring?
China Economy & Business Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia
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