Content

MENASource

Aug 3, 2026

Can al-Zaidi separate the sects from the state in Iraq?

By Munqith Dagher

The biggest challenge facing Iraq's prime minister is how to curb the role of sectarian institutions in shaping Iraq's state decisions.

Conflict Iran

UkraineAlert

Aug 3, 2026

As Ukraine regains the initiative from Russia, Europe must seize the moment

By Lesia Ogryzko

Ukraine’s recent progress offers a rare window of opportunity to increase the pressure on Putin and push the Russian leader toward credible peace talks to end Europe’s largest war since World War II, writes Lesia Ogryzko.

Conflict Defense Technologies

Dispatches

Jul 31, 2026

10 questions (and expert answers) about the deal to disarm Hamas

By Atlantic Council experts

The US-led Board of Peace has announced an agreement that could lead to the disarmament of the Gaza-based terrorist group.

Israel Middle East

Issue Brief

Jul 31, 2026

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is a heavy blow to the deteriorating maritime order

By Elisabeth Braw

Iran’s use of a maritime chokepoint as a geopolitical tool—implemented in response to a war that violates the United Nations Charter—and the United States’ inconsistent response dramatically undermine the global maritime order and open the door for further such closures.

Economy & Business Geopolitics & Energy Security

UkraineAlert

Jul 30, 2026

Putin’s pitiful naval parade highlights his inability to stop Ukrainian drones

By Peter Dickinson

Russian President Vladimir Putin has faced widespread ridicule following dramatically downgraded Navy Day celebrations that underlined his inability to secure Russian airspace against Ukrainian drones, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Technologies

UkraineAlert

Jul 30, 2026

Ukraine’s reconstruction: Advancing from solidarity to shared strategic interests

By Olga Usenko

The future success of Ukraine's reconstruction will increasingly depend on Kyiv’s ability to promote participation in the country’s recovery not only as a moral imperative, but also as a shared economic and security interest, writes Olga Usenko.

Conflict Economy & Business

Dispatches

Jul 29, 2026

How Oman and Europe can open the Strait of Hormuz for good

By Jonathan Panikoff

Muscat should ask the British- and French-led maritime security mission to deploy to the strait within Omani territorial waters.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Dispatches

Jul 28, 2026

How to reset US-Gulf security partnerships

By Allison Minor, Alina L. Romanowski

Washington can preserve its influence in the Middle East while rightsizing US military commitments in the region to better align with its strategic interests.

Defense Technologies Middle East

UkraineAlert

Jul 28, 2026

Wartime Ukraine’s people power protests are Putin’s worst nightmare

By Peter Dickinson

Ukrainians have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The protests are a reminder of the vibrant democratic culture that provoked Putin's invasion, writes Peter Dickinson.

Civil Society Conflict

Dispatches

Jul 27, 2026

How will Trump’s new science strategy change US research?

By Atlantic Council experts

The White House recently released two documents that could disrupt which scientists, research groups, and projects the US government funds.

Entrepreneurship Internet

Experts

Events