Content

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

New Atlanticist

Jan 15, 2025

Experts react: Everything you need to know about the Israel-Hamas cease-fire and hostage deal

By Atlantic Council experts

Does this deal really mark the end of the war? What’s next for Gaza’s reconstruction, for Israel’s security, and for wider regional efforts, such as Israeli-Saudi normalization? Atlantic Council experts share their answers to these and other pressing questions.

Conflict Israel

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

Report

Jan 14, 2025

The next decade of strategic competition: How the Pentagon can use special operations forces to better compete

By Clementine G. Starling-Daniels, Theresa Luetkefend

Clementine G. Starling and Theresa Luetkefend discuss how the Department of Defense and Joint force should more effectively leverage Special Operations forces in strategic competition.

Africa China

MENASource

Jan 13, 2025

Turkey’s Syria and Libya strategies add up to a Mediterranean power play

By Emadeddin Badi and Abdullah al-Jabassini 

By aligning its strategies in Libya and Syria, Turkey seeks to consolidate influence and amplify its leverage across both theaters.

Defense Policy Drones

In the News

Jan 7, 2025

Wechsler joins Times Radio to discuss the New Orleans terrorist attack
Americas Middle East

MENASource

Jan 6, 2025

The Netzarim Corridor: Tragedy, death, and an obstacle to a lasting ceasefire

By Ahmed F. Alkhatib

The incoming Trump administration will have to wrestle with tactical-level details—especially what happens with the Netzarim Corridor and civilians’ return to the north—if it wants to play a role in mediating a ceasefire and ending the war.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jan 2, 2025

Experts react: What the New Orleans attack tells us about terrorism in 2025

By Atlantic Council experts

The attack on New Year’s Day by a man who claimed to have joined ISIS raises important questions about safety and security.

Terrorism United States and Canada

MENASource

Dec 21, 2024

A US blueprint for Syria’s fragile transition

By Sana Sekkarie

As long as HTS is willing to evolve and accept constructive criticism, the US should engage with the group. Ignoring Syria’s new leaders will not make them go away.

Civil Society Crisis Management

Inflection Points Today

Dec 21, 2024

The Middle East’s shifting balance of power favors Turkey and Israel

By Frederick Kempe

Syria’s future is uncertain after the fall of the Assad regime, but already it’s clear that two neighboring countries are big winners.

Conflict Israel
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Experts

Fellow

Joel Meyer

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

Artificial Intelligence Defense Policy

Fellow

Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Middle East National Security

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Kyle Atwell

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Colombia

Fellow

Emadeddin Badi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism
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