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commentary & analysis

Our online publications feature thoughtful reflections and opinions on current events in the Middle East & North Africa.

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Our reports feature policy-relevant analysis that focuses on transatlantic priorities while centering the concerns of citizens in the Middle East.

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The Atlantic Council’s work on social, economic and human development issues in the Middle East honors the legacy of Rafik Hariri and his life’s mission to unlock the human and economic potential of the Arab world.

The Atlantic Council’s work on Middle East security honors the legacy of Brent Scowcroft and his tireless efforts to build a new security architecture for the region.

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We convene the most important stakeholders on issues of primary concern to the transatlantic community when it comes the Middle East and North Africa, from senior US and Middle East government officials to civil society activists and budding entrepreneurs.

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Content

In the News

Jul 18, 2025

Charai in National Interest: Why the Muslim Brotherhood Should Be Designated as a Terrorist Organization

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Security & Defense

Econographics

Jul 17, 2025

Charting a strategic path for Syria’s postwar reconstruction

By Kimberly Donovan, Jonathan Panikoff, Lize de Kruijf, Manal Fatima

As Syria emerges from over a decade of conflict, easing sanctions by the United States, the European Union (EU), and other European partners is an important step toward reintegrating Syria into the global economy. Yet, for a country that has been economically isolated for over fourteen years, lifting sanctions is only the beginning.

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

MENASource

Jul 17, 2025

Facing scarcity, the Gulf’s ‘smart water’ future lies in desalination

By Hany Ghanem

Desalination-enhanced regenerative data centers can help tackle the challenges of limited water resources and the post-oil economic shift.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jul 17, 2025

Five years on, the Abraham Accords need a multilateral mission

By Joseph Epstein

As the Trump administration pushes for “commerce, not chaos” in the region, the Abraham Accords ideology is the most powerful tool to achieve that goal.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jul 16, 2025

Five questions (and expert answers) about Israel’s strikes against Syria 

By Atlantic Council experts

Our Middle East experts explain the roots of the crisis and what it means for Syria, Israel, the Druze, and the broader region.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Jul 16, 2025

How Mauritania-Israel normalization may boost US posture in the Sahel

By Sarah Zaaimi

If Mauritania is nearing a deal with Israel, this could be the beginning of a wider re-engagement with Sahel countries.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Jul 12, 2025

Netanyahu’s trip to Washington ends with conflicting signals

By Daniel B. Shapiro

The moment of truth may yet come when Trump’s leverage on Netanyahu, which is considerable, may not be expressed only in private settings.

Iran Israel

In the News

Jul 10, 2025

Charai in Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Why Donald Trump Deserves the Nobel Peace Prize

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Jul 9, 2025

For the Gulf, business comes first—even after the Twelve Day War

By Joze Pelayo

Gulf leaders' desire to shift the regional narrative toward economic and technological development continues to be hijacked by conflict.

Economy & Business Iran

Event Recap

Jul 8, 2025

New findings: Russian aerial attacks amount to extermination and persecution

By Fatima Khan and Winnie Zheng

On June 25, 2025, the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center and Strategic Litigation Project, together with the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) and the International Human Rights Clinic at Harvard Law School (IHRC), hosted a hybrid panel discussion on new findings and policy implications surrounding Russian aerial attacks against Ukraine over the last three years. The event was moderated by […]

Civil Society Conflict