Our inspiration
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.
Featured Initiatives
Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative
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. Our work in this area addresses the full range of security threats and challenges including the danger of interstate warfare, the role of terrorist groups and other nonstate actors, and the underlying security threats facing countries in the region.
Countries & Sub-regions in Focus
Syria
Our work on Syria sheds light on the ongoing struggle of Syrians to fulfill their desire for democratic self-governance as the United States and the international community grapple with the aftermath of a devastating civil war, millions of refugees across the Middle East and Europe, and ongoing security and political challenges spilling over Syria’s borders.
North Africa
The North Africa region holds strategic and political importance for the United States and Europe because of its geographical location in a critically strategic position at the crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The region has witnessed tumultuous uprisings, rising autocratic regimes, and glimmers of economic and political progress that warrant closer study.
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Featured commentary & analysis
Our blogs feature thoughtful reflections and opinions on current events in the Middle East & North Africa.
Thu, Jan 14, 2021
Advice to Iran as a new administration takes over the White House
The end of the Donald Trump era and the beginning of the Joe Biden one offer Iran and its neighbors the best opportunity they have had in years to ease conflict and tension and boost prosperity.
IranSource by Barbara Slavin
Mon, Jan 11, 2021
Experts react: The United States designates Houthi rebels as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
On January 11, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States is designating Yemen’s Houthi rebel group Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Atlantic Council experts react to the designation and what it means for the wider region.
MENASource by
Wed, Jan 13, 2021
Swedish trial paves the way for accountability for Iran’s human rights violations
Universal jurisdiction proceedings may help prevent another forty-one years of total impunity for perpetrators of grave human rights violations in Iran while granting redress for those affected by the violations.
IranSource by
Featured in-depth research & reports
Our reports feature policy-relevant analysis that focuses on transatlantic priorities while centering the concerns of citizens in the Middle East.
Thu, Jan 14, 2021
Rejoining the Iran nuclear deal: Not so easy
President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20, 2021, facing a litany of daunting foreign policy issues, from another massive cyber hack by Russian intelligence to alienated allies in Europe and beyond to a regime in Pyongyang that continues to proliferate weapons of mass destruction unchecked. But perhaps the stickiest—and most immediate—crisis the Biden administration […]
Issue Brief by Brian O’Toole
Wed, Jan 6, 2021
Gone with the Muhasasa: Iraq’s static budget process, and the loss of financial control
A new Iraq Initiative report, authored by Ahmed Tabaqchali, chief investment officer at AFC Iraq Fund, outlines the inefficiencies inherent in Iraq’s current budget process and recommendations for a revamped, dynamic, and transparent budget mechanism.
In-Depth Research & Reports by
Tue, Dec 22, 2020
United States interests and policy choices in the Middle East: We didn’t start the fire…
In a new report, Dr. Michael S. Bell, a professor at the National Defense University’s Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, defines those interests, highlights major threats to them, and offers recommendations for US policy makers.
In-Depth Research & Reports by
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