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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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In the News

Oct 12, 2024

Charai in the National Interest: The US and Israel’s Path to Supporting the Iranian People’s Aspirations

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

IranSource

Oct 11, 2024

The Nasrallah killing is upending Iran’s security strategy. Here’s what to expect next.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Tehran needs to decide whether it is ready to change its policy since October 7, 2023.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Oct 10, 2024

As the threat of conflict grows, Khamenei’s son is back in the spotlight

By Marjan Keypour

Mojtaba Khamenei's silence was broken in what was described as an unprecedented event.

Political Reform Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Oct 10, 2024

From Dushanbe to Berlin: The emerging ISIS-K threat

By Morgan Tadych

Addressing some of these systemic issues may reduce ISIS-K’s ability to recruit from Tajikistan and ultimately decrease the group’s ability to conduct external operations.

Central Asia Conflict

MENASource

Oct 9, 2024

The countdown to Nasrallah’s assassination began with Majdal Shams

By David Daoud

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah signed his death warrant on July 27.

Conflict Israel

Report

Oct 8, 2024

A bipartisan Iran strategy for the next US administration—and the next two decades

As tensions spike in the Middle East, how should the next US president approach Iran and its network of proxies including Hezbollah and Hamas? With a strategy that can be maintained for decades, by administrations of either party. A bipartisan, expert working group lays out the details.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Oct 4, 2024

One year after Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attacks, here’s how the region has changed

By Atlantic Council experts

One year on, the Gaza War remains unresolved and the potential for war across the region is becoming more likely. Atlantic Council experts take on questions about the war's impact—and its future.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Oct 4, 2024

As Saied increases his grip on power, Tunisia’s democracy is being squeezed

By Karim Mezran, Alissa Pavia

Tunisia's president has cleared the field for his reelection on October 6. His increasing hold on power is raising critical questions about the country's future.

Democratic Transitions Elections

MENASource

Oct 4, 2024

Israel has lost its patience

By Nicholas Blanford

Since September 16, Israel has removed the gloves to stage a massive aerial bombing campaign targeting Hezbollah's top political and military leadership and weapons sites to force the Iran-backed group to yield and redeploy its forces away from Lebanon’s southern border.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Oct 3, 2024

How American diplomacy can stabilize Lebanon—and the Middle East

By Daniel E. Mouton

As Israeli military operations focus on clearing Hezbollah fighters and weapons in southern Lebanon and Iran weighs additional attacks, US diplomacy must work to define the end point for the current escalation.

Conflict Iran