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commentary & analysis

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

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.

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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.

Leadership

Upcoming events

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

MENASource

Feb 28, 2023

To counter the Wagner Group’s presence in Africa, the US will need to prioritize stabilizing Libya

By Emadeddin Badi

Quelling the Wagner Group's influence in Libya will be challenging, as the US must address Libyan realities and unite Europe and regional powers to support its foreign policy endeavor.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Feb 27, 2023

From Twitter spats to island disputes, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have a bone to pick with each other

By Shahira Amin

Cairo's relationship with its Gulf ally has become increasingly fractious in recent weeks after a Saudi official made clear that any future Gulf assistance ”will come with strings attached."

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Feb 27, 2023

What the opening of the Abrahamic Family House Synagogue in the UAE means for the Jewish community and the rest of the world

By Marcy Grossman

The Abrahamic Family House, a mosque, church, and synagogue all sharing a multi-faith campus in Abu Dhabi is about to make its worldwide debut, opening its doors to the general public on March 1.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Feb 24, 2023

Rehumanizing the dehumanized: Rethinking People-to-People exchanges in MENA

By Tom Vizel and George Stevens

People-to-people (P2P) exchanges have long been recognized as a crucial tool in promoting peace and resolving conflicts.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2023

How legal actions against Russian aggression in Ukraine can serve as a model for other conflicts

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

There is an unprecedented number of investigations and accountability efforts under way in response to Russia's invasion. It's a sign of success—but it also shows how victims of international crimes have unequal access to justice.

Conflict European Union

Events

Feb 23, 2023

Leonardo CEO Alessandro Profumo on Italy’s role in unifying Europe and ‘selective decoupling’ from China

Profumo joins the Atlantic Council to share his perspective on the implications of Russia’s war in Ukraine for Europe, Italy, and the continent’s defense sector, how Leonardo has responded to the ongoing invasion, and its most recent expansion within the space sector.

China Defense Industry

IranSource

Feb 23, 2023

<strong>Iran’s ‘women, life, freedom’ revolution has a manifesto. Here are the next steps.</strong>

By Shadi Sadr

Signed by twenty organizations and released on February 13, the manifesto gathered the support of many civil society organizations in Iran.

Civil Society Iran

In the News

Feb 22, 2023

Charai in The Hill: A reminder for the fight against despots: Citizens are victims

By Ahmed Charai

The current generation is challenged by democracy’s enemies. On the feeblest pretexts, a charismatic dictator has sent soldiers into a neighboring nation. Once again, the dictator imagines his prey is weak because it is a democracy, backed by other democracies. And, as everyone knows, democracies are ruled by the gales of public opinion, which may […]

Americas Europe & Eurasia

IranSource

Feb 22, 2023

<strong>Iran’s economic future is uncertain. It’s no surprise why Raisi visited China.</strong>

By Jonathan Fulton

From February 14-16, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was in Beijing for his first foreign trip of the year and the first official visit to China for an Iranian leader in twenty years.

Iran Middle East

China-MENA Podcast

Feb 21, 2023

The Middle East in the US-India-China Strategic Triangle

By Atlantic Council

Raja Mohan joins us to discuss India’s role in geopolitics in the Middle East as well as the perspective of New Delhi on the influence of the US-China tug-of-war within the region, and provide some insights about maritime security in the Indian Ocean and the growing influence of mixed cultures in the Gulf.

China East Asia