Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

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Meet our blogs

MENASource

MENASource follows movements across the region and provides news and analysis on current events, including a platform for Middle Eastern perspectives, among others, on major issues—economic, political, security, cultural—that are at stake in the post-Arab Spring era.  

IranSource

IranSource provides a holistic look at Iran’s internal dynamics, global and regional policies, and posture through unique analysis of current events and long-term, strategic issues related to Iran.

All commentary & analysis

MENASource

Dec 3, 2025

All West Bank annexation proposals are illegal—and put core international principles at risk

By Elise Baker

States agreed to respect territorial integrity because they knew the deadly consequences of wars of aggression and annexation.

International Norms
International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Dec 1, 2025

How Syria’s grassroots civil peace committees can help prevent intercommunal conflict

By Gregory Waters and Kayla Koontz

Syria’s local civil peace committees offer an important model for dealing with the country’s deeply rooted social divisions.

Civil Society
Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Nov 25, 2025

Whether it puts boots on the ground or not, Turkey matters for Gaza’s stabilization

By Daniel C. Kurtzer and Kayra Sener

Turkey and Israel should work with the United States to develop a role for Ankara that helps advance the International Stabilization Force mission in Gaza.

Crisis Management
Defense Policy

MENASource

Nov 25, 2025

Mali is at a turning point that risks a ‘disastrous domino effect’

By Haleigh Bartos and John Chin

A JNIM seizure of power, though less likely, is possible—and threatens to turn Mali into Africa’s Afghanistan.

Africa
North & West Africa

MENASource

Nov 21, 2025

Syria joining the anti-ISIS coalition is a westward pivot—with opportunities and risks

By Merissa Khurma and Giorgio Cafiero

The decision is a shift in the country’s alignment—from Russian and Iranian spheres of influence to one in NATO and GCC regional orbits.

Democratic Transitions
Middle East

MENASource

Nov 20, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s next horizon: Building human capital beyond Vision 2030

By Khalid Azim

Riyadh still needs to take fully support small and medium-sized enterprises—the true engines of job creation.

Economy & Business
Middle East

New Atlanticist

Nov 18, 2025

How Trump can leverage the Saudi crown prince’s visit to help secure Gaza’s future

By Melanie Robbins 

Trump should work with Saudi Arabia and the UAE on a Gaza stabilization fund and a more cohesive plan for implementation.

Israel
Middle East

MENASource

Nov 18, 2025

The MBS visit to the White House could revive IMEC

By Afaq Hussain

After October 7, the corridor that once symbolized economic integration in the Middle East became a victim of regional instability.

India
Middle East

MENASource

Nov 18, 2025

The Trump-MBS meeting should center on Iran nuclear strategy

By Danny Citrinowicz  

The Saudi crown prince has significant incentive to raise the need to renew Iran nuclear negotiations in his meeting with the US president.

Iran
Middle East

MENASource

Nov 18, 2025

Peace, pacts, and recognition: Saudi Arabia at the forefront of a new Middle East

By R. Clarke Cooper

Trump and other US officials remain eager to add Saudi Arabia to the Abraham Accords rota and to strike a defense pact.

Middle East
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
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