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

May 14, 2025

Choppy waters: Egypt’s waning patience with President Trump

By Shahira Amin

The US president’s Suez Canal demands signal “a shift in US-Egyptian relations” which experts describe as “at their lowest ebb in decades.”

Middle East North Africa

New Atlanticist

May 13, 2025

Experts react: Trump just announced the removal of all US sanctions on Syria. What’s next? 

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts provide their insights on how the removal of US sanctions on Syria would affect the country and the wider region.

Civil Society Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

May 12, 2025

The India-Pakistan crisis shows Washington that it must stop Iran’s nuclear rise

By Alex Plitsas

The fighting in South Asia reminded Washington of the global stakes of nuclear crises. Those stakes are why the United States must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Crisis Management Iran

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Gazans fear famine amid Israel aid block: ‘I don’t want to be a number’

By Arwa Damon

For Palestinians, time is running out— a warning that has been echoed at some of the highest ranks of international organizations, including the World Health Organization.

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Landmark UAE visit highlights President Aoun’s catch twenty-two

By Jean-Loup Samaan

Modest outcomes from the Lebanese president’s visit reflects that Abu Dhabi remains cautious towards Beirut.

Lebanon Middle East

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are the Abraham Accords’ new frontier

By Joseph Epstein

Joining the Accords could benefit Baku and Astana, while also helping Israel and the US strengthen engagement with the Turkic world.

Europe & Eurasia Israel

New Atlanticist

May 10, 2025

Experts react: India and Pakistan have agreed to a shaky cease-fire. Where does the region go from here? 

By Atlantic Council experts

With the fog of war still hovering over South Asia, Atlantic Council experts explore what’s to come.

Conflict Extremism

Transcript

May 9, 2025

Press call: Our experts outline what to expect from Donald Trump’s first major trip abroad during his second presidency

By Atlantic Council

Ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East, the Atlantic Council held a press call on May 9, where experts discussed what to expect from the president’s first trip abroad.

Iran Israel

MENASource

May 9, 2025

Why Trump’s Middle East trip should set sights beyond business deals

By Daniel B. Shapiro

By all accounts, US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Gulf will not prioritize major diplomatic breakthroughs.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

May 8, 2025

Trump’s Gulf gamble: Oil, conflicts, and opportunities in a high-stakes visit

By Racha Helwa

Trump’s trip to the Middle East is a pivotal opportunity to reimagine US–Gulf relations for a new era.

Macroeconomics Oil and Gas
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