Middle East Programs

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

Testimony

Apr 19, 2024

Jonathan Fulton testifies to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission

By Jonathan Fulton

Jonathan Fulton, nonresident senior fellow for Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs and the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, testifies before the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission Hearing on “China and the Middle East.”Below are his prepared remarks. The Middle East – North Africa (MENA) has emerged as an important strategic region for the People’s […]

China Economy & Business

IranSource

Apr 19, 2024

Iran once had air inferiority. After its attack on Israel, it flies high.

By Borzou Daragahi

While much of the discussion of the Iran-Israel conflict has been focused on proxy ground attacks, clandestine operations, and cyberwarfare, April 14 marks a new and dangerous escalation in the skies. 

Conflict Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Apr 19, 2024

Experts react: Israel just conducted a limited strike in Iran. Is this the end of the tit for tat?

By Atlantic Council experts

The strike early Friday near the Isfahan air base and nuclear site is an apparent retaliation against Iran’s attack on Israel on April 13.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Apr 18, 2024

Jordan took out Iranian munitions over its airspace. Now it has tensions with its people and Iran.

By Aaron Magid

A full-scale Iran-Israel war would likely harm the Hashemite Kingdom, which is squeezed between the two more powerful adversaries.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Apr 18, 2024

The KDP is boycotting the upcoming elections. Iraqi Kurdistan may get stuck in an electoral impasse.

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

As the June election deadline looms, the future of Kurdistan’s political stability hangs in the balance.

Elections Iraq

New Atlanticist

Apr 14, 2024

Iran is trying to create a new normal with its attack. Here’s how Israel and the US should respond.

By William F. Wechsler

Tehran is trying to set a precedent that it can attack Israel directly, that it can do so from Iranian soil, and that it can target civilians inside Israel.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

Apr 13, 2024

Experts react: Iran just unleashed a major attack on Israel. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

What will Israel do next? Has a wider regional war begun? What role will the United States play? Our experts weigh in below.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Apr 12, 2024

Dispatch from Gaza: ‘My son, every night he screams and convulses’

By Arwa Damon

Arwa Damon arrived in the Gaza Strip on a humanitarian mission for her charity, INARA, two days after the Israeli airstrike on the World Central Kitchen convoy. This is what she saw.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Apr 12, 2024

Iranians sacrificed their lives to share videos of regime violence. Now there’s an online archive for the world to see. 

By Cameran Ashraf

The Iranian Archive holds more than one million videos to ensure that the Women, Life, Freedom uprising led by women would not be erased.

Digital Policy Human Rights

MENASource

Apr 10, 2024

A diplomatic solution in Sudan demands greater US engagement with its Arab allies

By Manal Fatima

Halting external support to the generals is crucial to achieving peace in Sudan and setting it on the path to civilian-led rule. 

Africa Conflict
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