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

Oct 24, 2025

‘Snapback’ sanctions are deepening the Iran-Russia alignment

By Giorgio Cafiero

United by a desire to counter US influence, Iran and Russia are poised to deepen their bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Economic Sanctions Iran

MENASource

Oct 23, 2025

Why Washington’s anti-PMF moves are testing the Iraq partnership

By Mohammed A. Salih

The US campaign against the PMF groups will likely have significant implications for Iraq’s political process moving forward.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Oct 21, 2025

The Indonesia-Israel visit that didn’t happen—and why it still matters

By Amit Yarom

Careful engagement between Israel and Indonesia could blossom. But both must navigate a narrow path between opportunity and overreach.

Indo-Pacific Israel

MENASource

Oct 20, 2025

Will the US achieve a ‘big, beautiful’ Iran deal or stall in homeostasis?

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali and Cranston Kline

The Gaza cease-fire showcased how when the US president gets personally involved, the seemingly impossible can become possible.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Oct 16, 2025

After the Gaza cease-fire, what’s next for the Houthis?

By Osamah Al Rawhani

Will the Houthis cease their regional hostilities? The brief response is yes—but likely, only for the time being.

Maritime Security Middle East

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2025

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about the next phase of an Israel-Hamas deal

By Atlantic Council experts

What will follow part one of the cease-fire deal brokered by the Trump administration? Atlantic Council experts share their answers.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Oct 10, 2025

Why Lebanon is stuck in the middle on Hezbollah disarmament

By Nicholas Blanford

Lebanon finds itself caught between the rock of US pressure for Hezbollah’s disarmament and the hard place of Hezbollah refusing to do so.

Arms Control Extremism

MENASource

Oct 10, 2025

Can the Jordan-Israel peace treaty survive damage done from the Gaza War?

By Amir Asmar

Decisions made in coming days will help determine the extent to which Israel has pushed important alliances to the brink.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Oct 9, 2025

Amid Gaza cease-fire hope, where does the Egypt-Israel relationship stand?

By Shahira Amin

Israel’s Doha strike shifted the dynamics with Cairo—stemming from concerns that Egypt may be next in Israel’s crosshairs.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Oct 7, 2025

‘Bread and circuses’ no more: Morocco’s Gen Z rejects spectacle politics

By Sarah Zaaimi

The youth-led demonstrations make clear that Morocco stands at a crossroads between spectacle and substance.

Africa Civil Society
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