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.

Learn more

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

New Atlanticist

Oct 3, 2024

How American diplomacy can stabilize Lebanon—and the Middle East

By Daniel E. Mouton

As Israeli military operations focus on clearing Hezbollah fighters and weapons in southern Lebanon and Iran weighs additional attacks, US diplomacy must work to define the end point for the current escalation.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Oct 2, 2024

Iran has a strategy for Israel. Now Israel needs one for Iran.

By Alan Pino

Israel needs a long-term plan that can secure regional cooperation, rehabilitate its international image, maintain the support of the United States, and give the Israeli people hope of a future without endless war.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Oct 2, 2024

It’s time Iran’s artists be considered as human rights defenders

By Sanjay Sethi and Johanna Bankston

International recognition of the acute risk creatives face in Iran is necessary to ensure their vital role in advocating for human rights continues.

Civil Society Iran

MENASource

Oct 2, 2024

After Operation Inherent Resolve: How to not mess up US-Iraq security relations again

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The importance of broadening US relations with Iraq beyond counter-terror operations cannot be overstated.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Oct 1, 2024

Hezbollah c’est moi: The Party of God without Hassan Nasrallah

By David Daoud

The person and the position became synonymous.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Oct 1, 2024

Four questions (and expert answers) about Israel’s ground operation in Lebanon

By Shalom Lipner

Shalom Lipner, a former advisor to seven consecutive Israeli prime ministers, answers the burning questions about Israel’s strategy and what the US should do.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Sep 29, 2024

After Nasrallah, three quandaries shape the future of the war—and the Middle East

By Jonathan Panikoff

Hassan Nasrallah’s death creates interrelated quandaries for Hezbollah, Iran, and Israel that will determine if the region erupts in conflict and shape what it looks like for years to come.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Sep 28, 2024

Experts react: Hassan Nasrallah is dead. What’s next for Hezbollah, Israel, and Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

On Saturday, Hezbollah confirmed that its leader had been killed in an Israeli air strike. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what might come next for the already war-torn region.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Sep 26, 2024

Member states can and should refer the situation of Syria to the ICC

By Yaser Tabbara and Nick Leddy

Until a few years ago, Syria’s pathway to the ICC was closed. But in 2018 and 2019, two historic ICC decisions re-opened the door for Syria’s situation.

Conflict Middle East

New Atlanticist

Sep 26, 2024

France’s new government aims to calm the political storm. What will it mean for foreign policy?

By Léonie Allard, Jean-Loup Samaan

Prime Minister Michel Barnier is likely to follow the path of President Emmanuel Macron, but the big question is whether the delicate political context in Paris will allow ministers to focus on crises in Ukraine and Lebanon.

Europe & Eurasia France
ac-page-collection-block_5f930eced62a6 Load More